JP4792635B2 - Catalog placement position assignment system - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
[Technical field to which the invention belongs]
The present invention relates to a catalog placement position assignment system, and more particularly to a catalog placement position assignment system suitable for application in efficiently creating a desired catalog.
[0002]
[Prior art]
In general, when a mail order company or the like produces a catalog, product information including character data describing information such as product specifications and image data representing its appearance and the like as necessary, A work called a table allocation to be allocated to a predetermined page or a frame allocation to be allocated to a predetermined position in the allocated page is performed manually. That is, for example, when product information that has been published in a previous catalog such as the previous issue is diverted to the catalog to be produced next, the relevant part of the catalog of the diversion source is manually cut and pasted, copied, etc. Manual work was being done.
[0003]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, when the product information is assigned manually by cutting and pasting as described above, there is a problem that an operator's load is large and an operation error is likely to occur.
[0004]
The present invention has been made to solve the above-mentioned conventional problems, and catalog production position assignment that can greatly reduce the load on the operator and reduce work errors when producing a catalog. The problem is to provide a system.
[0005]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In the present invention, a server and a plurality of client terminals are connected to each other via a communication network so that data can be transmitted / received to each other, and a placement position for placing product information on a frame divided by frame allocation for each page is assigned. a catalog location assignment system for creating is catalog pages, the said server, a page layout template storing means for storing the layout of each page of the frame divided by the frame dividing a page layout template, on products Product character storage means storing product character data describing information, product image storage means storing product image data representing an image related to the product, and product character data and product image data for a predetermined product. A catalog page that contains product information, including at least the former, and Over placement information allocated to each frame position in the di-and a is provided placement storage means is stored, in the terminal, by specifying the number of frames per page, the frame divided by frame split A page layout template registration unit that creates a page layout template including a layout and registers the page layout template in the page layout template storage unit; a search unit that searches the product character storage unit and reads product character data for a desired product; Product information in which the product image data stored in the product image storage means is linked to the product character data that has been output, if necessary, as a page layout template read from the page layout template registration means. storage means for storing placement information assigned to the placement storage means in a page and the page in the frame position to save A list display means for displaying the frame to product information piece and product information that is not registered is registered in the list for each page in a form that can be identified both on the screen reads the placement information that is, The output means for outputting the publication position information in which product information is registered in all frames for all pages as catalog data has a configuration realized by application software, thereby solving the above problems.
[0006]
That is, in the present invention, when a worker performs product information assignment work at the time of catalog production, the server accesses the server via a communication network such as the Internet on the terminal, and reads the product character data read from the product character storage unit, Posting position information in which the product information consisting of the corresponding product image data read from the linked product image storage means is allocated to the page to be posted and the position in the page (associated) is stored in the placement position storage means. At the same time, the product information and the corresponding posted position information can be read out from the posted position storage means on the terminal as catalog creation data. As a result, product character data, product image data, and placement position information can be centrally managed on the server side, and frame assignment (assignment work) can be easily performed on the terminal. It is possible to release from manual work such as sticking, and to reduce work mistakes.
[0007]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.
[0008]
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an outline of a catalog placement position assignment system according to the present invention.
[0009]
In the catalog placement position assignment system of this embodiment, the server 10 and the client terminal 20 are connected to each other via a communication network NW such as the Internet or a LAN so as to be able to transmit and receive data.
[0010]
The server 10 stores a product character database (product character storage means) D that stores product character data describing information about products, and a product image database that stores product image data representing images related to products. (Product Image Accumulation Means) E and the product information including at least the former of the product character data and product image data for a given product, posted on the catalog page (table division) and in-page position (frame division) A frame allocation / table allocation database (post position storage means) G in which position information is stored is provided.
[0011]
In addition, the client terminal 20 has a character data search means L that searches the product character database D and reads product character data for a desired product, in order to perform a frame layout designation operation that will be described in detail later. The product information including the product character data and the product image data stored in the product image database E linked as necessary is allocated (corresponding) to the catalog page to be placed and the position in the page. The frame allocation designation data (posting position information) is transmitted from the database G together with the frame allocation designation means (storing means) P for transmitting to the server 10 side and saving it in the frame allocation / table allocation database G. Catalog data output means Q that reads out frame allocation data and outputs it as catalog data is realized by application software. To have. In the frame allocation / table allocation database G, stored frame allocation designation data can be stored as history information for each catalog, and product information is stored on the server 10 side in a predetermined manner. When allocating to the posting position, it is possible to use the history information by copying a part or all of the history information.
[0012]
Therefore, in this embodiment, the product character database D and product image database E on the server 10 side can store data constituting product information to be posted in the catalog, and the character data described later from the client terminal 20. It has a function that can be pre-registered and stored by the input / output means K. On the client side, specific product information is extracted from the product information using the search function by the character data search means L of the terminal 20, and an arbitrary page is obtained by the frame assignment specification function of the frame assignment specification means P. The desired product information can be arranged (table allocation, frame allocation) at any frame position.
[0013]
Further, the information (frame division designation data) arranged in this way can be stored in the frame division / base division database G and can be arbitrarily called on a frame division designation screen (described later). In addition, by accumulating past frame allocation designation data such as the previous issue stored as history information for each catalog, the data can be used for the current frame allocation work. Further, the frame allocation designation data finally determined has a function of outputting to the catalog data file W (to be described later) as original data posted in the catalog together with the product information.
[0014]
The system of this embodiment has various functions (means) in addition to the above basic functions, and these will be described in detail below.
[0015]
The server 10 provides the client terminal 20 with the latest application file A that stores the latest version of the application software for realizing various means, and displays it on the screen of the information display means H described later. Latest control position data file B that stores the latest version of the control position that defines the position of the field that is the information display area, and an initial information setting file that stores data for initial setting such as information displayed on the screen C is installed. In addition, a page layout template database F is arranged in which product information, which will be described in detail later, is arranged and a page layout template corresponding to a frame layout pattern that defines the position within the page to be posted is stored.
[0016]
On the other hand, the terminal 20 on the client side is provided with an information display means H for displaying various information on the screen and a frame division data printing means for printing the frame division data, and an automatic file distribution means I, Initial setting means J, character data input / output means K, image data input / output means M, page layout model registration means N, and table layout designation means O are similarly realized by the latest application software.
[0017]
The automatic file distribution means I accesses the latest application file A and the latest control position data file B on the server 10 side by starting up the application software constituting the system first stored in the terminal 20. , Compare the time stamps to determine whether the file contents have been updated, and if so, prompt the delivery of the latest software and location data, and automatically apply the client application software and control location data It has a function to update the file S.
[0018]
The initial setting means J selects a field on various information display screens initially displayed on the information display means H, such as a field to be displayed in a frame, a field to be displayed in a frame registration status list (described later), and the like. When the initial state of the field in the catalog data output by the catalog data output means Q is set, or when a plurality of products are registered in the frame for one product name such as different color products It has an initial setting function for setting a default of a common / individual spec setting function (described later).
[0019]
The character data input / output means K causes the product character database D on the server 10 side to read the product character data used in the catalog stored in the character data file T, for example, from a basic database such as a government office. Or has a function of reading from the database D.
[0020]
The character data input / output means K has a maintenance function for the product character database D, registers product character data in the database D, and updates already registered (stored) data. , Has a function to delete. When using this function, a master maintenance screen as shown in FIG. 2 as an example of the input screen is displayed on the information display means H, and input is performed on the screen. The control position information for setting the arrangement of fields such as images and product names on the master maintenance screen is stored locally in the control position data file S in a certain format, that is, on the client side, and automatically from the file when the screen is loaded. Thus, the control is arranged and the screen of FIG. 2 is displayed. As described above, the control position information is always updated to the latest version by the automatic file distribution means I. In this case, a new screen is displayed as shown in FIG. In addition, when registering product character data on this screen, a product image hanging (related) to the product is selected from the product image database E and associated, and the associated data is used as link data between character data and image data. It can be registered in a link data storage unit (not shown) included in the product character database D. At that time, a plurality of product images can be associated with each other such as different colors or set items for one product name.
[0021]
Here, the search / extraction function of the character data search means L will be described more specifically. By specifying a search condition in each field of the product character database D, the character data of a specific product can be narrowed down. It also has a function of searching by specifying a plurality of conditions (AND, OR). For example, it is possible to search for a product “(product code is 1000 or less and product name includes meat) or product name includes fish”.
[0022]
The character data search means L also has a search function from an external text file. This is because, in the case where key field data consisting of product names and product codes listed in the search text file U has already been created and stored, according to the listed data, for example, the information display means H 4 is a function for displaying a list on a screen of search results substantially the same as the product information list shown in area I of the screen of FIG.
[0023]
Next, for convenience, the function of the frame allocation specifying means P will be described first with reference to a product information frame registration screen (frame allocation screen) shown in area II of FIG.
[0024]
A plurality of rectangles inside area II of this screen is a layout (page layout) of a frame (posting position) for one catalog page. In order to create such a page layout (frame division), the frame division designation means P designates the number of frames for each page as (number of vertical divisions) × (number of horizontal divisions). It has a function to set the basic frame that is the unit of height, and select and combine multiple adjacent frames to create a large frame, and for combined large frames It has a release function for releasing the connection and returning to the basic frame.
[0025]
In this way, various page layouts created by designating the number of frames, size, etc. for arbitrary pages and combining frames etc. are stored as templates in the page layout template database F by the page layout template registration means N. In addition to being able to register, it also has the function of immediately assigning the same template to other pages. The page layout template registration means N has a function of deleting the page layout template registered in the database F and a function of editing the template. When deleting or editing, if a product has already been registered in the page layout template, a warning is displayed so that the data is not inadvertently lost. Further, the registered page layout template has a function of displaying a list as a thumbnail in the template display area in the page layout palette on the screen shown in FIG. Here, however, examples of three types of 9-frame A, B, and C templates are displayed.
[0026]
The table layout designation means O is a function for designating a page layout model pattern in units of pages, creating a table layout (assignment to each page of the page layout model), and registering it in the frame layout / table layout database G have. It also has a function for replacing pages after pedestal, and also has a function for displaying the order of templates after pedestal in the page layout palette on the screen of FIG. 4, and this page layout palette as necessary. It also has a function of switching between display and non-display. In this palette, numbers 1 to 12 represent the number of pages in the catalog.
[0027]
For convenience, the frame division designation means P will be described again. This frame allocation designation means P has the following functions (a) to (g) in addition to the functions described above.
[0028]
(A) Page Layout Correction Function With this function, after creating a table layout by setting the page layout template to an arbitrary page, only a specific page is displayed on the screen, and the page layout can be corrected. Further, when the page layout is corrected, it has a function of automatically generating the corrected page layout as a new page layout template, which can be registered in the database F by the page layout template registration means N. ing.
[0029]
(B) By designating a specific page after creating the page calling function table, the page can be read from the database G and displayed on the screen of the information display means H. Further, when the table allocation / frame allocation data of the past catalog is stored in the frame allocation / frame allocation database G as history information, the specified page is specified from the database G by specifying the page on the terminal 20. Calls can be displayed as well. Area I in FIG. 5 shows a display example of such history information (past catalog frame allocation information).
[0030]
(C) Product registration function for a product frame A desired product (product information) is registered in a predetermined frame by drag and drop from the product information list shown in area I on the screen of FIG. 4 (frame registration). ) Or registering products in the same way from past catalog frame allocation information (data) as shown in area I on the screen of FIG.
[0031]
(D) Function for registering a plurality of products in one frame A plurality of products (for example, set items) can be registered in one frame from past data or a product list, and the arrangement order of products in the frame at that time can be designated. For example, if the product is of a different color, the display / non-display of the image can be set for each product. For example, the product name is displayed in the catalog only for the first red food, and the price is displayed individually for all colors. The common display / individual display of specifications can be set like
[0032]
(E) Common image registration function With this function, when multiple products are registered in one frame, a common image related to all products (for example, if potatoes and carrots are products, curry rice image) ) Can be registered separately.
[0033]
(F) Product character data or the like can be deleted from a frame by selecting a delete function frame registered for the frame and pressing the delete button or pressing the delete key.
[0034]
(G) Batch copy function for past catalogs The past catalog frame / frame allocation information is read from the frame allocation / frame allocation database G and displayed in the past catalog frame allocation information area of area I in FIG. 5 as described above. can do. At that time, as shown in the figure, you can also drag and drop one frame at a time, but by moving to the copy source page and pressing the batch copy button, the current open page of this catalog is displayed. All frames on the page can also be registered at once (not shown).
[0035]
More specifically about this embodiment, the information display means H is preset with the product name, price, etc. of the product registered in the frame, as shown in the screen example of FIG. 4 or FIG. It is possible to display basic field data, and when the product image data is registered linked to the product, it has various frame information display functions that can display product images. ing.
[0036]
In addition, a frame registration status list as shown in FIG. 6 can be displayed on the screen, and data of a predetermined number of fields such as a product code, a product name, and a price can be displayed. For convenience, as shown with diagonal lines, it has a display function that allows easy identification, such as the color of the line, and by selecting the corresponding line and double-clicking or clicking a button, It has a function of moving to the frame page of the frame layout screen corresponding to the row.
[0037]
As described above, the catalog data output means Q has a function of outputting product information including product character data registered in the frame and product placement position information as catalog data to the data file W, and In this case, it is possible to output only fields such as preset product names and prices. This catalog data is sent to the printing process and used to create a catalog. FIG. 7 shows an example of the catalog data.
[0038]
Further, the frame layout data printing means R is used for grasping the entire layout layout or for proofreading work difficult on the screen.
[0039]
Next, the operation of the present embodiment will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG.
[0040]
First, when the client starts application software that moves the system on the terminal 20, the client accesses the server 10, and the automatic file distribution means L prompts automatic distribution of the latest application software and the latest control position data. If so, download and save (step 2). If it has not been updated, use the one already saved.
[0041]
Next, the initial setting means J performs initial settings for necessary items from among the setting items described above (step 4), and when a new layout template is created, the page layout template registration means N uses its database F. (Step 6), a necessary page layout template is read from the database F, and a frame layout is created by assigning a desired page layout template to each page of the target catalog by the frame allocation specifying means P ( Step 8) If necessary, the page layout is corrected (Step 10).
[0042]
When registering new product character data in the product character database D separately from the operations in steps 2 to 10 described above, for example, the character data input / output means K reads character data from the character data file T and registers it. When new product image data is registered, it is registered in the database E by the image data input / output means M (step 12).
[0043]
Next, a necessary page is called out from the layout data registered in the frame allocation / table layout database G and the necessary correction is completed (step 14), and the frame registration of product information is performed.
[0044]
At that time, the character data search means L accesses the product character database D to search for desired product information (including those linked with image data) (step 16), and registers it in a predetermined frame. If there is an unnecessary portion, it is deleted (step 18), and if necessary, a common image is registered by the frame allocation designation means P (step 20). Alternatively, as described above, when past catalog data is stored in the frame allocation / table allocation database G, the corresponding existing page is called by the frame allocation specifying means P (step 22) and a part thereof is used. Or the entire page is copied and registered (step 24).
[0045]
Next, a list of frame registration statuses as shown in FIG. 6 is displayed (step 26), and it is confirmed whether or not product information is registered in all frames for all pages (step 28). In this case, catalog data is output by the catalog data output means Q (step 30), and the assignment work in this system is terminated.
[0046]
According to the present embodiment described in detail above, product character data, product image data, placement position history information, etc. are stored in the databases D, E, G provided in the server 10, respectively, and data necessary for catalog creation is stored in the server. By centrally managing them on the 10 side, the client can easily specify the frame allocation on the terminal 20, so the workload during catalog production can be greatly reduced and work errors can be reduced. It was.
[0047]
Although the present invention has been specifically described above, the present invention is not limited to that shown in the above embodiment, and various modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the invention.
[0048]
For example, the specific configuration of the catalog placement position assignment system according to the present invention is not limited to that shown in the embodiment.
[0049]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, according to the present invention, when a catalog is produced, the burden on the operator can be greatly reduced, and work errors can be reduced.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an outline of an allocation system according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a character data maintenance screen. FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram showing another example of a character data maintenance screen. FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing a product information frame registration screen from a product list. FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram showing a product information frame registration screen from a past catalog. FIG. 6 is an example of a frame registration status list screen. FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of catalog data. FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing the operation of the embodiment.
D: Product character database E ... Product image database G ... Frame layout / stand layout database L ... Character data search means P ... Frame layout designation means Q ... Catalog data output means

Claims (2)

A catalog page in which a server and multiple client terminals are connected to each other via a communication network so that data can be transmitted and received between them, and a position for placing product information is assigned to the frames divided by frame allocation for each page. A catalog placement position assignment system for creating ,
The server includes
A page layout template storage means for storing the layout of each page of the frames divided by the frame division as a page layout template; a product character storage means for storing product character data describing information about the product; Product image storage means storing product image data to be represented, and for a predetermined product, product information including at least the former of product character data and product image data is posted on a catalog page and each frame position in the page. And posting position storage means in which the assigned posting position information is stored,
The terminal includes
For a desired product , a page layout template registration unit that designates the number of frames for each page, creates a page layout template composed of the layout of the frames divided by frame allocation, and registers the page layout template in the page layout template storage unit ; Product information obtained by linking the product image data stored in the product image storage unit with the search unit that retrieves the product character data by searching the product character storage unit and the read product character data as necessary. A storage unit that stores in the posting position storage unit the posting position information assigned to the page to be posted and the position of the frame in the page read from the page layout template registration unit, and the stored posting position and a frame to frame and product information product information has not been registered by reading the information has been registered, both A list display means for displaying on the screen a list for each page in a form that can be determined, and an output means that the product information to all the frames for all the pages to output the placement information that has been registered as a catalog for the data, by the application software Catalog position assignment system characterized by being realized.   The posting position storage means can store the stored posting position information as history information for each catalog, and when allocating product information by the storage means, the history information can be searched, read and used. The catalog placement position assignment system according to claim 1.

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