JPH07115474A - Multi-media newspaper system - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To activate an information-oriented society by providing detail information with respect to news required by a reader in a form of multi-media in which a voice and/or image is unified as making the best use of advantages of newspaper, and transmitting the information accurately and at high speed. CONSTITUTION:A bar code in which publisher identification information to specify at least the publisher of the newspaper and news identification information to specify individual news are made into graphics is attached at every news described on the newspaper. Also, a communication terminal 1 equipped with a bar code reader 1a to read in the bar code of the newspaper is provided at the reader residence of the newspaper. A data base A2 which stores detail data with respect to each news of the newspaper and transmits those data to the communication terminal 1 is provided at the publisher.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a multimedia newspaper system in which newspapers and multimedia communications are fused to provide the significance of newspapers and the significance of multimedia communications.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Recently, with the progress of information technology, efficient acquisition of the latest information has become an important issue in daily life.

Here, as a typical medium for quickly obtaining changes in social conditions, occurrence of incidents, etc., newspapers,
There are radio and television. In particular, newspapers are widely used in our daily lives, and many articles can be efficiently posted on a limited space, have good portability, and can be read even while attending school or commuting. In addition, it has excellent recordability in that necessary articles can be cut out and saved. Also, the newspaper is delivered to the subscriber's home,
It also has the advantage that it is easy to list the pages and the outline of the articles.

However, current newspapers are premised on textual explanations, and except for some articles in which still images (photographs, pictures, diagrams, etc.) are also written, television broadcasting that makes full use of audio and moving images. There is a problem that it is inferior in understanding compared to.
Here, a method of writing characters and still images together for each article in the newspaper is conceivable, but if still images are written together for all articles, it is necessary to increase printing costs and increase the number of pages,
There is a risk that the advantages such as portability and listability will be impaired.

[0005]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Therefore, the present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned problems, and while utilizing the advantages of conventional newspapers, the reader can obtain detailed information on an article by voice and / or information. It is an object of the present invention to provide information in the form of multimedia in which images are merged and transmit information accurately and at high speed to activate the information society.

[0006]

In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the present invention is as follows. This will be described based on the principle diagram of FIG.

In the multimedia newspaper system of the present invention, for each article published in a newspaper, at least publisher identification information for identifying the publisher of the newspaper and article identification information for identifying each article are visualized. Add the barcode that you made.

The reader's house of the newspaper or the company to which the reader belongs has a communication terminal 1 having a bar code reader 1a for scanning the bar code of the newspaper. On the other hand, the publisher of the newspaper is provided with a database A (2) which stores detailed data on each article of the newspaper and transmits these data to the communication terminal 1.

In detail, the communication terminal 1 is provided with a bar code reader 1a, a transmission destination analysis unit 1b, a transmission / reception unit 1c, and an output unit 1d. As described above, the barcode reader 1a reads the barcode published in the newspaper and converts the barcode into data represented by numbers and symbols.

The destination analysis unit 1b is a barcode reader 1
The issuer identification information is detected from the data converted by a, and the called number of the issuer database A (2) is determined based on the issuer identification information.

The transmission / reception unit 1c determines the database A (2) of the issuer based on the incoming call number determined by the transmission destination analysis unit 1b.
It has the function of calling to send the article identification information and the function of receiving the data returned from the database A (2).

Further, the output unit 1d is the database A
The data returned from (2), that is, the detailed data of the article corresponding to the article identification information is output on the screen by voice output, screen output, or voice output.

On the other hand, the database A of the publisher of the newspaper
(2) corresponds to the information storage unit 2c that stores detailed data regarding each article for each article identification information, the transmission / reception unit 2a that transmits and receives information to and from the communication terminal 1, and the article identification information. And a reading unit 2b for reading the data to be read from the information storage unit 2c.

[0014] Further, in the article of the advertisement of the article in the newspaper, at least seller identification information for identifying the seller of the article,
You may make it add the barcode which made the product identification information which specifies each product a graphic. In this case, the seller is provided with a database B (3) that stores data that describes each product in detail for each product identification information.
Examples of this product advertisement include a concert ticket sales advertisement and the like in addition to the product advertisement. In the case of goods advertisement,
In the database B (3) of the distributor, the size, weight, and
The material, method of use, effect of use, etc. are stored, and in the case of a concert ticket sales advertisement, the location, date and time of each concert, vacant seat information, etc. are stored in database B.
It is stored in (3). Here, assuming a case where the reader who refers to the detailed data of the product desires to purchase the product, in the article of the product advertisement, in addition to the bar code that visualizes the vendor identification information and the product identification information, You may make it add the barcode which made the purchase request command graphic.

Further, when a questionnaire article consisting of a question about a predetermined article and a plurality of options as an answer to the question is posted in the newspaper, an issuer specifying the issuer of the questionnaire article in this questionnaire article A bar code in which the identification information, the question identification information for identifying each question, and the selection branch identification information for individually identifying the selection branch corresponding to the question are graphically added may be added.
In this case, the issuer of the questionnaire article, for each question,
A database C (4) is provided for counting and storing the number of respondents who have selected each option.

[0016]

According to the multimedia newspaper system of the present invention, when a newspaper reader needs detailed data on a given article, the barcode attached to the article is read by the barcode reader of the communication terminal 1. All you have to do is scan at 1a. That is, in the communication terminal 1, the barcode reader 1a
Converts scanned barcodes into data represented by numbers or symbols. Then, the destination analysis unit 1b detects the issuer identification information from the data converted by the barcode reader 1a, and determines the called number of the issuer database A (2) based on the issuer identification information. .
Next, the transmission / reception unit 1c makes a call to the issuing database A (2) based on the called number determined by the transmission destination analysis unit 1b, and when the database A (2) responds (the database A (2) When the communication line is set up), the article identification information is transmitted.

At this time, in the database A (2), the transmitting / receiving unit 2a receives the article identification information and notifies the reading unit 2b. The reading unit 2b searches the information storage unit 2c based on the article identification information, reads the data corresponding to the article identification information, and transfers this data to the transmission / reception unit 2a.

The transmitting / receiving unit 2a transmits the data read by the reading unit 2b to the communication terminal. The transmitting / receiving unit 1c of the communication terminal receives the data transmitted from the database A (2) and transfers the data to the output unit 1d.

The output unit 1d outputs the data by voice output, screen output, or screen output simultaneously with voice output. still,
When the reader scans the bar code added to the article of the product advertisement or scans the bar code added to the questionnaire article, the transmission destination analysis unit 1b of the communication terminal causes the database B (3) of the seller. ) Called number or database C of the issuer of questionnaire articles
The incoming call number of (4) is determined, and the transmission / reception unit 1c makes a call to the database B (3) of the selling agency or the database C (4) of the questionnaire article issuing agency.

[0020]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

[0021]

[Embodiment 1] An image of a newspaper in Embodiment 1 is shown in FIG.
Shown in. The newspaper in the first embodiment has a bar code attached to each article.

At present, as a bar code, JAN (Japanese Article Numbe), which is standardized by JIS standard, is used.
r) Code is generally used, and this bar code is represented by 13 digits consisting of a high-order 2 digit country code, a 5 digit product manufacturer code, a 5 digit product item code and a 1 digit check digit. . As the bar code in the present Example 1, the following codes were assigned from the higher order according to this JAN code. Country code (2 digits) Database code (2 digits) Date code (4 digits) Article item code (4 digits) Check digit (1 digit) The above database code is a specific example of the publisher identification information in the present invention, and is a code for identifying the publisher of each newspaper.

The date code is a code for identifying the issue date of the newspaper, and is composed of a bar code for identifying the date and a bar code for identifying the evening edition and the morning edition. The article item code is a specific example of the article identification information according to the present invention, and is a code that identifies each article.

Next, FIG. 3 shows a schematic configuration of a system for realizing the multimedia newspaper system according to the first embodiment.
A multimedia personal computer 5 capable of performing moving image communication, voice communication and data communication at the same time is installed in the reader's house (or company) of the newspaper, and the barcode printed on the newspaper is attached to the multimedia personal computer 5. A bar code reader 6 for reading is connected and I
It is connected to the SDN network.

On the other hand, the newspaper publisher, which is the publisher of the newspaper, is provided with a newspaper publisher database 8 which stores detailed data on each article published in the newspaper. This newspaper company database 8 is also connected to the ISDN network.

The functions of the multimedia personal computer 5 and the newspaper company database 8 will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 4 and 5. FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing the internal configuration of the multimedia personal computer 5 according to the first embodiment by function.

Multimedia personal computer 5
Is equipped with an output device 5c consisting of a speaker 50 and a display 51, and a keyboard 5d, detects a database code from the data read by the barcode reader 5a, and uses this database code to identify the newspaper publisher that is the publisher of the newspaper. Destination analysis unit 5 for determining the incoming number
a and a transmission / reception unit 5 for transmitting / receiving data to / from the newspaper company database 8 by making a call to the newspaper company database 8 of the newspaper company based on the incoming call number determined by the destination analysis unit 5a.
b.

That is, when the reader scans the bar code added to the desired article among the articles published in the newspaper with the bar code reader 6, the bar code reader 6
Converts the barcode into a signal composed of numbers and symbols and notifies the destination analysis unit 5a.

The transmission destination analysis section 5a includes a bar code reader 6
Detects the database code from the signal notified from,
From this database code, the called number of the newspaper publisher database 8 of the newspaper publisher is determined. Here, as a method of determining the called number, the destination analysis unit 5a may be provided with a called number table in which the called numbers of each database are registered for each database code, or the database code is used as the called number of each database. Good.

Then, the transmission destination analysis unit 5a notifies the transmission / reception unit 5b of the determined incoming call number. The transmission / reception unit 5b makes a call to the newspaper company database 8 based on the called number notified from the transmission destination analysis unit 5a, and when the ISDN line is set up with the newspaper company database 8, the barcode reader 6 Among the read signals, the date code and article item code are transmitted to the newspaper company database 8 via the ISDN line.

At this time, the multimedia personal computer 5 waits for a response from the newspaper company database 8. Then, when the detailed data of the article corresponding to the date code and the article item code is returned from the newspaper company database 8, the transmitting / receiving unit 5b receives the detailed data and transfers it to the output device 5c.

In the output device 5c, the detailed data in the digital signal format transferred from the transmitting / receiving section 5b is converted into the data in the analog signal format, and the audio data and the image data are synchronized with each other from the speaker 50 and the display 51. Output.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of the newspaper company database 8 in the first embodiment.
The newspaper company database 8 is an input / output device (I / I) for inputting data transmitted from the RS-232C (8a), ISDN network as an interface with the ISDN network and outputting data output from the CPU 8c to the ISDN network. O) 8b, a memory 8d for storing detailed data on each article for each article item code, a CPU 8c for searching the memory 8d for detailed data of an article requested by the multimedia personal computer 5 and transmitting the detailed data to the multimedia personal computer 5. Consists of.

Specifically, the memory 8d is divided into a plurality of blocks for each date code, and each block stores detailed data on each article for each article item code. This data is data obtained by converting audio data and image data into digital signals (see FIG. 6).

FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing the functions realized by the CPU 8c. The newspaper company database 8 in the first embodiment is I / O (8b) and RS-232C.
The transmitting / receiving unit 80 for transmitting / receiving data to / from the multimedia personal computer 5 via (8a), and searching the memory 8d based on the date code and article item code received by the transmitting / receiving unit 80, and the date code And a reading unit 81 for reading detailed data of an article corresponding to the article item code.

The transmitting / receiving unit 80 receives the date code and article item code transmitted from the multimedia personal computer 5 after the ISDN line is set up with the multimedia personal computer 5, and outputs these data. Notify the reading unit 81.

The reading section 81 first searches the memory 8d based on the date code, and determines the block corresponding to this date code. Next, the reading unit 81 searches the block based on the article item code and determines the storage position of the detailed data of the article corresponding to the article item code. Then, the detailed data is read from the storage location and transferred to the transmission / reception unit 80.

The transmitting / receiving unit 80 uses the detailed data read by the reading unit 81 as I / O (8b) and RS-232C (8).
Send to multimedia personal computer 5 via a).

The operation of the entire system according to the first embodiment will be described below with reference to the flowchart of FIG. First, when the reader of the newspaper scans the bar code added to the desired article with the bar code reader 6 (step 801), the multimedia personal computer 5 converts the bar code scanned by the bar code reader 6 into numbers and symbols. Destination analysis unit 5 that converts the signal to
Notify a.

The transmission destination analysis section 5a includes a bar code reader 6
The database code is detected from the signal notified from (step 802), and the called number of the newspaper company database 8 installed in the newspaper company that is the publisher of the newspaper is determined based on this database code (step 80).
3). Further, the transmission destination analysis unit 5a notifies the transmission / reception 5b of the signal read by the barcode reader 6 together with the incoming call number.

The transmission / reception unit 5b makes a call to the newspaper company database 8 of the newspaper company based on the called number notified from the destination analysis unit 5a (step 804). Here, when the newspaper company database 8 responds (step 805), an ISDN line is set up between the multimedia personal computer 5 and the newspaper company database 8 on the network side.

When the ISDN line is set up, the transmitting / receiving section 5b detects the date code and the article item code from the signal read by the bar code reader 6, and these signals are sent to the newspaper database 8 via the ISDN line. (Step 806). Here, the multimedia personal computer 5 waits for a response from the newspaper company database 8.

On the other hand, in the newspaper company database 8, the transmitter / receiver 80 uses the date code and the article item code as RS.
The signal is received via the -232C (8a) and the I / O (8b) (step 807), and these signals are notified to the reading unit 81.

The reading section 81 first searches the memory on the basis of the date code (step 808) and determines the block in which the data corresponding to the date code is stored. Further, the reading unit 81 searches the determined block based on the article item code, and determines the storage position of the detailed data corresponding to the article item code. Then, the detailed data of the storage location is read (step 809). Here, the reading unit 81 notifies the transmitting / receiving unit 80 of the read detailed data.

The transmission / reception unit 80 transmits the detailed data notified from the reading unit 81 to the multimedia personal computer 5 through the ISDN line (step 81).
0). In the multimedia personal computer 5,
The transmission / reception unit 5b receives the detailed data transmitted from the newspaper company database 8 (step 811), and the output device 5
Transfer to c.

The output device 5c converts the detailed data transferred from the transmitter / receiver 5b from a digital signal format to an analog signal format, and outputs it from the speaker 50 and the display 51 while synchronizing the audio data and the image data. (Step 812).

As described above, according to the first embodiment, the newspaper reader simply scans the bar code of the desired article,
Detailed data regarding the article can be obtained as image data at the same time as voice data.

[0048]

[Embodiment 2] The image of a newspaper in Embodiment 2 is shown in FIG.
Shown in. The newspaper in the second embodiment has a bar code added to each advertisement article in the advertisement section in the newspaper in the first embodiment. Specific examples of advertisement articles published in newspapers include advertisements for newly released products and concert ticket sales advertisements. In the case of product advertisements, a bar code is displayed for each individual product (see FIG. 10). ). In the case of a concert ticket sales advertisement, a bar code is displayed for each singer performing the concert (see FIG. 11).

The bar code in the second embodiment is J
The following codes are assigned according to the AN code from the upper level. Country code (2 digits) Database code (2 digits) Date code (4 digits) Product item code or singer identification code (4
Digit) Check digit (1 digit). The above database code is a specific example of the seller identification information in the present invention, and is a code for identifying the seller of the product or the seller of the concert ticket.

The date code is a code for identifying the publication date and time of the advertisement article, and is a bar code for identifying the date.
And a barcode that distinguishes the evening and morning editions. The product item code is a code that identifies each product,
The singer identification code is a code that identifies each singer.

An embodiment of the present invention will be described below by taking a product advertisement as an example. FIG. 12 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a system that realizes the multimedia newspaper system according to the second embodiment.

The system according to the second embodiment includes a multimedia personal computer 5 installed in a reader's house,
In addition to the newspaper company database 8 installed in the newspaper company, the distributor database 9 is installed in the advertising product sales company. The sales source database 9 stores detailed data on each product published in the advertisement article. The vendor database base 9 is also connected to the ISDN network.

The functions of the multimedia personal computer 5 and the newspaper company database 8 are the same as those in the first embodiment.
The description is omitted here. FIG. 13 shows the second embodiment.
3 is a block diagram showing a hardware configuration of a seller database 9 in FIG.

Similar to the newspaper company database 8, the distributor database 9 receives RS-232C (9a) as an interface with the ISDN network, data input from the ISDN network, and data output from the CPU 9c. Input / output device (I / O) that outputs to the ISDN network
9b, a memory 9d for storing detailed data about each product for each product item code, and a CPU 9c for searching the memory 9d for detailed data of the product requested by the multimedia personal computer 5 and transmitting it to the multimedia personal computer 5. .

More specifically, the memory 9d includes a product data storage unit 10 storing detailed data on individual products,
The purchaser list 11 stores information about readers who wish to purchase each product.

The product data storage unit 10 stores detailed data on each product for each product item code. This data is data obtained by converting audio data and image data into digital signals, and is specifically data for explaining the outer dimensions, weight, price, usage method, usage effect, etc. of each product. Further, in the second embodiment, in addition to these data, a message prompting selection of whether or not to purchase each product and a message explaining a purchase procedure when the purchase is desired are stored.

The purchaser list 11 stores merchandise item codes and purchase quantity of desired merchandise for each purchaser code that identifies a reader who desires to purchase a predetermined merchandise. For the purchaser code, the called number of the reader can be used, for example.

FIG. 15 is a CPU of the distributor database 9.
It is a block diagram which shows the function implement | achieved by 9c. The vendor database 9 in the second embodiment is I / O (9
b) and a transmitter / receiver 90 for transmitting / receiving data to / from the multimedia personal computer 5 via RS-232C (9a), and memory control for reading / writing the memory 9d according to the data received by the transmitter / receiver 90. And a section 91.

The transmitter / receiver 90 receives the commodity item code transmitted from the multimedia personal computer 5 after the ISDN line is set up with the multimedia personal computer 5, and stores these data in the memory controller. Notify 91.

The memory control unit 91 accesses the memory 9d, searches the product data storage unit 10 based on the product item code, and determines the storage position of the detailed data of the product corresponding to this product item code. Then, the detailed data is read from the storage location and transferred to the transmitting / receiving unit 90.

The transmitting / receiving unit 90 uses the detailed data read by the memory control unit 91 as I / O (9b) and RS-232C.
It is transmitted to the multimedia personal computer 5 via (9a).

Further, when the multimedia personal computer 5 transmits a purchase request signal for the product after transmitting detailed data on the product, the transmission / reception unit 90 notifies the memory control unit 91 of this signal.

Upon receiving the purchase request signal, the memory control unit 91 writes the incoming call number of the multimedia personal computer 5, the product item code of the product, and the purchase quantity in the empty area of the purchaser list 11.

The operation of the entire system according to the second embodiment will be described below with reference to the flowchart of FIG. When the reader of the newspaper scans the bar code attached to the desired article with the bar code reader 6 (step 1
601), in the multimedia personal computer 5, first, the barcode scanned by the barcode reader 6 is converted into a signal represented by a number and a symbol, and the transmission destination analysis unit 5a is notified.

The transmission destination analysis section 5a includes a bar code reader 6
The database code is detected from the signal notified from (step 1602), and the called number of the database to be accessed is determined (steps 1603 and 1604).

If the database code is a code that identifies the newspaper company database 8, that is, if the reader scans the bar code included in the newspaper article, the system performs the same processing as in the first embodiment. I do.

If the database code is a code for identifying the seller database 9, that is, if the reader scans the barcode included in the advertisement article, the transmission destination analysis unit 5a determines that the seller of the product. The incoming call number of the sales agency database 9 installed in is identified and the incoming call number is notified to the transmitting / receiving unit 5b.

The transmission / reception unit 5b makes a call to the sales source database 9 of the sales company based on the called number notified from the transmission destination analysis unit 5a (step 1605). here,
When the seller database 9 responds (step 160
6) On the network side, an ISDN line is set up between the multimedia personal computer 5 and the vendor database 9.

When the ISDN line is set, the transmitter / receiver 5b detects the product item code from the signal read by the bar code reader 6 and sends it to the seller database 9 via the ISDN line (step 1607). Here, the multimedia personal computer 5 waits for a response from the vendor database 9.

On the other hand, in the vendor database 9, the transmitter / receiver 90 stores the product item code in RS-232C (8
a) and via I / O (8b) (step 16
08), and notifies these signals to the memory control unit 91.

The memory control unit 91 accesses the product data storage unit 10 of the memory 9d (step 1609), determines the storage position of the detailed data corresponding to the product item code, and reads the detailed data (step 1610). Further, the memory control unit 91 notifies the transmission / reception unit 90 of the read detailed data.

The transmission / reception unit 90 transmits the detailed data notified from the memory control unit 91 to the multimedia personal computer 5 through the ISDN line (step 1).
611).

Multimedia personal computer 5
The transmission / reception unit 5b receives the detailed data from the seller database 9 (step 1612) and transfers it to the output device 5c.

The output device 5c converts the detailed data transferred from the transmitter / receiver 5b from a digital signal format to an analog signal format, and outputs it from the speaker 50 and the display 51 while synchronizing the audio data and the image data. (Step 1613).

At this time, detailed data regarding the product is output from the output device 5c, a message prompting the user to select whether or not he / she wants to purchase the product, and a procedure for the case of the purchase are described. Output a message.
For example, a message explaining the purchase procedure is "If you want to purchase, enter" 1 "from your keyboard and then the number of products to purchase.
Once you have entered the number of products, please select from the following ... for payment method. Message such as ".

Here, when the reader desires to purchase the product (step 1614), the transmitting / receiving unit 5b uses the ISDN line to store the data such as the number of products and the payment method input from the keyboard 5d in the vendor database. 9
(Step 1615).

In the vendor database 9, when the purchase request signal is received from the data such as the number of products and the payment method, the memory control section 91 determines the called number of the multimedia personal computer 5, and together with this called number, The product item code and the quantity of the product are written in the purchaser list 11 (step 1616).

As described above, according to the second embodiment, the reader of the newspaper only needs to scan the barcode with the detailed data of the newspaper article and the detailed data (for example, the catalog) of the product described in the advertisement article. Can be obtained. Further, the reader can purchase the product described in the advertisement article by a simple operation.

[0079]

[Third Embodiment] In the newspaper of the third embodiment, a questionnaire article including questions about newspaper articles, questions about advertisement products, and selection branches of answers to these questions is described, and a bar code is provided for each selection branch. Is also shown (see FIG. 17).
These barcodes are assigned the following codes from the top. Country code (2 digits) Database code (2 digits) Date code (4 digits) Choice branch identification code (4 digits) Check digit (1 digit) The above database code is a code that identifies the issuer of the questionnaire.

The date code is a code for identifying the publication date and time of the questionnaire article, and is composed of a barcode for identifying the date of publication of the newspaper and a barcode for identifying the morning edition and the evening edition.

The selection branch identification code is a code for identifying individual selection branches. FIG. 18 shows the configuration of a system that realizes the multimedia newspaper system according to the third embodiment.

The system according to the third embodiment has the issuer database 12 installed in the questionnaire issuing company in addition to the configuration of the above-described second embodiment. Here, the configuration and function of each of the multimedia personal computer 5, the newspaper company database 8, and the selling agency database 9 are the same as those in the above-described second embodiment, and a description thereof will be omitted.

FIG. 19 is a block diagram showing the hardware structure of the issuing source database 12 in the third embodiment. The publisher database 12, like the newspaper company database 8 and the distributor database 9 described above, is an RS-232C (12) as an interface with the ISDN network.
a), an input / output device (I / O) 12b for inputting the data transmitted from the ISDN network and outputting the data output from the CPU 12c to the ISDN network, a memory 12d for storing the result of the questionnaire, a multimedia personal computer It is composed of a CPU 12c that updates the counting result of the memory 12d based on the reply transmitted from the computer 5.

Specifically, the memory 12d stores the total number of respondents who have selected each selection branch for each selection branch identification code of each selection branch (see FIG. 20). FIG. 21 is a block diagram showing functions implemented by the CPU 12c of the issuer database 12.

Issuer database 1 in the third embodiment
2 is I / O (12b) and RS-232C (12a)
A transmission / reception unit 120 that transmits / receives data to / from the multimedia personal computer 5 via the personal computer 5 and a totalization unit 121 that updates the totalization result in the memory 12d based on the data received by the transmission / reception unit 120.

The transmitting / receiving unit 120 receives the selective branch identification code transmitted from the multimedia personal computer 5 after the ISDN line is set up with the multimedia personal computer 5, and outputs this selective branch identification code. The totaling unit 121 is notified.

The totaling unit 121 accesses the memory 12d based on the selected branch identification code notified from the transmission / reception unit 120, determines the storage position of the number of respondents corresponding to the selected branch identification code, and determines the storage position. Increment the number of respondents stored. The operation of the entire system according to the third embodiment will be described below with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

When the reader of the newspaper scans the bar code added to the desired article with the bar code reader 6 (step 2201), in the multimedia personal computer 5, the bar code scanned by the bar code reader 6 is converted into a number. The signal is converted into a signal represented by a symbol and is notified to the destination analysis unit 5a.

The transmission destination analysis unit 5a includes a barcode reader 6
The database code is detected from the signal notified from (step 2202) and the called number of the database to be accessed is determined (steps 2203 and 2204).

If the database code is a code that specifies the newspaper company database 8, the system performs the same processing as in the first embodiment, and if the database code is a code that specifies the vendor database 9, the system code is applicable. The system performs the same processing as that of the second embodiment described above.

If the database code is a code for specifying the issuer database 12, that is, if the reader scans the bar code included in the questionnaire article, the destination analysis unit 5a uses the database code to execute the questionnaire. The incoming call number in the issuer database 12 installed at the issuer of the article is determined, and this incoming call number is notified to the transmitting / receiving unit 5b.

The transmission / reception unit 5b issues to the issuing source database 12 based on the incoming call number notified from the transmission destination analysis unit 5a (step 2205). Here, when the issuer database 12 responds (step 2206), an ISDN line is set up between the multimedia personal computer 5 and the issuer database 12 on the network side.

When the ISDN line is set, the transmitter / receiver 5b detects the selected branch identification code from the signal read by the bar code reader 6 and transmits it to the issuing source database 12 via the ISDN line (step 2207). . Here, the multimedia personal computer 5 waits for a response from the issuer database 12.

On the other hand, in the issuing source database 12, the transmitting / receiving unit 120 sends the selection branch identification code to RS-232C.
(12a) and the I / O (12b) are received (step 2208), and the selected branch identification code is collected by the totaling unit 121.
Notify to.

The totaling unit 121 accesses the memory 12d based on the selection branch identification code (step 220).
9) The storage position of the number of respondents who have selected the selected branch indicated by the selected branch identification code is determined. Then, the counting unit 121
Increments the number of respondents stored in the storage location by "1" (step 2210).

As described above, according to the third embodiment, it is possible to efficiently answer and collect the questionnaire. When the newspaper company issues the questionnaire, a database having the same structure as the issuer database 12 is installed in the newspaper company. In addition, newspaper database 8 in a single database
And the function of the issuer database 12 may be provided.

The method of the present invention is not limited to newspapers,
It can be applied to printed materials such as magazines, manuals, catalogs, pamphlets, and direct mail. Further, by printing a barcode on a sticker or the like, it can be applied to various products. For example, information about the options of a personal computer is generally described in the manual of the personal computer, but if the manual is lost, it is troublesome to contact the manufacturer. Therefore, if a sticker or the like having a bar code printed thereon is attached to a personal computer, information about options can be obtained from the database by scanning the bar code.

[0098]

According to the multimedia newspaper system of the present invention,
By adding a barcode to each article in the newspaper and scanning the barcode by the reader, detailed data regarding the article can be obtained.

Therefore, it is possible to obtain the detailed information of the article required by the reader in an easy-to-understand form without deteriorating the advantage of the conventional newspaper, and it is possible to transmit the latest information accurately and at high speed. Become.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a principle diagram of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is an image diagram of a newspaper according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a schematic block diagram of a system according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a functional block diagram of the multimedia media personal computer according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 5 is an internal configuration block diagram of a newspaper company database according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a data storage example of the memory in the first embodiment.

FIG. 7 is a functional block diagram of a CPU according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 8 is an operation flowchart of the system according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 9 is an image diagram of a newspaper according to the second embodiment.

FIG. 10 is a specific example (1) of an advertisement article according to the second embodiment.

FIG. 11 is a specific example (2) of an advertisement article according to the second embodiment.

FIG. 12 is a schematic block diagram of a system according to the second embodiment.

FIG. 13 is an internal configuration block diagram of a seller database according to the second embodiment.

FIG. 14 is an example of data storage in the memory 9d according to the second embodiment.

FIG. 15 is a functional block diagram of a CPU according to the second embodiment.

FIG. 16 is an operation flowchart of the system according to the second embodiment.

FIG. 17 is an image diagram of a questionnaire article in the third embodiment.

FIG. 18 is a schematic configuration block diagram of a system according to the third embodiment.

FIG. 19 is a block diagram of the internal configuration of the questionnaire issuer database in the third embodiment.

FIG. 20 is a data storage example of the memory 12d according to the third embodiment.

FIG. 21 is a functional block diagram of a CPU according to the third embodiment.

FIG. 22 is a flowchart showing the operation of the system according to the third embodiment.

[Explanation of symbols]

 1. Terminal 1a Bar code reader 1b Destination analysis unit 1c Transmitter unit 1d Output unit 2 Database A 2a Transmitter unit 2b Readout unit 2c Information storage unit 3・ Database B 4 ・ ・ Database C 5 ・ ・ Multimedia personal computer 5a ・ ・ Destination analysis unit 5b ・ ・ Transmission / reception unit 5c ・ ・ Output device 5d ・ ・ Keyboard 50 ・ ・ Speaker 51 ・ ・ Display 6 ・ ・ Bar code reader 7 ... RS-232C 8 ... Newspaper company database 8a ... RS-232C 8b ... I / O 8c ... CPU 8d ... Memory 80 ... Transmitter / receiver 81 ... Readout unit 9 ... Distributor database 9a ...・ RS-232C 9b ・ ・ I / O 9c ・ ・ Transceiver 9d ・ ・ Memory 90 ・ ・ Transmitter 91 ・ ・ Memory controller 10 ・ ・ Product data Storage unit 11-Purchaser list 12-Seller database 12a-RS-232C 12b-I / O 12c-CPU 12d-Memory 120-Transceiver unit 121-Totaling unit

 ─────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continuation of the front page (72) Inventor Akira Hakuda 1015 Kamiodanaka, Nakahara-ku, Kawasaki City, Kanagawa Prefecture, Fujitsu Limited (72) Inventor Masaaki Oshima, 1006 Kadoma, Kadoma City, Osaka Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd (72) Inventor Kunihiro Yamada 1-3-6 Nakamagome, Ota-ku, Tokyo Within Ricoh Co., Ltd.

Claims (5)

[Claims] 1. A bar code, which is a graphic representation of at least publisher identification information for identifying the publisher of the newspaper and article identification information for identifying individual articles, is added to each article published in the newspaper. The reader's home of the newspaper is provided with a communication terminal (1) equipped with a barcode reader (1a) for scanning the barcode of the newspaper, and the publisher stores detailed data on each article of the newspaper. A database A (2) for transmitting these data to the communication terminal (1) is provided, and the barcode added to a desired article from the articles published by the reader in the newspaper is added to the communication terminal. When scanned by the barcode reader (1a) of (1), the communication terminal (1) has a data form in which the barcode scanned by the barcode reader (1a) is represented by a numeral or a symbol. State, the publisher identification information is detected from this data, the newspaper publisher is called based on the publisher identification information, the article identification information is transmitted, and the publisher database A ( In 2), data retrieval is performed based on the article identification information transmitted from the communication terminal (1), data corresponding to the article identification information is read, and this data is transmitted to the communication terminal (1), The multimedia newspaper system, wherein the communication terminal (1) outputs the data transmitted from the database A (2) by voice and / or screen. 2. The database according to claim 1, wherein the communication terminal (1) detects issuer identification information from data read by the barcode reader (1a), analyzes the issuer identification information, and analyzes the issuer identification information. A destination analysis unit (1b) that determines the called number of A (2), and a call is made to the database A (2) based on the called number determined by the destination analysis unit (1b), and the article identification information is sent. And a transmission / reception unit (1c) for receiving the data returned from the publisher and an output unit (1d) for outputting the data returned from the publisher by voice and / or screen. A multimedia newspaper system characterized by that. 3. The database A (2) of the publisher according to claim 1, wherein an information storage unit (2c) that stores detailed data regarding each article for each article identification information, and the communication terminal (1). ) And a transmitting / receiving unit (2a) that transmits and receives information to and from the communication terminal (1), the information storing unit based on the article identifying information. A multimedia newspaper system comprising: a reading unit (2b) for searching (2c) and reading data corresponding to the article identification information. 4. The bar code according to claim 1, wherein the article of the product advertisement in the newspaper has at least a vendor identification information for identifying a vendor of the product and a product identification information for identifying each product. In addition to the above, the seller is provided with a database B (3) that stores detailed data on each product for each product identification information and transmits these data to the communication terminal (1). Scans the barcode added to the desired product advertisement from the article of the product advertisement published in the newspaper with the barcode reader (1a), the communication terminal (1) displays the barcode reader. (1a)
Converts the scanned bar code into data represented by numbers or symbols, detects the vendor identification information from this data, and calls the database B (3) of the vendor based on the vendor identification information. At the same time, the product identification information is transmitted, and in the database B (3) of the seller, a data search is performed based on the product identification information transmitted from the communication terminal (1), and the product identification information is dealt with. A multimedia newspaper system, wherein data is read out and transmitted to the communication terminal (1), and the communication terminal (1) outputs the data transmitted from the seller as a voice and / or a screen. 5. The method according to claim 1, wherein when a questionnaire article including a question about a predetermined article and a plurality of options as an answer to the question is posted in the newspaper, the questionnaire article includes a questionnaire article Issuer identification information that identifies the issuer, question identification information that identifies individual questions, and a selection branch identification information that individually identifies the selection branch for the question is added as a bar code, and the questionnaire The issuer is equipped with a database C (4) for accumulating and storing the number of respondents who have selected each selection branch for each question, and the reader responds to each question of the questionnaire article published in the newspaper. The bar code attached to the desired branch to the bar code reader (1a).
When scanning with, the communication terminal (1) displays the barcode reader (1
a) converts the scanned barcode into data represented by numbers or symbols, detects the issuer identification information of the questionnaire from this data, and based on this issuer identification information, the issuer database C (4) ), The question identification information and the selected branch identification information are transmitted, and in the database C (4) of the issuer of the questionnaire,
Data search is performed based on the question identification information transmitted from the communication terminal (1), and the number of respondents corresponding to the selected branch identification information among the information corresponding to the question identification information is incremented. Multimedia newspaper method.