JP4746779B2 - Content distribution system, server, information transmission method, program, and computer-readable recording medium recording the program - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a content distribution system, a server, an information transmission method, a program, and a computer-readable recording medium recording the program, which appropriately transmit information and advertisement information to at least a recipient.
[0002]
[Prior art]
As information technology advances, obtaining the latest information efficiently is an important issue in corporate activities.
[0003]
Typical media for quickly acquiring changes in social conditions, incident occurrence, etc. include newspapers, radio, television, and the Internet. Among them, newspapers are widespread in our daily lives, and many articles are efficiently posted on limited paper, are highly portable, and can be read even during commuting.
[0004]
Furthermore, it has excellent recordability, such as cutting out and storing necessary articles. In addition, newspapers have the advantages that they are delivered to the subscriber's home, and that it is easy to list the page and easily understand the article summary.
[0005]
Also, newspapers that are currently being purchased may have advertisements printed on paper with articles, or may be folded into regional flyers.
[0006]
In addition to being able to provide newspaper readers with information about the products that the company wants to advertise, advertising fees paid by the company bear a portion of the price of the newspaper, Can be made inexpensive.
[0007]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, currently sold newspapers have articles and advertisements that are determined by the region where the subscriber purchases the newspaper. It is not necessarily distributed to articles that subscribers want to read or subscribers that advertisers want to see.
[0008]
On the other hand, recently, with the spread of the Internet, newspaper companies, portal sites, etc. distribute articles on the Internet for free or for a fee.
[0009]
For example, in the technique disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 9-50441, a mechanism is proposed in which information on a company advertisement selected according to a customer attribute or the like is posted on a screen together with a newspaper article.
[0010]
However, even if the above-described mechanism is used, for example, articles, advertisements, and the like in regions where subscribers often shop outside the region where they currently reside are not necessarily posted.
[0011]
In addition, advertisements related to economic articles can be related to investments in stocks, bonds, etc., job changes, corporate seminars, business magazines, etc., but people who read economic articles are not necessarily trading stocks. I don't always want to change jobs.
[0012]
As described above, even if the above-described method is used, articles and advertisements are not efficiently distributed according to the intention of both the advertising company and the subscriber depending on the subscriber's action area, action content, and preferences. .
[0013]
That is, the attribute classification on the distributor side alone does not necessarily publish the article desired by the subscriber efficiently, and the advertisement effect for the advertisement to purchase is not necessarily maximized.
[0014]
Also, since the conventional electronic newspaper is supposed to be viewed on a display like the technique disclosed in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 9-64976, an article that a subscriber wants to see when more information is posted. You can't find the articles you need in a short period of time, such as the number of clicks to view the URL increases, or the search for a keyword is required.
[0015]
In addition, to carry an electronic newspaper like a normal newspaper, it is necessary to view it on a portable terminal or print it with a printer. However, many articles cannot be viewed, and if printed and carried, the number of prints will increase, and the printing cost, time, and inconvenience will be inconvenient to carry.
[0016]
Furthermore, if articles and advertisements in electronic newspapers are selected for color / monochrome output only by the request of the distributor, the distribution data amount to the subscriber and the printing cost at the time of printing are distributed as requested by the distributor. It will not reflect the wishes of subscribers at all.
[0017]
On the other hand, when printing an electronic newspaper with a printer, the printing cost of consumables (toner, ink, etc.) accompanying the printing of advertisements becomes a burden on the subscriber.
[0018]
In addition, since subscribers regularly receive electronic newspapers, it is desirable that the management of the replacement time of printer consumables (toner cartridges, ink cartridges, etc.) used for printing electronic newspapers can be confirmed at the time of reception.
[0019]
The present invention is for solving the above-mentioned problems individually or collectively, and a content distribution system, a server, an information transmission method, a program, and a program that enable efficient transmission of information and advertisement information and management of consumables, and An object of the present invention is to provide a computer-readable recording medium in which a program is recorded.
[0020]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to achieve the above object, in the content distribution system according to the present invention,
At least one server for receiving first content from the first distributor and / or receiving second content from the second distributor and redistributing part or all of the received content to the client of the subscriber In the content distribution system,
The first content includes content for which the redistributor is obligated to pay the first distributor for the distribution,
The second content includes content in which the redistributor has the right to collect the consideration from the second distributor by redistributing to the receiving contractor,
The server is characterized by redistributing to the client of the receiving contractor.
[0021]
The distribution is performed via the Internet.
[0022]
At least one server for receiving first content from the first distributor and / or receiving second content from the second distributor and redistributing part or all of the received content to the client of the subscriber In the content distribution system,
A management means for managing content that is more detailed than the redistributed content or related content of the redistributed content,
The server is a content distribution system that distributes the details or related content based on a distribution request from a reception contractor,
Content received by the server from the first distributor is managed with an original content code,
The content redistributed by the server to the reception contractor includes a custom content code and is managed by a data address including at least one of the reception contractor code and the reception date and time.
[0023]
The distribution is performed via the Internet.
[0024]
After the reception contractor logs in, a content distribution request can be made by inputting a custom content code.
[0025]
The content to be redistributed is automatically output by an image forming apparatus connected to the client of the reception contractor during a time zone or time set by the reception contractor.
[0026]
In the content distribution system in which the distributor sets a color priority for the content and sets the color preference of the content received by the reception contractor,
Means for determining whether or not a condition of the color priority set by the distributor and the color preference set by the receiving contractor is satisfied;
The server outputs the content in color or monochrome to the subscriber based on the determination.
[0027]
Means for estimating toner, ink and other quantities of consumables required to output the second content;
It has a means to calculate the amount according to the estimated amount of consumables.
[0028]
The means for estimating the amount of consumables required to output the second content uses an image ratio as a parameter.
[0029]
Means for comparing the estimated consumption of the consumables required for the output of the content to be redistributed with the standard life of the consumables and calculating the replacement or replenishment timing of the consumables;
It has a means for notifying the receiving contractor of the replacement or replenishment time of the consumables.
[0030]
A management means for managing the contents that the subscriber can log in;
In a content distribution system where you can place an order for consumables after logging in,
The consumables remaining amount information of the consumables is received from the image forming apparatus connected to the client of the reception contractor, and is used for calculating the replacement time of the consumables.
[0031]
A management means for managing the contents that the subscriber can log in;
In a content distribution system where you can place an order for consumables after logging in,
A warning prompting the user to purchase the consumable item is displayed on the screen after login, and the type of consumable item required by the receiving contractor is displayed on a screen on which the consumable item can be ordered.
[0032]
The image forming apparatus is a paper-like display.
[0033]
In the server according to the present invention,
A server that receives first content from a first distributor or / and receives second content from a second distributor and redistributes part or all of the received content to a client of a subscriber;
The first content includes content for which the redistributor is obligated to pay the first distributor for the distribution,
The second content includes content in which the redistributor has the right to collect the consideration from the second distributor by redistributing to the receiving contractor,
Redistribution to the client of the receiving contractor is performed at a time zone or time set by the receiving contractor.
[0034]
In the server that receives the first content from the first distributor or / and receives the second content from the second distributor and redistributes part or all of the received content to the client of the receiving contractor,
A management means for managing content that is more detailed than the redistributed content or related content of the redistributed content,
A server that distributes the details or related content based on a distribution request from a receiving contractor,
The content received from the first distributor is managed with the original content code,
The content redistributed to the reception contractor is managed by a data address including a reception contractor code, a distribution date and time, and a custom content code.
[0035]
In the information transmission method according to the present invention,
Information comprising a step of receiving a first content from a first distributor or / and receiving a second content from a second distributor and redistributing a part or all of the received content to a client of a receiving contractor In the transmission method,
The first content includes content for which the redistributor is obligated to pay the first distributor for the distribution,
The second content includes content in which the redistributor has the right to collect the consideration from the second distributor by redistributing to the receiving contractor,
The server re-distributes to the client of the receiving contractor at a time zone or time set by the receiving contractor.
[0036]
Information comprising a step of receiving a first content from a first distributor or / and receiving a second content from a second distributor and redistributing a part or all of the received content to a client of a receiving contractor In the transmission method,
Let the management means manage more detailed content than the redistributed content or related content for the redistributed content,
The server is an information transmission method comprising a step of distributing the details or related content based on a distribution request from a reception contractor,
The content received from the first distributor is managed with the original content code,
The content redistributed to the reception contractor is managed by a data address including a reception contractor code, a distribution date and time, and a custom content code.
[0037]
In the program according to the present invention,
Causing the server to receive the first content from the first distributor or / and to receive the second content from the second distributor and to redistribute part or all of the received content to the client of the subscriber. In the program to prepare,
The first content includes content for which the redistributor is obligated to pay the first distributor for the distribution,
The second content includes content in which the redistributor has the right to collect the consideration from the second distributor by redistributing to the receiving contractor,
The server includes the step of causing the server to re-distribute to the client of the receiving contractor in a time zone or time set by the receiving contractor.
[0038]
Causing the server to receive the first content from the first distributor or / and to receive the second content from the second distributor and to redistribute part or all of the received content to the client of the subscriber. In the program to prepare,
Let the management means manage more detailed content than the redistributed content or related content for the redistributed content,
A program comprising the step of causing the server to deliver the details or related content based on a delivery request from a receiving contractor,
The content received from the first distributor is managed with the original content code,
The content redistributed to the reception contractor is managed by a data address including a reception contractor code, a distribution date and time, and a custom content code.
[0039]
In a computer-readable recording medium recording the program according to the present invention,
Causing the server to receive the first content from the first distributor or / and to receive the second content from the second distributor and to redistribute part or all of the received content to the client of the subscriber. In a computer-readable recording medium in which a program provided is recorded,
The first content includes content for which the redistributor is obligated to pay the first distributor for the distribution,
The second content includes content in which the redistributor has the right to collect the consideration from the second distributor by redistributing to the receiving contractor,
The server includes the step of causing the server to re-distribute to the client of the receiving contractor in a time zone or time set by the receiving contractor.
[0040]
Causing the server to receive the first content from the first distributor or / and to receive the second content from the second distributor and to redistribute part or all of the received content to the client of the subscriber. In a computer-readable recording medium in which a program provided is recorded,
Let the management means manage more detailed content than the redistributed content or related content for the redistributed content,
A computer-readable recording medium recording a program comprising a step of causing the server to distribute the details or related content based on a distribution request from a reception contractor,
The content received from the first distributor is managed with the original content code,
The content redistributed to the reception contractor is managed by a data address including a reception contractor code, a distribution date and time, and a custom content code.
[0041]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Exemplary embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. However, the dimensions, materials, shapes, relative arrangements, and the like of the components described in this embodiment are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention only to those unless otherwise specified. Absent.
[0042]
Moreover, in the following drawings, the same number is attached | subjected to the member similar to the member described in above-mentioned drawing. The following description of each embodiment of the content distribution system according to the present invention also serves as a description of each embodiment of a server, an information transmission method, a program, and a computer-readable recording medium recording the program according to the present invention.
[0043]
(First embodiment)
First, a first embodiment of a content distribution system according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Here, as the type of content in the present invention, for example, it can be applied to various forms such as an e-mail magazine having a predetermined content, content related to hobbies, and the type of content is not limited. In the embodiment, an electronic newspaper system with advertisement will be described as an example. FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of an electronic newspaper system with an advertisement according to the first embodiment.
[0044]
The electronic newspaper system with an advertisement according to the present embodiment is a system that distributes and manages an electronic newspaper customized for each reception subscriber on the Internet, and performs subscriber registration, article reception distribution, and subscriber management procedures.
[0045]
A Total Provider of News Content (hereinafter referred to as TPNC) server 101 shown in FIG. 1 functions as a server that is a component of the present invention, and information and advertisement information are sent to a client computer 112 as a client that is a component of the present invention. Edit and distribute (send).
[0046]
The client computer 112 is a computer operated by a reception contractor 111 as a user who receives information as a component of the present invention. The present invention corresponds to an apparatus that is a main body that receives (receives) information for displaying content in the present invention. Further, the internal block diagram has the same mechanism as that of FIG. 2 described later, and detailed description thereof is omitted here.
[0047]
The reception contractor 111 is a reception contractor who has signed a reception contract for information transmission from the TPNC server 101.
[0048]
The client computer 112 is a terminal used by the reception contractor 111.
[0049]
The printer 113 is a printer connected to the client computer 112 used by the reception contractor 111.
[0050]
The printer 113 functions as an image forming apparatus that is a component of the present invention. The image forming apparatus as a constituent element of the present invention is not limited to a printer, and may be a copier, a FAX, a printer equipped with a scanner function, and a combination machine with these printers.
[0051]
In the present embodiment, a description will be given of a form in which print output is performed by a printer 113 serving as an image forming apparatus, but an image forming apparatus that performs screen output or the like can also be used. As an image forming apparatus, for example, a portable paper display described in JP-A-08-146388 and JP-A-2000-132121 can be used for screen output.
[0052]
The news servers 121 to 126 are servers that distribute articles (information) to the TPNC server 101 and provide news sources.
[0053]
The advertisement servers 131 to 133 are servers that distribute (provide) advertisement information to the TPNC server 101.
[0054]
The TPNC server 101, the client computer 112, each news server, and each advertisement server are connected to each other via a network (Internet).
[0055]
However, the network used in the present invention is not limited to the Internet, and any other network may be substituted or used together.
[0056]
Moreover, it does not matter whether the network is wired or wireless, and these wired and wireless may be combined.
[0057]
Furthermore, a mobile terminal (mobile phone, PDA (personal digital assistants)) or the like can be used instead of or in combination with the client computer 112 shown in FIG.
[0058]
Further, the number of the TPNC server 101, the client computer 112, each news server, and each advertisement server is not limited to the number shown in FIG. 1, and may be any other one or more.
[0059]
The TPNC server 101 holds in advance attribute information such as an IP address related to a news server and an advertisement server, a mail address for electronic mail transmission / reception, and the like.
[0060]
Here, the internal structure of the TPNC server 101 shown in FIG. 1 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 2 is an internal block diagram of the TPNC server 101 used in the information distribution system shown in FIG.
[0061]
As shown in FIG. 2, the TPNC server 101 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 201, an input device 202, a main storage device 203, an output device 204, an auxiliary storage device 205, a clock device 206, and a communication. Device 209.
[0062]
The CPU 201 is a member considered as an alias processing device, and includes a control device 207 that sends instructions to each device in the system and controls its operation, and an arithmetic device 208 that performs digital data arithmetic processing at the central part of the server. Consists of.
[0063]
Here, the CPU 201 cooperates with a program stored in the main storage device 203 or the auxiliary storage device 205 to manage, determine, and estimate the amount of consumables, which are components of the present invention. It functions as a means for calculating the amount corresponding to the amount of consumables, a means for calculating the replacement time of consumables, and a means for notifying. Here, with regard to the details of the consumables in the present embodiment, in addition to the toner cartridge as consumables consumed in the output of content, toner for copying machines, photosensitive drums, ink for inkjet printers, and other consumable parts of the main body Examples thereof include paper and an OHP sheet.
[0064]
It should be noted that the management means, determining means, means for estimating the amount of consumables, means for calculating the amount corresponding to the amount of consumables, means for calculating the replacement time of consumables, and notification Each of the means may be configured integrally with the TPNC server 101 by the CPU 201 as described above, or may be configured independently of the TPNC server 101 connected to the TPNC server 101 via a network.
[0065]
Further, the CPU 201 functions as a storage unit that stores information in the main storage device 203 and the auxiliary storage device 205 and an update unit that updates information stored in the storage unit.
[0066]
Here, the function of each means described above may be realized by the CPU 201 in cooperation with a program stored in the main storage device 203 or the output device 204.
[0067]
When the internal block diagram shown in FIG. 2 is applied to the client computer 112, the CPU 201 serves as a receiving unit that receives information and advertisement information in cooperation with the communication device 209.
[0068]
The control device 207 reads data input from the input device 202 and a predetermined procedure (for example, a program or software) into the main storage device 203 in accordance with the timing of the clock generated by the clock device 206, and based on the read content. An instruction is sent to the arithmetic unit 208 to perform arithmetic processing. The result of this arithmetic processing is transmitted to internal devices such as the main storage device 203, the output device 204, and the auxiliary storage device 205, external devices, and the like based on the control of the control device 207.
[0069]
The input device 202 is a member for inputting various data. For example, a keyboard, a mouse, a pointing device, a touch panel, a mouse pad, a CCD camera, a card reader, a paper tape reader, a magnetic tape device, and the like can be considered.
[0070]
The main storage device 203 is a member that is considered as an alias memory, and is a member that indicates all of the addressable storage space used for executing instructions in the processing device and the internal storage device. The main storage device 203 is mainly composed of semiconductor storage elements, stores and holds input programs and data, and reads out the stored and held data to, for example, a register in accordance with an instruction from the control device 207.
[0071]
The semiconductor memory elements constituting the main memory device 203 are composed of RAM (Random Access Memory), ROM (Read Only Memory), and the like.
[0072]
The output device 204 is a member for outputting the calculation result of the calculation device 208, and corresponds to, for example, a CRT, a plasma display panel, a liquid crystal display or other display device, a printing device such as a printer, an audio output device, or the like. .
[0073]
The auxiliary storage device 205 is a member for supplementing the storage capacity of the main storage device 203. For example, a floppy disk, a hard disk, a CD-ROM, a CD-R, a magnetic disk device, an optical disk device, a semiconductor disk device, etc. CD-RW, MO, etc. are applicable. The auxiliary storage device 205 can be a database.
[0074]
The communication device 209 is a device for communicating with an external network, and performs data transmission / reception, digital-analog conversion, and the like as appropriate according to the connected network.
[0075]
Here, the above devices are connected to each other by an address bus or a data bus.
[0076]
The number of the main storage device 203 and the auxiliary storage device 205 is not limited to one each, and may be any number. As the number of the main storage device 203 and auxiliary storage device 205 increases, the fault tolerance of the server is improved accordingly.
[0077]
Note that various programs for causing the TPNC server 101 according to the present invention to execute processing are stored (recorded) in at least one of the main storage device 203 and the auxiliary storage device 205.
[0078]
Therefore, at least one of the main storage device 203 and the auxiliary storage device 205 corresponds to a computer-readable recording medium that records a program according to the present invention for causing the server to execute processing. However, CD-ROM, FD, CD-R, CD-RW, and the like can also be used as computer-readable recording media on which the program according to the present invention is recorded.
[0079]
The computer-readable recording medium in the present invention and this embodiment includes a server-readable recording medium and a client-readable recording medium.
[0080]
Here, in the present invention, the program applied to the system is an individual program applied to each of the computer, server, database, and apparatus constituting the system, and any of such individual programs applied to the respective systems. And any of the programs applied to each of these combinations.
[0081]
Further, even when the program for realizing the system processing is composed of a plurality of steps, one apparatus may be provided with a recording medium on which all the steps are recorded, or any one of the plurality of steps. The recording medium on which some of the steps are recorded is provided in an arbitrary apparatus that constitutes the system, so that the recording medium on which any part of the plurality of steps is recorded in the arbitrary apparatus. A program that implements the system processing as a whole may be configured.
[0082]
In the above description, only the internal configuration of the TPNC server 101 shown in FIG. 1 has been described. However, the internal configuration of the client computer 112, each news server, and each advertisement server shown in FIG. The same explanation is valid.
[0083]
Next, the operation of the electronic newspaper system with an advertisement shown in FIG. 1 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 3 is an operation conceptual diagram of the electronic newspaper system with advertisement shown in FIG.
[0084]
Between the TPNC server 101 and a newspaper company providing information (corresponding to the first distributor of the present invention), the TPNC server 101 receives contents (documents, images, programs, data (music data, etc.)) or these from the newspaper company. (Referred to as information constituting a component of the present invention, the same shall apply hereinafter) and paying a content distribution contract fee. Of course, the information provider is not limited to a newspaper company, but may be, for example, a magazine company or others. The second content, which is a component of the present invention, includes, for example, an advertisement and a questionnaire. The distribution of content from the newspaper company to the TPNC server 101 is actually performed by the information processing apparatus used in the newspaper company via a predetermined communication line (for example, a communication line using the Internet communication network). It is assumed that the content information is transmitted to 101 by being executed. Further, since the internal configuration of the information processing apparatus used in the newspaper company is the same as that described above with reference to FIG. 2, detailed description thereof is omitted here.
[0085]
Here, regarding the collection / payment method of various charges in the present embodiment (the present invention), a mechanism using the Internet or the like, which is already used for electronic commerce, can be considered.
[0086]
For example, here, an example of electronic settlement processing (billing processing) accompanying billing between a newspaper company and the TPNC server 101 will be described.
[0087]
In a server having an electronic settlement function (hereinafter referred to as an electronic settlement server), authentication data (for example, a card number of a credit card of the TPNC server 101) received from a partner terminal device (for example, an information processing apparatus used by a newspaper company) And the approval information including the billing amount (product price) to the financial company (credit company). Then, an examination based on the acquired authentication data is performed. For example, when it is confirmed that a theft report has not been issued for the card, this result is generated as approval result notification information. Then, the payment according to the billed amount (transfer instruction to a predetermined account) is made from the electronic settlement server to the newspaper company.
[0088]
If it is confirmed that an illegal card is used or payment is not possible, payment is not made and approval result notification information indicating approval rejection is generated. Processing for transmitting the generated approval result notification information to an information processing apparatus used by a newspaper company is performed. It should be noted that the card company collects the payment paid by the card company from the customer at the responsibility of the card company.
[0089]
In addition, when collection / payment of charges using the Internet or the like cannot be performed, the distribution amount of content (the number of contents or the contents) to each distribution destination recorded in the TPNC server 101 (accumulation in storage means) Depending on the amount of content information, etc., the charge will be withdrawn through a financial institution, or the amount of charge through the financial institution according to the amount of content information received from each distribution source (number of contents or amount of content information, etc.) A form using a mechanism realized by payment or the like is also assumed in the present invention.
[0090]
Between the TPNC server 101 and the advertiser (corresponding to the second distributor of the present invention), the TPNC server 101 receives an advertisement request from the advertiser, requests and receives an advertisement fee, and transmits information related to the subscriber. Etc. As shown in FIG. 3, the exchange with the advertiser may be performed through an advertising agency.
[0091]
The advertiser in the present invention (the embodiment) actually corresponds to an information processing apparatus used by each advertiser, and the internal configuration of the information processing apparatus is shown in FIG. Therefore, the detailed description is omitted here. That is, in the distribution of various content information from the advertiser, the information processing apparatus used by the advertiser displays the content on the TPNC server 101 via a predetermined communication line (for example, a communication line using the Internet communication network). It is assumed that the information is transmitted by executing a transmission processing process.
[0092]
Between the TPNC server 101 and the receiving contractor, the TPNC server 101 distributes the content to the receiving contractor, and requests / receives a subscription fee from the receiving contractor and requests for updating customer information.
[0093]
Next, in the electronic newspaper system with advertisement shown in FIG. 1, the operation when the reception contractor 111 makes a reception contract with the TPNC server 101 will be described with reference to FIG. Also, in the processing of the flowchart shown in FIG. 4, the operation processed by the client computer 112 is processed by the CPU of the client computer 112 cooperating with the program, and the operation processed by the TPNC server 101 is TPNC. Processing is performed by the CPU 1001 of the server 101 cooperating with the program.
[0094]
FIG. 4 is a flowchart of an operation when the client computer 112 of the reception contractor 111 makes a reception contract with the TPNC server 101 in the electronic newspaper system with an advertisement shown in FIG. In other words, it is a flowchart of an operation for a reception contractor who will make a reception contract from now on (however, in the description of FIG. 4, it means a person who will make a reception contract in the future, not a person who has completed a reception contract).
[0095]
First, in step S401, the client computer 112 of the reception contractor 111 activates a web browsing program (hereinafter also simply referred to as a browser) of the client computer 112 used by the reception contractor 111.
[0096]
Then, the client computer 112 of the reception contractor 111 who will make a reception contract accesses the URL of the site for the reception contract of the TPNC server 101 by using a web browsing program.
[0097]
The TPNC server 101 detects access to the URL.
[0098]
In step S402, the TPNC server 101 transmits form data for registering a new reception contract to the client computer 112 used by the reception contractor 111.
[0099]
For example, as shown in FIG. 5, the form based on the form data has a format that prompts the user to input the name, address, etc. of the subscriber. FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram of a new registration screen displayed on the screen of the client computer 112 based on an instruction from the TPNC server 101 shown in FIG.
[0100]
The client computer 112 of the reception contractor 111 inputs data necessary for the registration form, for example, data such as the name and address of the reception contractor 111 and transmits them to the TPNC server 101.
[0101]
In step S <b> 403, the TPNC server 101 confirms whether there is registration data such as a name and an address overlapping with the reception contractor 111 in the database of the registered reception contractor in the received data.
[0102]
If there is duplicate registration data, the TPNC server 101 transmits error information to the client computer 112 in step S410 and ends the operation.
[0103]
If the received data is new, in step S404, the TPNC server 101 issues a reception contract ID.
[0104]
Then, the TPNC server 101 transmits to the client computer 112 reception contract authentication, that is, data that prompts the reception contractor 111 to set a password (authentication information) for accessing a specific URL of the TPNC server with restricted access. To do.
[0105]
For example, as shown in FIG. 6, the reception contractor 111 inputs the password on the screen that is the received form and transmits it to the TPNC server 101. FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram of a password input screen for registration confirmation transmitted from the client computer 112 shown in FIG. 1 to the TPNC server 101.
[0106]
In step S404, the TPNC server 101 receives the password of the reception contractor 111.
[0107]
Next, in step S405, the TPNC server 101 transmits form data that prompts input of contract information related to news content desired to be distributed to the client computer 112 of the reception contractor 111.
[0108]
As the form for prompting the input of the contract information, for example, as shown in FIG. 7, the delivery number setting and connection form shown in FIG. 8, the delivery conditions such as the newspaper company and the genre desired to be delivered, shown in FIG. There is a form that prompts for data input such as billing / payment conditions, distribution start date / distribution conditions.
[0109]
7, 8, and 9 are schematic diagrams of the contract information input screen displayed on the screen of the client computer 112 based on the instruction of the TPNC server 101 shown in FIG. 1. In this way, the user can set the type of content for each of a plurality of application areas by using the form as shown in FIG. On the other hand, the TPNC server 101 manages the information input from the form as shown in FIG. 8 and transmitted from the user destination, thereby distributing the types of contents for each application area for each user. It becomes possible. Further, in FIG. 8, the collection point (base point), the surrounding area range (applicable area) to the collection point, the type of information (genre), the desired reception strength (reception strength), and the desired reception start date (FIG. 9). In this case, it is possible to set detailed parameters such as the distribution start date), and the TPNC server 101 that manages the set information can perform the distribution of the content more in line with the user's wishes. Further, in the setting form of FIG. 9, the form in which the delivery start date is set has been described. However, a form in which the delivery end date is also set is assumed in the present invention.
[0110]
The reception contractor 111 describes a desired distribution condition, a distribution method, etc. in the received form, and transmits it to the TPNC server 101 (step S405).
[0111]
Next, in step S406, the TPNC server 101 extracts items related to the advertisement option from the data such as the distribution conditions received from the reception contractor 111.
[0112]
If the option of layout with advertisement is selected, the TPNC server 101 transmits form data for obtaining questionnaire information regarding the advertisement to the client computer 112 in step S407.
[0113]
If the receiving contractor 111 has selected the option of layout with advertisement, for example, as shown in FIG. 10, the form data for describing the questionnaire regarding the advertisement is transmitted from the TPNC server 101. The reception conditions for the advertisement layout are described and transmitted to the TPNC server 101. FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram of an information input screen such as a reception condition for advertisement layout displayed on the screen of the client computer 112 based on the instruction of the TPNC server 101 shown in FIG.
[0114]
Note that the “base point” shown in FIG. 10 is the advertisement base point designated by the client, which is a component of the present invention. Similarly, “application area (application area)” corresponds to the advertisement reception range, and “genre” corresponds to the type. As described above, the type of content can be set for each of a plurality of application regions regarding the advertisement. In FIG. 10, it is possible to set detailed parameters such as a collection point (base point), a peripheral area range (applicable area), a type of information (genre), a desired reception strength (reception strength), and the like. Therefore, the TPNC server 101 that manages the setting information can further distribute the content according to the user's request to the terminal device used by the user.
[0115]
Then, the TPNC server 101 receives the reception condition for the advertisement layout transmitted from the reception contractor 111.
[0116]
Then, the TPNC server 101 stores the received reception condition in the database as advertisement information regarding the reception contractor 111. This database may be configured by an auxiliary storage device 205 such as a hard disk of the TPNC server 101, or may be configured by a database server connected to the TPNC server 101. The database also stores article information.
[0117]
Here, the distribution contract information related to the reception contractor 111 stored in the TPNC server 101 shown in FIG. 1 is shown in FIGS. 11 and 12 are schematic diagrams of distribution contract information related to the reception contractor 111 stored in the TPNC server 101 shown in FIG.
[0118]
FIG. 11 shows notation data, user ID, number of delivery settings, etc. for each user.
[0119]
In FIG. 11, the address is the place where the user resides, but this address may be the location of the client computer 112 at the same time. This is because the user's address and the location of the client computer 112 usually match. For example, as shown in FIG. 8, when “home” is set in the “base point” setting, the home address is set in “base point” in FIG. 11. Become. In addition, in FIG. 8, for example, when a home (other work place, shopping, etc. is assumed) is set, this is not used only for specifying an address, but the TPNC server 101 is used for a place of use. It is also used to specify Detailed description will be given later with reference to FIG.
[0120]
Further, FIG. 12 shows information on advertisement options, a base point related to advertisement information, an application area, and the like.
[0121]
Next, in step S <b> 408 of FIG. 4, the TPNC server 101 creates an electronic mail account dedicated to the reception contractor 111 in the TPNC server 101.
[0122]
Then, the TPNC server 101 transmits this electronic mail account information to the reception contractor 111.
[0123]
Further, the TPNC server 101 transmits an automatic reception program for transferring the electronic mail to the client computer 112 of the reception contractor 111 based on the electronic mail account.
[0124]
Next, in step S209, the TPNC server 101 transmits an electronic mail to the news server side based on the distribution information shown in FIG. 11 and the reception setting shown in FIG.
[0125]
For example, the TPNC server 101 transmits electronic mail to the distribution manager of the news server 121 managed by the A newspaper company or the distribution management system based on the distribution information shown in FIG. 11 and the reception setting shown in FIG. .
[0126]
The electronic mail in this example is an electronic mail that prompts the TPNC server 101 to distribute an article whose application area is World Wide and whose genre is political at 3 am.
[0127]
Similarly, the TPNC server 101 includes a news server 122 managed by B newspaper company, a news server 123 managed by C newspaper company, a news server 124 managed by D newspaper company, a news server 125 managed by E newspaper company, and an F newspaper. An electronic mail for urging article distribution to each news server 126 managed by the company is transmitted to the manager of each news server or the distribution management system.
[0128]
For example, the distribution manager of the news server 121 or the distribution management system that has received the electronic mail that prompts the distribution setting checks the overlap of the distribution condition list to be distributed to the TPNC server 101, and the application area and genre are newly distributed. If it is an item, it is added to the article distribution condition to the TPNC server 101.
[0129]
Although not shown in the figure here, the distribution information shown in FIG. 11 is not limited to one for one newspaper company, and there may be a plurality of distribution information.
[0130]
In this case, for each newspaper company, an electronic mail for urging article distribution under all conditions is transmitted to the manager of each news server or the distribution management system.
[0131]
Next, in the electronic newspaper system with an advertisement shown in FIG. 1, an operation of receiving and storing an article and an advertisement distributed by the TPNC server 101 will be described with reference to FIG. Of the processes in the flowchart shown in FIG. 13, the operations processed by the TPNC server 101 are processed by the CPU 1001 of the TPNC server 101 cooperating with the program.
[0132]
The articles and advertisements are articles distributed from the news servers 121 to 126 and advertisements distributed from the advertisement servers 131 to 133, respectively.
[0133]
13, the TPNC server 101 in the electronic newspaper system with an advertisement shown in FIG. 1 receives and stores articles distributed from the news servers 121 to 126 and advertisements distributed from the advertisement servers 131 to 133. It is a flowchart of operation | movement.
[0134]
First, in step S1301, the news servers 121 to 126 transmit articles to the TPNC server 101 based on the article distribution request transmitted from the TPNC server 101.
[0135]
For example, an article transmitted from the news server 121 is article data that is transmitted at 3 am and whose application area is World Wide and whose genre is politics.
[0136]
The article is transmitted to the TPNC server 101 by electronic mail according to the form shown in FIG. FIG. 14 is a schematic diagram of article data transmitted from the news server 121 shown in FIG. 1 to the TPNC server 101. Here, the “distribution intensity” shown in FIG. 14 is information attached to each content, and the distribution intensity set here and the distribution intensity set via FIG. 8 or FIG. TPNC server 101 determines whether or not to distribute the content.
[0137]
Similar to the news server 121, the news servers 122 to 126 also transmit article data to the TPNC server 101 by electronic mail.
[0138]
The TPNC server 101 receives the article transmitted from the news server.
[0139]
In step S1302, the TPNC server 101 checks electronic mail of article data transmitted from the news server at a predetermined time, for example, 4 am, and stores all article data in the article database.
[0140]
For example, the article data of the form shown in FIG. 14 is stored in the article database by the TPNC server 101 according to the form shown in FIG. FIG. 15 is a conceptual diagram when the TPNC server 101 shown in FIG. 1 stores article data.
[0141]
Next, in step S1303, the TPNC server 101 receives advertisement data.
[0142]
First, the advertisement servers 131 to 133 transmit update information to the TPNC server 101 based on the advertisement distribution request transmitted from the TPNC server 101.
[0143]
For example, the advertisement server 131 transmits update information to the TPNC server 101 according to the form shown in FIG. FIG. 16 is a schematic diagram of update information data transmitted from the advertisement server 131 shown in FIG. 1 to the TPNC server 101.
[0144]
When there is no advertisement information to be updated, the update information is transmitted to the TPNC server 101 in the form of non-update only the update flag, and when there is advertisement information to be updated, the update information is electronically transmitted. It is transmitted to the TPNC server 101 by mail.
[0145]
The TPNC server 101 checks the electronic mail of the advertisement data transmitted from the advertisement server at a predetermined time, for example, 4 am.
[0146]
Next, the TPNC server 101 determines whether there is advertisement data to be updated in step S1304.
[0147]
If there is data to be updated, the TPNC server 101 stores all the advertisement data to be updated in the advertisement database in step S1305.
[0148]
For example, the TPNC server 101 stores the advertisement data of the form shown in FIG. 16 in the database according to the form shown in FIG. 18 using the advertiser number of the advertiser database shown in FIG. FIG. 17 is a conceptual diagram of advertiser data stored in the database of the TPNC server 101 shown in FIG. 1, and FIG. 18 is a diagram showing a storage format of advertisement data in the database in the TPNC server 101 shown in FIG. FIG.
[0149]
Next, the operation when the TPNC server 101 shown in FIG. 1 distributes the article based on the contract contents of the reception contractor 111 to the client computer 112 of the reception contractor 111 will be described with reference to FIG. explain. FIG. 19 is a flowchart of an operation when the TPNC server 101 shown in FIG. 1 distributes an article based on the contract contents of the reception contractor 111 to the client computer 112 of the reception contractor 111. Also, operations in the flowchart shown in FIG. 19 are processed by the CPU 201 of the TPNC server 101 in cooperation with a program.
[0150]
In step S1901, the TPNC server 101 extracts articles (information) to be distributed from the article database according to predetermined conditions based on the distribution information of the reception contractor 111.
[0151]
As the predetermined condition, for example, the information distributor sets the distribution area (distribution area) of the information, and also sets the reception area of the information received by the user on the client computer 112 side. Can be included in the reception area (the reception area of the information set by the client).
[0152]
Note that the distribution area is included in the reception area means that the reception area is higher than the distribution area, for example, the distribution area is Chiyoda-ku and the reception area is Tokyo.
[0153]
The information regarding the delivery area corresponds to “application area” shown in FIG. 11, for example.
[0154]
In addition, as the predetermined condition, for example, the information type that is set in the client computer 112 and the information type that is set in the information stored in the TPNC server 101 matches or is received. The condition that the type of information to be transmitted is included in the type can be set.
[0155]
As the type of information set in the information stored in the TPNC server 101, for example, “genre” shown in FIG. Examples of this genre include politics, economy, society, life, lodging, and baseball, but other types (genres) can also be included.
[0156]
The type of information to be transmitted includes the type of information to be transmitted when the information to be received is “politics” and the type of information to be transmitted is the same as when the information to be transmitted is “prime” This is the case where the information type is higher.
[0157]
Further, as the predetermined condition, for example, when receiving information to be set in the client computer 112 and when transmitting information (also referred to as distribution) set in information stored in the TPNC server 101 It is possible to set a condition that the information transmission time is included when the received information is received.
[0158]
Here, the fact that the information transmission time is included in the reception of the information to be received is received when the date and time of the information to be received is January, when the date and time of the information to be transmitted is January 1. The date and time of information may be higher than the date and time of information to be transmitted.
[0159]
As a unit at the time of reception and transmission, any one of second, minute, hour, day, day of the week, week, month, and year can be used.
[0160]
The time of distribution of information set in the information stored in the TPNC server 101 is not shown in FIG. However, the distribution date and time related to the advertisement information is described in FIG. 12, and the same date and time as this distribution date and time can be set as the distribution time of the information set in the information stored in the TPNC server 101.
[0161]
Further, as the predetermined condition, for example, a condition is set such that the reception strength of information to be received set in the client computer 112 is equal to or higher than the distribution strength of information set in the information stored in the TPNC server 101 can do.
[0162]
As the reception strength of information set in the information stored in the TPNC server 101, for example, “reception strength” shown in FIG. For example, there are strong, medium, and weak reception strengths. When expressed in numerical values, the stronger the strength, the higher the numerical value. On the other hand, “distribution intensity” has, for example, strong, medium, and weak, and can be expressed as a numerical value that is smaller as the intensity is higher.
[0163]
By doing in this way, when the reception intensity is x and the distribution intensity is y, it can be expressed that the reception intensity x satisfies x ≧ y in the actually received information. Of course, the intensity classification is not limited to three levels, but may be other levels of intensity classification.
[0164]
Next, in step S1902, the TPNC server 101 determines the uniqueness of the receiving contractor 111 for each of the n articles managed from the original content code extracted in step S1901 from the first to the nth. 1 to n numbers (custom content codes) are assigned.
[0165]
The original content code in the present invention is a unique code that is assigned and managed by the content distributor for each content distributed to the TPNC server 101.
[0166]
Further, the custom content code in the present invention is a code issued by the TPNC server 101, including the original content code, and including one or more of the reception contractor code and the reception date and time, which is managed by the TPNC server 101 with a data address. The purpose is to make it easier for the receiving contractor to search for articles, and may be, for example, letters and symbols such as alphabets, and is not limited to numbers. By managing in this way, as will be described later, the receiving contractor can easily extract detailed information from the Web or the like when he / she wants to know details of content information printed on paper or the like by a printer. .
[0167]
Returning the description to the article extraction flow, the TPNC server 101 stores the assigned numbers 1 to n as custom content codes in the article number conversion table / log of the receiving contractor 111 in the receiving contractor information database. .
[0168]
Further, the TPNC server 101 assigns and stores the original content code of the article corresponding to each allocated custom content code in the article number conversion table / log of the reception contractor 111 in the reception contractor information database.
[0169]
FIG. 20 is a conversion table between the assigned custom content code and the original content code used in the electronic newspaper system with advertisement shown in FIG.
[0170]
This conversion table is created for each reception contractor and is held as distribution log information. According to this conversion table, for example, the article of the custom content code 1 is associated with the original content code 00-20000702-000103-0001.
[0171]
Further, at a preset time (for example, every day at 3 am), the TPNC server 101 searches and manages data addresses issued within a preset time (for example, after 3 am the previous day). Perform custom content code conversion. For example, a custom content code assigned to “1 to n” on July 1, 2000 is converted to “20000701001 to 20000701n” on July 2, 2000 at 3 am. Then, “1 to n” are newly assigned as the custom content codes to the latest articles distributed after 3 am on July 2, 2000. By performing this conversion, the subscriber can easily search for the latest article and at the same time search for the back number.
[0172]
Next, in step S1903, the TPNC server 101 determines whether the layout has an advertisement.
[0173]
If there is no advertisement, the TPNC server 101 lays out the custom content code assigned in step S1902 and the extracted article data corresponding to the custom content code in step S1904 based on the contract information of the reception contractor 111. I do.
[0174]
The layout method is not the gist of the present invention. However, for example, as a layout method, the technique described in the embodiment of “Electronic Newspaper Display Device and Electronic Newspaper Distribution System” described in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 09-062688, that is, a technique for displaying structured information, etc. Can be used.
[0175]
If the advertisement option is selected in step S1903, in step S1905, the TPNC server 101 obtains the number of advertisements that can be distributed from the advertisement layout ratio and the number of distributions.
[0176]
Next, in step S1906, the TPNC server 101 is an advertisement that satisfies a predetermined condition (predetermined condition for extracting advertisement information as a component of the present invention) for each of all advertisements in the advertisement database. It is determined whether or not there is a published advertisement candidate list.
[0177]
That is, as the predetermined condition, [Condition 1] The base address of the receiving contractor 111 (advertising base point designated by the client) is included in the distribution desired area (advertisement transmission range) of the advertiser. [Condition 2] Incoming contract [Condition 3] The desired genre (type of advertisement information) of the receiving contractor 111 is that the advertiser's base address (predetermined advertisement base point) is included in the distribution desired area (advertisement reception range) of the subscriber 111. [Condition 4] The base attribute of the receiving contractor 111 (the attribute of the advertising base point specified by the client) that matches or is included in the advertising genre (the type set in the advertising information) is the advertiser's distribution base point attribute (advertisement [Condition 5] The distribution date and time of the receiving contractor 111 (advertising) that matches or is included in the information) [Condition 5] The receiving strength of the receiving contractor 111 is equal to or higher than the distribution strength of the advertiser. [Condition 7] The user attribute (user attribute) of the receiving contractor 111 matches the distribution date and time (when the advertisement information is transmitted) of the advertiser. [Condition 8] Current advertisement distribution number + 1 that is equal to or included in the attribute (advertising information attribute set by the server), and that the advertisement data satisfying all the conditions that the advertisement distribution target customer number is less than or equal to In order to hold the extracted advertisement and the extracted advertisement, for example, the advertisement number and the distribution intensity are stored in the distribution candidate list.
[0178]
However, in the above description, advertisement information that satisfies all the above conditions is extracted. However, the present invention is not limited to such a case, and for example, some of the above conditions are arbitrarily selected and combined. Things can be a condition. Also, color priority, which will be described later, can be added as a condition.
[0179]
Here, the base attribute of the receiving contractor 111 is included in the distribution base point attribute of the advertiser. For example, when the base point attribute of the receiving contractor is an amusement park, the distribution base point attribute of the advertiser is a leisure destination. As in the case, the base attribute of the receiving contractor 111 is a subordinate concept of the advertiser's distribution base attribute.
[0180]
The distribution date and time of the reception contractor 111 is included in the distribution date and time of the advertiser, for example, when the reception time of the reception contractor 111 is January 1 and the distribution time of the advertiser is January. In some cases, the date and time of the information to be received is lower than the date and time of the information to be transmitted.
[0181]
The user attribute of the receiving contractor 111 is included in the distribution target user attribute of the advertiser. For example, the age 30 is set as the user attribute of the receiving contractor 111 and the age is set as the distribution target user attribute of the advertiser. Includes the case of setting 25-35 years old. Further, as the user attribute of the reception contractor 111 and the distribution target user attribute of the advertiser, for example, age, sex, birthplace, occupation, educational background, and the like can be raised.
[0182]
Here, the concept of [Condition 1] and [Condition 2] is shown in FIG. 22, and the concept of [Condition 5] is shown in FIG.
[0183]
21 and 22 are conceptual diagrams of conditions for extracting advertisement data in the electronic newspaper system with an advertisement shown in FIG. In FIG. 22, the star is the receiving subscriber's base address or the advertiser's base address.
[0184]
At this time, if each condition is set to “ALL”, this condition is skipped.
[0185]
It is also possible to set the advertiser's desired delivery area over the desired delivery area of the receiving subscriber. In this case, the condition of [Condition 2] is skipped.
[0186]
Further, as shown in FIG. 21 regarding the condition 5, the reception intensity of the advertisement information includes, for example, strong, medium, and weak, and when expressed by a numerical value, the numerical value can be increased as the intensity is increased. On the other hand, “distribution strength” has, for example, strong, medium, and weak, and when expressed in numerical values, the higher the strength, the smaller the numerical value.
[0187]
In this way, assuming that the reception intensity is x and the distribution intensity is y, the information that is actually received can be expressed as the reception intensity x satisfies x ≧ y. Of course, the intensity classification is not limited to three levels, but may be other levels of intensity classification.
[0188]
Next, in step S1907, when the number of advertisements in the distribution candidate list obtained in step S1906 is smaller than the number of deliverable cases, the TPNC server 101 determines the distribution candidate list as a distribution list, and determines the determined advertisement. The number of advertisement distribution actual customers in the database shown in FIG. 18 is updated.
[0189]
That is, the TPNC server 101 inputs a predetermined condition set in the advertisement information, and calculates the number of client computers 112 to which the advertisement information is transmitted.
[0190]
If the number of advertisements in the distribution candidate list obtained in step S1906 is greater than the number of deliverables, the TPNC server 101 assigns advertisement numbers corresponding to the number of deliverables in order from the advertisement with the highest desired reception strength of the reception contractor 111. The distribution list is determined, and the number of advertisement distribution actual customers in the determined advertisement database is updated.
[0191]
In step S1908, the TPNC server 101 performs layout arrangement based on the contract information of the reception contractor 111 for the article data extracted together with the custom content code assigned in step S1902.
[0192]
Further, the TPNC server 101 performs layout arrangement based on the contract information of the reception contractor 111 for the advertisement data extracted based on the distribution list obtained in step S1907.
[0193]
As the layout method, as described above, for example, the technology of the embodiment of “Electronic Newspaper Display Device and Electronic Newspaper Distribution System” described in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 09-062688, that is, structured information is displayed. Technology can be used.
[0194]
In step S1909, the TPNC server 101 creates a distribution data file to be distributed to the reception contractor 111 laid out in step S1904 or step S1908.
[0195]
Then, the TPNC server 101 determines whether to output color or monochrome output of the created distribution data file. 1 will be described with reference to FIG. 23 when the TPNC server 101 shown in FIG. 1 determines the output of either color or monochrome of the distribution data based on the contract contents of the reception contractor 111. FIG. 23 is a flowchart of an operation performed when the TPNC server 101 shown in FIG. 1 determines either color or monochrome output of distribution data based on the contract contents of the reception contractor 111. Of the processes in the flowchart shown in FIG. 23, the operations processed by the TPNC server 101 are processed by the CPU 201 of the TPNC server 101 cooperating with the program.
[0196]
First, in step S2301, the TPNC server 101 extracts distribution article data of the distribution data file created in step S1909 of FIG.
[0197]
Next, in step S2302, the TPNC server 101 sets the integer N corresponding to the custom content codes with numbers 1 to n assigned uniquely to the receiving contractor 111 to the respective distribution article data from the first to the nth distribution N. Set to = 0.
[0198]
Next, in step S2303, the TPNC server 101 adds 1 to the integer N and sets it to N + 1.
[0199]
In step S2304, the TPNC server 101 selects distribution article data of a custom content code corresponding to the integer N set in step S2303.
[0200]
In step S2305, the TPNC server 101 determines whether the distribution article data selected in step S2304 is in color.
[0201]
When the distribution article data is monochrome instead of color, the TPNC server 101 goes to step S2308, and the integer N is equal to the number of distribution articles M corresponding to the number of articles n to which the custom content code is assigned. It is determined whether (N = M). If N = M, the process is terminated as it is, and if N is not equal to M, the process returns to step S2303.
[0202]
If color output is selected for the distribution article data selected in step S2305, in step S2306, the TPNC server 101 determines whether the condition for the article distribution of the distribution article data selected in step S2305 is color output. .
[0203]
As a condition for determining either color or monochrome output of the selected distribution article data, for example, the color desirability of information to be received set in the client computer 112 is the distribution article data stored in the TPNC server 101. It is possible to set a condition for color output when the color priority is higher than the set information color priority. In this case, when the color desired level is less than the color priority level, monochrome output is performed.
[0204]
As the color desirability of information set in the information stored in the TPNC server 101, “color desirability” set as the subscription setting of the reception contractor 111, for example, similarly to the reception intensity of FIG. To do. As shown in FIG. 24, there are A, B, and C, for example, as the color desirability, and when expressed in numerical values, the numerical values can be assumed to increase as they go in alphabetical order. Contrary to this, for example, the “color priority” set for each of the data of the distribution articles 1 to 6 in FIG. 11 is, for example, many, ordinary, and small as shown in FIG. The higher the priority, the smaller the numerical value. The “color desired degree” is set in addition to the form of FIG. 8, and the “color priority” is previously added to the advertisement data of FIG.
[0205]
By doing so, the TPNC server 101 assumes that the desired color value α is α and the color priority value β is β, and the desired color value α satisfies α ≧ β in the information that is actually received. Sometimes it can be determined that color is output. Of course, the frequency classification is not limited to the three-stage frequency classification, and may be a frequency classification of another number of stages.
[0206]
If it is determined in step S2306 that the color output condition is satisfied, the process goes to step S2308, where the integer N is equal to the number of distribution articles M corresponding to the number of articles n to which the custom content code is assigned (N = M). Judgment is made. If N = M, the process is terminated as it is, and if N is not equal to M, the process returns to step S2303.
[0207]
If it is determined in step S2306 that the color output condition is not satisfied and the output is monochrome, the process goes to step S2307, and the TPNC server 101 converts the color article data into monochrome article data. The data-converted monochrome distribution article data is updated and registered in the distribution data file.
[0208]
After the monochrome data conversion, the process goes to step S2308 to determine whether the integer N is equal to the number of distribution articles M corresponding to the number n of articles assigned with the custom content code (N = M). If N = M, the process is terminated as it is, and if N is not equal to M, the process returns to step S2303.
[0209]
Further, the color / monochrome output determination of the distribution data file has been described for the distribution article data, but the same holds true for the advertisement data of the distribution data file. For example, in step S2302 of FIG. 23, the processing of the flowchart of FIG. 23 can be performed by associating the advertisement data in the order determined in the distribution list as the integer N. However, in the present embodiment, as will be described later, since the amount of consumption of the consumables (toner) consumed in the print output is returned for the advertisement, as requested by the advertiser or the receiving contractor 111 As long as the advertisement condition is satisfied, the color advertisement data is output in color.
[0210]
Then, the TPNC server 101 sends the distribution data file for which the color / monochrome output decision has been made as described above in the form of an attached file in the spooler of the electronic mail account dedicated to the receiving contractor 111 in the TPNC server 101. Deploy. Hereinafter, the description will return to the flowchart shown in FIG.
[0211]
In step S1910 of FIG. 19, the automatic reception program installed in the hard disk of the client computer 112 used by the reception contractor 111 is the client computer 112 used by the reception contractor 111 and the printer at a set time, for example, 5:00 am. 113 is started.
[0212]
Then, the automatic reception program receives the distribution data file spooled in the electronic mail account dedicated to the reception contractor 111 in the TPNC server 101 as an electronic mail.
[0213]
Then, the automatic reception program extracts the attached distribution data file from the received electronic mail and outputs it to the printer 113.
[0214]
As described above, according to the present embodiment, the TPNC server 101 selects, edits, and transmits the article or advertisement to be distributed according to the location or preference arbitrarily set by the receiving contractor to the receiving contractor 111. Can do.
[0215]
Therefore, the receiving contractor 111 can obtain articles and advertisements that match his / her wishes, and the advertiser can make an advertisement to a more appropriate and effective receiving contractor.
[0216]
In addition, the receiving contractor 111 can set color / monochrome output of articles and advertisements in accordance with his / her wishes, and the distribution data amount and the printing cost at the time of printing have been distributed as requested by the distributor. There is no end.
[0217]
Here, in this embodiment, when the distribution data in which the distribution data of the distribution data file is laid out for each page is printed out by the printer 113 connected to the client computer 112, the advertisement is also printed. In order to prevent the printing cost of the consumables accompanying printing (here, toner is taken as an example. In addition to toner, ink or the like can also be applied) from the receiving contractor 111, printing of a distribution advertisement is performed. The return amount based on the toner consumption amount used for the calculation is calculated, and the return amount is subtracted from the subscription fee of the reception contractor 111. The return amount deducted from the subscription fee of the receiving contractor 111 is charged by the TPNC server 101 to the advertiser.
[0218]
It should be noted that the TPNC server 101 sends the return amount information to the advertiser without the TPNC server 101 mediating the return amount, and the advertiser sends the return amount directly to the receiving contractor 111. It may be.
[0219]
When the return amount is returned, when printing is output by the printer 113 connected to the client computer 112, the TPNC server 101 shown in FIG. 1 returns based on the toner consumption amount used for printing the distribution advertisement in the printer 113. The operation when calculating the amount will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 25 is a flowchart of an operation when the TPNC server 101 shown in FIG. 1 calculates the return amount based on the toner consumption amount used for printing the distribution advertisement in the printer 113.
[0220]
In step S2501, the TPNC server 101 extracts a distribution advertisement from the distribution data file created in step S1909 of FIG. The distribution data file used here is distribution data after color / monochrome output determination is made according to the flowchart of FIG.
[0221]
Next, in step S2502, the TPNC server 101 initializes the respective variables of the posted advertisement counter N and the estimated toner consumption amount X, and sets N = 0 and X = 0. Here, the posted advertisement counter N corresponds to the distribution advertisement in the order determined in the distribution list.
[0222]
Next, in step S2503, the TPNC server 101 adds 1 to the posted advertisement counter N and sets it to N + 1.
[0223]
In step S2504, the TPNC server 101 calculates how many times the printed area after layout of the distribution advertisement corresponding to the posted advertisement counter N set in step S2503 is a unit area.
[0224]
Next, in step S2505, the TPNC server 101 extracts the print printer name and the image mode from the distribution contract information shown in FIG. 11 of the stored customer database, and determines the toner consumption amount per unit area. The toner consumption amount per unit area can be determined if the printer name and the image mode are known by using printer information for each type of printer shown in FIG. In FIG. 26, when the printer name is LBP-1000 and the image mode is standard, it can be seen that the toner consumption per unit area, the character 2 pico-g, and the image data 20 pico-g.
[0225]
Next, in step S2506, the TPNC server 101 integrates the toner consumption amount per unit area determined in step S2505 by multiplying the print area after the layout of the distribution advertisement calculated in step S2504 by a value several times the unit area. Then, the value of the estimated toner consumption coefficient X (N) is calculated.
[0226]
The value of the estimated toner consumption coefficient X (N) is calculated by, for example, expanding the print area after the layout of the distribution advertisement in the bitmap as in the technique described in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 07-329404. The number of dots for each color of the toner to be used can be counted, and the cumulative number of dots can be added to the toner consumption per dot.
[0227]
In step S2507, the TPNC server 101 adds the estimated toner consumption amount X (N) calculated in step S2506 to the estimated toner consumption amount accumulated X and sets it to X + X (N).
[0228]
In step S2508, it is determined whether the posted advertisement counter N is equal to the number of posted advertisements extracted from the distribution data file (N = number of posted advertisements). If N = the number of posted advertisements, the process goes to step S2509. If N is not equal to the number of posted advertisements, the process returns to step S2503.
[0229]
In step S2509, the TPNC server 101 calculates a return amount. The amount of return is calculated by adding the toner unit price per subscriber of the receiving contractor 111 to the estimated toner consumption total X calculated in step S2507.
[0230]
As described above, according to the present embodiment, the return amount based on the toner consumption amount used for printing the distribution advertisement is calculated, and the return amount is subtracted from the subscription fee of the reception contractor 111. It is possible to prevent the printing cost of the product from becoming a burden on the receiving contractor 111 and to eliminate one factor that the receiving contractor does not want to advertise.
[0231]
Further, in the present embodiment, when the printer 113 connected to the client computer 112 prints out only the distribution content of the distribution data file, in particular, a consumable cartridge for printing (here, toner is used as a consumable). Therefore, the TPNC server 101 notifies the reception contractor 111 of the replacement timing of the toner cartridge, and the cartridge can be applied to a cartridge containing other consumables such as an ink cartridge. ing.
[0232]
In the case of prompting the replacement of the toner cartridge, when printing is output by the printer 113 connected to the client computer 112, the total amount of toner consumption used by the TPNC server 101 shown in FIG. The operation when performing the calculation will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 27 is a flowchart of the operation when the TPNC server 101 shown in FIG. 1 calculates the total amount of toner consumption used for printing the distribution data file for each distribution.
[0233]
In step S2701, the TPNC server 101 extracts distribution contents for each page in which articles and advertisements are laid out from the distribution data file created in step S1909 of FIG. The distribution data file used here is distribution data after color / monochrome output determination is made according to the flowchart of FIG.
[0234]
Next, in step S2702, the TPNC server 101 initializes the variables of the posted content counter N and the estimated toner consumption amount X, and sets N = 0 and X = 0. Here, the distribution content corresponds to the posted content counter N in the distribution page order.
[0235]
Next, in step S2703, the TPNC server 101 adds 1 to the posted content counter N and sets it to N + 1.
[0236]
In step S2704, the TPNC server 101 calculates how many times the printed area after layout of the distribution content corresponding to the posted content counter N set in step S2703 is a unit area.
[0237]
In step S2705, the TPNC server 101 extracts the print printer name and the image mode from the distribution contract information shown in FIG. 11 of the stored customer database, and determines the toner consumption amount per unit area. The toner consumption per unit area can be determined if the printer name and the image mode are known by using the printer information shown in FIG. 26 stored in the TPNC server 101.
[0238]
Next, in step 2706, the TPNC server 101 integrates the toner consumption amount per unit area determined in step S2705 by the print area after layout of the distribution content calculated in step S2704, which is several times the unit area. Then, the value of the estimated toner consumption coefficient X (N) is calculated.
[0239]
Note that the value of the estimated toner consumption coefficient X (N) is calculated by, for example, expanding the printing area after the layout of the distribution content once in the bitmap as in the technique described in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 07-329404. The number of dots for each color of the toner to be used can be counted, and the cumulative number of dots can be added to the toner consumption per dot.
[0240]
In step S2707, the TPNC server 101 adds the estimated toner consumption amount X (N) calculated in step S2706 to the estimated toner consumption amount X and sets it to X + X (N).
[0241]
In step S2708, it is determined whether the posted content counter N is equal to the number of posted contents of the distributed content extracted from the distribution data file (N = number of posted contents). If N = the number of posted contents, the estimated toner consumption cumulative amount X in this distribution is stored and this process is terminated. If N is not equal to the number of posted contents, the process returns to step S2703.
[0242]
Next, when prompting the replacement of the toner cartridge, the operation when the TPNC server 101 shown in FIG. 1 notifies the replacement timing of the toner cartridge after the calculation of the estimated toner consumption amount X will be described with reference to FIG. I will explain. FIG. 28 is a flowchart of the operation when the TPNC server 101 shown in FIG. 1 notifies the replacement timing of the toner cartridge after the calculation of the estimated toner consumption total X after following the flowchart of FIG.
[0243]
In step S2801, the TPNC server 101 obtains the previous order date / time of the toner cartridge after calculating the estimated toner consumption total amount X. The previous order date / time is registered in the toner cartridge information stored in the TPNC server 101.
[0244]
In step S2802, the TPNC server 101 calculates a toner consumption amount C. The toner consumption amount C is calculated by accumulating the estimated toner consumption total amount X for each distribution calculated in the flowchart of FIG. 27 from the previous order date / hour.
[0245]
In step S2803, the TPNC server 101 determines whether the toner consumption amount C is equal to or greater than the standard usable amount of the toner cartridge, that is, whether the standard life has been reached. The standard usable amount of the toner cartridge is registered in the toner cartridge information stored in the TPNC server 101. Here, the standard life in the present embodiment is, for example, the number of sheets that can be output in the case of standard use with one cartridge in the case of a toner cartridge, and the number of sheets of paper to be purchased in the case of paper. (In many cases, 500 sheets) or the number of paper boxes to be purchased (in many cases, 2500 sheets). In other words, the length of time until the operation of exchanging or replenishing, replacing or replenishing, and purchasing the next is called the standard life.
[0246]
If it is determined in step S2803 that the toner consumption amount C is not greater than the standard usable amount, the processing ends.
[0247]
If the toner consumption amount C is equal to or larger than the standard usable amount in step S2803, the process goes to step S2804, and the TPNC server 101 notifies the reception contractor 111 of the replacement timing of the toner cartridge. The notification of the replacement timing of the toner cartridge is performed by transmitting notification screen data for notifying the replacement timing of the toner cartridge to the client computer 112 used by the reception contractor 111 simultaneously with the transmission of the distribution data file.
[0248]
At the same time as the delivery of the distribution data file, only notification of the toner cartridge replacement time is given. The notification screen data is a content that can be logged in by the reception contractor 111 on the client computer 112 and the reception contractor 111 on the TPNC server 101. It may be transmitted after accessing a management site such as a contract.
[0249]
After being notified of the toner cartridge replacement time, the reception contractor 111 can confirm on the client computer 112 that the toner cartridge replacement time is approaching, for example, on a notification screen as shown in FIG. . FIG. 29A is a schematic diagram of a toner cartridge replacement time notification screen displayed on the screen of the client computer 112 notified from the TPNC server 101 shown in FIG.
[0250]
In the toner cartridge replacement time notification screen of FIG. 29A, not only the replacement time is notified, but also by clicking the Yes button 2901 on the screen for ordering the toner cartridge, the replacement toner cartridge is delivered. You can move to the delivery form screen. The delivery form data is included in the notification screen data transmitted from the TPNC server 101. If the user does not wish to order a toner cartridge and clicks the No button 2902 on the toner cartridge replacement time notification screen in FIG. 29A, this screen disappears, but is displayed again after a certain time.
[0251]
For example, as shown in FIG. 29B, the delivery form has a format that prompts the reception contractor 111 to input first and second desired delivery dates and times for the purchased toner cartridge. FIG. 29B is a schematic diagram of a delivery form screen displayed on the screen of the client computer 112 that has shifted from the toner cartridge replacement time notification screen.
[0252]
The reception contractor 111 inputs the data necessary for the delivery form shown in FIG. 29B and the data of the first and second desired delivery dates and clicks the send button 2903 on the client computer 112 and clicks on the TPNC server 101. Send to.
[0253]
The TPNC server 101 adjusts the delivery date based on the received first and second desired delivery date data. If the adjustment can be made, the TPNC server 101 transmits the delivery date data to the client computer 112.
[0254]
As shown in FIG. 30, for example, the screen for displaying the delivery date data notifies the delivery date and time, and can be determined and changed at the notified delivery date and time. When an OK button 3001 is clicked, the client computer 112 transmits to the TPNC server 101 that it is determined based on the notified delivery date and time. When the change button 3002 is clicked, the screen returns to the delivery form screen shown in FIG. 29B, and the first and second desired delivery dates are input again.
[0255]
As described above, according to the present embodiment, when the printer 113 prints out only the distribution data file, the TPNC server 101 notifies the reception contractor 111 of the replacement timing of the toner cartridge accompanying printing, Since the user is urged to replace the toner cartridge, the reception contractor 111 can easily manage the replacement timing of the toner cartridge.
[0256]
In addition, after the toner cartridge replacement timing is notified, the toner cartridge can be ordered to the TPNC server 101 and determined until the delivery date, so that the reception contractor 111 can go out to buy or call to replace the toner cartridge. And the trouble of ordering on the Internet.
[0257]
In this embodiment, the reception contractor 111 can refer to the detailed article more easily by using the assigned custom content code after the delivery content is output.
[0258]
The operation of referring to the detailed article using the custom content code will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 31 is a flowchart of an operation for referring to a detailed article using the custom content code of the electronic newspaper system with advertisement according to the present invention. In addition, in the processing of the flowchart shown in FIG. 31, the operation processed by the TPNC server 101 is processed by the CPU 201 of the TPNC server 101 cooperating with the program.
[0259]
When the TPNC server 101 receives a predetermined URL (uniform resource locator) as a server site address from the client computer 112 of the reception contractor 111, the TPNC server 101 receives data prompting the user ID and password to be input. Send to.
[0260]
The predetermined URL includes, for example, a URL dedicated to article reference from the reception contractor 111 and a URL obtained by adding a character string of a custom content code to the end.
[0261]
As an example of such a URL, a URL dedicated to article reference is http: // www. × △△△. If the custom content code of the reference article is 2, http: // www. × △△△. There is a URL that takes the form jp / 2.
[0262]
The predetermined URL as described above is created by the client computer 112.
[0263]
That is, when the reception contractor inputs a custom content code (for example, 2), the client computer 112 creates a URL dedicated to article reference (for example, http: //www.×ΔΔΔ.jp/2).
[0264]
Then, the browser of the client computer 112 accesses the file of the TPNC server 101 indicated by the created URL.
[0265]
Accordingly, the receiving contractor 111 generally does not need to input a URL consisting of several tens of characters, and can access a desired site only by inputting a custom content code.
[0266]
Next, as a user authentication operation, the TPNC server 101 receives a user ID and a password from the reception contractor 111 (user authentication).
[0267]
Then, the TPNC server 101 compares the registered reception contractor 111 with the database.
[0268]
If the TPNC server 101 is illegal received data, the operation ends.
[0269]
If the received data is valid, the TPNC server 101 acquires the custom content code from the URL to which the custom content code is added at the end. In this case, it is 2.
[0270]
Then, based on the user ID and the custom content code (2), the TPNC server 101 extracts the latest distributed / output article history in the item of the reception contractor 111 from the registered reception contractor 111 database.
[0271]
That is, since the original content corresponding to the custom content code is uniquely determined for each reception contractor 111, the reception contractor 111 can extract the original content using the custom content code.
[0272]
Then, the TPNC server 101 transmits the original content data corresponding to the custom content code in the article history to the reception contractor 111.
[0273]
In this manner, the reception contractor 111 can easily access the detailed article of the desired article by using the custom content code.
[0274]
In the embodiment described above, there is no association between articles in articles distributed from the news server and stored in the TPNC server 101.
[0275]
However, if there is an association with an article distributed in the past, the associated distribution data may be in the article data format described in the article data.
[0276]
Here, an example will be described in which, when there is a relationship with an article distributed in the past, the related distribution data is in the article data format described in the article data.
[0277]
For example, as shown in FIG. 32, an article data format including items related to related articles is distributed from the news server to the TPNC server 101. FIG. 32 is a conceptual diagram of an article data format to which items related items distributed from the news server to the TPNC server 101 are added in the first embodiment of the electronic newspaper system with advertisement according to the present invention.
[0278]
In FIG. 32, the number of related articles 3201 corresponding to the distribution source number 121, the first related article information 3202, and the second related article information 3203 are described. Of course, the number of related articles is not limited to two as shown in FIG. 32, and may be any other number.
[0279]
The TPNC server 101 builds an article in a format in which items related to the distributed related articles are added.
[0280]
Then, the TPNC server 101 distributes article data including items related to related articles to the reception contractor 111.
[0281]
The operation of an example in which related distribution data is described in the article data when there is an association with an article distributed in the past will be further described with reference to FIG. First, the reception contractor accesses the self-dedicated site from his / her client computer 112 ((a) of FIG. 33). Each item is listed as a menu on this dedicated site. FIG. 33 is a schematic view of a screen displayed on the client computer 112 in the first embodiment of the electronic newspaper system with advertisement according to the present invention.
[0282]
Then, the desired content (information) is accessed using the technique described in the operation of referring to the detailed article using the above-described custom content code. Hereinafter, the access operation by the technique of referring to the detailed article using the above-described custom content code will be described again.
[0283]
In other words, “Customer House Dissolution” is assigned custom content code 1, “XX Company Profit” is assigned custom content code 2, “Human Genome Decoding Complete” is assigned custom content code 3, and “Tokyo Custom content code 4 is assigned to “Recording heavy rain”.
[0284]
Therefore, the receiving contractor who wishes to investigate “completion of human genome decoding” in more detail inputs the custom content code 3.
[0285]
Then, the client computer 112 accesses the TPNC server 101 with a URL obtained by adding 3 to the URL of the site shown in FIG.
[0286]
When the TPNC server 101 receives the URL to which the custom content code 3 is added, the TPNC server 101 authenticates the user (receiving contractor).
[0287]
If the user authentication result shows that the user is a valid user, the TPNC server 101 transmits detailed information of information specified by the custom content code to the client computer 112. The above is the operation of the part that refers to the detailed article using the above-mentioned custom content code.
[0288]
In this example, the related information is posted in the transmitted information.
[0289]
That is, in the information received by the client computer 112, for example, as shown in FIG. 33 (b), not only the article “Human genome decoding completed” but also “Press conference video”, “Past related articles”, “ Links to related articles such as “Ministry of Health and Welfare hp (homepage)”, “Expert comments”, and “in-house hp” are provided. Therefore, the user can easily access related articles.
[0290]
Therefore, in this example, not only can the desired information be obtained appropriately, but also the information related to the information can be obtained in a formula.
[0291]
Here, in the present embodiment described above, the advertisement option only pays a part of the subscription fee of the reception contractor 111 by the advertisement.
[0292]
However, depending on the output layout conditions of the receiving contractor 111 to the output printer 113, for example, the paper size, the maximum number of output paper sheets, the color ratio, etc., the advertisement burden is not only part of the subscription fee but also received. For example, it is possible to expand to additional services related to the printer 113 of the contractor 111 such as provision of a predetermined number of consumables such as toner, ink, and paper, discount sales of consumables, and provision of money and securities.
[0293]
Furthermore, the reception strength related to the advertisement information shown in FIG. 12 may be changed in accordance with the response to the advertisement of the reception contractor 111, for example, the access history to the link destination URL of the advertisement.
[0294]
In other words, the TPNC server 101 records an access log that is information related to access from the reception contractor 111 to the TPNC server 101. When the information recorded in the access log becomes predetermined information, the TPNC server 101 includes advertisement information. Change the set conditions.
[0295]
For example, if the reception intensity is not strong because the number of accesses to the link destination URL exceeds 20, it is changed to strong.
[0296]
However, the condition to be changed according to the access history is not limited to the reception intensity, and the distribution intensity and other conditions can be arbitrarily changed as necessary.
[0297]
Therefore, according to this example, it is possible to provide a service more suitable for the user's needs.
[0298]
(Second Embodiment)
Next, a second embodiment of the content distribution system according to the present invention will be described. The present invention is not limited to the first embodiment described above. This embodiment will also be described by taking an electronic newspaper system with an advertisement as an example.
[0299]
The configuration of the present embodiment, the structure of the TPNC server 101, the client computer 112, the news server, the advertisement server, and the like are the same as those in the first embodiment.
[0300]
Further, this embodiment is the same as the operation of the first electronic newspaper system with advertisement described above, except for the operation of the portion described below. Therefore, in the following description, differences from the above-described first embodiment will be described.
[0301]
In the first embodiment described above, the notification of the replacement timing of the toner cartridge is calculated from the amount of toner consumed for printing the distribution data file.
[0302]
However, if the remaining amount of toner information is transmitted from the printer 113, the printer 113 is not limited to the case where only the distribution data file is printed out by the printer 113. Can be managed.
[0303]
The operation when notifying the remaining amount of toner from the printer 113 to the TPNC server 101 when prompting the replacement of the toner cartridge will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 34 is a flowchart showing data transmission / reception among the three parties of the TPNC server 101, the client computer 112, and the printer 113.
[0304]
As shown in FIG. 34, when the client computer 112 receives distribution data (electronic mail distribution data file) from the TPNC server 101, the remaining toner amount P is transmitted from the client computer 112 to the TPNC server 101.
[0305]
When the distribution data is transmitted from the client computer 112 to the printer 113 and the print output is executed, the remaining toner amount P after the print output is executed is transmitted from the printer 113 to the client computer 112.
[0306]
That is, the toner remaining amount P1 shown in FIG. 34 will be described as an example. After execution of print output of the distribution data 0 by the printer 113 on M month N, the printer 113 detects the toner remaining amount P1. The remaining amount of toner P1 of the printer 113 can be detected by detecting it with a toner sensor as described in JP-A-08-339274, for example.
[0307]
Then, after executing the print output, the detected toner remaining amount P1 is transmitted to the client computer 112, and the client computer 112 stores the toner remaining amount P1.
[0308]
Next, when the distribution data 1 is transmitted from the TPNC server 101 to the client computer 112 on M month N + 1, information on the remaining toner amount P1 stored in the client computer 112 is transmitted to the TPNC server 101.
[0309]
As described above, the remaining toner amount P is detected by the printer 113 after the delivery data is printed out, and the TPNC server 101 receives the remaining toner amount P data from the client computer 112 during the next delivery of delivery data.
[0310]
Next, the operation when the TPNC server 101 shown in FIG. 1 notifies the replacement timing of the toner cartridge after receiving the remaining amount of toner P when prompting the replacement of the toner cartridge will be described with reference to FIG. To do. FIG. 35 is a flowchart of the operation when the TPNC server 101 shown in FIG. 1 notifies the replacement timing of the toner cartridge after receiving the remaining toner amount P transmitted according to the flowchart of FIG.
[0311]
In step S3501, the TPNC server 101 obtains the previous toner remaining amount R of the toner cartridge. The previous toner remaining amount R is registered in the toner cartridge information stored in the TPNC server 101.
[0312]
In step S3502, the TPNC server 101 updates the remaining toner amount R to the value of the received remaining toner amount P after receiving the remaining toner amount P transmitted according to the flowchart of FIG.
[0313]
In step S3503, the TPNC server 101 determines whether the toner remaining amount R is equal to or less than the toner minimum remaining amount of the toner cartridge. The toner minimum remaining amount set as the cartridge usage limit of the toner cartridge is registered in the toner cartridge information stored in the TPNC server 101.
[0314]
If it is determined in step S3503 that the toner remaining amount R is not equal to or less than the toner minimum remaining amount, the process ends.
[0315]
If it is determined in step S3503 that the remaining toner amount R is equal to or less than the minimum toner amount, the process proceeds to step S3504, and the TPNC server 101 notifies the reception contractor 111 of the replacement timing of the toner cartridge. The notification of the replacement timing of the toner cartridge can be performed in the same manner as in the first embodiment.
[0316]
Therefore, in the present embodiment, since the TPNC server 101 obtains the remaining amount of toner from the printer 113, it is possible to obtain the same effect as that of the first embodiment of the electronic newspaper system with advertisement according to the present invention described above. Since the accuracy of the remaining amount of toner to be detected is good, it is possible to accurately determine the replacement time. In addition, the printer 113 is not limited to printing out only the distribution data file, and the printer 113 is used for other output. However, it is possible to manage the replacement timing of the toner cartridge.
[0317]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, according to the present invention, it is possible to provide online article transmission that enables detailed settings for different needs of each customer.
[0318]
Further, from the custom content code, it is possible to easily provide further information such as related articles regarding the original article by the unique code of the receiving contractor.
[0319]
Further, when the user accesses the link to the advertisement, a service such as a discount on the subscription fee can be easily provided.
[0320]
Moreover, since the extraction conditions of information and advertisement information are changed based on the access log, it is possible to transmit information more in line with user preferences and advertiser intentions.
[0321]
In the case of printing, the printing cost of consumables (toner, ink, etc.) associated with the printing of the advertisement is not borne by the subscriber and can be returned from the advertiser.
[0322]
In addition, management of the replacement time of the consumable cartridge (toner cartridge, ink cartridge, etc.) of the printer used for printing can be confirmed at the time of reception.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of an electronic newspaper system with an advertisement according to a first embodiment.
FIG. 2 is an internal block diagram of a TPNC server 101 used in the electronic newspaper system with an advertisement shown in FIG.
FIG. 3 is an operation concept diagram of the electronic newspaper system with advertisement shown in FIG. 1;
4 is a flowchart of an operation when the client computer 112 of the reception contractor 111 makes a reception contract with the TPNC server 101 in the electronic newspaper system with an advertisement shown in FIG.
5 is a schematic diagram of a new registration screen displayed on the screen of the client computer 112 based on an instruction from the TPNC server 101 shown in FIG.
6 is a schematic diagram of a password input screen for registration confirmation transmitted from the client computer 112 shown in FIG. 1 to the TPNC server 101. FIG.
7 is a schematic diagram of a contract information input screen displayed on the screen of the client computer 112 based on an instruction from the TPNC server 101 shown in FIG. 1. FIG.
8 is a schematic diagram of a contract information input screen displayed on the screen of the client computer 112 based on an instruction from the TPNC server 101 shown in FIG.
9 is a schematic diagram of a contract information input screen displayed on the screen of the client computer 112 based on an instruction from the TPNC server 101 shown in FIG.
10 is a schematic diagram of an information input screen such as a reception condition for an advertisement layout displayed on the screen of the client computer 112 based on an instruction from the TPNC server 101 shown in FIG.
11 is a schematic diagram of distribution contract information related to a reception contractor 111 stored in the TPNC server 101 shown in FIG.
12 is a schematic diagram of distribution contract information related to a reception contractor 111 stored in the TPNC server 101 shown in FIG. 1. FIG.
13 receives and stores articles distributed from news servers 121 to 126 and advertisements distributed from advertisement servers 131 to 133 in the electronic newspaper system with advertisement shown in FIG. It is a flowchart of operation | movement.
14 is a schematic diagram of article data transmitted from the news server 121 shown in FIG. 1 to the TPNC server 101. FIG.
FIG. 15 is a conceptual diagram when the TPNC server 101 shown in FIG. 1 stores article data.
16 is a schematic diagram of update information data transmitted from the advertisement server 131 shown in FIG. 1 to the TPNC server 101. FIG.
17 is a conceptual diagram of advertiser data stored in the database of the TPNC server 101 shown in FIG. 1. FIG.
18 is a schematic diagram of a format for storing advertisement data in a database in the TPNC server 101 shown in FIG. 1. FIG.
FIG. 19 is a flowchart of an operation when the TPNC server 101 shown in FIG. 1 distributes an article based on the contract contents of the reception contractor 111 to the client computer 112 of the reception contractor 111;
20 is a conversion table between an assigned custom content code and an original content code used in the electronic newspaper system with an advertisement shown in FIG. 1. FIG.
FIG. 21 is a conceptual diagram of conditions when extracting advertisement data in the electronic newspaper system with an advertisement shown in FIG. 1;
22 is a conceptual diagram of conditions when extracting advertisement data in the electronic newspaper system with an advertisement shown in FIG. 1. FIG.
23 is a flowchart of an operation when the TPNC server 101 shown in FIG. 1 determines either color or monochrome output of distribution data based on the contract contents of the reception contractor 111. FIG.
FIG. 24 is a conceptual diagram of conditions when determining either color or monochrome output of distribution data in the electronic newspaper system with advertisement shown in FIG. 1;
25 is a flowchart of an operation when the TPNC server 101 shown in FIG. 1 calculates a return amount based on a toner consumption amount used for printing a distribution advertisement in the printer 113. FIG.
FIG. 26 is a schematic diagram of printer information data for each printer type of the TPNC server 101 shown in FIG. 1;
FIG. 27 is a flowchart of an operation when the TPNC server 101 shown in FIG. 1 calculates the total amount of toner consumption used for printing a distribution data file for each distribution.
28 is a flowchart of the operation when the TPNC server 101 shown in FIG. 1 notifies the replacement timing of the toner cartridge after calculating the estimated toner consumption total X after following the flowchart of FIG.
FIG. 29A is a schematic diagram of a toner cartridge replacement time notification screen, and FIG. 29B is a schematic diagram of a delivery form screen.
FIG. 30 is a schematic diagram of a screen displaying delivery date data.
FIG. 31 is a flowchart of an operation for referring to a detailed article using a custom content code.
FIG. 32 is a conceptual diagram of an article data format to which items relating to related articles distributed from the news server to the TPNC server 101 are added.
33 is a schematic diagram of a screen displayed on the client computer 112. FIG.
FIG. 34 is a flowchart showing data transmission / reception among the three parties of the TPNC server 101, the client computer 112, and the printer 113 in the electronic newspaper system with advertisement according to the second embodiment.
35 is a flowchart of the operation when the TPNC server 101 shown in FIG. 1 notifies the replacement timing of the toner cartridge after receiving the remaining toner amount P transmitted according to the flowchart of FIG. 34.
[Explanation of symbols]
101 TPNC server
111 Subscribers
112 Client computer
113 Printer
121, 122, 123, 124, 125, 126 News server
131, 132, 133 Advertising server
201 CPU
202 Input device
203 Main memory
204 Output device
205 Auxiliary storage device
206 Clock device
207 Controller
208 arithmetic unit
209 communication device
3201 Related Articles
3202 Information on the first related article
3203 Information on second related article

Claims (19)

The first content is received from the first distributor 's news server and / or the second content is received from the second distributor 's advertising server , and part or all of the received content is received via the Internet. In a content distribution system comprising at least one server that is redistributed to
The first content includes content for which the redistributor is obligated to pay the first distributor for the distribution,
The second content includes content in which the redistributor has the right to collect the consideration from the second distributor by redistributing to the receiving contractor,
The server
A distribution strength having at least three levels for each content type set by the distributor and a desired reception strength having at least three levels for each content type set by the receiving contractor; Determining means for determining whether to perform the re-distribution by a combination;
A communication device that redistributes content to a client of a reception contractor based on the determination by the determination unit;
Content distribution system characterized by having a. The first content is received from the first distributor 's news server and / or the second content is received from the second distributor 's advertising server , and part or all of the received content is received via the Internet. In a content distribution system comprising at least one server that is redistributed to
The server
Management means for managing content that is more detailed than the redistributed content or related content of the redistributed content ;
A distribution strength having at least three levels for each content type set by the distributor and a desired reception strength having at least three levels for each content type set by the receiving contractor; Determining means for determining whether to perform the re-distribution by a combination;
A communication device that redistributes content to the client of the reception contractor based on the determination by the determination unit, and distributes details or related content managed by the management unit based on a distribution request from the reception contractor ; ,
Have
Content received by the server from the first distributor is managed with an original content code,
The content distribution system, wherein the content redistributed by the server to the reception contractor includes a custom content code and is managed by a data address including at least one of the reception contractor code and the reception date and time. The content distribution system according to claim 2 , wherein a content distribution request can be made by inputting the custom content code after the subscriber has logged in. Content, the subscriber time zone or time set, claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the automatic output is performed by the subscriber client and the connected image forming apparatus for the redistribution The content distribution system according to any one of the above. In the content distribution system in which the distributor sets a color priority for the content and sets the color preference of the content received by the reception contractor,
Means for determining whether or not a condition of the color priority set by the distributor and the color preference set by the receiving contractor is satisfied;
The content distribution system according to any one of claims 1 to 4 , wherein the server performs color output or monochrome output of the content to the reception contractor based on the determination. Means for estimating toner, ink and other quantities of consumables required to output the second content;
Content delivery system according to claim 1, any one of 5, characterized in that it comprises means for calculating the amount of money corresponding to the amount of consumables that the estimation. The content distribution system according to claim 6 , wherein an image ratio is used as a parameter in the means for estimating the amount of consumables required to output the second content. Means for comparing the estimated consumption of the consumables consumed in the output of the content to be redistributed with the standard life of the consumables and calculating the replacement or replenishment timing of the consumables;
The content distribution system according to any one of claims 1 to 7 , further comprising means for notifying a reception contractor of a replacement or replenishment time of the consumables. In a content distribution system that includes a management means for managing content that can be logged in by the subscriber, and that can order consumables after logging in,
From the image forming apparatus connected to the client of the subscriber, receives a consumable remaining amount information of the consumables, any of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that used for the calculation of the replacement time of the consumable The content distribution system according to claim 1. In a content distribution system that includes a management means for managing content that can be logged in by the subscriber, and that can order consumables after logging in,
A warning prompting purchase of the consumable item is displayed on a screen after login, and the type of consumable item required by the receiving contractor is displayed on a screen on which the consumable item can be ordered. The content distribution system according to any one of 1 to 9 . The content distribution system according to claim 4 , wherein the image forming apparatus is a paper-like display. The first content is received from the first distributor 's news server and / or the second content is received from the second distributor 's advertising server , and part or all of the received content is received via the Internet. A server for redistribution to
The first content includes content for which the redistributor is obligated to pay the first distributor for the distribution,
The second content includes content in which the redistributor has the right to collect the consideration from the second distributor by redistributing to the receiving contractor,
A distribution strength having at least three levels for each content type set by the distributor and a desired reception strength having at least three levels for each content type set by the receiving contractor; Determining means for determining whether to perform the re-distribution by a combination;
A communication device that redistributes content to a client of a receiving contractor in a time zone or a time set by the receiving contractor based on determination by the determination means ;
The server characterized by having . The first content is received from the first distributor 's news server and / or the second content is received from the second distributor 's advertising server , and part or all of the received content is received via the Internet. In the server that is redistributed to
Management means for managing content that is more detailed than the redistributed content or related content of the redistributed content ;
A distribution strength having at least three levels for each content type set by the distributor and a desired reception strength having at least three levels for each content type set by the receiving contractor; Determining means for determining whether to perform the re-distribution by a combination;
A communication device that redistributes content to the client of the reception contractor based on the determination by the determination unit, and distributes details or related content managed by the management unit based on a distribution request from the reception contractor ; ,
Have
The content received from the first distributor is managed with the original content code,
A server characterized in that content redistributed to a subscriber is managed by a data address including a subscriber code, a delivery date and time, and a custom content code. Server, a step that from from the news server of the first distributor to receive the first content and / or the second distributor's ad server, receive the second content,
Redistributing part or all of the received content to the subscriber's client over the Internet ;
In an information transmission method comprising:
The first content includes content for which the redistributor is obligated to pay the first distributor for the distribution,
The second content includes content in which the redistributor has the right to collect the consideration from the second distributor by redistributing to the receiving contractor,
The server
A distribution strength having at least three levels for each content type set by the distributor and a desired reception strength having at least three levels for each content type set by the receiving contractor; A determination step of determining whether to perform the redistribution by a combination;
Redistributing the content to the client of the receiving contractor in a time zone or time set by the receiving contractor based on the determination in the determination step;
The information transmission method characterized by performing . Server, a step that from from the news server of the first distributor to receive the first content and / or the second distributor's ad server, receive the second content,
Redistributing part or all of the received content to the subscriber's client over the Internet ;
In an information transmission method comprising:
The management means of the server, and the content was該再distribution, Ru is managed more detailed content than the redistribution and content, or related to the content process,
The determination means of the server has a distribution strength set by the distributor and having at least three levels for each content type, and at least three levels for each content type set by the receiving contractor A determination step of determining whether or not to perform the re-distribution in combination with a desired reception strength having
The communication device of the server redistributes the content to the client of the reception contractor based on the determination in the determination step , and details or relations managed by the management unit based on the distribution request from the reception contractor Delivering content, and
Bei to give a,
The content received from the first distributor is managed with an original content code, and the content redistributed to a receiving contractor is managed with a data address including a receiving contractor code, a distribution date and time, and a custom content code. Information transmission method. To the server, and the first from the distribution's news server to receive the first content and / or the second step from the distributor's ad server Ru to receive a second content, a part or all of the received content, Internet and a step of re-delivered to the subscribers of the client through the,
In a program comprising
The first content includes content for which the redistributor is obligated to pay the first distributor for the distribution,
The second content includes content in which the redistributor has the right to collect the consideration from the second distributor by redistributing to the receiving contractor,
To the server,
A distribution strength having at least three levels for each content type set by the distributor and a desired reception strength having at least three levels for each content type set by the receiving contractor; A determination step of determining whether to perform the re-distribution by a combination; and
Redistributing the content to the client of the receiving contractor in the time zone or time set by the receiving contractor based on the determination in the determining step ;
A program characterized by having executed . To the server, and the first from the distribution's news server to receive the first content and / or the second step from the distributor's ad server Ru to receive a second content, a part or all of the received content, Internet in program comprising the steps of: re-distributed to subscribers of the client via,
The management means of the server, the steps of該再for delivery content, Ru is managed redelivered to the detailed content than the content, or related to the content,
Distribution strength set by the distributor in the server determination means having at least three levels for each content type, and at least three levels for each content type set by the receiving contractor A determination step for determining whether or not to perform the re-distribution by a combination with a desired reception strength having:
Details and / or relations managed by the management means based on a distribution request from the reception contractor , while redistributing content to the client of the reception contractor based on the determination in the determination step to the communication device of the server Distributing content ,
Bei to give a,
The content received from the first distributor is managed with an original content code, and the content redistributed to a receiving contractor is managed with a data address including a receiving contractor code, a distribution date and time, and a custom content code. Program to do. To the server, and the first from the distribution's news server to receive the first content and / or the second step from the distributor's ad server Ru to receive a second content, a part or all of the received content, Internet and a step of re-delivered to the subscribers of the client through the,
In a computer-readable recording medium recording a program comprising:
The first content includes content for which the redistributor is obligated to pay the first distributor for the distribution,
The second content includes content in which the redistributor has the right to collect the consideration from the second distributor by redistributing to the receiving contractor,
To the server,
A distribution strength having at least three levels for each content type set by the distributor and a desired reception strength having at least three levels for each content type set by the receiving contractor; A determination step of determining whether to perform the re-distribution by a combination; and
Redistributing the content to the client of the receiving contractor in the time zone or time set by the receiving contractor based on the determination in the determining step ;
Computer readable recording medium recording a program for causing the execution. To the server, and the first from the distribution's news server to receive the first content and / or the second step from the distributor's ad server Ru to receive a second content, a part or all of the received content, Internet a computer-readable recording medium recording a program comprising the step of re-delivered to subscriber clients, a via,
The management means of the server, the steps of該再for delivery content, Ru is managed redelivered to the detailed content than the content, or related to the content,
Distribution strength set by the distributor in the server determination means having at least three levels for each content type, and at least three levels for each content type set by the receiving contractor A determination step for determining whether or not to perform the re-distribution by a combination with a desired reception strength having:
Details and / or relations managed by the management means based on a distribution request from the reception contractor , while redistributing content to the client of the reception contractor based on the determination in the determination step to the communication device of the server Distributing content ,
Bei to give a,
The content received from the first distributor is managed with an original content code, and the content redistributed to a receiving contractor is managed with a data address including a receiving contractor code, a distribution date and time, and a custom content code. A computer-readable recording medium on which a program to be recorded is recorded.

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