JP7770038B2 - STORED PAINT MANAGEMENT DEVICE, STORED PAINT MANAGEMENT SYSTEM, STORED PAINT MANAGEMENT METHOD AND PROGRAM - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a stored paint management device, a stored paint management system, a stored paint management method, and a program.

A paint utilization system has been proposed that includes a server terminal device managed by a paint product sales business that sells paint products in sealed containers, and business terminal devices that can communicate with the server terminal device via a network and are managed by multiple businesses that store paint products as unused surplus inventory, with the server terminal device storing information about surplus inventory sent from each business terminal device (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2021-114009

Incidentally, for multiple businesses that store paint products, it is desirable, from the perspective of effective paint utilization, to mix the paint they store with paint stored by other businesses or primary color paint sold by paint distributors to create and use paint of a different color from the paint they store. For this reason, there is a demand for a means to easily determine the paint colors that can be created from the paint stored by businesses.

The present invention was made in consideration of the above-mentioned reasons, and aims to provide a stored paint management device, a stored paint management system, a stored paint management method, and a program that make it easy to understand what other colors of paint can be made from stored paint.

In order to achieve the above object, the storage paint management device according to the present invention comprises:
a storage paint information storage unit that stores image information showing a captured image of a container filled with at least one paint stored by a user in association with paint identification information of each of the at least one paint;
a color matching information storage unit that stores, for each of a plurality of preset color paints, color matching information indicating a color that can be achieved by mixing the paint with other paints to match the color of each of the preset color paints, in association with color information for each of the plurality of preset colors and blending ratio information indicating blending ratios of the plurality of primary color paints to achieve the color of the matched color using the plurality of primary color paints;
a color specifying unit that specifies a color after the color matching process that can be achieved by matching each of the at least one paint stored by the user with another paint, by referring to the color information after the color matching process stored in the color matching information storage unit;
a color-matched paint amount calculation unit that calculates a color-matched paint amount indicating a paint amount that can be produced for each of the specified color-matched colors based on the blending ratio information stored in the color-matching information storage unit;
a stored paint information management unit that stores the matched color information indicating the specified matched color and the matched paint amount information in a stored paint information storage unit in association with paint identification information of each of the at least one paint;
The system is equipped with a stored paint information notification unit that transmits an image of each container filled with the at least one paint, paint identification information for each of the at least one paint, the post- color-matching color information, and the post-color-matching paint quantity information to a terminal device carried by a user.

According to the present invention, the color identification unit identifies, for each of at least one paint, colors that can be achieved by mixing with other paints, and the stored paint information management unit stores color information indicating the identified colors in the stored paint information storage unit, along with image information showing a captured image of a container filled with at least one paint, in association with the paint identification information for each of the at least one paint. The stored paint information notification unit also transmits the captured image of each of the containers filled with at least one paint, the paint identification information for each of the at least one paint, and the color information to a terminal device carried by the user. This allows the image information and color information of the paint containers stored by the user to be displayed on the display unit of the terminal device, allowing the user to easily identify other paint colors that can be created from the paint stored by the user.

1 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a stored paint management system according to a first embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of a terminal device and a cloud server according to the first embodiment. 2 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of a terminal device and a cloud server according to the first embodiment; FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of information stored in a stored paint information storage unit according to the first embodiment; FIG. FIG. 2 is a sequence diagram for explaining the operation of the stored paint management system according to the first embodiment. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a paint storage notification image displayed on the display unit of the terminal device according to the first embodiment; FIG. FIG. 2 is a sequence diagram for explaining the operation of the stored paint management system according to the first embodiment. 10 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of a stored paint information display process executed by the terminal device according to the first embodiment. 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a stored paint management process executed by the cloud server according to the first embodiment. FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of a terminal device and a cloud server according to a second embodiment. 10 is a diagram showing an example of information stored in a stored paint information storage unit according to the second embodiment; FIG. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of information stored in a toning information storage unit according to the second embodiment. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of information stored in a toning information storage unit according to a modified example. FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of a terminal device and a cloud server according to a modified example. FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of a terminal device and a cloud server according to a modified example. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of information stored in a storage paint information storage unit according to a modified example. FIG. 10 is a sequence diagram for explaining the operation of a storage paint management system according to a modified example. 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a stored paint management process executed by a cloud server according to a modified example.

(Embodiment 1)
A stored paint management device according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. The stored paint management device according to this embodiment includes a stored paint information storage unit, a color identification unit, a stored paint information management unit, and a stored paint information notification unit. The stored paint information storage unit stores image information representing captured images of at least one container filled with paint stored by a user, in association with paint identification information for each of the at least one paint. For each of the at least one paint, the color identification unit identifies colors that can be achieved by blending with other paints. The stored paint information management unit stores color information representing the identified colors in the stored paint information storage unit in association with the paint identification information for each of the at least one paint. The stored paint information notification unit transmits the captured images of each container filled with at least one paint, the paint identification information for each of the at least one paint, and the color information to a terminal device carried by the user. Here, "other paint" includes not only paints stored by other users but also primary color paints provided by paint manufacturers and distributors. In addition, the paints stored by other users include paints whose main components are resin, pigment, additives, and solvents, and primary color paints include paints whose main components are pigment, additives, and solvents.

As shown in FIG. 1, the paint storage management system according to this embodiment includes a terminal device 3 owned by a painting contractor and a cloud server 1. The terminal device 3 and cloud server 1 are capable of communicating with each other via a network NW1. Network NW1 also connects a terminal device 8 owned by a paint distributor and a sales management server 9 that manages the paint sales site. The cloud server 1 is capable of communicating with the terminal device 8 and the sales management server 9 via network NW1. Here, network NW1 is, for example, the Internet. The terminal device 8 is, for example, a personal computer equipped with a display unit. Upon receiving order information from cloud server 1 indicating the order details when a painting contractor (described below) places an order for paint, the terminal device 8 forms an order details notification image notifying the paint distributor of the order details based on the received order information and displays the image on the display unit.

The sales management server 9 is equipped with a paint exhibit storage unit (not shown) that stores, in association with each other, the color chart number information, product name information, and manufacturer information of paints to be posted on the aforementioned sales site. When the sales management server 9 acquires the exhibit request information (described below) transmitted from the cloud server 1, it extracts the color chart number information, product name information, and manufacturer information contained in the acquired exhibit request information and stores them in the paint exhibit storage unit.

The terminal device 3 is, for example, a smartphone, and as shown in FIG. 2, includes a CPU 301, a main memory unit 302, an auxiliary memory unit 303, a display unit 304, an input unit 305, a communication unit 306, an imaging unit 307, and a bus 309 connecting these units to one another. The main memory unit 302 has volatile memory such as RAM and is used as a work area for the CPU 301. The main memory unit 302 also has image-only memory (not shown) that temporarily stores image information to be displayed on the display unit 304. The auxiliary memory unit 303 is non-volatile memory such as semiconductor flash memory and stores programs used by the CPU 301 to execute various processes. The display unit 304 is a display device such as a liquid crystal display or an organic EL (Electro-Luminescence) display. The input unit 305 is, for example, a transparent touchpad placed on top of the display unit 304. The communication unit 306 is connected to the network NW1 and transmits information transferred from the CPU 301 to the cloud server 1 via the network NW1, and transfers various information obtained from the cloud server 1 via the network NW1 to the CPU 301.

The imaging unit 307 has a camera and a DMA (Direct Memory Access) controller. After being started, the DMA controller transfers photographic image information captured by the camera to image-only memory in real time. Furthermore, when imaging command information is notified from the CPU 301, the imaging unit 307 generates captured image information indicating the photograph captured at the time the imaging command information was notified, and notifies the CPU 301 of this information.

By reading and executing the programs stored in the auxiliary memory unit 303 into the main memory unit 302, the CPU 301 functions as a reception unit 311, a stored paint information acquisition unit 312, an image formation unit 313, a display control unit 314, an imaging control unit 315, a new stored paint information generation unit 316, a new stored paint information transmission unit 317, an exhibition request unit 318, and an order request unit 319, as shown in Figure 3. Also, the auxiliary memory unit 303 shown in Figure 2 has a stored paint information storage unit 331, an image storage unit 332, and a new stored paint information storage unit 333, as shown in Figure 3. Also, the image-only memory of the main memory unit 502 shown in Figure 2 has a display image storage unit 521 that temporarily stores screen images to be displayed on the display unit 504. The stored paint information storage unit 331 stores the stored paint color chart number information, product name information, manufacturer information, mixed color chart number information, and image information contained in the stored paint information obtained from the cloud server 1, in association with one another. Here, the stored paint color chart number information is color information indicating, for example, the Japan Paint Company number of a paint stored by a painting contractor. Furthermore, the product name information and manufacturer information are information indicating the paint product name and paint manufacturer, respectively. The mixed color chart number information is color chart number information indicating colors that can be achieved by the color matching specified in the cloud server 1. Furthermore, the image information indicates a captured image of a container filled with paint stored by the painting contractor.

The image storage unit 332 stores base images that serve as the basis for generating various notification images to be displayed on the display unit 304. The newly stored paint information storage unit 333 stores image information showing a photograph of a paint container newly stored by the user, and paint identification information, in association with each other.

The reception unit 311 receives operations performed on the input unit 305 by the painting contractor using the terminal device 3, generates operation information corresponding to the received operation, and notifies the stored paint information acquisition unit 312, image formation unit 313, image capture control unit 315, listing request unit 318, or order request unit 319. Specifically, when the painting contractor performs a stored paint display operation on the input unit 305 to display the stored paint on the display unit 304 to check the storage status of the paint they store, the reception unit 311 receives the stored paint display operation, generates operation information corresponding to the operation, and notifies the stored paint information acquisition unit 312. Furthermore, when the painting contractor performs a new stored paint registration operation on the input unit 305 to register newly stored paint as stored paint on the cloud server 1, the reception unit 311 receives the new stored paint registration operation, generates operation information corresponding to the operation, and notifies the image formation unit 313 and the new stored paint information generation unit 316. Furthermore, after accepting the aforementioned new stored paint registration operation, when the painting contractor uses the input unit 305 to accept an image capture operation to capture a photo of a container filled with the newly stored paint, the acceptance unit 311 accepts the image capture operation, generates operation information corresponding to the operation, and notifies the image capture control unit 315. Also, when the painting contractor uses the input unit 305 to perform a listing operation to list the paint they store on a paint distributor's sales site, the acceptance unit 311 accepts the listing operation, generates operation information corresponding to the operation, and notifies the listing request unit 318. Furthermore, when the painting contractor uses the input unit 305 to perform an ordering operation to order new paint to be mixed with the paint they store, the acceptance unit 311 accepts the ordering operation, generates operation information corresponding to the operation, and notifies the order request unit 319.

When the stored paint information acquisition unit 312 receives operation information corresponding to the stored paint display operation from the reception unit 311, it generates stored paint information request information that includes user identification information identifying the painting contractor and requests the cloud server 1 to send stored paint information indicating information about the paint stored by the contractor. The stored paint information acquisition unit 312 then transmits the generated stored paint information request information to the cloud server 1, thereby acquiring the stored paint information sent from the cloud server 1. The stored paint information acquisition unit 312 also extracts stored paint color chart number information, product name information, manufacturer information, mixed color chart number information, and image information included in the acquired stored paint information, and stores the extracted various pieces of information in the stored paint information storage unit 331 in association with each other.

The image forming unit 313 forms a stored paint notification image including a captured image of the paint stored by the painting contractor based on the stored paint color chart number information, product name information, manufacturer information, mixed color chart number information, and image information stored in the stored paint information storage unit 331. The image forming unit 313 then stores the created stored paint notification image in the display image storage unit 321. Furthermore, when the image forming unit 313 receives operation information indicating a new stored paint registration operation from the reception unit 311, it creates an imaging mode image for capturing an image of the newly stored paint container and stores image information indicating the created imaging mode image in the display image storage unit 321.

The display control unit 314 causes the display unit 304 to display various images indicated by the various image information stored in the display image storage unit 321. When the reception unit 311 receives a new stored paint registration operation, the imaging control unit 315 activates the imaging unit 307. Furthermore, when the reception unit 311 notifies the imaging control unit 315 of operation information corresponding to the imaging operation, the imaging control unit 315 transfers imaging command information to the imaging unit 307. Then, the imaging unit 307 takes a photo of the paint container in accordance with the imaging command information, and notifies the newly stored paint information generation unit 316 of the captured image information of the photo.

When the new stored paint information generation unit 316 receives operation information corresponding to the new stored paint registration operation from the reception unit 311, it extracts the user identification information, color chart number information, product name information, and manufacturer information contained in the operation information. Furthermore, when captured image information is transferred from the imaging unit 307, the new stored paint information generation unit 316 generates new stored paint information by adding the extracted user identification information, color chart number information, product name information, and manufacturer information to the transferred captured image information. The new stored paint information generation unit 316 then stores the generated new stored paint information in the new stored paint information storage unit 333. The new stored paint information transmission unit 317 transmits the new stored paint information stored in the new stored paint information storage unit 333 to the cloud server 1.

When the listing request unit 318 is notified by the reception unit 311 of operation information corresponding to the listing operation, it generates listing request information requesting that the item be listed as a product for sale on the sales site of the sales management server 9, based on the user identification information and paint identification information included in the operation information. Here, the listing request information includes the user identification information, and product name information and manufacturer information corresponding to the paint identification information. The listing request unit 318 then transmits the generated listing request information to the cloud server 1. When the order request unit 319 is notified by the reception unit 311 of operation information corresponding to the ordering operation, it generates order request information requesting that an order for paint be placed with a paint distributor, based on the user identification information, color chart number information, product name information, and manufacturer information included in the operation information. The order request unit 319 then transmits the generated order request information to the cloud server 1.

As shown in FIG. 2, the cloud server 1 includes a CPU 101, a main memory unit 102, an auxiliary memory unit 103, a communication unit 106, and a bus 109 interconnecting these components, and functions as a stored paint management device that manages paint stored by a painting contractor. The CPU 101 is, for example, a multi-core processor. The main memory unit 102 has volatile memory and is used as a work area for the CPU 101. The auxiliary memory unit 103 is composed of large-capacity non-volatile memory and stores programs for implementing the various functions of the cloud server 1. The communication unit 106 is connected to the network NW1.

By loading the programs stored in the auxiliary memory unit 103 into the main memory unit 102 and executing them, the CPU 101 functions as a new stored paint information acquisition unit 111, a stored paint information management unit 112, a color identification unit 113, a stored paint information transmission unit 114, a listing request unit 115, and an ordering unit 116, as shown in FIG. 3. The auxiliary memory unit 103 shown in FIG. 2 also has a stored paint information storage unit 131 and a color matching information storage unit 132, as shown in FIG. 3. The stored paint information storage unit 131 stores image information showing captured images of at least one container filled with paint stored by a user (a painting contractor), in association with paint identification information for each of the at least one paint. For example, as shown in FIG. 4, the stored paint information storage unit 131 stores stored paint information including image information for paints stored by each of multiple painting contractors, in association with user identification information that identifies each of the multiple painting contractors. Here, the stored paint information consists of image information, stored paint color chart number information, product name information, manufacturer information, and post-matching color chart number information associated with the image information.

Returning to Figure 3, the color matching information storage unit 132 stores, for each of a plurality of preset colors, color chart number information indicating colors that can be achieved by mixing the colors with other colors, in association with the color chart number information for each of the plurality of preset colors. For example, for a paint with color chart number "19-80B," the color matching information storage unit 132 stores color chart number information indicating a paint with color chart number "19-75B" that can be achieved by mixing it with a paint with color chart number "19-60B," in association with the color chart number information indicating color chart number "19-80B."

When the newly stored paint information acquisition unit 111 acquires newly stored paint information sent from the terminal device 3, it extracts the user identification information, color chart number information, product name information, manufacturer information, and image information contained in the acquired newly stored paint information and notifies the stored paint information management unit 112. The newly stored paint information acquisition unit 111 also notifies the color identification unit 113 of the extracted color chart number information.

For each of at least one paint corresponding to the newly stored paint information transmitted from the terminal device 3, the color identification unit 113 identifies a color that can be achieved by mixing with other paints. Specifically, the color identification unit 113 identifies, from the color chart number information stored in the color matching information storage unit 132, color chart number information that corresponds to the color chart number information notified by the newly stored paint information acquisition unit 111. The color identification unit 113 then notifies the stored paint information management unit 112 of the identified color chart number information.

The stored paint information management unit 112 associates the user identification information, color chart number information, product name information, manufacturer information, and image information notified by the new stored paint information acquisition unit 111 with each other and stores them in the stored paint information storage unit 131. The stored paint information management unit 112 also associates the color chart number information notified by the color identification unit 113 with the paint identification information for each paint corresponding to that color chart number information and stores it in the stored paint information storage unit 131.

The stored paint information notification unit 114 transmits stored paint information, including captured images of at least one container filled with paint stored in the stored paint information storage unit 131, paint identification information for at least one paint, and color chart number information, to the terminal device 3 possessed by the painting contractor. Upon receiving stored paint information request information transmitted from the terminal device 3, the stored paint information notification unit 114 identifies stored paint information from the stored paint information stored in the stored paint information storage unit 131 that corresponds to the user identification information contained in the stored paint information request information, and transmits the identified stored paint information to the terminal device 3 that transmitted the stored paint information request information. Furthermore, when new stored paint information is added to the stored paint information storage unit 131, the stored paint information notification unit 114 identifies stored paint information from the stored paint information stored in the stored paint information storage unit 131 that contains the same user identification information as the newly added stored paint information. The stored paint information notification unit 114 then transmits the identified stored paint information to the terminal device 3 that transmitted the new stored paint information.

When the listing request unit 115 acquires listing request information sent from the terminal device 3, it transmits the acquired listing request information to the sales management server 9. When the ordering unit 116 acquires order request information sent from the terminal device 3, it identifies the terminal device 8 to which the paint will be ordered based on the manufacturer information included in the acquired order request information. The ordering unit 116 then generates order information including user identification information, color chart number information, and product name information, and transmits the generated order information to the identified terminal device 8.

Next, the operation of the stored paint management system according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 5 to 7. First, as shown in Figure 5, when a painting contractor performs the aforementioned stored paint display operation on the input unit 305 of the terminal device 3, the terminal device 3 generates stored paint information request information including the painting contractor's user identification information (step S1). Next, the generated stored paint information request information is transmitted from the terminal device 3 to the cloud server 1 (step S2). Meanwhile, upon receiving the stored paint information request information from the terminal device 3, the cloud server 1 identifies stored paint information corresponding to the user identification information included in the acquired stored paint information request information from the stored paint information stored in the stored paint information storage unit 131 (step S3). Next, the identified stored paint information is transmitted from the cloud server 1 to the terminal device 3 (step S4). Meanwhile, upon receiving the stored paint information, the terminal device 3 extracts the stored paint color chart number information, product name information, manufacturer information, mixed color chart number information, and image information included in the acquired stored paint information. The terminal device 3 then stores the extracted stored paint color chart number information, product name information, manufacturer information, post-match color chart number information, and image information in the stored paint information storage unit 331 (step S5).

Then, the terminal device 3 forms a stored paint notification image based on the stored paint color chart number information, product name information, manufacturer information, mixed color chart number information, and image information stored in the stored paint information storage unit 331, and displays it on the display unit 304 (step S6). Here, the terminal device 3 displays a stored paint notification image GA1, such as that shown in FIG. 6, on the display unit 304. The stored paint notification image GA1 includes captured images GA01 and GA02 of containers filled with paint stored by the painting contractor, and band images GA011 and GA012 displaying the paint color. The stored paint notification image GA1 also displays message information M11 and M21 indicating the manufacturer name of the stored paint, message information M12 and M22 indicating the product name, and message information M13 and M23 indicating the color chart number. Furthermore, the stored paint notification image GA1 is displayed overlapping a portion of the band image GA011 and includes message information M24 indicating the color chart number of the paint color that can be achieved by mixing it with the stored paint.

Returning to FIG. 5, when the painting contractor performs the aforementioned newly stored paint registration operation on the input unit 305 of the terminal device 3, the terminal device 3 forms a capture mode image for capturing an image of the newly stored paint container and displays it on the display unit 304 (step S7). At this time, the painting contractor inputs the color chart number information, product name information, and manufacturer information of the newly stored paint along with his or her user identification information into the input unit 305. The terminal device 3 also activates the imaging unit 307 to enable imaging by the imaging unit 307. Here, when the painting contractor performs the aforementioned imaging operation on the input unit 305 of the terminal device 3, the terminal device 3 captures a photograph of the newly stored paint container using the imaging unit 307 (step S8). Next, the terminal device 3 generates newly stored paint information including captured image information indicating the captured photograph, as well as user identification information, color chart number information, product name information, and manufacturer information (step S9). The generated newly stored paint information is then transmitted from the terminal device 3 to the cloud server 1 (step S10). Meanwhile, when the cloud server 1 acquires newly stored paint information transmitted from the terminal device 3, it extracts the user identification information, color chart number information, product name information, manufacturer information, and image information contained in the acquired newly stored paint information. The cloud server 1 then associates the user identification information, color chart number information, product name information, manufacturer information, and image information with each other and stores them in the stored paint information storage unit 131 (step S11). The cloud server 1 then identifies color chart number information corresponding to the extracted color chart number information from the color chart number information stored in the color matching information storage unit 132. The cloud server 1 then associates the identified color chart number information with the paint identification information for each paint corresponding to that color chart number information and stores it in the stored paint information storage unit 131 (step S12).

Next, the cloud server 1 identifies the new stored paint information along with the stored paint information that has the same associated user identification information (step S13). The identified stored paint information is then transmitted from the cloud server 1 to the terminal device 3 (step S14). Meanwhile, upon acquiring the stored paint information, the terminal device 3 extracts the stored paint color chart number information, product name information, manufacturer information, mixed color chart number information, and image information contained in the acquired stored paint information. The terminal device 3 then stores the extracted stored paint color chart number information, product name information, manufacturer information, mixed color chart number information, and image information in the stored paint information storage unit 331 (step S15). Next, the terminal device 3 forms a stored paint notification image based on the stored paint color chart number information, product name information, manufacturer information, mixed color chart number information, and image information stored in the stored paint information storage unit 331, and displays it on the display unit 304 (step S16).

Also, as shown in FIG. 7, when a painting contractor uses the input unit 305 of the terminal device 3 to perform a listing operation to list a paint they store on a paint distributor's sales site, the terminal device 3 generates the listing request information described above (step S17). The generated listing request information is then transmitted from the terminal device 3 to the cloud server 1 (step S18). Meanwhile, upon receiving the listing request information transmitted from the terminal device 3, the cloud server 1 transmits the acquired listing request information to the sales management server 9 (step S19). Meanwhile, upon receiving the listing request information, the sales management server 9 extracts the color chart number information, product name information, and manufacturer information contained in the acquired listing request information and stores them in the aforementioned listed paint storage unit (step S20).

When the painting contractor uses the input unit 305 of the terminal device 3 to order new paint to be mixed with the paint stored by the contractor, the terminal device 3 generates the aforementioned order request information (step S21). The generated order request information is then transmitted from the terminal device 3 to the cloud server 1 (step S22). Meanwhile, upon receiving the order request information, the cloud server 1 identifies the terminal device 8 to which the paint will be ordered based on the manufacturer information included in the received order request information (step S23). Next, the cloud server 1 generates order information including user identification information, color chart number information, and product name information (step S24). The generated order information is then transmitted from the cloud server 1 to the identified terminal device 8 (step S25). Meanwhile, upon receiving the order information, the terminal device 8 forms an order content notification image based on the received order information to notify the paint dealer of the paint order content, and displays the image on the display unit (step S26).

Next, the stored paint information display process executed by the terminal device 3 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 8. This stored paint information display process is initiated when the terminal device 3 is powered on and a program for executing the stored paint information display process is launched on the terminal device 3. First, the reception unit 311 determines whether the aforementioned stored paint display operation has been received (step S201). If the reception unit 311 determines that the stored paint display operation has not been received (step S201: No), the processing of step S206, described below, is executed. On the other hand, if the reception unit 311 determines that the stored paint display operation has been received (step S201: Yes), it generates operation information corresponding to the operation and notifies the stored paint information acquisition unit 312. Then, the stored paint information acquisition unit 312 generates stored paint information request information including the painting contractor's user identification information in accordance with the received operation information and transmits the request information to the cloud server 1 (step S202). The stored paint information acquisition unit 312 then acquires the stored paint information transmitted from the cloud server 1 (step S203). The stored paint information acquisition unit 312 then extracts the stored paint color chart number information, product name information, manufacturer information, matched color chart number information, and image information from the acquired stored paint information, and stores the extracted information in the stored paint information storage unit 331 in association with each other (step S204). The image formation unit 313 then forms a stored paint notification image containing a captured image of the paint stored by the painting contractor based on the stored paint color chart number information, product name information, manufacturer information, matched color chart number information, and image information stored in the stored paint information storage unit 331, and the display control unit 314 displays the formed stored paint notification image on the display unit 304 (step S205).

The reception unit 311 then determines whether the aforementioned new stored paint registration operation has been received (step S206). If the reception unit 311 determines that the stored paint display operation has not been received (step S206: No), the processing of step S216, described below, is executed. On the other hand, if the reception unit 311 determines that the new stored paint registration operation has been received (step S206: Yes), the reception unit 311 generates operation information corresponding to the operation and notifies the image formation unit 313 and the new stored paint information generation unit 316. The image formation unit 313 then forms the aforementioned imaging mode image in accordance with the notified operation information, and the display control unit 314 displays the formed imaging mode image on the display unit 304 (step S207). Next, the reception unit 311 determines whether the aforementioned imaging operation has been received (step S208). If the reception unit 311 determines that the imaging operation has not been received (step S208: No), the processing of step S216, described below, is executed. On the other hand, if the reception unit 311 determines that an imaging operation has been received (step S208: Yes), it generates operation information corresponding to the operation and notifies the imaging control unit 315. Then, in accordance with the notified operation information, the imaging control unit 315 transfers imaging command information to the imaging unit 307, causing the imaging unit 307 to perform an imaging operation (step S209).

Next, the newly stored paint information generation unit 316 extracts the user identification information, color chart number information, product name information, and manufacturer information contained in the operation information notified by the reception unit 311. The newly stored paint information generation unit 316 then generates newly stored paint information by adding the extracted user identification information, color chart number information, product name information, and manufacturer information to the captured image information obtained by the imaging operation of the imaging unit 307 (step S210). Here, the newly stored paint information generation unit 316 stores the generated newly stored paint information in the newly stored paint information storage unit 333. Thereafter, the newly stored paint information transmission unit 317 transmits the newly stored paint information stored in the newly stored paint information storage unit 333 to the cloud server 1 (step S211). The stored paint information acquisition unit 312 then acquires the stored paint information transmitted from the cloud server 1 (step S212), extracts the stored paint color chart number information, product name information, manufacturer information, matched color chart number information, and image information contained in the acquired stored paint information, and stores the extracted information in the stored paint information storage unit 331 in correspondence with each other (step S213). The image formation unit 313 then forms a stored paint notification image containing a captured image of the paint stored by the painting contractor based on the stored paint color chart number information, product name information, manufacturer information, matched color chart number information, and image information stored in the stored paint information storage unit 331, and the display control unit 314 displays the formed stored paint notification image on the display unit 304 (step S214).

The reception unit 311 then determines whether the listing operation described above has been accepted (step S215). If the reception unit 311 determines that the listing operation has not been accepted (step S215: No), the processing of step S217 described below is executed. On the other hand, if the reception unit 311 determines that the listing operation has been accepted (step S215: Yes), the reception unit 311 generates operation information corresponding to the operation and notifies the listing request unit 318. Then, the listing request unit 318 generates the listing request information described above based on the user identification information and paint identification information included in the notified operation information and transmits it to the cloud server 1 (step S216).

Then, the reception unit 311 determines whether the aforementioned ordering operation has been received (step S217). If the reception unit 311 determines that the ordering operation has not been received (step S217: No), the processing of step S201 is executed again. On the other hand, if the reception unit 311 determines that the ordering operation has been received (step S217: Yes), it generates operation information corresponding to the operation and notifies the order request unit 319. Then, based on the user identification information, color chart number information, product name information, and manufacturer information included in the notified operation information, the order request unit 319 generates order request information requesting an order for paint from the paint distributor and transmits the order request information to the cloud server 1 (step S218). Next, the processing of step S201 is executed again.

Next, the stored paint management process executed by the cloud server 1 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 9. This stored paint management process is initiated when a program for executing the stored paint management process is launched on the cloud server 1. First, the stored paint information notification unit 114 determines whether stored paint information request information sent from the terminal device 3 has been acquired (step S101). If the stored paint information notification unit 114 determines that stored paint information request information has not been acquired (step S101: No), the process of step S103, described below, is executed. On the other hand, if the stored paint information notification unit 114 determines that stored paint information request information has been acquired (step S101: Yes), it identifies stored paint information stored in the stored paint information storage unit 131 that corresponds to the user identification information included in the stored paint information request information. The stored paint information notification unit 114 then transmits the identified stored paint information to the terminal device 3 that sent the stored paint information request information (step S102).

Next, the newly stored paint information acquisition unit 111 determines whether it has acquired newly stored paint information transmitted from the terminal device 3 (step S103). If the newly stored paint information acquisition unit 111 determines that it has not acquired newly stored paint information (step S103: No), it executes the processing of step S107, described below. On the other hand, if the newly stored paint information acquisition unit 111 determines that it has acquired newly stored paint information (step S103: Yes), it extracts the user identification information, color chart number information, product name information, manufacturer information, and image information contained in the acquired newly stored paint information and notifies the stored paint information management unit 112. At this time, the newly stored paint information acquisition unit 111 also notifies the color identification unit 113 of the extracted color chart number information. The stored paint information management unit 112 then associates the user identification information, color chart number information, product name information, manufacturer information, and image information notified by the stored paint information management unit 112 with each other and stores them in the stored paint information storage unit 131 (step S104). Next, for each of at least one paint corresponding to the new stored paint information sent from the terminal device 3, the color identification unit 113 identifies colors that can be achieved by mixing with other paints, and notifies the stored paint information management unit 112 of the color chart number information of the identified colors. The stored paint information management unit 112 then stores the color chart number information notified by the color identification unit 113 in the stored paint information storage unit 131, correlating it with the paint identification information of each paint corresponding to the color chart number information (step S105).

Then, the stored paint information notification unit 114 identifies stored paint information from the stored paint information stored in the stored paint information storage unit 131 that contains user identification information that is the same as the user identification information of the newly added stored paint information, and transmits the identified stored paint information to the terminal device 3 that sent the new stored paint information (step S106).

Next, the listing request unit 115 determines whether or not listing request information transmitted from the terminal device 3 has been acquired (step S107). If the listing request unit 115 determines that listing request information has not been acquired (step S107: No), the processing of step S109, described below, is executed. On the other hand, if the listing request unit 115 determines that listing request information has been acquired (step S107: Yes), the listing request unit 115 transmits the acquired listing request information to the sales management server 9 (step S108).

The ordering unit 116 then determines whether it has acquired order request information transmitted from the terminal device 3 (step S109). If the ordering unit 116 determines that it has not acquired order request information (step S109: No), it executes step S101 again. On the other hand, if the ordering unit 116 determines that it has acquired order request information (step S109: Yes), it identifies the terminal device 8 to which the paint should be ordered based on the manufacturer information included in the acquired order request information (step S110). The ordering unit 116 then generates order information including user identification information, color chart number information, and product name information, and transmits the generated order information to the identified terminal device 8 (step S111). Next, it executes step S101 again.

As described above, with the cloud server 1 according to this embodiment, the color identification unit 113 identifies, for each paint stored by the painting contractor, color chart number information for colors that can be mixed with other paints. The stored paint information management unit 112 then stores the identified color chart number information in the stored paint information storage unit 131, along with image information showing captured images of containers filled with paint stored by the painting contractor, in association with the paint identification information for each of the paints. The stored paint information notification unit 114 also transmits the captured images of each container filled with paint, the paint identification information for each of the paints, and the color chart number information to the terminal device 3 carried by the painting contractor. This allows the image information and color information for paint containers stored by the painting contractor to be displayed on the display unit 304 of the terminal device 3, making it easy to identify other colors of paint that can be produced from the paint stored by the painting contractor.

(Embodiment 2)
The present embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that the stored paint information transmitted from the cloud server 1 to the terminal device 3 includes stored paint color chart number information, product name information, manufacturer information, matched color chart number information, and image information, as well as stored paint quantity information indicating the amount of paint stored by the painting contractor and matched paint quantity information indicating the amount of paint to be prepared by mixing the stored paint with other paints. The present embodiment may also have a function of presenting to the painting contractor the amount of other paints required to prepare the required amount of matched paint obtained by mixing the paint stored by the painting contractor with the other paints.

The terminal device 2003 according to this embodiment has the same hardware configuration as the terminal device 3 according to the embodiment, and as shown in FIG. 10, includes a reception unit 311, a stored paint information acquisition unit 312, an image formation unit 2313, a display control unit 314, an imaging control unit 315, a new stored paint information generation unit 2316, a new stored paint information transmission unit 2317, an exhibition request unit 318, an order request unit 319, and a required paint quantity acquisition unit 2320. Note that in FIG. 10, components similar to those in embodiment 1 are assigned the same reference numerals as in FIG. 3. Furthermore, the terminal device 2003 includes a stored paint information storage unit 2331, an image storage unit 332, a new stored paint information storage unit 2333, and a display image storage unit 521. The stored paint information storage unit 2331 stores, in association with each other, stored paint color chart number information, product name information, manufacturer information, mixed color chart number information, and image information contained in the stored paint information acquired from the cloud server 1, as well as stored paint quantity information indicating the amount of paint stored by the painting contractor and mixed paint quantity information indicating the amount of paint to be produced by mixing the stored paint with other paints.

When the painting contractor performs a required paint quantity input operation on the input unit 305 to input the color chart number information and required quantity of the post-matching paint obtained by mixing the paint in his/her possession with other paints while referring to the maximum amount of paint that can be produced by mixing the paint in his/her possession with other paints, as displayed on the display unit 304 of the terminal device 2003, the reception unit 311 accepts the required paint quantity input operation, generates operation information corresponding to the operation, and notifies the required paint quantity acquisition unit 2320.

When the required paint amount acquisition unit 2320 is notified of operation information corresponding to the required paint amount input operation, it transmits to the cloud server 2001 mixed paint color chart number information indicating the color chart number of the mixed paint indicated by the notified operation information, required mixed paint amount information indicating the amount of paint, and mixed paint color chart number information indicating the color chart numbers of other paints to be mixed with the paint stored by the cloud server 2001, thereby acquiring mixed paint color chart number information indicating the color chart numbers of paints that need to be mixed with the paint stored by the cloud server 2001 and required mixed paint amount information indicating the required paint amount of that paint. The required paint amount acquisition unit 2320 then notifies the image forming unit 2313 of the acquired mixed paint color chart number information and required mixed paint amount information.

The image forming unit 2313 forms a stored paint notification image based on the stored paint color chart number information, product name information, manufacturer information, mixed color chart number information, and image information stored in the stored paint information storage unit 331, as well as the stored paint quantity information and mixed paint quantity information described above. Here, the stored paint quantity notification image includes message information indicating the amount of paint stored by the painting contractor and the amount of mixed paint created by mixing that paint with other paints. Furthermore, when the image forming unit 2313 receives mixed paint color chart number information and required mixed paint quantity information from the required paint quantity acquisition unit 2320, it forms a stored paint notification image, for example, as a pop-up image, based on the notified mixed paint color chart number information and required mixed paint quantity information, including message information indicating the color chart number of the paint that needs to be mixed to create a paint of a different color from the paint stored by the image forming unit 2313 and the required mixed amount of that paint, and stores the image in the display image storage unit 321. As a result, the display control unit 314 causes the display unit 304 to display message information indicating the color chart numbers and required quantities of other paint colors that will be needed when the painting contractor creates paint of another desired color from the paints they have in stock.

When the new stored paint information generation unit 2316 receives operation information corresponding to the new stored paint registration operation from the reception unit 311, it extracts the user identification information, color chart number information, product name information, manufacturer information, and stored paint quantity information indicating the amount of paint stored by the painting contractor from the operation information. Furthermore, when captured image information is transferred from the imaging unit 307, the new stored paint information generation unit 2316 generates new stored paint information by adding the extracted user identification information, color chart number information, product name information, manufacturer information, and stored paint quantity information to the transferred captured image information. The new stored paint information generation unit 2316 then stores the generated new stored paint information in the new stored paint information storage unit 333. The new stored paint information transmission unit 2317 transmits the new stored paint information stored in the new stored paint information storage unit 333 to the cloud server 1.

The cloud server 2001 according to this embodiment has the same hardware configuration as the cloud server 1 according to this embodiment, and includes a new stored paint information acquisition unit 111, a stored paint information management unit 2112, a color identification unit 113, a stored paint information transmission unit 114, an exhibition request unit 115, an ordering unit 116, a post-color-matching paint amount calculation unit 2117, a required paint amount notification unit 2118, and a required paint amount calculation unit 2119. The cloud server 2001 also includes a stored paint information storage unit 2131 and a color-matching information storage unit 2132. As shown in FIG. 11, the stored paint information storage unit 2131 stores stored paint information including image information, stored paint color chart number information, product name information, manufacturer information, and matched color chart number information for paints stored by each of the multiple painting contractors, as well as stored paint quantity information indicating the amount of paint stored by each painting contractor and matched paint quantity information corresponding to each matched color chart number information, in association with user identification information that identifies each of the multiple painting contractors.

As shown in Figure 12, the color matching information storage unit 2132 stores, for each of a plurality of preset colors, color chart number information indicating the color that can be achieved by mixing the color with the other colors mentioned above, as well as blending ratio information indicating the blending ratio of primary color paints (red, green, blue, etc.) required to achieve that color, in association with the color chart number information for each of a plurality of preset colors.

When the newly stored paint information acquisition unit 2111 acquires newly stored paint information transmitted from the terminal device 3, it notifies the color chart number information extracted from the newly stored paint information to the color identification unit 113 and the post-matching paint amount calculation unit 2117. The newly stored paint information acquisition unit 2111 also notifies the post-matching paint amount calculation unit 2117 of the stored paint amount information extracted from the newly stored paint information. The color identification unit 113 notifies the stored paint information management unit 112 and the post-matching paint amount calculation unit 2117 of the identified color chart number information.

The post-matching paint quantity calculation unit 2117 identifies, from the blending ratio information stored in the blending information storage unit 132, blending ratio information corresponding to the color chart number information notified by the new stored paint information acquisition unit 2111 and the color identification unit 113, and calculates the amount of paint produced by mixing the paint stored by the painting contractor with other paints based on the blending ratio indicated by the identified blending ratio information. The post-matching paint quantity calculation unit 2117 then notifies the stored paint information management unit 2112 of the blending paint quantity information indicating the calculated post-matching paint quantity.

The stored paint information management unit 2112 stores the color chart number information notified by the color identification unit 113 and the mixed paint quantity information notified by the mixed paint quantity calculation unit 2117 in the stored paint information storage unit 2131, correlating them with the paint identification information for each corresponding paint. The stored paint information notification unit 114 then transmits the stored paint information, including the captured image of each container filled with at least one paint stored in the stored paint information storage unit 131, the paint identification information for each of the at least one paint, the color chart number information, the stored paint quantity information, and the mixed paint quantity information, to the terminal device 3 carried by the painting contractor.

When the required paint quantity notification unit 2118 acquires the matched paint color chart number information, required matched paint quantity information, and mixed paint color chart number information transmitted from the terminal device 2003, it notifies the required paint quantity calculation unit 2119 of the acquired matched paint color chart number information, required matched paint quantity information, and mixed paint color chart number information. The required paint quantity calculation unit 2119 identifies, from the blending ratio information stored in the blending information storage unit 132, blending ratio information corresponding to the combination of the color chart number information indicated by the matched paint color chart number information and the color chart number information indicated by the mixed paint color chart number information notified by the required paint quantity notification unit 2118. The required paint quantity calculation unit 2119 then calculates the amount of other paint required to be mixed to produce the required amount of matched paint, based on the blending ratio indicated by the identified blending ratio information and the paint amount indicated by the required matched paint quantity information. The required paint amount calculation unit 2119 then notifies the required paint amount notification unit 2118 of mixed paint amount information indicating the calculated amount of other paint to be mixed. Meanwhile, when the required paint amount notification unit 2118 is notified of the mixed paint amount information from the required paint amount calculation unit 2119, it transmits the notified mixed paint amount information to the terminal device 2003.

This embodiment allows painting contractors to understand the amount of paint they can produce by mixing other paints with the paint they have in stock.

Although the various embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to the aforementioned embodiments. For example, Munsell color system information indicating the hue, lightness, and saturation of the Munsell color system may be used as color information. In this case, the stored paint information may be composed of the paint's Munsell color system information, product name information, manufacturer information, post-matching Munsell color system information, and image information. Here, the post-matching Munsell color system information is information indicating the hue, lightness, and saturation of a paint that can be achieved by mixing it with other paints.

In the first embodiment, when a painting contractor inputs a desired paint color system into the input unit 305 of the terminal device 3, the terminal device 3 may cause the display unit 304 to display a stored paint notification image including captured images of paints of the input color system and paints that can be mixed with other paints to achieve the input color system. In this case, the terminal device 3 may further include a color system paint identification unit that, when notified of color system information indicating the input color system from the reception unit 311, identifies paint combinations of the notified color system and paints that can be mixed with other paints to achieve the input color system from among the combinations of stored paint color chart number information, product name information, manufacturer information, mixed color chart number information, and image information stored in the stored paint information storage unit 331. The image formation unit 313 may then form a stored paint notification image including captured images of paints stored by the painting contractor based on the stored paint color chart number information, product name information, manufacturer information, mixed color chart number information, and image information identified by the color system paint identification unit.

In embodiment 2, as shown in FIG. 13, for example, the color matching information storage unit 4132 may store, for each of a plurality of different pre-set colors of paint, color chart number information indicating the color that can be achieved by mixing the paint with the other paints mentioned above, as well as mixing ratio information indicating the mixing ratio of the primary color paints (red, green, blue, etc.) that must be mixed to achieve that paint, and paint type information indicating the type of primary color paint, in correspondence with the color chart number information for each of the plurality of pre-set colors of paint and the paint type information indicating that type. In this case, when the required paint amount acquisition unit 2320 of the terminal device 2001 is notified of operation information corresponding to the required paint amount input operation, it transmits to the cloud server 2001 matched paint color chart number information indicating the color chart number of the matched paint indicated by the notified operation information, matched paint type information indicating the type of matched paint, required matched paint amount information indicating the amount of that paint, mixed paint color chart number information indicating the color chart numbers of other paints to be mixed with the paint stored by the terminal device 2001, and mixed paint type information indicating the type of other paint, thereby acquiring from the cloud server 2001 mixed paint color chart number information indicating the color chart numbers of paints that need to be mixed with the paint stored by the terminal device 2001 and required mixed paint amount information indicating the required paint amount of that paint.

Here, when the required paint quantity notification unit 2118 of the cloud server 2001 acquires the matched paint color chart number information, matched paint type information, required matched paint quantity information, mixed paint color chart number information, and mixed paint type information transmitted from the terminal device 2003, it notifies the required paint quantity calculation unit 2119 of the acquired matched paint color chart number information, matched paint type information, required matched paint quantity information, mixed paint color chart number information, and mixed paint type information. Furthermore, the required paint quantity calculation unit 2119 identifies, from the blending ratio information stored in the blending information storage unit 132, blending ratio information corresponding to the combination of the color chart number information indicated by the matched paint color chart number information notified by the required paint quantity notification unit 2118, the paint type indicated by the matched paint type information, the color chart number information indicated by the mixed paint color chart number information, and the paint type indicated by the mixed paint type information. The required paint amount calculation unit 2119 then notifies the required paint amount notification unit 2118 of mixed paint amount information indicating the calculated amount of other paint to be mixed, and the required paint amount notification unit 2118 then transmits the notified mixed paint amount information to the terminal device 2003.

This configuration allows painting contractors to understand the amount of paint that can be produced by mixing other paints with the paint they store.

In embodiment 2, the cloud server 1 may further include a paint storage location memory unit that stores paint type information and color chart number information for paint stored by each of multiple painting contractors, or paint type information and color chart number information for paint stored by a paint distributor, in association with storage location information indicating where the paint is stored. In this case, the stored paint information management unit 2112 may refer to the storage location information stored in the paint storage location memory unit and select storage location information corresponding to the color chart number information notified by the color identification unit 113. The stored paint management unit 2112 may then store the color chart number information and post-matching paint quantity information in the stored paint information memory unit 2131 in association with the paint identification information, paint type information, and paint storage location information for each corresponding paint. The stored paint information notification unit 114 also transmits stored paint information, including captured images of each container filled with at least one paint stored in the stored paint information memory unit 131, as well as paint identification information for each of the at least one paint, color chart number information, stored paint quantity information, post-color-matching paint quantity information, and paint storage location information, to a terminal device 2003 carried by the painting contractor. Meanwhile, the terminal device 2003 displays the paint storage location indicated by the stored paint quantity information on the display unit 304 together with the captured images of the containers.

With this configuration, the display unit 304 of the terminal device 2003 displays the storage locations of mixable primary color paints and stock paints, allowing painters to understand the approximate time required when collecting paints from other painters to mix with their own stock paints. For example, if a painter living in Maizuru City sees on the display unit 304 that the storage location of the paints they want to mix is Kochi City, the painter will know that it will take a long time to mix the paints to obtain the desired paint. On the other hand, if a painter living in Maizuru City sees on the display unit 304 that the storage location of the paints they want to mix is Fukuchiyama City, the painter will know that it will take a relatively short time to mix the paints to obtain the desired paint.

In embodiment 1, the cloud server 1 may identify the color chart number of another color paint that can be created by mixing the stored paint with the color of the stored paint measured by the colorimeter 2004.

As shown in FIG. 14, the colorimeter 3004 according to this modified example is capable of communicating with the cloud server 3001, receives reflected light when white light is irradiated onto the paint, and calculates each element of the paint color when expressed as a three-dimensional vector in the XYZ color space from the wavelength spectrum of the received reflected light. The colorimeter 3004 then generates color measurement result information indicating the elements of the calculated three-dimensional vector and transmits it to the cloud server 3001.

The cloud server 3001 has the same hardware configuration as the cloud server 1 according to the embodiment, and includes a new stored paint information acquisition unit 3111, a stored paint information management unit 2112, a color identification unit 3113, a stored paint information transmission unit 114, an exhibition request unit 115, an ordering unit 116, a post-color-matching paint amount calculation unit 2117, a required paint amount notification unit 2118, and a required paint amount calculation unit 2119. Note that components similar to those in embodiment 2 are assigned the same reference numerals as in Figure 10. The cloud server 2001 also includes a stored paint information storage unit 2131, a color-matching information storage unit 2132, and an XYZ color system information storage unit 3133. The XYZ color system information storage unit 3133 stores information indicating a conversion formula for converting a three-dimensional vector in the XYZ color system space, such as that shown in formula (1) below, into an n-dimensional vector (n is a positive integer) whose elements are the blending ratios of multiple pre-set types of raw paint.

...Formula (1)
Here, (XYZ) represents a three-dimensional vector in the XYZ color space, ( _r1 ... _rn ) represents an n-dimensional vector whose elements are the blending ratios of multiple preset raw paint materials, and M represents a transformation matrix. This transformation formula can be derived based on the Kubelka-Munk theory or the like.

When the newly stored paint information acquisition unit 3111 acquires the color measurement result information sent from the colorimeter 3004, it notifies the color identification unit 3113 of the acquired color measurement result information. Note that the newly stored paint information acquisition unit 3111 also has the same functions as the newly stored paint information acquisition unit 2111 according to embodiment 2.

When the color measurement result information is notified to the color identification unit 3113 by the new stored paint information acquisition unit 3111, the color identification unit 3113 converts the three-dimensional vector in the XYZ color system space indicated by the notified color measurement result information into a multidimensional vector whose elements are the blending ratios of multiple types of raw paints set in advance, based on information indicating the relational expression (1) stored in the XYZ color system information storage unit 3133. The color identification unit 3113 then identifies, from the color chart number information stored in the color matching information storage unit 2132, color chart number information in which the ratio of the elements of the multidimensional vector whose elements are the blending ratios of raw paints obtained by the conversion is the same as the ratio indicated by the raw paint blending ratio information. The color identification unit 3113 then notifies the stored paint information management unit 2112 of the identified color chart number information.

With this configuration, painting contractors can use the colorimeter 3004 to identify the color of the paint they store, eliminating the need for them to check the color chart numbers of the paints they store, thereby improving convenience for the painting contractor.

In each embodiment, an example has been described in which color chart number information for a paint created by mixing paint stored by a painting contractor with paint stored by another painting contractor or primary color paint is displayed on the display unit 304 of the terminal device 3. However, this is not limited to this, and the display unit 304 of the terminal device 3 may also display color chart number information for a paint created by mixing multiple types of paint with paint stored by the painting contractor. For example, the display unit 304 may display color chart numbers for paints that can be created by mixing paint stored by the painting contractor with other paints stored by the painting contractor and primary color paints or multiple types of paint stored by the painting contractor.

In embodiment 1, the cloud server may have the function of automatically transmitting recommendation information to the terminal device, including information about stored paint that is about to expire, stored paint that the painting contractor has previously ordered, or stored paint that the painting contractor has previously registered.

The terminal device 5003 and cloud server 5003 according to this modification have the same hardware configuration as the terminal device 3 and cloud server 1 according to the embodiment, and therefore the hardware configuration will be described using the same reference numerals as in FIG. 2. In the terminal device 5003 according to this modification, the CPU 301 reads and executes programs stored in the auxiliary memory unit 303 into the main memory unit 302, thereby functioning as a reception unit 311, a stored paint information acquisition unit 312, an image formation unit 5313, a display control unit 314, an imaging control unit 315, a new stored paint information generation unit 316, a new stored paint information transmission unit 317, a listing request unit 318, an order request unit 319, a pre-registration request unit 5320, and a recommendation information acquisition unit 5321, as shown in FIG. 15. Note that in FIG. 15, components similar to those in embodiment 1 are designated by the same reference numerals as in FIG. 3. The auxiliary memory unit 303 also has a stored paint information storage unit 331, an image storage unit 332, and a new stored paint information storage unit 333. Furthermore, the image-only memory of the main memory unit 502 includes a display image memory unit 521. When the painting contractor performs a pre-registration operation via the input unit 305 to pre-register in the cloud server 5001 a paint that the painting contractor wants to be recommended to the painting contractor when new stored paint information is registered in the cloud server 5002, the reception unit 311 generates operation information indicating the pre-registration operation and notifies the pre-registration request unit 5320. In the pre-registration operation, the product name information and manufacturer information of the paint that the painting contractor wants to be recommended are input via the input unit 305.

When the pre-registration request unit 5320 receives operation information indicating the above-mentioned pre-registration operation from the reception unit 311, it generates pre-registration request information including product name information and manufacturer information of the paint to be recommended based on the operation information and transmits the information to the cloud server 5001.

When the recommended information acquisition unit 5321 acquires recommended information sent from the cloud server 5001, it extracts stored paint information included in the acquired recommended information and notifies the image forming unit 5313. Here, the recommended information includes stored paint information for paint that is close to its expiration date, paint that the painting contractor has previously ordered, or paint that the painting contractor has previously registered.

As in embodiment 1, the image forming unit 5313 forms a stored paint notification image including a captured image of the paint stored by the painting contractor based on the stored paint color chart number information, product name information, manufacturer information, mixed color chart number information, and image information stored in the stored paint information storage unit 331. Furthermore, when the image forming unit 5313 is notified of stored paint information from the recommended information acquisition unit 5320, it forms a push notification image based on the notified stored paint information to encourage the painting contractor to place an order or use the paint, and stores the image in the display image storage unit 321. The display control unit 314 then displays the push notification image stored in the display image storage unit 321 on the display unit 304.

In addition, in the cloud server 5001 according to this modified example, the CPU 301 reads out the programs stored in the auxiliary memory unit 303 into the main memory unit 302 and executes them, thereby functioning as a new stored paint information acquisition unit 111, a stored paint information management unit 112, a color identification unit 113, a stored paint information transmission unit 114, an exhibition request unit 115, an ordering unit 3116, a paint identification unit 5120 immediately before expiration, a previously ordered paint identification unit 5121, a pre-registered paint determination unit 5122, a recommended information generation unit 5123, a recommended information transmission unit 5124, and a pre-registration unit 5125. The auxiliary memory unit 103 also has a stored paint information storage unit 5131, a color matching information storage unit 132, an order history storage unit 5133, and a pre-registered paint storage unit 5134. As shown in FIG. 16, the stored paint information storage unit 5131 stores stored paint information including image information, stored paint color chart number information, product name information, manufacturer information, and mixed color chart number information for paints stored by each of multiple painting contractors, as well as expiration date information indicating the expiration date of the paint, in association with user identification information that identifies each of the multiple painting contractors.

The order history storage unit 5133 stores the product name information and manufacturer information of paints previously ordered by the painting contractor, correlating them with order date and time information indicating the date and time the order was placed and the aforementioned user identification information. The pre-registered paint storage unit 5134 stores the product name information and manufacturer information of paints that the painting contractor wants recommended, correlating them with the aforementioned user identification information. When the pre-registration unit 5125 acquires pre-registration request information from the terminal device 5003, it extracts the product name information, manufacturer information, and user identification information contained in the acquired pre-registration request information, and stores the extracted product name information, manufacturer information, and user identification information in the pre-registered paint storage unit 5134 in association with each other. The ordering unit 3116 stores the order information in the order history storage unit 5133, correlating it with order date and time information.

When the preset recommendation time arrives, the near-expiration paint identification unit 5120 references the expiration date information stored in the stored paint information storage unit 5131 and identifies stored paint information whose period from the current time to the expiration date is less than the preset recommendation reference period. Here, the length of the recommendation reference period is not particularly limited, but can be set to one week, for example. The near-expiration paint identification unit 5120 then notifies the recommendation information generation unit 5123 of the identified stored paint information.

When the preset recommendation period arrives, the previously ordered paint identification unit 5121 references the order date and time information stored in the order history memory unit 5133 and identifies the product name information and manufacturer information of paint ordered between a point going back a preset order history reference period from the current time and the current time. Here, the length of the order history reference period is not particularly limited, but can be set to several months, for example. The previously ordered paint identification unit 5121 then identifies stored paint information that includes the identified combination of product name information and manufacturer information from the stored paint information stored in the stored paint information memory unit 5131, and notifies the identified stored paint information to the recommendation information generation unit 5123.

When the stored paint information memory unit 5131 stores new stored paint information, the pre-registered paint determination unit 5122 determines whether the newly stored stored paint information includes any of the combinations of product name information and manufacturer information stored in the pre-registered paint memory unit 5134. If the pre-registered paint determination unit 5122 determines that the newly stored stored paint information includes any of the combinations of product name information and manufacturer information stored in the pre-registered paint memory unit 5134, it notifies the recommendation information generation unit 5123 of the newly stored stored paint information.

When the recommended information generation unit 5123 is notified of stored paint information from the immediately-expired paint identification unit 5120, the previously ordered paint identification unit 5121, or the pre-registered paint determination unit 5122, it generates recommended information including the notified stored paint information. The recommended information transmission unit 5124 then transmits the generated recommended information to the terminal device 5003. Here, the recommended information transmission unit 5124 broadcasts the generated recommended information to at least one terminal device 5003 that has been registered in advance in the cloud server 5001 as a destination for the recommended information.

Next, the operation of the stored paint management system according to this modified example will be described with reference to FIG. 17. Note that in FIG. 17, processes similar to those in embodiment 1 are assigned the same reference numerals as in FIGS. 5 and 7. First, when the aforementioned recommendation period arrives, the cloud server 5001 references the expiration date information stored in the stored paint information storage unit 5131 to identify stored paint information whose expiration date is less than or equal to the preset recommendation reference period (step S5001). Next, the cloud server 5001 references the order date and time information stored in the order history storage unit 5133 to identify the product name information and manufacturer information of paints ordered between a time point going back a preset order history reference period from the current time and the current time (step S5002). Next, the cloud server 5001 identifies stored paint information that includes the combination of the identified product name information and manufacturer information (step S5003). The cloud server 5001 then generates recommendation information including the identified stored paint information (step S5004), and the generated recommendation information is sent from the cloud server 5001 to the terminal device 5003 (step S5005). Meanwhile, the terminal device 5003 forms a recommendation image based on the stored paint information included in the recommendation information and displays it on the display unit 504 (step S5006).

Furthermore, the cloud server 5001 acquires the new stored paint information described in embodiment 1 from the terminal device 5003 (step S10) and determines that the newly stored stored paint information includes any combination of product name information and manufacturer information stored in the pre-registered paint memory unit 5134 (step S5007). In this case, the cloud server 5001 generates recommendation information including the newly stored stored paint information (step S5008), and the generated recommendation information is transmitted from the cloud server 5001 to the terminal device 5003 (step S5009). Meanwhile, the terminal device 5003 forms a recommendation image based on the stored paint information included in the recommendation information and displays it on the display unit 504 (step S5010). Here, the terminal device 5003 may, for example, form a thumbnail image showing a list of stored paints managed by the cloud server 5001 based on the stored paint information and display it on the display unit 504. After that, when the stored paint display operation described in embodiment 1 is performed, the series of processes from step S1 onwards will be executed.

Next, the stored paint management process executed by the cloud server 5001 according to this modified example will be described with reference to Figure 18. Note that in Figure 18, processes similar to those in embodiment 1 are assigned the same reference numerals as in Figure 9. First, after the processes of steps S101 and S102 are performed, the new stored paint information acquisition unit 111 determines that new stored paint information transmitted from the terminal device 3 has been acquired (step S103: Yes). In this case, after a series of processes from steps S104 to S106 are performed, the pre-registered paint determination unit 5122 determines whether the stored paint information newly stored in the stored paint information storage unit 5131 includes any of the combinations of product name information and manufacturer information stored in the pre-registered paint storage unit 5134 (step S5101). If the pre-registered paint determination unit 5122 determines that the newly stored paint information in the stored paint information storage unit 5131 does not include the combination of product name information and manufacturer information stored in the pre-registered paint storage unit 5134 (step S5101: No), the processing from step S107 onward is executed. On the other hand, if the pre-registered paint determination unit 5122 determines that the newly stored paint information in the stored paint information storage unit 5131 does include the combination of product name information and manufacturer information stored in the pre-registered paint storage unit 5134 (step S5101: Yes), the recommended information generation unit 5123 generates recommended information including the newly stored paint information in the pre-registered paint storage unit 5134, and the recommended information transmission unit 5124 transmits the generated recommended information to the terminal device 5003 (step S5102). Next, a series of processes from step S107 to S111 is executed.

Next, the immediately-expired paint identification unit 5120 determines whether the aforementioned recommendation period has arrived (step S5103). If the immediately-expired paint identification unit 5120 determines that the recommendation period has not yet arrived (step S5103: No), step S101 is executed again. On the other hand, if the immediately-expired paint identification unit 5120 determines that the recommendation period has arrived (step S5103: Yes), it references the expiration date information stored in the stored paint information storage unit 5131 to identify stored paint information whose expiration date is less than or equal to the preset recommendation reference period (step S5104). Next, the previously ordered paint identification unit 5121 references the order date and time information stored in the order history storage unit 5133 to identify the product name information and manufacturer information of paints ordered between a time point going back a preset order history reference period from the current time and the current time (step S5105). Next, the previously ordered paint identification unit 5121 identifies stored paint information including the identified combination of product name information and manufacturer information from the stored paint information stored in the stored paint information storage unit 5131 (step S5106).The recommended information generation unit 5123 then generates recommended information including the identified stored paint information, and the recommended information transmission unit 5124 transmits the generated recommended information to the terminal device 5003 (step S5107).Next, the processing of step S101 is executed again.

With this configuration, the cloud server 5001 actively transmits recommendation information to the terminal device 5003, including information on stored paint that is about to expire, stored paint that the painting contractor has previously ordered, or stored paint that the painting contractor has previously registered. This allows the painting contractor to understand the paint inventory status managed by the cloud server 5001 via the terminal device 5003 without having to perform a stored paint display operation to check the paint inventory status, thereby improving convenience for the painting contractor. In addition, the recommendation information is broadcast to at least one terminal device 5003 that is pre-registered in the cloud server 5001 as a destination for the recommendation information. Therefore, for example, when multiple painting contractors use stock paint, it is possible to prevent imbalances in the frequency of use of stock paint among the multiple painting contractors.

In the aforementioned modified example, an example was described in which the recommended information sending unit 5124 broadcasts the recommended information to at least one terminal device 5003 that has been registered in advance in the cloud server 5001 as a destination of the recommended information. However, this is not limited to this, and the recommended information sending unit 5124 may also send the recommended information to an SNS management server that manages the SNS (Social Network Service) in which the painting contractor is registered.

Furthermore, in the aforementioned modified example, an example was described in which the cloud server 5001 transmits recommendation information to a terminal device 5003 having a newly stored paint information generation unit 316 that generates newly stored paint information. However, this is not limited to this, and the cloud server 5001 may transmit recommendation information to a terminal device that has, for example, an order request unit 319 that generates order request information for ordering paint, but does not have the newly stored paint information generation unit 316.

In embodiment 1, the cloud server may have a function to automatically send comment information including information about a newly registered paint to the terminal device when a paint of a color, type, or style desired by a painting contractor, or a paint that can be mixed with other already registered paints to achieve the desired color of the paint, is newly registered. Here, other paints include paints already stored in stock by the painting contractor or pre-set primary color paints. Furthermore, the cloud server may have a function to automatically send comment information including information about the newly registered paint to the terminal device when a new paint is registered at a paint storage location in a region previously registered by the painting contractor.

In embodiment 1, the cloud server may have a function to automatically send recommendation information including information about the stored paint to the terminal device when the remaining amount of the stored paint falls below a predetermined reference remaining amount.

In embodiment 1, the cloud server may have a function to automatically send recommendation information including information about a paint to a terminal device when the paint is listed for sale at a price below a preset reference price. For example, when a paint priced at 5,000 yen or less is listed, recommendation information including information about the paint may be sent to the terminal device. The cloud server may also have a function to monitor the purchasing status of listed paint, and when the listed paint is purchased, send request information to a terminal device owned by a preset shipping company to request collection of the paint.

In the first embodiment, an example was described in which, when a painting contractor registers a new paint to be stored, the painting contractor performs a new stored paint registration operation on the input unit 305 to input the color chart number information, product name information, and manufacturer information for the new paint. However, this is not limited to this. For example, when the painting contractor uses the imaging unit 307 to capture an image of a label containing the paint's color chart number, product name, and manufacturer name attached to the sidewall or other surface of a container of the new paint, the terminal device 3 may have a function to estimate the color chart number, product name, and manufacturer name written on the label included in the captured image. In this case, the terminal device 3 may be equipped with a new stored paint information estimation unit that extracts an image portion of the label from the photographic image captured by the imaging unit 307, estimates from the extracted image a portion containing text corresponding to the color chart number, product name, and manufacturer name, and estimates the color chart number, product name, and manufacturer name from the text written in the estimated portion. Here, the newly stored paint information estimation unit estimates a character string using, for example, a method that combines character characteristic analysis and pattern matching technology, or a method that uses image recognition technology that utilizes a convolutional neural network, and extracts character strings corresponding to the color chart number, product name, and manufacturer name from the estimated character string. The newly stored paint information generation unit 316 then generates newly stored paint information including color chart number information, product name information, and manufacturer information indicating the color chart number, product name, and manufacturer name estimated by the paint information estimation unit, and stores this information in the newly stored paint information storage unit 333. Note that the method for acquiring a photographic image of the label is not limited to the method using the imaging unit 307, and may also be a method that scans the label with an optical scanner.

This configuration allows painting contractors to avoid having to enter color chart numbers, product name information, and manufacturer names, which has the advantage of reducing the amount of work required for painting contractors to register new stored paints.

In embodiment 1, when the cloud server 1 receives from the terminal device 3 stored paint information request information requesting transmission of stored paint information for paint stored by a user other than the painting contractor who owns the terminal device 3, the cloud server 1 may transmit the stored paint information for the paint stored by the other user to the terminal device 3 in response. In this case, the stored paint request information may include the user identification information of the painting contractor who owns the terminal device 3 and the user identification information of the other user. Then, when the cloud server 1 receives the stored paint information request information from the terminal device 3, it may identify the stored paint information that corresponds to the user identification information of the other user included in the received stored paint information request information and transmit the identified stored paint information to the terminal device 3.

In the first embodiment, when a painting contractor performs a desired paint display operation by inputting the desired paint type and desired purchase price into the input unit 305 of the terminal device 3, stored paint information request information including information indicating the desired paint type and desired purchase price may be transmitted from the terminal device 3 to the cloud server 1. Furthermore, upon acquiring the stored paint information request information, the cloud server 1 may extract information indicating the desired paint type and desired purchase price from the acquired stored paint request information, and, based on the extracted information, transmit stored paint information for paints of the desired paint type and that match the desired purchase price to the terminal device 3. Then, upon acquiring the stored paint information, the terminal device 3 may form a paint list notification image indicating a list of paints of the desired paint type and that match the desired purchase price based on the acquired stored paint information, and display the image on the display unit 304. In this case, the painting contractor can refer to the paint list notification image displayed on the display unit 304 and perform an ordering operation to order new paint.

Furthermore, the various functions of the cloud servers 1, 2001, 3001, and 5001 and terminal devices 3, 2003, and 5003 according to the present invention can be realized using a normal computer system, rather than a dedicated system. For example, a program for executing the above operations can be stored on a non-transitory recording medium (such as a CD-ROM (Compact Disc Read Only Memory)) that can be read by the computer system and distributed to a computer connected to a network. The cloud servers 1, 2001, 3001, and 5001 and terminal devices 3, 2003, and 5003 that execute the above-described processes can be configured by installing the program on the computer system.

The method for providing the program to the computer is arbitrary. For example, the program may be uploaded to a bulletin board system (BBS) on a communication line and distributed to the computer via the communication line. The computer then launches the program and executes it like any other application under the control of the OS (Operating System). As a result, the computer functions as cloud server 1, 2001, 3001, 5001 and terminal device 3, 2003, 5003 that executes the above-mentioned processes.

Although the above describes various embodiments and variations of the present invention, the present invention is not limited to these. The present invention also includes appropriate combinations of the embodiments and variations, as well as appropriate modifications thereto.

The present invention is suitable as a device for managing the storage conditions of paint stored by painting contractors.

1, 2001, 3001, 5001: Cloud server, 3, 2003, 5003: Terminal device, 3a: Operation button, 101, 301: CPU, 102, 302: Main memory unit, 103, 303: Auxiliary memory unit, 106, 306: Communication unit, 109, 309: Bus, 111, 2111, 3111: New stored paint information acquisition unit, 112, 2112: Stored paint information management unit, 113, 3113: Color identification unit, 114: Stored paint information notification unit, 115 , 318: exhibit request unit, 116, 3116: ordering unit, 131, 331, 2131, 5131: stored paint information storage unit, 132: color matching information storage unit, 304: display unit, 305: input unit, 307: imaging unit, 311: reception unit, 312: stored paint information acquisition unit, 313, 2313: image forming unit, 314: display control unit, 315: imaging control unit, 316, 2316: new stored paint information generation unit, 317, 2317: new stored paint information transmission unit, 319: Order request unit, 321: Display image storage unit, 332: Image storage unit, 333, 2333: Newly stored paint information storage unit, 2117: Paint amount calculation unit after color matching, 2118: Required paint amount notification unit, 2119: Required paint amount calculation unit, 2320: Required paint amount acquisition unit, 3004: Colorimeter, 3133: XYZ color system information storage unit, 5120: Paint identification unit just before expiration date, 5121: Previously ordered paint identification unit, 5122: Pre-registered paint identification unit, 5123 : Recommendation information generation unit, 5124: Recommendation information transmission unit, 5125: Pre-registration unit, 5133: Order history storage unit, 5134: Pre-registered paint storage unit, 5320: Pre-registration request unit, 5321: Recommendation information acquisition unit, GA1: Stored paint notification image, GA01, GA02: Captured image, GA011, GA012: Band image, M11, M12, M13, M21, M22, M23, M24: Message information, NW1: Network

Claims (9)

a storage paint information storage unit that stores image information showing a captured image of a container filled with at least one paint stored by a user in association with paint identification information of each of the at least one paint;
a color matching information storage unit that stores, for each of a plurality of preset color paints, color matching information indicating a color that can be achieved by mixing the paint with other paints to match the color of each of the preset color paints, in association with color information for each of the plurality of preset colors and blending ratio information indicating blending ratios of the plurality of primary color paints to achieve the color of the matched color using the plurality of primary color paints;
a color specifying unit that specifies a color after the color matching process that can be achieved by matching each of the at least one paint stored by the user with another paint, by referring to the color information after the color matching process stored in the color matching information storage unit;
a color-matched paint amount calculation unit that calculates a color-matched paint amount indicating a paint amount that can be produced for each of the specified color-matched colors based on the blending ratio information stored in the color-matching information storage unit;
a stored paint information management unit that stores the matched color information indicating the specified matched color and the matched paint amount information in a stored paint information storage unit in association with paint identification information for each of the at least one paint;
a storage paint information notification unit that transmits to a terminal device carried by a user, the captured image of each container filled with the at least one paint, the paint identification information of each of the at least one paint, the color information after color matching , and the paint amount information after color matching;
Storage paint management device. a storage paint information storage unit that stores image information showing a captured image of a container filled with at least one paint stored by a user in association with paint identification information of each of the at least one paint;
a color specifying unit that specifies, for each of the at least one paint stored by a user, a color after the color matching that can be achieved by matching the paint with the other paint, using color information indicating the color of the other paint;
a color-matched paint amount calculation unit that calculates a color-matched paint amount indicating a paint amount that can be produced for each of the specified color-matched colors;
a stored paint information management unit that stores, in a stored paint information storage unit, matched paint identification information for each of the at least one paint, matched color information indicating the matched color and the matched paint amount information;
A captured image of each container filled with the at least one paint, paint identification information of each of the at least one paint, the color information after color matching, and the paint amount information after color matching are stored.
A storage paint information notification unit that transmits the information to a terminal device carried by a user.
Storage paint management device. the color information includes at least one of color chart number information indicating a color chart number and Munsell color system information indicating hue, lightness, and saturation in the Munsell color system;
3. The stored paint management device according to claim 1 or 2 . the color specifying unit specifies a color that can be achieved by toning using the other paint based on each element of a three-dimensional vector in an XYZ color space obtained by measurement using a colorimeter;
The stored paint management device according to claim 2 . a storage paint information storage unit that stores image information showing a captured image of a container filled with at least one paint stored by a user in association with paint identification information of each of the at least one paint;
a color matching information storage unit that stores, for each of a plurality of preset color paints, color matching information indicating a color that can be achieved by mixing the paint with other paints to match the color information of each of the plurality of preset colors;
a color specifying unit that refers to the matched color information stored in the matched color information storage unit and specifies a matched color that can be achieved by matching each of the at least one paint stored by the user with another paint;
a stored paint information management unit that stores the matched color information indicating the specified matched color in a stored paint information storage unit in association with the paint identification information of each of the at least one paint;
A captured image of each container filled with the at least one paint, paint identification information of each of the at least one paint, and the color information after color matching are displayed.
A storage paint information notification unit that transmits the information to a terminal device carried by a user,
The stored paint information storage unit further stores image information showing a captured image of a container filled with at least one paint stored by the user, in association with paint identification information of each of the at least one paint, expiration date information showing an expiration date of each of the at least one paint, product name information, and manufacturer information,
an order history storage unit that stores information on the product names and manufacturers of paints previously ordered by the user in association with order date and time information indicating the date and time the orders were placed and the user identification information;
When a preset recommendation time arrives, a paint identification unit immediately before expiration date identifies the stored paint information whose expiration date is less than a preset reference period by referring to the expiration date information stored in the stored paint information storage unit;
a previously ordered paint identifying unit that, when the recommendation time arrives, refers to the order date and time information stored in the order history storage unit and identifies product name information and manufacturer information of the paint ordered between a time point going back a predetermined order history reference period from the current time point and the current time point;
and a recommendation information generating unit that generates recommendation information including the stored paint information identified by at least one of the paint identification unit immediately before expiration date and the previously ordered paint identification unit.
Storage paint management device. a pre-registered paint storage unit that stores product name information and manufacturer information of paints that the user wants to recommend in association with the user identification information;
a pre-registered paint determination unit that, when the stored paint information storage unit stores new stored paint information, determines whether the newly stored stored paint information includes any of the combinations of product name information and manufacturer information stored in the pre-registered paint storage unit;
the recommendation information generation unit generates recommendation information including the stored paint information determined by the pre-registered paint determination unit to include any combination of product name information and manufacturer information stored in the pre-registered paint storage unit;
The stored paint management device according to claim 5 . A terminal device owned by a user;
a storage paint information storage unit that stores image information showing a captured image of a container filled with at least one paint stored by a user in association with paint identification information of each of the at least one paint;
a color matching information storage unit that stores, for each of a plurality of preset color paints, color matching information indicating a color that can be achieved by mixing the paint with other paints to match the color of each of the preset color paints, in association with color information for each of the plurality of preset colors and blending ratio information indicating blending ratios of the plurality of primary color paints to achieve the color of the matched color using the plurality of primary color paints;
a color specifying unit that refers to the matched color information stored in the matched color information storage unit and specifies a matched color that can be achieved by matching each of the at least one paint stored by the user with another paint;
a toned paint amount calculation unit that calculates a toned paint amount indicating an amount of paint that can be produced for each of the identified toned colors based on the blending ratio information stored in the toning information storage unit;
a stored paint information management unit that stores the matched color information indicating the specified matched color and the matched paint amount information in a stored paint information storage unit in association with paint identification information of each of the at least one paint;
a storage paint information notification unit that transmits to the terminal device a captured image of each container filled with the at least one paint, paint identification information of each of the at least one paint, the color information after color matching , and the paint amount information after color matching ;
Storage paint management system. a step in which the stored paint management device refers to the matched color information stored in a matched color information storage unit that stores, for each of a plurality of preset colors of paint, matched color information indicating a matched color that can be achieved by mixing the paint with other paints to achieve the matched color, the matched color information being associated with color information for each of the plurality of preset colors and blending ratio information indicating blending ratios of the plurality of primary color paints to achieve the matched color using the plurality of primary color paints, and specifies, for each of at least one paint stored by the user, the matched color that can be achieved by mixing the paint with other paints;
The storage paint management device calculates a toned paint amount indicating a paint amount that can be produced for each of the identified toned colors based on the blending ratio information stored in the toning information storage unit;
a step in which the stored paint management device stores the matched color information indicating the matched color specified for each of the at least one paint and the matched paint amount information in a stored paint information storage unit, together with image information indicating a captured image of a container filled with the at least one paint, in association with paint identification information for each of the at least one paint;
The stored paint management device transmits, to a terminal device carried by a user, captured images of each container filled with the at least one paint, paint identification information of each of the at least one paint, the color information after color matching , and the paint amount information after color matching .
Storage paint management method. Computer,
a storage paint information storage unit that stores image information showing a captured image of a container filled with at least one paint stored by a user in association with paint identification information of each of the at least one paint;
a color matching information storage unit that stores, for each of a plurality of preset color paints, color-matched color information indicating a color that can be achieved by mixing the paint with other paints to match the color, in association with color information for each of the plurality of preset colors and blending ratio information indicating blending ratios of the plurality of primary color paints for achieving the color matched by using the plurality of primary color paints;
a color specifying unit that specifies, with reference to the matched color information stored in the matched color information storage unit, a matched color that can be achieved by matching each of the at least one paint stored by the user with another paint;
a toned paint amount calculation unit that calculates a toned paint amount indicating an amount of paint that can be produced for each of the specified toned colors based on the blending ratio information stored in the toning information storage unit;
a stored paint information management unit that stores the matched color information indicating the specified matched color and the matched paint amount information in a stored paint information storage unit in association with paint identification information of each of the at least one paint;
a storage paint information notification unit that transmits, to a terminal device carried by a user, the captured image of each container filled with the at least one paint, paint identification information of each of the at least one paint, the post- matching color information, and the post-matching paint amount information;
A program to function as a