Content distribution server

Abstract

A content distribution server according to an embodiment includes a storage unit that stores: store codes corresponding to stores that are targets of distribution, device codes corresponding to receipt issuing devices in each respective store, print specifications corresponding to each receipt issuing device, and additional information items, each including print specifications required for printing the respective additional information. A control unit identifies at least one additional information item for transmitting to one or more of the stores having one or more receipt issuing devices with corresponding print specifications that match the print specifications of the at least one additional information item. A communication interface transmits, to the corresponding one or more stores, the identified at least one additional information and instructions causing the one or more receipt issuing devices in the one or more stores to print receipts including an image corresponding to the transmitted at least one additional information item.

1 . A content distribution system, comprising:
 a store server for a store having a store code associated therewith, at least one receipt issuing device in the store being connected to the store server via a store network;   a content distribution server including:
 a storage unit that stores:
 store codes corresponding to stores that are targets of distribution, 
 device codes corresponding to receipt issuing devices in each respective store, 
 print specifications corresponding to each receipt issuing device, and 
 additional information items, each including print specifications required for printing the respective additional information; 
 
 a communication interface that transmits and receives data to and from the store server via a network; and 
 a control unit that, based on the stored store codes, device codes, print specifications corresponding to each receipt issuing device and additional information items: 
 identifies at least one additional information item for transmitting to the store server when the at least one receipt issuing device has corresponding print specifications that match the print specifications of the at least one additional information item, and 
 controls the communication interface to transmit to the store server the identified at least one additional information and instructions causing the one or more receipt issuing device to print receipts including an image corresponding to the transmitted at least one additional information item. 
   
     
     
         2 . The system according to  claim 1 , wherein
 the additional information items each include an addition condition, and   the instructions cause the one or more receipt issuing device to print the print receipts including the image when the addition condition is satisfied.   
     
     
         3 . The system according  claim 2 , wherein the addition condition is one or more specific item of merchandise purchased in a transaction for which the receipt is printed. 
     
     
         4 . The system according to  claim 2 , wherein the addition condition is a time period of a transaction for which the receipt is printed. 
     
     
         5 . The system according to  claim 1 , wherein
 the storage unit further stores store attributes corresponding to each store code, and   the control unit further identifies the at least one additional information item for transmitting to one or more of the stores based on the stored store attributes.   
     
     
         6 . The system according to  claim 1 , wherein
 the storage unit further stores a schedule, and   the control unit controls the communication interface to transmit the identified at least one additional information in accordance with the schedule.   
     
     
         7 . The system according to  claim 1 , wherein the print specifications include at least one of a resolution and a print area size. 
     
     
         8 .- 14 . (canceled) 
     
     
         15 . A content distribution method, comprising:
 associating a store code with a store having a store server, the store having at least one receipt issuing device connected to the store server via a store network;   storing in a content distribution server connected to the store server via a network:
 store codes corresponding to stores that are targets of distribution, 
 device codes corresponding to receipt issuing devices in each respective store, 
 print specifications corresponding to each receipt issuing device, and 
 additional information items, each including print specifications required for printing the respective additional information; 
   identifying at least one additional information item for transmitting to the store server when that at least one receipt issuing device has corresponding print specifications that match the print specifications of the at least one additional information item, based on the stored store codes, device codes, print specifications corresponding to each receipt issuing device and additional information items; and   transmitting, to the store server, the identified at least one additional information and instructions causing the one or more receipt issuing device to print receipts including an image corresponding to the transmitted at least one additional information item.   
     
     
         16 . The method according to  claim 15 , wherein
 the additional information items each include an addition condition, and   the instructions cause the one or more receipt issuing device in to print the print receipts including the image when the addition condition is satisfied.   
     
     
         17 . The method according to according  claim 16 , wherein the addition condition is one or more specific item of merchandise purchased in a transaction for which the receipt is printed. 
     
     
         18 . The method according to according to  claim 16 , wherein the addition condition is a time period of a transaction for which the receipt is printed. 
     
     
         19 . The method according to  claim 15 , further comprising:
 storing store attributes corresponding to each store code in the content distribution server, wherein   the at least one additional information item is further identified based on the stored store attributes.   
     
     
         20 . The method according to  claim 15 , wherein the print specifications include at least one of a resolution and a print area size.