JP2017058896A - Content output device, transmission intensity control method, and program - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To allow related information on content being output to be transmitted to an appropriate range corresponding to the content.SOLUTION: A digital signage device 1 stores ID information on a service corresponding to content and transmission intensity by associating them with data (image data or voice data) for output of the content in a content storage unit 252. A control unit 23 reads out the ID information and the transmission intensity corresponding to content being output from the content storage unit 252 while the content is being output, and sets an HCI command including the read-out ID information and transmission intensity to a second communication unit 31. The second communication unit 31 broadcasts transmission information including set ID information at set transmission intensity.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 6

Description

  The present invention relates to a content output device, a transmission intensity control method, and a program.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, there is known a device equipped with a video output device that can enhance an impression for a viewer by projecting content on a screen formed in a contour shape of a person or the like appearing in the content (for example, a patent) Reference 1).

JP 2011-150221 A

  However, the video output device mounted device described in Patent Document 1 only outputs video content. For this reason, for example, information related to the content that is output, such as coupons related to products targeted for advertisement by content and URL (Uniform Resource Locator) information of the homepage of the product, is distributed to customers in an appropriate range according to the content I couldn't.

  The subject of this invention is enabling it to transmit the relevant information of the content currently output to the suitable range according to the content.

In order to solve the above-mentioned problem, the content output device of the invention according to claim 1 provides:
Output means for outputting content;
Transmitting means for broadcasting relevant information of the content;
Control means for changing the transmission intensity when broadcasting the related information of the content by the transmission means according to the content output by the output means;
Is provided.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to transmit related information of output content to an appropriate range according to the content.

It is a figure which shows the whole structure of the service provision system in this embodiment. It is a block diagram which shows the functional structure of the digital signage apparatus of FIG. It is a figure which shows schematic structure of the screen part of FIG. It is a figure which shows an example of an HCI command. It is a block diagram which shows the functional structure of the portable terminal of FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the content output process performed by the control part of FIG. It is a figure which shows reading of content data typically.

  Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the following embodiment, a case where the digital signage apparatus 1 is applied as a content output apparatus according to the present invention will be described as an example. The present invention is not limited to the illustrated example.

[Configuration of Service Providing System 100]
FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an overall configuration of a service providing system 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The service providing system 100 is a system that provides a service related to the content output by the digital signage device 1, and includes the digital signage device 1, the portable terminal 4, and the server device 5, as shown in FIG. It is configured. The digital signage device 1 and the portable terminal 4 can perform short-range wireless communication using Bluetooth (registered trademark).
Further, the digital signage device 1 and the server device 5 and the mobile terminal 4 and the server device 5 can be connected to each other via a communication network including a wireless local area network (LAN), a mobile communication network, a wired LAN, and the Internet. is there.

[Configuration of Digital Signage Device 1]
FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a main control configuration of the digital signage apparatus 1 in the present embodiment. FIG. 3 is a front view showing a schematic configuration of the screen unit 22 of FIG. The digital signage apparatus 1 is an apparatus that is installed in, for example, a store and outputs contents such as product descriptions to customers.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the digital signage apparatus 1 includes a projection unit 21 that irradiates content image light, and a screen unit 22 that receives the image light emitted from the projection unit 21 at the back and projects it onto the front. Yes.

First, the projection unit 21 will be described.
The projection unit 21 includes a control unit 23, a projector 24, a storage unit 25, and a first communication unit 26. The projector 24, the storage unit 25, and the first communication unit 26 are connected to the control unit 23 as shown in FIG.

  The control unit 23 executes various programs stored in the storage unit 25 to perform predetermined calculations and control of each unit, and a RAM (Random Access Memory) serving as a work area when executing the program 232). The control unit 23 functions as a control unit in cooperation with a program stored in the program storage unit 251 of the storage unit 25.

The projector 24 is a projection device that converts the image data of the content output from the control unit 23 into video light and irradiates it toward the screen unit 22. For example, the projector 24 performs a display operation by individually turning on / off each tilt angle of a plurality of micromirrors arranged in an array (in the case of XGA, horizontal 1024 pixels × vertical 768 pixels) at high speed. A DLP (Digital Light Processing) (registered trademark) projector using a DMD (digital micromirror device), which is a display element that forms a light image with the reflected light, is applicable.
The projector 24 constitutes an output unit together with the image forming unit 27 and the audio output unit 33.

  The storage unit 25 is configured by an HDD (Hard Disk Drive), a nonvolatile semiconductor memory, or the like. As shown in FIG. 2, the storage unit 25 includes a program storage unit 251 and a content storage unit 252.

  The program storage unit 251 stores a system program executed by the control unit 23, various processing programs, data necessary for executing these programs, and the like.

  The content storage unit 252 stores content data of content output from the digital signage device 1. Content data includes content name and playback schedule information (content's info), still image data (content's image) and video data (content's movie) that are output data for outputting content, and transmission information (content's information) send info) and transmission intensity (content's tx power) corresponding to the content (see FIG. 7).

Here, the transmission information (content's send info) corresponding to the content is ID information (UUID, Major, Minor) included in the transmission information broadcast from the second communication unit 31 according to the output of the content. The ID information is information related to the content, specifically, information for identifying a service related to the content that can be received by the mobile terminal 4.
The transmission strength (content's tx power) according to the content is information indicating the transmission power when broadcasting the transmission information according to the output of the content.

  The first communication unit 26 includes a modem, a router, a network card, and the like, and performs communication with an external device via the communication network.

Next, the screen unit 22 will be described.
As shown in FIG. 3, the screen unit 22 includes an image forming unit 27 and a pedestal 28 that supports the image forming unit 27.

  The image forming unit 27 is formed by laminating a film-like Fresnel lens on a single translucent plate 29 formed in a human shape such as an acrylic plate, which is disposed so as to be substantially orthogonal to the image light irradiation direction. The screen is configured by attaching a rear projection film screen.

  The pedestal 28 is provided with a second communication unit 31, a button-type operation unit 32, and an audio output unit 33 such as a speaker that outputs audio.

  The second communication unit 31 performs short-range wireless communication with an external device using a Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) communication method. Specifically, the second communication unit 31 broadcasts transmission information including ID information set with a set transmission strength based on an HCI (Host Control Interface) command set by the control unit 23 as a transmission unit. To do.

  FIG. 4 shows an example of the HCI command. As shown in FIG. 4, the HCI command includes UUID, Major, Minor, and transmission power. The three identifiers UUID, Major, and Minor constitute ID information for identifying services that can be received by the mobile terminal 4. The 2nd communication part 31 broadcasts the transmission information of the predetermined format containing this ID information for every predetermined time. The transmission power is information indicating the transmission power when broadcasting the ID information included in the HCI command. The second communication unit 31 broadcasts the transmission information at a transmission intensity (radio wave intensity) corresponding to the transmission power included in the set HCI command.

  The 2nd communication part 31, the operation part 32, and the audio | voice output part 33 are connected to the control part 23 as shown in FIG.

[Configuration of mobile terminal 4]
FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing a main control configuration of the mobile terminal 4. The mobile terminal 4 is a terminal such as a smartphone or a mobile phone that is carried by a customer. As shown in FIG. 5, the control unit 41, the storage unit 42, the operation unit 43, the display unit 44, the first communication unit 45, The second communication unit 46 is provided.

  The control unit 41 includes a CPU that executes various programs stored in the program storage unit 421 of the storage unit 42 to perform predetermined calculations and control of each unit, and a memory that serves as a work area when the program is executed. (Both not shown). The control unit 41 provides the user with a service corresponding to the ID information included in the transmission information received by the second communication unit 46 in cooperation with the application program stored in the program storage unit 421 of the storage unit 42. To do.

  The storage unit 42 is configured by a nonvolatile semiconductor memory or the like. As shown in FIG. 5, the storage unit 42 is provided with a program storage unit 421. The program storage unit 421 provides the user with a service corresponding to the ID information included in the transmission information by interpreting the system program and processing program executed by the control unit 41 and the transmission information received by the second communication unit 46 An application program for browsing, a web browser for browsing the web, data necessary for executing these programs, and the like are stored.

  The operation unit 43 includes various function keys, accepts pressing input of each key by the user, and outputs the operation information to the control unit 41. The operation unit 43 includes a touch panel or the like in which transparent electrodes are arranged in a grid pattern so as to cover the surface of the display unit 44, detects a position pressed with a finger or a touch pen, and uses the position information as operation information. Output to the control unit 41.

  The display unit 44 is configured by an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) or the like, and performs various displays on the screen in accordance with a display control signal from the control unit 41.

  The first communication unit 45 is wirelessly connected to a communication network via a base station or an access point, and communicates with an external device connected to the communication network.

  The second communication unit 46 performs wireless communication with an external device using a Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) communication method.

[Configuration of Server Device 5]
The server device 5 is a computer device that includes a control unit, a storage unit, an operation unit, a display unit, a communication unit, and the like. The server device 5 provides a service in response to a request from the mobile terminal 4.

[Operation of Service Providing System 100]
Next, the operation of the service providing system 100 will be described.
FIG. 6 shows a flowchart of content output processing executed in the digital signage apparatus 1. The content output process is executed in cooperation with the control unit 23 and the program stored in the program storage unit 251.

First, the control unit 23 reads content data of content to be output from the content storage unit 252 to the RAM 232 (step S1).
FIG. 7 is a diagram schematically showing reading of content data in step S1. As shown in FIG. 7, in step S <b> 1, the content data of the content to be output is read into the RAM 232.

Next, the control unit 23 outputs the content (step S2).
Specifically, the control unit 23 causes the image forming unit 27 to project an image of content based on still image data (content's image) and moving image data (content's movie) among the content data read out to the RAM 232. Further, the audio output unit 33 outputs the audio of the content based on the audio data of the moving image data read out to the RAM 232.

Next, the control unit 23 sets an HCI command corresponding to the output content in the second communication unit 31 (step S3).
Specifically, the control unit 23 acquires the transmission information (content's send info) and the transmission strength (content's tx power) read out to the RAM 232, and the UUID, Major, Change the transmission information to the UUID, Major, Minor of the transmission information that acquired Minor, and change the transmission power to the acquired transmission strength. That is, ID information and transmission intensity corresponding to the output content are set in the second communication unit 31.

  In the second communication unit 31, based on the HCI command set by the control unit 23, transmission information is broadcast by the second communication unit 31 in a predetermined transmission format (step S4).

  Next, the control unit 23 determines whether or not content switching has occurred (step S5). Here, for example, a content reproduction schedule is stored in the content storage unit 252, and the control unit 23 switches the content when a predetermined time comes according to the schedule.

  When it is determined that content switching has not occurred (step S5; NO), the control unit 23 returns to step S2. If it is determined that content switching has occurred (step S5; YES), the control unit 23 returns to step S1, reads the content data of the content to be output next from the content storage unit 252, and performs steps S1-5. Execute the process.

  The control unit 23 repeatedly executes the processes of step S1 to step S5 until the power of the digital signage device 1 is turned off.

  In the portable terminal 4, when the transmission information from the digital signage device 1 is received by the second communication unit 46, the control unit 41 is included in the transmission information in cooperation with the application program stored in the program storage unit 421. ID information is interpreted, and a service corresponding to the ID information is executed. For example, when the service corresponding to the ID information included in the received transmission information is provision of a product coupon related to the content being output (currently output), the control unit 41 cooperates with the application program. Coupon information of a product related to the content being output is generated and displayed on the display unit 44. Or the server apparatus 5 is accessed and the coupon information of the goods which concern on the content being output is acquired. For example, when the service corresponding to the ID information included in the received transmission information is a connection to the URL of the homepage of the product related to the content being output, the control unit 41 activates the browser and based on the URL The server device 5 is accessed and the homepage of the product is displayed.

As described above, in the digital signage apparatus 1, service content ID information and transmission intensity corresponding to the content are stored in the content storage unit 252 in association with the content output data (image data and audio data). During the output of the content, the control unit 23 reads ID information and transmission strength corresponding to the output content from the content storage unit 252, and sends the HCI command including the read ID information and transmission strength to the second communication unit 31. Set to. The second communication unit 31 broadcasts transmission information including ID information set with the set transmission strength.
Therefore, since the transmission information and transmission intensity broadcasted by the second communication unit 31 can be dynamically changed according to the output content, the related information of the output content is appropriately set according to the content. It becomes possible to transmit to the range.

  For example, if you want to distribute coupons for products that are described in the content only for people who are viewing the content, ID information for distributing coupons for products that are described in the content with low transmission strength The transmission range can be limited. In addition, for example, when content of a new product is being streamed, in order to make the new product widely known, the transmission strength is increased and a wide range of customers can access the home page of the new product. ID information can be transmitted.

  In a beacon that outputs transmission information by conventional BLE, a change in transmission intensity requires a setting change by a dedicated tool or a dedicated application, and cannot be changed dynamically. In the content output process, since the transmission intensity and the like can be dynamically changed according to the output content, it is possible to transmit the related information of the output content to an appropriate range according to the content, Convenience is improved.

  In addition, the description content in the said embodiment is a suitable example of the service provision system which concerns on this invention, and is not limited to this.

  For example, in the above-described embodiment, the ID information and transmission intensity included in the transmission information broadcast during the output of the content are described as an example according to the output content. However, the ID information is changed. It is good also as changing only transmission strength, without doing. For example, if the ID information indicates that a service is received from the server device 5 and the content reproduction schedule of the digital signage device 1 is stored in the storage unit of the server device 5, the ID information included in the transmission information Since the content that is being output by the server device 5 can be specified even if they are the same, the service corresponding to the content that is being output by the server device 5 can be provided. For example, a coupon for a product corresponding to the content being output can be transmitted to the mobile terminal 4 in response to an access from the mobile terminal 4.

  Moreover, although the said embodiment demonstrated the example applied when broadcasting information including ID information by the communication system of Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) was broadcast, the communication system is not limited to this. For example, the present invention can also be applied to a case where a signal indicating transmission information including ID information is broadcast by ultrasonic communication.

  In the above embodiment, the case where the present invention is applied to a digital signage apparatus that displays an image by projecting an image from a projector onto a screen has been described as an example. Even when applied to a content reproduction apparatus including the display device, the same effect can be obtained, and the present invention is not limited to this example.

  In addition, the detailed configuration and detailed operation of each device constituting the service providing system can be changed as appropriate without departing from the spirit of the invention.

Although several embodiments of the present invention have been described, the scope of the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, but includes the scope of the invention described in the claims and equivalents thereof.
The invention described in the scope of claims attached to the application of this application will be added below. The item numbers of the claims described in the appendix are as set forth in the claims attached to the application of this application.
[Appendix]
<Claim 1>
Output means for outputting content;
Transmitting means for broadcasting relevant information of the content;
Control means for changing the transmission intensity when broadcasting the related information of the content by the transmission means according to the content output by the output means;
A content output device comprising:
<Claim 2>
Storage means for storing transmission intensity when broadcasting related information of the content during output of the content in association with output data for outputting the content;
The control unit obtains the transmission intensity stored in association with the output data of the content output by the output unit from the storage unit and sets the transmission intensity in the transmission unit. The content output device according to claim 1, wherein the transmission intensity at the time of broadcasting content-related information is changed.
<Claim 3>
Outputting the content;
Broadcasting relevant information of the content;
Changing the transmission strength when broadcasting the related information of the content according to the content being output;
Including a transmission strength control method.
<Claim 4>
A computer used for a content output apparatus comprising: output means for outputting content; and transmission means for broadcasting related information of the content.
Control means for changing the transmission intensity when broadcasting the related information of the content by the transmission means according to the content output by the output means;
Program to function as.

1 Digital Signage Device 21 Projection Unit 22 Screen Unit 23 Control Unit 231 CPU
232 RAM
24 projector 25 storage unit 251 program storage unit 252 content storage unit 26 first communication unit 27 image forming unit 28 pedestal 29 translucent plate 31 second communication unit 32 operation unit 33 audio output unit 4 portable terminal 41 control unit 42 storage unit 421 Program storage unit 43 Operation unit 44 Display unit 45 First communication unit 46 Second communication unit 5 Server device

Claims (4)

Output means for outputting content;
Transmitting means for broadcasting relevant information of the content;
Control means for changing the transmission intensity when broadcasting the related information of the content by the transmission means according to the content output by the output means;
A content output device comprising: Storage means for storing transmission intensity when broadcasting related information of the content during output of the content in association with output data for outputting the content;
The control unit obtains the transmission intensity stored in association with the output data of the content output by the output unit from the storage unit and sets the transmission intensity in the transmission unit. The content output device according to claim 1, wherein the transmission intensity at the time of broadcasting content-related information is changed. Outputting the content;
Broadcasting relevant information of the content;
Changing the transmission strength when broadcasting the related information of the content according to the content being output;
Including a transmission strength control method. A computer used for a content output apparatus comprising: output means for outputting content; and transmission means for broadcasting related information of the content.
Control means for changing the transmission intensity when broadcasting the related information of the content by the transmission means according to the content output by the output means;
Program to function as.

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