JP6141167B2 - Content creation apparatus and program - Google Patents

Description

Embodiments described herein relate generally to a content creation device and a program.

  As a mechanism for presenting content such as advertisements to unspecified persons, a system that reproduces and displays digitized content (content data) on a signage terminal such as a display device, a so-called digital signage system is known. In such a digital signage system, content data prepared in advance is reproduced and displayed on a signage terminal according to a predetermined schedule or user operation.

  Recently, portable terminal devices such as smartphones and tablet terminals have become widespread. Since such a terminal device has a relatively high performance, it can be used as a content creation device for creating the content data described above.

  By the way, when content data is created, it is generally performed to preview the reproduction state by experimentally reproducing the content data being created. However, when the above-described terminal device such as a smartphone is a content creation device, content data may not be reproduced depending on the specifications and configuration. In this case, since the content creation device cannot preview the content data, it is inconvenient in creating the content data.

The problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a content creation apparatus and program capable of improving the convenience related to creation of content data.

The content creation apparatus according to the embodiment is a content creation apparatus that creates content data, and uses a display unit that displays a plurality of screen designs as a template in a selectable manner, and a screen design selected by a user as a usage target. First setting means for setting, second setting means for setting the material data designated by the user in association with each of the input areas included in the screen design to be used, and a preview instruction from the user In accordance with the generation information for generating the content data including the designation information for designating the screen design to be used and the material data associated with each of the input areas, Requesting request for converting the content data generated by the generating means into preview data in a format that can be played back by the device Comprising the, and a reproducing means for reproducing the preview data provided from the information processing apparatus.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of a digital signage system according to an embodiment. 2 is an external front view of the signage terminal apparatus shown in FIG. FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of the signage terminal apparatus shown in FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of the information distribution server shown in FIG. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of the data structure of the template database. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of design data. FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of an XAML file. FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an example of the input setting file. FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an example of the data configuration of the usage template table. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of the data configuration of the content table. FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an example of the data structure of the playlist table. FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating an example of a data configuration of the schedule table. FIG. 13 is a block diagram illustrating a functional configuration of the information distribution server. FIG. 14 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of the content creation apparatus shown in FIG. FIG. 15 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of the content creation device shown in FIG. FIG. 16 is a diagram illustrating an example of a template designation screen. FIG. 17 is a diagram illustrating an example of a content creation screen. FIG. 18 is a diagram illustrating an example of a reference destination determination screen. FIG. 19 is a diagram illustrating an example of preview data. FIG. 20 is a diagram illustrating an example of a schedule registration screen. FIG. 21 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of content data generation processing performed by the content creation device. FIG. 22 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of preview data providing processing performed by the information distribution server.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of an information processing device, a content creation device, and a program according to embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. The present invention is not limited to the embodiments described below.

  FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a digital signage system according to the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, the digital signage system 10 includes an information distribution server 11 that is an information processing device, a plurality of signage terminal devices 12, and a content creation device 13.

  The information distribution server 11 is connected to the signage terminal device 12 and the content creation device 13 via a communication network N such as a local area network (LAN). The information distribution server 11 distributes content data such as product advertisement information to the signage terminal device 12. The information distribution server 11 stores and manages content data created (generated) by the content creation device 13.

  The signage terminal device 12 reproduces and displays the content data distributed or acquired from the information distribution server 11 via the communication network N.

  FIG. 2 is an external front view of the signage terminal device 12. The signage terminal device 12 includes a display unit 21 such as a liquid crystal display or a plasma display, a printer unit 22 that prints and issues various tickets, coupons, and the like, a housing unit 24 that holds the display unit 21 and the printer unit 22, Is provided.

  On the upper part of the housing section 24, a person is photographed and image recognition is performed, the age group of the person is specified, and the type of information to be distributed is controlled. The speaker unit 26 that performs various sound outputs such as the above is incorporated. Note that processing such as image recognition may be performed by an upstream server such as the information distribution server 11 without being performed by the signage terminal device 12.

  FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of the signage terminal device 12. The signage terminal device 12 includes a controller 31, an operation unit 32, a communication interface (IF) 33, and a storage device 34 in addition to the display unit 21, the printer unit 22, the camera unit 25, and the speaker unit 26 described above. I have.

  The controller 31 includes an MPU (Micro Processing Unit) 35, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 36 storing various programs to be executed by the MPU 35, and a RAM (Random Access Memory) 37 used as a work area. ing. In addition, the controller 31 includes time measuring means such as an RTC (Real Time Clock) that measures the current date and time (not shown).

  In the controller 31, the MPU 35 comprehensively controls the operation of the signage terminal device 12 by executing various programs stored in the ROM 36 or the storage device 34.

  The operation unit 32 is an input device for the user to perform various operations such as various switches, buttons, and pointing devices. The operation unit 32 may be configured integrally with the display unit 21 as a touch panel.

  The communication interface 33 is a network interface for performing communication with the information distribution server 11 and the content creation device 13 via the communication network N.

  The storage device 34 is a storage device such as a hard disk drive (HDD) or a solid state drive (SSD), and stores various data such as a program executed by the MPU 35 and content to be displayed. It is assumed that the signage terminal device 12 of the present embodiment stores template data, which will be described later, related to the display of digital signage in the storage device 34 in advance.

  FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of the information distribution server 11. The information distribution server 11 includes a controller 41, an operation unit 42, a communication interface (IF) 43, a display unit 44, and a storage device 45.

  The controller 41 includes an MPU 46, a ROM 47 that stores various programs to be executed by the MPU 46, and a RAM 48 that is used as a work area. Moreover, the controller 41 is provided with time measuring means, such as RTC which time-measures the present date and time (not shown).

  In the controller 41, the MPU 46 executes various programs stored in the ROM 47 or the storage device 45, thereby comprehensively controlling the operation of the information distribution server 11.

  The operation unit 42 is an input device for a user to perform various operations such as a keyboard and a pointing device. The communication interface 43 is a network interface for performing communication with the signage terminal device 12 and the content creation device 13 via the communication network N. The display unit 44 is a display device such as a liquid crystal display.

  The storage device 45 is a storage device such as an HDD, and stores various data such as a program to be executed by the MPU 46. The storage device 45 stores a template database DB1, a content database DB2, and the like.

  The template database DB1 stores template data that becomes a template for creating digital signage so that the content creation device 13 can acquire the template data. Here, FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of a data configuration of the template database DB1. As shown in FIG. 5, the template database DB1 stores a template name as identification information for identifying each template data and the template data in association with each other. The template data includes, for example, design data that defines a screen design, and an XAML file and an input setting file that define various settings related to an input area included in the screen design.

  FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of design data. This design data D1 corresponds to the template name “Cloud” shown in FIG. 5 and shows a cloud-shaped background image as a screen design. In the design data D1, input areas A1 to A4 are provided at predetermined positions as areas for inputting material data to be described later.

  FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of an XAML file. As shown in FIG. 7, the XAML file D2 includes tabs T1 to T4 that define settings related to display of material data input to the input areas A1 to A4. Here, the index IDs (1 to 4) described in the tabs T1 to T4 are identifiers for identifying the corresponding input areas. Specifically, index 1 is associated with input area A1, index 2 is associated with input area A2, index 3 is associated with input area A3, and index 4 is associated with input area A4.

  The tabs T1 to T4 include margins that define the top, bottom, left, and right margins in the input area. Tabs T1 to T4 include settings related to display of material data input to the input area. Here, the display setting is in accordance with the types of the input areas A1 to A4 defined in the input setting file D3.

  For example, when the types of the input areas A1 to A3 are text, the font size (Size) used for displaying the text, the display color (Foreground), and the like are set in the corresponding tabs T1 to T3. When the type of the input area A4 is an image, the display size (Height, Width) of the image data is set in the corresponding tab T4. It should be noted that a predetermined value (default value) is applied to other settings not specified in the tabs T1 to T4.

  FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an example of the input setting file. In the input setting file D3, various settings relating to the attributes of the input areas A1 to A4 are defined. For example, as shown in FIG. 8, the input setting file D3 stores an index ID for identifying each input area, an item name of the input area, a type of the input area, and a character number limit.

  Here, the index ID corresponds to the index ID (1 to 4) included in the XAML file D2, that is, the input areas A1 to A4 of the design data D1. The item name is set with a name assigned to each input area such as “title” and “product name”. In addition, the type of input material data such as “text” and “image” is set as the type of input area. Here, in the input area (indexes 1 to 3) of the type “text”, the upper limit value of the number of characters that can be input is set in the character number limit column. In the input area (index 4) of the type “image”, the character string restriction column is blank because no character string is input.

  Returning to FIG. 4, the content database DB 2 stores and manages content data to be distributed to the signage terminal device 12. Specifically, the content database DB2 includes a usage template table TB1, a content table TB2, a playlist table TB3, and a schedule table TB4, and manages content data using these table groups.

  The usage template table TB1 stores information indicating template data used for displaying content data. FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an example of a data configuration of the usage template table TB1. As shown in FIG. 9, the usage template table TB1 stores a content ID and a template name in association with each other. Here, the content ID is identification information for identifying content data. The template name corresponds to the template name in the template database DB1.

  In the content table TB2, material data input to the template data to be used is stored. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a data configuration of the content table TB2. As shown in FIG. 10, the content table TB2 stores a content ID, an index ID, and material data in association with each other. Here, the content ID corresponds to the content ID of the usage template table TB1. In the index ID, the index ID of each input area included in the template data associated with the content ID is stored. The material data stores text (character string), image data (still image or moving image) and the like to be input in the index ID input area.

  In the usage template table TB1 and the content table TB2, records associated with the same content ID correspond to one content data.

  In the playlist table TB3, information for instructing the reproduction order of the content data is stored. FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an example of a data configuration of the playlist table TB3. As illustrated in FIG. 11, the playlist table TB3 associates a playlist ID, a playback order, and a content ID, and stores the playlist ID as playlist data. Here, the playlist ID is identification information for identifying each playlist data. The content ID corresponds to the content ID of the usage template table TB1 and the content table TB2. Further, in the playback order, the playback order of content data corresponding to each content ID is stored in playlist data having the same playlist ID.

  The schedule table TB4 stores information indicating the distribution schedule of playlist data. FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating an example of a data configuration of the schedule table TB4. As shown in FIG. 12, the schedule table TB4 associates the playlist ID, the start time, and the end time and stores it as schedule data. Here, the playlist ID corresponds to the playlist ID of the playlist table TB3. Also, the start time is set to start distribution, and the end time is set to stop delivery.

  Next, functional units included in the information distribution server 11 will be described. In the controller 41 of the information distribution server 11, the MPU 46 cooperates with a program stored in the ROM 47 or the storage device 45, so that a database management unit 461, a distribution unit 462, and a preview processing unit 463 are provided as shown in FIG. Are provided as functional units. Here, FIG. 13 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of the information distribution server 11.

  The database management unit 461 registers schedule data, playlist data, and content data transmitted from the content creation device 13 in the content database DB2. Specifically, the schedule data transmitted from the content creation device 13 is registered in the schedule table TB4. Also, the playlist data transmitted from the content creation device 13 is registered in the playlist table TB3. Also, the content data transmitted from the content creation device 13 is registered in the usage template table TB1 and the content table TB2.

  Note that there is a possibility that the distribution time (start time to end time) overlaps between the schedule data transmitted from the content creation device 13 and the existing schedule data stored in the schedule table TB4. In such a case, the database management unit 461 preferentially registers the schedule data transmitted from the content creation device 13 by replacing the schedule data, shifting the delivery time, or the like.

  The distribution unit 462 distributes the content data to the signage terminal device 12 based on the schedule data in the schedule table TB4. Specifically, when the current time reaches one of the start times stored in the schedule table TB4, the controller 41 of the information distribution server 11 plays the playlist data of the playlist ID associated with this start time. Read from the list table TB3. Next, the controller 41 of the information distribution server 11 reads the content data of the content ID included in the playlist data from the usage template table TB1 and the content table TB2, and distributes it to the signage terminal device 12. Further, the distribution unit 462 stops the distribution of the content data when the current time reaches one of the end times stored in the schedule table TB4.

  The data distributed from the information distribution server 11 is not limited to the content data, but may be a form in which playlist data and template data are distributed together with the content data.

  On the other hand, when receiving the content data from the information distribution server 11, the controller 31 of the signage terminal device 12 stores the content data in the storage device 34. Next, the controller 31 of the signage terminal device 12 inputs the corresponding material data into each input area of the template data designated by the content data. Then, the controller 31 of the signage terminal device 12 displays the digital signage on the display unit 21 by reproducing the template data to which the material data is input. Here, reproduction means that a reproduction image (still image or moving image), sound, or the like is generated from template data to which material data is input, and is used for screen display or sound reproduction.

  In addition, the controller 31 of the signage terminal apparatus 12 shall reproduce | regenerate digital signage (content data) according to the reproduction | regeneration order set to this playlist data, when playlist data is received from the information delivery server 11. FIG.

  In response to a preview request from the content creation device 13, the preview processing unit 463 generates preview data that can be reproduced by the content creation device 13 and provides the preview data to the content creation device 13. Details of the preview processing unit 463 will be described later.

  Returning to FIG. 1, the content creation device 13 is a portable terminal device such as a smartphone or a tablet terminal. FIG. 14 is a block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of the content creation device 13. As illustrated in FIG. 14, the content creation device 13 includes a controller 51, an operation unit 52, a communication interface (IF) 53, a display unit 54, a camera unit 55, and a storage device 56.

  The controller 51 includes an MPU 57, a ROM 58 that stores various programs to be executed by the MPU 57, and a RAM 59 that is used as a work area. In the controller 51, the MPU 57 comprehensively controls the operation of the content creation device 13 by executing various programs stored in the ROM 58 or the storage device 56.

  The operation unit 52 is an input device for a user to perform various operations such as a keyboard and a pointing device. The operation unit 52 may be configured integrally with the display unit 54 as a touch panel.

  The communication interface 53 is a network interface for performing communication with the information distribution server 11 and the signage terminal device 12 via the communication network N. The display unit 54 is a display device such as a liquid crystal display. The camera unit 55 is an imaging device having an imaging element such as a charge coupled device (CCD) or a complementary metal-oxide semiconductor (CMOS).

  The storage device 56 is a storage device such as an HDD, and stores various data such as a program executed by the MPU 57 and data related to a GUI (Graphical User Interface).

  Next, functional units included in the content creation device 13 will be described. The controller 51 of the content creation device 13 includes a creation support unit 571 and a registration unit 572 as functional units as shown in FIG. 15 by cooperating with a program stored in the ROM 58 or the storage device 56. Here, FIG. 15 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of the content creation device 13.

  The creation support unit 571 supports creation of content data to be displayed on the signage terminal device 12. Specifically, when the creation support unit 571 receives a content data creation instruction via the operation unit 52, the creation support unit 571 acquires template data from the template database DB 1 of the information distribution server 11. Next, the creation support unit 571 displays a template designation screen on which the acquired template data is arranged so as to be selectable on the display unit 54.

  FIG. 16 is a diagram illustrating an example of a template designation screen. As shown in FIG. 16, the creation support unit 571 displays a list of design data D1 included in each template data on the template designation screen G1. Here, after one template data (design data D1) is designated (selected) through the operation unit 52, when the OK button B1 is operated, the creation support unit 571 uses the template data as a usage target. Set. Next, the creation support unit 571 displays a content creation screen for prompting input of material data on the display unit 54 based on the template data to be used.

  FIG. 17 is a diagram illustrating an example of a content creation screen. The creation support unit 571 displays, on the content creation screen G2, an operator for setting material data to be input to each input area based on the input setting file D3 included in the template data to be used. Specifically, for an input area of the type “text”, a setting field A21 for inputting a character string is displayed as an operator. Note that the number of characters that can be entered in the setting field A21 is controlled to be equal to or less than the character number limit value. For the input area of the type “image”, the reference button B21 is displayed as an operator for setting material data. Here, when receiving the operation of the reference button B <b> 21, the creation support unit 571 displays a reference destination determination screen for selecting a reference destination (acquisition destination) of the image data on the display unit 54.

  FIG. 18 is a diagram illustrating an example of a reference destination determination screen. As illustrated in FIG. 18, the creation support unit 571 displays a reference destination determination screen G3 that allows the user to select the storage such as the camera unit 55 or the storage device 56 as a reference destination (acquisition destination) of image data. FIG. 18 shows an example in which a reference destination determination screen G3 is displayed on the content creation screen G2.

  Here, when the button B31 for designating the camera unit 55 is operated, the creation support unit 571 activates the camera unit 55 so that imaging can be performed. Then, when imaging is performed by the camera unit 55, the creation support unit 571 acquires the captured image data and sets the material data of the corresponding input area (index ID). On the other hand, when the button B32 for designating storage is operated, the creation support unit 571 prompts the designation (search) of image data by starting a program such as a file manager. When the creation support unit 571 receives the designation of the image data, the creation support unit 571 acquires the image data from the storage and sets it as the material data of the corresponding input area (index ID). The image data set as the material data and the thumbnail image of the image data may be displayed in the content creation screen G2 (for example, in the vicinity of the reference button B21).

  By the way, when content data is created, it is generally performed to preview the operation by reproducing the content data being created on a trial basis. However, depending on the specifications and configuration of the content creation device 13, it may not have the same playback function as the signage terminal device 12. For example, a browser plug-in such as Silverlight (registered trademark) or Flash (registered trademark) is required. In a playback player (such as a Web application), the operation on the smartphone may not be guaranteed. In such a case, the content data cannot be previewed, which is inconvenient in creating the content data.

  Therefore, the content creation apparatus 13 of the present embodiment realizes a preview function on the content creation apparatus 13 by cooperating with the preview processing unit 463 of the information distribution server 11 described above. Hereinafter, the creation support unit 571 of the content creation device 13 related to the realization of the preview function and the preview processing unit 463 of the information distribution server 11 will be described.

  First, when the creation support unit 571 of the content creation device 13 receives a predetermined operation via the operation unit 52, the creation support unit 571 determines that a preview is instructed by the user. Specifically, when the preview button B22 on the content creation screen G2 shown in FIG. 17 is operated, the creation support unit 571 determines that a preview is instructed.

  Next, the creation support unit 571 generates preview content data based on the data set and input on the template designation screen G1 and the content creation screen G2. Specifically, the creation support unit 571 associates the template name of the template data set as the usage target with the material data set in each input area (index ID) of the template data, so that the content data for preview is stored. (Hereinafter referred to as target data). Then, the creation support unit 571 requests the preview of the target data by transmitting the generated target data to the information distribution server 11.

  On the other hand, when the preview processing unit 463 of the information distribution server 11 receives a preview request from the content creation device 13, the preview processing unit 463 holds the target data transmitted together with the preview request in the RAM 48 or the like. Subsequently, the preview processing unit 463 reads the template data having the template name designated by the target data from the template database DB1. Next, when the material data for each index ID included in the target data is input to the input area for the corresponding index ID, the preview processing unit 463 reproduces this data. Subsequently, the preview processing unit 463 generates preview data in a format that can be played back by the content creation device 13 from a playback image (still image or moving image) obtained by the playback. Then, the preview processing unit 463 transmits (provides) the generated preview data to the content creation apparatus 13 that has transmitted the preview request.

  Here, the generation method of the preview data is not particularly limited, and various generation methods can be employed. For example, a reproduced image obtained by reproduction may be captured, and a still image or a moving image obtained by the capture may be generated as preview data. Further, the playback image obtained by playback may be converted into a video that can be streamed and this video may be generated as preview data.

  When the creation support unit 571 of the content creation device 13 obtains (receives) preview data from the information distribution server 11, it reproduces the preview data and displays it on the display unit 54. Here, FIG. 19 is a diagram illustrating an example of preview data displayed on the display unit 54 of the content creation device 13. Here, as shown in FIG. 19, the preview data G4 represents the content data being created.

  As a result, a user who is creating content data on the content creation device 13 can confirm a preview of the content data on the content creation device 13, so that the convenience related to creation of the content data can be improved.

  In the present embodiment, the preview data is directly transmitted from the information distribution server 11 to the content creation device 13. However, the method of providing preview data is not limited to this. For example, address information such as a URL (Uniform Resource Locator) that can acquire or refer to preview data may be provided. In this case, the creation support unit 571 of the content creation device 13 refers to or acquires preview data from the resource indicated by the address information based on the provided address information.

  Returning to FIG. 17, the content creation screen G2 is provided with a next content button B23 for instructing creation of new content data, and a schedule registration button B24 for instructing creation of schedule data.

  Upon receiving the operation of the next content button B23, the creation support unit 571 generates content data from the data input on the template designation screen G1 and the content creation screen G2. Specifically, the creation support unit 571 associates the template name of the template data set as the usage target with the content ID assigned the unique value and the material data set in each input area (index ID) of the template data. Then, content data is generated. Then, the creation support unit 571 prepares for the generation of the next content data by displaying the template designation screen G1 again. Note that the creation support unit 571 sets the playback order for each content data based on the order in which the content data is generated.

  In addition, when receiving the operation of the schedule registration button B24, the creation support unit 571 associates the content ID of each generated content data with the reproduction order of the content data to the playlist ID to which the unique value is assigned. Generate list data. Then, the creation support unit 571 displays a schedule registration screen for determining a distribution schedule for the generated playlist data (content data) on the display unit 54.

  FIG. 20 is a diagram illustrating an example of a schedule registration screen. As shown in FIG. 20, the schedule registration screen G5 is provided with an input field A51 for inputting a start time for starting distribution and an input field A52 for inputting an end time for stopping distribution. Here, when the OK button B5 is operated after the start time and the end time are input to the input field A51 and the input field A52, the creation support unit 571 generates schedule data based on these input data. Specifically, the creation support unit 571 associates the start time input in the input field A51 with the end time input in the input field A52 by associating the playlist ID of the playlist data generated earlier with the schedule ID. Generate data.

  In addition, when one or both of the input field A51 and the input field A52 are blank and an operation of the OK button B5 is accepted, a message such as an error may be displayed. Further, it may be confirmed whether the distribution period from the input start time to the end time overlaps with other distribution periods stored in the schedule table TB4, and a message such as a warning may be displayed in the case of overlap. .

  Then, the registration unit 572 transmits the schedule data, playlist data, and content data generated by the creation support unit 571 to the information distribution server 11, thereby registering these data in the content database DB2.

  When the controller 41 of the information distribution server 11 receives the schedule data, the playlist data, and the content data from the content creation device 13, the controller 41 registers them in the content database DB2 in the above-described procedure. Further, the controller 41 of the information distribution server 11 distributes the corresponding content data to the signage terminal device 12 based on the schedule data of the schedule table TB4. The signage terminal device 12 displays the digital signage on the display unit 21 by reproducing and displaying the content data transmitted from the information distribution server 11.

  For example, it is assumed that the content data with the content ID “1” shown in FIGS. 5 to 10 is distributed to the signage terminal device 12. In this case, the controller 31 of the signage terminal device 12 inputs each material data set in the content table TB2 of FIG. 10 into the corresponding input areas A1 to A4 of the design data D1 shown in FIG. Then, the controller 31 of the signage terminal device 12 displays the digital signage as previewed in FIG. 19 on the display unit 21, for example, by reproducing the template data to which the material data is input.

  Next, operations of the information distribution server 11 and the content creation device 13 described above will be described. First, content data generation processing performed by the content creation device 13 will be described with reference to FIG. Here, FIG. 21 is a flowchart showing a procedure of content data generation processing performed by the content creation device 13.

  First, the creation support unit 571 waits until content data creation is instructed via the operation unit 52 (step S11; No). Here, when a content data creation instruction is accepted (step S11; Yes), the creation support unit 571 accesses the template database DB1 of the information distribution server 11 and acquires the template data (step S12). Next, the creation support unit 571 displays the template designation screen G1 on the display unit 54 (step S13).

  Subsequently, the creation support unit 571 waits until one template data is designated from the template designation screen G1 (step S14; No). Here, when the specification of the template data is received (step S14; Yes), the creation support unit 571 sets the template data as a usage target. Next, the creation support unit 571 displays the content creation screen G2 on the display unit 54 based on the template data to be used (step S15).

  Subsequently, the creation support unit 571 determines whether or not the reference button B21 has been operated on the content creation screen G2 (step S16). Here, when it determines with reference button B21 having been operated (step S16; Yes), the creation assistance part 571 displays the reference destination determination screen G3 (step S17). Subsequently, the creation support unit 571 determines which of the camera unit 55 and the storage is designated as the image data reference destination (step S18).

  If it is determined in step S18 that the camera unit 55 has been designated (step S18; Yes), the creation support unit 571 activates the camera unit 55 (step S19). Then, when the creation support unit 571 acquires the image data captured by the camera unit 55, the creation support unit 571 sets the image data as material data (step S20), and returns to step S15. It is assumed that the data value already input (set) is held in the content creation screen G2 displayed upon recursion to step S15 (the same applies hereinafter).

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S18 that storage has been designated (step S18; No), the creation support unit 571 activates a program such as a file manager (step S21). Next, when receiving the designation of the image data, the creation support unit 571 sets the image data as material data (step S22), and returns to step S15.

  Further, the creation support unit 571 determines whether or not the preview button B22 is operated on the content creation screen G2 (step S16; No → S23). Upon receiving the operation of the preview button B22 (Step S23; Yes), the creation support unit 571 generates preview content data (target data) from the input data (Step S24). Next, the creation support unit 571 requests the preview of the target data by transmitting the generated target data to the information distribution server 11 (step S25).

  When the creation support unit 571 acquires preview data from the information distribution server 11 as a response to the preview request (step S26), the creation support unit 571 reproduces the preview data and displays it on the display unit 54 (step S27). And if the predetermined operation via the operation part 52 is received, it will return to step S15 again.

  Also, the creation support unit 571 determines whether or not the next content button B23 has been operated on the content creation screen G2 (Step S16; No → Step S23; No → Step S28). When receiving the operation of the next content button B23 (step S28; Yes), the creation support unit 571 generates content data from the input data (step S29), and returns to step S13.

  Further, the creation support unit 571 determines whether or not the schedule registration button B24 is operated on the content creation screen G2 (Step S16; No → Step S23; No → Step S28; No → Step S30). When receiving the operation of the schedule registration button B24 (step S30; Yes), the creation support unit 571 generates content data from the input data (step S31). Next, the creation support unit 571 generates playlist data in which the playback order of each content data is set based on the generation order of the content data (step S32), and proceeds to step S33. Note that if none of the buttons are operated on the content creation screen G2 (Step S16; No → Step S23; No → Step S28; No → Step S30; No), the process returns to Step S15 again.

  In subsequent step S33, the creation support unit 571 displays the schedule registration screen G5 on the display unit 54 (step S33). Next, the creation support unit 571 waits until the OK button B5 is operated on the schedule registration screen G5 (step S34; No). When the operation of the OK button B5 is accepted (step S34; Yes), the creation support unit 571 generates schedule data based on the input start time and end time (step S35).

  Then, the registration unit 572 registers the schedule data, playlist data, and content data generated by the above processing in the database of the information distribution server 11 (step S36), and ends this processing.

  Next, the preview data providing process performed by the information distribution server 11 will be described with reference to FIG. Here, FIG. 22 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of preview data providing processing performed by the information distribution server 11. This process is performed in response to the preview request (step S25) in the content data generation process described above.

  First, when the preview processing unit 463 receives a preview request transmitted from the information distribution server 11 (step S41), the preview processing unit 463 stores the target data transmitted together with the preview request in the RAM 48 or the like. The preview processing unit 463 reads the template data having the template name designated by the target data from the template database DB1 (step S42). Next, the preview processing unit 463 inputs the material data for each index ID included in the target data into the input area for the corresponding index ID included in the template data (step S43). The preview processing unit 463 reproduces the template data to which the material data is input (Step S44).

  Subsequently, the preview processing unit 463 generates preview data that can be displayed by the content creation device 13 from the reproduced image obtained by the reproduction in step S44 (step S45). Then, the preview processing unit 463 transmits (provides) the generated preview data to the content creation apparatus 13 that has transmitted the preview request (step S46), and ends this processing.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, usable template data is displayed on the template designation screen G1, and content data is generated based on the designated template data. Accordingly, the user can create the content data with a simple work, and therefore the work of creating the content data can be reduced.

  Further, according to the information distribution server 11 of this embodiment, preview data that can be played back by the content creation device 13 is generated from the preview content data generated by the content creation device 13 and provided to the content creation device 13. To do. As a result, even when the content creation device 13 cannot preview (reproduce) the content data, the reproduction state of the content data can be previewed on the content creation device 13, so that the convenience relating to the creation of the content data is achieved. Can be improved.

  As mentioned above, although embodiment of this invention was described, this embodiment is shown as an example and is not intending limiting the range of invention. The novel embodiment can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, replacements, and changes can be made without departing from the scope of the invention. This embodiment and its modifications are included in the scope and gist of the invention, and are included in the invention described in the claims and the equivalents thereof.

  For example, in the above-described embodiment, the creation support unit 571 of the content creation device 13 is configured to acquire template data from the information distribution server 11, but is not limited thereto, and acquires template data stored in another device. It is good also as a structure. For example, the content creation device 13 may acquire the template data from the storage device 56 by holding the template database DB1 or the like in the storage device 56.

  Moreover, in the said embodiment, although it was set as the form which transmits (registers) the data (schedule data, playlist data, and content data) produced | generated by the content creation apparatus 13 to the information delivery server 11, the said data are signage terminal devices 12 It is good also as a form directly transmitted to. When this form is adopted, the signage terminal device 12 preferentially displays the data transmitted from the content creation device 13 so that there is no conflict with the content data distributed from the information distribution server 11. Is preferred.

  Moreover, in the said embodiment, although template database DB1 and content database DB2 are stored in the memory | storage device 45 which the information delivery server 11 has, it is not limited to this. For example, the template database DB1 and the content database DB2 may be stored in a storage device (not shown) connected to the information distribution server 11 via the communication network N.

  In the above embodiment, the content data is distributed from the information distribution server 11 to the signage terminal device 12. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the content data may be acquired by access from the signage terminal device 12.

  In the above embodiment, text and image data are exemplified as material data to be input to template data. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, music data such as voice and BGM may be input to the template data as material data. Further, music data such as BGM may be included in the template data in advance.

  In the above embodiment, the content data and the like are generated using the template designation screen G1, the content creation screen G2, and the like. However, other GUIs may be used. For example, the template data (design data D1) designated on the template designation screen G1 may be displayed, and the material data may be directly set for each input area in the design data D1.

  In the above embodiment, the information distribution server 11 generates the preview data. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and another information processing apparatus such as the signage terminal apparatus 12 may generate the preview data. When this form is adopted, the content creation apparatus 13 transmits a preview request to another information processing apparatus that generates preview data.

  The program executed by each device of the above embodiment is an installable or executable file and is read by a computer such as a CD-ROM, flexible disk (FD), CD-R, DVD (Digital Versatile Disk). It is provided by being recorded on a possible recording medium.

Further, the program executed by each device of the present embodiment may be provided by being stored on a computer connected to a network such as the Internet and downloaded via the network. Further, the program executed by each device of the present embodiment may be provided or distributed via a network such as the Internet.
The invention relating to the information processing apparatus described in the scope of the claims of the present application will be additionally described below.
(Appendix 1)
Accepting means for accepting a preview request for the content data from a content creation device for creating content data;
First reproducing means for reproducing the content data;
First generation means for generating preview data in a format reproducible by the content creation device from a reproduction image obtained at the time of reproduction of the content data;
Providing means for providing the preview data generated by the first generating means to the content creating device;
An information processing apparatus comprising:
(Appendix 2)
The information processing apparatus according to appendix 1, wherein the first generation unit captures the reproduced image and generates a still image or a moving image acquired by the capture as the preview data.
(Appendix 3)
The information processing apparatus according to appendix 1, wherein the first generation unit converts the playback image into a moving image that can be streamed and generates the moving image as the preview data.
(Appendix 4)
The content data includes designation information for designating a screen design as a template, and material data associated with each of the input areas included in the screen design,
The first reproduction means reproduces the input of the material data corresponding to each of the input areas included in the screen data based on the screen data designated by the designation information. The information processing apparatus according to any one of claims.
(Appendix 5)
Computer
Accepting means for accepting a preview request for the content data from a content creation device for creating content data;
First reproducing means for reproducing the content data;
First generation means for generating preview data in a format reproducible by the content creation device from a reproduction image obtained at the time of reproduction of the content data;
Providing means for providing the preview data generated by the first generating means to the content creating device;
Program to make it function.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Digital signage system 11 Information distribution server 12 Signage terminal device 13 Content creation apparatus 461 Database management part 462 Distribution part 463 Preview processing part 571 Creation support part 572 Registration part

Japanese Patent No. 4906534

Claims (4)

A content creation device for creating content data,
A display means for displaying a plurality of screen designs as templates so that they can be selected;
First setting means for setting one screen design selected by the user as a usage target;
Second setting means for associating and setting material data specified by the user to each of the input areas included in the screen design to be used;
Generating means for generating content data including designation information for designating the screen design to be used in response to a preview instruction from the user and the material data associated with each of the input areas;
Request means for requesting an external information processing apparatus to convert the content data generated by the generating means into preview data in a format that can be reproduced by the own apparatus;
Playback means for playing back the preview data provided from the information processing apparatus;
A content creation device comprising: The content creation apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the reproduction unit reproduces a still image or a moving image provided from the information processing apparatus as the preview data. The content creation apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the reproduction unit reproduces a streaming-reproducible moving image provided from the information processing apparatus as the preview data. A computer of a content creation device that creates content data,
A display means for displaying a plurality of screen designs as templates so that they can be selected;
First setting means for setting one screen design selected by the user as a usage target;
Second setting means for associating and setting material data specified by the user to each of the input areas included in the screen design to be used;
Generating means for generating content data including designation information for designating the screen design to be used in response to a preview instruction from the user and the material data associated with each of the input areas;
Request means for requesting an external information processing apparatus to convert the content data generated by the generating means into preview data in a format that can be reproduced by the own apparatus;
Playback means for playing back the preview data provided from the information processing apparatus;
Program to make it function.

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