JP6964699B2 - Display device, display control method and program - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a display device or the like having a display unit capable of displaying a message.

A mechanism for transmitting information such as advertisements, sales promotion / space production, and various information using electronic display devices such as displays outdoors, in stores, shopping malls, event venues, entertainment facilities, public institutions, etc. (Digital signage) is used.

Mechanisms using these systems have appeared in recent years. For example, Patent Document 1 describes a reception means for receiving a message related to an electronic advertisement transmitted from an unspecified user in a public electronic advertising system used for viewing by an unspecified number of users, and an transmitted use. A specific means for identifying an electronic advertisement that reflects the message and a message display area for the specified electronic advertisement based on the location information of the person and the distribution information of the specified type of electronic advertisement. An invention is disclosed that includes a display control means for securing and displaying the message.

Further, as a message to be displayed, a method using SNS or the like has appeared in addition to the message prepared in advance. For example, in Patent Document 2, the message display system S can communicate with the Twitter management server B for accumulating messages and the Twitter management server B, and causes the Twitter management server B to search for the message by keyword, and the searched message ( An invention is disclosed that includes a message display device A that acquires a search message) from a Twitter management server B and displays the search message together with a predetermined pattern over a predetermined first time in chronological order.

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2008-233233 Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2012-160111

As described above, for example, in the electronic advertising system of Patent Document 1, it is conceivable to display a message as shown in Patent Document 2. However, usually, a message such as SNS is displayed on a terminal device that can be operated by a user. In this message, when displaying an old message, the user needs to operate, but in the case of a simple display device such as digital signage, the user can only view and operate it. There was a problem that an appropriate message could not be displayed because it could not be displayed.

In addition, there are variations in the frequency of sending messages on SNS and the like. Therefore, when applied to conventional signage, it could not be displayed properly. Specifically, when the display was slow (when the number of displays was small), it could not be displayed when the number of acquired messages increased. In addition, when the display is fast (when the number of displays is large) and the number of acquired messages is small, the empty area where the message is not displayed becomes conspicuous in the message display area.

As described above, in the case of a display device used for digital signage in which the user is mainly a viewer and is not operated, there is a problem that it is difficult to properly display a message.

In view of the above-mentioned problems, it is an object of the present invention to provide a display device or the like capable of appropriately providing a message to a user by switching the display method when displaying the message.

In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the display device of the present invention is used.
In a display device having a display unit capable of displaying a message,
A message acquisition unit that accesses the message management server and acquires messages,
A display method selection unit that selects a message display method according to the number of acquired messages, and a display method selection unit.
A display control unit that controls the display of the message acquired from the message management server on the display unit by the display method selected by the display method selection unit.
With
The display method selection unit is
When the number of acquired messages is within the display switching threshold value, the first display method of repeatedly scrolling and displaying the acquired messages is selected.
When the number of acquired messages exceeds the display switching threshold value, a second display method for scrolling and displaying the acquired messages is selected.
It is characterized by that.

The display control method of the present invention
In the display control method in a display device having a display unit capable of displaying a message,
The message acquisition step to access the message management server and acquire the message,
A display method selection step of selecting a message display method according to the number of acquired messages, and a display method selection step.
A display control step that controls the display of the message acquired from the message management server on the display unit by the display method selected by the display method selection step.
With
The display method selection step is
When the number of acquired messages is within the display switching threshold value, the first display method of repeatedly scrolling and displaying the acquired messages is selected.
When the number of acquired messages exceeds the display switching threshold value, a second display method for scrolling and displaying the acquired messages is selected.
It is characterized by that.

The program of the present invention
On a computer that has a display that can display messages,
A message acquisition function that accesses the message management server and acquires messages,
A display method selection function that selects a message display method according to the number of acquired messages, and
A display control function that controls the display of the message acquired from the message management server on the display unit by the display method selected by the display method selection function, and
It is a program to realize
The display method selection function is
When the number of acquired messages is within the display switching threshold value, the first display method of repeatedly scrolling and displaying the acquired messages is selected.
When the number of acquired messages exceeds the display switching threshold value, a second display method for scrolling and displaying the acquired messages is selected.
It is characterized by that.

The display device of the present invention accesses the message management server, acquires a message, and selects a message display method according to the number of acquired messages. The message acquired from the message management server is displayed on the display unit by the display method selected by the display method selection unit, but if the number of acquired messages is within the display switching threshold, the acquired message is repeatedly scrolled and displayed. The first display method is selected, and when the number of acquired messages exceeds the display switching threshold value, the second display method for scrolling and displaying the acquired messages is selected. As a result, when the number of acquired messages is small, the acquired messages are repeatedly displayed, and when the number of acquired messages is large, new messages are displayed as they are.

It is a figure for demonstrating the whole system in 1st Embodiment. It is a figure for demonstrating the functional structure of the display device in 1st Embodiment. It is a figure which showed an example of the structure of the program data storage area in 1st Embodiment. It is a figure which showed an example of the structure of the message acquisition data in 1st Embodiment. It is a figure which showed an example of the structure of the setting table in 1st Embodiment. It is a figure for demonstrating the functional structure of the management apparatus in 1st Embodiment. It is a figure for demonstrating the functional structure of the message management server in 1st Embodiment. It is a figure for demonstrating the functional structure of the terminal apparatus in 1st Embodiment. It is a figure for demonstrating the process flow (overall sequence) in 1st Embodiment. It is a figure for demonstrating the process flow (main process) in 1st Embodiment. It is a figure for demonstrating the process flow (pattern 1 display process) in 1st Embodiment. It is a figure for demonstrating the process flow (pattern 2 display process) in 1st Embodiment. It is a figure for demonstrating the operation example in 1st Embodiment. It is a figure for demonstrating the operation example (pattern 1 display processing) in 1st Embodiment. It is a figure for demonstrating the operation example (pattern 1 display processing) in 1st Embodiment. It is a figure for demonstrating the operation example (pattern 2 display processing) in 1st Embodiment. It is a figure for demonstrating the process flow (main process) in 2nd Embodiment. It is a figure for demonstrating the process flow (main process) in 3rd Embodiment. It is a figure for demonstrating the process flow (main process) in 4th Embodiment. It is a figure for demonstrating the operation example in 6th Embodiment. It is a figure for demonstrating the operation example in 7th Embodiment. It is a figure for demonstrating the operation example in 8th Embodiment.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In this embodiment, as an example, a case where the display device is applied to a large display device capable of displaying contents, for example, a display device used for digital signage will be described.

[1. First Embodiment]
[1.1 Overall configuration]
FIG. 1 is a diagram for explaining the entire message display system 1. In the message display system 1, one or more display devices 10 are connected to the management device 20. The management device 20 and the display device 10 are connected to the external network NW. As the external network NW, for example, the Internet or the like is assumed.

The display device 10 is a display device capable of displaying the contents included in the program distributed from the management device 20, and is composed of, for example, a liquid crystal display, an organic EL display, an LED screen, or the like. In addition, the message received from the message management server 30 is also displayed.

The management device 20 is a device for managing one or more display devices 10. For example, a content provider, an information provider, and an advertisement distributor register content (program) in the management device 20. The registered program is distributed to each display device 10 based on the schedule set in the management device 20.

Here, the content referred to in the present embodiment may be any of still images, moving images, sounds, characters, and the like. Further, the content to be distributed may be the content registered (stored) in the management device 20 or the content stored in the external server.

Further, a message management server 30 for realizing a message service is connected to the external network NW. The message management server 30 manages the message received from the terminal device 40 via the external network NW.

Here, the message service refers to a service for sharing characters / images between users. For example, when a user sends a message from the terminal device 40, the message management server 30 receives it and displays it on the timeline as a service. For other users, the terminal device 40 can receive and display a message by using a portable information terminal device (for example, a smartphone, a tablet, etc.). Examples of these services include Twitter (registered trademark), Instagram (registered trademark), LINE (registered trademark), facebook (registered trademark), Sina Weibo, and Google+ (registered trademark).

Further, by inputting a predetermined character string in the message, it is possible to display only the message including the same character string. For example, by adding the character string "#sp" to the message, it is possible for other users to display only the message containing "#sp". Such strings are commonly referred to as "hashtags".

[1.2 Functional configuration]
[1.2.1 Display device]
The functional configuration of the display device 10 in the present embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. As shown in FIG. 2, the functional configuration of the display device 10 includes a control unit 100, an image display unit 110, an image processing unit 120, a communication unit 130, and a storage unit 140.

The control unit 100 is a functional unit for controlling the entire display device 10. The control unit 100 realizes various functions by reading and executing various programs stored in the storage unit 140, and is composed of, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or the like.

The image display unit 110 is a functional unit for displaying an image. For example, it is composed of a liquid crystal display (LCD) or the like. In addition, the image display unit 110 displays the delivered content and the received message.

The image processing unit 120 is a functional unit for processing the image displayed on the image display unit 110. For example, it is a functional unit that performs a process of displaying a message superimposed on the content and controls a scroll display of the displayed message.

The communication unit 130 is a functional unit for connecting to a network. For example, it is composed of an interface that can be connected to a wired LAN, a wireless LAN, or an LTE network. When the communication unit 130 is connected to the network, it is connected to the management device 20 and the external network NW.

The storage unit 140 is a functional unit that stores various programs and various data necessary for the operation of the display device 10. The storage unit 140 is composed of, for example, a semiconductor memory, an HDD (Hard Disk Drive), or the like.

Further, the storage unit 140 secures a message storage area 142 and a program data storage area 144, and stores message acquisition data 146 and a setting table 148.

The message storage area 142 is an area in which a message received from the message management server 30 is stored. As the message to be stored here, all the messages received at predetermined time intervals may be stored, or only the new message at the time of reception may be stored.

Further, all the messages corresponding to the login IDs of the message services described later may be received, or only the messages including the hashtag may be searched and the searched messages may be stored.

The program data storage area 144 is an area for storing a program distributed from the management device 20. The data structure of the program data storage area 144 will be described with reference to FIG.

In the program data storage area 144, a program playback schedule (for example, "2016 X month X day") and a timetable for playing the program are displayed as a start time (for example, "8:00") and an end time. (For example, "11:00"), and as a program list, a content name (content data) (for example, "welcome1.jpg") and a playback time (for example, "30 seconds") are stored.

The display device 10 will display the contents stored in the program data for each playback schedule. As a general rule, the program data is created by the management device 20 and distributed to the display device 10, but may be created by the display device 10.

Further, the program data can be generated if the device is executed by the program that creates the program data. Therefore, for example, it is possible to generate program data with a portable personal computer and store it in the display device 10 (for example, copying the program data via a USB memory).

The message acquisition data 146 is information used for acquiring a message from the message management server 30. Here, logging in to the message management server 30 includes logging in to the message service provided by the message management server 30.

The message acquisition data 146 is stored as the data received from the management device 20, but may be set by the display device 10.

As shown in FIG. 4 as an example of the message acquisition data 146, a login ID (for example, "user1") and a password (for example, "abcdef") are stored as login information. Log in to the message service using this login ID and password. The login information may be information such as an access token. In addition, OAuth authentication may be performed using an external service.

In addition, search information for the display device 10 to search from the messages stored in the message management server 30 is also stored. As the search information, a hash tag will be described as an example in the present embodiment, but information such as an arbitrary search character string, user ID, location information, and time (for example, one hour before message acquisition) may be used. Further, the search information does not have to be stored.

Here, to search for a message means that the display device 10 may display a message that matches the search result. As a specific search method, various methods can be considered. For example, search information (for example, a search keyword such as a desired character string or tag) is transmitted to the message management server 30. The message management server 30 extracts a message (or a message that does not include the search information) that includes the search information, and transmits the extracted message to the display device 10.

Further, the display device 10 may receive a message from the message management server 30 and extract a desired message from the received message based on the search information. Further, by transmitting the search information to the management device 20 or storing the search information, a message matching the search conditions may be extracted from the entire message and displayed on the display device 10.

The setting table 148 is a table that stores the setting values for various parameters. The set value is set by the management device 20, but may be set by the user for each display device 10.

As shown in FIG. 5, the setting table 148 of the present embodiment has a display switching threshold value mt (for example, “10”) used when switching the message display method as parameters, and a timing for receiving a message from the message management server 30. The time (message acquisition time) T (for example, "300") indicating the above is stored.

[1.2.2 Management device]
The functional configuration of the management device 20 will be described with reference to FIG. The management device 20 includes at least a control unit 200, a communication unit 210, and a storage unit 220.

The control unit 200 is a functional unit for controlling the entire management device 20. The control unit 200 realizes various functions by reading and executing various programs stored in the storage unit 220, and is configured by, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit).

The communication unit 210 is a functional unit for connecting to a network. For example, it is composed of an interface that can be connected to a wired LAN, a wireless LAN, or an LTE network. When the communication unit 210 is connected to the network, it is connected to the display device 10 and the external network NW.

The storage unit 220 is a functional unit that stores various programs and various data necessary for the operation of the management device 20. The storage unit 220 is composed of, for example, a semiconductor memory, an HDD (Hard Disk Drive), or the like.

Further, the program data generation program 222 is stored in the storage unit 220, and the program data storage area 224 is secured. The program data generation program 222 is a program for generating program data. By executing the program, program data is generated and stored in the program data storage area 224.

The program data stored in the program data storage area 224 will be distributed to the display device 10 via the communication unit 210.

Further, the message acquisition data 226 is stored. The message acquisition data 226 stores information used when the display device 10 acquires a message from the message management server 30 (message service).

[1.2.3 Message Management Server]
The functional configuration of the message management server 30 will be described with reference to FIG. The message management server 30 includes at least a control unit 300, a communication unit 310, and a storage unit 320, and further includes a message service function unit 330.

The control unit 300 is a functional unit for controlling the entire message management server 30. The control unit 300 realizes various functions by reading and executing various programs stored in the storage unit 320, and is configured by, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit).

The communication unit 310 is a functional unit for connecting to a network. For example, it is composed of an interface that can be connected to a wired LAN, a wireless LAN, or an LTE network. When the communication unit 210 is connected to the network, it is connected to the management device 20 and the external network NW.

The storage unit 320 is a functional unit that stores various programs and various data necessary for the operation of the message management server 30. The storage unit 320 is composed of, for example, a semiconductor memory, an HDD (Hard Disk Drive), or the like.

A message storage area 322 is secured in the storage unit 320, and login information management data 324 is stored. The message storage area 322 is an area in which a message transmitted from, for example, the terminal device 40 is stored.

Further, the login information management data 324 stores user information for logging in to the message service provided by the message management server 30. When the terminal device 40 or the display device 10 executes the login process, the service can be used when the login information matches.

The message service function unit 330 is a function unit for providing a message service. For example, it provides a function of displaying a message received from the terminal device 40 as a timeline or displaying it to a related user (for example, a following user). As this message service, existing services such as exchange with text information such as Twitter and exchange with images such as Instagram can be used.

[1.2.4 terminal device]
The functional configuration of the terminal device 40 will be described with reference to FIG. The terminal device 40 includes at least a control unit 400, a communication unit 410, and a storage unit 420.

The control unit 400 is a functional unit for controlling the entire terminal device 40. The control unit 400 realizes various functions by reading and executing various programs stored in the storage unit 420, and is configured by, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit).

The communication unit 410 is a functional unit for connecting to a network. For example, it is composed of an interface that can be connected to a wired LAN, a wireless LAN, or an LTE network. When the communication unit 410 is connected to the network, it is connected to the message management server 30 and the external network NW.

The storage unit 420 is a functional unit that stores various programs and various data necessary for the operation of the terminal device 40. The storage unit 420 is composed of, for example, a semiconductor memory, an HDD (Hard Disk Drive), or the like.

The message application 422 is stored in the storage unit 420. The terminal device 40 can send, receive, and display a message to the message management server 30 by starting and executing the message application 422. The message application does not necessarily have to be stored and executed in the terminal device 40, and may be a service that is executed by accessing the message management server 30 by a browser, for example.

[1.3 Processing flow]
Next, the processing flow will be described.

[13.1 Overall Sequence Diagram]
FIG. 9 is a sequence diagram illustrating the overall flow of the display device 10, the management device 20, and the message management server 30.

First, the management device 20 generates program data (step S1002). In addition, message acquisition data is also generated (step S1004). The message acquisition data includes login information including a user ID and password, and search information.

The generated program data and the message acquisition data will be transmitted to the connected display device 10 (step S1006).

Subsequently, when the display device 10 receives the program data and the message acquisition data (step S1008), the display device 10 reproduces the program data (step S1010). Here, log in to the message service in order to acquire the message to be displayed at the same time. Specifically, the login process is executed based on the login information included in the message acquisition data (S1012).

When the login process is normally performed, the display device 10 transmits a message request (step S1014). Here, the message request includes search information.

When the message management server 30 receives the message request (step S1020), the message management server 30 executes the message search based on the search information included in the message request (step S1022). Then, as the search result, the searched message is transmitted to the display device 10 (step S1024). As the search method, as described above, the display device 10 may execute the search method.

Upon receiving the message, the display device 10 displays the received message (step S1016). Here, when the predetermined time has elapsed (step S1018; Yes), the process is repeatedly executed from step S1014, and a new message is acquired from the message management server 30.

[1.3.2 Main processing]
Subsequently, the main processing in the display device 10 will be described with reference to FIG. This process is a process in which the display device 10 receives the program data and the message acquisition data from the management device 20 and executes the program data in a state of being reproduced (displayed).

First, the message service is logged in using the message acquisition data (step S102). Subsequently, a process of initializing the variables to be used is executed (step S104).

Specifically, it is initialized to the latest message number nt = 0 indicating the latest message number and the initial display position vLINE = 1 indicating the initial display position of the message.

Subsequently, a message request is transmitted to the message management server 30 (step S106). Here, when there is a new message (step S108; Yes), the new message is received (step S110), and the number of received new messages is stored in the number of new messages mk (step S112). Further, the received messages are sequentially stored in the message array MSG (x).

That is, a newly received new message is added and stored in the previously received message array MSG (x). This message array MSG (x) may be initialized at an arbitrary timing, or may be initialized at the start / end of the program. Further, it may be initialized by a predetermined time interval, time, or a command from the management device 20 or the like.

If there is no new message (step S108; No), steps S110 and S112 are not executed.

Subsequently, the latest message number nt is updated (step S114). Specifically, the number of new messages mk currently received is added to the latest message number nt. The latest message number nt is the latest message number as it is.

Subsequently, when the number of new messages mk is equal to or less than the display switching threshold mt stored as the set value, the message is displayed by the pattern 1 display process (step S116; No → step S118). Here, even if the message display is completed in the pattern 1 display process, if the message acquisition time T, which is the time interval for periodically acquiring the message, has not elapsed, the pattern 1 display process is executed again. (Step S120; No → Step S118). That is, the message is repeatedly displayed by repeatedly executing the pattern 1 display process until the message acquisition time T.

On the other hand, when the number of new messages mk is larger than the display switching threshold value mt, the messages are displayed by the display process according to the pattern 2 (step S116; Yes → step S122).

If the end of the process is not instructed (step S124; No), the process is repeatedly executed from step S106, and a new message is received and displayed. When the end of the process is instructed, the present process is ended (step S124; Yes).

[1.3.3 Pattern 1 display processing]
Subsequently, the pattern 1 display process executed in step S118 of FIG. 10 will be described with reference to FIG. The pattern 1 display process is a display pattern that is displayed when there are few messages.

First, initial values are set for various parameters (step S204). Specifically, first, the latest message number nt is set in the message number n to be displayed, and the initial display position vLINE is set in the display position (line number) LINE in which the message is displayed (step S204). The line number of the display position of the present embodiment is "1" at the top that can be displayed, and "Lmax" is the maximum number that can be displayed at the bottom that can be displayed. That is, since the number of lines that can be displayed (the number of messages) is "Lmax", this number may be a part of the message display area of the display area, and is displayed in the horizontal direction instead of the vertical direction. May be good.

Further, the "line" in the present embodiment means an area for displaying one received message. That is, when a message is long, it is generally displayed by wrapping (breaking a line), but the area where one message is displayed is called a line.

Subsequently, the message character string MSG (n) is displayed on the LINE line (step S206). Here, the received message is stored in the message array MSG (x).

Subsequently, in order to make the message number to be displayed old, it is decremented by 1 from n (decrement), and 1 is added to LINE in order to move the display position downward (increment) (step S208).

Here, when n becomes 0, all the messages received as new arrivals are displayed, and the process transitions to step S214 (step S210; Yes → step S214). When n is larger than 0, since there is still a message received as a new arrival (step S210; No), the message is displayed by repeatedly executing step S206.

Here, the message is displayed when there is an area to be displayed as it is. That is, when the display position LINE is equal to or less than the maximum displayable number Lmax, the process is repeatedly executed from step S206 (step S212; No).

On the other hand, when all the messages received as new arrivals are displayed (step S210; Yes), or when the maximum number that can be displayed is exceeded (step S212; Yes), timer processing is executed (step S214). The timer process is a process of waiting for a predetermined time (for example, a standby time).

Subsequently, the maximum displayable number Lmax is set in the display position LINE (step S216), and the display position of each displayed message is scrolled upward by one (step S218). That is, the display position of each message is scrolled by the number of lines of the message to be displayed next. As a scrolling method, scroll display may be performed line by line, or scroll display may be performed by the number of message lines.

Subsequently, it is determined whether or not all the messages have been displayed, but if all the messages received so far are displayed, there is a problem that the number of messages to be displayed becomes too large. In order to avoid this, the number of messages that can be displayed, MsgMax, shall be set in advance. That is, in order to determine whether or not the number of MsgMax messages is displayed counting from the latest message, it is determined whether n is equal to nt-MsgMax or "0" (step S220).

When n is not equal to nt-MsgMax and is not "0", the acquired message can still be displayed, so MSG (n) is displayed on the LINE line (step S220; No → step S222). Then, n is decremented (step S224), and after waiting for a predetermined time in the timer process (step S226), the process is repeatedly executed from step S218.

In step S220, when n becomes equal to nt-MsgMax or n becomes "0", it is determined that all the messages are displayed (step S220; Yes), and the display position of each displayed message is determined. Scroll display is performed one step upward (step S228).

For example, in an environment where the maximum number of messages to be retained MsgMax is set to "20" in advance, when the latest message number nt is "30", the message number n to be displayed starts from "30" at first. , Will be decremented one by one. When n reaches "10" by repeating decrement, it becomes equal to "10" which is the value of nt-MsgMax. At this point, it is determined that the number of MsgMax messages (“20” messages in this environment) has been displayed counting from the latest message, and the processing after S228 is performed.

After scrolling one step upward, the timer process waits for a predetermined time (step S230), and determines whether or not the entire message has scrolled up (step S232). Here, if the scroll display is not completed for all the displayed messages, the process is repeatedly executed from step S228 to continue the scroll-up display (step S232; No → step S228).

On the other hand, when the scroll display for the entire message is completed (step S232; Yes), the initial display position vLINE to be displayed first when the next call is made is set to LINE (step S234).

As described above, the processing of the pattern 1 is defined for the display pattern when the number of messages is small. Even if there are few messages, messages can be displayed including messages received in the past in addition to new messages.

Further, in FIG. 10, the pattern 1 display process is repeatedly executed by the time the message acquisition time T elapses in step S120, so that the message is repeatedly displayed without interruption.

In this way, even if the number of new messages is small, the messages are always scrolled to attract the attention of those who see the messages.

[1.3.4 Pattern 2 display processing]
Subsequently, the pattern 2 display process executed in step S122 of FIG. 10 will be described with reference to FIG. The pattern 2 display process is a display pattern that is displayed when there are many messages.

First, in order to determine the message to be displayed, a value of nt-mk + 1 is set in n (step S300). Specifically, the number of newly received messages retroactive from the latest message number (number) plus 1 is set as n.

Here, if the number of new messages is too large, the number of messages to be displayed will be too large. In this case, if mk exceeds the maximum number of display messages, mk may be set as the maximum number of display messages. For example, if "100" is set as the maximum, and if the number of new messages mk exceeds "100", mk is set to "100" in advance and 100 messages are traced back from nt. do.

Subsequently, when an existing message is already displayed on the first line, the display position of each displayed message is scrolled downward (moved display) by one (step S302; Yes → step S304). ). At this time, the message displayed on the bottom line is deleted by moving downward in the display area.

Subsequently, among the acquired messages, the MSG (n) is displayed on the first line (the first position of the display area) (step S306). Then, n is incremented and mk is decremented (step S308). As a result, 1 is added to the value of n and 1 is subtracted from the value of mk.

Subsequently, it is determined whether or not mk is 0 (step S310). If the value of mk is 0, there are no more new messages to be displayed, and this process ends (step S310; Yes). If mk is not 0, since there is still a message, the timer process waits for the display for a predetermined time, and then the process is repeatedly executed from step S302 (step S310; No → S312 → S302).

[1.4 Operation example]
[1.4.1 System operation example]
Next, an operation example of this embodiment will be described. FIG. 13A is an example of the display screen W100 displayed on the image display unit 110.

The display screen W100 is divided into a message display area R100 and a main display area R110. In the message display area R100, for example, a hashtag is searched from Twitter messages (tweets), and the search result message is displayed as a timeline. This message is obtained from the message management server 30.

Further, the content based on the program data is displayed in the main display area R110. For example, information on the event venue (event venue map, streaming video, etc.) is displayed. The content displayed in the main display area R110 is displayed based on the program data distributed from the management device 20.

By displaying the message and the content together in this way, it is possible to provide not only the static product sales promotion content found in the conventional digital signage but also real-time information utilizing the service. .. As a result, the product appealing power can be enhanced.

In addition, in a situation where the situation changes from moment to moment, such as an event currently being held, it is possible to provide a useful system to the viewer by displaying real-time information.

Further, the display area of the content and the message may be defined by the display device 10, or the program data may include an instruction. For example, it may be described that the program data superimposes the message on the content and displays the message in parallel with the content.

At this time, the display pattern of the message displayed in the message display area is switched and displayed according to the number of acquired messages, thereby providing a more convenient system for the viewer.

Here, FIGS. 13 (b) and 13 (c) are diagrams schematically showing the range of the displayed message. FIG. 13 (b) shows a case where the number of new messages is less than the display switching threshold, and FIG. 13 (c) shows a case where the number of new messages is larger than the display switching threshold.

In FIG. 13B, the number of new messages received is 2 and the number of new messages received is 4. In the case of the display switching threshold value (for example, "5"), since there are only four new messages, messages up to MSG (6) including past messages MSG (1) and MSG (2) are displayed. Treated as a group.

Then, the above message is repeatedly displayed until the next message acquisition time T comes.

In FIG. 13C, the number of new messages received is 2 and the number of new messages received is 11. In this case, since more than the display switching threshold value (for example, “5”) has been received, the new messages MSG (3) to MSG (13) are processed as a displayed message group.

As described above, in the present embodiment, the contents of the display message group displayed can be changed and displayed according to the number of received messages. Further, at this time, the display pattern by the pattern 1 display process and the display pattern by the pattern 2 display process are displayed in different methods. An operation example of the message display pattern at this time will be described below.

[14.2 Pattern 1 display processing]
An operation example of the pattern 1 display process will be described with reference to the figure. The pattern 1 display process is a display pattern when the number of new messages is smaller than the display switching threshold value. 14 and 15 are diagrams schematically showing only the message display area R100 of FIG.

In FIG. 14A, the latest MSG (7), MSG (6), MSG (5), ... Are arranged as the message character strings to be displayed. Then, up to MSG (3) is displayed in the display area R200. And MSG (2) and MSG (1) are not displayed.

These messages will scroll upwards. Old messages are displayed on the bottom line, and when new messages are displayed, they are scrolled up one by one, and the messages at the top disappear one by one.

By scrolling upward, only MSG (4) to MSG (1) are displayed as shown in FIG. 14 (b). Further, in FIG. 14 (c), only MSG (2) and MSG (1) are displayed.

When the display continues, the scroll display up to MSG (1) is performed, and the state shown in FIG. 15 (a) is obtained. At this stage, no message is displayed in the display area R200. That is, it is scrolled upward and all the messages disappear once.

In addition, in this embodiment, although it will be described that it disappears once, it may be a process of leaving a predetermined interval. For example, a new message may be displayed after opening several messages.

When the pattern 1 display process is executed again, a message is displayed at the bottom (FIG. 15 (b)). In this figure, the latest message, MSG (7), is displayed at the bottom. After that, the messages are scrolled from top to bottom and displayed in sequence. For example, next, the MSG (6) is displayed at the bottom, and the MSG (7) is scrolled (FIG. 15 (c)).

[1.4.3 Pattern 2 display processing]
Next, an operation example of the pattern 2 display process will be described. The pattern 2 display process is a display pattern when the number of new messages is larger than the display switching threshold value. FIG. 16 is a diagram schematically showing only the message display area R100 of FIG.

In FIG. 16A, the old message MSG (1) is displayed at the bottom and the new message MSG (4) is displayed at the top among the displayed messages. When displaying the new message MSG (5) in this state, MSG (5) is displayed on the top line as shown in FIG. 16 (b).

Further, the displayed MSGs (1) to MSGs (4) are scrolled downward and displayed. This will cause new messages to be displayed at the top and scroll down each time a new message is displayed.

For example, FIG. 16 (c) shows a state in which MSG (24) is displayed. New messages are always displayed on the top line, with old messages scrolling down, flowing and disappearing.

[2. Second Embodiment]
Next, the second embodiment will be described. The second embodiment describes the embodiment in which the message display pattern is switched based on the actual value (average value) of the number of acquisitions in the past several times.

The second embodiment has the same configuration as the first embodiment, and the main process of FIG. 10 is replaced with that of FIG. The same processing is designated by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will be omitted.

In the second embodiment, after the display device 10 acquires new messages, the average number of new messages mka is calculated as the average number of acquired new messages (step S402). Specifically, the average value of the number of new messages acquired in the past (for example, 5 times) is calculated as the average number of new messages mka.

Subsequently, by comparing the average number of new messages mka with the display switching threshold value mt (step S404), the pattern 1 display process and the pattern 2 display process are switched.

As described above, according to the present embodiment, since the determination is made based on the number of acquired messages in the past several times, it is possible to switch the display of the message more stably.

[3. Third Embodiment]
Next, the third embodiment will be described. The third embodiment is an embodiment in which the frequency of acquiring messages is changed.

(1) Shorten (increase) the frequency of acquiring messages for pattern 1 display processing.
As the third embodiment, first, an embodiment in which the frequency of acquiring messages is increased will be described. This embodiment has the same configuration as that of the first embodiment and the second embodiment, and the main processing of FIG. 17 is replaced with that of FIG. The same processing is designated by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will be omitted.

After the pattern 1 display process or the pattern 2 display process is executed, it is determined whether or not the value of the average number of new messages mka is larger than the average number of acquired messages threshold value mt2 as a predetermined threshold value (step S452). Here, when the value of the average number of new messages mka is larger than the average number of acquired messages threshold value mt2, the value of the message acquisition time T is reduced (step S452; Yes → step S454).

On the other hand, when the value of the average number of new messages mka is equal to or less than the average number of acquired messages threshold value mt2, the value of the message acquisition time T is returned to the initial value (step S452; No → step S456).

As described above, according to the present embodiment, it is possible to change the value of the message acquisition time T according to the number of acquisitions in the past. As a result, when there are many new messages, it is possible to increase the frequency of acquiring messages (shorten the periodic acquisition time interval).

In the present embodiment, the message acquisition time T is changed based on the average number of new messages, but by applying to the first embodiment, the message acquisition time T is changed based on the number of new messages received. Is also good.

That is, the value of the message acquisition time T may be reduced when the number of new messages mk is larger than a predetermined threshold value (for example, mt2 or another threshold value). As described above, as the parameters used when changing the message acquisition time T, the number of new messages and the average number of new messages can be used.

(2) Increase (decrease) the frequency of acquiring messages for pattern 1 display processing.
Contrary to the above, this time, a case where the message acquisition frequency is reduced will be described. That is, step S456 is set to "increase the value of T", and step S454 is set to "return the value of T to the initial value" to replace the process.

As a result, when the number of new messages or the average number of new messages is lower than the threshold value, the message acquisition interval can be lengthened by further increasing the message acquisition time T.

(3) Changing the message acquisition frequency of the pattern 2 display process In the pattern 2 display process, the message acquisition time T may be changed depending on the number of new messages and the average number of new messages. That is, the processing of S452 to S456 may be executed between steps S122 and S124 instead of being executed between steps S118 and S120.

In the case of the pattern 2 display process, for example, when the number of new messages is large, the message acquisition time may be shortened by reducing the message acquisition time T.

[4. Fourth Embodiment]
Next, the fourth embodiment will be described. The fourth embodiment is not a new message, but an embodiment in which a message display pattern is switched according to a predetermined time, for example, the number of messages after a certain time.

The fourth embodiment has the same configuration as the first embodiment, and the main process of FIG. 10 is replaced with that of FIG. The same processing is designated by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will be omitted.

In step S106, a message request is transmitted to the message management server (step S106). At this time, if there is a message, a message at a predetermined time (for example, a message after a predetermined time) is received (step S502; Yes → step S504).

Here, the message to be received may be a message using search information, or all messages may be received as they are. Then, the current latest message number nt is acquired (step S506), and the number of messages within the time (number of messages within the time) is set as mk2 from the received messages (step S508).

The number of messages within the time may be the number of messages after a predetermined time, or may be the number of messages within a certain time (for example, "10 minutes", "20 minutes", etc.). Then, the display pattern is changed according to the number of messages within the time-to-time message number determination time. Although the determination time is arbitrary, it is preferably longer than the message acquisition time T at the interval for acquiring messages.

That is, when mk2 is larger than mt, the display process of pattern 2 is executed (step S510; Yes → step S122), and when mk2 is mt or less, the display process of pattern 1 is executed (step S510; No → step S118). ..

In the pattern 1 display process and the pattern 2 display process, the process is executed with mk = mk2.

According to this embodiment, the display method can be switched according to the number of messages within a predetermined time, not the number of new messages. For example, it is an effective display method when displaying a message after the event start time or displaying a message during business hours.

[5. Fifth Embodiment]
Next, the fifth embodiment will be described. In the fifth embodiment, the case where the hashtag is used as the search information in the above-described embodiment has been described, but other information may be used.

For example, in the management device 20, the display device 10 uses a display account (display account). By using the display account and following the account to be displayed, the necessary message can be displayed simply by acquiring the timeline of the display account.

For example, as a follow-up account, it is possible to display a more appropriate message by following a store account that has entered a shopping mall or an account that provides operation information at a station or the like.

In addition to the hashtag, it is also possible to specify the ID of another account. Further, when the location information is added to the message, the message to which the location information is added may be specified.

[6. 6th Embodiment]
Next, the sixth embodiment will be described. The sixth embodiment is an embodiment in which the display state of the message is switched to either display in the set divided area or display superimposed on the content according to the number of messages.

FIG. 20 is an example of the display screen W200 displayed on the image display unit 110 corresponding to the sixth embodiment, which is modified based on FIG. 13.

In the above-described embodiment, the method of switching the scroll display method according to the number of acquired messages has been described, but in the sixth embodiment, when the acquired messages are less than the display area switching threshold value which is a predetermined value, It is displayed in the message display area R200, and when the acquired message is larger than the display area switching threshold value, it is superimposed and displayed on the content displayed in the main display area R210. The scroll method display itself may be the same as the process described in the first embodiment.

Further, when the acquired messages are less than the predetermined values, and if the old message groups are already displayed in the main display area R210, they may be moved to the message display area R200 and then scrolled.

[7. Seventh Embodiment]
Subsequently, the seventh embodiment will be described. The seventh embodiment is an embodiment in which only a message is displayed without displaying the content.

That is, in the above-described embodiment, the content and the message are displayed together, but it goes without saying that the above-mentioned message display method can be used even when only the message is displayed. ..

For example, on the display screen W300 of FIG. 21, the acquired message is displayed in the area R300. No content is displayed on the display screen, but messages are efficiently displayed.

In such a display form, a message is displayed for a device having a small display area such as a display screen of a POS system, a display screen of an image forming device, or a display screen of a vending machine, when it is desired to display a message separately from the content. It is especially effective when doing so.

[8. 8th Embodiment]
Next, the eighth embodiment will be described. The eighth embodiment is an embodiment in the case where the terminal device 40 functions as a display device.

In the above-described embodiment, the case where the content or the message is displayed on the display device 10 has been described. However, in recent years, information is distributed and displayed on a terminal device (for example, a smartphone or tablet) owned by a user, or information is distributed and displayed on a car navigation system.

In such a case, unlike a normal SNS application, push-type information may be delivered. That is, a message may be displayed by starting a dedicated application on the terminal device 40 or displaying the corresponding page on the browser.

For example, FIG. 22 shows an example in which an application having a function of displaying a message is started on the terminal device 40. In this case, the content is displayed in the main area R400 and the message (group) is displayed in the message display area R410 with respect to the display screen W400.

Such an application may be distributed, for example, as a shopping mall or an application in which a transportation company provides its own information. The user can easily obtain the information by executing the application.

In this way, by applying the present embodiment, even when the message is displayed on the terminal device 40, the message display method of each of the above-described embodiments can be applied.

[9. Modification example]
Although the embodiment of the present invention has been described in detail with reference to the drawings, the specific configuration is not limited to this embodiment, and the design and the like within a range not deviating from the gist of the present invention are also within the scope of claims. include.

In the above-described embodiment, the pattern 1 display process is described as up scrolling, and the pattern 2 display process is described as down scrolling, but the reverse is also possible. That is, the pattern 1 display process may be scrolled down, and the pattern 2 display process may be scrolled up.

Further, although the scroll display has been described as a method for updating the message, other methods may be used. For example, a method of displaying the character string in a fade-out manner or a method of displaying the character string by sliding it from the side may be used. That is, as long as the timeline is appropriately updated, it may be realized by another display method.

Further, the program that operates in each device in the embodiment is a program that controls a CPU or the like (a program that causes a computer to function) so as to realize the functions of the above-described embodiment. Then, the information handled by these devices is temporarily stored in a temporary storage device (for example, RAM) at the time of processing, then stored in various ROM or HDD storage devices, and read and corrected by the CPU as necessary. -Writing is performed.

Further, in the case of distribution to the market, the program can be stored and distributed in a portable recording medium, or transferred to a server computer connected via a network such as the Internet. In this case, it goes without saying that the storage device of the server computer is also included in the present invention.

Further, the invention of the above-mentioned disclosure is a display device having a display unit capable of displaying a message.
A message acquisition unit that accesses the message management server and acquires messages,
A display method selection unit that selects a message display method according to the number of acquired messages, and a display method selection unit.
A display control unit that controls the display of the message acquired from the message management server on the display unit by the display method selected by the display method selection unit.
With
The display method selection unit is
When the number of acquired messages is within the display switching threshold value, the first display method of repeatedly scrolling and displaying the acquired messages is selected.
When the number of acquired messages exceeds the display switching threshold value, a second display method for scrolling and displaying the acquired messages is selected.
It can be characterized by that.

Further, in the above-described disclosed invention, the display control unit is used.
When the selected display method is the first display method, it can be characterized in that a previously acquired message plus the acquired message is repeatedly scrolled and displayed as a message group.

Further, in the above-described disclosed invention, the display control unit is used.
When the selected display method is the first display method, the message acquisition unit may repeatedly display the message group when the time for acquiring the message has not elapsed. ..

Further, in the above-described disclosed invention, the display control unit is used.
The display method may be characterized in that the scroll display direction is different between the first display method and the second display method.

Further, in the above-described disclosed invention, the display control unit is used.
When the selected display method is the first display method, the message is scrolled from the new message to the old message and displayed repeatedly.
If the selected display method is the second display method, the old message is scrolled in the direction of the new message.
It can be characterized by that.

Further, in the invention of the above-described disclosure, the message acquisition unit searches for a message stored in the message management server based on search information, and acquires the searched message. can.

Further, in the invention of the above-mentioned disclosure, the message acquisition unit may be used.
A message request transmission unit that sends a message request including search information to the message management server,
A message receiving unit that receives a matching message searched by the message management server based on the search information from the message management server.
It can be characterized by having.

Further, in the above-described disclosed invention, the message acquisition unit further includes a time setting unit for setting a message acquisition time for acquiring a message from the message management server.
The message acquisition time can be changed according to the number of acquired messages.

Further, in the invention of the above-mentioned disclosure, the display unit can display the content.
The display control unit may be characterized in that the message is displayed together with the content.

Further, in the invention of the above-mentioned disclosure, the display control unit can display the content and the message in each divided area of the display unit.

Further, in the invention of the above-mentioned disclosure, the display control unit can superimpose and display the message on the content.

1 Message display system 10 Display device 100 Control unit 110 Image display unit 120 Image processing unit 130 Communication unit 140 Storage unit 142 Message storage area 144 Program data storage area 146 Message acquisition data 148 Setting table 20 Management device 200 Control unit 210 Communication unit 220 Storage unit 222 Program data generation program 224 Program data storage area 226 Message acquisition data 30 Message management server 300 Control unit 310 Communication unit 320 Storage unit 322 Message storage area 324 Login information management data 330 Message service function unit 40 Terminal device 400 Control Unit 410 Communication unit 420 Storage unit 422 Message application

Claims (5)

In a display device having a control unit and a display unit,
The display unit has a first display area for displaying only information and a second display area for displaying contents .
The control unit
Get information from the server
When the number of acquired information is less than the first threshold value, the information is displayed in the first display area, and when the information is larger than the first threshold value, the information is displayed in the second display area. A display device characterized by superimposing and displaying content on a display area. In a display device having a control unit and a display unit,
The display unit has a first display area for displaying only information and a second display area for displaying contents.
The control unit
Get information from the server
The display area for displaying the information is switched according to the number of the acquired information, and the acquired information is displayed.
When the number of the acquired information is less than the threshold value, then scroll repeatedly acquired information,
The display device according to claim 1, wherein when the number of acquired information is larger than the threshold value, the acquired information is scrolled and displayed. A plurality of pieces of information are stored in the server.
The control unit
The display device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the information on the server is searched based on the search information, and the search result is acquired as information. A display control method in a display device including a display unit having a first display area for displaying only information and a second display area capable of displaying contents.
Steps to get information from the server and
When the number of acquired information is less than the first threshold value, the information is displayed in the first display area, and when the information is larger than the first threshold value, the information is displayed in the second display area. Steps to superimpose and display the content in the display area,
A display control method comprising. A program for causing a computer to execute each step of the display control method according to claim 4.

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