JP2002056286A - Managing device, designated information output system and recording medium recording program - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an information distribution system, with which everybody can freely distribute desired information to a desired area. SOLUTION: In this information distribution system, output contents, an output device and an output condition or the like are designated from terminal equipment and transmitted to the managing device (S1). Next, in the managing device, the designation from the terminal equipment is received, and the designations of the output contents and the output condition or the like are transmitted to the relevant output device (S2). Next, in the output device, the designations from the managing device are received and according to the output conditions, the output contents are outputted (S3).

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a management device, a designated information output system, and a recording medium on which a program is recorded, and more particularly, to a management device capable of transmitting desired information between a plurality of devices connected via a network, a designated device, and the like. The present invention relates to an information output system and a recording medium on which a program is recorded.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, an advertisement distribution system for distributing advertisement information has been provided.

FIG. 36 is, for example, Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 10-3494.
FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing an overall configuration of an advertisement distribution device disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Publication No. H10-115,004.

[0006] Referring to FIG. 36, in the conventional advertisement distribution apparatus, headquarters 602 and advertisement apparatus 630 are mutually connected by a public line network using PHS, and main office 602 selects an area where advertisement is desired to be distributed. Thus, the desired advertisement can be distributed only to the advertisement devices existing in the area.

[0005]

A conventional advertisement distribution apparatus for distributing advertisement information in a detailed manner has been configured as described above.

[0006] However, in the conventional advertisement distribution device, although the area in which the advertisement is distributed can be designated, the designation of such an advertisement distribution area and the contents of the advertisement are performed by the head office 6.
00, only a specific person can be determined.
30 had only the function of simply displaying the delivered advertisement.

As a result, there has been a problem that no one can freely specify a distribution area of information such as an advertisement or define a distribution content of the information.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made to solve the above problems, and provides an information distribution system that allows anyone to freely distribute desired information such as an advertisement to a desired area. With the goal.

[0009]

According to the present invention, a management device operably connected to a terminal device and a plurality of output devices via a communication line according to the present invention provides output information and an output device for the terminal device that has accessed the management device. Means for guiding the input of the designation, means for receiving the output information input according to the guidance and the designation of the output device, and means for creating an output program based on the received output information. The output information specified by the execution of the output program in the output device is output. The management device further includes means for transmitting the created output program to the designated output device.

The management device guides the terminal device that has accessed the output information and the designation of the output device, receives the information from the terminal device, and causes the output device to output the output information based on the received output information. Therefore, information from any terminal device can be output from any output device. As a result, anyone can freely distribute desired information to a desired area.

Here, the communication line may be a general public line or a closed line. Also, it is preferable to be able to connect to the Internet.

The output information may be text information, image information, audio information,
Any combination of these may be used. Also,
The output condition of the output device may be determined.

Preferably, the output device is capable of inputting response information to the output information, and the management device further includes means for receiving the response information input to the output device in response to the output information.

[0014] In order to receive the input response information in response to the output information, the management apparatus can obtain a response to the output information.

[0015] More preferably, the output information includes information on a questionnaire question, and the response information includes answer information on the questionnaire questionnaire.

As a result, the management device makes a questionnaire to the output device and obtains the answer.

More preferably, the terminal device is provided with identification information for specifying the terminal device, and the management device includes means for storing the identification information of the terminal device and identification of the terminal device when the terminal device accesses the terminal device. Means for receiving information, and the guidance means performs guidance only when the identification information of the terminal device that has accessed the identification information matches the identification information stored in the storage means.

The management device guides the output information and the designation of the output device only when the accessed terminal device is the specific terminal device, so that only the specific terminal device outputs the desired output to the desired output device. It can be performed.

In still another aspect of the present invention, a designated information output system for outputting designated information includes a terminal device for designating and transmitting output information to be output and an output device to output the information, Receiving the output information and the designation of the output device transmitted from the terminal device, and transmitting output-related information about the designated output device and the output information,
A management device, and an output device that receives the output information and the output related information transmitted from the management device and outputs the information according to the output related information.

[0020] In still another aspect of the present invention, a computer readable recording medium connected to a terminal device and a plurality of output devices via a network is installed in the computer, so that the terminal that has accessed the computer has The output information and the designated input of the desired output device among the plurality of output devices are guided to the device, and based on the output information from the terminal device, the output information specified by being executed in the output device is Function to create an output program to be output.

[0021]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. First, a basic system of the information distribution system according to the present invention will be described.

In the following description, an outline of a system to which the present invention is applied will be described as a “basic system”, and then an example in which the system is specifically applied will be described. In the application example, an “information providing system” and a “questionnaire collection system” will be described.

1. Basic system 1-1. Overview of Basic System FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a main part of a basic system of an information distribution system according to the present invention. Referring to FIG. 1, in the basic system, terminal devices 1a to 1n, management device 2, and output devices 3a to 3n are connected by a communication network 4 such as a public line. In particular, between the terminal devices 1a-1n and the management device 2, and between the management device 2 and the output devices 3a-3
n.

The terminal device 1 is a device for the operator to specify an output device and specify information to be output. The management device 2 is a device for receiving designation from the terminal devices 1a to 1n and instructing the specified output device to output output information, and is applied, for example, as a computer having a function as a WWW server. You. The output device 3
This is a device for outputting output information in accordance with an instruction from the management device 2.

The public can access the management device 2 by any of the terminal devices 1a to 1n. In addition, the display devices 3a to 3n are installed in a state where at least a person near the device can recognize the output by the five senses such as sight and hearing.

In FIG. 1, the terminal devices 1a to 1a
n, the management device 2, and the lines connecting the output devices 3a to 3n to the communication network are drawn by solid lines, which means that they are connected by wire. Communication may be included.

The communication network is not limited to a public line, but may be a closed system LAN or the like. A line that can be connected to the Internet is preferable.

1-2. Configuration of Terminal Device FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of the terminal device 1 of the basic system. Referring to FIG. 1, terminal device 1 includes a program storage unit 11 and a transmission unit 1
5, the memory 14, and the input unit 12 are connected by a bus.

The control unit 13 has a function of executing various calculations, and is applied as, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit). The program storage unit 11
It stores a program and the like relating to the operation procedure, and is applied, for example, as an HD (hard disk). The transmission unit 15 has a function of transmitting a signal to an external device via the communication network 4, and is applied as, for example, a modem. The memory 14 functions as a work area of the control unit 13, and is applied as, for example, a RAM (random access memory).

1-3. Configuration of Management Device FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of the management device 2. Referring to FIG. 2, the management device 2 mainly includes a control unit 24, a program storage unit 22, a database 21, a memory 25, a transmission / reception unit 26, an input guidance file storage unit 23.
Are connected by a bus.

The control unit 24 has a function of executing various calculations, and is applied, for example, as a CPU. The program storage unit 22 stores a program relating to a procedure of a calculation process in the management device 2, and is applied as, for example, an HD. The database 21 as a storage device includes a control unit 24
For use in various calculations in the control unit 24
The data of the calculation result in is stored. Memory 25
Functions as a work area of the control unit 24, for example, a RAM
Applied as The transmission / reception unit 26 is a communication network 4
It exchanges data with an external device via the. The input guidance file storage unit 23 stores a data file for guiding input in the terminal device via the transmission / reception unit 26 and the communication network 4, and is applied as, for example, an HD. The program storage unit 22, the database 21, and the input guidance file storage unit 2
3 may be stored in the same storage device (HD or the like).

The database 21 includes an output device data file 21a, an output content file 21b, and a schedule data file 21c. The output device data file 21a includes data relating to various attributes of the output devices 3a to 3n, and the output content file 21b includes output contents, that is, data relating to contents to be output by the output device (for example, character data, still image data). , Moving image data, audio data), and the schedule data file 21c includes data relating to the output schedule in each of the output devices 3a to 3n.

The structure of various data files stored in the database 21 will be described with reference to FIG.
FIG. 7A is a conceptual diagram showing the configuration of the output device data file 21a. Referring to FIG. 2A, the output device data file 21a includes an output device ID 2 that is individually given to each output device so that the operator can identify each output device.
11, a communication ID 212 individually given to each output device to specify the output device when the management device performs communication,
The output type 213 regarding whether the output of each output device is a visual output by lightning or liquid crystal or an auditory output by a speaker, etc., the installation location of the output device, and a time zone when the output device is not scheduled to output. Free time information 215 is provided. Referring to FIG. 3B, the output content file 21b includes an output information ID 216 individually given to each output content and specific output contents (character data, still image data, moving image data, audio data, etc.). And any combination thereof). Referring to FIG. 3C, the schedule data 21c includes the output device I described above.
D211, output information ID 216, and output period information 218 relating to a period during which the output information is output from the output device.

1-4. Configuration of Output Device FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of the output device 3. With reference to the figure, the output device 3 includes a program file storage unit 33, an output program storage unit 36, a clock 37, a receiving unit 38, a program change program storage unit 34, an output unit 31, The driver 32 is connected by a bus.

The control unit 35 has a function of executing various arithmetic processing, and is applied as, for example, a CPU. The program file storage unit 33 configures contents to be output as programs and stores them in a file format, and is applied, for example, as an HD. The output program storage unit 36 stores a program related to a program execution procedure, and is applied as, for example, an HD. The clock 37 plays a role in measuring the start and end times of the program. The receiving unit 38 has a function of exchanging data with an external device via the communication network 4 and is applied, for example, as a modem.
The program scheduling program storage section 34 stores a program relating to a procedure for organizing a program file based on the data received from the receiving section 38, and is applied as, for example, an HD. The output unit 31 has a function of outputting an output content file included in the program file in a predetermined output format, and is applied, for example, as an electric display panel, a liquid crystal display panel, a speaker, and a printer. The output driver 32 is a circuit for performing output in the output unit 31 based on output content.

1-5. Overview of Operation Procedure of Basic System FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a flow of an operation procedure in the above basic system. Referring to FIG. 1, first, in step S1, designation of (A) output content, (B) specific output device, (C) output condition, etc. is received from terminal device 1, and the designation is made via communication network 4. Is transmitted to the management device 2. Here, the output content means data (for example, character data, still image data, moving image data, audio data, and any combination thereof) regarding the content to be output by the output device 3 as described above. The output condition means a condition such as a time period for outputting and a number of times of outputting, that is, a condition regarding handling of the output content. further,
“Designation” means that the operator of the terminal device 1 converts his / her intention into electronic information via the input unit.

Next, in step S2, the management device 2 receives the information on the designation transmitted from the terminal device 1, and sends (A) output contents and (C) output conditions to the specified output device 3. The information (instruction) related to the designation is transmitted (distributed).

Next, in step S3, the output device 3 receives the command transmitted from the management device 2, and outputs (A) output content in a predetermined output form according to (C) output conditions and the like.

Here, the terminal device 1 may also serve as the output device 3. The output device 3 may also serve as the management device 2. Further, the output device 3 may receive a response to the output content and return the received response to the terminal device 1 via the management device 2.

Hereinafter, an example in which the above basic system is applied will be described. In the following description, the reference numerals of the specification and the drawings use elements used in the description of the basic system for elements that embody the elements of the basic system described above, followed by a symbol identifying the application system. Shall be. Specifically, the letter "N" is used for the information providing system, and "E" is used for the questionnaire system.
With an acronym of For example, in the information providing system, the "telephone" given the symbol "N1" corresponds to a specific application example of the "terminal device" given the symbol "1" in the description of the basic system. I do.

2. Information providing system 2-1. Configuration of information providing system 2-1-1. Overall Configuration FIG. 7 is a diagram showing the overall configuration of an information providing system to which the above-described basic system is applied. Referring to FIG. 1, in the information providing system, telephones N1a to N1n as transmitters are provided.
And the management device N2 are communicably connected by a public telephone line network N41, and the management device N2 and electronic display panels N3a to N3n as display devices are connected to the Internet N.
42 are communicably connected.

The telephones N1a to N1n and the management device N2 exchange data via a telephone exchange (not shown) existing in the public telephone network N41. The management device N2 and the electronic display panels N3a to N3n are connected to an ISP (Internet service
Data exchange via a provider).

As long as the telephone is capable of inputting characters, even if the telephone is directly connected to the telephone line, the telephone shown in FIG.
The mobile phone may be connected wirelessly to a specific base station N1x, such as a mobile phone, a PHS (Personal Handyphone System), or a PDA (Personal Digital Assistant) as shown in FIG.

Here, the telephones N1a to N1n correspond to the terminal devices 1a to 1n in the basic system, and the electronic display boards N3a to N3n correspond to the output devices 3a to 3n in the basic system. The output device is not limited to an electric display panel, but may be a liquid crystal display panel, a printer, a digital copier, a speaker, or the like.

2-1-2. Configuration of Telephone FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of the telephone N1. With reference to the figure, a storage device N11,
Transmission / reception circuit N15, various buttons N12, display panel N1
6 are connected.

The various buttons N12 include a menu key and a movement key in addition to the numeric keys, and by operating these keys, characters including kanji can be input. Further, on the display panel N16, information to guide the operation of the operator of the telephone N1 is displayed. The storage device N11 stores a program for displaying specific characters on the display panel in response to operation of various buttons, and a program for converting characters specified by various buttons into specific signals. The MPUN 13 reads and executes these programs to perform predetermined processing described later.

2-1-3. Configuration of Management Device FIG. 9 is a block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of the management device N2. Referring to the figure, in the management device N2, a program storage unit N22, a voice guidance data storage unit N23, a database N21, a memory N25, and a transmission / reception unit N26 are connected by a bus centering on a CPU N24.

The database N21 is composed of an electric light board data file N21a, a display character file N21b, a schedule data file N21c, and an inappropriate word file N21d.

The structure of various data files stored in the database N21 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 11A shows the electric display panel data file N21a.
FIG. 3 is a conceptual diagram showing the configuration of FIG. Referring to FIG. 3A, the electronic display panel data file N21a includes a display panel ID N211 which is individually given to each electronic display panel so that the operator can identify each electronic display panel, and an individual electronic display panel. A given telephone number N212, a display type N213 relating to the size of each electronic display panel and a possible display mode (scroll display or blinking display, etc.), an installation location of the electronic display panel, and an empty space relating to a time zone not scheduled to be displayed on the electronic display panel. Time N215
Consists of

Referring to FIG. 3B, the display character file N21b includes a display information ID N216 and a display character N217 which are individually given to each display information.
Also, referring to FIG.
1c is the display plate IDN211 and the display information IDN2.
16 and the channel N2 on which the display information is displayed.
20 and display period information N218 relating to the display start time and the end time of the display information.

Specific words and phrases that should not be displayed on the display device are stored in the inappropriate word file N21d.

2-1-4. Configuration of Lightning Display Board FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing a schematic structure of the lightning display panel N3. Referring to the figure, the lightning display panel N3 is an MPUN.
35, a program file storage unit N33, a display program storage unit N36, a clock N37, and a modem N3.
8. Program change program storage section N34, lightning display section N3
1. The display driver N32 is connected by a bus.

The program stored in the display program storage N35, the program file stored in the program file storage N33, and the program stored in the program scheduling program storage N34 are stored in the same storage device. May be done.

The electric light display section N31 is composed of a plurality of light bulbs arranged in a mesh pattern, and displays character information by lighting a specific light bulb, and displays characters by continuously blinking the light bulb. Scroll or blink information.

2-1-5. Next, the configuration of the program displayed on the electronic display panel N3 will be described. FIG. 12 is a conceptual diagram illustrating the concept of a channel, a program, and idle time. FIG. 13 is a conceptual diagram showing a configuration of a program file stored in the program file storage unit N33. Referring to FIG. 12, a program has a predetermined capacity (time or data amount) assigned to each of four channels CH1 to CH4. CH from CH1
After displaying the display information up to 4, the display returns to CH1 again, and then this cycle is repeated. If there is no display information for a channel, that channel is skipped and the display information for the next channel is displayed. Now, FIG.
As shown in (a), the display information of the display information ID: 15264 having the start time of 6:00 and the end time of 21:00 is displayed in CH1, the start time of 15:00, and the end time of the next 3 is displayed in CH2. When the display information of the display information ID: 15223 is C,
In H4, the display information of the display information ID: 15211 whose start time is 0:00 and the end time is 0:00 the next time is stored in the program file storage unit N33. Note that CH3 has no display information from 0:00 to 12:00.

At this time, the management device N2 sends a message (b) in FIG.
When the display information (display information ID: 15386) shown in FIG.
3 and organize the program. Here, the program is
This means that there is no change in the display contents of CH1 to CH4. In FIG.
Program 2 is from hour to 15:00, program 3 is from 15:00 to 21:00, program 4 is from 21:00 to 3:00, and program 5 is from 3:00 to 6:00. In the same figure (c) after knitting,
Since the display information of the display information ID: 15386 is inserted, program 1 is from 0:00 to 6:00, program 2 is from 6:00 to 12:00, program 3 is from 12:00 to 15:00, and program 3 is from 15:00 to 21:00. Is program 4, 21:00 to 00:00 the next time, program 5,
The program 6 is from 0:00 to 3:00, and the program 7 is from 3:00 to 6:00.

In the same figure (c) after knitting, from 0:00 to 1
Either channel is vacant until 5:00 and after 21:00, while display information is contained in all channels from 15:00 to 21:00. In this manner, a time zone in which a channel is free is defined as a free time. The electronic display board N3 notifies the management device of the vacant time after the programming, and the management device updates the vacant time of the display board data file N21a.

Referring to FIG. 13, the program scheduling file is:
It comprises a program number N331, a program start time N332, a program end time N333, display characters N334 of CH1 to CH4, display forms N335 of CH1 to CH4, and the like. The programming program also includes a procedure for updating the programming file after the programming as described above.

2-2. Operation procedure of information providing system 2-2-1. FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing a flow of an operation procedure in the information providing system. Referring to the figure, in a step SN1, a display instruction process for giving a display instruction from the telephone N1 to the management apparatus N2 is performed, and in a step SN2, based on the instruction in the step SN1, the management apparatus N2 sends a signal to the electric display panel N3. Then, a display command transmission process for transmitting a display command is performed. Next, in step SN3, display processing is performed on the electric display panel N3 based on the command in step SN2.

2-2-2. Display Instruction Processing FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing a subroutine of step SN1. In the display instruction process, step S
At N11, a telephone call is made from the telephone N1 to the management device N2, and this is automatically received at the management device N2. In step SN12, an electronic display panel N3 on which the telephone N1 should be displayed is specified to the management device N2. Next, step SN1
In step 3, a date and time to be displayed is specified, and then in step SN14.
Specify the character to be displayed with and return. here,
In the processing from step SN12 to step SN14,
Data stored in the voice guidance data storage unit N23 of the management device N2 is appropriately read and transmitted to the telephone N1.
The operator of the telephone N1 operates the telephone N1 to perform the following processing in accordance with the guidance by the data stored in the voice guidance data storage unit N23 (hereinafter, referred to as "voice guidance").

2-2-3. FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing a display board designation subroutine of step SN12. Referring to FIG.
At step SN121, a designation method of the display board is selected. As the designation method, designation by the display board ID, designation by the telephone number of the display board, and designation by the installation location information of the display board are possible. The operator of the telephone N1 selects the designation method by operating the various buttons N12 according to the voice guidance. For example, the numeric keypad "1" when using the display board ID, the numeric keypad "2" when using the telephone number,
In the case of the installation location information, the selection of the designation method is determined by pressing the “3” button on the numeric keypad and then pressing the “#” button.

When designation by telephone number is selected in step SN121, an area code is designated in step SN122. In the designation of the area code, the area code of the area where the electronic display device to be displayed exists is directly input.
By pressing the "#" button in the same manner as described above, the designation of the area code is determined.

Next, at step SN123, the operator of the telephone N1 is instructed by voice guidance at step SN.
It is inquired whether or not it is desired to display all the electronic display boards corresponding to the area code determined in 122. On the other hand, telephone N1
The operator presses the numeric keypad "1" to display on all the electronic display boards, and presses the numeric keypad "2" to narrow down by local area code.

If it is determined in step SN123 that the local area code is further narrowed down (in the case of NO), a local area code is designated in step SN124 in the same manner as the area code. On the other hand, in step SN123, when all the corresponding electronic display devices are selected by the corresponding area code (in the case of YES), the step of specifying the local office number (SN124) is skipped.

On the other hand, the management device N2 searches the display board data file N21a on the basis of the designated area code or the area code and the area code if specified by the local code. Then, the corresponding display board data is detected. Further, the management device N2 selects an output type N213, an output location N214, and an installation location N2 from the detected data.
For example, data such as output type, output location, and installation location are transmitted to the telephone N1 along with voice guidance based on the data. When a plurality of electronic display panels are detected, audio information is transmitted for all the electronic display panels.

If the corresponding electronic display board cannot be detected from the display board data file N21a, voice information to that effect is transmitted to the telephone N1 together with voice guidance.

Subsequently, in step SN125, it is selected whether or not to further narrow down the electric display panel to be displayed.
If not narrowing down (NO), step SN
At 126, the electronic display board to be displayed is determined and the routine returns. On the other hand, in the case of further narrowing down (in the case of YES), the process returns to step SN121 to select a designation method.

In step SN121, the display board ID
Is selected, the input of the display board ID is prompted by voice guidance. Since the display board ID is composed of a number string, the number string is input at the telephone N1.

On the other hand, if the designation by the installation location information is selected in step SN121,
In N128, designation based on the installation location information is performed. Here, the location information is one of the attributes assigned to each electronic display device 3 ₁ to 3 _n, for example, a type, such as "convenience store", "train station", "street".

2-2-4. FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing a subroutine of step SN13. Referring to FIG.
In step 1, a date and time to start displaying and a date and time to end displaying are specified. The voice guidance prompts input in the order of the start date and time and the end date and time. By operating the various buttons N12, the operator of the telephone N1 follows the voice guidance and
Enter the date and time. The input information on the start and end dates and times is transmitted from the telephone N1 to the management device N2.

At step SN132, the management device N
2 receives this information and checks the free time. More specifically, the vacant time N215 in the display board data file N21a is sequentially searched for all the electronic display boards specified in step SN12, and the process proceeds to step SN131.
To detect whether or not all of the time zones specified in the above correspond to idle time.

As a result, if there is no overlapping time in step SN133 (in the case of NO), step SN133
At 134, the date and time are determined, and the routine returns. On the other hand, if there is an overlapping time zone, the voice guidance notifies that the display in the desired time zone is impossible together with the overlapping time zone in step SN135. Then, in step SN135, the operator of the telephone N1 selects whether or not to display only the time zone that can be operated by operating the various buttons N12 according to the voice guidance.

If it is determined in step SN135 that only the available time zone may be displayed (in the case of YES), the process proceeds to step SN134 to determine the date and time for displaying a non-overlapping time zone, and returns. I do.
If it is selected that it is not good only in the possible time zone (in the case of NO), the process returns to step SN131, and the start and end dates and times are specified again.

2-2-5. FIG. 18 is a flowchart showing a subroutine of step SN14. With reference to FIG.
A display character is designated in N141. The operator of the telephone N1 creates a character string by operating the various buttons N12. If the character string contains kanji,
The dictionary file stored in the dictionary file storage unit N17 is read based on the input kanji reading sound, and a kanji is selected.

When a character string is input on the telephone N1, the information of the character string is transmitted to the management device N2 by finally pressing the "#" key.

Receiving this, the management device N2 reads the information at step SN142 and searches for a predetermined inappropriate word in the character string. Specifically, the character string is divided into words and phrases, and it is checked whether there is any data that matches the inappropriate word data stored in the inappropriate word file storage unit N21d.

As a result, if there is no unsuitable word at step SN143 (NO), then at step SN1
At 44, the display character is determined, and the routine returns. On the other hand, if the character string includes a phrase that matches the inappropriate word data (in the case of YES), voice warning information is transmitted to telephone N1 and the process returns to step SN141.

2-2-6. Display Processing FIG. 19 is a flowchart showing a subroutine of step SN3. Referring to the figure, in the display process, first, in step SN31, the display command transmitted from management device N2 in step SN2 is received. afterwards,
At step SN32, the program is organized as described above, and the program file is updated. Thereafter, the clock N37 is monitored, and the program waits for the start time of the program in step SN33 (NO
When the start time comes (in the case of YES), the program is read from the program file in step SN34 to start the program. Specifically, based on the program reproduction program stored in the program storage unit N36, the NPUN35
Reads the program file, the display driver N
Work on 32. By driving the display driver 32, a program is reproduced on the electric light display unit N31.

When the program is started, in step SN35, the program waits for the end time of the program (in the case of NO). When the end time comes (in the case of YES), the process returns.

3. Questionnaire collection system 3-1. System configuration 3-1-1. Overall Configuration FIG. 20 is a diagram showing the overall configuration of a questionnaire collection system to which the above basic system is applied. Referring to the figure, in the questionnaire collection system, personal computers E1a to E1n and a computer (hereinafter simply referred to as “WWW server”) E2 functioning as a WWW server.
And a full-color copying machine as a display device equipped with a liquid crystal display panel (hereinafter simply referred to as "copier with liquid crystal display") E
3a to 3n are connected by the Internet E4.

The personal computers E1a to E1n, the WWW server E2 and the WWW server E2, and the copying machines E3a to E3n with liquid crystal display transmit and receive data via another WWW server (not shown) existing on the Internet E4.

The personal computer E1 as a terminal device may be a PDA (Personal Digital Assistant) or a mobile phone as long as it can be connected to the WWW.

The copying machine as an output device may be an electric display panel, a liquid crystal display panel, a printer, a personal computer, a speaker, or the like, provided that the following predetermined input functions are added in addition to the display function.

3-1-2. Configuration of Personal Computer FIG. 21 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of the personal computer E1. Referring to the figure, in personal computer E1, HDE is centered on CPU E13.
11, modem E15, keyboard E121 and mouse E
An input device E12, a RAME14, and a liquid crystal drive driver E16, each comprising 122, are connected by a bus. Further, the liquid crystal driving driver E16 includes a liquid crystal display section E1.
7 is connected. The personal computer E1 can communicate with an external device via the Internet E4 by the modem E15. The HDE 11 stores WWW browser software for browsing web pages.

3-1-3. Configuration of WWW Server FIG. 22 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of the WWW server E2. Referring to the figure, in WWW server E2, C
Program storage unit E22, web page file storage unit E23, database E2 centering on PUE24
1, a RAME 25, and a transmission / reception unit E26 are connected by a bus.

The database E21 includes a PPC data file E21a and a questionnaire content file E21.
b, a schedule data file E21c, a questionnaire result file E21d, and a processing result file E21e.

The configuration of various data files stored in the database E21 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 7A is a conceptual diagram showing the configuration of the PPC data file E21a. Referring to FIG.
The data file E21a includes a PCID 210, an output type E213 related to an output mode (whether audio output is possible, full color display or one-color display, etc.) possible in each of the copying machines E3a to E3n with a liquid crystal display, a geographical location of installation. Location type E214b relating to the installation location E214a, the status of the installation location (in a convenience store, in a station yard, in a public conference facility, etc.), and the average number of visitors E21 relating to the average daily use results of the copier with a liquid crystal display.
9. The vacant time E215 relating to a time zone in which no output is scheduled in the copier with a liquid crystal display.

Here, the PPCID 210 is an output device ID 210 and a communication ID 211 in the basic system.
Performs both functions. That is, PPCID2
Reference numeral 10 denotes an e-mail address individually given to each of the copying machines E3a to E3n with a liquid crystal display.

Referring to FIG. 13B, the questionnaire content file E21b includes a questionnaire content IDE 216 individually given to each output information, and HTML (Hypertext Markup File Format) related to display among the outputs.
(Language) document E217, and among the output, audio data relating to pronunciation in particular, and a collection type E220 relating to the form of collecting questionnaire results (eg, how many days to count, how to process the collected results, etc.).

Further, referring to FIG. 9C, the schedule data E21c includes a questionnaire period E21 regarding the date on which the questionnaire starts and the date on which the questionnaire ends, together with the above-mentioned PCID 211 and the questionnaire content IDE216.
Consists of eight.

3-1-4. Configuration of Copying Machine with Liquid Crystal FIG. 24 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of the copying machine E3 with liquid crystal. With reference to FIG.
An image reading unit E45, an operation unit E44, an image forming unit E43, a liquid crystal drive driver E32,
Input detection circuit E40, speaker drive driver E42, questionnaire program storage E33, questionnaire program change program storage E34, program storage E3
6. Answer file E46, answer management program storage E
47, a clock E37, and a modem E38 are connected. The liquid crystal display driver E32 includes a liquid crystal display section E3.
1 has a touch panel E39 on the input / output detection circuit E40.
However, the speaker drive driver E42 has a speaker E41.
Are connected respectively.

The image reading section E45 is of a known type for reading an original optically by a linear CCD (not shown). The operation unit E44 includes a liquid crystal display unit (not shown), a touch panel, and buttons, and receives an input such as an image formation instruction from an operator. The image forming unit E43 includes a photoconductor, a developing device, and the like, and is a known unit that forms an image on a sheet by the principle of electrophotography. An operation signal from the operation unit is sent to the CPUE35. CPUE35,
Based on this signal, a program stored in the program storage unit E36 is executed to control image reading by the image reading unit E45 and image formation by the image forming unit E43.

Liquid crystal display section E31 and touch panel E39
Are configured to overlap. The input on the touch panel E39 is performed in accordance with the display on the liquid crystal display section E31. As will be described later, a questionnaire is displayed on the liquid crystal display unit E31, and the operator is prompted to answer the questionnaire by inputting to the touch panel E39.

The questionnaire program storage unit E33 contains:
The contents of the questionnaire are stored. The CPUE35 stores W in the questionnaire program change program storage E34.
A program for organizing a questionnaire content received from the WW server E2 to the Internet via the modem E4 via the modem E38 as a questionnaire program and storing it in the questionnaire program storage unit E33 is stored.

The answer file E46 includes a touch panel E
This is a file storing questionnaire responses input from 39 as response data. The answer management program storage unit E47 stores a program for returning answer data stored in the answer file to the WWW server periodically or based on an instruction.

The program storage E36, the questionnaire program storage E33, the questionnaire program change program storage E34, the answer file E46, and the answer management program may be stored in the same HD.

3-2. Operation procedure of questionnaire collection system 3-2-1. Main Flow FIG. 25 is a flowchart showing the flow of the operation procedure in the questionnaire collection system. Referring to the figure, in step SE1, the personal computers E1 to W
The contents of the questionnaire are registered in the WW server E2.
When the contents of the questionnaire are registered, in step SE2, the WWW server E2 delivers a questionnaire command to the target copier E3 with a liquid crystal display. The copier E3 with the liquid crystal display that has received the questionnaire command,
A questionnaire is executed in 3 and the answers are collected.
Thereafter, in step SE4, the copier E3 with the liquid crystal display returns a questionnaire response to the WWW server. In step SE5, the WWW server E2 sorts the response data returned from the copier E3 with the liquid crystal display for each questionnaire content, and processes the response result such as totaling. Then, in step SE6, the processed questionnaire result is transmitted to the personal computer E1 of the questionnaire client.

3-2-2. Registration of questionnaire contents To register questionnaire contents, it is necessary to register in advance as a questionnaire provider. WWW
The administrator of the web page file E23 in the server E2 issues an ID and a password as a questionnaire provider to the person who provides the questionnaire at the time of registration.

FIG. 26 is a flowchart showing a subroutine of step SE1. Referring to the figure, in order to register the contents of the questionnaire, first, at step SE11, the personal computer E1 sends the WWW server E to the personal computer E1.
2 through a WWW connection to access the web page file E23. The display state at this time is shown in FIG.

In step SE12, the user logs in to the questionnaire registration site in the web page by specifying the ID and the password. The display screen at this time is shown in FIG.
Shown in

When the user logs in here, a selection screen for a desired menu is displayed (FIG. 29). When "New questionnaire registration" is selected, the liquid crystal display E1 of the personal computer E1 is displayed.
7, a browser screen shown in FIG. 30 is displayed, on which a questionnaire collection place (a copier with a liquid crystal display for performing a questionnaire) and a questionnaire period are designated. The copier with the liquid crystal display for performing the questionnaire is designated by a map designation box E131, a place name designation box E132, a device ID.
Designated box E133 or installation location type E136
Specify in.

In the map designation box E131, an icon of the copying machine is displayed at the place where the copying machines E3a to E3n with the liquid crystal display are arranged on the map. When the icon is designated (clicked), the box is designated. E134
The location of the copier with the liquid crystal display can be selected.

Next, a specific description will be given. First, a method of using the place name specification box E132 will be described. When the location of the copier with a liquid crystal display is directly input to the place name designation box E132 and a search button is clicked, the WWW server 2E searches the PPC data file E21a in the database E21 and extracts the corresponding copier with the liquid crystal display. I do. FIG. 31 shows a display screen in this case.

Here, for example, a case where "Osaka" is input as a place name is shown. When the place name is input, the installation place data of the PPC (E214a in FIG. 23) is referred to, and all places including "Osaka" in the place name are selected and displayed in a list as shown in the figure. The desired PPC may be selected by clicking the desired PPC in the list display on the screen and touching the “selected only” key, or all displayed PPCs may be displayed. All keys may be pressed to select.

Next, the case where PPC is designated by the device ID will be described. In the “designation by device ID” box E133 of FIG. 30, an ID (see FIG. 23) previously given to each copying machine with a liquid crystal display is input. WWW
The server E2 searches the PPC data file E21a in the database E21, extracts the corresponding copier with a liquid crystal display, and displays the location of the selected copier with a liquid crystal display in a box E134. By selecting a desired PPC on this screen, one or a plurality of copiers with a liquid crystal display are selected. By clicking the button E138, all the copying machines with a liquid crystal display can be selected.

Next, the designation by the installation location type will be described. "Specify by installation location type" box E in FIG.
Using the pull-down menu 136, the installation location of a convenience store, a meeting place, a stationery store, or the like can be designated. FIG. 32 shows a screen display example in this case. Referring to FIG. 32, when a convenience store is designated as an installation location, a list of addresses where PPCs are installed is displayed on the screen. Here, a desired PPC is clicked and selected. It is also possible to narrow down the selection range using place names.

Returning to FIG. 30, the collection period for executing the questionnaire is designated in box E135. The date can be selected in a pull-down format, and the number of days for collecting the questionnaire can also be selected in a pull-down format. Note that the date may be directly input.

After the collection place and the collection period are selected in this way, by clicking the button E137, the contents selected on this browser screen are transmitted to the WWW server E2.

Returning to FIG. 26, the WWW server E2, which has received the designation of the collection place and the collection period by the personal computer E1, checks the vacant time against the specified contents in step SE14. Specifically, for each of the designated copying machines with a liquid crystal display, it is checked whether or not the entire designated period corresponds to the idle time by referring to the PPC data file E21a.

In step SE15, step SE
When there is no overlap between the period designated in step 13 and the time period already scheduled as the period for conducting the questionnaire (NO
), Move to the next step. On the other hand, if there is an overlap, the process returns to step SE13 to re-designate the target copier with a liquid crystal display and the questionnaire period. Thus, the designation of the target copier and the questionnaire period is completed.

At step SE16, the contents of the questionnaire are designated. Specifically, image data and moving image data are attached from the personal computer E1 as HTML format files and transmitted to the WWW server E2. If there is audio data, attach it.

When the WWW server E2 confirms that the contents of the questionnaire have been received, step SE
At 17, the contents of the questionnaire are registered in the WWW server E2. Specifically, a questionnaire content ID is assigned to the received questionnaire content. Then, the questionnaire content is stored in the questionnaire content file E21b together with the questionnaire content ID, and the data in the schedule data file E21c is rewritten.

3-2-3. FIG. 33 is a flowchart showing a subroutine of step SE3. Referring to the figure, in collecting the answer, first in step SE31, the copier E3 with the liquid crystal display is set.
It monitors that any operation (input) is performed on the operation unit E44. Then, when there is an input to the operation unit E44, in step SE32, the CPU
35 starts a built-in timer according to the program stored in the program storage unit E36. Next, in step SE33, the CPU E35 sends a signal to the liquid crystal drive driver E32 according to the questionnaire program stored in the questionnaire program storage unit E33, and causes the liquid crystal display unit E43 to display the contents of the questionnaire. If voice data is included in the contents of the questionnaire, CPUE35
Sends a signal to the speaker driver to drive the speaker E41.

In this way, the liquid crystal display E31 has:
The screen shown in FIG. 34 is displayed. On the screen, four types of ties are displayed, and the operator of the copying machine with a liquid crystal display is made to select a desired pattern. As described above, the touch panel E39 is provided on the outer side (on the operator side) of the liquid crystal display unit E31, and the operator of the copier E3 with the liquid crystal display displays the tie screen corresponding to the desired pattern on the screen. By touching, you answer the questionnaire.

Although FIG. 34 shows an example of color display, the present invention is not limited to this. Also, an example of a questionnaire for selecting a favorite pattern of a tie has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and can be applied to a questionnaire for an arbitrary target such as a swimsuit, a scarf, and tableware.

Until the timer counts a predetermined time in step SE34, an answer input is accepted in step SE35. If an answer is input before the timer counts the predetermined time (YES in SE35), the result of the input is stored in the answer file E46 (update the answer file) in step SE36, and the routine returns. .

On the other hand, if there is no answer before the timer counts the predetermined time (YES in step SE34), the routine returns without updating the answer file.

The questionnaire responses collected in this manner are sent to the WWW server E according to the collection type E220 (see FIG. 23B) included in the questionnaire content file transmitted to the copier E3 with the liquid crystal display in step SE2.
Sent to 2 (reply). That is, if the collection type is "1
If the collection type is "collect all", the reply is made when the questionnaire period ends.

The questionnaire responses returned from the liquid crystal display-equipped copying machines E3a to E3n are stored in the questionnaire result master E21d of the WWW server E2. Step S
In E5, the WWW server E2 further performs processing such as compiling the questionnaire results stored in the questionnaire result master E21d into a table format. The data processed in this manner is stored in a processing result file E2.
1e. Then, in step SE6,
According to the collection type E220 of the questionnaire contents file,
The processing result is transmitted to the corresponding personal computer.

FIG. 35 shows an example of the structure of the answer data. In the above-described embodiment, the content of the questionnaire is shown in the form of selecting an image from the display screen. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the attributes (sex, age, etc.) of the respondent can be input or selected. Is also good.

The embodiments disclosed this time are to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is defined by the terms of the claims, rather than the description above, and is intended to include any modifications within the scope and meaning equivalent to the terms of the claims.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a basic system configuration of an information distribution system according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a terminal device of the basic system.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a management device of the basic system.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a data configuration of a basic system.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an output device of the basic system.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure of the basic system.

FIG. 7 is a block diagram illustrating a main part of an application system.

FIG. 8 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a terminal device of the application system.

FIG. 9 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a management device of the application system.

FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a data configuration of an application system.

FIG. 11 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of an output device of the application system.

FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating an explanation of a channel-vacancy time.

FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a configuration of a program file of the application system.

FIG. 14 is a flowchart illustrating a processing procedure of the application system.

FIG. 15 is a flowchart illustrating a display instruction processing procedure of the application system.

FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing a procedure for specifying a display panel.

FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing a procedure for specifying a display date and time.

FIG. 18 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure for specifying a display character.

FIG. 19 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of a display process.

FIG. 20 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of an application system.

FIG. 21 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a terminal device of the application system.

FIG. 22 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a WWW server of the application system.

FIG. 23 is a diagram illustrating a data configuration of an application system.

FIG. 24 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a PPC with a liquid crystal of the application system.

FIG. 25 is a flowchart showing an overall processing procedure of the application system.

FIG. 26 is a flowchart showing a procedure for registering questionnaire contents.

FIG. 27 is a diagram showing a display screen of a browser.

FIG. 28 is a diagram showing display contents of a login screen.

FIG. 29 is a diagram showing display contents of a selection screen of a desired menu.

FIG. 30 is a diagram showing a display screen of a browser.

FIG. 31 is a diagram showing a screen display example when a collection place is designated by a place name.

FIG. 32 is a diagram showing a screen display example when a collection place is designated by an installation place type.

FIG. 33 is a flowchart showing a procedure for collecting answers.

FIG. 34 is a diagram showing a browser screen in the application system.

FIG. 35 is a diagram showing a configuration of answer data.

FIG. 36 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of a conventional advertisement distribution system.

[Explanation of symbols]

1 terminal device, 2 management device, 3 output device, 4 communication network, 11 program storage unit, 12 input unit,
13 control unit, 14 memory, 15 transmission unit, 21 database, 22 program storage unit, 23 input guide file storage unit, 24 control unit, 25 memory, 26
Transmitting / receiving unit, 31 output unit, 32 output driver, 33
Program file, 34 Number change program storage, 35
Control unit, 36 program storage unit, 37 clocks,
38 Receiver.

──────────────────────────────────────────────────の Continued on the front page (51) Int.Cl. ⁷ Identification symbol FI Theme coat ゛ (Reference) H04M 3/487 H04M 3/487 11/00 302 11/00 302 (72) Inventor Shinji Kato Chuo-ku, Osaka 2-3-1, Azuchicho Osaka International Building Minolta Co., Ltd. F-term (reference) MM07 NN18 PP03

Claims (8)

[Claims] 1. A management device communicably connected to a terminal device and a plurality of output devices via a communication line, and guides output terminal information and designation of output device to the accessing terminal device. Means for receiving the output information input according to the guidance and the designation of the output device; and the output information specified by being executed in the output device based on the output information from the terminal device. A management device, comprising: means for creating an output program to be output; and means for transmitting the created output program to the designated output device. 2. The management device according to claim 1, wherein the output device is capable of inputting response information to the output information, and includes a unit for receiving the response information input to the output device. 3. The management device according to claim 2, wherein the output information includes information on a questionnaire questionnaire. 4. The management device according to claim 3, wherein the response information includes answer information to the question of the questionnaire. 5. The output device according to claim 2, wherein said output device is capable of inputting information related to said response information, and further comprises means for receiving response related information related to said response information input to said output device. The management device according to any one of claims 1 to 4. 6. The terminal device is provided with identification information for specifying the terminal device, and the management device is configured to store identification information of the terminal device, and when the terminal device accesses the terminal device, Means for receiving device identification information, wherein the guidance means provides guidance only when the identification information of the accessing terminal device matches the identification information stored in the storage means. The management device as described. 7. A designated information output system for outputting designated information, comprising: a terminal device for designating output information to be outputted and an output device to which the information is to be outputted, and transmitting from the terminal device. A management device that receives the specified output information and the designation of the output device, and transmits output-related information related to the specified output device and the output information; and the output information and the output-related information transmitted from the management device. An output device for receiving and outputting information in accordance with the output-related information. 8. When installed in a computer connected to a terminal device and a plurality of output devices via a network, the computer accesses the terminal device and outputs output information and information for the plurality of output devices to the terminal device. An output program for guiding the designated input of the desired output device out of the terminal device and outputting the specified output information by being executed in the output device based on the output information from the terminal device. A recording medium that records a program that functions to create.