JP2002509066A - Information distribution system used for elevators - Google Patents

Abstract

(57) Summary The present invention relates to a system for distributing "real time" information along with digital advertisements to an elevator display installed in an elevator. The system includes an elevator display device having a display monitor for displaying general and commercial information to passengers in the elevator, receiving scheduling information from a remote production server through a data communication path, and displaying the elevator display according to the scheduling information. A local server for searching and formatting general information and commercial information to be displayed on the device.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS [0001] This application is filed with application Ser.
Is a continuation-in-part application.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0002] The present invention relates to providing information in elevators and other such vehicles. The purpose of building skyscrapers and other high-rise buildings is to make better use of real estate, especially in urban areas where the value of real estate is excessive. In such buildings, especially multi-storey buildings, the primary mode of transport is elevators.

Information that can be visually recognized in an elevator is generally limited to information on each floor and commands to passengers in an emergency or when rescue is required. The elevator may also include stationary stickers that post presents on a particular day and their locations.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The invention features a system for displaying video information to elevator passengers according to a show list that defines a sequence of messages. The video information message may include a combination of digital advertisement "real time" general information and information about the building.

In one aspect of the invention, a system includes an elevator display having a display monitor for displaying video information to a passenger, receiving scheduling information about the video information over a data communication path, and displaying the elevator information according to the scheduling information. A local server for generating a show list used for display on the device.

In another aspect of the invention, a method of providing general and commercial information in an elevator includes the steps of: a) providing scheduling information for displayed video information to a local server; and b) providing video information from the scheduling information. Generating a show list for the information; and c) generating a display on the elevator display device in the elevator for viewing the video information according to the scheduling information for a predetermined time.

“Video information” is meant to include any combination of general information, commercial information, and information about buildings. “Commercial information” means any information about commerce and trade, including advertising. "General information" as used herein means information about general interest, including news (latest events, sports, entertainment, etc.) and weather information. General information may also include information about the buildings of which the elevator is a part, such as 1) building events, 2) traffic volume, 3) transport schedules (eg, train / shuttle service). "Information about a building" means, in particular, information about a particular building, in which the elevators in that building transport residents, renters, and visitors of the building. Information about a building can be obtained from advertisements of businesses (eg, coffee shops, specialty stores, parking lots, florists) conducted within or locally to the building, and the announcement of the building manager to the available space in the building. And other types of commercial information. The information about the building may also include general information, in particular the type of information relating to the building and elevator passengers. For example, such information may include activities in the building (eg, testing for holiday events and fire alarms),
Public facility address / emergency messages, traffic information and other information useful to elevator passengers may be included. In general, information about a building is less limited by the type of information, and more limited by its geography.

[0008] With this system, advertisers, online content providers, and building managers / owners interact with certain well-defined targets in the elevator, as well as any settings that passengers often find unpleasant. Can be restricted to outsiders. Elevator passengers often seek ways to avoid keeping their eyes on fellow passengers while feeling endless and frustrating, but passengers no longer need to pursue floors and ceilings without purpose. You don't have to stare and have a useful source of information to watch.

[0009] High rise office buildings are typically occupied by workers who have a known interest or desire to purchase. These people are ideal recipients for targeted content and advertising. The system of the present invention allows content providers (e.g., local and national news information and advertisers) to selectively target people based on demographics of buildings, cities, regions, business segments, etc. Similarly, national, regional, and local (local) online content providers are given the opportunity to provide elevator passengers with information on general interests.This system provides building owners and managers with It also provides the ability to provide video information relevant to and useful to building renters and visitors, especially.

[0010] Embodiments of these aspects of the invention may have one or more of the following features.
The local server receives scheduling information from the production server via a data communication network (eg, the Internet).

The system also includes a production server that generates scheduling information for general and commercial information. Thus, the production server functions, among other things, as a central distribution site, where, among other things, scheduling information (eg, building show lists or scripts) is generated. The production server includes a production server database for storing data relating to buildings, data relating to general information, and data relating to commercial information. This database includes, for example, addresses that allow building property data and general and commercial information to be retrieved over data communication paths.

[0012] The production server includes a scheduling module that retrieves data from the production server database and generates scheduling information and a building loader interface. Through this interface, data passes between the production server and the local server. The building loader interface encrypts the data passed between the production server and the local server and authenticates that the local server is associated with the system.

[0013] The production server has a billing module, which creates a document relating to the duration during which general and commercial information is displayed on the elevator display. A database management module is also included in the production server and updates the production center database with information regarding elevator occupancy as a function of time.

[0014] The local server communicates with the elevator display via a local area network comprising a local general and commercial information database and a scheduling information parser or parser. The general information and the commercial information retrieved through the data communication path are cached in the local and general information databases, respectively. The scheduling information parser generates a local building show list from the scheduling information retrieved from the production server.

The local area network has an Ethernet path that connects to the elevator display. The elevator display further includes an occupancy detector that determines at predetermined intervals the number of people occupying a particular elevator.

Generation of the elevator show list is performed using a graphical user interface. For the BOM interface, the video information is a text message (eg, H
The show list includes a start date when the text message is displayed on the display monitor, an end date when the text message is displayed on the display monitor, and a portion of the date when the text message is displayed on the display monitor. And a day segment.

A user interface is remote from the local server and communicates with the local server through a data communication path, such as the Internet, a dial-up modem, or a local area network. The show list is a building operation show list and includes video information and scheduling information for creating a building operation show list for building operations.

The local server further receives a production server show list from the production server remote from the local server via a data communication network. The production server showing list relates to general and commercial information displayed on a display device. The local server includes a parser or parser, and the parser creates a local building show list from the production server show list and the building operation show list.

Other features of the present invention will be apparent from the following detailed description, and from the claims. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION In FIG. 1, an information distribution system 1 distributes general information along with a digital advertisement to an elevator display device 10 mounted on an elevator 12 of a high-rise office building 14 (portion surrounded by a dotted line). Provide media outlets. System 1 is
Among other important tasks described below, there is a production center 20 for creating and distributing elevator display data by combining advertisements with "real-time" general information. The system 1 collects, formats, and displays the information without human intervention, and the information is relatively new (
General information is "real-time"
It is considered to be. The general information is provided by any number of sources 22 (eg, websites) connected via a distribution channel, here the Internet 24.

Each building 14 includes a building server 28 that is interfaced with the production center 20 via the Internet 24 and that merges and presents advertisements and general information displayed on the elevator display device. As will be described in further detail below, each building server has a local area network (L
An AN) 30 provides general and advertising information to each elevator display 10 of the associated elevator 12.

The information distribution system 1 utilizes the concept of “micro statistics” that allows advertisers and online providers to target highly desirable statistical and business groups. The desired audience targeted by a particular advertiser or online provider varies widely and depends on many factors. As explained below,
The system 1 collects or determines the statistics associated with a particular building, as well as the occupants of that building. In this manner, the building's geographic location and elevator usage patterns, as well as the occupant's occupancy, are determined and stored by the production center 20, and the building script or show-list of advertising and general ("real-time") content. 68 (FIG. 5) are adapted to the building.

In FIG. 2, the building 14 is surrounded by a line, indicating that it belongs to a specific geographic area. For example, small circled groups 7a-7f represent multiple buildings 14 within a city (e.g., Boston), which are larger geographic areas 8a-8.
b (eg, New England). In general, geography is a very important statistical factor, but equally important is the specific industry targeted. Therefore, the buildings 14a to 14c are located in different geographic regions, but are related to a group (for example, finance) of the same business type, and thus are grouped together in the same group (surrounded by a shaded region in the figure). Provides value to content providers and advertisers with the ability to segment statistics by both geography and industry.

In one application of the system, assume that an advertiser wants to deliver an advertisement specifically targeted to the financial community in the northeastern United States. The advertisement needs to be performed during the prime time in the morning over a two week period. Production Center 20
Provides advertisers with an automatic request entry process to obtain this pertinent information representing target statistics. From the target statistics, the production center 20 creates a building show list 68 of candidate advertisement buildings and defines possible execution time slots for when the advertisement is displayed. Several factors that affect how many buildings are candidates and which time slots are available include target statistics (
(For example, the financial community in the northeastern United States), the number of ad effects purchased (ie, the number of times the ad is visible), the start and end dates of the ad (for example, the start and end of a two week period), There are conditions (ie, prime time in the morning), advertisement format (280 × 90 video GIF file), and advertisement locator (location of GIF file). Once the advertising time slot is confirmed, the production center 2
0 is provided by the online provider and combined with the advertisement to determine general information (eg, news articles, latest weather forecast) to be displayed with the advertisement. A building show list 68 specifies the format and content of the elevator display at all times of the day. Thus, in this example, the production center 20 displays an advertisement at 9:00 am with local news articles in one building screening list.
The schedule is set to be displayed at 0:15, and at the same time another building listing lists the advertisement at 8: 15: 0 with the latest weather forecast. It is important to note that the building show list 68 defines what to display and when, but does not include the actual display. Instead, building screening list 6
8 provides a pointer for obtaining information through the Internet 24.

With the information related to the advertisement embedded in the building show list, the production center 20 then provides the advertisement to the elevator occupants. The building server 28 downloads the building show list from the production center 20, searches the Internet 24 for specific advertisements and general information, and then assembles and displays advertisements and information in the display for display on the elevator display 10. Performs the function of distribution. The building server 28 uses the pointers in the show list 68 to retrieve the content and store it locally at a particular building 14. This allows the building server 28 to generate a very high performance broadcast channel within the building 14. In this example, the building server 28 transmits the screening list 68
Uses the ad locator embedded in the to retrieve and store the animated GIF file for the ad locally. With the contents stored locally, the building server 28
Reads the show list 68, assembles the display at the time indicated in the list, and distributes the display to the individual elevators. Thus, in this example, at 9:00 am 1
At five seconds, the building server 28 assembles the advertisement with the predetermined local news and displays it on the elevator 12.

Details regarding the main components of the information distribution system 1 will be described below. In FIG. 3, an elevator display unit (EDU) 10 receives data provided from a building server 28, processes the data, and creates display contents. The elevator display device 10 includes a display device 13 controlled by a single board computer 34 and a network interface card (NIC) 36. The display device 13
It includes an LCD controller, a backlight assembly, a power converter, and a flat panel display (none shown). Computer 34
Manages the operation of the elevator display device 10, including system setup and monitoring, network overhead, display data routing, and elevator occupancy. The network interface card 36 works with the local area network 30 and is configured by the computer 34 during system setup. The display data during the broadcast sent from the building server 28 to the elevator display device 10 represents most of the network transmission / reception. In the downstream direction (i.e., from building server 28 to elevator display 10), network transmissions and receptions are mostly comprised of display broadcast data. There is a limited amount of control information in the downstream direction, which is negligible. The network interface card 36 sends display data directly to the display 13. The control information interrupts computer 34 to request a service. In the upstream direction (from the elevator display 10 to the building server 28), the network transmission / reception includes occupancy information and system monitoring data. All upstream data is generated by the computer 34 and
6 and communicated.

Data from the building server 28 is transmitted to the local area network 30 (
(Encircled by a dotted line in the figure) to each elevator display device 10.
In particular, data is passed through a plurality of twisted pair copper wires 38 and the data flow is controlled via an Ethernet network switch 40.

One important feature of the system 5 that has not yet been described is the closed-loop characteristic. Ads are measured based on effectiveness (ie, the number of times the ad is seen). System 1
In order to quantify the number of effects sent by the system, system feedback generated using elevator occupancy measurements is required.

To provide feedback to the system 1, each elevator display 10
An occupancy detector 42 is provided for measuring the number of occupants in a particular elevator at predetermined time intervals (eg, every 5 seconds) throughout the day. This information is summarized by building and uploaded to the production center 20 via the building server 28 once a day, typically during downtime. The production center 20 uses the feedback for charging and managing the production center database 60 (FIG. 5). In particular, this feedback is used to update the advertising effectiveness that is subsequently displayed and to generate statistical traffic information for each building. The feedback data is essential for the scheduling and advertising sales process.

Occupancy detector 42 uses sensors (not shown) to emit a pair of pulses as passengers enter or exit the elevator. For example, sensors are embedded in elevator doors. The pulse characteristics of the sensor define whether the passenger got on or off the vehicle. The occupancy detector 42 tracks the occupancy number based on the sensor. The computer 34 periodically samples the occupation number. In this way, each elevator display device 10 generates a daily occupation history used in the advertisement charging process.

In FIG. 4, under the control of the building server 28, the display device 13 is divided into segments, and a plurality of pieces of information of a predetermined type are displayed in specific plurality of display areas.
The display device 13 includes an advertisement banner section 44 for displaying advertisements and other commercial information, and a “real time” content section 46 for viewing general information. Then "real time"
The content section 48 can be divided into other parts, for example, an article excerpt 50, one or more images 52 associated with the excerpt, and an image description 54. For example, as shown in FIG. 4, for the passengers of the elevator, for example, a special menu for the breakfast at the cafe on the first floor of the building 14 is displayed on the banner section 44. At the same time, news sentences of general interest are displayed in the article excerpt 50 along with the related images 54.

As described above, the main function of the production center 20 is to create and distribute elevator display data. Creation of the elevator display data includes combining news, information, and advertisement, that is, merging, to create a building-specific show list 68. The distribution of the show list 68 is performed using the interconnectivity provided via the Internet 24.

Another important function of the production center 20 is the management and maintenance of a website for the system 1. The website manages the building 14, and potential advertisers
It manages a central part that can request information about advertisements on the system. Elevator occupants can also access websites for additional information regarding both "real time" information and advertising information displayed on display 13 within elevator 12. For example, if the occupant does not remember the details of a particular advertisement (eg, today's specials at one of the building's canteen facilities), or learn more about the beginning of the news article displayed in the "real time" content section 48, Sometimes you want to know.

Production Center In FIG. 5, the production center 20 includes a production center database 60, a scheduling module 62, a building loader 64, and a billing and database management module 66. Generally, the production center database 60 stores data relating to advertisements, “real time” content (real time content), and building parameters.

The scheduling module 62 uses the data to create a screening list for each building 14. As described above, the building screening list 68 (FIG. 5)
Functions as a table used by the building server 28 to produce the display content that is displayed during the day. Scheduling module 62
Also provides advertising and content usage information to a billing and database management module 66 that creates billing summaries and invoices 70 for each advertiser and "real-time" content provider. The billing summary and invoice 70 are also stored in the production center database 60 for later retrieval.

Production Center Database The production center database 60 includes 1) the features of the building and 2) “
3) basic data: real-time content and 3) advertising content.

Building feature data is generated to establish a microstatistical profile for a particular building. The generation of micro-statistics starts with the building feature process. The building feature process consists of the following three components: 1) building geography ... building location (city, state, region, etc.), 2) business division ... building occupants are categorized by industry (bank) , Insurance, financial services, law, advertising, real estate, etc.) 3) Self-learning ...
Once this system is installed, you can learn the features of the building. Peak travel periods (used to determine prime time zones) and average elevator occupancy (important for scheduling) are examples of self-learning characteristics.

The results of the feature process are stored as building features in the production center database 60 and are used in the scheduling process and include the information described in Table 1 below.

[0038]

[Table 1] The results of the feature process are stored in the production center database 60. The format of the data is described in the feature data section of the building. Online content providers and advertisers associate buildings with their targeted audience by specifying audience micro-stats. The selection of micro-statistics for advertisers maps one-to-one with building feature categories as shown in Table I,
Thereby guaranteeing the association. Through these associations, the scheduling module maps advertisements to buildings, as described below.

As described above, the “real time” information (general information) is data for creating elevator display data in combination with the advertisement data. To do this, the content of the "real time" information represents a portion 44, 46 of the display device 13 and a particular format (format) describing the content 50, 52, 54 (FIG. 4) contained therein. ).

For example, for each “real time” content source 22 (FIG. 1), the production center database 60 includes an entry in the format that describes the format type and location for each successive part. The format determines the number of segments for each item. The location is described by a universal resource locator (URL). Each "real time"
The database parameters maintained in the content source are shown in Table 2 below.

[0041]

[Table 2] Advertising content data consists of two components. The first component defines when the advertisement must run, where it runs, and for how long.
The second component describes where to find the advertisement and how to insert it into the display device. First, consider the execution parameters. Advertisers purchase advertising time on the system in units of cost per thousand effects (CPM). The advertiser can further narrow down certain statistical elements by requesting that the advertisement be distributed nationally, locally, regionally, or in certain industries. In addition, advertising campaigns often also have a time parameter. For example, the campaign runs daily for only two weeks, requiring display only between 10 am and 1 pm. These items constitute advertisement execution parameters. Equally important is the actual advertising content and how that content is integrated and displayed in the system. The parameters describing the information are content parameters including the advertisement locator and the type of format.
Table 3 shows the database parameters maintained for each advertising content source.

[0042]

[Table 3] Scheduling module The scheduling module 62 includes a production center database 60.
The main function is to generate both the advertising content and the “real-time” content from, and then to merge the content to create a building show-list.

In FIG. 6, the scheduling module 62 performs a first parsing step (100) at the production center 60 to determine which building is a potential target for each advertisement. The scheduling module 62 utilizes the information provided by the advertiser in the automated request entry process to create an initial list 72 of buildings and advertisements that can be paired with each other. Statistics to target,
By looking at each business audience, the advertiser can use the input process by using a production center website that provides an electronic input form where the advertiser can enter the required information needed to make an advertising plan. Alternatively, the advertiser can provide relevant information via a telephone interview, an application, or a third party. The initial list 72 is further refined in a second parsing step (102) using secondary criteria such as ad start / end dates, prime time conditions, serving time, and effect parameters. The result of these combining steps is a listing 68 that is specific to advertising and buildings. This list 68 shows the advertisement and the time interval when the advertisement is potentially displayed.

Next, the scheduler module 62 considers the “real time” content priority of each building, as described in the building feature data associated with the building (see Table 1) (104). Using this information, a "real-time" building-specific list 76 of "real-time" content is generated.

Designating both advertising content and “real time” content for a particular building orientation, scheduler module 62 merges lists 74 and 76,
A building show list 68 is provided (106). In particular, when combining advertising and "real time" content for each building 14, the scheduler module 6
2 considers content type, time interval, and advertisement delivery. Time intervals and advertisement delivery take these into account first to determine what time the advertisement will be displayed and what the "real time" content will be. "Real-time" content is
(For example, every 30 seconds). As a result, the scheduler module 62
Place "real time" content first.

Ad placement is also sensitive to distribution and occupancy requirements. The elevator usage pattern of the network audience is always an important delivery requirement in order to effectively deliver a specific advertisement. For example, most people arrive at work, have lunch, and leave work,
Do these daily within 30 minutes before and after the same time. Accordingly, the scheduler module 62 prevents the same advertisement in any building from being displayed within 30 minutes of the time displayed on the previous day. As a result, more uniform advertisement distribution can be performed within the statistical element of one building. Advertising occupancy is another important requirement. Ads are quick (
(For example, every 15 seconds). However, without one completely packed advertising schedule, the system 1 would cycle through the same advertisement or a limited set of advertisements at regular intervals. This can be unattractive and annoying for elevator passengers. To eliminate the possibility of such a problem, the scheduler module 62 extends the display period of each advertisement to make the transition less noticeable.

Once the advertisement and “real time” content are defined for each time slot, scheduler module 62 creates a display. The format of the ad and "real-time" content is
To determine what kind of template to select to create the entire display,
is important. As mentioned above, the advertisement and "real-time" content must conform to one of a set of predefined formats. If both have been merged, they are placed in one frame. The frame represents a template for generating the final display. Due to the variety of content types, scheduler module 62 selects the appropriate frame type to combine the advertisement with "real time" content. The number of content types is intentionally limited to simplify the merge process. With the time slot and frame type information defined, the scheduler module 62 can build the building show list 68.

FIG. 7 shows the format of a building show list 68 used to manage a combination of both “real time” content data and advertising content. The show list 78 is generated directly from the "real time" data in the production center database 60 and includes a "real time" content portion 80 that defines the update period of the "real time" content. The show list 78 also includes an advertising content portion 82 that defines the time along with the frame type used for the advertising content.

Returning to FIG. 5, the production center 20 also includes a building loader 64 that functions as an interface between the production center 20 and the building 14 in the system 1. Since communication with the building occurs over the Internet 24, an inexpensive and extensive distribution mechanism is provided. Unfortunately, the Internet 24 also provides a potential system disruption path. In view of this risk, system 1
Is designed so that each building server 28 does not have the production center 20 broadcast data, but requires a request for information from the production center 20. The building loader 64 performs an authentication procedure and ensures that a request is made from a server 28 attached to and recognized by each building system 1 requesting a show list. Prior to distribution, the building loader 64 encrypts the show list to further protect the information from risk of corruption.

Billing and Database Management Module The billing and database management module is also essential to the closed loop characteristics of the system 1. As described above, the scheduling module 62 generates the building show list based on the micro-statistical parameters and the statistical establishments that produce more advertising at any given time within a particular building. Elevator occupancy information is accumulated daily for each building 14 to close the system loop. This allows the system 1 to adapt to changes in building characteristics and better distribute advertisements and content. A billing and database management module 66 is used to provide this feedback to the system 1. The two operations, billing and database management, perform the same process, but provide different outputs. The feedback process includes overlaying the building show list 68 on the number of occupied buildings. From this process, the actual number of effects for each advertisement can be calculated. The billing operation uses the information to create a report and invoice to the advertiser. The database management operation uses the data to update the production center database 60 for effects on each of the upcoming advertisements. That is, the number of “unprovided effects” (Table 3) is updated. Further, the billing and database management module 66 further changes the number of occupied buildings, and updates the characteristic data of the buildings. For example, the billing and database management module 66 can update the fields labeled "Building Time", "Prime Time", and "Average Elevator Occupancy" (see Table 1). The important feedback here defines the dead zone (the time when there is little passenger in the elevator), the peak display period, and the average elevator occupancy. These are the important parameters used by the scheduling module 62 in the scheduling process.

Building Server In general, building server 28 interfaces with production center 20, caches advertisements and "real-time" content,
Expand the elevator display and manage the local area network 30.

In FIG. 8, the building server 28 includes a production center / WAN (PCWAN) interface 90 that communicates with the production center 20 and the Internet 24. As described above, each building 14 is provided from the production center 20 with the screening list 68 that defines the display content and the time interval for presenting the display content.
To receive. Using the Internet 24 to capture "real time" content,
Transmit advertising information. The “real time” output from the interface 90 is stored in a local “real time” database 92, while the advertisement output retrieved from the Internet 24 is cached in the advertisement database 94. The above is
Represents a local copy of information retrieved via the Internet. The local copy is kept to avoid latency issues that prevent the ability to actually create high performance display representations, including moving pictures, streaming videos, movie effects, and the like. Updating of the database is performed as defined by the building show list.

The assembling and display of the contents are executed by the display generator / LAN (DGLAN) interface 96 which interprets the building exhibition list 68 and assembles the predetermined contents. As a result, an HTML file to be sent to each elevator display device 10 via the local area network 30 is obtained.

The building server 28 also includes an occupancy database 98 for storing information on the occupancy status of each elevator 12 in the building. Production Center / WAN Interface In FIG. 9, a PCWAN interface 90 manages interaction with the Internet. Interaction with a wide area network (WAN) typically starts at the building and improves security within the system. PC
The WAN interface 90 has a show list parser 110, which performs the translation and creates local references to advertisements and "real time" content. The translation is needed because all the content displayed in the building 14 is cached locally in the databases 92,94. Therefore, the WAN-based URL contained in the original show list is invalid. The parser 110 also works with the advertising content accumulator 112. Since the advertisement is stored locally in the building, an accumulation process must take place to generate the local storage. If the parser 110 determines that the show list includes an advertisement that is not currently available in the advertisement content database, it starts advertisement accumulation. The accumulator function is interfaced with the WAN, searches for missing content, and stores the missing content in a database. The local URL for the advertisement is returned and the parser writes it to the local building show list. Similar operations are performed for "real time" content. However, in this case, the update is performed based on the update period. The update period for "real time" content is defined in the building show list. The show list parser 110 communicates the update period and the WAN-based URL, and the “real time” database communicates to the “real time” proxy module 116. The proxy module 116 determines the schedule of the update cycle and
It interfaces with the N interface control 109 and searches for "real time" content. The content is stored based on the locator provided by parser 110.

Display Generator / LAN Interface In FIG. 10, a display generator / LAN (DGLAN) interface 96 is shown.
Performs two distinct functions: 1) display assembly and transfer; and 2) occupancy data collection.

For the second of the functions, occupancy calculations play a very important role in the system. Advertising is measured in cost per thousand (CPM) effectiveness increments. The effect is defined as the person exposed to the advertisement. In system 1, advertisement exposure occurs within elevator 12. In order to quantify the number of advertising effects that could be displayed using the system, a method for measuring elevator occupancy is needed. The DGLAN interface 96 accumulates measured information from each elevator and creates an occupancy database 98 for each building 14. The occupancy accumulator 130 extracts the measured data from each elevator during system downtime (typically at the end of the day). The information provides elevator occupancy at regular intervals throughout the day. The occupancy accumulator 130 summarizes the information into a list, which is sent to the production center 20 for billing.

Display assembly and transfer are the primary functions of the DGLAN interface 96. The display assembly is controlled by the local building show list 114, which uses the same format as the building show list 68 of FIG. 5, but the "real time" control parameters have been removed and the content locators (eg, URLs) are all local. Exchanged for equivalent. The DGLAN interface 96 includes a display format parser 120.
And a display assembler 122. The display format parser 120 uses a hypertext markup language (HTML) to construct a display framework. HTML
Is widely used on the Internet 24 to create display information and is easily understood by current browser technology. Once entered, the display format parser 120 creates an HTML template to use and creates the actual display. Local building show list 114 defines the type of frame. The display parser 120 interprets the type of the frame, generates an HTML file, and specifies the physical attributes of the display. The attributes include the absolute position, the dimensions, and the definition of each content segment. A pointer to the content segment is not included in the template. The content segment pointer is generated by the display assembler 122.

The display assembler 122 is used in the last step of the display generation cycle. Display assembly is initiated based on the time intervals defined in the show list. Each display is assembled and sent to the display server 124 as defined by the time indicator. The display assembler 122 analyzes the HTML template created by the display format parser 120 and finds a content segment definition.
The template matches the content segment definition specified in the show list 114. As a result, display assembler 122 inserts a position pointer for each content segment. As each content segment pointer is inserted, the HTML file is ready to be sent to the elevator display 10.

The elevator display device 10 is connected to the building server 28 via the local area network 30. The display server 124 specifies the "
HT from display assembly 122 along with "real time" content and advertising content
The local area network 30 is managed by searching the ML file.
Next, the display server 124 translates the data into a display format corresponding to the elevator display device 10, encapsulates the translated data with a file transfer protocol, sends the encapsulated data to the network switch 40 (FIG. 3), and broadcasts. I do. The task of retrieving data from the display assembler 122 is further complicated by the long distance (eg, over 1500 feet) separating the building server 28 from the elevator display 11.

In FIG. 11, the display server 124 and the elevator display 10 form a networked host / display pair, where the elevator display 13 is simply an extension of the server display. The HTML file is interpreted by the browser 136 (for example, Internet Explorer 4.0 ?, a product of Microsoft Corporation). The browser 136 is used by the O used by the building server 28.
S (for example, Microsoft Windows NT, a product of Microsoft Corporation)
? ), Is interfaced with the display driver 138 and communicates with hardware attached to the display device 13. The display data is extracted by the translator 140, which translates the data into the elevator display 10 and the display 13.
Redirect to The data is cached locally on server 28 to reduce the effects of browser update delays. The network protocol encapsulation software module 142 extracts the data from the cache and adds it to the TCP / IP communication layer. The encapsulated data is sent to the network interface,
It is transmitted to the LAN via the network switch 30 (FIG. 3).

[0061] Further embodiments are set forth in the following claims. For example, the distribution channel used by the information distribution system 1 is the Internet 24.
The Internet or "web" provides a growing current infrastructure for acquiring information and establishing communications between computers. But,
The information distribution system 1 can be executed by using a cable modem, a satellite, and other communication channels including XDSL.

In place of the twisted pair 38 described above in connection with FIG. 4, other forms of communication media, including optical fiber, coaxial cable, and RF communication can be used. Further, in certain applications, an asymmetric digital subscriber circuit (ADSL) can be used instead of the Ethernet connection of the local area network 30 of FIG.

Building Owner / Manager (BOM) Interface Information distribution system 1 shown in FIG. 1 is interfaced with building server 28 and displays a combination of advertisement and general information for display on elevator display device 10. The above has been described as including the production center 20 for creating contents. Also, as described above, the system 1 can provide building owners and managers the ability to communicate with the building renters. As will be described shortly, the capabilities are provided to the building manager via a building owner and manager (BOM) interface.

For example, in FIG. 12, BOM interface 200 is a BO that can communicate with one or more building subsystems 204 via distribution channel 24.
It is shown to include an M interface (BOMGUI). The building subsystem 204 is shown to include a building server 28, a building LAN 30, and a building display 206 including the elevator display 10 mounted within the elevator 12. As shown in FIG. 1, the distribution channel 24 was typically the Internet, for example. Here, distribution channel 24 is illustrated to include Internet service provider 209 as well as other interconnecting methods such as a direct or indirect connection via public building LAN 208, dialing modem 210. Public building LAN
It is important to note the distinction between 208 and building LAN 30 of building subsystem 204. In particular, public building LAN 208 represents the local area network of the building management itself for inter-office communication. On the other hand, the building LAN 30 is a private local area network used exclusively for the information distribution system 1.

In general, the BOM interface 200 allows a building manager to send a message to a building renter, who, along with other display devices 206 located throughout the building, is mounted in the elevator. The message on the display device 10 can be viewed. The message created using the BOMGUI 200 is merged by the building server without any interaction from the production center 20. In this way, the building manager can quickly control the creation of the message and the placement and modification of the message.

Examples of a wide range of message types that can be delivered using the BOM interface 200 are as follows. * Fire alarm test, parking lot closure, change of building usage time, time-sensitive message including building-specific traffic information

* Special events such as holiday events and building activities * New building features / services such as sports clubs, cafeteria facilities, parking lots, coffee shops, florists, etc. * Instructions for passengers trapped in elevators, bad weather Public / Emergency Messages with Warnings and Fire Information

* Advertising messages such as notifications about available space, description of the managing organization and its functions, etc. BOM GUI (BOMGUI) The BOMGUI 200 is displayed virtually from anywhere in the world, via almost any of a wide range of interconnected means. Represents a user portion of the BOM interface 200 that provides an environment for building managers to create, modify, and send messages to devices.

In FIG. 13, the BOMGUI 202 uses a template 212 to define the message structure and format. Because the template 212 is based on HTML, it provides a flexible and rich environment for its development. In one embodiment, the template 212 conforms to the 640 × 480 pixel format and uses a comment field <!-Message text —> where message information is placed. The message text provided in the selected template is input using the BOMGUI 202. A text entry field is provided, which allows tabs, line feeds, and spaces in addition to ordinary text information.

The BOMGUI 202 can also import an already created html file. This allows building owners and managers to create special announcements and display them on the information system without using the template structure described above.

Message Creation In the message creation process, each field of the template must be filled. Within BOMGUI 202, this is done in one of two ways. The first method uses a message creation wizard, which is a user-friendly program that guides the user at each step of the message creation process, by displaying necessary input prompts as each field is filled. The second method uses a message input format previously created by the wizard and pre-stored to serve as a pattern for message creation. The form contains all message fields that must be entered by the user and are typically used for editing the current message. With either method, the input process results in a valid message that can be displayed on the system. BOMGUI20
2 converts the information from the template 212 into a file that can be read and displayed by the display device of the system.

As described below, BOMGUI 202 includes a parser that parses the selected template file. The first parser group has a comment field <!-Me
Search for ssage text->. When the field is found, a second group of parsers processes the message text and converts the information to HTML format. As a result, <m
An HTML output file with the file name essage name> .htm. is created.
The file is sent to the building server 28 and displayed on the system. BOMGUI 202 also allows an administrator to pre-view messages before being displayed on an elevator or other building display. BO
The process is repeated each time a message is created by MGUI 202.

Create BOM Show List BOM GUI 202 allows the building manager to create a number of messages to be displayed in the building. The message can be displayed at the same time,
It can be programmed to distribute to months and years.

In FIG. 14, the BOM showing list 220 is a series of building messages 221.
, Each of which consists of a plurality of elements: a start date, an end date, a period within a day, a message template, and a message text. The start date and end date determine when the message is first displayed by the system and when it is removed from the system. BOMGUI2 is also available during the day when messages can be displayed.
02 can be selected. In one embodiment, one day is morning, lunch time (L
T), afternoon, and sleep (SLP) sections. These represent time slots of the day and are system programmable. For example, the morning part can be defined as the time from 6:00 am to 11:00 am every day. The building manager can select a specific time to play the message or choose to play the message all day. In this way, the BOM screening list 220 is
Define when each message is displayed and for how long (eg, month, year). BO
The format of the M show list 220 is substantially the same as the building show list 68 created by the production center 20 described above with reference to FIGS. However, the BOM show list 210 includes additional start and end fields.

The BOM screening list 220 is created using the BOMGUI 220
The L output file message is generated by sequentially proceeding individually, and determines a period within one day, and a start date and an end date. The period of the day is used to define the time segment in which the message is displayed. The start and end dates are B
It is directly converted to the OM screening list format. For example, the sample BOM screening list shown in FIG. 14 is programmed so that bom_message1.htm is executed only in the morning from June 12, 1998 to June 13, 1998, and
This indicates that bom_message2.htm is programmed to be executed during the entire day from the date to June 14, 1998. As mentioned above, the BOMGUI 202 allows building management to send messages to the display device literally from anywhere in the world. This is done using off-the-shelf LAN and WAN technologies available on most modern computers. BOMGUI 202 includes a connection setup menu. The connection setup menu allows the user to define how to interface with the building subsystem via the distribution channel 24. The user creates a number of paths using the setup menu,
Send a message to the building subsystem 204. For example, when in a building, the building manager can send messages via the public building LAN 208. This same building administrator may need to use the BOM interface 200 to send messages to the system from a remote location via a dial-up modem 210 connection or an Internet Service Provider (ISP) 209. In each case, the building manager simply defines the connection information in the BOMGUI 202, saves, and selects the appropriate connection setup each time a message is sent. BOMGUI 202 automatically handles establishing a connection, sending message information, and terminating the connection each time a message is submitted.

The building subsystem BOM interface 200 uses the BOM show list parser to
The BOM show list is parsed in a manner similar to that used by the show list parser 110 to parse the building show list 68, as described above in connection with. Specifically, the screening list parser is the BOM screening list 220
To create local references for ads or "real-time" content.

The BOM interface 200 is also configured so that a building owner and a building manager can create and transmit a message to one or more specific elevator display devices 10 via the building server 28 and the building LAN 30. ing. This flexibility is particularly useful, for example, in providing instructions to elevator passengers who are in a stopped elevator. As a result, building management can maintain communication with passengers in a stopped elevator without alerting passengers in other elevators.

In some embodiments, the BOM interface works in conjunction with the production center / WAN interface 90 described above in connection with FIG. Screening List Parsing / Development In FIG. 15, the parsing function of the building server 28 for the local building screening list includes the screening list assembled by the production center 20 and B
It must be modified to receive messages from both OM showlists 220. As described above in connection with FIG. 9, operating the show list parser 110 without a BOM interface will remap the URL to the building database. With the addition of the BOM interface, the screening list parser 22
2 must now perform both remapping and interleaving operations.

In FIG. 16, the show list parser 222 is initiated 230 by updating either the production center (PC) building show list 68 or the BOM show list (232). If no update is performed on any of the show lists, the parser 222 waits for a predetermined time and performs polling to determine whether the update state of the show list has changed. On the other hand, if any screening list is updated, P
Parser 222 asks if C screening list 68 has been updated (234). P
The C building show list 68 represents a baseline version of the local building show list 114. That is, the local building screening list 114 is P
It is derived from the starting point created from the C-building show list 68. When the building PC screening list is updated, the parser 222 executes the URL remapping (236) described above with reference to FIG. After URL remapping, parser 22
2 performs a second try interleaving the information from the BOM show list 220 into the updated PC building show list 68 (238).

In another application, the BOM interface 200 is used by the building manager as a means of communicating with the lessee without interaction with the production center.
Are used independently. In these applications, there is no PC show list that interleaves the BOM show list. Therefore, in FIG.
Simply determines if the BOM show list has been updated 232 and pulls the local building show list 114 from the BOM show list 220 only.

The purpose of the interleaving function is to insert a program number building manager message every minute during a specified time period using a circular priority plan. The number of messages inserted every minute can be programmed from zero to the maximum number of slots available. Before inserting the message, it goes without saying that parser 222 verifies that the current date and time are within the start / end dates and the time period parameters of the message.

An example of a method by which the parser 222 functions will be described. It is assumed that the building manager has created and downloaded the BOM screening list shown in FIG. 14 using the BOMGUI (202). Assuming that the current date is June 12, 1998, and that the number of slots per minute is set to one, the parser creates the local building show list 114 shown in FIG.

Note that during the morning, both bom_message1.htm and bom_message2.htm are interleaved in PC building show list 68. Also note that the messages are alternated in a "circular" state within the morning. During LT, PM and SLP time zones, only bom_message2.htm is displayed. In these time segments, the message is displayed every minute.

Message Storage / Transmission Unlike the production center path for content assembly described above in connection with FIG. 10, the pages created by BOMGUI 202 do not require modification by the building subsystem. However, the advertising components of the page are automatically assembled in the building.

In FIG. 18, the BOM GUI 202 arranges the message file in the BOM message storage unit 240. When the display assembler 122 interprets the local building show list 114, it searches the BOM message storage 240 for all building messages. The advertisement attached to the message is defined by the show list and inserted by the display assembler 122 before being sent to the display server 124.

In embodiments where the building subsystem 204 interfaces with the production center 20, a dial-up modem connection is typically used to establish the connection. To add the functionality of the BOM interface 200, the system 1 must be equipped with a network card to enable interaction with the private building LAN 30. If the physical interconnection of the BOM interface is via dial-up modem 210 or ISP 209, a single modem interface is sufficient. This is BOMGUI
Retry is performed by software that functions in both 202 and production center 20 to perform retries and allow data multiplexing. As a result, hardware implementation is minimized.

Security of BOM Interface The BOM interface 200 is representative of a direct route to the information system 1. In such cases, the security of the interface is important to ensure that it does not allow improper or unauthorized use. Security procedures for the system are performed at three levels: BOMGUI password protection, trusted connection, and password / access protection in the building subsystem. The BOMGUI 202 executes a user name and password check procedure before calling the user interface. Passwords and usernames are stored in an encrypted and protected file. Only individuals with root privileges are allowed to manipulate the information. At the physical interconnect level, the path name and dial-up characteristics are encrypted and accessible only by authorized personnel. Finally, the building subsystem 204 provides two levels of protection. First, a username and password verification is performed for each message request to the system. Thereby, the security monitor of the system 1 recognizes all the authorized users.
Next, the BOM message information is stored in a separate partition on the building server 28. This prevents a user who has not been approved for the system from accessing other functions not attached to the system. With this three-stage approach, access to any unauthorized system should be very difficult.

[0088] Further embodiments are set forth in the claims.

[Brief description of the drawings]

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

FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating the concept of microstatistics.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram of a part of a building subsystem of the information distribution system of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is an example of a display screen of the display monitor of FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is a block diagram of the production center of FIG. 1;

FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the operation of the scheduler module of the production center.

FIG. 7 shows a format of a screening list.

FIG. 8 is a functional block diagram of a part of a building server of the building subsystem of FIG. 3;

FIG. 9 is a functional block diagram of a wide-range interface between a building server and a distribution channel.

FIG. 10 is a functional block diagram of a display generator LAN interface.

FIG. 11 is a functional block diagram of a display server architecture.

FIG. 12 is a block diagram showing a BOM interface of the information distribution system of the present invention.

FIG. 13 is an example of a message template used by the BOM interface to create a message.

FIG. 14 shows a format of a BOM screening list.

FIG. 15 is a functional block diagram of a part of a building server of the building subsystem of FIG. 12;

FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing the operation of the syntax analysis function of the BOM interface.

FIG. 17 is a format of a local building screening list.

FIG. 18 is a functional block diagram of a display server architecture.

──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continuation of front page (81) Designated country EP (AT, BE, CH, CY, DE, DK, ES, FI, FR, GB, GR, IE, IT, LU, MC, NL, PT, SE ), CA, CN, JP (72) Inventor Newville, Todd A. United States 01545 Massachusetts Shrewsbury Drawbridge Lane 61 F-term (reference) 3F303 DB11 DC31 DC32 FA01 FA07

Claims (41)

[Claims] 1. An elevator display system for use in an elevator in a building, comprising: an elevator display device having a display monitor disposed in the elevator for displaying general and commercial information to passengers in the elevator; A local server that receives scheduling information from a remote production server via a communication path, and searches and formats general and commercial information to be displayed on the elevator display device according to the scheduling information. 2. The system of claim 1, wherein the local server receives the scheduling information from the production server over the data communication network. 3. The system of claim 1, further comprising a production server that generates scheduling information for general and commercial information. 4. A production server, comprising: a production server database for storing data relating to buildings, data relating to general information, and data relating to commercial information; and a scheduling module for retrieving data from the production server database and generating scheduling information. The system of claim 3, comprising: and. 5. The system according to claim 4, wherein the data relating to the general information and the data relating to the commercial information have an address enabling each of the general and commercial information to be searched through a data communication path. 6. The production server further has a building loader interface through which data is passed between the production server and the local server, wherein the building loader interface passes data between the production server and the local server. 5. The system according to claim 4, wherein the system authenticates the local server and associates it with the system. 7. The production server further comprises: a billing module for generating a document relating to the duration of the display of general and commercial information on the elevator display; and a production center database having information on elevator occupancy as a function of time. The system of claim 4, comprising: a database management module that updates: 8. A local server in communication with the elevator display device via a local area network, said local area network comprising: a local general information database for caching general information and commercial information respectively retrieved through a data communication path; The system of claim 1, comprising: a local commercial information database; and a scheduling information parser that generates a local building show list from scheduling information retrieved from a production server. 9. The system according to claim 8, wherein the local area network comprises an Ethernet path connecting to the elevator display. 10. The elevator display device further comprising an occupancy detector.
System. 11. A method of providing general information and commercial information to an elevator display device in an elevator located in a building, the method comprising: providing scheduling information on general information and commercial information to a local server; Generating an elevator show list for general and commercial information; generating a display for viewing on an elevator display device; wherein the display comprises a combination of general and commercial information. 12. The method of claim 11, wherein the scheduling information is retrieved from a remote source over a data communication path. 13. A production server database for storing data relating to a building, data relating to general information, and data relating to commercial information, and a remote source stores data relating to a building, data relating to general information, and data relating to commercial information. A scheduling module that retrieves from a production server database and generates scheduling information. 14. The method of claim 13, wherein generating the elevator show list further comprises storing general information and commercial information in a local general information database and a local commercial information database, respectively. 15. Data relating to general information and data relating to commercial information are:
The method according to claim 14, comprising a respective storage location for retrieving general and commercial information over a data communication path. 16. The system of claim 12, further comprising the step of encrypting data passing between the remote source and the elevator display. 17. The method of claim 12, wherein generating the elevator show list includes parsing the scheduling information and retrieving general and commercial information over a data communication path. To 18. The method of claim 17, wherein generating the elevator show list further comprises storing general information and commercial information in a local general information database and a local commercial information database, respectively. 19. The method of claim 11, wherein generating the display comprises selecting one of a plurality of formats for displaying general and commercial information. 20. An elevator display system for use in an elevator in a building, the elevator display having a display monitor located in the elevator for displaying video information to passengers in the elevator, and a data communication path. And a local server that receives the scheduling information related to the video information through the local server and generates a show list used for displaying the video information to be displayed on the elevator display device for a predetermined time according to the scheduling information. 21. The system of claim 20, further comprising a user interface for generating scheduling information received at a local server. 22. The video information comprising a text message, wherein the show list comprises: a start date when the text message is displayed on the display monitor; an end date when the text message is displayed on the display monitor; 22. The system of claim 21, comprising: a day segment indicating a portion of the day displayed above. 23. The system of claim 22, wherein the text message is in HTML format. 24. The system of claim 23, wherein a user interface is remote from said local server and communicates with said local server via a data communication path. 25. The system according to claim 24, wherein the data communication path is the Internet. 26. The data communication path via a dial-up modem.
6. The system according to 5. 27. The system according to claim 25, wherein the data communication path is a local area network. 28. The system of claim 22, wherein the show list is a show list of building operations, and video information and scheduling information are used to generate the building operation show list for building operations. 29. The local server further receives a production server screening list from a production server remote from the local server via a data communication network, wherein the production server screening list is general and commercial information displayed on a display device. 29. The system of claim 28, wherein 30. The system of claim 29, wherein the local server comprises a parser for generating a local building show list from the production server show list and the building operation show list. 31. The system of claim 30, further comprising a production server that generates the production server showing list for general and commercial information. 32. A production server for storing data relating to a building, data relating to general information, and data relating to commercial information, searching for data from the production server database, and generating additional scheduling information. 32. The system of claim 31, comprising: a scheduling module. 33. Data relating to general information and data relating to commercial information,
33. The system of claim 32, having an address that allows each of the general and commercial information to be retrieved over a data communication path. 34. The production server further has a building loader interface through which data is passed between the production server and the local server, wherein the building loader interface passes data between the production server and the local server. 34. The system of claim 33, wherein the system authenticates that the local server is connected to the system. 35. A method of displaying video information on an elevator display device in an elevator located in a building, the method comprising: providing a local server with scheduling information about the video information to be displayed; Generating a show list for the elevator; and generating a display for viewing the video information on a display of the elevator for a predetermined time according to the scheduling information. 36. The method of claim 35, wherein the show list is performed using a graphical user interface. 37. The video information comprises a text message, wherein the scheduling information comprises: a start date at which the text message is displayed on the display monitor; an end date, at which the text message is displayed on the display monitor; A day segment indicating a portion of a day displayed on a monitor. 38. The method of claim 37, wherein a user interface is remote from said local server and communicates with said local server via a data communication path. 39. The method of claim 38, wherein the show list is a show list of building operations, and wherein video information and scheduling information are used to generate the building operation show list for operations of the building. 40. The providing step further includes receiving, at a local server, a production server show list from a production server remote from the local server via a data communication network, wherein the production server show list is provided. 40. The method of claim 39, relating to general and commercial information displayed on a display device. 41. The method of claim 40, wherein generating the show list includes parsing the local building show list from the production server show list and the building operation show list.