JP2003316888A - Output control surrogate system and output control surrogate method - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To perform the output control of an output device for outputting general information through a network on behalf of a user exclusively using the output device. <P>SOLUTION: A control server 1 stores and manages the content of a surrogate contract established with the exclusive user of each signboard device 3, also stores and manages display a file to be outputted to each device 3 that is the object of the surrogate contract and schedule information showing the output timing of the display file, and performs the display control of the signboard device 3 on behalf of the exclusive user through the network by displaying the display file stored and managed every signboard device 3 on the corresponding signboard device 3 according to the schedule information. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2004,JPO

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention is connected to a plurality of output devices for outputting general public information (for example, store advertisements) via a network, and the output device is provided on behalf of a user who exclusively has this output device. The present invention relates to an output control proxy system and an output control proxy method that proxy output control.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, display devices called electronic signboards have been improved in quality, and not only character information but also images can be displayed in high quality in color. By installing this signboard device near a doorway of a store and displaying a store advertisement, it has been attracting attention as an advertising medium having a high advertising effect. When inputting and setting store advertisement information to this signboard device, conventionally, a personal computer (PC) on the store side and a signboard device are connected by a cable, and the store PC is connected.
The original store advertisement created by using the computer gfix function on the side is transferred to the signboard device, or the store advertisement is transferred from the store PC to the signboard device using a memory card or a telephone line as a medium. The signboard device constantly displays the transferred and input shop advertisement from the time the power is turned on to the time the power is turned off.

[0003]

[Problems to be Solved by the Invention] By the way, there are times when the advertising effect is not improved depending on the type of business in the store, the number of people passing by, etc. Also, it is necessary to constantly display advertisements of the same content.
In some cases, the power of attention was gradually weakened, and the advertising effect was weakened. Further, power consumption was increased, and the signboard device was often turned off or turned on for reasons such as not being economical. In addition, if the content of the advertisement to be displayed is changed as needed, or if the advertisement is displayed only in a specific time zone such as time service, it is necessary to input and transfer the store advertisement each time, and the manual operation is required. It requires a great burden on the store side. Also, if a large number of signboard devices are installed not only near the entrance / exit of a store but also in the vicinity thereof, it is possible to expect advertising effects according to the number of installations, but it is not possible to install many expensive signboard devices. However, it is economically difficult for a small-scale store, and there is a problem that it requires manpower to manage it.

An object of the present invention is to make it possible to perform output control for an output device on behalf of a user who has an output device for outputting information for the general public via a network.

[0005]

The invention according to claim 1 is
An output control proxy system that is connected to a plurality of output devices that output information for the general public via a network, and that performs output control for the output devices on behalf of a user who exclusively uses this output device, Further, a contract storage means for storing and managing the contract content relating to the agency contract exchanged with a user who exclusively uses the output device, and output information for outputting to the output device for each output device with which the agency contract is made. And information storage means for storing and managing schedule information indicating the output timing of this output information,
It is provided with output control means for accessing the contents of the information storage means for each output device and performing output control to output the output information to the corresponding output device according to the schedule information. Furthermore, a program for causing the computer to realize the main functions shown in the above-mentioned invention of claim 1 is provided (invention of claim 7),
Further, the present invention provides an output control proxy method for performing processing according to the main procedure shown in the above-mentioned invention of claim 1 (invention of claim 8).

Therefore, the invention according to claims 1, 7 and 8 stores and manages the contents of the agency contract exchanged with the user who exclusively owns each output device that outputs information for the general public. For each output device contracted on behalf of the user, output information to be output to this output device and schedule information indicating the output timing of this output information are stored and managed, and the output information stored and managed for each output device is stored. Since the corresponding output device is made to output according to the schedule information, the output control for the output device can be performed on behalf of the user who owns the output device via the network, and what output information is output at what time. It is not necessary for the dedicated user to constantly monitor whether or not to do so and perform the work, so that the dedicated user can output as he or she desires without requiring human intervention. It is possible to effectively utilize the device.

The invention according to claim 1 may be as follows. When setting the schedule information corresponding to the output device, a list presenting means for reading the schedule information already set for the output device from the information storage means and presenting the list to the dedicated user is provided. When new schedule information is added from the exclusive user who has provided the list, the new schedule information is additionally set in association with the output device (claim 2). Therefore, according to the invention described in claim 2, in addition to the effect similar to that of the invention described in claim 1, a list of schedule information already set for the output device is presented to the exclusive user. As a result, the exclusive user can confirm the contents of the already set schedule and additionally set a new schedule as necessary, and an effective schedule can be assembled.

When setting output information corresponding to an output device, the output information already set for the output device is read from the information storage means and the list is presented to the dedicated user. Providing means is provided, and the output information arbitrarily selected by the exclusive user from the list and the schedule information arbitrarily specified are associated with the output device and additionally set (the invention according to claim 3). Therefore, according to the invention described in claim 3, in addition to the effect similar to that of the invention described in claim 1, a list of output information already set for the output device is presented to the dedicated user. As a result, the exclusive user can use the already set output information as it is and additionally set it in correspondence with the arbitrarily specified schedule information, which eliminates the need to create new output information. The work can be easily performed.

In order to allow a third party other than the user who exclusively uses the output device to use the output device, the available time period is specified for each output device, and the available time period for each output device is specified via the network. An instruction is given from the user when the application for accepting the time zone of the desired output device is accepted by providing the public means for making public and browsing the available time zone of each output device disclosed by this means. The specified time zone is stored as schedule information in association with the output device, and the output information from the user is output to the corresponding output device according to the schedule information (the invention according to claim 4). Therefore, according to the invention described in claim 4, in addition to having the same effect as that of the invention described in claim 1, the user who made available the time zone for each output device via the network and viewed it It accepts a use application from the user, stores and manages this time period as schedule information in association with the output device, and outputs the output information from the user to the corresponding output device according to the schedule information. Therefore, for a dedicated user, for example, it is possible to allow a third party to use an unused free time zone, and to maximize the use of the output device. Even if the output device is not exclusively used, it is possible to temporarily borrow and use the output device that is occupied by another person.

When the application for use in the available time zone is received, the exclusive user of the output device instructed by the inquiring user is inquired about the confirmation of the use permission, and the permission is received as a condition. The storage management is performed by associating the output information from the user with the schedule information (the invention according to claim 5). Therefore, according to the invention of claim 5, in addition to having the same effect as that of the invention of claim 4, when a usage application is accepted in a usable time zone, the exclusive user is permitted to use the application. The output information from the user and the schedule information are stored and managed on condition that the confirmation is inquired and the permission is received. Therefore, the use of a third party may be subject to the approval of the exclusive user. Therefore, the exclusive user can prevent the unauthorized use by a third party even during the unused hours. For example, if the content is unfavorable to the exclusive user, or if the exclusive user and the user who has applied for the use thereof have a competitive relationship (in the same industry), the use can be prohibited.

When a usage application in the available time zone is accepted, a contract for using the output device is made with the user, and a part of the usage fee according to the contract contents is charged for the output device. Return to the exclusive user (the invention according to claim 6). Therefore, according to the invention of claim 6, in addition to the same effect as that of the invention of claim 4, a usage fee is charged from a user who has applied for use in an available time zone, and a part thereof is charged. Since it is designed to give back to the exclusive user, the exclusive user can earn income by allowing the third party to use the unused time period, and by doing so, the positive user You can expect to promote usage, and even if the output device is expensive,
It is possible to expect an increase in the number of installations.

[0012]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION An embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to FIGS. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the overall configuration of an output control proxy system in this embodiment. This output control proxy system is a wide area communication system that performs a service of proxying display control for an electronic signboard device that displays information for the general public (for example, store advertisement information) on behalf of a user who exclusively uses the signboard device. . In other words, it is a display control proxy system that implements a service, on a nationwide scale, on behalf of a dedicated user who is the owner (owner or borrower) of the signboard device to perform display control on the electronic signboard device via a network.

Here, the display control proxy service for the electronic signboard device means a "proprietary service" and a "lending service", and the "proprietary service" means a user who exclusively owns each signboard device. It is a service that performs display control on behalf of a dedicated user on behalf of a dedicated user to display and output store advertisements and the like on a signboard device according to a predetermined schedule content according to the content of the agency contract exchanged between
The “lending service” means that the signboard device is temporarily permitted (loaned) to a third party during an unused time period (a vacant time period) when the exclusive user is not using the device. This is a service that acts as a display control agent. A signboard display management / control server (hereinafter, simply referred to as a control server) 1 is provided on the service provider side acting on behalf of the proprietary service and the lending service.

The control server 1 is connected to a board control device 3A on each electronic signboard device 3 side via a network (Internet) 2, and a terminal on the user side that exclusively uses this signboard device 3 is connected. (Proprietary user terminal)
4 and a terminal (user terminal) 5 on the user side who has applied for the use of the signboard device 3 in a free time zone are connected via a network (Internet) 2. The dedicated user terminal 4 and the user terminal 5 are, for example, desktop / notebook personal computers, P
It is a terminal such as a DA or a mobile phone, and digitized (packetized) data is transmitted and received between the control server 1 and each user terminal 4, 5. The control server 1 has various server functions such as a Web server function, a mail server function, and a database server function.
Each user terminal 4 and 5 has a web browser function, a mail function, and the like.

The electronic signboard device 3 is a display panel (display board) such as a liquid crystal, a CRT or a plasma, which can display a still image, a moving image, etc. in addition to the character information, and which displays in color. The electronic signboard device 3 may be a large-sized (for example, about 1 m to several m square) electronic bulletin board device in which a large number of light emitters or display panels are arranged in a matrix. Hereinafter, the electronic signboard device 3 is simply referred to as a "board".
May be abbreviated. The board control device 3A has a wide area communication function (modem etc.) and controls the display of the signboard device 3 under the control of the control server 1. The board control device 3A
Is attached to the signboard device 3, and the board control device 3A and the signboard device 3 are associated with each other on a one-to-one basis. However, the board control device 3A may control a plurality of signboard devices 3.

As the electronic signboard device 3, a store A,
In addition to the store-specific signboard device 3 installed as an advertising medium for stores near the entrances and exits of B, ... In this embodiment, a signboard for exclusive use of general houses installed on a block wall, roof, etc. of a general house It has a device 3. That is, for example, if the signboard device 3 for exclusive use of a general house is a house that has a high advertising effect and good location conditions, many profits can be obtained by lending its use to a third party. Is a signboard device 3 purchased or borrowed and installed on a block wall, a roof, or the like. Therefore, in this embodiment, the exclusive user is not limited to the store,
It means that the owner of a general house is included, and when the exclusive user is the owner of a general house, the unused time zone (vacant time zone) of the signboard device 3 is the entire time zone, and is installed for the purpose of all rental. It has been done.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the contents of the user registration DB (database) 11 provided on the control server 1 side. The user registration database 11 provides the information about the users who receive this proxy service, that is, the information about the exclusive users who exclusively use the signboard device 3 and the information about the users who applied for the use of the signboard device 3 in the idle time. Each user record has items of "user ID", "password", "user name", "email address", "address", "bank account", and "store type" in each user record. is doing. "User I
"D" is a generated item automatically generated on the control server 1 side, but "password", "user name", "email address", "address", "bank account", and "store type" are input by the user side. It is the input item. In addition, "store type" means
It shows the type of business of the store, and is the information input and set when the user is the store.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the contents of the contract fee table 12 provided on the control server 1 side. The contract fee table 12 is a table for determining the contract fee (substitution fee) according to the type of the signboard device 3 when the above-mentioned “exclusive service” agency contract is made with a dedicated user. The "size" and "contract fee / month" are stored for each "type". In this case, the larger the board size, the higher the "contract fee / month" is set.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing the contents of the board registration database 13 provided on the control server 1 side.
The board registration database 13 stores and manages information about the signboards for each signboard device 3 that has made a proxy contract with a dedicated user.
NO (number) "," user ID "," installation location ",
It has the items of "board type", "unit price" and "contract fee". “Board NO” is a generated item generated by the control server 1 side, but “installation place”, “board type”, and “usage unit price” are input items entered by the user, and “installation place” is a signboard. The address where the device 3 is installed is shown. The “usage unit price” is a usage unit price per hour that is referred to when charging the usage fee to a user who has applied for the use of the signboard device 3 in a free time zone, and is arbitrary according to the desire of the exclusive user. Is set to. The “contract fee” is the “contract fee / month” acquired from the contract fee table 12 according to the “board type”.

FIG. 5A is a diagram showing the contents of the schedule database 14 provided on the control server 1 side. The schedule database 14 is provided for each "dedicated service" agency contract with a dedicated user or "rental service" agency contract with a user.
It stores and manages the schedule information etc. as the contract contents, and each schedule record is "Board NO",
"User ID", "registrant (proprietary user) / user (user) flag", "day (every day / designated date)", "time zone", "display file NO", and "charge" At the time of contract, the control server 1 creates a schedule record having item contents depending on whether the proxy service is “proprietary service” or “lending service” and registers it in the schedule database 14.

The "registrant (proprietary user) / user (utilization user) flag" is an identification flag for identifying whether or not the record content is related to the proprietary user / utilization user. “Day (every day / designated date)” and “time zone” are schedule information arbitrarily designated, and the control server 1
The display control is performed according to this set schedule. In other words, when "every day" is selected, display control is performed every day at a fixed time zone, and when "designated day" is selected, display control is limited to the designated time zone on that specified day. I do. A plurality of "time zones" may be designated in correspondence with "days (every day / designated date)".

The "display file NO" is information indicating the storage destination where the display file of the user-specified store advertisement or the like is stored. FIG. 5B shows a display file group 15 such as store advertisements registered in advance by an exclusive user or a user, and each display file has a “display file NO”.
Is added as the address information. "Usage charge" is an item that is set in the case of a record related to a user, and is the amount of money obtained by multiplying the above-mentioned "charge unit price" by the total time of the "time zone",
This "use fee" is the amount charged to the user.

Here, when the control server 1 receives a proxy application for the display control from a user who exclusively uses the signboard device 3 via the network, the schedule record is based on the contract contents arbitrarily designated by the exclusive user. Is created and registered in the schedule database 14, but before the registration is performed, each set schedule record that the dedicated user has already set for the signboard device 3 is read out to guide the existing setting. A schedule list is created and presented to the exclusive user (see FIG. 17 described later). Further, the control server 1 uses the signboard device 3
When the application for use in the free time zone is received, a schedule record is created based on the contract contents arbitrarily specified by this user and the schedule database 14
The signboard device 3 installed in the vicinity of the area based on the "use date" and the "use area" specified by the user before the registration.
Is specified, and a schedule list for guiding the usage status regarding the usage date of each signboard device 3 is created and presented to the user (see FIG. 20 described later).

FIG. 6 is a view showing a display file table 16 for managing the display file group 15. The display file table 16 is a table for managing display files of store advertisements registered by the exclusive user for each exclusive user, and each file record has a “user ID”.
And "Display file N" that indicates the storage location of the display file.
It has an item "O" and its "file name".

FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing the basic components of the control server 1. The CPU 101 is the storage device 1.
This is a central processing unit that controls the overall operation of the control server 1 in accordance with the operating system and various application software in 02. The storage device 102 is
It has a program storage area and a data storage area. In this program storage area, various application programs are stored in addition to the operating system, and in the data storage area, the above-mentioned user registration database 11 and contract fee are stored. A table 12, a board registration database 13, a schedule database 14, a display file group 15, a display file table 16 and the like are stored, and are configured by a magnetic, optical, semiconductor memory or the like and a drive system thereof. The recording device 102 may be configured such that a removable storage medium such as a CD-ROM or a DVD can be mounted in addition to a fixed memory such as a hard disk. The programs and data in the storage device 102 are loaded into the RAM (eg, static RAM) 103 as necessary, or the data in the RAM 103 is stored in the storage device 102.
Will be saved to. The RAM 103 has a program execution area and a work area.

Further, the CPU 101 can directly access and use programs / data of other electronic devices via the communication device 104, or can download and receive from other electronic devices via the communication device 104. Communication device 10
Reference numeral 4 is a communication interface connected to the wide area communication network. On the other hand, an input device 105 and a display device 106, which are its input / output peripheral devices, are connected to the CPU 101 via a bus line, and the CPU 101 controls their operations according to an input / output program.

Next, the control server 1 in this embodiment
The operation algorithm will be described with reference to the flowcharts shown in FIGS. Here, each function described in these flowcharts is stored in the form of a readable program code, and the operation according to this program code is sequentially executed. Further, the operation according to the above program code transmitted via the transmission medium can be sequentially executed. That is, the operation peculiar to this embodiment can be executed by utilizing the program / data externally supplied via the transmission medium in addition to the recording medium.

FIGS. 8 to 12 are flowcharts showing the operation on the control server 1 side which is started to be executed when a top page transmission request is received from a user terminal (proprietary user terminal 4 / user user terminal 5). . First, the control server 1
When a top page (Web page) transmission request is received from a user terminal (proprietary user terminal 4 / user terminal 5), the top page screen is transmitted to the terminal 4/5 of the requesting user. (Step A1).

FIG. 16 is a diagram showing the contents of this top page screen. This top page screen is a list screen of menu items, and has “registrant entrance”, “user entrance”, “boat registration”, and “user registration (free)” as menu items. Select and specify the desired menu item. "User registration" is a menu item for registering information about the user, and "boat registration" is a menu item for registering information about the signboard device 3 that the user has exclusively. The “registrant entrance” is a menu item for setting the schedule information arbitrarily designated by the dedicated user when the display control proxy application is received from the user (registrant) who exclusively uses the signboard device 3. . "User entrance" is the signboard device 3
This is a menu item for setting the schedule information arbitrarily specified by the user when the application for use in the free time zone is accepted.

The control server 1 receives the menu item selected on the user terminal 4/5 side (step A
2) If it is "user registration" (step A)
3) Send the user registration application page to the requesting terminal 4/5 (step A4), and enter "password", "user name", "email address", "address", and "bank account" in this registration application page. , "Store type" is entered and returned (step A5), a "user ID" unique to the user is generated (step A6), and "registration content" is added together with this "user ID". Create a registered content confirmation page and send it to the requesting terminal (step A
7). Here, on the condition that the response (registration OK) that the registration content is accepted is received from the user terminal (step A8), a user record is created based on the content of the registration content confirmation page, and the user registration database 11 Register to (step A9).

If the menu item selected on the exclusive user terminal 4 side is "board registration" (step A1)
0), "user ID" issued in advance to the request source
And executes a user ID confirmation process to check whether the application is from a legitimate user (registrant) registered in the user registration database 11 (step A11). The board registration process is executed on condition that the application is "." That is, first, the control server 1 sends a board registration page to the request source (step A12), and the "installation location", "board type", and "usage unit price" are entered and returned in this board registration page. If you come (step A13),
Contract fee table 12 based on this "board type"
Is accessed to read out the corresponding "contract fee / month" (step A14), and a "board NO" unique to this signboard device 3 is generated (step A15).
A registration content confirmation page with "O" and "contract fee / month" added is created and transmitted to the requesting proprietary user terminal 4 (step A16).

In this case, as a result of confirming the "contract fee / month" in the registration content confirmation page, the exclusive user, when accepting the registration content, sends a message to that effect to the control server 1 and performs registration. The work of setting "board NO" in the content confirmation page as its address information in the signboard device 3 (board control device 3A) that is exclusively used by itself. As a result, the control server 1 can access the board control device 3A using "board NO" as an address. The control server 1 creates a board record based on the content of the registration content confirmation page, on condition that the response (registration OK) that the registration content is accepted is received from the exclusive user terminal 4 (step A17). Register in the board registration database 13 (step A18).

On the other hand, when the menu item selected on the exclusive user terminal 4 side is "registrant entrance" (step A1)
9), the schedule registration process regarding the registrant is executed according to the flowcharts of FIGS. 9 and 10. If the menu item selected by the user is "user entrance" (step A20), the schedule registration process for the user is executed according to the flowcharts of FIGS. 11 and 12.

When the "registrant entrance" is selected, the process moves to step A21 in FIG. 9 to send a sub-page requesting the user ID to the exclusive user terminal 4 which is the request source, and responds to this. Then, when the user ID transmitted is received (step A22), the board registration database 13 is searched based on this user ID (step A2).
3) The presence / absence of registration of the corresponding board record is checked (step A24). As a result, if there is no registration, the process returns to step A2 in FIG. 8. However, if the corresponding board record is registered, "board NO" is read from this board record and the schedule is based on this "board NO". The database 14 is accessed and all the corresponding schedule records are read (step A2).
5). Then, a board registrant schedule page is created based on the board record corresponding to this "board NO" and all schedule records (step A26), and is transmitted to the requesting exclusive user terminal 4 (step A2).
7).

FIG. 17 is a diagram showing the contents of the board registrant schedule page screen. This board registrant's schedule page screen places "board NO" and "installation location" extracted from the board record in its header part, and also based on "day" and "time zone" extracted from all schedule records. It has a structure in which the created "schedule table" is placed. The “schedule table” has a configuration in which the vertical axis is “month / day” and the horizontal axis is “time zone”, and the content of the usage status of the signboard device 3 is specified for each day.

In this case, the double shaded portion indicates the time zone used by the registrant (proprietary user), the other shaded portions indicate the time zone used by the user, and the blank portion indicates the unused time. Shows the obi. In other words, in this schedule table, in addition to the registered schedule registered by itself (exclusive user), the schedule for third party use is also specified, and the exclusive user uses this "schedule table". Is confirmed and the schedule is added / deleted as necessary. In this example, the schedule setting unit is one hour, but it may be, for example, 30 minutes, 10 minutes, or the like.
In this example, the displayable time of the signboard device 3 is set to “8:00 to 20”.
Although it is referred to as "hour", it may be "6:00 to 23:00" or the like.

Also, on the board registrant schedule page screen, "add", "delete", and "end" buttons are arranged. Here, the registrant confirms this schedule table and operates the "add button" when additionally registering a new schedule, and operates the "delete button" when deleting an already registered schedule. Then, the schedule editing is instructed, but when the schedule editing is finished, the “end button” is operated. When any one of the "add", "delete", and "end" buttons is operated (step A28), the control server 1 determines the operation button (steps A29, A30, A39).
When the "add button" is operated (step A29), the schedule adding process is performed according to the flowchart of FIG.

First, a sub-page for inputting an additional date / time zone (schedule addition sub-page) is transmitted to the requesting proprietary user terminal 4 (step A40). FIG. 18 is a diagram showing the contents of the schedule addition subpage screen.
This schedule addition sub-page screen displays "Additional date"
, There are selection items for "every day" and "designated date". If you select "designated date", enter the date and also provide multiple input items as "additional time zone". You can enter and specify multiple time zones as desired. Here, if the “send button” is operated, the newly input additional schedule is transmitted to the control server 1.

When the control server 1 receives the "additional date" and "additional time zone" transmitted from the exclusive user terminal 4, the control server 1 sets the "additional date", "additional time zone" and "board No." Based on this, the schedule database 14 is accessed to check whether it overlaps with the preset schedule (whether there is any duplication) (step A42). In this case, not only the exclusive user but also the duplication check with the preset schedule of the user is performed. If the additionally designated schedule overlaps with any of the preset schedules, the information is sent to the requesting terminal, and then step A
Returning to 40, the current designated schedule is invalidated.

On the other hand, if the additionally designated schedule is unused (step A42), a display target for guiding the user to the display file already set by the exclusive user, that is, a display target for associating with the additionally designated schedule Display file table 1 based on the user ID so that can be selected from the set display files.
6 is accessed and the "display file" corresponding to this user ID is accessed.
Read all "NO" and "file name" (step A4)
3). Then, a list of "display file NO" and "file name" is created, and a sub-page for specifying a display file including this list is transmitted to the requesting exclusive user terminal 4 (step A44).

FIG. 19 is a diagram showing a display file designation sub-page screen. In this display file specification sub-page screen, "Display file"
In addition to a list area of “NO” and “file name”, a set area in which “display file NO” arbitrarily selected and designated from the list area is set, a pasting area for a new file is provided. This pasting area is created when a new display file is created without selecting the display target to be associated with the additionally specified schedule from the already set display files This is the area where the displayed display file is pasted. The contents input to the display file specifying sub-page screen are transmitted to the control server 1 in response to the operation of the "send button".

If the input contents returned from the exclusive user terminal 4 include the existing display file NO after transmitting the display file specifying sub-page (step A45). Although this display file NO is received (step A46), if the newly created display file is pasted, after this new display file is received (step A47), the display file NO is generated and added. The data is saved and registered in the display file group 15 (step A48), and "user ID", "display file NO", and "file name" are recorded in the display file table 16 (step A49). After that, a new schedule record with the registrant flag added is created (step A
50), and additionally registers in the schedule database 14 (step A51).

If the "delete button" is operated during the "registrant entrance" menu processing (step A30 in FIG. 9), a delete area designation request dialog is transmitted to the exclusive user terminal 4 (step). A31). In this case, when the exclusive user refers to the schedule page screen for board registrants shown in FIG. 17, designates the desired deletion target area in the deletion area designation request dialog, and instructs deletion of that schedule, the control server 1 receives the designated deletion area (step A32), reads the schedule record corresponding to the deletion area from the schedule database 14 (step A33), and determines whether the "registrant flag" is set in the schedule record. (Step A34).

Here, if the "user flag" is set in the schedule record, the set schedule of the user is to be deleted, so a delete impossible response is transmitted and the delete instruction is invalidated. However, if it is a self (registrant) schedule record, the contents of the record and the deletion confirmation page are transmitted to the exclusive user terminal 4 (step A35), and the approval is obtained. (Step A36), the target schedule record is deleted from the schedule database 14 (step A37). When the “end button” is operated (step A39), step A2 in FIG.
Return to.

On the other hand, when the menu item "user entrance" is selected and designated (step A20 in FIG. 8), the process shown in FIG.
The schedule registration process for the user is executed according to the flowcharts of FIG. 1 and FIG. First, the control server 1 transmits a sub-page requesting a user ID to the requesting user terminal 5 (step A52), and upon receiving the user ID transmitted in response thereto (step A53), Based on this user ID, the user registration database 11 is searched to check if the user is a registered and authorized user (step A54). If the user is an unregistered user, the fact is notified, and then step A2 in FIG. 8 is entered. Returning to this, if the user is an authorized user, the usage application page is transmitted to the requesting user terminal 5 (step A55). This usage application page is an input screen for inputting the area in which the signboard device 3 is used and the date of use, and the user specifies the prefecture, city, ward, town, etc. as the usage area.

When the usage area and the usage date are transmitted from the usage user terminal 5 (step A56), the control server 1 accesses the board registration database 13 based on this usage area, and the vicinity of the usage area. The board record corresponding to the signboard device 3 installed in the signboard device 3 is read out for each signboard device 3, and the "user I" in the board record is read.
The user registration database 11 is accessed based on "D" and the "store type" of the exclusive user is read (step A5).
7). Further, the schedule database 14 is accessed based on the "board NO" in each board record and the "usage date" specified by the user, and the "usage date" of each of the schedule records corresponding to "board NO" is matched. Each schedule record is read (step A58).
Then, a schedule page for board users is created based on each board record and each schedule record (step A59), and is transmitted to the requesting user terminal 5 (step A60).

FIG. 20 is a diagram showing a board user schedule page screen. This board user's schedule page screen displays the "use area" specified by the user,
The "usage date" is placed in the header part of the header and the "schedule table" is placed. This "schedule table" includes "board No.", "installation location", and "unit price" extracted from each board record, "store type" of a dedicated user, and "time zone" extracted from each schedule record. It is arranged for each signboard device 3, and FIG.
Similar to the board registrant's schedule page screen in, the part with double diagonal lines indicates the time period used by the exclusive user in the time period, and the other shaded parts indicate the time period used by the user. The blank portion indicates the unused time zone. Further, on the board user schedule page screen, buttons of “add” and “end” are arranged.

Here, when the user confirms the vacant time zone in this schedule table and designates the desired vacant time zone to additionally register a new schedule,
When the "add button" is operated to end the schedule registration, the "end button" is operated. Control server 1
If any one of the "add" and "end" buttons is operated (step A61), the operation button is determined,
When the "end button" is operated (step A6)
2), the process returns to step A2 in FIG. 8, but if the “add button” is operated, the process moves to step A63 in FIG.
The board NO and the time zone input subpage are transmitted to the requesting user terminal 5.

In response to this, if "board NO" and "time zone" are transmitted from the user terminal 5 (step A64), this "board NO", "time zone" and user designation are made. Based on the "use date", the schedule database 14 is accessed to check whether it overlaps with the preset schedule (whether there is any duplication) (step A65). In this case, the duplication check with the preset schedule of the exclusive user and the user is performed, and as a result,
If the schedule specified for use overlaps with any preset schedule, after sending a guide to that effect to the request source terminal, the process returns to step A63 to invalidate the specified contents this time and prompt re-designation. When the schedule does not overlap with the set schedule, the exclusive user is notified that there is an application for using the signboard device 3, and the process for obtaining the approval is started.

That is, this time, the board registration database 13 is accessed based on the "board NO" designated by the user, and the "user ID" is read (step A66), and the user is also based on the "user ID". The registration database 11 is accessed to read the "mail address" for the dedicated user (step A6).
7). Then, a confirmation e-mail for confirming the presence / absence of the use permission in the designated time period for which the use application is made by the user is transmitted to the above e-mail address (step A68),
The presence or absence of the permission response is checked (step A6).
9). Here, if not permitted, the mail address corresponding to the user is acquired, and the unusable mail is transmitted to the address (step A70).

On the other hand, when there is a response to the permission of use from the exclusive user (step A69), the "unit price" corresponding to the board NO is multiplied by the "use time zone", and the result is calculated as the "use fee". (Step A71), the confirmation dialog of the usage fee is transmitted to the user terminal 5 (step A72). If the confirmation result transmitted from the user in response to this is a rejection response, the process returns to step A61 in FIG. 11 to wait for the request, but if the confirmation result from the user is an affirmative response, then display The sub page for file transmission is transmitted to the user terminal 5 (step A7).
4).

As a result, when the display file created by the user is received (step A75), a "display file NO" is generated, the "display file NO" is added, and the display file is saved and registered in the display file group 15. With (step A76), "user ID", "display file"
"NO" and "file name" are recorded in the display file table 16 (step A77). And "user flag"
A schedule record added with is created (step A78) and additionally registered in the schedule database 14 (step A79). After that, step A6 in FIG.
The process returns to 1 and waits for a request from the user terminal 5.

13 and 14 are flowcharts showing the operation of the control server 1 which controls the display of each board according to the set schedule. If the schedule setting unit is, for example, an hour unit, the display control process is started every hour. First, the control server 1 acquires the system date and time (step B1), searches the schedule database 14 based on the current date and time,
It is determined whether or not there is at least one schedule record having a time zone in which the current date and time is the start time (step B2). Here, if the corresponding record does not exist (step B3), the process moves to the flow of FIG. 14, but if there is even one applicable record, all the applicable schedule records are read and the work in the RAM 103 is read. It is set in the memory (step B4).

In this state, 1 from the work memory
A record is designated (step B5), a "display file NO" and a "board NO" are acquired from this designated record (step B6), and the display file group 15 is searched based on this "display file NO" to be applicable. While reading the display file, the signboard device 3 (board control device 3A) corresponding to "board NO" is addressed, and the board control device 3A
The corresponding file is transmitted to and the start of display is instructed (step B7). Then, it is checked whether there is another schedule record in the work memory (step B8), and if there is another schedule record, the process returns to step B5 to specify the next schedule record, and the above display start control is repeated. When the display start control for all schedule records is completed, the process moves to step B9 in FIG.

FIG. 14 is a flow chart showing the operation of the control server 1 for performing the display end control of each board according to the set schedule. This display end control is basically the same as the above-mentioned display start control. . That is,
The schedule database 14 is searched based on the current date and time, and if there is a schedule record having a time zone in which the current date and time is the end time (steps B9 and B1).
0), all the relevant schedule records are read out and set in the work memory in the RAM 103 (step B11). In this state, one record is designated from the work memory (step B12), and "board NO" is acquired from this designated record (step B1).
3), address the signboard device 3 (board control device 3A) corresponding to this "board NO",
Is instructed to end the display (step B14). Thereafter, the display end control described above is repeated while sequentially designating the next record in the work memory (steps B12 to B15).

FIG. 15 is a flow chart showing the income and expenditure report creating process executed once a month. This income and expenditure report creation process is for creating an income and expenditure report for billing or paying to a dedicated user.
First, the top record is designated from the board registration database 13 (step C1), and the "board NO", "contract fee", and "user ID" are acquired from this designated record (step C2). Then, the system date and time is acquired, the past month from the current date is specified, and this period and "Board No."
Based on the above, the schedule database 14 is accessed to read all the schedule records for the past one month corresponding to the "board NO" (step C3), and the "user flag" is set from each of the schedule records. Existing records are extracted (step C4), and the "use charges" in each extracted record are totaled (step C5).

After the total usage charge for the past one month for one board is calculated in this way, the half of the total usage charge is compared with the contract charge of the board (step C6). If there is a large amount of usage by a third party and half of the total usage fee exceeds the contract fee, the difference is calculated and the payment report for returning the difference as additional income to the exclusive user. (Step C
7). If half of the total usage charge is less than or equal to the contract charge, a billing report with the difference as the billing amount is created (step C8). The reason why the half of the total usage fee is used as a standard is that the total usage fee is shared between the exclusive user and the service provider.

Then, based on the "user ID" obtained in step C2, the user registration database 11
Is accessed, the exclusive user's "mail address" is read from the corresponding record (step C9), and the creation report is sent to this mail address (step C1).
0). When the income / expenditure report creation / transmission processing for one board is completed, the same report creation / transmission processing is repeated while designating the next board record in the board registration database 13 one by one (steps C1 to C11).

As described above, in this embodiment, the control server 1 stores and manages, for each signboard device 3, the contents of the agency contract exchanged with its own user, and also for each signboard device 3 that has the agency contract. In addition, a display file to be output to the signboard device 3 and schedule information indicating the output timing of the display file are stored and managed, and the display file stored and managed for each signboard device 3 is used as the schedule information. Therefore, since the corresponding signage device 3 is displayed, the display control for the signage device 3 can be performed on behalf of the exclusive user via the network, and what kind of display file should be output and when. It becomes unnecessary for the exclusive user to constantly monitor and perform the work, and the signboard device 3 can be operated according to the wishes of the exclusive user without manpower. It becomes possible to effectively utilize.

In this case, the control server 1 presents the schedule list for guiding the preset contents to the exclusive user based on the schedule record already set for the signboard device 3. The exclusive user can confirm the contents of the preset schedule and additionally set a new schedule as necessary, and an effective schedule can be assembled. Further, since the list of display files already set for the signboard device 3 is presented to the dedicated user, the dedicated user can use the already set display file as it is and arbitrarily. It is possible to make additional settings in association with the designated schedule information, and it is possible to perform the work easily without the need to newly create a display file.

On the other hand, the control server 1 discloses the free time zone of each signboard device 3 via the network, accepts the use application from the user who browses it, and desires the display file instructed by this user. The signboard device 3 is stored and managed in association with the free time zone of the signboard device 3, and the display file from the user who is stored and managed for each signboard device 3 corresponds to the schedule information according to the schedule information.
Since it was made to display in the
You can let a third party use unused free time,
It becomes possible to make the most of the signboard device 3,
Moreover, even if the signboard device 3 is not exclusively used by the user, it is possible to temporarily borrow and use the signboard device 3 that is occupied by another person.

In addition, when a use application is accepted in a vacant time zone, an inquiry is made to the exclusive user of the signboard device 3 instructed by the user for confirmation of the use permission, and the permission is received as a condition. Since the display file and the schedule information from the user are stored and managed, the use of a third party can be conditional on the approval of the user, and even if the user does not use the unused time, Even with a belt, it is possible to prevent unauthorized use by a third party. For example, if the advertisement is an objectionable content for the store itself, or if the exclusive user of the signboard device 3 and the user who applied for the use of the advertisement have a competitive relationship (same store type), the use is prohibited. You can also do it.

Further, since the usage fee is charged from the user who applied for the use in the free time zone and a part of the fee is returned to the exclusive user, the exclusive user is
By allowing a third party to use the unused time period, it is possible to obtain income, which can be expected to actively promote use to the third party, and the signboard device 3 is expensive. However, it is possible to expect an increase in the number of installations. In this case, since the signboard device 3 installed in a general house can be used by a third party all the time, even if the expensive signboard device 3 is installed, many of them are worth it. It becomes possible to earn income.

In the above-described embodiment, when the application for use in a free time zone is accepted, the exclusive user and the user are in a competitive relationship by inquiring the exclusive user for confirmation of the use permission. In some cases, the use is prohibited, but the control server 1 side compares the store types of the exclusive user and the user to see whether the exclusive user and the user have a competitive relationship. It may be automatically determined, and if there is a competitive relationship, the application from the user may be canceled, or another signboard device 3 having no competitive relationship may be searched and the user may be guided.

Further, in the above-described embodiment, the display file registered by the exclusive user in advance may be corrected on the control server 1 side at the request of the user. In this case, for example, character information may be acquired from a dedicated user, and a service in which the control server 1 side creates a store advertisement in which the character information is arranged in the image may be performed together. Further, in the above-described embodiment, the display file registered by the exclusive user in advance is read out and output. However, the display file transmitted in real time from the exclusive user terminal 4 is received and displayed. Good.

Further, in the above-described embodiment, the display file of the user is switched and displayed instead of the display file of the user, but the display file of the user and the display file of the user are displayed on the same screen. You may make it display in parallel inside. In this case, the form of parallel display is arbitrary, such as dividing the display screen into two and making the lower side of the screen available. In this way, if the display file of the exclusive user and the display file of the user are displayed in parallel on the same screen,
The use of the proprietary user is not restricted by the use of the third party.

The user is not limited to the store, but can be used by anyone. If the user is a public institution, it can be used for weather forecasting, displaying bulletins to residents / citizens, etc. May be Furthermore, the advertisement of a park, a facility, or the like may be displayed instead of displaying a store advertisement.
Further, the signboard device 3 is not limited to being installed near the entrance / exit of a store, that is, outdoors, and may be, for example, an underground mall or a station premises,
It may be installed in trains, large event venues, stadiums, etc.
It may be a wall-mounted type or the like, and the advertisement information may be output as a voice message together with the display of the advertisement information.

In addition, in the above-described embodiment, part of the usage fee is returned to the exclusive user, but the period of the agency contract with the exclusive user may be extended according to the usage fee. . Further, the proxy service agent, which performs the display control of the signboard device 3 on behalf of the dedicated user, may dispatch a worker and also perform a maintenance contract for regularly maintaining and managing the signboard device 3. . Furthermore, the output device is not limited to the signboard device and may be an audio output device.

On the other hand, a recording medium (for example, a CD-ROM, a floppy disk, a RAM card, etc.) in which the program codes for executing the above-mentioned means are recorded may be provided to the computer.
That is, a recording medium having a computer-readable program code, which is connected via a network to a plurality of output devices that output information for the general public, and the output device to the output device on behalf of a user who exclusively has this output device. In order to perform output control on behalf of each output device,
Output information for storing and managing the contract content relating to the agency contract made with the user who exclusively has the output device, and output information for outputting to the output device for each output device to which the agency contract is made, and this output information. For realizing the function of storing and managing the schedule information indicating the output timing of the output device and the function of performing the output control of outputting the output information stored and managed for each output device to the corresponding output device according to the schedule information. You may make it provide the computer-readable recording medium which recorded the program.

[0070]

According to the present invention (the invention according to claim 1), the content of the agency contract exchanged with the user who exclusively owns the output device for outputting the information for the general public is stored and managed. At the same time, the output information to be output to this output device and the schedule information indicating the output timing of this output information are stored and managed for each output device contracted on behalf of the other, and the output that is stored and managed for each output device is stored. Since the information is output to the corresponding output device according to the schedule information, the output control for the output device can be performed on behalf of the user who has the output device via the network. It is not necessary for the dedicated user to constantly monitor the output time and other matters, and the dedicated user does not have to do any work, and the output can be done as the dedicated user desires. It is possible to effectively utilize the device.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the overall configuration of an output control proxy system.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the contents of a user registration database 11 provided on the control server 1 side.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the contents of a contract fee table 12 provided on the control server 1 side.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing the contents of a board registration database 13 provided on the control server 1 side.

5A is a diagram showing the contents of a schedule database 14 provided on the control server 1 side, FIG.
FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a display file group 15 such as store advertisements registered in advance by an exclusive user or a user.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a display file table 16 for managing a display file group 15.

FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing basic components of the control server 1.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing an operation on the control server 1 side, which is started when a top page transmission request is received from a user terminal (proprietary user terminal 4 / user user terminal 5).

FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing the operation when a top page transmission request is made following FIG. 8;

FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing an operation when a top page transmission request is made following FIG. 9;

FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing an operation at the time of requesting transmission of a top page, following FIG. 8;

FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing the operation when a top page transmission request is made following FIG. 11;

FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing the operation of the control server 1 that controls the display of each board according to a set schedule.

FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing display control processing continued from FIG. 13;

FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing income and expenditure report creation processing executed once a month.

FIG. 16 is a diagram showing the contents of a top page screen.

FIG. 17 is a diagram showing the contents of a board registrant schedule page screen.

FIG. 18 is a diagram showing the contents of a schedule addition subpage screen.

FIG. 19 is a diagram showing a display file specifying sub-page screen.

FIG. 20 is a diagram showing a schedule page screen for board users.

[Explanation of symbols]

1 Signboard display management / control server 2 network 3 Electronic signboard device 3A board controller 4 Proprietary user terminal 5 user terminal 11 User registration database 12 Contract fee table 13 Board registration database 14 Schedule database 15 Display file group 16 Display file table 101 CPU 102 storage device 104 communication device 105 input device

   ─────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continued front page    (72) Inventor Junji Mori             2-229 Sakuragaoka, Higashiyamato-shi, Tokyo             Shio Computer Co., Ltd. Tokyo office

Claims (8)

[Claims] 1. An output control proxy system, which is connected to a plurality of output devices for outputting information to the general public via a network, and performs output control for the output devices on behalf of a user who exclusively uses the output devices. A contract storage unit that stores and manages the contract content relating to the agency contract executed with the user who exclusively uses the output device; and output to the output device for each output device to which the agency contract is made. The information storage means for storing and managing the output information for performing the output and the schedule information indicating the output timing of this output information, and the contents of the information storage means are accessed for each output device, and the output information is stored according to the schedule information. An output control surrogate system comprising: an output control unit that controls output to be output to a corresponding output device. 2. When setting schedule information corresponding to an output device, the schedule information already set for the output device is read from the information storage means and a list thereof is presented to the dedicated user. When a new schedule information is added by the exclusive user who has presented the list, the new schedule information is additionally set in association with the output device. The output control proxy system according to claim 1. 3. When setting output information corresponding to an output device, output information already set for the output device is read from the information storage means and a list is presented to the dedicated user. A list presenting means is provided, and the output information arbitrarily selected by the exclusive user from the list and the schedule information arbitrarily specified are additionally set in association with the output device. The output control agent system according to item 1. 4. In order to allow a third party other than the user who exclusively uses the output device to use the output device, the available time zone is specified for each output device, and the available time for each output device through the network. If a public means for disclosing the band is provided and the available time zone for each output device disclosed by this public means is browsed and the application for use in the time zone of the desired output device is accepted, this user The time zone instructed by the user is stored and managed as the schedule information in association with the output device, and the output information from the user is output to the corresponding output device according to the schedule information. The output control proxy system according to claim 1. 5. When the application for use in the available time zone is accepted, the exclusive user of the output device instructed by the using user is inquired about the confirmation of the use permission, and the approval is given. The output control proxy system according to claim 4, wherein, as a condition, the output information from the user and the schedule information are stored and managed in association with each other. 6. When a usage application in the available time zone is accepted, a contract for using the output device is made with the user, and a part of the usage fee according to the contract content is output. The output control proxy system according to claim 4, wherein the system is returned to the exclusive user of the apparatus. 7. A computer is connected to a plurality of output devices for outputting information for general public via a network, and in order to perform output control for the output device on behalf of a user who exclusively has this output device. , For each output device, stores and manages the contract content related to the agency contract made with the user who exclusively uses the output device, and outputs for output to the output device for each output device to which the agency contract is made. A function of storing and managing information and schedule information indicating the output timing of this output information, and a function of performing output control of outputting the output information stored and managed for each output device to the corresponding output device according to the schedule information. And a program to realize. 8. An output control proxy method, which is connected to a plurality of output devices for outputting information for general public via a network, and performs output control for the output devices on behalf of a user who exclusively uses the output devices. , For each of the output devices, stores and manages the contract content related to the agency contract exchanged with the user who exclusively has the output device, and outputs for outputting to the output device for each of the output devices with which the agency contract is signed. The information and the schedule information indicating the output timing of this output information are stored and managed, and the output information stored and managed for each output device is controlled to be output to the corresponding output device according to the schedule information. An output control proxy method characterized by the above.