JP2003316999A - Power control system, power control device and power control method - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a power control system and a power control method carrying out power control for usage of an output device by a third party other than a user owning the output device outputting information directed to the general public. <P>SOLUTION: When a lease application is received from a user owning a signboard device 2, a control server 1 acquires a control right allowing control of the signboard device 2 during a lease period. When a usage application is received from a user terminal 3 with respect to the signboard device 2 with the acquired control right, the control server 1 lends usage of the signboard device 2 to the user conditional upon the lease period, and substitutionally carries out its display control. <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 an output device for outputting general public information (for example, store advertisement) via a network, and the output device is provided to a third party other than the user who exclusively uses this output device. The present invention relates to an output control system that controls output for use and an output control device that controls an output device that outputs information for the general public.

[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 displaying a store advertisement by installing a signboard device near the entrance of a store, 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 unique store created by connecting a personal computer (PC) and a signboard device on the store side with a cable and using the computer gfix function on the store PC side The advertisement 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] However, there are times when the advertising effect does not increase depending on the type of business in the store, the number of people passing by, and the like, and displaying advertisements constantly even in such times leads to high power consumption. However, it is not economical, and displaying advertisements of the same content all the time may gradually weaken the alerting power and weaken the advertising effect. Therefore, for example, in an operation method in which an advertisement is displayed only in a specific time zone such as a time service, the unused time zone becomes large, and the expensive signboard device cannot be fully utilized. On the other hand, if a large number of signboard devices are installed not only at the entrance of the store but also in the vicinity thereof, it is possible to expect an advertising effect according to the number of installations, but to install a large number of expensive signboard devices, It is often financially difficult for small stores.

An object of the first invention is to provide an output control system and an output control method for performing output control for allowing a third party other than a user who exclusively uses an output device for outputting general public information to use the output device. It is to be able to do it. A second object of the present invention is to independently control an output device for outputting general public information in accordance with a prestored schedule content, and in a state where the use of the output device is open to an external device, this external device is used. An object of the present invention is to provide an output control device and an output control method for controlling the output under the control of the device.

[0005]

The invention according to claim 1 (the first invention) is connected to an output device for outputting information for general public via a network, and is provided by a user other than a user who exclusively uses this output device. An output control system for performing output control for allowing the output device to be used by the three parties, and obtaining a control right to control the output device, and a controllable period during which the output device can be controlled together with the control right information. Control information storage means for storing and managing the output device in association with the output device, and output information specified by the user when the usage application is accepted for the output device that has acquired the control right, in the controllable period. It is provided with an output control means for transmitting and outputting to the output device within the range. Furthermore, a program for realizing the main functions shown in the invention described in claim 1 described above is provided to the computer (the invention described in claim 10), and the program described in the invention described in claim 1 described above is provided. The invention provides an output control method for performing processing according to the main procedure (claim 12).

Therefore, the invention according to claims 1, 10 and 12 acquires the control right for controlling the output device which outputs information for the general public, and uses it for the output device which has acquired this control right. When the application is accepted, the output information specified by the user is transmitted to the output device within the controllable period to be output, so that the output device should be used on behalf of the user who owns the output device. You can lend it to a third party to act on its behalf,
It is possible to make maximum use of the output device without imposing a burden on the user. Also, even if the third party does not own the output device, the output device can be borrowed and used freely. It becomes possible to do.

The invention according to claim 1 may be as follows. An application for storing and managing the output information designated by the user and the schedule information indicating the output timing of the output information in association with each other when the use application is accepted for the output device that has acquired the control right. An information storage unit is provided, and the output control unit outputs the output information according to the schedule information (the invention according to 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, output information arbitrarily designated by the user and schedule information indicating the output timing of this output information are provided. Since the output information is output according to the schedule information based on the above, it becomes possible to output as desired by the user, and it is possible to expect an increase in the usage.

When a use application is accepted for the output device that has acquired the control right, the available period is specified from the controllable period, and the available period is presented to the user as a selection candidate. Of the available period presented as the selection candidate is stored and managed as schedule information indicating the output timing of the output information of the user (the invention according to claim 3). ). Therefore, according to the invention described in claim 3, in addition to the same effect as the invention described in claims 1 and 2, the available period is specified from the controllable period, and this available period is set to the user who uses the available period. Since it is presented as a selection candidate in, the user can check the available period and select the desired period from the available period. It is possible to use it for many users.

When a loan application for lending the use of the output device to a third party is received from a user who exclusively uses the output device, a control right for controlling the output device is obtained within the loan period, and the control right is obtained. When the usage application is accepted for the output device that has obtained the, the output information specified by the user is transmitted to the output device within the range of the loan period to be output (the invention according to claim 4). . Therefore, according to the invention described in claim 4, in addition to having the same effect as the invention described in claim 1, the user who exclusively uses the output device arbitrarily specifies the loan period and the control right information. It is possible to lend the use of the output device under the initiative of the exclusive user, and it is possible to make a loan that is not disadvantageous to the exclusive user. In this case, as the loan period, for example, an unused time period in which the dedicated user is not using the output device can be designated, or a time period in which information of low importance to the dedicated user is output can be designated. In addition, it is possible to arbitrarily specify the other party to which the control right is given.

[0010] When an application for using the output device that has acquired the control right 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 paid. The value is returned to the exclusive user of the output device (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 1, the user is charged a usage fee and a part of the fee is returned to the exclusive user. You can expect positive use promotion by the income,
Even if the output device is expensive, an increase in the number of installations can be expected.

According to a sixth aspect of the invention (the second invention), in an output control device for controlling an output device for outputting information for general public, output information to be output to the output device,
An information storage unit that stores and manages schedule information indicating the output timing of the output information, a first output control unit that outputs the output information to the output device according to the contents of the information storage unit according to the schedule, and a network. A communication unit that performs data communication with an external device connected through the control unit, and a control right that enables the output device to be controlled by a third party other than the user who exclusively uses the output device. And a second output control means for causing the output device to output the output information transmitted from the external device in a state in which is opened to the external device. Furthermore, a program for realizing the main functions shown in the invention described in claim 6 described above is provided to the computer (the invention described in claim 11), and the program shown in the invention described in claim 6 described above is provided. The invention provides an output control method for performing processing according to the main procedure (the invention according to claim 13).

Therefore, the invention according to claims 6, 11 and 13 is, in an output control device for controlling an output device for outputting information for general public, output information to be output to this output device, and this output information. The schedule information indicating the output timing is stored and managed, and the output device is controlled by the output device according to the schedule information. In order to use the output device, the output information transmitted from the external device is output to the output device while the control right for controlling the output device is open to the external device. Output information can be autonomously controlled according to the setting contents for the schedule, and the control right is open to external devices. May perform the output control under the control of an external device, it is possible to take full advantage of the output device by lend output device to a third party.

The invention according to claim 6 may be as follows. When an output request is received from the external device, a determining means is provided to determine whether the request source is a normal external device to which the control right is given in advance, and the determining means determines that the request is from the normal external device. When the determination is made, the second output control means outputs the output information transmitted from the external device (the invention according to claim 7). Therefore, according to the invention of claim 7, in addition to the effect similar to that of the invention of claim 6, when an output request is received from an external device, the request source of the output request is a regular one to which the control right is given in advance. When it recognizes that it is an external device,
Since the output information transmitted from this external device is output, it is possible to invalidate the output request from another external device to which the control right is not given, and the output device is used arbitrarily. It is possible to prevent this.

Receiving means for receiving output information and schedule information from a terminal on the side of the user who exclusively uses the output device is provided, and the output information and schedule information received by the receiving means are written in the information storage means (claim 8).
Invention described). Therefore, according to the invention described in claim 8, in addition to the effect similar to that of the invention described in claim 6, the output information and the schedule information created by the terminal on the exclusive user side are received and set. Therefore, in addition to the output information, the schedule information can be created on the terminal side of the exclusive user side, the setting work can be performed efficiently, and the correspondence relationship between the output information and the schedule information may be incorrect. There is no need for reliable setting.

The terminal on the side of the user who exclusively uses the output device is a portable communication device, receives output information and schedule information transmitted from another terminal of the user who is the exclusive user, and temporarily saves the information. It has a communication function of transmitting the stored output information and schedule information by short-distance communication when receiving a transmission request for the contents, and the receiving means is provided near the portable communication device on the user side. The output information and the schedule information transmitted by the distance communication are received (the invention according to claim 9). Therefore, according to the invention of claim 9, in addition to the effect similar to that of the invention of claim 8, by using a portable communication device which is easy to use, the setting work of the output information and the schedule information can be performed. It becomes possible to perform it more efficiently.

[0016]

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 the output control system in this embodiment. This output control system is connected via a network to an electronic signboard device that displays information for the general public (for example, store advertisement information), and a third party who uses the signboard device on behalf of a user who exclusively owns this signboard device. It is a wide area communication system that provides a service for the display control on behalf of a service provider that implements such a service on a nationwide scale. A signboard display management / control server (hereinafter simply referred to as a control server) ) 1 is provided.

When the loan application is accepted from the exclusive user who is the owner (owner or borrower) of the signboard device, the control server 1 displays the signboard device within the loan period arbitrarily designated by the exclusive user. Acquire the control right to control. That is, the exclusive user releases the control right for controlling the display of the signboard device to the control server 1. Here, when the control server 1 receives a use application for a signboard device that has acquired this control right within the opening time period (lending period) opened by the exclusive user,
The use of this signboard device is lent to the user in the open time period, and a display control proxy service (lending proxy service) for transmitting and displaying a display file from this user to the signboard device is implemented.

The control server 1 has stores A, B, ...
The board control device 2A on the electronic signboard device 2 side installed in the ... Is connected via a network (Internet) 4. In other words, the board control device 2A attached to each signboard device 2 is connected to the control server 1 via the network 4. A terminal (user terminal) 3 on the user side who has applied for the use of the signboard device 2 is connected to the control server 1 via a network (Internet) 4.

The electronic signboard device 2 is capable of displaying still images, moving images, etc. in addition to character information, and is a display panel (display board) such as liquid crystal, CRT or plasma for color display. It was installed near the entrance of the. Hereinafter, the electronic signboard device 2 may be simply referred to as a “board”. The signboard device 2 may be a large-sized (for example, about 1 m to several m square) electronic bulletin board device or the like in which a large number of light emitters or display panels are arranged in a matrix.

The board control device 2A controls the display of the signboard device 2, and has a central processing unit (CPU) for controlling the overall operation as a core, and a clock function for counting the current date and time, a database function, and wide area communication. It is configured to include functions (modem etc.), infrared communication function for short distance, ROM, RAM and the like. The board control device 2A
Is attached to the signboard device 2, and the board control device 2A and the signboard device 2 are associated with each other on a one-to-one basis, but the board control device 2A may control a plurality of signboard devices 2.

The board control device 2A has a display file (store advertisement) arbitrarily set by a dedicated user in advance.
And the schedule information indicating the output timing of the display file are stored and managed, and the display file is displayed on the signboard device 2 in accordance with the schedule contents. In the case of lending, the board control device 2A is the control server 1
Under the control of. That is, when the control right to the signboard device 2 is open to the control server 1, the board control device 2A is limited to this open time zone.
However, in the normal time period (non-lending time period) other than the open time period, the display control is independently performed according to the schedule contents set by the exclusive user.

Here, on the side of each store, a display file (store advertisement) to be displayed is created using its own store PC (personal computer) 5. The store PC 5 can create a desired store advertisement (display file) by using a computer gfix function or the like, creates schedule information indicating the output timing corresponding to the display file, and further described later. Create a local password etc. This store PC5
Display files, schedule information, created by
The local password is set in the board control device 2A on the signboard device 2 side, and the setting work is performed via the remote controller 6.

In this case, the display file, the schedule information, and the local password in the store PC 5 are transferred to the remote controller 6 by an instruction from the store PC 5 in a state where the store PC 5 and the remote controller 6 are connected by a serial cable. As a result, the remote controller 6 displays this display file,
In addition to receiving and temporarily storing schedule information and local password, the local password is stored and managed as its own setting information. The remote controller 6 intervenes in data transfer between the store PC 5 and the board control device 2A, and controls the entire operation of the central processing unit (CP).
U) as a core, in addition to the RS-232C interface function that performs serial communication with the store PC 5, a short-range communication function that performs infrared communication with the board control device 2A, ROM, RAM, key input unit, etc. It is a portable communication device provided with.

When the transfer data from the store PC 5 is set in the board control device 2A by using the remote controller 6, the operator brings the remote controller 6 to the place where the signboard device 2 is installed and goes up on the remote controller 6. "Board set key"
When a transfer instruction is given by operating the, the various transfer data in the remote controller 6 are transferred to the board controller 2A by infrared communication.
Sent to. Here, the board control device 2A receives the display file, the schedule information, and the local password from the remote controller 6 by the infrared communication function and sets them in its own memory.

On the other hand, in this embodiment, the display file and schedule information set in the board controller 2 are also transferred to the store PC 5 via the remote controller 6. That is, the remote control 6
In addition to the above-mentioned "board set key", a "board read key" is provided. When this "board read key" is operated, the remote controller 6 performs infrared communication with the board control device 2A. The setting data (display file, schedule information) set in the board control device 2 is received and temporarily stored.

When the data (display file, schedule information) temporarily stored in the remote controller 6 is transferred to the store PC 5, the worker connects the store PC 5 and the remote controller 6 with a serial cable, and the operator connects the store PC 5 to the store PC 5. The instructions are transferred to the store PC 5. In this case, on the store PC 5 side, the display file and schedule information transferred from the board control device 2 via the remote controller 6 are fetched, the editing process is performed, and the edited result is again controlled via the remote controller 6. The transfer to the device 2 causes the board controller 2 to be reset.

The user terminal 4 is, for example, a desktop / notebook personal computer, a PDA, a mobile phone or the like, and data digitized (packetized) between the control server 1 and the user terminal 4. I am trying to send and receive. The control server 1 is We
Various server functions such as a b-server function, a mail server function, and a database server function are provided, and the user terminal 4 is provided with a Web browser function, a mail function, and the like.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the contents of the user registration database (DB) 11 provided on the control server 1 side. The user registration database 11 stores and manages information about users, that is, information about a dedicated user who exclusively uses the signboard device 2 and information about a user who has applied to use the signboard device 2, for each user. The records are “user ID”, “password”, “user name”, “email address”, “address”,
It has "bank account" and "store type" items. The “user ID” is a generated item automatically generated on the control server 1 side, but the “password”, “user name”, “mail address”, “address”, “bank account”, and “store type” are user It is an input item input by the side. The “store type” indicates the business type 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 according to the type of the signboard device 2 when a loan contract is made with a dedicated user, and the "size" for each "board type". And "contract fee / month" are stored. 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.
This board registration database 13 stores and manages information about the signboards for each signboard device 2 that has made a contract with a dedicated user.
(Number) ”,“ User ID ”,“ Installation place ”,“ Contract fee ”,“ Opening time ”,“ Opening password ”, and“ Usage fee unit price ”. “Board NO” is a generated item generated by the control server 1 side, but “installation place” and “contract fee” are input items entered by the user when registering a dedicated user, and “installation place” is Indicates the address where the signboard device 2 is installed, and the "contract fee" is
The “contract fee / month” acquired from the contract fee table 12 according to the “board type” is shown.

"Opening time", "opening password", and "usage unit price" are items input at the time of board opening contract. That is, when a loan application is received from a proprietary user, within the loan period (opening time period) arbitrarily designated by the dedicated user, the user has a control right (display password for controlling the display of the proprietary signboard device 2). ) Is an item input at the time of the board release contract for releasing the control server 1 to the control server 1. "Usage charge unit price" is a usage unit price per hour that is referred to when a user who has applied for the use of the signboard device 2 is charged the usage fee, and is arbitrarily set according to the desire of the exclusive user. It is a thing. The “open time zone” is an unused time zone in which the exclusive user is not using the signboard device 2, and a plurality of open time zones can be set for each day on an hourly basis.

FIG. 5A is a diagram showing the contents of the schedule database 14 provided on the control server 1 side. The schedule database 14 stores and manages schedule information and the like as contract contents for each usage contract made with the user, and each schedule record includes “board NO”, “user ID”, “usage time zone”. , “Display file NO”, and “Usage fee”.

The "use time zone" is a time zone arbitrarily specified by the user among the "open time zones" of the signboard device 2, and is used for prohibiting use by a plurality of users in the same time zone. The free time zone that is not used by the user is specified arbitrarily. The “display file NO” is information indicating the storage destination where the display file to be displayed is stored. "Usage charge" is the above-mentioned "charge unit price"
This "usage fee" is the amount of money to be charged to the user by the amount of money obtained by multiplying the total time of the "time zone". FIG. 5B is a diagram showing a display file group 15 for store advertisements or the like registered in advance by the user, and "display file NO" is added as address information to each display file. .

Here, when the control server 1 receives an application for using the signboard device 2, the control server 1 creates a schedule record based on the contract contents arbitrarily designated by the user and registers it in the schedule database 14. Before performing the registration, a plurality of signboard devices 2 installed in the vicinity of the area are specified based on the “use time zone” and the “use area” designated by the user, and each signboard device 2 A schedule list for guiding the usage status (rental status) is created and presented to the user (see FIG. 21 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 manages a display file such as a store advertisement registered by the user for each user, and each file record indicates a "user ID" and a storage destination of the display file. Display file NO "
Each item of the "file name" is included.

FIG. 7 shows the control server 1 or the remote controller 6.
Various data transferred from the board controller 2A
It is the figure which showed the state set to the side. The board control device 2A has a password memory 21, a local schedule database (DB) 22, and a display file group 23. In the password memory 21, "local password" and "control key (open password)" are set. . The "local password" is set in order to authenticate the remote controller 6 by referring to the "local password" when transmitting / receiving data between the board control device 2A and the remote controller 6. .

The "control key (open password)" is used when the "open password" is set to the control server 1 from the store PC 5 at the time of the above-mentioned board open contract.
This "open password" is set in the board control device 2A from the control server 1 via the network. After that, when the board control device 2A receives a display request from the control server 1, the "open password" is set. By referring to "," it is authenticated whether the request is from a legitimate server to which the control right has been given in advance.

Local schedule database 21
Stores and manages the "time zone" for displaying its own store advertisement (display file) and the "display file NO" indicating the storage location of the display file displayed in that time zone in association with each other. , The display file group 23 is “display file N
Corresponding to "O", various display files are stored and managed, and the board control device 2A switches the various display files to the signboard device 2 for each time period according to the contents of the setting schedule. control)
I do.

FIG. 8 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 operation algorithm of the output control system in this embodiment will be described with reference to the flow charts 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,
In addition to the recording medium, the program / data externally supplied via the transmission medium may be used to execute the operation peculiar to this embodiment.

First, the operation of newly setting a display file or the like from the store PC 5 to the board control device 2A via the remote controller 6 will be described with reference to FIGS. Figure 9
6 is a flowchart showing a board process executed by the store PC 5. When the remote controller writing is instructed while the store PC 5 is waiting for the remote controller writing / reading instruction (step A1), the store PC 5 performs a process of selecting or newly creating a display file for store advertisement (step A2). A process for inputting and designating a schedule time period indicating the output timing of the display file (step A3) and inputting a local password is performed (step A4).

Then, it is checked whether the remote controller 6 is serially connected to the store PC 5 (step A5). If the remote controller 6 is not connected, a message indicating that the remote controller 6 should be connected is displayed (step A6). When 6 is connected, the "display file", "time zone", and "local password" are transferred to the remote controller 6 (step A7). After that, it is checked whether or not there is an end instruction (step A8). If there is no end instruction, the process returns to step A1. However, if an end instruction is given, this board processing ends.

FIG. 10 is a flow chart showing the operation of the remote controller 6. When the remote control 6 is connected to the store PC 5 (step B1) and receives a transmission / reception request from the store PC 5 (step B2), it determines whether the request content is transmission / reception (step B3). Now
When the transmission request is received from the store PC 5, the "display file", the "time zone", and the "local password" transferred from the store PC 5 together with the transmission request are received (step B4), and they are stored in the internal memory. It is temporarily stored (not shown), and the "local password" is stored and managed as its own setting information (step B5).

When the remote controller 6 is not connected to the store PC 5, it is in a key input waiting state (step B7). In this key input waiting state,
When the "board set key" is operated (step B8), infrared communication (Ir) is performed to the board controller 2A.
A setting request is transmitted by (DA) (step B9).
Here, if there is no response from the board control device 2A (step B10), an error blinking display is performed to notify that effect (step B14), but if there is a response from the board control device 2A, the setting password (local password) ) I
Send rDA (step B11).

In response to this, when the authentication result transmitted from the board control device 2A is received, the remote controller 6 outputs O
It is checked whether it is a K (affirmative) response (step B12), and if it is a negative response, an error blinking display is given to notify that effect (step B15), but if it is a positive response, it is temporarily stored in the internal memory. Read out "Display file" and "Time zone" and send IrDA (step B1)
3). After that, the presence or absence of the end instruction is checked (step B14), and the process returns to step B1 until the end instruction is given.
Hereinafter, each time the “board set key” is operated, the above setting process is repeatedly executed.

FIG. 11 shows the store PC 5 via the remote controller 6.
2 is a flowchart showing the operation on the board control device 2A side when data is transferred between the board control device 2A and the board control device 2A. The board control device 2A uses the IrD from the remote controller 6.
When the A transmission is received, a reception response is transmitted to the remote controller 6 (step C1), then a local password is received from the remote controller 6 (step C2), and the received password and the password memory 21 are set in advance. Compare with the "local password" (step C3),
It is checked whether the request is from the regular remote controller 6 based on the match / mismatch between the two (step C4). As a result, if the mismatch is detected and the remote controller 6 is not the proper remote controller 6, NG is given.
A (negative) response is sent by IrDA (step C5),
When it is confirmed by the match detection that the request is from the regular remote controller 6, an OK response is transmitted by IrDA (step C6), and it is checked whether the request content is a setting request or a read request (step C7).

Since the setting request has been transmitted from the remote controller 6, the process proceeds to step C8, and the "display file" and "time zone" transmitted from the remote controller 6 are received and the "display file" is displayed. It is checked whether "display file NO" is added to "file" (step C9). If "display file NO" is not added, "display file NO" is automatically generated (step C10). That is,
The "display file NO" is generated and added on the side of the board controller 2A, and when the "display file" is newly set, the "display file NO" is not added, so the "display file NO" is automatically generated. After (step C10),
"Display file NO" is added to the received and acquired "display file" and the result is saved in the display file group 23 (step C).
11). And this "display file NO" and "time zone"
A schedule record is created based on the above (step C12) and additionally registered in the local schedule database 22 (step C13). In this case, the remote control 6
When a plurality of "display files" and "time zones" are transmitted from, the above registration process is repeated every time "display files" and "time zones" are received from the remote controller 6 ( Steps C8-C14).

Next, the board controller 2A to the remote controller 6
When data is transferred to the store PC 5 via, that is, after the display file and schedule information set in the board control device 2A as described above are transferred to the store PC 5 and the contents are corrected, The operation of resetting the corrected display file and schedule information from the store PC 5 to the board control device 2A will be described. First, in the key input waiting state (step B7 in FIG. 10), when the "board read key" is operated (step B8), the remote controller 6 sends an IrDA read request to the board control device 2A (step B16).

When the board controller 2A receives the IrDA transmission from the remote controller 6, after transmitting the reception response (step C1), it checks whether the request is from the regular remote controller 6 and that it is the regular remote controller 6. Under the condition (steps C2 to C4 in FIG. 11), an OK response is made (step C6). Now, since the read request has been received from the remote controller 6 (step C7), the local schedule database 22 is accessed to read all the schedule records, and the display file corresponding to "display file NO" in this record is read. , Sends all schedule records and display files by IrDA (step C17).

The remote controller 6 makes a read request to the board controller 2A (step B16 in FIG. 10),
As in the case of the setting request described above, the board control device 2A
If there is no response from (step B17), error processing is performed (step B15), but if there is a response, the local password is transmitted by IrDA (step B18). Then, it is checked whether the authentication result of the local password is an OK response (step B19). If the response is negative, error processing is performed (step B15), but if the response is affirmative,
All schedule records and display files transmitted from the board controller 2A are received (step B2
0), temporarily store them in the internal memory (step B)
21).

Next, when the remote controller 6 is connected to the store PC 5 (step B1) and receives a reception request from the store PC 5 (steps B2, B).
3) Transfer all schedule records and display files temporarily stored in the internal memory to the store PC 5 (step B6). Here, when the store PC 5 is instructed to read the remote control (step A1 in FIG. 9),
It is checked whether the remote controller 6 is serially connected to the store PC 5 (step A9).
A message indicating that the remote controller 6 should be connected is displayed (step A10), but when the remote controller 6 is connected, all schedule records and display files transmitted from the remote controller 6 are received (step A1).
1) A schedule list is created based on each schedule record, and this list is displayed on the PC screen (step B12).

In this state, when the editing is instructed (step B13), the store PC 5 starts the editing process of the schedule time zone and the display file (step B14). Here, in the case of resetting the edited schedule time zone and the display file to the original board control device 2A,
When a reset instruction is given (step A15), the original "display file NO" is added to the edited "display file", and this "time zone" and "display file" with "display file NO" are remote-controlled. 6 is transmitted (step B16).

In this case, the remote controller 6 receives the "time zone" and the "display file" with the "display file NO" transferred from the store PC 5 (step B in FIG. 10).
4) Temporarily save it in the internal memory (step B5). When the board controller 2A receives the "time zone" and the "display file" transmitted from the remote controller 6 (step C8 in FIG. 11), the "display file NO" is added to the "display file". Since this is detected in step C9, the process moves to step C15, and the received "display file" with "display file NO" is stored in the display file group 23, and this "display file N" is stored.
Local schedule database 22 based on "O"
Is accessed to read the schedule record corresponding to "display file NO", and the content of the record is changed to the received "time zone" (step B16).

Next, the operation on the control server 1 side will be described.
12 to 14 are flowcharts showing the operation on the side of the control server 1 which is started when a transmission request for the top page is received from the store PC 5 / user terminal 3.
First, the control server 1 operates the store PC 5 / user terminal 3
When a top page (Web page) transmission request is received from, the top page screen is transmitted to the request source (step D1).

FIG. 19 is a diagram showing the contents of this top page screen. This top page screen is a list screen of various menu items, and has "registrant entrance", "user entrance", "boat registration", and "user registration (free)" as menu items, and the user wants to select from them. Select and specify the menu item to be used. "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 2 that the user has exclusively. "Registrant entrance"
Is a menu item for setting the contract contents for opening the board when a loan application is received from a user (registrant) who exclusively uses the signboard device 2. The “user entrance” is a menu item for setting schedule information arbitrarily designated by the user when a user application is received during the board opening time period.

When the control server 1 receives the menu item arbitrarily selected on the store PC 5 / user terminal 3 side (step D2), if it is "user registration" (step D3), the user registration application page. To the request source (step D4), and in the registration application page, "password", "user name", "email address", "address",
When the "bank account" and "store type" are entered and returned (step D5), a "user ID" unique to the user is generated (step D6), and this "user ID" is generated.
At the same time, a registration content confirmation page to which "registration content" is added is created and transmitted to the request source (step D7). Here, a response from the user terminal indicating that the registration contents have been accepted (registration OK)
On the condition that the registration is received (step D8), a user record is created based on the content of the registration content confirmation page and registered in the user registration database 11 (step D9).

If the menu item selected on the store PC 5 side is "board registration" (step D10),
A "user ID" issued in advance to the request source is acquired, and user ID confirmation processing is executed to check whether the application is from a legitimate user (registrant) registered in the user registration database 11 (step D11). ),as a result,
The board registration process is executed on condition that the application for "board registration" is received from an authorized user. That is, first, the control server 1 transmits the board registration page to the request source (step D12), and when the “installation location” and the “board type” are entered in the board registration page and a reply is returned, (Step D13), this "board type"
The contract fee table 12 is accessed based on the above, and the corresponding "contract fee / month" is read out (step D1).
4) Generate a "board NO" unique to this signboard device 2 (step D15), and then use this "board NO" and "contract fee / month".
A registration content confirmation page with and is created and transmitted to the request source (step D16).

In this case, when the store confirms the "contract fee / month" and the like on the registration content confirmation page, if it accepts this registration content, it sends a message to that effect to the control server 1 and registers it. The work of setting "board NO" in the content confirmation page as its address information in the signboard device 2 (board control device 2A) that is exclusively used by itself. As a result, the control server 1 can access the board control device 2A using "board NO" as an address. The control server 1 creates a board record based on the content of the registration content confirmation page and registers the board on the condition that the response (registration OK) that the registration content is accepted is received from the store PC 5 (step D17). It is registered in the database 13 (step D18).

On the other hand, when the menu item selected on the store PC 5 side is "registrant entrance" (step D19),
The schedule registration process regarding the registrant is executed according to the flowchart of FIG. If the menu item selected from the user terminal 3 is "user entrance" (step D20), the schedule registration process for the user is executed according to the flowchart of FIG.

If the "registrant entrance" is selected, the process moves to step D21 in FIG. 13 and a subpage requesting "user ID" and "board NO" is transmitted to the request source, and this is sent. "User ID" sent in response,
When the "board NO" is received (step D22), the board registration database 13 is searched based on this "user ID" and "board NO" (step D23), and the "user ID" and "board NO" are included. It is checked whether or not the board record is registered (step D24). as a result,
If there is no registration, the process returns to step D2 in FIG.
If the corresponding board record is registered, the board release contract page is transmitted to the request source (step D25).

FIG. 20 is a diagram showing a board release contract page screen. This board release contract page screen is an input screen for inputting an "open time period", a "open password", and a "usage unit price", and a plurality of time periods can be designated as the "open time period". In this case, when the set schedule information set in the board control device 2A from the store PC 5 via the remote controller 6 as described above is also stored and managed on the store PC 5 side, the set schedule information is read out and the schedule list is read. Is displayed, the unused time zone is checked with reference to this list, and this unused time zone is entered in the board release contract page screen as the “open time zone”.

When the control server 1 receives the "opening time zone", the "opening password", and the "usage unit price" entered in the screen of the board opening contract page (step D2).
6) The "opening time zone", the "opening password", and the "usage unit price" are set in the corresponding item positions in the corresponding board record, and the update processing for writing in the board registration database 13 is performed (step D24). Then, the "board NO" and "open password" are read from this board record, and the board control device 2 corresponding to this "board NO" is read.
A is called (step D28), and this "open password" is transmitted to the board controller 2A as setting information (step D29). As a result, a common "open password" is set for the control server 1 and the board control device 2A.

On the other hand, when the menu item "user entrance" is selected and designated from the user terminal 3 (see FIG. 12).
14), the execution of the flowchart of FIG. 14 is started. First, the control server 1 uses the requesting user terminal 3
When a sub page requesting a user ID is transmitted to (step D30) and the user ID transmitted in response to this is received (step D31), the user registration database 11 is searched based on this user ID, It is checked whether the user is a registered and authorized user (step D32). If the user is an unregistered user, the process returns to step D2 of FIG. 12 after notifying that, but if the user is a registered user, the usage application page is transmitted to the requesting user terminal 5 (step D33). .

This use application page is an input screen for designating and inputting the area and time zone in which the signboard device 2 is used, and the user uses the prefecture name, city name, town area, etc. as the use area. Is specified. When the use area and the time zone are transmitted from the use user terminal 3 (step D34), the control server 1 accesses the board registration database 13 based on the use area and the use time zone to determine the use area. In the vicinity, a board record including the use time zone in the "open time zone" is read out for each signboard device 2 (step D35), and the schedule database 14 is accessed based on the "board NO" in each board record to Each schedule record corresponding to "NO" is read (step D36).

The control server 1 refers to the "open time zone" for each board and each schedule record, reads out the set schedule time zone already set by another user or himself from each schedule record,
Within this "open time zone", each free time zone excluding the set schedule time zone (contract time zone) is calculated for each board (step D37). Then, a schedule page is created for each board to guide the free time zone (step D38), and the requesting user terminal 3 is used.
(Step D39).

FIG. 21 is a diagram showing a schedule page screen for board users. This board user's schedule page screen has a structure in which the "use area" and "use time zone" designated by the user are arranged in the header portion thereof, and the "schedule table" is arranged.
This "schedule table" is extracted from each board record, "board NO", "installation location", "usage unit price"
And the "time zone" extracted from each schedule record are arranged for each signboard device 2, and the double shaded portion indicates the unopened time zone, and the other shaded portions indicate that the user has already It shows the set contract time zone, and the blank part shows the unused time zone. In addition, "Add" and "End" are displayed on the schedule page screen for this board user.
Each button of is arranged.

Here, the user confirms the vacant time zone in the schedule table, specifies the desired vacant time zone, and operates the "add button" to request registration of the schedule time zone. To end the schedule registration, operate the "end button". Control server 1
If any of the "add" and "end" buttons are operated (step D40), the operation button is determined,
When the "end button" is operated (step D4
1), return to step D2 in FIG. 12, but click "Add button"
If is operated, the process proceeds to step D42, and the board
NO, the time zone input sub-page is transmitted to the requesting user terminal 3.

In response to this, when "board NO" and "time zone" are transmitted from the user terminal 3 (step D43), the schedule is based on this "board NO" and "time zone". The database 14 is accessed to determine whether the designated time zone is a free time zone (step D4
4) If it is not a free time zone, the process returns to step D40 to prompt the re-designation by invalidating the specified content this time, but if it is a free time zone, the "use time unit" in the "use charge unit price" corresponding to the board NO Is multiplied by and the result is calculated as a "use charge" (step D45), and this use charge and the display file transmission subpage are transmitted to the use user terminal 3 (step D46).

In response to this, when the display file transmitted from the user is received, "display file NO" is added to this display file and saved in the display file group 15 (step D47). ID ",
"Display file NO" and "file name" are recorded in the display file table 16 (step D48), and a schedule record is created based on the requested contents this time,
It is additionally registered in the schedule database 14 (step D49). Then, the process returns to step D2 in FIG.

FIG. 15 is a flow chart showing the display control of the board controller 2A. 16 and 17
Is a flow chart showing the operation of the control server 1 for performing display control of each board according to a set schedule. If the set unit of the schedule is, for example, one hour, this display control processing is executed every hour. Start. First, the board control device 2A acquires the current time (see FIG. 15).
Step E1), the local schedule database 22 is searched based on this current time, and it is checked whether there is a record having a schedule time corresponding to the current time (step E2).

If there is a corresponding record, the "display file NO" is read from the schedule record and the display file corresponding to the "display file NO" is read (step E3). Then, after the display control for displaying this display file on the signboard device 2 is started (step E5), it is monitored whether the "use time zone" in the corresponding schedule record has passed (time end) (step E5). E6), the self-sustaining control (local control) of displaying and outputting the display file is performed until the time ends (steps E5 and E6).

If there is no schedule corresponding to the current time (step E3), the board controller 2A searches the local schedule database 22 again to read the schedule record having the next time zone closest to the current time. (Step E7), "use time zone" is acquired from this schedule record, and the start time of this use time zone is set as the restart time of the local control (step E8). And the board control device 2
A checks whether or not there is a display request from the control server 1 (step E9), and if there is no display request, step E1
8, the current time is acquired and compared with the above-mentioned restart time to check whether the restart time has been reached (step E1
9) If the restart time has not been reached, the process returns to step E9 to wait for the restart time while checking the presence / absence of a display request from the control server 1.

Here, the control server 1 acquires the system date and time (step F1 in FIG. 16), searches the schedule database 14 based on the current date and time, and finds a schedule record having a time zone in which the current date and time is the start time. It is determined whether or not even one exists (step F2). Here, if the corresponding record does not exist (step F
3), the process moves to the flow of FIG. 17. If there is even one applicable record, all applicable schedule records are read and set in the work memory in the RAM 103 (step F4). In this state, specify one record from the work memory (step F5),
From this designated record, "display file NO", "board N
"O" is acquired (step F6), the signboard device 2 (board control device 2A) corresponding to this "board NO" is addressed, and a display request is made to this board control device 2A (step F7).

Here, when the board control device 2A receives the display request from the control server 1 in the local control waiting state (step E9 in FIG. 15), the control key (open password) is issued to the control server 1. Is requested to be transmitted (step E10). The control server 1 receives the transmission request from the board control device 2A (see FIG. 16).
Step F8), the "open password" is read from the board record corresponding to the "board NO" and transmitted to the requesting board control device 2A (step F9). The board control device 2A uses the “open password” from the control server 1.
When the password is received (step E11 in FIG. 15), the "open password" set in the password memory 21 of its own.
Is read out and the set password and the received password are compared (step E12) to check whether they match (step E13).

As a result, if the set password and the received password do not match (step E13), the display request from the control server 1 is invalidated.
However, if a match between the two is detected, an affirmative response of authentication OK is given to the control server 1 (step E1).
4). Here, when the control server 1 receives the positive response from the board control device 2A (step F10 in FIG. 16),
Based on the “display file NO” obtained from the designated record, the display file group 15 is searched to read the corresponding display file, and the signboard device 2 (board control device 2A) corresponding to the “board NO” is addressed. Send the display file to the board controller 2A (step F1)
1).

Then, it is checked whether or not there is another schedule record in the work memory (step E12),
If there is, the process returns to step E5 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 in this way, the flow moves to FIG. When the board control device 2A receives the display file transmitted from the control server 1 (step E15 in FIG. 15), the board control device 2A starts the display control for displaying the display file on the signboard device 2, and at the same time, the control server 1 The display file is displayed until the display end instruction is transmitted from (step E).
16, E17).

FIG. 17 is a flow chart showing the operation of the control server 1 which performs 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 F13 and F1).
4) All the relevant schedule records are read out and set in the work memory in the RAM 103 (step F15). In this state, one record is designated from the work memory (step F16), and "board NO" is acquired from this designated record (step F1).
7), the signboard device 2 (board control device 2A) corresponding to this "board NO" is addressed, and this board control device 2A
Is instructed to end the display (step F18). Thereafter, the display end control described above is repeated while sequentially designating the next record in the work memory (steps F16 to F19).

When the board control device 2A receives the display end instruction from the control server 1 (step E1 in FIG. 15).
7) After stopping the display of the display file, the process proceeds to step E18, the current time is acquired and compared with the above-mentioned restart time, and it is checked whether the restart time has been reached (step E).
19) If the restart time has not been reached, the process returns to step E9 and waits, but if the restart time has been reached,
The process returns to step E4 and shifts to the local control.

FIG. 18 is a flow chart showing the income and expenditure report creation processing 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 G1), and the "board NO", "contract fee", and "user ID" are acquired from this designated record (step G2). 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 G3), and the "use charges" in each schedule record are totaled (step G4). ).

After the total usage charge for the past one month for one board is calculated in this manner, the half of the total usage charge is compared with the contract charge for the board (step G5). If a third party often uses the service and half of the total usage fee exceeds the contract fee, the difference is calculated and a payment report for returning the difference to the exclusive income of the exclusive user. (Step G
6). 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 G7). 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 the above step G2, the user registration database 11
Is accessed, the exclusive user's "mail address" is read from the corresponding record (step G8), and the creation report is transmitted to this mail address (step G).
9). 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 G1 to G10).

As described above, in this embodiment, when the control server 1 receives a loan application from a user who exclusively owns the signboard device 2, the control right allows the signboard device 2 to be controlled within the loan period. When the sign-up device 2 that has acquired the control right and receives the application for use thereof, the sign-up device 2 is exclusively used because the signing device 2 is loaned to the user on the condition of the loan period. It is possible to lend the use of the signboard device 2 to a third party on behalf of the user who operates the signboard device, and perform the display control on behalf of the user. Also, a third party can borrow the signboard device 2 and use it freely even if the signboard device 2 is not exclusively used.

In this case, since the user who exclusively uses the signboard device 2 arbitrarily specifies the loan period (opening time period) and the control right information (opening password), the exclusive user can use the signboard device 2 under the initiative. It is possible to lend, and it is possible to make a loan that is not disadvantageous to a dedicated user. Further, since the usage fee is charged by the user and a part of the fee is returned to the exclusive user, it is possible to expect positive usage promotion by the income and even if the signboard device 2 is expensive. It is possible to expect an increase in the number of installations.

Further, when the control server 1 receives the use application for the signboard device 2 which has acquired the control right,
The display file specified by this user and the schedule information indicating the output timing of this display file are stored and managed, and the display file is displayed according to this schedule information. It becomes possible to control the display of, and it is possible to expect an increase in the utilization of loans. In this case, the control server 1 identifies an unused free time zone from the open time zones for each board, and presents this free time zone to the user as a selection candidate. In that case, you can check the free time zone and select the desired time zone from those, and you can divide the open time zone finely and lend it to many users. .

On the other hand, the board control device 2A performs the self-sustaining control of displaying the display file on the signboard device 2 according to the schedule according to the preset display file and the schedule information, and also uses the signboard device 2 The control right for controlling the signboard device 2 is released to the control server 1 in the open time zone to be lent to a third party, and the display for the display file transmitted from the control server 1 in the open time zone is displayed. Since the control is performed, the display file can be autonomously controlled according to the setting contents for itself according to the schedule, and within the opening time period for lending the use of the signboard device 2 to a third party, the control server 1 can be controlled. The display control can be performed under control, and the signboard device 2 can be maximized by lending the signboard device 2 to a third party. It is possible to make the.

When the display request is received from the control server 1, the board control device 2A checks whether the request source is the legitimate control server 1 to which the control right has been given, and gives the control right. When the control file is recognized as a legitimate control server 1, the display file transmitted from this control server 1 is displayed, so that the display request from another server to which the control right is not granted is invalid. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the signboard device 2 from being used arbitrarily.

In this case, the board control device 2A has an infrared communication function, and receives and sets the display file and schedule information transferred from the store PC 5 via the remote controller 6, so that it is easy to use. Good, the setting work can be performed efficiently, and reliable setting can be performed without making a mistake in the correspondence between the display and the schedule information.

In the above-described embodiment, the board control device 2A releases the control right for controlling the signboard device 2 to the control server 1 on the service provider side, but the control right is not released. The external device is not limited to the control server 1 and may be any external device. For example, the party to which the control right is given is arbitrary, such as opening the control right to the area management server or the like that manages the area such as a shopping district or opening it to each store terminal having a tie-up relationship.

Further, in the above-described embodiment, the free time zone in which the exclusive user is not using the signboard device 2 is the open time zone, but the time zone used by the exclusive user may be the open time zone. . For example, when an advertisement of low importance is displayed, the time zone during which this advertisement is displayed may be the open time zone. In this case, the display files of the exclusive user and the third party may be displayed in parallel on the same screen.

Further, when the control server 1 receives the application for use in the open time period, the control server 1 may inquire of the exclusive user for confirmation of the use permission. As a result, in the case where there is a competitive relationship between the exclusive user and the using user, the use can be prohibited. Also,
The control server 1 side compares the type of business between the exclusive user and the user, and automatically determines whether the exclusive user and the user have a competitive relationship. If there is a competitive relationship, the application from the user is made. It may be canceled, or another signboard device 2 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 user is read and output. However, the display file transmitted from the user terminal 3 in real time is received and displayed. You may Further, in the above-described embodiment, the store P
The C5 and the remote controller 6 perform serial connection communication, and the remote controller 6 and the board control device 2A perform infrared communication. Communication may be performed, and BlueTooth communication or the like may be performed between the remote controller 6 and the board control device 2A.

In addition, the user can be used not only by the store but also by anyone, and when a public institution is the user, it may be used for weather forecasting, displaying bulletins to residents / citizens, and the like. Furthermore, not only when displaying a store advertisement,
You may make it display the advertisement of a park, a facility, etc. Further, the signboard device 2 is not limited to being installed near the entrance / exit of the store, that is, outdoors, and may be installed, for example, in an underground mall, on the premises of a station, on a train, in a large event venue, in a stadium, or the like. The installation method may be a mounting type, a hanging type, a wall hanging type, or the like.

In the above-described embodiment, a part of the usage fee is returned to the exclusive user, but the contract period with the exclusive user may be extended according to the usage fee. Further, the service provider may dispatch a worker and also make a maintenance contract to regularly maintain and manage the signboard device 2. Furthermore, the advertisement information may be output as a voice message together with the display of the advertisement information. Further, the sound output device is not limited to the signboard device.

On the other hand, a recording medium (for example, a CD-ROM, a floppy disk, a RAM card, etc.) in which the program code for executing each of the above-mentioned means is recorded may be provided to the computer.
That is, it is a recording medium having a program code that can be read by a computer, and obtains a control right to control an output device that outputs information for general public, and a control that can control this output device together with the control right information. A function of storing and managing a possible period in association with the output device, and, when an application for using the output device that has acquired the control right is accepted, output information specified by the user is displayed in the control possible period. You may make it provide the computer-readable recording medium which recorded the program for implement | achieving the function to transmit and output to the said output device within the range.

A recording medium having a computer-readable program code, which has a function of storing and managing output information to be output to an output device and schedule information indicating an output timing of the output information, A function of outputting output information to the output device according to the schedule, a function of performing data communication with an external device connected via a network, and an output device to a third party other than a user who exclusively uses the output device. In order to use
A program for realizing a function to output the output information transmitted from the external device to the output device in a state in which the control right for controlling the output device is released to the external device is recorded. A computer-readable recording medium may be provided.

[0097]

According to the first invention (the invention according to claim 1), the control right for controlling the output device for outputting general public information is acquired, and the output device which has acquired this control right is acquired. On the other hand, when the usage application is accepted, the output information specified by the user is transmitted to the output device and output within the controllable period, so that the output information is output on behalf of the user who owns the output device It is possible to lend the use of the device to a third party and perform the output control on its behalf, and it is possible to maximize the use of the output device without burdening the exclusive user. Is
Even if the output device is not exclusively used, the output device can be borrowed and used freely. According to the second invention (the invention according to claim 6), in an output control device for controlling an output device for outputting information for general public, output information to be output to this output device, and output of this output information. The schedule information indicating the timing is stored and managed, and the output device is used by a third party other than the user who exclusively owns the output device in addition to performing the self-sustaining control to output the output information to the output device according to the schedule information. In order to make the output device controllable to the external device, the output information transmitted from the external device is output to the output device in the state where the control right is open to the external device. The output information can be controlled independently according to the settings according to the schedule, and when the control right is open to the external device, the external device Can perform the output control in the sense under, it is possible to take full advantage of the output device by lend output device to a third party.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the overall configuration of an output control 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 diagram showing a state in which various kinds of data transferred from the control server 1 or the remote controller 6 are set on the board control device 2A side.

FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing basic components of the control server 1.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing a board process executed by the store PC 5.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing the operation of the remote controller 6.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing an operation on the board control device 2A side when data is transferred between the store PC 5 and the board control device 2A via the remote controller 6.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing the operation on the control server 1 side, which is started when a request for transmitting a top page is received from the store PC 5 / user terminal 3.

FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing an operation when a top page transmission request is made following FIG. 12;

FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing an operation when a top page transmission request is made following FIG. 12;

FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing display control of the board control device 2A.

FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing the operation of the control server 1 that controls the display of each board according to a set schedule.

FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing display control processing continued from FIG. 16;

FIG. 18 is a flowchart showing income and expenditure report creation processing executed once a month.

FIG. 19 is a diagram showing the contents of a top page screen.

FIG. 20 is a diagram showing a board release contract page screen.

FIG. 21 is a diagram showing a schedule page screen for board users.

[Explanation of symbols]

1 Signboard display management / control server 2 Digital signage device 2A board controller 3 user terminal 4 network 5 store PCs 6 remote control 11 User registration database 12 Contract fee table 13 Board registration database 14 Schedule database 15,23 Display file group 16 Display file table 21 Password memory 22 Local schedule database 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 (13)

[Claims] 1. An output control system connected to an output device for outputting information to the general public via a network, and performing output control for allowing a third party other than a user who exclusively uses this output device to use the output device. A control information storage unit that acquires a control right for controlling the output device and stores and manages a controllable period in which the output device can be controlled together with the control right information in association with the output device. Output control means for transmitting the output information designated by the user to the output device for output within the controllable period when the use application is accepted for the output device that has acquired the right. An output control system comprising: 2. When the use application is accepted for the output device that has acquired the control right, the output information designated by the user is associated with the schedule information indicating the output timing of the output information. 2. The output control system according to claim 1, further comprising: application information storage means for storing and managing the output information, wherein the output control means outputs the output information according to the schedule information. 3. When a use application is accepted for an output device that has acquired the control right, a usable period is specified from the controllable period, and this usable period is selected as a selection candidate for the user. The presenting means for presenting as the selection candidate is provided, and the arbitrarily selected and designated period of the available period presented as the selection candidate is stored and managed as the schedule information indicating the output timing of the output information of the user. The output control system according to claim 2, wherein 4. When a loan application for lending the use of the output device to a third party is received from a user who exclusively uses the output device, a control right to control the output device is acquired within the loan period, When the use application is accepted for the output device that has acquired the control right, the output information designated by the user is transmitted to the output device within the range of the loan period to be output. The output control system according to claim 1, characterized in that 5. When a usage application is accepted for an output device that has acquired the control right, a usage contract for the output device is signed with the user, and a usage fee according to the contents of the contract is paid. The output control system according to claim 1, wherein the unit is returned to the exclusive user of the output device. 6. An output control device for controlling an output device for outputting information for general public, information storage for storing and managing output information to be output to the output device and schedule information indicating an output timing of this output information. Communication for performing data communication between the means, the first output control means for outputting the output information to the output device according to the contents of the information storage means according to the schedule, and the external device connected via the network. Means and a third party other than the user who exclusively uses the output device transmits the external device while the control right to control the output device is open to the external device. An output control device comprising: second output control means for causing the output device to output the received output information. 7. When an output request is received from the external device, a determining means is provided for determining whether the request source is a normal external device to which a control right has been given in advance. 7. The output control device according to claim 6, wherein when it is determined that the request is a request, the second output control means outputs the output information transmitted from the external device. . 8. A receiving means is provided for receiving output information and schedule information from a terminal on the side of a user occupying an output device, and the output information and schedule information received by this receiving means are written in the information storage means. 7. The output control device according to claim 6, wherein: 9. The terminal on the side of the user who monopolizes the output device is a portable communication device, receives output information and schedule information transmitted from another terminal of the monopoly user, and temporarily saves the information. When receiving a transmission request for the stored contents, the communication device has a communication function of transmitting the stored output information and schedule information by short-distance communication, and the receiving means is provided from the portable communication device on the user side. The output control device according to claim 8, wherein the output information and the schedule information transmitted by the short-range communication are received. 10. A computer obtains a control right for controlling an output device that outputs general public information, and a controllable period during which this output device can be controlled is provided to the output device together with the control right information. A function of storing and managing in association with each other, and when the usage application is accepted for the output device that has acquired the control right, the output information designated by the user is output to the output device within the controllable period. A program that realizes the function of sending and outputting. 11. A function of storing and managing output information for outputting to an output device to a computer and schedule information indicating an output timing of this output information, and outputting the output information to the output device according to the schedule. The output function, the function to perform data communication with an external device connected via a network, and the output device to allow a third party other than the user who exclusively uses the output device to use the output device. A program that realizes the function of causing the output device to output the output information transmitted from the external device while the control right to enable control is open to the external device. 12. An output control method, which is connected via a network to an output device for outputting information to the general public and performs output control for allowing a third party other than a user who exclusively uses this output device to use the output device. Therefore, a control right for controlling the output device is acquired, and a controllable period during which the output device can be controlled is stored together with the control right information in association with the output device. Output control characterized in that, when the use application is accepted for the device, the output information specified by the user is transmitted to the output device and output within the controllable period. Method. 13. An output control method for controlling an output device for outputting general public information, wherein output information to be output to an output device and schedule information indicating an output timing of this output information are stored and managed, In order to output this output information to the output device according to the schedule and to allow the output device to be used by a third party other than the user who exclusively uses the output device, the control right to control the output device is given to the external device. An output control method, wherein output information transmitted from an external device via a network is output to an output device in a released state.