JP2004070232A - System and method for displaying electronic signboard, and program therefor - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To sequentially display various fundamental message information on a signboard device according to the schedule information, and to display a temporary interrupt message information irrespective of the schedule information while keeping the relationship with the fundamental message information. <P>SOLUTION: Shops PC1 create the various fundamental message information and the schedule information to be distributed to signboard devices 3, and store and manage them as a fundamental data file. When interrupt message information is created, a variation data file where the interrupt message information has been added to the fundamental data file is created and distributed to the signboard devices 3. The signboard devices 3 specifies the variation data file as a display object instead of the fundamental data file, and displays each fundamental message information in this variation data file according to the schedule information thereof and displays also the interrupt message information together. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2004,JPO

Description

[0001]
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention includes an electronic signboard device that sequentially displays various preset message information in accordance with the schedule information, and a message distribution device that distributes message information to the electronic signboard device together with the schedule information. The present invention relates to an electronic signboard display system, an electronic signboard display method, and a program.
[0002]
[Prior art]
In recent years, display devices called electronic signboards have been increasingly improved in quality, and not only character information but also images can be displayed with high quality. It is attracting attention as an advertising medium with a high advertising effect by installing a store advertisement near the entrance.
For example, when inputting and setting various kinds of message information for a store advertisement to the electronic signboard device, conventionally, a personal computer (PC) on the store side and the signboard device are connected by a cable and created on the store PC side. In addition to transferring original message information to a signboard device, transferring message information from a store PC to a signboard device using a memory card or telephone line as a medium, message information created by a portable information device called a remote control For example, there is known a method of transmitting and setting to a signboard device through short-range communication such as described above.
[0003]
By the way, if a large number of electronic signage devices are installed not only near the entrances and exits of stores, but also in the vicinity, it is possible to expect an advertising effect according to the number of installations, but it is necessary to install many expensive signage devices. Because it is economically difficult in a small store, a relatively inexpensive light-emitting diode (LED) is used, and a low-cost signboard device that displays message information with simple display control is adopted. I have. In general, this signboard device always displays the input and set message information from when the power is turned on until the power is turned off.
[0004]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, there are times when the advertising effect does not increase depending on the type of store or the traffic, and displaying advertisements of the same content at all times may gradually weaken the alertness and weaken the advertising effect. Was.
Also, if the user wants to temporarily change the content of the message to be advertised as necessary or to interruptly display new message information in order to notify the time service, etc., the basic settings currently set in the signboard device are required. After clearing all the message information, the newly created interrupt message information is newly set, and after the interruption, the original message information stored in the store PC or the portable information device is searched and reset. I have to.
[0005]
When the interrupt message information is set instead of the basic message information as described above, the basic message information and the interrupt message information are displayed separately from each other. , "Service period", "business hours" and the like, even if only the interrupt message information is displayed, the information of where and when is lost. In this case, including the “store name”, “service period”, “business hours”, and the like in the interrupt message information increases the amount of information for one screen, and worsens the advertising effect.
In addition, when returning to the original state, an operation of searching for the original basic message information is required, so that it takes a long time to perform the return operation, and there is a problem that wrong message information is set.
[0006]
An object of the present invention is to make it possible to sequentially display various basic message information created in advance as basic display information on an electronic signboard device according to its schedule, and even if a temporary interruption occurs, An object is to allow interrupt message information to be displayed irrespective of the schedule while maintaining the relationship with the basic message information.
[0007]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
According to the first aspect of the present invention, there is provided an electronic signboard device for sequentially displaying various preset message information in accordance with the schedule information, and a message distribution device for distributing message information to the electronic signboard device together with the schedule information. An electronic signboard display system comprising: a message distribution device, an acquisition unit for acquiring, as basic information, information obtained by associating various kinds of basic message information created in advance as basic display information with schedule information. Fluctuation information generating means for generating information obtained by adding the interrupt message information to the basic information as fluctuation information for the basic information when temporary interrupt message information is created, Distribution information generated by the electronic signing device is distributed to the electronic signing device. When the variable information generated and distributed by the message distribution device is captured, the variable information is designated as a display target instead of the basic information currently set, and each basic message information in the variable information is scheduled. The information is displayed according to the information and the interrupt message information is also displayed together.
Further, a program for realizing the main functions described in the first aspect of the present invention is provided to the computer (the seventh aspect of the present invention). The present invention provides an electronic signboard display method for performing a process according to a main procedure according to the present invention (claim 8).
[0008]
Therefore, according to the first, seventh, and eighth aspects of the present invention, when the interrupt message information is created, the message distribution device transmits various kinds of basic message information and schedule information created in advance as basic display information. Is obtained as basic information, and information obtained by adding the interrupt message information to the basic information is generated as variation information with respect to the basic information and distributed to the electronic signboard device. Since the fluctuation information is designated as a display target instead of the set basic information, each basic message information in the fluctuation information is displayed according to the schedule information and the interruption message information is also displayed. Displaying various basic message information on a sign device sequentially according to its schedule In addition, even if a temporary interruption occurs, the interruption message information can be displayed independently of the schedule while maintaining the relationship with the basic message information, so that effective message display can be easily realized. It becomes possible. In this case, since it is only necessary to mount a schedule monitoring function for sequentially displaying various message information in accordance with the schedule information on the electronic signboard device, it is assumed that a large number of such signboard devices are installed not only near the entrance of the store but also near the entrance. However, the equipment cost can be reduced.
[0009]
The invention described in claim 1 may be as follows.
The basic information has a data structure in which schedule information indicating the display time is associated with each message information, and the change information generating unit includes, when adding interrupt message information to the basic information, the basic information and the basic information. Pseudo schedule information is also added so as to correspond to the interrupt message information so as to have the same data structure, and the electronic signboard device is independent of the pseudo schedule information associated with the interrupt message information. The interrupt message information is displayed (the invention according to claim 2).
[0010]
Therefore, according to the second aspect of the present invention, in addition to having the same effect as the first aspect of the present invention, when adding the interrupt message information to the basic information, the same data structure as the basic information can be obtained. Since the pseudo-schedule information is also added in association with the interrupt message information, the electronic signboard apparatus can execute the interrupt message information independently of the pseudo-schedule information associated with the interrupt message information. Can be displayed. In this case, even if the interrupt message information is added, the data structure becomes the same as the basic information. Therefore, in the electronic signboard device, the interrupt message information is maintained while maintaining the relationship with the basic message information without performing complicated display control. Can be displayed effectively.
[0011]
The electronic signboard device compares the current timekeeping information with the schedule information in order to sequentially display the respective basic message information based on the basic information based on the schedule information. When the basic message information corresponds to a display target, the display control unit includes a display control unit that repeatedly displays the plurality of basic message information, and the display control unit determines whether any of the basic message information in the change information is a display target. In this case, the basic message information and the interrupt message information included in the fluctuation information are repeatedly displayed (the invention according to claim 3).
[0012]
Therefore, according to the third aspect of the invention, in addition to having the same effects as the first and second aspects of the invention, when any of the basic message information in the change information is specified as a display target, the basic Since the message information and the interrupt message information included in the fluctuation information are repeatedly displayed, the interrupt message information can be displayed while maintaining the relationship with the basic message information, and the interrupt message information can be scheduled. It can be displayed independently of the information.
[0013]
The message distribution device acquires the basic information as information for distributing to the electronic signage device when the interruption display is specified to be released, and the electronic signage device sets the current setting when the basic information is fetched. Instead of the fluctuation information described above, the currently acquired basic information is designated as a display target (the invention according to claim 4).
Therefore, according to the fourth aspect of the present invention, in addition to having the same effects as the first and second aspects of the present invention, the message distributing apparatus transmits the original basic information when release of the interrupt display is specified. The information is read out and distributed to the electronic signage device. The electronic signage device specifies the basic information captured this time as a display target instead of the currently set fluctuation information. Can easily be returned to the state.
[0014]
The message distributing apparatus specifies a first mode in which, when interrupt message information is created, fluctuation information obtained by adding the interrupt message information to the basic information as a distribution target, and designates only this interrupt message information as a distribution target. And when the first mode is selected, the variable information obtained by adding the interrupt message information to the basic information is distributed to the electronic signboard device, and the second mode is selected. In this case, only the interrupt message information is distributed to the electronic signage device, and when the electronic signage device captures only the interrupt message information created and distributed by the message distribution device, it replaces the basic information that is currently set. Only the interrupt message information is designated as a display target (the invention according to claim 5).
[0015]
Therefore, according to the fifth aspect of the present invention, in addition to having the same effects as the first and second aspects of the present invention, only the first mode in which the fluctuation information is designated as the distribution target and only this interrupt message information are distributed. Since the information corresponding to the selected mode among the second modes specified as the target is distributed to the electronic signboard device, the display form of the interrupt message information can be appropriately changed as necessary. It becomes.
[0016]
When an arbitrary display device is selected as a setting target from among a plurality of electronic signage devices, the message distribution device obtains and transmits and distributes the corresponding basic information to the signage device, or generates the change information. The change information generated by the means is transmitted and distributed (the invention according to claim 6).
Therefore, according to the invention described in claim 6, in addition to having the same effects as those of the inventions described in claims 1 and 2, it is possible to arbitrarily set basic information and variation information unique to each signboard device. It is possible to display a message having different contents for each device.
[0017]
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the overall configuration of the electronic signboard display system in this embodiment.
The electronic signboard display system includes an electronic signboard apparatus that sequentially displays various types of preset message information according to the schedule information, and a message distribution apparatus that distributes the message information to the electronic signboard apparatus together with the schedule information. This is a communication system configured to be connected via a network.
That is, the store PC 1 is a personal computer installed for each affiliated store, and a plurality of electronic signboard devices 3 are connected to each store PC 1 via a network (for example, the Internet or a dedicated line). ing. Each store PC 1 creates various message information (character information and images) and schedule information thereof, and transmits and distributes the created various message information together with the schedule information to the electronic signboard device 3 via the network 2. , Functions as a message creating / distributing device to be distributed to the electronic signboard device 3 via a portable storage medium such as a memory card (not shown).
[0018]
A large number of electronic signage devices 3 are installed near or near the entrance of a store, and have a schedule monitoring function of sequentially switching and displaying various preset message information according to the schedule information during business hours. For example, a display screen in which light-emitting diodes (LEDs) are arranged in a dot matrix form can simultaneously display a plurality of lines (for example, two lines) of messages. The signboard device 3 has a communication function of performing short-range communication by infrared communication, in addition to a communication function of performing wide-area communication via a telephone line or the like, and various message information created by any of the store PCs 1. The schedule information is set via wide area communication, and the message information created by the infrared portable remote controller 4 is set via short distance communication. In this case, the store PC 1 can set the same content for all the signboard devices 3 or set different content for each of the signboard devices 3, and what kind of content is set is arbitrary.
[0019]
The infrared portable remote controller 4 is a portable information device having an infrared communication function. That is, the infrared portable remote controller 4 functions as a message creation / distribution device like the store PC 1 and is a PDA or the like capable of arbitrarily creating message information. The worker brings the infrared portable remote controller 4 to the place where the signboard device 3 is installed, and exchanges message information with the signboard device 3 via infrared communication. The infrared portable remote controller 4 will be described later in detail.
[0020]
FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the contents of a signboard table 11 provided on the store PC 1 side for managing each signboard device 3.
The signboard table 11 is configured to store and manage item data of “signboard No.”, “display data file No.”, “signboard address”, and “interrupt flag” for each signboard device 3. “Signboard No.” is a serial number assigned to the signboard device 3, and “display data file No.” is a display data file 12 storing various message information set for each signboard device 3 and its schedule information. This is access information for calling, and a display data file 12 having different contents can be set for each signboard device 3. The “signboard address” is communication address information assigned to the signboard device 3, and the “interrupt flag” is an interrupt for the signboard device 3 in addition to the display data file 12 corresponding to the signboard device 3. This is a distributed flag indicating that interrupt message information for temporarily displaying information is created and distributed.
[0021]
FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the contents of the display data file 12.
The display data file 12 is formed by associating various basic message information M1, M2, .DELTA.Mn created as basic display information in advance with their schedule information S1, S2, .DELTA.Sn on a one-to-one basis. All the contents (all records) of the display data file 12 are distributed to the signboard device 3 in a lump. Each of the basic message information M1, M2, and $ Mn includes a plurality of message elements P1, P2, and $ Pn. In the illustrated example, the message element P1 is "$ X greengrocer", and the message element P2 is "business". Time 10:00 to 18:00 ", message element P3 is a character string of" radish 100 yen, cabbage 80 yen ", and message element Pn is a character string of" Hello! "
[0022]
Further, “display attribute” is set for each of the message elements P1 to Pn. For example, “fixed display” is set as the display attribute corresponding to the message elements P1 and P2, “scroll display” is set as the display attribute corresponding to the message element P3 #, and “scroll flashing display” is set as the display attribute corresponding to the message element Pn. Is set. Thus, for example, when the signboard device 3 displays two lines, the message elements P1 and P2 assigned to the first line are fixed and always displayed, but the message elements P3 assigned to the second line are displayed. Pn is a scroll display (dynamic display) at a constant speed.
[0023]
Schedule information S1, S2, $ Sn created in one-to-one correspondence with each of the basic message information M1, M2, $ Mn indicates a displayable period of the corresponding basic message information. The display time zone is set according to the start time and the end time. In this case, the schedule contents can be arbitrarily set, and the setting contents include displaying a message corresponding to a fixed time zone every day, a fixed day of every month, or a specified date / specified period / specified arbitrarily specified. A message corresponding to the day of the week may be displayed. For example, the schedule may be a morning market sale, an evening sale, a Christmas sale, a Saturday limited sale, a seasonal limited sale, or the like. In other words, each schedule information has a configuration in which time zone information and calendar information can be set.
[0024]
FIG. 4 is a diagram exemplifying a state in which each of the currently set basic message information M1 to Mn is sequentially switched and displayed according to the schedule information S1 to Sn in the signboard device 3.
That is, during the business hours, the basic message information M1 is displayed during the time zone 10:00 to 12:00, and the basic message information M2 is displayed during the time zone 12:00 to 14:00. 0:00 to 17:00 indicates that a plurality of basic message information M3 and M4 are displayed.
In this case, since the same time zone is set in the schedule information S3 and S4 corresponding to the basic message information M3 and M4, a plurality of basic message information M3 and M4 are displayed during that time. The message information M3 and M4 are alternately displayed every predetermined time (for example, every 10 seconds).
[0025]
FIG. 5 shows a case in which the shop PC 1 creates interrupt message information for temporarily displaying as interrupt information on the signboard device 3, and is newly generated by adding the interrupt message information to the display data file 12. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing the contents of a temporary display data file 13;
The display data file 13 shown in FIG. 5 is a new display data file temporarily generated based on the contents of the display data file 12 without changing the contents of the display data file 12 shown in FIG. Therefore, hereinafter, the display data file 12 in FIG. 3 is referred to as a basic data file, the display data file 13 in FIG. 5 is referred to as a variable data file, and the basic data file 12 and the variable data file 13 are collectively referred to as a display data file. Called.
[0026]
The variable data file 13 adds the newly created interrupt message information X to the various basic message information M1, M2, $ Mn and schedule information S1, S2, $ Sn read from the basic data file 12. Simultaneously, pseudo schedule information Y is added in association with the interrupt message information X. That is, the variable data file 13 is generated to display the temporary interrupt message information independently of the schedule information while maintaining the relationship with the basic message information, and has the same data structure as the basic data file 12. Thus, the dummy message schedule information Y is added to the interrupt message information X correspondingly.
The dummy schedule information Y is unrestricted information indicating that the interrupt message information can be displayed at any time without limiting the time zone in which the interrupt message information is displayed.
[0027]
FIG. 6 shows that when the variable data file 13 is set in the signboard device 3 instead of the basic data file 12, the basic message information M1 to Mn and the interrupt message information X are set based on the content of the variable data file 13. It is the figure which illustrated the mode switched and displayed in order.
Here, the illustrated example shows a case where the interrupt occurrence time is “12:00” and the interrupt release time is “17:00”. In this case, the signboard device 3 rewrites the settings when an interrupt occurs and when the interrupt is released. That is, when an interrupt occurs, the currently set basic data file 12 is deleted, and the variable data file 13 distributed from the store PC 1 is newly set. When the interrupt is released, the variable data file 13 is deleted. The basic data file 12 from the store PC 1 is reset.
[0028]
In the signboard device 3, each of the basic message information M1 to Mn in the variable data file 13 is sequentially switched and displayed according to the schedule information S1 to Sn as in the case described above. During the period from the occurrence of the interrupt to the release of the interrupt, the information is displayed independently of the schedule information. In the illustrated example, during the time zone "12:00 to 14:00", the basic message information M2 and the interrupt message information X are alternately switched and displayed at predetermined time intervals (for example, every 10 seconds), and "14" is displayed. : 17:00 to 17:00, the basic message information M3 and M4 and the interrupt message information X are cyclically switched and displayed at predetermined time intervals (for example, every 10 seconds).
[0029]
FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing basic components of the store PC 1.
The CPU 101 is a central processing unit that controls the overall operation of the store PC 1 according to an operating system and various application software in the storage device 102. The storage device 102 has a program storage area and a data storage area, and is constituted by a magnetic, optical, semiconductor memory, or the like, and a drive system thereof. The recording device 102 may have a configuration in which 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 a RAM (for example, a static RAM) 103 as needed, or the data in the RAM 103 is saved in the storage device 102. The RAM 103 has a program execution area and a work area. Further, the CPU 101 can directly access and use a program / data of another electronic device via the communication device 104, and can receive a download via the communication device 104. The communication device 104 is a wired / wireless communication interface. On the other hand, an input device 105 and a display device 106, which are input / output peripheral devices, are connected to the CPU 101 via a bus line, and the CPU 101 controls the operations according to an input / output program.
[0030]
Although the configuration of the signboard device 3 is not shown, the signboard device 3 includes a CPU, a storage device, a RAM, a communication device, a display device, and the like corresponding to the components of the store PC 1. In this case, the communication device performs wide-area communication with the store PC 1 and performs infrared short-range communication with the infrared portable remote controller 4. The schedule monitoring function provided in the signboard device 3 acquires current date and time information (timekeeping information) when sequentially switching and displaying various preset message information according to the schedule information. By comparing the date and time of the schedule with the contents of the schedule, it is monitored whether the schedule has been reached at the start / end of the schedule.
Although the configuration of the infrared portable remote controller 4 is not shown, the infrared portable remote controller 4 includes a CPU, a storage device, a RAM, an input device, a display device, and an infrared communication device corresponding to the components of the store PC 1. I have.
[0031]
Next, the operation algorithm of the electronic signboard display system in this embodiment will be described with reference to the flowcharts shown in FIGS. Here, the functions described in these flowcharts are stored in the form of readable program codes, and sequentially execute operations according to the program codes. Further, the operation according to the above-described program code transmitted via the transmission medium can be sequentially performed. That is, an operation unique to this embodiment can be executed using a program / data externally supplied via a transmission medium in addition to a recording medium.
[0032]
8 to 12 are flowcharts showing the operation of the store PC 1 on the electronic signboard display system.
First, when activation of the process relating to the electronic signboard display system is specified, the store PC 1 displays a top menu screen (step A1). This top menu screen has menu items of “1: create new basic message”, “2: edit basic message”, and “3: interrupt message”, and when any menu item is selected and designated (step A2), the selected menu item is determined.
[0033]
When "1: Create new basic message" is selected (step A3), a message creation screen is displayed, and new basic message information is created based on the information input in this creation screen (step A3). Step A4). At this time, it can be created by dividing into a plurality of message elements, and an arbitrary “display attribute” can be input for each message element. Then, the schedule information is created and input corresponding to the basic message information (step A5). Hereinafter, the above-described creation processing is repeated until the end of the creation of the message is instructed (step A6). Here, when the end of message creation is instructed (step A6), a basic data file 12 including each created basic message information and schedule information is newly generated (step A7).
[0034]
Next, with reference to the signboard table 11, the unset signboard device 3 to which the “display data file No” is not added is specified as a signboard that can be transferred, and the signboard list screen is displayed (step A <b> 8). When one or a plurality of “signboard numbers” is arbitrarily selected and designated from the signboard list screen (step A9), the “display data file No.” is displayed in the signboard table 11 corresponding to the selected “signboard number”. Is set, and the newly generated basic data file 12 is stored in the disk (step A10). In this state, if the transfer execution request is selected by a predetermined key operation (step A11), the newly generated basic data file 12 is stored in the signboard device 3 corresponding to the "signboard No." selected in step A9. Is transmitted (step A12). In this case, when a plurality of signboards are selected, the same basic data file 12 is transmitted while sequentially performing each signboard device 3, and then the display returns to the first top menu screen display (step A1).
[0035]
On the other hand, when "2: basic message editing" is selected and designated from the top menu screen (step A13 in FIG. 9), a list of each basic data file 12 currently stored is displayed (step A14). When an arbitrary file is selected and designated from the list screen (step A15), the contents of the selected basic data file 12 are displayed, and editing processing is performed on the data designated as an editing target in the file (step A16). ). Then, when the end of editing is instructed (step A17), it is checked whether or not an instruction to continuously execute editing of another basic data file 12 is issued (step A18). If the continuous execution is not instructed, a process of updating the contents of the basic data file 12 to be edited based on the current editing contents is performed (step A19).
[0036]
In this state, when a transfer execution request is selected by a predetermined key operation (step A20), the signboard table 11 is referred to and the “signboard number” associated with the basic data file 12 to be edited is referred to. Is specified (step A21), and the edited basic data file 12 is transmitted to the signboard device 3 (step A22). Hereinafter, the above-described transmission operation is repeated until all the basic data files 12 to be edited this time have been transmitted to the signboard device 3 corresponding to “signboard No.” (step A23).
[0037]
After transmitting the newly created / edited basic data file 12 to any signboard device 3 to set the basic data file 12 in the signboard device 3, the signboard device 3 is temporarily stored as interrupt information. When creating interrupt message information to be displayed, the user selects and designates "3: interrupt message" from the top menu screen (step A24 in FIG. 10). Then, a menu screen relating to the interrupt message is displayed (step A25).
[0038]
This menu screen has menu items of "31: create message" and "32: undo", and when any one of the menu items is selected (step A26), the selected menu item is determined. (Step A27) Since "message creation" is selected because interrupt message information is now created, a message creation screen is displayed (step A28). Desired interrupt message information is input and created using this creation screen (step A29). In this case, as in the case of the above-described basic message creation, it can be created by dividing into a plurality of message elements. The "display attribute" can be input for each message element.
[0039]
Next, by operating a mode switching button arranged in the message creation screen, a variation data file 13 in which the interrupt message information created this time is added to the basic data file 12 is designated as a distribution target. Among the modes for designating only the created interrupt message information as a distribution target, any one of the modes is arbitrarily selected and designated (step A30).
Then, the store PC 1 refers to the signboard table 11, specifies the signboard device 3 to which the “display data file No.” is added as a signable signboard, displays a list of the signboards, and displays the signboard list (step A31). One or a plurality of "signboard numbers" are arbitrarily selected and designated from the list screen (step A32), and if a transfer execution request is selected by a predetermined key operation (step A33), the interrupt message created this time is displayed. An interrupt record is generated by adding pseudo dummy schedule information to the information (step A34).
[0040]
After specifying one of the “signboard Nos” selected in step A32 (step A35), the store PC 1 selects the mode in which only the interrupt message information is designated as the distribution target in step A30 described above. A check is made (step A36). If the mode in which only the interrupt message information is to be distributed is selected, a new display data file is generated by adding dummy schedule information to the interrupt message information created this time (step A37). Then, the process proceeds to step A45 in FIG. 11, and after transmitting the new display data file to the signboard device 3 corresponding to the specific “signboard No.”, the “interrupt flag” is stored in the signboard table 11 in association with the “signboard No.”. Is set (step A46). Hereinafter, if another “signboard No.” is selected, that is, if a plurality of signs are selected as distribution targets (step A47), the process returns to step A35 of FIG. 10 and another “signboard No.” is specified. After that, the above-described transmission operation is repeated.
[0041]
On the other hand, if the mode in which the variable data file 13 in which the interrupt message information created this time is added to the basic data file 12 is to be distributed is selected (step A36 in FIG. 10), the basic information corresponding to the specific “signboard No.” It is checked whether the data file 12 is stored in its own disk (step A38 in FIG. 11). If the corresponding basic data file 12 exists (step A39), it is read out (step A39). A40), if there is no corresponding basic data file 12 in the own disk (step A39), the other store PC 1 is inquired about the presence or absence of the corresponding file (step A41), and in response to this, a notification of the presence of the corresponding file is sent. If received (step A42), the corresponding basic data file is sent from the store PC1. It reads in the Le 12, and stored in its own disk (step A43).
[0042]
Then, a new display data file (variation data file) 13 is generated by adding the interrupt message information with dummy schedule information created this time to the end of the basic data file 12 acquired from the own or another store PC 1 (step A44). ). Then, the new display data file (variation data file) 13 is transmitted to the signboard device 3 corresponding to the specific "signboard No." (step A45), and "interruption" is made in the signboard table 11 in association with the "signboard No." A flag is set (step A46). Thereafter, if there is another unprocessed "signboard No." (step A47), the process returns to step A35 in FIG. 10, and after the next unprocessed "signboard No." is specified, the above operation is repeated.
[0043]
After a new display data file (interrupt message information only / variation data file 13) is generated and transmitted to the signboard device 3 in this way, the interrupt display is canceled and the settings on the signboard device 3 are restored to the original state. In the case of returning to the above, an instruction to cancel the interrupt is issued according to the following operation procedure. First, after selecting "3: interrupt message" from the top menu screen (step A2 in FIG. 8), "32: Undo" is selected from the interrupt message menu screen displayed in response to this. A menu item is selected (step A26 in FIG. 10). Then, the process proceeds to step A48 in FIG. 12, referring to the signboard table 11, identifying the "signboard No." in which the "interrupt flag" is set, and displaying the signboard list.
[0044]
One or more arbitrary signboards are selected and designated from the signboard list screen (step A49), and if a transfer execution request is selected by a predetermined key operation (step A50), the selected one signboard is displayed. After specifying the signboard No. (step A51), the basic data file 12 associated with the signboard No. is read out (step A52), and the basic data file 12 corresponding to the signboard No. indicated by the signboard No. is read. The data file 12 is transmitted (step A53). After resetting the "interrupt flag" in the signboard table 11 corresponding to the "signboard No." (step A54), if there is another unprocessed "signboard No." (step A55), the above-described step A51 is performed. After the next “signboard No.” is specified, the above operation is repeated.
[0045]
FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing the operation of the infrared portable remote controller 4 relating to the electronic signboard display system, and FIG. 14 is a schematic diagram showing the appearance of the infrared portable remote controller 4.
The infrared portable remote controller 4 does not create the basic message information, but creates only the interrupt message information. After the basic data file 12 set in the signboard device 3 is fetched, the basic data file 12 is created this time. The interrupt message information thus added is transmitted to the signboard device 3. As shown in FIG. 14, the infrared portable remote controller 4 has a display panel, a keyboard, an infrared communication unit, and the like. The keyboard has character keys and various function keys for creating interrupt message information, A create button 41 for instructing creation of interrupt message information, a transfer button 42 for instructing that the created interrupt message should be transferred to the signboard device 3, and a return button for instructing to return to the original state after transferring the interrupt message. 43.
[0046]
First, when the create button 41 is operated to create an interrupt message (step B1), the infrared portable remote controller 4 displays an interrupt message creation screen, and based on the information input in the creation screen, the interrupt message is displayed. A process for creating information is performed (step B2). At this time, it can be created by dividing into a plurality of message elements, and the "display attribute" can be input for each message element. Here, when the transfer button 42 is operated (step B3), the above-described dummy schedule information is added to the created interrupt message information (step B4).
[0047]
Next, a request for transfer of the basic data file 12 is made to the signboard device 3 (step B5), and in response to receiving the basic data file 12 transmitted from the signboard device 3 (step B6), By adding the interrupt message information with the dummy schedule information created this time to the basic data file 12, a new display data file (variable data file 13) is generated (step B7), and this variable data file 13 is displayed on the signboard device. 3 (step B8).
[0048]
After the new display data file (variable data file 13) is transferred in this way, when the return button 43 is operated (step B9), a file transfer request is made to the signboard device 3 (step B10). In response to this, when the display data file (variable data file 13) transmitted from the signboard device 3 is received (step B11), the interrupt message information with dummy schedule information is read from the variable data file 13. By deleting, the original basic data file 12 is generated (step B12). Then, the basic data file 12 is transmitted to the signboard device 3 and reset (step B13).
[0049]
FIG. 15 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the signboard device 3 that is started when the power is turned on.
First, the signboard device 3 checks whether or not the display data file (basic data file 12) has been set (step C1). If the basic data file 12 has not been set, the basic data file 12 is transmitted from the store PC1. Until the basic data file 12 has been transmitted from any of the store PCs 1 (Step C3), and the new data is set (Step C4). Then, this setting file is opened (step C5).
[0050]
In the state where the basic data file 12 is newly set as described above, the signboard device 3 performs a schedule monitoring process based on the basic data file 12. First, the current time is obtained (step C6), one piece of schedule information is obtained from the top of the basic data file 12 (step C7), and the schedule information is compared with the current time to check whether the schedule start time has been reached (step C7). Step C8) If the schedule start time has not been reached, it is checked whether the process of sequentially comparing all the schedule information with the current time has been completed (step C10), and the process returns to step C6 until the process is completed. The above-described comparison operation is repeated while designating the schedule information.
[0051]
As a result, when any of the schedule start times has been reached (step C8), the basic message information associated with the schedule information is read from the basic data file 12 and displayed (step C9). In this case, since the basic message information is composed of a plurality of message elements as described above, and the "display attribute" is added to each message element, each message element is displayed according to the attribute. In this case, in the example of FIG. 3, the corresponding message elements P1 and P2 are fixedly displayed at all times on the first line on the display screen, but the second line includes the subsequent message elements P3 #. The display is scrolled sequentially.
[0052]
Here, when the schedule monitoring process for sequentially comparing all the schedule information in the basic data file 12 with the current time is completed (step C10), the display data file (basic data file 12 / variation) is transmitted from the store PC 1 or the infrared portable remote controller 4. It is checked whether or not the data file 13) has been transmitted (step C11). If the file has not been transmitted, it is further checked whether or not there is a file transfer request from the infrared portable remote controller 4 (step C16). If there is no transfer request, the process returns to step C6 to resume the above-described schedule monitoring process.
[0053]
Now, when the contents of the currently set basic data file 12 are changed, and the edited basic data file 12 is transmitted from the store PC 1 or another different basic data file 12 is transmitted. When the basic data file 12 is received (step C12), the currently set basic data file 12 is closed (step C13). Then, after rewriting the basic data file by overwriting and saving the basic data file 12 received this time in the currently set basic data file 12 (step C14), the basic data file 12 received this time is opened (step C14). Step C15).
[0054]
On the other hand, also when the change data file 13 is transmitted from the store PC 1, the execution of the setting file rewriting process described above is started. That is, upon receiving the fluctuation data file 13 transmitted from the store PC 1 (step C12), after closing the currently set basic data file 12 (step C13), the currently received fluctuation data file 13 is currently being set. The display data file is rewritten by overwriting the basic data file 12 (step C14), and the fluctuation data file 13 received this time is opened (step C15).
[0055]
If a file transfer request is received from the infrared portable remote controller 4 (step C16), the currently set basic data file 12 is read out and transmitted to the infrared portable remote controller 4 by infrared (step C17).
Thereafter, when the fluctuation data file 13 is transmitted from the infrared portable remote controller 4 (step C11), the above-described setting file rewriting process is started, and the fluctuation data file 13 transmitted from the store PC 1 is received. At the same time (step C12), the currently set basic data file 12 is closed (step C13), and the currently received variable data file 13 is overwritten and stored in the currently set basic data file 12, thereby saving the display data file. After rewriting (step C14), the fluctuation data file 13 received this time is opened (step C15).
[0056]
Even after the setting content in the signboard device 3 is changed from the basic data file 12 to the variable data file 13, the schedule monitoring process for sequentially comparing all the schedule information in the variable data file 13 with the current time. Is started. In this case, since the interrupt message information and the dummy schedule information are stored at the end of the variable data file 13 as shown in FIG. 5, all the schedule information in the variable data file 13 is sequentially read and the current time is read. When the last dummy schedule information is read out in the process of comparing with, the above-described step C8 detects that the current time corresponds to the current time, and as a result, the interrupt message information is displayed and the interrupt message is displayed (step C9). ). At that time, in the example of FIG. 6, during the time zone "12:00 to 14:00", the basic message information M2 and the interrupt message information X are alternately displayed at predetermined time intervals (for example, every 10 seconds). During "14:00 to 17:00", the basic message information M3 and M4 and the interrupt message information X are cyclically switched and displayed at predetermined time intervals (for example, every 10 seconds).
[0057]
After the setting contents in the signboard device 3 are changed from the basic data file 12 to the variable data file 13, the original basic data file 12 is restored from the store PC 1 or the infrared portable remote controller 4 to the original state. Even when it is transmitted, the above-described setting file rewriting process is started to execute, the original basic data file 12 transmitted from the shop PC 1 is received (step C12), and the variable data file currently being set is received. 13 is closed (step C13), the display data file is rewritten by overwriting the original basic data file 12 received this time in the currently set variable data file 13 (step C14), and then received this time. The original basic data file 12 is opened (step C15).
[0058]
As described above, in this embodiment, after the store PC 1 distributes the basic data file 12 in which the various basic message information created in advance and the schedule information are associated with each other to the signboard device 3, the interrupt message information is created. In this case, the variable data file 13 in which the interrupt message information is added to the basic data file 12 is generated and distributed to the signboard device 3. When the signboard device 3 captures the variable data file 13, The variable data file 13 is designated as a display target instead of the currently set basic data file 12, and each basic message information in the variable data file 13 is displayed according to the schedule information, and the interrupt message information is also displayed. So that various basic methods can be applied to the signboard device 3. The message information can be sequentially displayed according to the schedule, and even if a temporary interrupt occurs, the interrupt message information can be displayed independently of the schedule while maintaining the relationship with the basic message information. It is possible to easily realize a message display with a high advertising effect. In this case, since it is only necessary to mount a schedule monitoring function for sequentially displaying various message information in accordance with the schedule information in the signboard device 3, a large number of the signboard devices 3 are installed not only near the entrance of the store but also near the entrance. However, the equipment cost can be reduced.
[0059]
Further, when adding the interrupt message information to the basic data file 12, the shop PC 1 also adds the dummy schedule information in association with the interrupt message information so as to have the same data structure as the basic data file 12. Since the sign device 3 displays the interrupt message information irrespective of the dummy schedule information added to the interrupt message information, even if the interrupt message information is added, the same data as the basic data file 12 is displayed. Because of the structure, the signboard device 3 can effectively display the interrupt message information while maintaining the relationship with the basic message information without performing complicated display control.
[0060]
Since the signboard device 3 repeatedly displays the basic message information and the interrupt message information in the variable data file 13, the signboard device 3 can display the interrupt message information while maintaining the relationship with the basic message information, and can display the interrupt message. The information can be displayed independently of the schedule information.
When the release of the interrupt display is designated, the store PC 1 reads the original basic data file 12 and distributes it to the signboard device 3, and the signboard device 3 replaces the currently set variable data file 13 with this time. Since the fetched basic data file 12 is designated as a display target, it is possible to easily return to the original state without performing any troublesome work.
[0061]
The store PC 1 has a mode for designating the variable data file 13 as a distribution target and a mode for designating only this interruption message information as a distribution target when creating the interruption message information. When only message information is transmitted and distributed, only the interrupt message information is designated as a display target instead of the currently set basic data file 12, so that the display form of the interrupt message information is changed as necessary. It can be changed as appropriate.
[0062]
When the store PC 1 selects an arbitrary display device 3 from among the plurality of sign devices 3 as a setting object, the store PC 1 reads out the corresponding basic data file 12 to the selected sign device 3 and transmits and distributes the same. Since the variation data file 13 is transmitted and distributed, the unique basic data file 12 and the variation data file 13 can be arbitrarily set for each signboard device 3, and messages having different contents are displayed for each display device 3. be able to.
[0063]
Note that the infrared portable remote controller 4 does not create the basic data file 12, but creates an arbitrary interrupt message in the same manner as the above-mentioned store PC 1, generates a variable data file 13 including this interrupt message, and generates a signboard device 3. And the variable data file 13 set on the signboard device 3 side can be returned to the original basic data file 12.
[0064]
In the above-described embodiment, the dummy schedule information is added to the interrupt message information. However, in the schedule information to be added to the interrupt message information, for example, if an interruptible time zone is set arbitrarily, The interrupt message information can be displayed only for the set time period. If a time zone in which interruption is possible is set in the schedule information corresponding to the interrupt message information as described above, after the set time is over, the display returns to the original state in order to shift to the display of only the basic message information. Becomes unnecessary.
[0065]
Further, in the above-described embodiment, the basic message information and the interrupt message information are switched and displayed at predetermined time intervals. However, they may be displayed by scrolling them. May be specified. Further, the basic message information and the interrupt message information may be divided and displayed in one screen.
In the above-described embodiment, the store PC 1 stores and holds the basic data file 12. However, the store PC 1 obtains the basic data file 12 from another device, for example, a host PC (not shown) having a master function. You may. In this case, the host PC may create various basic data files 12 and manage them collectively, and acquire the basic data files 12 required by the store PC 1 from the host PC. The store PC 1 may acquire the basic data file 12 from the signboard device 3 as in the case of the infrared portable remote controller 4.
[0066]
In addition, in the above-described embodiment, the signboard device 3 rewrites the setting file by overwriting the basic data file 12 with the variable data file 13. You may memorize and save. In this case, one of the basic data file 12 and the variation data file 13 may be selectively designated as a display target.
Also, the case where the signboard device 3 is a two-line screen and the first line is fixedly displayed has been illustrated, but the screen may be a one-line screen and all message elements may be scroll-displayed. Further, the signboard device 3 may be constituted by a plasma screen or a liquid crystal screen.
[0067]
On the other hand, a recording medium (for example, a CD-ROM, a floppy disk, a RAM card, or the like) in which a program code for causing each of the above-described units to be executed may be provided to the computer.
That is, it is a recording medium having a program code which can be read by a computer, and is formed by associating various basic message information created in advance as basic display information for distribution to an electronic signage device with its schedule information. A function of acquiring information as basic information, and when temporary interrupt message information is created, information obtained by adding the interrupt message information to the basic information is generated as variation information with respect to the basic information, and the electronic signboard device is generated. And the distribution information generated and distributed in place of the basic information currently set in the electronic signboard device is designated as a display target, and each basic message information in the fluctuation information is designated by its schedule. Display according to the information and also display the interrupt message information together. It may be a computer that records the order of the program to provide a recording medium readable.
[0068]
【The invention's effect】
According to this invention (invention of claim 1), when the interrupt message information is created, the message distribution device acquires basic information including various basic message information and schedule information created in advance, The information obtained by adding the interrupt message information to the basic information is generated as variation information for the basic information and distributed to the electronic signage device. When the electronic signage device captures the variation information, the electronic signage device adds the information to the currently set basic information. Instead, the change information is designated as a display target, and each basic message information in the change information is displayed according to the schedule information and the interrupt message information is also displayed. Basic message information can be displayed sequentially according to the schedule, and temporary Even body occurs, an interrupt message information can be independently displayed with the schedule while maintaining the relationship between the basic message information, it is possible to easily achieve effective message display. In this case, since it is only necessary to mount a schedule monitoring function for sequentially displaying various message information in accordance with the schedule information on the electronic signboard device, it is assumed that a large number of such signboard devices are installed not only near the entrance of the store but also near the entrance. However, the equipment cost can be reduced.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the overall configuration of an electronic signboard display system.
FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the contents of a signboard table 11 provided on the store PC 1 side for managing each signboard device 3;
FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the contents of a display data file (basic data file) 12;
FIG. 4 is a diagram exemplifying a state in which each of the currently set basic message information M1 to Mn is sequentially switched and displayed according to the schedule information S1 to Sn in the signboard device 3.
FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example in which the shop PC 1 newly generates interrupt message information by adding the interrupt message information to the display data file 12 when the interrupt message information to be temporarily displayed on the signboard device 3 as interrupt information is created. The figure which showed the content of the temporary display data file (fluctuation data file) 13.
FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing a configuration of the signboard device, when a variable data file is set in place of the basic data file in the signboard device; The figure which illustrated the mode that interrupt message information X is switched and displayed sequentially.
FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing basic components of the shop PC1.
FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing the operation of the store PC 1 on the electronic signboard display system.
FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing the operation of the store PC 1 following FIG. 8;
FIG. 10 is a flowchart following FIG. 8 and FIG. 9 showing the operation on the store PC 1 side.
FIG. 11 is a flowchart following FIG. 8 and FIG. 10 showing the operation on the store PC1 side.
FIG. 12 is a flowchart following FIG. 8 and FIG. 10 showing the operation on the store PC 1 side.
FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing the operation of the infrared portable remote controller 4 relating to the electronic signboard display system.
FIG. 14 is a schematic view showing the appearance of the infrared portable remote controller 4;
FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing an operation of the signboard device 3 started to be executed when the power is turned on.
[Explanation of symbols]
1 store PC
2 Network
3 Electronic signage device
4 Infrared portable remote control
11 Signboard table
12 Basic data file (display data file)
13 Fluctuation data file (display data file)
41 Create button
42 Transfer button
43 Back button
101 CPU
102 storage device
104 Communication device
105 Input device
106 display device
M1-Mn basic message information
S1-Sn schedule information
X Interrupt message information
Y Schedule information for dummy

Claims (8)

An electronic signboard display system including an electronic signboard device that sequentially displays various kinds of preset message information according to the schedule information, and a message distribution device that distributes message information to the electronic signboard device together with the schedule information. So,
The message distributing device is configured to acquire, as basic information, information obtained by associating various basic message information previously created as basic display information with schedule information, and to temporarily generate interrupt message information. And a fluctuation information generating means for generating information obtained by adding the interrupt message information to the basic information as fluctuation information for the basic information, wherein the fluctuation information generated by the fluctuation information generating means is transmitted to an electronic signboard device. Distributed to
When the electronic signboard device captures the fluctuation information generated and distributed by the message distribution device, the electronic signboard device designates the fluctuation information as a display target instead of the currently set basic information, and specifies each basic message in the fluctuation information. Display information according to its schedule information and also display interrupt message information.
An electronic signboard display system, characterized in that: The basic information has a data structure in which schedule information indicating the display time is associated with each message information,
When adding the interrupt message information to the basic information, the fluctuation information generating means also adds pseudo schedule information in association with the interrupt message information so as to have the same data structure as the basic information. ,
The electronic signboard device displays the interrupt message information irrespective of the pseudo schedule information associated with the interrupt message information.
2. The electronic signboard display system according to claim 1, wherein: The electronic signboard device compares the current timekeeping information with the schedule information in order to sequentially display the respective basic message information based on the basic information based on the schedule information. In a case where the basic message information corresponds to the display target, the display device has display control means for repeatedly displaying the plurality of basic message information,
The display control means, when any of the basic message information in the fluctuation information corresponds to the display target, repeatedly displays the basic message information and the interrupt message information included in the fluctuation information,
3. The electronic signboard display system according to claim 1, wherein: The message distributing device acquires the basic information as information for distributing to the electronic signboard device when cancellation of the interrupt display is designated,
When the electronic signboard device captures the basic information, instead of the fluctuation information that is currently set, the currently captured basic information is designated as a display target.
3. The electronic signboard display system according to claim 1, wherein: The message distributing apparatus specifies a first mode in which, when interrupt message information is created, fluctuation information obtained by adding the interrupt message information to the basic information as a distribution target, and designates only this interrupt message information as a distribution target. And when the first mode is selected, the variable information obtained by adding the interrupt message information to the basic information is distributed to the electronic signboard device, and the second mode is selected. In this case, only the interrupt message information is distributed to the electronic signboard device,
The electronic signboard device, when capturing only the interrupt message information created and distributed by the message distribution device, specifies only the interrupt message information as a display target instead of the basic information that is currently set,
3. The electronic signboard display system according to claim 1, wherein: When an arbitrary display device is selected as a setting target from among a plurality of electronic signage devices, the message distribution device obtains and transmits and distributes the corresponding basic information to the signage device, or generates the change information. Transmitting and distributing the fluctuation information generated by the means,
3. The electronic signboard display system according to claim 1, wherein: Against the computer
A function of acquiring, as basic information, information obtained by associating various basic message information and its schedule information created in advance as basic display information for distribution to the electronic signboard device,
When temporary interrupt message information is created, a function of generating information obtained by adding the interrupt message information to the basic information as fluctuation information for the basic information, and distributing the information to the electronic signboard device,
In place of the basic information currently set in the electronic signboard device, the generated and distributed fluctuation information is designated as a display target, and each basic message information in the fluctuation information is displayed according to its schedule information, and an interrupt message is displayed. A function that also displays information,
The program to realize. A message distribution device that distributes message information to a digital signage device together with schedule information,
When temporary interrupt message information is created, information that associates various basic message information created in advance as basic display information with schedule information is acquired as basic information, and the basic information is Generates information obtained by adding interrupt message information as fluctuation information to the basic information and distributes it to the electronic signboard device,
An electronic signboard device that sequentially displays various preset message information according to the schedule information,
Instead of the currently set basic information, the generated and distributed fluctuation information is designated as a display target, and each basic message information in the fluctuation information is displayed according to its schedule information, and interrupt message information is also added. indicate,
An electronic signboard display method, characterized in that:

Images