JP2004233866A - Bgm reproduction system, data transmission system, and scheduling program - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a BGM reproduction system, a data transmission system, and a scheduling program such that settings of a detailed schedule is easily changed. <P>SOLUTION: When the starting time of a schedule file is on the starting day of a set period of validity, a period of validity in a validity period storage means 47 is automatically so varied that the starting time of the period of validity is the starting time of the schedule file and when the ending time of the schedule file is on the ending day of the set period of validity, the period of validity in the validity period storage means 47 is automatically so varied that the ending time of the period of validity is the ending time of the schedule file. When the schedule file lasts beyond the range of the period of validity, the period of validity in the validity period storage means 47 is automatically so varied that the starting time or ending time of the period of validity is expanded to the starting time or ending time of the schedule file. Here, the period of validity is varied by a validity period varying means 49. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2004,JPO&NCIPI

Description

[0001]
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a BGM reproducing system for providing a content to be reproduced to a BGM player installed in a store, a data transmitting system for transmitting data such as an e-mail to the BGM player, and a schedule creation program executed by the data transmitting system.
[0002]
[Prior art]
The outline of the BGM player will be described.
A BGM player is one of BGM devices installed in a store such as a supermarket and capable of reproducing contents such as music and images stored in a built-in storage unit during business hours of the store.
[0003]
Such a BGM player obtains the content by receiving in advance a recording medium (CD or the like) on which the content to be reproduced is recorded by an agency.
However, in recent years, a BGM player requesting content is connected directly to a terminal storing the content using a telephone line or the like to directly download the terminal, or a LAN or Internet to which a server storing the content is connected. A method has been established in which a BGM player requesting content is connected to the server and downloaded from a content storage server.
[0004]
In such a BGM player, the schedule of when and what content is to be reproduced is stored in advance in the BGM player as a control program, and the control unit of the BGM player reproduces the content based on the schedule. Was doing.
[0005]
Further, by transmitting an e-mail in which a processing command is described from a data transmitting device installed in an agency that provides BGM and manages the BGM player to a data receiving device (BGM player) in the store, A BGM playback system that connects a BGM player to a data transmission device to receive content has also been proposed (see Patent Document 1).
According to this, the data transmitting device can obtain necessary contents and instruct a schedule such as a reproduction date and time of the obtained contents only by transmitting one e-mail.
[0006]
Further, in the conventional system, a valid period is set in a schedule created on the data transmission device side. The validity period is a period set so that a predetermined schedule can be effectively executed, and can be set on a daily basis, such as year, month, day, year, month, and day. By setting such a validity period, it is possible to prevent the reproduction of content that is out of season or out of date.
[0007]
Here, the relationship between the schedule and the validity period will be described with reference to FIG.
First, each schedule is composed of time information and content of what content is to be played from what time to what time. In this example, a supermarket where business hours are from 9:00 to 21:00, etc. The schedule for weekdays in is shown as an example. The contents reproduced in such a supermarket include greetings at the time of opening and closing a store, announcements of bargain items in the evening, and ordinary BGM.
In this example, an example in which five days from January 6 to January 10 are set as the valid period of the weekday schedule 1 is given. That is, according to the example shown here, the weekday schedule 1 is operated from January 6 to January 10, but is not operated after January 11.
[0008]
[Patent Document 1]
JP 2001-282689 A (FIG. 15)
[0009]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
Consider a case where a plurality of overlapping schedules are operated simultaneously. In such a case, since the reproduction dates and times of the contents may overlap, a plurality of schedules are given a priority, and the schedule with the higher priority is executed.
For example, as shown in FIG. 18, when January 8 is a thanks-for-sale day, and content reproduction based on a special schedule is required from 12:00 to 24:00, the special schedule is given priority over the weekday schedule 1. If it is set high, the special schedule will be interrupted on January 8, and the content will be reproduced based on the special schedule.
However, in this case, since the effective period of the special schedule is set from 0:00 to 24:00 on January 8, it is necessary to execute the contents of the original weekday schedule 1 from 9:00 to 12:00. Even so, the entire schedule of January 8 will be replaced by the special schedule, and the contents of the original weekday schedule 1 cannot be executed between 9:00 and 12:00.
[0010]
Further, as shown in FIG. 19, when only the announcement at noon on January 8 is to be changed and the other time zone is to be executed according to the schedule 1 for weekdays, a specific day of the predetermined schedule is selected. You may want to make only minor changes in.
In this case, if you create a schedule for noon announcements only and the other time zones are blank, January 8 will be replaced by a noon announcement only schedule, and the time zones other than noon announcements will be replaced. Since no content is reproduced, it is not possible to switch the schedule in detail.
[0011]
As described above, when executing a plurality of schedules, in a schedule with a high priority, even if only a schedule of a portion to be changed is created, it is not possible to make a schedule that reflects only this, and only a slight change is desired. However, there is a problem that it is necessary to create a schedule in which all the time zones are all set again, and it takes time to create a schedule with a high priority.
[0012]
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made to solve the above problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a BGM reproduction system, a data transmission system, and a schedule creation program that can easily change a detailed schedule setting. is there.
[0013]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
According to the BGM reproducing system of the present invention, a BGM player connected to a network and capable of reproducing a plurality of contents is connected to the network so as to be able to communicate with the BGM player, A data transmission system for transmitting an e-mail in which a predetermined command is described, wherein the BGM player having received the e-mail from the data transmission system performs a predetermined operation based on the command described in the e-mail. In the BGM playback system that executes the processing of the above, the data transmission system is provided so as to be able to input and edit a schedule that specifies the playback date and time of each content to be played back by the BGM player, and based on the input and edit of the schedule, Describes the identifier and playback date and time of each content Schedule file creating means for creating the created schedule file, and command creating means for creating a command to be executed by the BGM player based on the created schedule file, wherein the schedule file creating means comprises: If the valid period, which is the period during which the valid period can be executed, is entered on a daily basis, the start time of the entered valid period is set to midnight on the start date, and the end time is set to 24:00 pm on the end date. Validity period setting means for storing in the validity period storage means, and when the start time of the schedule file exists on the set start date of the validity period, the start time of the validity period is matched with the start time of the schedule file. Automatically changes the validity period in the validity period storage means so that the set validity period If the end time of the schedule file exists on the end date of the schedule file, the validity period in the validity period storage means is automatically changed so that the end time of the validity period matches the end time of the schedule file. If the schedule file extends outside the range, the validity period in the validity period storage means is extended so that the start time or end time of the validity period is extended to the start time or end time of the protruding schedule file. Is automatically changed.
[0014]
By adopting this configuration, the start time of the valid period and the end time of the valid period have been uniformly determined to be 0 o'clock on the start date and 24:00 on the end date. This is automatically set in accordance with the start time and end time of the schedule file, thereby preventing a blank portion from being generated in the validity period of the day on which the schedule file exists. For this reason, even when a plurality of schedules are to be operated at the same time, a blank portion of a high-priority schedule does not overwrite a low-priority schedule. It can be done easily.
[0015]
ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to the data transmission system concerning this invention, it connected via the network so that it could communicate with the BGM player which can reproduce several content, and the e-mail in which the predetermined command was described with respect to the said BGM player In the data transmission system, a schedule for specifying the reproduction date and time of each content to be reproduced by the BGM player is provided so as to be inputtable and editable. Based on the input and editing of the schedule, the identifier of each content and the reproduction date and time are provided. And a command creating means for creating a command to be executed by the BGM player based on the created schedule file. The schedule file creating means comprises: H If the validity period, which is the period during which the file can be executed effectively, is entered on a daily basis, the validity period of the entered validity period is set to midnight on the start date and the end time is set to 24:00 pm on the end date. The validity period setting means stored in the storage means is configured to match the start time of the validity period with the start time of the schedule file when the start time of the schedule file exists on the set start date of the validity period. The validity period in the validity period storage means is automatically changed, and if the end time of the schedule file exists at the end date of the set validity period, the end time of the validity period is set to the end time of the schedule file. Automatically change the validity period in the validity period storage means so that they match, and if the schedule file exists outside the validity period Validity period changing means for automatically changing the validity period in the validity period storage means so as to extend the start time or end time of the validity period until the start time or end time of the protruding schedule file. I have.
[0016]
By adopting this configuration, the start time of the valid period and the end time of the valid period have been uniformly determined to be 0 o'clock on the start date and 24:00 on the end date. This is automatically set in accordance with the start time and end time of the schedule file, thereby preventing a blank portion from being generated in the validity period of the day on which the schedule file exists. For this reason, even when a plurality of schedules are to be operated at the same time, a blank portion of a high-priority schedule does not overwrite a low-priority schedule. It can be done easily.
[0017]
Further, the schedule file creating means may set the start time of the validity period changed by the validity period changing means between midnight of the start date of the validity period and the start time of the validity period after the change. And the end time of the validity period changed by the validity period changing means can be set to any time between 24:00 pm on the end date of the validity period and the end time of the validity period after the change. May be provided so as to be changeable.
Therefore, even when the start time and the end time of the valid period are automatically set, the start time and the end time of the valid period can be further changed for the user's convenience.
[0018]
Further, the schedule file creating means can change the start time of the validity period which has not been changed by the validity period changing means to an arbitrary time of the user within a range of the start date of the validity period, and the validity period changing means In some cases, the end time of the effective period that has not been changed may be changed to any time of the user within the range of the end date of the effective period.
Therefore, even when the automatic setting of the validity period is not performed, the start time and the end time of the validity period can be changed at the convenience of the user.
[0019]
Further, the schedule file creating means, when the validity period changing means expands the start time or end time of the validity period up to the start time or end time of the schedule file outside the validity range, the protruding portion The start time or end time of the validity period can be changed to any time of the user from midnight or 24:00 pm of the day to which the user belongs to the start time or end time of the validity period after the change of the schedule file. It may be.
Therefore, even after the validity period is changed, the start time and the end time of the validity period can be further changed at the convenience of the user.
[0020]
According to the schedule creation program of the present invention, an electronic mail in which a predetermined command is described is connected to a BGM player capable of reproducing a plurality of contents via a network so as to be communicable with the BGM player. Is a schedule creation program to be executed by the data transmission system for transmitting the BGM player. The schedule is provided so as to be capable of inputting and editing a reproduction date and time of each content to be reproduced by the BGM player, and based on the input and editing of the schedule, A procedure for creating a schedule file in which the identifier of each content and the reproduction date and time are described, a procedure for inputting a valid period, which is a period during which the created schedule file can be effectively executed, on a daily basis, a start time of the input valid period Is set to midnight on the start date, Procedure for setting the time to 24:00 pm on the end date and storing it in the validity period storage means. If the start time of the schedule file exists on the set start date of the validity period, the start time of the validity period is set to the schedule time. The validity period in the validity period storage means is automatically changed so as to match the start time of the file. If the end time of the schedule file exists on the end date of the set validity period, the validity period ends. The validity period in the validity period storage means is automatically changed so that the time coincides with the end time of the schedule file, and if the schedule file exists outside the validity period and the schedule file exists, the program runs out of the validity period. The validity in the validity period storage means is expanded so that the start time or end time of the validity period is extended until the start time or end time of the schedule file It is characterized in that to execute the steps to automatically change between the data transmission system.
[0021]
According to this program, the start time of the validity period and the end time of the validity period were determined to be 0:00 and 24:00 on the start date, respectively. Is automatically set in accordance with the start time and end time of the schedule file, thereby preventing a blank portion from being generated in the effective period of the day on which the schedule file exists. For this reason, even when a plurality of schedules are to be operated at the same time, a blank portion of a high-priority schedule does not overwrite a low-priority schedule. It can be done easily.
[0022]
Also, a procedure of changing the start time of the changed validity period to a user's arbitrary time between midnight of the start date of the validity period and the start time of the changed validity period, The data transmission system may execute a procedure for changing the end time to an arbitrary time of the user between 24:00 pm on the end date of the validity period and the end time of the validity period after the change.
According to this program, even when the start time and the end time of the valid period are automatically set, the start time and the end time of the valid period can be further changed at the convenience of the user.
[0023]
Further, the procedure for changing the start time of the effective period that has not been changed to any time of the user within the range of the start date of the effective period, and the end time of the effective period that has not been changed within the range of the end date of the effective period A procedure for changing the time at an arbitrary time of the user may be executed by the data transmission system.
According to this program, even when the automatic setting of the validity period is not performed, the start time and the end time of the validity period can be changed at the convenience of the user.
[0024]
When the start time or the end time of the validity period is extended to the start time or the end time of the schedule file that protrudes outside the validity period, the schedule file starts from 0:00 or 24:00 on the day to which the protruding part belongs. The data transmission system may cause the data transmission system to execute a procedure for changing the start time or end time of the validity period to an arbitrary time of the user between the start time or the end time of the validity period after the change.
According to this program, even after the validity period is changed, the start time and the end time of the validity period can be further changed at the convenience of the user.
[0025]
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of a BGM playback system according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.
[0026]
First, terms used in this specification will be described.
The content identifier refers to a name of the content storage server 28 in which the content is stored, a storage path to the content to be distributed to the BGM player 16, and the like.
The content information refers to information on content including a content name and a content identifier.
The preview data / preview data refers to data obtained by cutting out a part of a content, which is a music or an image, and compressing and encrypting it.
The user refers to a person who operates the data transmission system 14 in the agency 4 and manages the BGM player 16 by setting a schedule.
[0027]
(Whole system)
First, an overall outline of the BGM reproduction system 10 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram showing a general configuration of a network capable of transmitting and receiving electronic mail.
The BGM reproduction system 10 includes a store 2 such as a supermarket or a department store, and an agency 4 that provides BGM to the store 2 and performs maintenance work of a BGM player.
[0028]
A BGM player 16 is installed in the store 2. The operation of the BGM player 16 is controlled based on a command created on the agency 4 side, and reproduces the content specified by the agency 4. The configuration and detailed operation of the BGM player 16 will be described later.
[0029]
In the agency 4, a data transmission system 14 for transmitting a command for setting the operation of the BGM player 16 is installed.
The data transmission system 14 according to the present embodiment converts a schedule file created by the schedule file creation device 17 into a command that can be read and executed by the BGM player 16 by using a schedule file creation device 17 that creates a schedule file. And a command creation device 18 that describes commands (including attachments). Examples of the command include a command to instruct to download a predetermined content from the corresponding content storage server 28, a command as a content reproduction schedule, and the like.
[0030]
In addition, the schedule file creation device 17 according to the present embodiment includes a content information download unit that can download content information. The schedule file creation device allows a user to create a schedule file based on downloaded content information.
The schedule file creation device 17 and the command creation device 18 are connected by a LAN or other communication line.
[0031]
On the Internet 12, which is an example of a network, a content storage server 28 in which content to be distributed to the BGM player 16 is stored, and a name and storage path (identifier) of the content storage server 28 in which the content name and the actual content are stored. Are registered, and a mail server 26 for relaying an electronic mail 24 transmitted from the data transmission system 14 to the BGM player 16 is provided.
[0032]
Since the mail server 26 is provided, the BGM player 16 and the data transmission system 14 of the agency 4 are connected to each other so that the e-mail 24 can be exchanged using the Internet 12.
[0033]
(Data transmission system)
Next, the structure and operation of the schedule file creation device 17 and command creation device 18 in the agency 4 will be described.
The schedule file creation device 17 includes a control unit 40 including a CPU and a memory, a storage unit 42 such as a hard disk drive, a communication unit 44 connected to a communication network such as the Internet 12 to transmit and receive data, a monitor device 45, A general personal computer (general-purpose computer) having a speaker 46 and the like can be used.
[0034]
The schedule file creation device 17 includes a content information download unit 48 that accesses the content information registration server 27 and downloads the above-described content information from the content information registration server 27.
The content information is accompanied by preview data and preview data. The preview data / preview data is data that is cut out from a part of the content and provided to be reproducible.
[0035]
The content information download unit 48 is realized by the control unit 40 executing application software stored in the storage unit 42 in advance.
The downloaded preview data and preview data are reproduced via the speaker 46 and the monitor device 45 via the reproducing means 51. The reproduction means 51 includes a D / A conversion circuit for a D / A conversion of the downloaded preview data or preview data, an amplification circuit, and the like.
Therefore, the user can determine to play the most suitable content while previewing and previewing various contents.
[0036]
The schedule file creation unit 50 that creates a schedule file is realized by the control unit 40 executing a schedule creation program stored in the storage unit 42 in advance.
[0037]
The operation of the schedule file creating means will be described with reference to FIGS.
When the schedule file creating means 50 is operated, a screen as shown in FIG. 3 is displayed. This display screen is an initial setting screen 60 for setting the effective period, priority, title, and the like of the schedule.
The validity period is set in units of days by inputting the start date and the end date of the reproduction date and time of the schedule to be created in the text boxes 61 and 62. In this initial setting, the validity period setting means 52 as one function of the schedule file creating means 50 sets the start time of the validity period at 0:00 on the start date and sets the end time of the validity period at 24:00 on the end date. It is stored in the validity period storage means 47.
Although an input box 63 for setting up to the time of the validity period is provided on the initial setting screen 60, the input box 63 is not provided so that the user can set it at this stage. Can be set (described below). The details of the automatic setting of the validity period will be described later.
[0038]
In addition, on the initial setting screen 60, the user can specify the priority of the schedule to be created. The priority determines the order of execution when a plurality of commands based on the schedule exist in the BGM player 16.
The priority order can be determined by selecting any of the preset order in the priority order setting box 64. In the present embodiment, the priority order can be selected from among “highest priority”, “high”, “medium”, and “low”.
[0039]
Below the priority order setting box 64, a text box 65 for inputting a title and a text box 66 for inputting a creator name are provided.
After the necessary items are entered in these input boxes, an OK button 67 is clicked to register the settings of the schedule file to be created.
When the initial setting screen 60 is closed, the screen shifts to the next screen (FIG. 4).
[0040]
FIG. 4 shows a content arrangement screen 70 for specifically creating a schedule.
The content arrangement screen 70 is a screen on which an arbitrary content selected by the user can be set in what time zone.
In the content arrangement screen 70, the content 72 is pasted on a table delimited by a predetermined unit time on a table delimited by a predetermined unit time, and the icon is extended or reduced in the table, so that the content can be displayed from time to time. You can set whether to play.
Although the scale of the table is in units of one hour in this figure, it can be changed to each unit of 30 minutes, 5 minutes, and 1 minute by clicking any of the scale selection buttons 71. Therefore, if the scale is changed in units of one minute, a content schedule can be set in units of one minute.
[0041]
Note that there are four types of content: “Background Music (BGM)”, “Commercial Message (CM)”, “Background Video (BGV)”, and “Commercial Message Video (CMV)”.
One schedule file can be set to mix and set these four types of contents. Since both "BGM" and "CM" are audio data, they cannot be reproduced simultaneously even if they are set in a single schedule file. In such a case, the setting is made so that the content relating to “CM” is reproduced with priority over “BGM”. This is because "CM" is shorter as data and may require urgency.
Specifically, the CM content is preferentially reproduced at the overlapping portion between the icon 72a of the BGM content and the icon 72b of the CM content in FIG. 4, and the overlapping portion (reference numeral 72c) of the icon 72a of the BGM content is not reproduced. It becomes.
[0042]
Also, since both “BGV” and “CMV” are image data, they cannot be played back simultaneously even if they are set redundantly in one schedule file. In such a case, the setting is made so that the content related to “CMV” is reproduced prior to “BGV”. This is because "CMV" is shorter as data and may require urgency.
[0043]
Note that the audio data “BGM” and “CM” and the image data “BGV” and “CMV” can be reproduced simultaneously even if they are set in the same time.
Specifically, even if the icon 72d of the CMV content and the icon 72a of the BGM content are set in FIG. 4, both contents are reproduced together.
[0044]
Note that the icon 72 on which the content name can be pasted on the screen 70 is created based on the content information downloaded by the content information download unit 48.
The creation of the icon 72 is performed in the following procedure.
When the user clicks the read button 74 for arbitrary content, a list of downloaded content information stored in a predetermined folder in the schedule file creation device 17 is displayed. The user selects arbitrary content information from the displayed content information. Then, an icon in which the selected content name is described is created, and is displayed on the screen so that it can be moved and enlarged / reduced.
[0045]
By pasting the icon 72 on which the content name is described in FIG. 4 on the content arrangement screen 70, the start time and the end time in one day of the schedule are determined.
In the present embodiment, the start time and the end time of the icon 72a are the start time and the end time of the schedule. That is, 5:00 is the start time and 16:00 is the end time.
When the arrangement of the contents within the time of one day is completed on the contents arrangement screen 70, the schedule set here is stored in the storage means 42 as a basic schedule file.
[0046]
FIG. 5 shows a long-term schedule setting screen 80 for setting how to execute one basic schedule file created in FIG. 4 yearly and weekly.
In the upper table 81, a weekly schedule can be set. Here, a box 82 for selecting which basic schedule is to be set is provided. In the table 81, it is possible to set on what day of the week the basic schedule selected in the box 82 is to be executed and not to be executed on which day.
Thus, for example, in a store on a regular holiday on Wednesday, the setting of the basic schedule can be removed so that the content is not reproduced on Wednesday, and the basic schedule can be set on other days.
It is also possible to set such that a different basic schedule is executed for each day of the week.
[0047]
Table 84 below sets the annual schedule. Here, a box 85 for selecting which basic schedule is to be set, and a box 86 for selecting a start date and time and an end date and time as the setting of the effective period of the selected basic schedule are provided. As a result, regardless of the day of the week, it is possible to set a long-term execution of the basic schedule from what year and what day to what year and what day.
However, in the table 84, even if the start and end periods are set in the box 86, the schedule is set on a specific day irrespective of the day of the week, for example, when the month is closed on the company anniversary day. Can be removed.
It should be noted that a different basic schedule may be set for each day.
[0048]
The long-term schedule setting screen 80 schedules the basic schedule for a long term (weekly or yearly) to create a final schedule file.
That is, the schedule file is a combination of a basic schedule in which what content is to be executed from what time to what time, and a long-term schedule in which the basic schedule is set as a weekly and annual schedule.
[0049]
The automatic setting of the validity period will be described.
The validity period is set for each created schedule file, and is set in advance so that the content to be reproduced is not out of season or outdated.
As described above, the user first manually inputs the validity period on a daily basis (reference numerals 61 and 62 in FIG. 3). This valid period is temporarily stored in a valid period storage means 47 such as a ROM.
Thereafter, after the schedule file is finally created, the validity period changing means 49 operates. The validity period changing unit 49 is provided as a function of the schedule file creating unit 50, and is realized by the control unit 40 executing a program stored in the storage unit 42 in advance.
[0050]
An example of the operation of the validity period changing means is shown in the flowchart of FIG.
First, in step S100, the control unit 40 determines whether or not the start time of the created basic schedule is within the start date of the valid period in the valid period storage unit 47. As a result of the determination, if the start time of the basic schedule is within the start date of the valid period in the valid period storage means 47, the process proceeds to step S102, and the start time of the valid period is midnight of the start date. Is automatically changed to match the start time of the basic schedule. The validity period automatically changed is stored in the validity period storage means 47 again.
When the automatic change of the start time of the valid period ends, the process proceeds to step S106.
[0051]
If the start time of the basic schedule does not exist within the start date of the validity period in the validity period storage unit 47, the process proceeds to step S103, and the control unit 40 stores the start time of the created basic schedule in the validity period storage unit 47. It is determined whether or not the schedule exists before the start date of the validity period in the means 47 (the schedule is set beyond the validity period). As a result of the determination, if the start time of the basic schedule is present before the start date of the validity period in the validity period storage means 47, the process proceeds to step S102, and the start time of the validity period is set to midnight of the start date. It is automatically changed so that it is extended to match the start time of the basic schedule. The validity period automatically changed is stored in the validity period storage means 47 again.
When the automatic change of the start time of the valid period ends, the process proceeds to step S106.
[0052]
If the control unit 40 determines that the start time of the created basic schedule does not exist before the start date of the valid period in the valid period storage unit 47, the process proceeds to step S104. In step S104, control unit 40 does not automatically change the validity period, and proceeds to the next step S106.
[0053]
In step S106, the control unit 40 determines whether or not the end time of the created basic schedule is within the end date of the valid period in the valid period storage unit 47. As a result of the determination, if the end time of the basic schedule is within the end date of the valid period in the valid period storage means 47, the process proceeds to step S102, and the end time of the valid period is midnight of the end date. Is automatically changed to match the end time of the basic schedule. The validity period automatically changed is stored in the validity period storage means 47 again.
When the automatic change of the end time of the validity period ends, the operation of the validity period changing means 49 ends.
[0054]
If the end time of the basic schedule does not exist within the end date of the valid period in the valid period storage unit 47, the process proceeds to step S107, and the control unit 40 stores the end time of the created basic schedule in the valid period storage unit 47. It is determined whether or not the schedule exists after the end date of the validity period in the means 47 (the schedule is set beyond the validity period). As a result of the determination, if the end time of the basic schedule exists after the end date of the valid period in the valid period storage means 47, the process proceeds to step S108, where the end time of the valid period is 24:00 pm on the end date. Automatically change so that it is extended to match the end time of the basic schedule. The validity period automatically changed is stored in the validity period storage means 47 again.
When the automatic change of the end time of the validity period ends, the operation of the validity period changing means 49 ends.
[0055]
If the control unit 40 determines that the end time of the created basic schedule does not exist after the end date of the valid period in the valid period storage unit 47, the process proceeds to step S110. In step S110, control unit 40 does not automatically change the validity period, and the operation of validity period changing means 49 ends.
[0056]
The operation of the validity period changing means and the operation of changing the validity period of the user will be described in further detail with reference to FIGS.
First, FIG. 7 shows a case where the initial setting of the valid period (the valid period input by the user on a daily basis) is one day. The basic schedule is from 9:00 to 21:00.
In such a case, the validity period changing means 49 automatically changes the start time of the validity period to 9:00 which is the start time of the basic schedule. Further, the validity period changing unit 49 automatically changes the validity period end time to 21:00 which is the basic schedule end time.
After the time is changed by the validity period changing means 49, the user can further change the validity period. The change by the user can be performed by inputting on the screen 63 shown in FIG. In the example of FIG. 7, the start time of the valid period can be changed from 0:00 to 9:00 which is the start time of the basic schedule. The end time of the valid period can be changed from 21:00, which is the end time of the basic schedule, to 24:00, which is the end of the day.
[0057]
As shown in FIG. 8, the basic schedule may be located outside the range of the initial setting of the validity period. In this example, the start time of the basic schedule is 21:00 and the end time is 9:00 on the following day, even though the initial setting of the validity period is one day. Even in such a case, the validity period changing means 49 automatically changes the validity period start time from 0:00 to 21:00 which is the start time of the basic schedule. The validity period changing means 49 automatically changes the validity period end time from 24:00 to 9:00 on the following day, which is the end time of the basic schedule.
After the time is changed by the validity period changing means 49, the user can further change the validity period. The change by the user can be performed by inputting on the screen 63 shown in FIG. In the example of FIG. 8, the start time of the effective period can be changed from 0:00 on the day when the start time of the basic schedule exists to 9:00 am, which is the start time of the basic schedule. The end time of the valid period can be changed from 21:00, which is the end time of the basic schedule, to 24:00, which is the end of the day in which the end time of the basic schedule exists.
[0058]
Further, as shown in FIG. 9, there may be a case where the basic schedule does not exist within the valid period. In such a case, the start time of the valid period is 0:00 on the start date, the end time of the valid period remains at 24:00 on the end date, and the operation of automatically setting the valid period is not performed.
The user can change the validity period even when the validity period changing unit 49 does not automatically change the validity period. The change by the user can be performed by inputting on the screen 63 shown in FIG. In the example of FIG. 9, if the valid period is left for a predetermined time (one minute in this embodiment), the start time and the end time of the valid period can be freely changed from 0:00 to 24:00. it can.
[0059]
Next, an example of the operation of the validity period changing means when the initial setting of the validity period is two days or more will be described.
First, as shown in FIG. 10, for example, when only the start date of the basic schedule exists in the valid period of two days, the start time of the valid period is changed from 0:00 to the start time of the basic schedule. The validity period changing means 49 automatically changes the time to 9 o'clock. Further, since the basic schedule does not exist on the end date of the valid period, the valid period changing unit 49 operates so that the valid period end time is not changed and remains as it is.
After the time is changed by the validity period changing means 49, the user can further change the validity period. The change by the user can be performed by inputting on the screen 63 shown in FIG. In the example of FIG. 10, the start time of the valid period can be changed from 0:00 to 9:00 which is the start time of the basic schedule. If the end time of the validity period is left for a predetermined time (one minute in this embodiment) so that the end date of the validity period does not run out, the end time of the validity period starts at 0:00 of the end date. You can change it freely until 24:00.
[0060]
In addition, as shown in FIG. 11, when the basic schedule does not exist on the start date and only on the end date, the end time of the validity period is from 24:00 to the end time of the basic schedule. The validity period changing means 49 automatically sets the time to 21:00. Since the basic schedule does not exist on the start date of the validity period, the validity period changing means 49 operates so that the start time of the validity period is not changed and remains as it is.
After the time is changed by the validity period changing means 49, the user can further change the validity period. The change by the user can be performed by inputting on the screen 63 shown in FIG. In the example of FIG. 11, if the start time of the valid period is left for a predetermined time (one minute in this embodiment) so that the start date of the valid period does not run out, the start time of the valid period becomes the start date. Can be freely changed between 00:00 and 24:00. The end time of the valid period can be changed from 9:00 to 24:00 which is the end time of the basic schedule.
[0061]
In addition, as shown in FIG. 12, when the basic schedule exists over two days, the start time of the valid period is set to the start time of the basic schedule, and the end time of the valid period is set to the start time of the basic schedule. The validity period changing means 49 automatically sets the end time.
After the time is changed by the validity period changing means 49, the user can further change the validity period. The change by the user can be performed by inputting on the screen 63 shown in FIG. In the example of FIG. 12, the start time of the effective period can be changed from 0:00 of the start date to 9:00 which is the start time of the basic schedule. Further, the end time of the valid period can be changed from 21:00 which is the end time of the basic schedule to 24:00 of the end date.
[0062]
In the above-described embodiment of the operation of the validity period changing means 49, only the case where the initial setting of the validity period is one day and two days has been described. Even if the number of days is long, the operation of changing the validity period is similarly performed.
[0063]
Next, an example of the created schedule file is shown in FIG.
In the second line of the schedule file 120, the name of the schedule file is described (reference numeral 121).
The effective period is described in the third to fourth lines (reference numeral 122). The validity period described here is the post-change validity period changed by the validity period changing unit 49.
The fifth line describes the priority. Here, it is described that the priority is “2” (reference numeral 123).
The sixth to seventh lines describe the type of the BGM player 16, the name of the store 2, and the like (reference numeral 124).
[0064]
The contents of the weekly schedule are described in lines 9 to 15 of the schedule file 120 (reference numeral 125). Here, it is set to operate on a different basic schedule every day. Basic schedules of PAT1 to PAT6 are set from Sunday to Tuesday and from Thursday to Saturday, respectively, and nothing is defined on Wednesday because it is a regular holiday.
The 16th and 17th lines describe the contents of the annual schedule (reference numeral 126). Here, on a specific day (March 4, 2000 and May 15, 2000 in the present embodiment) within the effective period, PAT7 and PAT8 which are schedules different from the basic schedule set for each day of the week. Is defined to execute.
[0065]
Next, the structure and operation of the command creation device 18 will be described.
As shown in FIG. 14, the command creation device 18 includes a control unit 90 including a CPU and a memory, a storage unit 92 such as a hard disk drive, and a communication unit that transmits and receives data by connecting to a communication network such as the Internet 12. It can be constituted by a general personal computer (general-purpose computer) including a monitor 94, a monitor device 95, and the like.
[0066]
The command creation device 18 is provided with a command creation unit 97 that creates a command for controlling the operation of the BGM player 16 based on the schedule file created by the schedule file creation device 17.
The command creation unit 97 is realized by the control unit 90 executing application software stored in the storage unit 92 in advance.
[0067]
Further, the command creation device 18 is provided with a mail transmission unit 96 that can transmit an electronic mail to the BGM player 16.
As a specific example of the mail transmitting unit 96, there is an application software for creating, transmitting and receiving an electronic mail, and storing and managing a received mail. Such software may be included in a web browser, or may operate alone.
[0068]
The operation of the command creation unit 97 will be described.
When the command creating means 97 is activated, a command input screen 100 as shown in FIG. On the command input screen 100, the processing contents to be executed by the BGM player 16 can be input and edited in the order of execution.
On the center screen, processing contents such as a processing content “schedule” 101 a for setting a schedule in the BGM player 16, a “play” 101 b for reproducing the content, and a “load” 101 c for downloading the content are described in BGM in order from the top. They are shown in the order in which they are executed by the player 16.
[0069]
The command creating means 97 automatically creates each processing content into a command that can be executed by the BGM player 16 by simply selecting and arranging each processing content on the screen 100, and puts it in a state where it can be described in an e-mail. .
That is, the command creation unit 97 reads a predetermined schedule file specified by the command input screen 100 from the schedule file creation device 17 and converts it into a command.
[0070]
The command input screen 100 of the command creation unit 97 may be provided so that the priorities already set in each schedule file can be set again (not shown).
[0071]
(BGM player)
Next, the internal configuration of the BGM player will be described with reference to FIG.
The BGM player 16 includes a control unit 110 operated by firmware or the like set in advance to control the operation of the entire player, a communication unit 112 for connecting to a communication line such as the Internet 12, and a control unit 110 based on a schedule. A schedule storage unit 114 capable of storing a plurality of commands to be controlled (strictly, a schedule file converted into a command is stored, but in the present embodiment, it is shown as a schedule storage unit); And a reproducing means 117 comprising a D / A conversion circuit and an amplifier circuit for D / A converting the content as digital data extracted from the content storage means 116. ing.
[0072]
Further, a speaker 118 for reproducing the content as audio and a monitor device 119 for reproducing the content as video are connected to the reproducing means 117. The speaker 118 and the monitor device 119 may be provided integrally with the BGM player 16 or may be provided separately.
[0073]
Note that the communication unit 112 includes a reception date and time storage unit 111 that stores the date and time when the electronic mail 24 from the data transmission system 14 is received.
[0074]
In the BGM player 16 of the present embodiment, the schedule storage means 114 is constituted by a hard disk or the like, and can store a plurality of commands (hereinafter simply referred to as schedule commands) based on one schedule file.
[0075]
The control unit 110 of the BGM player 16 reads out the schedule commands stored in the schedule storage unit 114 within the validity period, and if the reproduction dates and times of the plurality of schedule commands do not overlap at all, the Execute only scheduled commands.
In the case where some of the plurality of schedule commands have the same reproduction date and time, the control unit 110 determines which schedule command to execute by checking the priority order, and determines the priority command assigned to the schedule command. The order is read and the schedule commands are executed in the order of higher priority.
At this time, if the priorities of the schedule commands are the same, the control unit 110 reads the date and time when the electronic mail 24 describing the schedule command is received from the reception date and time storage unit 111 of the communication unit 112, and The schedule command with the later date and time is controlled so as to be preferentially executed.
[0076]
(Other embodiments)
In the above-described embodiment, the content of the BGM player 16 is obtained by downloading the content from the content storage server 28.
In this way, traffic is not congested, and congestion of the transmission path from the data transmission system 14 to the Internet 12 can be reduced even if the number of BGM players 16 increases.
However, if the data transmission system 14 and the BGM player 16 are connected by a large-capacity line, the contents may be attached to the e-mail 24 from the data transmission system 14 and delivered directly to the BGM player 16. It may be. In such a case, there is no need to describe the content identifier in the e-mail.
[0077]
In the above-described embodiment, only the mode in which the schedule file creating device 17 including the schedule file creating means in the agency 4 downloads the content information and creates the schedule file based on the downloaded information has been described.
However, the means for downloading the content information or the like may be provided in a device separate from the device having the schedule file creating means.
[0078]
Further, the command creating means and the mail transmitting means may not be provided in an integrated device but may be provided in separate devices.
[0079]
Further, the schedule file creating means and the command creating means may be provided in the same device.
[0080]
Although only one BGM player 16 is shown in the BGM reproduction system 10, a plurality of BGM players can be connected and controlled.
[0081]
As described above, various preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described. However, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and it is needless to say that many modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. It is.
[0082]
【The invention's effect】
ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to the BGM reproduction system, the data transmission system, and the schedule creation program which concern on this invention, even when trying to operate several schedules simultaneously, a schedule with a high priority prevents schedule operation with a low priority. Such a situation can be prevented, and a detailed schedule change can be easily performed.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram showing an outline of an overall configuration of a BGM reproduction system.
FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing an internal configuration of a schedule file creation device including a schedule file creation unit in the data transmission system.
FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram showing a schedule initial setting screen.
FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing a basic schedule setting screen.
FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram showing a long-term schedule setting screen.
FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of a validity period changing unit.
FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram showing a first embodiment of the operation of the validity period changing means when the validity period is one day.
FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram showing a second embodiment of the operation of the validity period changing means when the validity period is one day.
FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram showing a third embodiment of the operation of the validity period changing means when the validity period is one day.
FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing a first embodiment of the operation of the validity period changing means when the validity period is two days.
FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram showing a second embodiment of the operation of the validity period changing means when the validity period is two days.
FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram showing a third embodiment of the operation of the validity period changing means when the validity period is two days.
FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a created schedule file.
FIG. 14 is an explanatory diagram showing an internal configuration of a command creation device including a command creation unit in the data transmission system.
FIG. 15 is an explanatory diagram showing an execution screen of a command creation unit.
FIG. 16 is an explanatory diagram showing the internal configuration of a BGM player.
FIG. 17 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a relationship between a schedule and a validity period.
FIG. 18 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an application in a case where a plurality of schedules having overlapping schedules are operated simultaneously.
FIG. 19 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an application in a case where a plurality of schedules having overlapping schedules are operated simultaneously.
[Explanation of symbols]
2 stores
4 Agencies
10 BGM playback system
12 Communication line
14 Data transmission system
16 BGM player
17 Schedule file creation device
18 Command creation device
24 Email
26 mail server
27 Content Information Registration Server
28 Content Storage Server
40, 90, 110 control unit
42,92 storage means
44,94,112 Communication unit
45,95,119 Monitor device
46,118 speakers
47 Validity period storage means
48 Contents information download means
49 Effective period changing means
50 Schedule file creation means
51,117 Reproduction means
52 Validity period setting means
60 Initial setting screen
61, 62, 65, 66 Text box
63 Input box
64 Priority setting box
67 OK button
70 Content layout screen
71 Scale selection button
72 Icons
74 Content read button
80 Long-term schedule setting screen
81, 84 Table
82, 85, 86 box
96 Mail transmission means
97 Command creation means
100 Command input screen
100 screens
111 Reception date and time storage means
114 Schedule storage means
116 Content Storage Means
117 Reproduction means
120 Schedule file

Claims (12)

A BGM player connected to the network and capable of reproducing a plurality of contents,
A data transmission system that is connected to the network so as to be able to communicate with the BGM player, and transmits an e-mail describing a predetermined command to the BGM player;
In the BGM reproducing system, wherein the BGM player that has received the e-mail from the data transmission system performs a predetermined process based on a command described in the e-mail,
The data transmission system,
A schedule for designating a reproduction date and time of each content to be reproduced by the BGM player is provided so as to be inputtable and editable. Based on the input and editing of the schedule, a schedule file in which an identifier of each content and a reproduction date and time are described is created. Schedule file creating means for creating, and command creating means for creating a command to be executed by the BGM player based on the created schedule file,
The schedule file creation means,
If the validity period, which is the period during which the created schedule file can be effectively executed, is entered on a daily basis, the start time of the entered validity period is set to midnight on the start date, and the end time is set to afternoon on the end date. Valid period setting means for setting at 24:00 and storing in the valid period storage means;
If the start time of the schedule file exists on the set start date of the validity period, the validity period in the validity period storage means is automatically adjusted so that the start time of the validity period matches the start time of the schedule file. If the end time of the schedule file is present on the end date of the set validity period, the validity period in the validity period storage means is adjusted so that the end time of the validity period matches the end time of the schedule file. Is automatically changed, and if a schedule file exists outside the validity period, the start time or end time of the validity period is extended to the start time or end time of the protruding schedule file. BGM characterized by having a valid period changing means for automatically changing the valid period in the valid period storage means. Raw system. The schedule file creation means,
The start time of the validity period changed by the validity period changing means can be changed to any time of the user between midnight of the start date of the validity period and the start time of the validity period after the change, and The end time of the validity period changed by the period changing means is provided to be changeable to an arbitrary time of the user between 24:00 pm of the end date of the validity period and the end time of the validity period after the change. The BGM reproduction system according to claim 1, wherein: The schedule file creation means,
The start time of the valid period that has not been changed by the valid period changing unit can be changed to any time of the user within the range of the start date of the valid period, and the valid period that has not been changed by the valid period changing unit can be changed. 3. The BGM reproducing system according to claim 1, wherein the end time is provided so as to be changeable to an arbitrary time of a user within a range of the end date of the validity period. The schedule file creation means,
When the validity period changing means expands the start time or end time of the validity period until the start time or end time of the schedule file that protrudes out of the validity range, the midnight or the afternoon of the day to which the protruding portion belongs. The start time or the end time of the effective period can be changed to any time of the user between 24:00 and the start time or the end time of the effective period after the change of the schedule file. Item 6. A BGM reproduction system according to Item 1, 2 or 3. In a data transmission system connected via a network so as to be able to communicate with a BGM player capable of reproducing a plurality of contents, and transmitting an e-mail in which a predetermined command is described to the BGM player,
A schedule for designating a reproduction date and time of each content to be reproduced by the BGM player is provided so as to be inputtable and editable. Based on the input and editing of the schedule, a schedule file in which an identifier of each content and a reproduction date and time are described is created. Means for creating a schedule file,
Command creation means for creating a command to be executed by the BGM player based on the created schedule file;
The schedule file creation means,
If the validity period, which is the period during which the created schedule file can be effectively executed, is entered on a daily basis, the start time of the entered validity period is set to midnight on the start date, and the end time is set to afternoon on the end date. Valid period setting means for setting at 24:00 and storing in the valid period storage means;
If the start time of the schedule file exists on the set start date of the validity period, the validity period in the validity period storage means is automatically adjusted so that the start time of the validity period matches the start time of the schedule file. If the end time of the schedule file is present on the end date of the set validity period, the validity period in the validity period storage means is adjusted so that the end time of the validity period matches the end time of the schedule file. Is automatically changed, and if a schedule file exists outside the validity period, the start time or end time of the validity period is extended to the start time or end time of the protruding schedule file. Characterized by having a validity period changing means for automatically changing the validity period in the validity period storage means Shin system. The schedule file creation means,
The start time of the validity period changed by the validity period changing means can be changed to any time of the user between midnight of the start date of the validity period and the start time of the validity period after the change, and The end time of the validity period changed by the period changing means is provided to be changeable to an arbitrary time of the user between 24:00 pm of the end date of the validity period and the end time of the validity period after the change. The data transmission system according to claim 5, wherein: The schedule file creation means,
The start time of the valid period that has not been changed by the valid period changing unit can be changed to any time of the user within the range of the start date of the valid period, and the valid period that has not been changed by the valid period changing unit can be changed. 7. The data transmission system according to claim 5, wherein the end time is provided to be changeable to an arbitrary time of a user within a range of the end date of the validity period. The schedule file creation means,
When the validity period changing means expands the start time or end time of the validity period until the start time or end time of the schedule file that protrudes out of the validity range, the midnight or the afternoon of the day to which the protruding portion belongs. The start time or the end time of the effective period can be changed to any time of the user between 24:00 and the start time or the end time of the effective period after the change of the schedule file. Item 9. The data transmission system according to any one of items 5, 6 and 7. Creation of a schedule which is connected via a network so as to be communicable with a BGM player capable of reproducing a plurality of contents, and which is executed by a data transmission system for transmitting an e-mail in which a predetermined command is described to the BGM player A program,
A schedule for designating a reproduction date and time of each content to be reproduced by the BGM player is provided so as to be inputtable and editable. Based on the input and editing of the schedule, a schedule file in which an identifier of each content and a reproduction date and time are described is created. Steps to
A procedure for inputting a valid period, which is a period during which the created schedule file can be effectively executed, on a daily basis,
A procedure of setting the start time of the input validity period at midnight on the start date, setting the end time at 24:00 pm on the end date, and storing in the validity period storage means;
If the start time of the schedule file exists on the set start date of the validity period, the validity period in the validity period storage means is automatically adjusted so that the start time of the validity period matches the start time of the schedule file. If the end time of the schedule file is present on the end date of the set validity period, the validity period in the validity period storage means is adjusted so that the end time of the validity period matches the end time of the schedule file. Is automatically changed, and if a schedule file exists outside the validity period, the start time or end time of the validity period is extended to the start time or end time of the protruding schedule file. Causing the data transmission system to execute a procedure for automatically changing the validity period in the validity period storage means. The schedule creation program that. Changing the start time of the changed validity period to a user's arbitrary time between midnight of the start date of the validity period and the start time of the changed validity period,
And causing the data transmission system to execute a procedure for changing the end time of the changed validity period to any time of the user between 24:00 pm on the end date of the validity period and the end time of the changed validity period. 10. The schedule creation program according to claim 9, wherein: A procedure for changing the start time of the effective period that has not been changed to any time of the user within the range of the start date of the effective period,
11. The program according to claim 9, further comprising causing the data transmission system to execute a procedure for changing the end time of the effective period that has not been changed to an arbitrary time of the user within the range of the end date of the effective period. . When the start time or end time of the validity period is extended to the start time or end time of the schedule file that protrudes outside the validity period, the schedule file is changed from midnight or 24:00 on the day to which the protruding part belongs. 11. The data transmission system according to claim 9, wherein a procedure for changing a start time or an end time of the valid period to an arbitrary time of a user between a start time and an end time of a subsequent valid period is performed. Or the schedule creation program according to 11.

Images