JP2013171466A - Content transmission device and program - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To display a link destination content newly stored in a POS system on a digital signage terminal device.SOLUTION: A content transmission device includes a setting part, a receiving part, and a transmission part. The setting part sets a content linked to a target content continuously transmitted, namely a link destination content stored in an external device, and a date and time of transmission when transmitting the link destination content. The receiving part receives the set link destination content from the external device at the set date and time of transmission or at a predetermined time before the set date and time of transmission. The transmission part transmits the target content continuously, and transmits the received link destination content between the target content which are currently transmitted and the target content to be transmitted next to the target content which are currently transmitted, at the set date and time of transmission.

Description

  Embodiments described herein relate generally to a content transmission apparatus and a program.

  A server that transmits content continuously and transmits linked content such as sales information and project information of a product that is linked to the content and stored in an external device such as a POS (Point Of Sales) system; A digital signage system having a digital signage that reproduces content transmitted from the server and linked content is disclosed.

  However, in the conventional digital signage system, since the server transmits the link destination content acquired in advance from the POS system to the digital signage, the server transmits the link destination content newly stored in the POS system to the digital signage. There is a problem that the link destination content stored in the POS system cannot be linked to the link destination content reproduced by digital signage.

  The content transmission apparatus according to the embodiment includes a setting unit, a reception unit, and a transmission unit. The setting unit sets the link destination content stored in the external device and linked to the target content to be continuously transmitted, and the transmission date and time when the link destination content is transmitted. The reception unit receives the set link destination content from the external device before the set transmission date and time or a predetermined time before the transmission date and time. The transmission unit continuously transmits the target content, and the reception is performed between the target content being transmitted at the set transmission date and time and the target content to be transmitted next to the target content being transmitted. Send the linked content.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of the information processing system according to the first embodiment. FIG. 2 is an external front view of the digital signage terminal device. FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of the digital signage terminal apparatus. FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of the information transmission server. FIG. 5 shows the data structure of the content information table. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a data configuration of the link destination content information table. FIG. 7 is a block diagram illustrating a functional configuration of the information transmission server according to the first embodiment. FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an example of a selection screen displayed on the display unit of the information transmission server. FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an example of a first setting screen displayed on the display unit of the information transmission server. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a second setting screen displayed on the display unit of the information transmission server. FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an example of a target content preview screen. FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating an example of a preview screen for linked content. FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing a flow of content transmission processing in the information transmission server. FIG. 14 is a block diagram illustrating a functional configuration of the information transmission server according to the second embodiment. FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating an example of a second setting screen for inputting transmission setting information regarding transmission of project information. FIG. 16 is a diagram illustrating an example of a preview screen for linked content. FIG. 17 is a block diagram illustrating a functional configuration of the information transmission server according to the third embodiment. FIG. 18 is a diagram illustrating an example of a second setting screen for inputting transmission setting information related to transmission of linked content according to customer information.

(First embodiment)
FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of the information processing system according to the first embodiment. The following description demonstrates the case where the information processing system concerning this embodiment is provided in the shopping mall.

  The information processing system 10 according to the present embodiment is a POS (Point Of Sales) system 15 that stores content such as sales information and promotion information of products, and a content transmission device that transmits content stored in the POS system 15. An information transmission server 11 and a plurality of digital signage terminal devices 14 that display content transmitted from the information transmission server 11 via a communication network 12 such as a local area network (LAN). .

  FIG. 2 is an external front view of the digital signage terminal device. The digital signage terminal device 14 includes a display unit 21 configured as a liquid crystal display or a plasma display, a printer unit 22 that prints and issues various tickets, coupons, and the like, and short-range wireless communication with a communication distance of several centimeters to 10 centimeters. A short-range wireless communication unit 23 that communicates with a portable information terminal device (not shown), a card reader 27 that reads customer information indicating a customer such as a customer ID from a customer card possessed by the customer, and a display unit 21 , A printer unit 22, a card reader 27, and a casing unit 24 that supports the short-range wireless communication unit 23.

  A camera unit 25 is incorporated in the upper part of the casing unit 24. The camera unit 25 is used for purposes such as photographing the user and performing image recognition, identifying the user's age group, and controlling the type of information to be transmitted. A speaker unit 26 that performs various sound outputs such as BGM and advertisement sound is built in the lower part of the unit 24. Note that processing such as image recognition may be performed by an upstream server such as the information transmission server 11 without being performed by the digital signage terminal device 14.

  As the printer unit 22, for example, a thermal recording type printer device using roll paper as a recording medium is used, and includes a cutting mechanism that automatically cuts roll paper as necessary.

  FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of the digital signage terminal apparatus. In addition to the display unit 21, printer unit 22, camera unit 25, speaker unit 26, and card reader 27, the digital signage terminal device 14 includes a controller 31 that controls the entire digital signage terminal device 14 and an operator or user. An operation unit 32 for performing various operations, a network communication interface (IF) 33 for communicating with the information transmission server 11 via the communication network 12, and a short-range wireless communication unit 23 are configured. An information transmission communication interface (IF) 34 for transmitting contents such as sales information and promotion information to an information terminal device (not shown), and an external storage device 35 for storing various data are provided.

  Here, the controller 31 temporarily stores an MPU (Micro Processing Unit) 36 that controls the entire controller 31, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 37 that stores a control program for operating the MPU 36, and various data. And a RAM (Random Access Memory) 38 for storage. The controller 31 receives the content transmitted from the information transmission server 11 via the communication network 12 by the MPU 36 executing the control program stored in the ROM 37, reproduces the received content, and displays the display unit. 21. The operation unit 32 may be configured with various switches, buttons, or the like, or may be configured integrally with the display unit 21 as a touch panel.

  Further, when transmitting content to a portable information terminal device (not shown), in addition to transmission via the information transmission communication interface (IF) 34, for example, a two-dimensional barcode is displayed on the display screen of the display unit 21. It may be configured to display and transmit by capturing and decoding by a camera unit of a portable information terminal device (not shown).

  FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of the information transmission server. The information transmission server 11 includes a controller 41 that controls the information transmission server 11 as a whole, an operation unit 42 that includes a keyboard and a mouse for an operator to perform various operations, and the digital signage terminal device 14 via the communication network 12. A network communication interface (IF) 43 for performing communication, an external storage device 44 for storing various data, and a display unit 45 configured as a liquid crystal display.

  Here, the controller 41 includes an MPU 46 that controls the entire controller 41, a ROM 47 that stores a control program for operating the MPU 46, and a RAM 48 that temporarily stores various data.

  The external storage device 44 stores content, images, a content information table T1 (see FIG. 5), a link destination content information table T2 (see FIG. 6), and the like.

  FIG. 5 shows the data structure of the content information table. As shown in FIG. 5, the content information table T1 includes a content ID (identification information) for identifying content stored in the external storage device 44, a content name of the content identified by the content ID, and the content ID. A thumbnail image of an image included in the identified content is stored in association with each other.

  FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a data configuration of the link destination content information table. As shown in FIG. 6, the link destination content information table T2 includes the target content ID, the target content name, the transmission number, the number of repetitions, the link destination content ID, the link destination content name, and the second link destination. The content ID, the second link destination content name, the image information, the transmission date / time, the reception date / time, and the content information are stored in association with each other.

  The target content ID is a content ID of content (hereinafter referred to as target content) that is continuously transmitted to the digital signage terminal device 14 among the content stored in the external storage device 44. The target content name is the content name of the target content identified by the target content ID. The transmission number represents the order in which the target content is transmitted to the digital signage terminal device 14. In the present embodiment, the digital signage terminal device 14 reproduces the target content in the order transmitted from the information transmission server 11. Therefore, in the present embodiment, the transmission number represents the reproduction order of the plurality of target contents when the digital signage terminal device 14 reproduces the plurality of target contents. The number of repetitions is the number of times the target content is repeatedly transmitted to the digital signage terminal device 14.

  The link destination content ID is a content ID that is linked to the target content and identifies content stored in the POS system 15 (hereinafter referred to as link destination content). The link destination content name is the content name of the link destination content identified by the link destination content ID. The second link destination content ID is a content ID that is linked to the link destination content and identifies the content stored in the POS system 15 (hereinafter referred to as the second link destination content). The second link destination content name is the content name of the second link destination content identified by the second link destination content ID.

  The image information is information (for example, an image name or the like) for identifying an image to be transmitted to the digital signage terminal device 14 together with the link destination content identified by the link destination content ID among the images stored in the external storage device 44. is there. The transmission date and time is the date and time when the link destination content identified by the link destination content ID is transmitted to the digital signage terminal device 14. The reception date and time is the date and time when the link destination content identified by the link destination content ID is received from the POS system 15. The content information is content information that identifies information to be transmitted to the digital signage terminal device 14 among information included in the link destination content when the link destination content identified by the link destination content ID includes a plurality of pieces of information ( For example, when the sales destination information of a plurality of products is included in the linked content, the product department that transmits the sales information to the digital signage terminal device 14).

  Next, characteristic functions of the information transmission server 11 according to the present embodiment will be described. FIG. 7 is a block diagram illustrating a functional configuration of the information transmission server according to the first embodiment. The MPU 46 operates as a display control unit 701, a selection unit 702, a setting unit 703, a reception unit 704, and a transmission unit 705 as shown in FIG. 7 by operating according to a control program stored in the ROM 47.

  The display control unit 701 includes a selection screen 45A (see FIG. 8), a first setting screen 45B (see FIG. 9), a second setting screen 45C (see FIG. 10), and preview screens 45D and 45E (see FIGS. 11 and 12). Is displayed on the display unit 45.

  FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an example of a selection screen displayed on the display unit of the information transmission server. When the operation unit 42 is operated to request selection of target content to be transmitted to the digital signage terminal device 14, the display control unit 701 displays a selection screen 45 </ b> A on the display unit 45.

  The selection screen 45A roughly includes a list display area 81 and an editing area 82. The list display area 81 is an area for displaying a list of contents stored in the external storage device 44. In the present embodiment, the thumbnail image 81A stored in the content information table T1 is displayed in the list display area 81. In the present embodiment, the thumbnail image 81A stored in the content information table T1 is displayed in the list display area 81, but a list of information related to the content stored in the external storage device 44 is displayed. If it is, it will not be limited to this. For example, the list display area 81 may display content names stored in the content information table T1.

  The edit area 82 is an area for inputting the target content to be transmitted to the digital signage terminal device 14 and the transmission order of the target content. In the present embodiment, the editing area 82 has a plurality of areas 82A on which numbers representing the transmission order of the target content are displayed. The operator of the information transmission server 11 operates the operation unit 42 to drag the thumbnail image 81A displayed in the list display area 81, and a number (transmission number) indicating a desired transmission order in the area 82A included in the editing area 82. ) Is displayed in the area 82A, the target content and the transmission number of the target content are input. In the editing area 82, a cursor 86 for selecting a target content for setting a link destination content to be linked to the target content among the target contents input in the editing area 82 is displayed. The operator can select the target content to set the link destination content by moving the cursor 86 to the thumbnail image 81A of the desired target content using the operation unit 42.

  The selection screen 45 </ b> A has a transmission condition input area 83 and a function button area 85. The transmission condition input area 83 is an area for inputting the transmission condition of the target content. In this embodiment, the transmission condition input area 83 is a content name input field 83A for inputting the content name of the target content to be transmitted, a transmission number input field 83B for inputting the transmission number of the target content, and the target content is repeated. It has a repeat count input field 83C for inputting the repeat count to be transmitted. The transmission number input field 83B displays the transmission number of the target content whose content name is input in the content name input field 83A among the transmission numbers of the target content input in the editing area 82. However, when the operator inputs a transmission number using the operation unit 42, the transmission number input using the operation unit 42 is displayed in the transmission number input column 83B in the transmission number input column 83B.

  In the present embodiment, since the digital signage terminal device 14 reproduces the target content in the order of transmission from the information transmission server 11, the transmission number input in the transmission number input field 83B is stored in the digital signage terminal device 14. This is the reproduction order of reproducing the target content when reproducing the target content.

  The function button area 85 includes an end button 85A for requesting the end of input of the target content, a link button 85B for requesting input of link destination content linked to the target content, a preview button 85C for requesting display of a preview image of the target content, and selection A confirmation button 85D for confirming various information input on the screen 45A is provided.

  The operator operates the operation unit 42 to move the cursor 86 to the thumbnail image 81A of the input target content and press the link button 85B on the selection screen 45A to select the target content for setting the link destination content. . When the target content for setting the link destination content is selected on the selection screen 45A, the display control unit 701 displays the first setting screen 45B (see FIG. 9) on the display unit 45.

  FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an example of a first setting screen displayed on the display unit of the information transmission server. The first setting screen 45B roughly includes a list display area 91 and an editing area 92. The list display area 91 is an area for displaying a list of contents that can be set as link destination contents among the contents stored in the POS system 15. In the present embodiment, the list display area 91 displays the content name 91 </ b> A of the content stored in the POS system 15. In the present embodiment, the content name 91 </ b> A is displayed in the list display area 91, but the list is limited to this as long as it displays a list of information related to the content stored in the POS system 15. is not. For example, the list display area 91 may display thumbnail images of images obtained by reproducing content stored in the POS system 15.

  The edit area 92 is an area for inputting a link destination content linked to the target content and a second link destination content linked to the link destination content. In the present embodiment, the editing area 92 is set to the transmission number of the target content input on the first setting screen 45B, the number of link destination contents that can be set to the target content of the transmission number, and the target content of the transmission number. A plurality of areas 92 </ b> A in which identification information (for example, “1-1-2”) including a content transmission number that is a transmission order for transmitting the link destination content is displayed. The operator of the information transmission server 11 operates the operation unit 42 to drag the content name 91 </ b> A displayed in the list display area 91, and in the area 92 </ b> A included in the editing area 92, the desired target to input the link destination content By dropping the content name 91A in the area 92A where the identification information including the content transmission number is displayed, the link destination content linked to the target content is input. The operator of the information transmission server 11 inputs a plurality of link destination contents to be linked to one target content by dropping a plurality of content names 91A in the area 92A in which identification information including the same transmission number is displayed. You can also In FIG. 9, the content name 91A: “content A” is dropped in the area 92A where the identification information: “1-1-1” is displayed, and the area 92A where the identification information: “2-2-1” is displayed. Since the content name 91A: “content B” is dropped and the content name 91A: “content C” is dropped in the area 92A where the identification information: “3-3-1” is displayed, the transmission number is “1”. "Content A" is input as the link destination content linked to the target content of "", "content B" is input as the link destination content linked to the target content of the transmission number "2", and the transmission number is "3" “Content C” is input as the link destination content linked to the target content. In the edit area 92, a cursor 95 for selecting link destination contents for setting transmission setting information related to transmission of the link destination contents from among the link destination contents input in the edit area 92 is displayed. The operator can select the link destination content for which the transmission setting information is set by moving the cursor 95 to the content name 91A of the desired link destination content using the operation unit 42.

  In the edit area 92, a cursor 95 for selecting link destination contents for setting transmission setting information related to transmission of the link destination contents from among the link destination contents input in the edit area 92 is displayed. The operator can select the link destination content for which the transmission setting information is set by moving the cursor 95 to the content name 91A of the desired link destination content using the operation unit 42.

  The first setting screen 45 </ b> B has a function button area 94. The function button area 94 is a transmission related to transmission of the input link destination content such as an end button 94A for requesting the end of input of the link destination content (or the second link destination content), a transmission date and time when the input link destination content is transmitted. An edit button 94B for requesting input of setting information, a preview button 94C for requesting display of a preview image of the input link destination content, and a confirm button for confirming various information input on the first setting screen 45B 94D.

  The link destination for setting the transmission setting information by the operator operating the operation unit 42 to move the cursor 95 to the content name 91A of the input link destination content and pressing the edit button 94C on the first setting screen 45B. Select content. When the link destination content for setting the transmission setting information is selected on the first setting screen 45B, the display control unit 701 displays the second setting screen 45C (see FIG. 10) on the display unit 45.

  FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a second setting screen displayed on the display unit of the information transmission server. The second setting screen 45C is a screen for inputting transmission setting information regarding transmission of the link destination content selected on the first setting screen 45B. In the present embodiment, the second setting screen 45C roughly includes an image display area 101, an information setting area 102, and a function button area 103.

  The function button area 103 includes an end button 103A for requesting completion of input of transmission setting information, a link button 103B for requesting display of the first setting screen 45B, and the link destination content (transmission setting information for the first setting screen 45B). The link destination content to be input (for example, content A)), the switch button 103D for switching other link destination content (for example, content B, content C, etc.), and various information input on the second setting screen 45C are determined. A confirmation button 103C is provided. In the present embodiment, the content A (for example, sales information including information such as the product name, manufacturer name, sales amount, and sales quantity of a product with high sales) that is the link destination content selected on the first setting screen 45B. An example of inputting transmission setting information will be described.

  The image display area 101 is an area for displaying a list of images that can be transmitted to the digital signage terminal device 14 together with the link destination content and stored in the external storage device 44. In the present embodiment, the image display area 101 includes an image name 101A of an image stored in the external storage device 44 (an image name stored as image information in the link destination content information table T2) (for example, images 1 to 6). Is displayed. In the present embodiment, the image display area 101 displays the image name 101A of the image stored in the external storage device 44, but the image image that can be transmitted to the digital signage terminal device 14 together with the linked content. The present invention is not limited to this as long as it can display information, and an image stored in the external storage device 44 may be displayed in the image display area 101.

  The information setting area 102 is an area for inputting transmission setting information related to transmission of the link destination content switched by the switching button 103D. In the present embodiment, in the information setting area 102, an image information input field 102A for inputting an image name (image information) of an image to be transmitted to the digital signage terminal device 14 together with the link destination content, and the link destination content as the digital signage terminal device 14 A transmission period input field 102B for inputting a transmission period (year / month / day) to be transmitted to the terminal, a transmission time input field 102C for inputting a transmission time for transmitting the link destination content to the digital signage terminal apparatus 14, and a transmission to the digital signage terminal apparatus 14 A reception time input field 102D for inputting a reception time for receiving the link destination content from the POS system 15, and when the link destination content includes a plurality of pieces of information (for example, sales information for each product), is transmitted to the digital signage terminal device 14 Content information ( Eg to have the content information input field 102E for inputting a department, etc.) of the product to transmit sales information in the digital signage terminal 14. The reception time input in the reception time input field 102D is the same as the transmission date and time input in the transmission period input field 102B and the transmission time input field 102C, or the date and time before a predetermined time before the transmission date and time. To do.

  The operator of the information transmission server 11 operates the operation unit 42 to display transmission setting information such as an image name, a transmission period, a transmission time, a reception time, and content information in an image information input field 102A, a transmission period input field 102B, The information can be input to the transmission time input field 102C, the reception time input field 102D, and the content information input field 102E.

  Returning to FIG. 8, when the operator operates the operation unit 42 and presses the preview button 85C of the selection screen 45A while the selection screen 45A is displayed, the display control unit 701 displays the preview screen 45D on the display unit 45. (See FIG. 11) is displayed.

  FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an example of a target content preview screen. When the preview button 85C is pressed, the display control unit 701 specifies the content ID of the target content input on the selection screen 45A in the content information table T1. Then, the display control unit 701 reads the content identified by the specified content ID from the external storage device 44. Next, the display control unit 701 displays a preview screen 45D including a content area 1001 in which the read content (target content) is reproduced.

  Returning to FIG. 9, while the first setting screen 45B is displayed, the operator operates the operation unit 42 to move the cursor 95 to the content name 91A of the input link destination content, and the first setting screen 45B. When the preview button 94C is pressed, the display control unit 701 displays a preview screen 45E (see FIG. 12) on the display unit 45.

  FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating an example of a preview screen for linked content. When the preview button 94 </ b> C is pressed, the display control unit 701 receives content A (for example, sales information) that is a link destination content from the POS system 15. Next, the display control unit 701 displays the sales information of the department “candy” represented by the content information input on the second setting screen 45C among the information (for example, sales information for each product) included in the received sales information. : A preview screen 45E including the confectionery name 1203, the manufacturer name 1202, and the like in the image 1201 represented by the image name input on the second setting screen 45C is displayed. The display control unit 701 acquires the image 1201 represented by the image name input on the second setting screen 45C from the external storage device 44 using the image name input on the second setting screen 45C. To do.

  Returning to FIG. 7, the selection unit 702 selects the target content to be transmitted to the digital signage terminal device 14. In this embodiment, when the confirmation button 85D on the selection screen 45A displayed by the display control unit 701 is pressed, the selection unit 702 displays the content ID (target content) of the target content input in the editing area 82 of the selection screen 45A. ID) and the transmission conditions (for example, the target content name, transmission number, number of repetitions, etc.) input in the transmission condition input area 83 of the selection screen 45A are stored in the link destination content table T2. Accordingly, the selection unit 702 selects the target content input in the editing area 82 of the selection screen 45A.

  The setting unit 703 sets the link destination content to be linked to the target content selected by the selection unit 702 and the transmission date and time for transmitting the link destination content. In the present embodiment, the setting unit 703 sets the content ID (link destination content ID) and content name (link destination content name) of the link destination content input on the first setting screen 45B, and information setting on the second setting screen 45C. The transmission setting information (for example, image name (image information), transmission period, transmission time, reception time, content information, etc.) input in the area 102 is associated with the target content ID of the target content selected by the selection unit 702. And stored in the link destination content information table T2. As a result, the setting unit 703 sets the link destination content and the transmission date / time to be linked to the target content selected by the selection unit 702.

  The receiving unit 704 transmits the transmission date and time set by the setting unit 703 (for example, 15:00 on November 01, 2011) or a predetermined time before the transmission date and time (for example, 14:50 on November 01, 2011). In addition, the link destination content set by the setting unit 703 is received from an external device such as the POS system 15. In the present embodiment, the receiving unit 704 measures the current date and time (RTC (Real Time Clock) not shown) from the link destination content information table T2 and the link destination content ID stored in the link destination content information table T2. The link destination content ID stored in association with the reception date and time (transmission period and reception time). The receiving unit 704 receives the link destination content identified by the specified link destination content ID from the POS system 15.

  The transmission unit 705 continuously transmits the target content selected by the selection unit 702 to the digital signage terminal device 14. In the present embodiment, the transmission unit 705 sequentially reads the target content IDs stored in association with the smallest transmission number from the link destination content information table T2. Then, the transmission unit 705 reads the target content identified by the read target content ID from the external storage device 44. Next, the transmission unit 705 transmits the target content read from the external storage device 44 to the digital signage terminal device 14.

  In addition, the transmission unit 705 transmits the link destination content received by the reception unit 704 between the target content being transmitted at the transmission date and time set by the setting unit 703 and the target content to be transmitted next to the target content being transmitted. To be sent. In the present embodiment, the transmission unit 705 transmits the transmission date and time (transmission period and transmission time) representing the current date and time (date and time counted by an RTC not shown) among the link destination content IDs stored in the link destination content information table T2. ) And the link destination content ID stored in association with each other. Then, the transmission unit 705 transmits the link destination content received by the reception unit 704 after the transmission of the target content being transmitted is completed and before transmitting the target content to be transmitted next to the target content being transmitted. Among these, the link destination content identified by the specified link destination content ID is transmitted.

  Next, content transmission processing in the information transmission server 11 will be described in detail with reference to FIG. FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing a flow of content transmission processing in the information transmission server.

  The transmission unit 705 reads the target content ID stored in association with the smallest transmission number from the link destination content information table T2. Further, the transmission unit 705 reads the target content identified by the read target content ID from the external storage device 44, and transmits the read target content to the digital signage terminal device 14 (step S1301).

  Next, in the transmission unit 705, the current date and time counted by the RTC (not shown) represents the transmission date and time set by the setting unit 703 (that is, the transmission period and transmission time stored in the link destination content information table T2). It is determined whether or not (step S1302).

  Here, when the current date and time measured by the RTC (not shown) does not represent the transmission date and time set by the setting unit 703 (step S1302: No), the transmission unit 705 has a target content to be transmitted next. No (that is, the target content ID stored in association with the transmission number larger than the transmission number stored in association with the target content ID of the target content transmitted in step S1301 is stored in the link destination content information table T2). Whether or not) (step S1305). When it is determined that there is no target content to be transmitted next (step S1305: No), the transmission unit 705 ends the transmission of the target content. On the other hand, if it is determined that there is target content to be transmitted next (step S1305: Yes), the transmission unit 705 selects the target content ID stored in association with the next smaller transmission number from the link destination content information table T2. read out. Further, the transmission unit 705 reads the target content identified by the read target content ID from the external storage device 44, and transmits the read target content to the digital signage terminal device 14 (step S1301).

  On the other hand, the current date and time (for example, 15:00 on November 01, 2011) measured by the RTC (not shown) is the transmission date and time (transmission period: 15 November 11th, 2011) set by the setting unit 703. 00) (step S1302: Yes), the transmission unit 705 determines whether transmission of the target content being transmitted in step S1301 has ended (step S1303). When the transmission of the target content being transmitted is completed (step S1303: Yes), the transmission unit 705 receives the link destination content received by the reception unit 704 (for example, the product name, manufacturer name, sales amount, Sales information including the number etc.) is transmitted to the digital signage terminal device 14 (step S1304).

  If the link destination content ID of the received link destination content is stored in association with the transmission setting information (image name) in the link destination content information table T2, the transmission unit 704 corresponds to the link destination content ID. The image represented by the stored image name is read from the external storage device 44, and the read image is transmitted together with the linked content. When the link destination content ID of the received link destination content is stored in association with the transmission setting information (content information) in the link destination content information table T2, the transmission unit 704 receives the received link destination content ( Sales information), only the sales information of content information (for example, department: “candy”) stored in association with the link destination content ID is transmitted. Thereby, as shown in FIG. 12, the digital signage terminal device 14 has the sales information (for example, the confectionery name 1203 or the like) of the department “sweets” represented by the content information among the sales information included in the received link destination content. A preview image 45E including the manufacturer name 1202 and the like in the image 1201 represented by the image name is displayed.

  When the transmission of the linked content ends, the transmission unit 1305 determines whether there is a target content to be transmitted next (that is, the transmission number stored in association with the target content ID of the target content transmitted in step S1301). It is determined whether or not the target content ID stored in association with the larger transmission number is stored in the link destination content information table T2 (step S1305). When it is determined that there is no target content to be transmitted next (step S1305: No), the transmission unit 705 ends the transmission of the target content. On the other hand, if it is determined that there is target content to be transmitted next (step S1305: Yes), the transmission unit 705 selects the target content ID stored in association with the next smaller transmission number from the link destination content information table T2. read out. Further, the transmission unit 705 reads the target content identified by the read target content ID from the external storage device 44, and transmits the read target content to the digital signage terminal device 14 (step S1301).

  Thus, according to the information transmission server 11 of the first embodiment, the link destination content stored in the POS system 15 that is linked to the target content to be continuously transmitted, and the link destination content are transmitted. The transmission date / time to be set is set, the set transmission date / time or a predetermined time before the transmission date / time, the set link destination content is received from the POS system 15, the target content is continuously transmitted, and the set By transmitting the received link destination content between the target content being transmitted at the transmission date and time and the target content to be transmitted next to the target content being transmitted, the link destination content newly stored in the POS system 15 is The link destination container newly stored in the POS system 15 can be transmitted. Tool can be displayed on the digital signage terminal 14. Further, since the display of the target content being transmitted can be prevented from being switched to the display of the link destination content in the middle, the link destination content can be viewed after the target content being transmitted is viewed to the end.

(Second Embodiment)
In the present embodiment, a reception request for a link destination content is received at a set transmission date and time, and when the reception request is received, the set link destination content is received from an external device. In the following description, only portions different from those in the first embodiment will be described, and description of portions similar to those in the first embodiment will be omitted.

  FIG. 14 is a block diagram illustrating a functional configuration of the information transmission server according to the second embodiment. The MPU 46 functions as a display control unit 1401, a selection unit 702, a setting unit 1402, a reception unit 1403, a transmission unit 705, and a reception unit 1404 by operating according to the control program stored in the ROM 47 as shown in FIG. To do.

  When the switch button 103D: “content B” displayed in the function button area 103 of the second setting screen 45C shown in FIG. 10 is pressed, the display control unit 1401 displays a time service that discounts and sells the time. Of content B (link destination content) including the plan name of the project and detailed information indicating the details of the plan (for example, the period of the plan, the product name of the product sold by the plan, the selling price of the product sold by the plan, etc.) A second setting screen 45F (see FIG. 15) for inputting transmission setting information regarding transmission is displayed on the display unit 45.

  FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating an example of a second setting screen for inputting transmission setting information regarding transmission of the content B. The second setting screen 45F roughly includes an image display area 101, an information setting area 1501, and a function button area 103.

  The information setting area 1501 is an area for inputting transmission setting information related to transmission of the content B (link destination content). In the present embodiment, the information setting area 1501 includes a reception button 1502 for making a content B reception request at a transmission date and time set by a setting unit 1402 described later, and a content B reception result 1503 corresponding to the reception request by the reception button 1502. (For example, the plan name and detailed information 1 and 2 included in the content B), the image information input field 102A for inputting the image name (image information) of the image to be transmitted together with the content B, and the transmission period (year) The transmission period input field 102B for inputting the date), the transmission time input field 102C for inputting the transmission time for transmitting the content B, and when the content B includes detailed information that is a plurality of information, transmitted to the digital signage terminal device 14 Content information input field 102E for inputting detailed information to be input. In the present embodiment, the reception time input field 102D is not included in the information setting area 1501 because the link destination content is received when the reception button 1502 is pressed and a reception request is made.

  After the transmission setting information is input on the second setting screen 45F, the operator operates the operation unit 42 while the first setting screen 45B is displayed, and the cursor 95 is moved to the content name 91A of the input link destination content. And the preview button 94C on the first setting screen 45B is pressed, the display control unit 1401 displays the preview screen 45G (see FIG. 16) on the display unit 45.

  FIG. 16 is a diagram illustrating an example of a preview screen for linked content. When the preview button 94 </ b> C is pressed, the display control unit 1401 receives content B (for example, plan information) that is the link destination content from the POS system 15. Next, the display control unit 1401 displays detailed information represented by the content information input on the second setting screen 45F among the plan name 1601: “time service” included in the received plan information and the detailed information included in the received plan information. 1 (1602) is displayed in the preview screen 45G including the image 1603 represented by the image name input on the second setting screen 45F.

  Returning to FIG. 14, the setting unit 1402 selects the transmission setting information (for example, image name (image information), transmission period, transmission time, content information) input on the second setting screen 45 </ b> F by the selection unit 702. The target content (the target content represented by the thumbnail image 81A moved by the cursor 86 on the selection screen 45A) is associated with the target content ID and stored in the link destination content information table T2.

  The reception unit 1404 receives the transmission date and time (the transmission period and the transmission time input on the second setting screen 45F) set by the setting unit 1402 or the reception request for the content B that is the linked content before the transmission date and time. Is to accept. In the present embodiment, the reception unit 1404 transmits the transmission period and transmission time input on the second setting screen 45F to the information setting area 1501 of the second setting screen 45F before the transmission date and time or a predetermined time before the transmission date and time. When the displayed reception button 1502 is pressed, a reception request for the linked content is accepted.

  The reception unit 1403 receives the link destination content set by the setting unit 1402 from the POS system 15 when the reception unit 1404 receives the link destination content reception request. In the present embodiment, when a reception request for a link destination content is received, the reception unit 1403 receives the current date and time from the link destination content information table T2 and the link destination content ID stored in the link destination content information table T2. The link destination content ID stored in association with the transmission date and time (transmission period and transmission time) representing (date and time counted by an RTC not shown) is specified. The receiving unit 1403 receives the link destination content identified by the specified link destination content ID from the POS system 15. The receiving unit 1403 stores the received link destination content in the RAM 48 or the like, and stores the received link destination content in the RAM 48 or the like until a new link destination content identified by the same link destination content ID is received. I shall keep it.

  As described above, according to the information transmission server 11 of the second embodiment, when the link destination content reception request is received at the set transmission date and time, and when the reception request is received, the link set from the POS system 15. Since the link destination content newly stored in the POS system 15 can be transmitted by receiving the destination content, the link destination content newly stored in the POS system 15 is displayed on the digital signage terminal device 14. Can do.

(Third embodiment)
The present embodiment includes a storage unit that stores customer information and the rank of the customer indicated by the customer information in association with each other, receives the customer information from the transmission destination of the target content, and transmits the target on the set transmission date and time. Of the received link destination content between the content and the target content to be transmitted next to the target content being transmitted, the link destination content corresponding to the rank stored in the storage unit in association with the received customer information Is to send. In the following description, only portions different from those in the first embodiment will be described, and description of portions similar to those in the first embodiment will be omitted.

  In the present embodiment, the external storage device 44 stores a customer information table in addition to the content, the image, the content information table T1, and the link destination content information table T2. The customer information table associates customer information indicating a customer such as a customer ID, customer name, address, gender, age, and hobby with a customer rank (for example, gold, silver, bronze, etc.) indicated by the customer information. It functions as a storage unit for storing.

  FIG. 17 is a block diagram illustrating a functional configuration of the information transmission server according to the third embodiment. The MPU 46 operates as a display control unit 1701, a selection unit 702, a setting unit 1702, a reception unit 1703, and a transmission unit 1704 as shown in FIG. 17 by operating according to the control program stored in the ROM 47.

  When the switch button 103D displayed in the function button area 103 of the second setting screen 45C shown in FIG. 10: “customer information” is pressed, the display control unit 1401 transmits the link destination content according to the customer information. A second setting screen 45G (see FIG. 18) for inputting setting information is displayed on the display unit 45.

  FIG. 18 is a diagram illustrating an example of a second setting screen for inputting transmission setting information related to transmission of linked content according to customer information. The second setting screen 45G roughly includes an image display area 101, an information setting area 1901, and a function button area 103.

  The information setting area 1901 is an area for inputting transmission setting information related to transmission of content C (link destination content) according to customer information. In the present embodiment, in the information setting area 1901, the reception result 1902 of the content C received when customer information is received by the receiving unit 1703 (to be described later) (for example, products are sold at different prices for each member having a customer card. The plan name of the plan such as the member price plan, the plan period for the plan, the product name of the product sold in the plan, the selling price for each rank of the product sold in the plan), and the image name of the image transmitted together with the content C An image information input field 102A for inputting (image information), a transmission period input field 102B for inputting a transmission period (year / month / day) for transmitting content C, and a transmission time input field 102C for inputting a transmission time for transmitting content C have. In the present embodiment, since the content C is received when customer information is received from the digital signage terminal device 14, the reception time input field 102D is not included in the information setting area 1901. In addition, an image name (image information) may be input to each image rank 102A in the image information input field 102A.

  Returning to FIG. 17, the setting unit 1702 uses the transmission setting information (for example, the image name (image information), the transmission period, and the transmission time) input on the second setting screen 45 </ b> G of the target content selected by the selection unit 702. In association with the target content ID, it is stored in the link destination content information table T2.

  The receiving unit 1703 receives customer information from the transmission destination of the target content (in this embodiment, the digital signage terminal device 14). In the present embodiment, the receiving unit 1703 receives customer information from the digital signage terminal device 14 when the customer information is read by the card reader 27 included in the digital signage terminal device 14.

  The receiving unit 1703 receives the link destination content set by the setting unit 1702 from the POS system 15 before the transmission date and time set by the setting unit 1702 or a predetermined time before the transmission date and time. In the present embodiment, the receiving unit 1703 obtains the current date and time (date and time counted by an RTC not shown) from the link destination content information table T2 and the link destination content ID stored in the link destination content information table T2. The link destination content ID stored in association with the transmission date and time (transmission period and transmission time) is specified. Then, the receiving unit 1703 receives the link destination content identified by the specified link destination content ID from the POS system 15. The receiving unit 1703 stores the received link destination content in the RAM 48 or the like, and stores the received link destination content in the RAM 48 or the like until a new link destination content identified by the same link destination content ID is received. I shall keep it.

  The transmission unit 1704 includes the link destination content received by the reception unit 1703 between the target content being transmitted on the transmission date and time set by the setting unit 1702 and the target content to be transmitted next to the target content being transmitted. The link destination content corresponding to the rank stored in the customer information table in association with the customer information received by the receiving unit 1703 is transmitted. In the present embodiment, the transmission unit 1704 transmits a transmission date and time (transmission period and transmission time) representing the current date and time (date and time counted by an RTC not shown) among the link destination content IDs stored in the link destination content information table T2. ) And the link destination content ID stored in association with each other. Next, the transmission unit 1704 identifies the link destination content identified by the identified link destination content ID among the link destination contents received by the reception unit 1703. Further, the transmission unit 1704 identifies link destination content corresponding to the rank stored in the customer information table in association with the received customer information from the identified link destination content. For example, the transmission unit 1704 obtains the plan name, the plan from the linked content including the plan name, the plan period for the plan, the product name of the product sold in the plan, and the selling price for each rank of the product sold in the plan. The linked content including the selling price corresponding to the rank stored in the customer information table in association with the institution, the product name, and the received customer information is specified. Then, the transmission unit 1704 transmits the identified link destination content after the transmission of the target content being transmitted ends and before transmitting the target content to be transmitted next to the target content being transmitted.

  As described above, according to the information transmission server 11 of the third embodiment, the storage unit that stores the customer information and the rank of the customer indicated by the customer information in association with each other is provided, and the customer information is obtained from the transmission destination of the target content. Between the target content that is received and transmitted at the set transmission date and the target content that is transmitted next to the target content that is being transmitted, the received linked information is associated with the received customer information. By transmitting the link destination content corresponding to the rank stored in the storage unit, the link destination content specialized for each customer can be displayed in conjunction with the POS system 15.

  As described above, according to the first to third embodiments, the link destination content stored in the POS system 15 and the link destination content displayed on the digital signage terminal device 14 can be linked.

  The control program executed by the information transmission server 11 of the present embodiment is a file in an installable or executable format, such as a CD-ROM, a flexible disk (FD), a CD-R, a DVD (Digital Versatile Disk), or the like. The program is provided by being recorded on a computer-readable recording medium.

  Further, the control program executed by the information transmission server 11 of the present embodiment may be provided by being stored on a computer connected to a network such as the Internet and downloaded via the network. Further, the control program executed by the information transmission server 11 of the present embodiment may be configured to be provided or distributed via a network such as the Internet.

  Although several embodiments of the present invention have been described, these embodiments are presented by way of example and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These novel embodiments can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, replacements, and changes can be made without departing from the scope of the invention. These embodiments and modifications thereof are included in the scope and gist of the invention, and are included in the invention described in the claims and the equivalents thereof.

11 Information transmission server 12 Communication network 14 Digital signage terminal 15 POS system 41 Controller 46 MPU
47 ROM
48 RAM
703, 1402, 1702 Setting unit 704, 1403, 1703 Reception unit 705, 1704 Transmission unit 1404 Reception unit

Japanese Patent No. 2546095

Claims (6)

A setting unit configured to set a link destination content stored in an external device and linked to target content to be continuously transmitted, and a transmission date and time for transmitting the link destination content;
A receiving unit for receiving the set link destination content from the external device before the set transmission date and time or a predetermined time before the transmission date and time;
While transmitting the target content continuously, the received link destination content is between the target content being transmitted on the set transmission date and time and the target content to be transmitted next to the target content being transmitted. A transmission unit for transmission;
A content transmission apparatus comprising: The setting unit further sets the set transmission date and time or a date and time before the transmission date and time as a reception date and time for receiving the linked content,
The content transmission apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the reception unit receives the set link destination content from the external device at the set reception date and time. A reception unit that receives a reception request for the link destination content at the set transmission date and time;
The content transmission device according to claim 1, wherein the reception unit receives the set link destination content from the external device when the reception request is received. A storage unit that stores the customer information and the rank of the customer indicated by the customer information in association with each other;
The receiving unit receives the customer information from the transmission destination of the target content, and receives the set link destination content when the customer information is received,
The transmission unit has a rank stored in the storage unit in association with the received customer information among the received link destination content between the target content being transmitted and the target content to be transmitted next. The content transmission device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the corresponding link destination content is transmitted. Computer
A setting unit configured to set a link destination content stored in an external device and linked to target content to be continuously transmitted, and a transmission date and time for transmitting the link destination content;
A receiving unit for receiving the set link destination content from the external device before the set transmission date and time or a predetermined time before the transmission date and time;
While transmitting the target content continuously, the received link destination content is between the target content being transmitted on the set transmission date and time and the target content to be transmitted next to the target content being transmitted. A transmission unit for transmission;
Program to function as. The setting unit further sets the set transmission date and time or a date and time before the transmission date and time as a reception date and time for receiving the linked content,
The program according to claim 5, wherein the receiving unit receives the set link destination content from the external device at the set reception date and time.

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