JP2017147003A - Content reproduction device and program - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a content reproduction device having a storage region with writing limited that can make an efficient management of storage of content data, and a program.SOLUTION: The content reproduction device includes: reception means for receiving content data distributed from an external device; first storage means for storing the content data received by the reception means into a volatile storage medium set in a redirection destination of a protection target storage medium with writing limited; second storage means for storing the content data received by the reception means into a nonvolatile storage medium; reproduction means for reading the content data from the volatile storage medium redirected through the protection target storage medium, and reproducing the content data; and recovery means for copying the content data stored in the nonvolatile storage medium into the volatile storage medium when activating the own device.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

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

  As a mechanism for presenting content such as advertisements to unspecified persons, a system that reproduces and displays digitized content (content data) on a signage terminal, which is a content playback device equipped with a display device, a so-called digital signage system is known. ing. In such a digital signage system, content data stored in advance in a server device is distributed to the signage terminal, thereby reproducing and displaying the content data on the signage terminal.

  By the way, in the apparatus such as the signage terminal described above, an embedded OS may be used in order to ensure cost reduction and reliability. In such a device, a flash medium is often used for storage, but since the number of times of writing is limited, the life of the flash medium can be extended by using a technique such as an EWF (Enhanced Write Filter) installed in an embedded OS or the like. I am trying. In this EWF, instead of writing to the storage, a change to the storage is made instead by writing to a RAM (Random Access Memory) instead.

  When the EWF technology is applied to the above signage terminal, the content data distributed from the server device is stored in the RAM by the EWF function. For this reason, when the signage terminal is terminated, the content data written in the RAM is reset. In this case, since the signage terminal needs to receive the content data again, there is a problem in that the efficiency of processing is hindered, such as an increase in the burden on the line.

  The problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a content reproduction apparatus and program capable of efficiently managing storage of content data in a content reproduction apparatus having a storage area where writing is restricted.

  The content playback apparatus according to the embodiment includes a nonvolatile flash medium that stores a program executed by the MPU, and protection that restricts writing to the flash medium by redirecting write access to the flash medium to a volatile RAM. Means, receiving means for receiving content data distributed from an external device, first storage means for storing the content data received by the receiving means in the redirect destination RAM, and the content stored in the RAM Second storage means for storing data in a nonvolatile storage medium, reproduction means for reading out the content data from the RAM and reproducing the content data, and stored in the nonvolatile storage medium at the time of activation of the own device Recover that copies the content data to the RAM And means, the.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of a digital signage system according to an embodiment. 2 is an external front view of the signage terminal apparatus shown in FIG. FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of the signage terminal apparatus shown in FIG. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of the storage shown in FIG. FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of the signage terminal apparatus shown in FIG. FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a procedure of storage management processing performed by the signage terminal device. FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a procedure of recovery processing performed by the signage terminal apparatus.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of a content reproduction apparatus and a program according to embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. The present invention is not limited to the embodiments described below.

  FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a digital signage system 10 according to the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, the digital signage system 10 includes an information distribution server 11 and a signage terminal device 12 as a content reproduction device. The number of signage terminal devices 12 is not limited to the example of FIG.

  The information distribution server 11 is connected to the signage terminal device 12 via a communication network N such as a local area network (LAN). The information distribution server 11 distributes content data such as product advertisement information to the signage terminal device 12. Here, the content data includes still image and moving image data, audio data, and the like representing content such as advertisements. Moreover, it is good also as a form which includes schedule data which determined the order and time which reproduce | regenerate each content data in content data. Further, the schedule data may be distributed to the information distribution server 11 separately from the content data.

  The distribution method of content data and schedule data is not particularly limited. For example, a push type that is unilaterally distributed from the information distribution server 11 or a pull type that is distributed in response to an access (for example, a request) from the signage terminal device 12 may be used.

  The signage terminal device 12 reproduces and displays the content data distributed or acquired from the information distribution server 11 via the communication network N.

  FIG. 2 is an external front view of the signage terminal device 12. The signage terminal device 12 includes a display unit 21 such as a liquid crystal display or a plasma display, a printer unit 22 that prints and issues various tickets and coupons, a housing unit 24 that holds the display unit 21 and the printer unit 22, Is provided.

  On the upper part of the housing section 24, a person is photographed and image recognition is performed, the age group of the person is specified, and the type of information to be distributed is controlled. The speaker unit 26 that performs various sound outputs such as the above is incorporated. Note that processing such as image recognition may be performed by an upstream server such as the information distribution server 11 without being performed by the signage terminal device 12.

  FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of the signage terminal device 12. The signage terminal apparatus 12 includes a controller 31, an operation unit 32, a communication interface (IF) 33, and a storage 34 in addition to the display unit 21, printer unit 22, camera unit 25, and speaker unit 26 described above. Yes.

  The controller 31 includes an MPU (Micro Processing Unit) 35, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 36 that stores various programs to be executed by the MPU 35, and a RAM (Random Access Memory) 37. Note that the RAM 37 is a component of the storage 34 as described later (see FIG. 4).

  In the controller 31, the MPU 35 comprehensively controls the operation of the signage terminal device 12 by executing various programs stored in the ROM 36 or the system area 381 of the first storage unit 38.

  The operation unit 32 is an input device for the user to perform various operations such as various switches, buttons, and pointing devices. The operation unit 32 may be configured integrally with the display unit 21 as a touch panel.

  The communication interface 33 is a network interface for performing communication with the information distribution server 11 via the communication network N.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the storage 34 is composed of a plurality of storage media. Here, FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of the storage 34. As illustrated in FIG. 4, the storage 34 includes a first storage unit 38 and a second storage unit 39 in addition to the RAM 37 described above.

  The RAM 37 holds an overlay area 371 in addition to a work area area (not shown) serving as a work area of the MPU 35. The overlay area 371 stores content data distributed from the information distribution server 11 under the control of the MPU 35.

  The first storage unit 38 is a nonvolatile storage medium such as a flash medium, for example. The first storage unit 38 holds a system area 381 and a playback function readable area 382.

  The system area 381 stores in advance an operating system (such as an embedded OS) that is executed by the MPU 35 and various programs. Here, in the signage terminal device 12 of the present embodiment, the first storage unit 38 is provided with a protection function such as EWF realized by the cooperation of the MPU 35 and the embedded OS (or other program) stored in the system area 381. Writing to itself is restricted.

  The playback function readable area 382 is a storage area accessed by a content playback unit 353 (see FIG. 5) described later. The reproduction function readable area 382 is set in advance so as to be redirected to the overlay area 371 of the RAM 37 by the above-described protection function. That is, the content data stored in the overlay area 371 can be read by accessing the reproduction function readable area 382.

  The second storage unit 39 is a non-volatile storage medium such as a magnetic medium or a flash medium. The second storage unit 39 stores content data in a readable / writable manner under the control of a storage management unit 352 (see FIG. 5) described later. In the present embodiment, it is assumed that the storage capacity of the second storage unit 39 is greater than or equal to the storage capacity of the overlay area 371.

  Next, the function part which the signage terminal device 12 has will be described. In the controller 31 of the signage terminal device 12, the MPU 35 cooperates with the program stored in the ROM 36 or the first storage unit 38, so that the content reception unit 351, the storage management unit 352, and the content reproduction as shown in FIG. Unit 353. Here, FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of the signage terminal apparatus 12.

  The content receiving unit 351 receives content data distributed from the information distribution server 11 via the communication interface 33. In addition, the content reception unit 351 stores the received content data in the overlay area 371 of the RAM 37. More specifically, the content receiving unit 351 compares the received content data with each of the content data stored in the overlay region 371, and stores the received content data in the overlay region 371 when it does not match any content data. As a result, it is possible to prevent the same content data from being stored repeatedly, so that the overlay region 371 can be used efficiently. When schedule data is received separately from the content data, the schedule data is also stored in the overlay area 371 of the RAM 37 as content data.

  The storage management unit 352 stores the content data received by the content reception unit 351 in the second storage unit 39. More specifically, the storage management unit 352 compares the content data received by the content reception unit 351 with each of the content data stored in the second storage unit 39, and if it does not match any content data, 2 It memorize | stores in the memory | storage part 39. FIG. Specifically, when the storage management unit 352 detects that new content data is stored in the overlay area 371, the storage management unit 352 stores the content data in the second storage unit 39. As a result, it is possible to prevent the same content data from being stored repeatedly, so that the second storage unit 39 can be used efficiently.

  Further, when the storage management unit 352 detects that the free capacity of the second storage unit 39 has become less than a predetermined value, the storage management unit 352 deletes a predetermined amount of content data from the second storage unit 39. Note that the “predetermined amount” to be deleted may be a fixed value or a dynamic value calculated based on the data capacity of the content data to be written.

  In addition, it is preferable to delete content data by using an algorithm such as LRU (Least Recently Used) to delete the oldest one that is not scheduled to be reproduced. Here, the reproduction schedule of the content data can be specified based on schedule data or the like. Further, whether the content data is new or old can be specified based on a time stamp (date information) at the time of storage added to the content data. Thereby, unnecessary content data can be excluded (deleted), and thus the second storage unit 39 can be used efficiently. Note that the storage management unit 352 performs not only the second storage unit 39 but also the processing similar to the second storage unit 39 on the overlay region 371 even when the free space of the overlay region 371 is less than a predetermined value. Good.

  Furthermore, the storage management unit 352 copies the content data stored in the second storage unit 39 to the overlay area 371 of the RAM 37 when the signage terminal device 12 is activated. That is, the storage management unit 352 performs recovery by copying the content data lost from the overlay area 371 when the signage terminal device 12 is terminated from the second storage unit 39.

  In addition, when the total data capacity of the content data stored in the second storage unit 39 exceeds the storage capacity of the overlay area 371, the predetermined amount of content data is deleted from the second storage unit 39 so as to fit in the overlay area 371. Then copy. The “predetermined amount” to be deleted may be a fixed value, or may be a dynamic value calculated based on a difference value between the total data capacity of the content data and the storage capacity of the overlay area 371. Good. In addition, it is preferable to delete the content data from the oldest one that is not scheduled to be reproduced by using an algorithm such as LRU as described above. Accordingly, unnecessary content data can be excluded (deleted), and thus the overlay area 371 and the second storage unit 39 can be used efficiently.

  The content reproduction unit 353 is a functional unit such as a Web application that can access the reproduction function readable area 382 of the first storage unit 38. Here, access to the playback function readable area 382 is redirected to the overlay area 371 of the RAM 37. Therefore, the content reproduction unit 353 substantially refers to the overlay area 371.

  The content reproduction unit 353 reads the content data from the redirected overlay area 371 and reproduces the content data, thereby displaying digital signage on the display unit 21. Here, the reproduction means that a reproduction image (still image or moving image), sound, or the like is generated from the content data and used for screen display or sound reproduction. In addition, when a schedule such as the order and time of playback is defined for the content data itself or other files, playback is performed according to this schedule.

  Next, the operation of the signage terminal apparatus 12 described above will be described. First, the storage management process of the signage terminal device 12 will be described with reference to FIG. Here, FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the procedure of the storage management process performed by the signage terminal device 12.

  First, the content receiving unit 351 waits until content data is distributed from the information distribution server 11 (step S11; No). Here, when content data is received from the information distribution server 11 (step S11; Yes), the content receiving unit 351 compares the content data with each of the existing content data stored in the overlay area 371 (step S12). ). If the received content data does not match any of the overlay areas 371, the content receiving unit 351 determines that the content data is new content (step S13; Yes). Then, the content receiving unit 351 stores the received content data in the overlay area 371 of the RAM 37 (step S14). In addition, when it corresponds with the existing content data (step S13; No), it returns to step S11 again.

  When the storage management unit 352 detects that the content data is stored in the overlay area 371, the storage management unit 352 compares the content data with each of the existing content data stored in the second storage unit 39 (step S15). If the content data stored in the overlay area 371 does not match any of the second storage units 39, the storage management unit 352 determines that the content data is new content (step S16; Yes), and step S17. Migrate to In addition, when it corresponds with the existing content data (step S16; No), it returns to step S11 again.

  In subsequent step S17, the storage management unit 352 determines whether or not the free capacity of the second storage unit 39 is less than a predetermined value (step S17). Here, when it is determined that the free capacity of the second storage unit 39 is less than the predetermined value (step S17; Yes), the storage management unit 352 deletes the predetermined amount of content data from the second storage unit 39 (step S18). The process proceeds to step S19. When it is determined that the free space in the second storage unit 39 is equal to or greater than the predetermined value (step S17; No), the process immediately proceeds to step S19.

  The storage management unit 352 stores (copies) the content data stored in the overlay area 371 in step S14 in the second storage unit 39 (step S19), and then returns to step S11 again.

  Through the above processing, the content data distributed from the information distribution server 11 is stored in both the overlay area 371 and the second storage unit 39. The content playback unit 353 reads the content data stored in the overlay area 371 via the playback function readable area 382. Then, the content reproduction unit 353 displays digital signage on the display unit 21 by reproducing the read content data.

  Next, the recovery process of the signage terminal device 12 will be described with reference to FIG. Here, FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the procedure of the recovery process performed by the signage terminal apparatus 12. This process is one of the processes performed when the signage terminal device 12 is activated.

  First, when the signage terminal device 12 is activated (step S21), the storage management unit 352 compares the total data capacity of the content data stored in the second storage unit 39 with the storage capacity of the overlay area 371 (step S22). ). Here, when it is determined that the storage capacity of the overlay area 371 is less than the total data capacity of the content data (step S23; Yes), the storage management unit 352 deletes the content data stored in the second storage unit 39 by a predetermined amount. (Step S24), the process proceeds to Step S25. If it is determined that the storage capacity of the overlay area 371 is greater than or equal to the total data capacity of the content data (step S23; No), the process immediately proceeds to step S25.

  In subsequent step S25, the storage management unit 352 copies the content data stored in the second storage unit 39 to the overlay area 371 (step S25), and ends this process.

  As described above, according to the signage terminal device 12 of the present embodiment, the content data received from the information distribution server 11 is stored in the overlay area 371 of the RAM 37 and the second storage unit 39. Further, the signage terminal device 12 copies the content data stored in the second storage unit 39 to the overlay area 371 when the own device is activated. Thereby, it is possible to recover the content data lost from the overlay area 371 due to the termination of the signage terminal device 12 when the signage terminal device 12 is activated. Therefore, since re-reception of content data can be suppressed, it is possible to reduce the burden on the line and to increase the efficiency of processing related to the reproduction of digital content data.

  As mentioned above, although embodiment of this invention was described, this embodiment is shown as an example and is not intending limiting the range of invention. The novel embodiment can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, replacements, and changes can be made without departing from the scope of the invention. This embodiment and its modifications are included in the scope and gist of the invention, and are included in the invention described in the claims and the equivalents thereof.

  For example, in the above embodiment, content data is stored in the overlay area 371 by the content receiving unit 351, but may be configured by the storage management unit 352. In this case, the storage management unit 352 may store the content data received by the content reception unit 351 in the overlay area 371 and the second storage unit 39 at the same time, or after storing the content data in the second storage unit 39. The data may be stored in the overlay area 371.

  The program executed by each device of the above embodiment is an installable or executable file and is read by a computer such as a CD-ROM, flexible disk (FD), CD-R, DVD (Digital Versatile Disk). It is provided by being recorded on a possible recording medium.

  Further, the program executed by each device 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 program executed in each device of the present embodiment may be configured to be provided or distributed via a network such as the Internet.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Digital signage system 11 Information distribution server 12 Signage terminal device 31 Controller 32 Operation part 33 Communication interface 34 Storage 35 MPU
351 Content receiving unit 352 Storage management unit 353 Content playback unit 36 ROM
37 RAM
371 Overlay area 38 First storage section 381 System area 382 Playback function readable area 39 Second storage section

Japanese Patent No. 4906534 JP 2011-86247 A

The content playback apparatus according to the embodiment stores a program that is executed by the MPU , a first nonvolatile storage medium that is restricted in writing, and data that is restricted in writing to the first nonvolatile storage medium. Volatile storage medium, second non-volatile storage medium, receiving means for receiving content data from an external device, and first storage means for storing the content data received by the receiving means in the volatile storage medium And second storage means for storing the content data stored in the volatile storage medium in the second nonvolatile storage medium , and reproduction for reading out the content data from the volatile storage medium and reproducing the content data means, at the time of startup of its own device, the content data stored in said second non-volatile storage medium in the volatile storage medium Comprising a recovery means for copy, the.

Claims (6)

A non-volatile flash medium for storing a program executed by the MPU;
Protection means for restricting writing to the flash medium by redirecting write access to the flash medium to volatile RAM;
Receiving means for receiving content data distributed from an external device;
First storage means for storing the content data received by the receiving means in the redirect destination RAM;
Second storage means for storing the content data stored in the RAM in a nonvolatile storage medium;
Reproduction means for reading the content data from the RAM and reproducing the content data;
Recovery means for copying the content data stored in the nonvolatile storage medium to the RAM at the time of startup of the own device;
A content playback apparatus comprising:   The content reproduction apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the first storage unit stores the content data received by the reception unit in the RAM when the content data does not match the existing content data stored in the RAM.   The said 2nd memory | storage means memorize | stores in the said non-volatile storage medium, when the said content data which the said receiving means received do not correspond with the said existing content data memorize | stored in the said non-volatile storage medium 2. The content reproduction apparatus according to 2.   The said 2nd memory | storage means deletes the predetermined amount of said content data memorize | stored in the said non-volatile storage medium, when the free capacity of the said non-volatile storage medium becomes less than predetermined value. The content reproduction device according to item.   5. The recovery unit according to claim 1, wherein when the storage capacity of the RAM is less than a total data capacity of the content data stored in the nonvolatile storage medium, the recovery unit deletes the content data by a predetermined amount. The content reproduction apparatus described in 1. A computer having a non-volatile flash medium for storing a program executed by the MPU,
Protection means for restricting writing to the flash medium by redirecting write access to the flash medium to volatile RAM;
Receiving means for receiving content data distributed from an external device;
First storage means for storing the content data received by the receiving means in the redirect destination RAM;
Second storage means for storing the content data stored in the RAM in a nonvolatile storage medium;
Reproduction means for reading the content data from the RAM and reproducing the content data;
Recovery means for copying the content data stored in the nonvolatile storage medium to the RAM at the time of startup of the own device;
Program to make it function.

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