JP6991269B2 - Content distribution device, content distribution system, content distribution method and program - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a content distribution device and the like that can be connected to a content display device capable of continuously displaying contents of the same attribute.

Conventionally, a digital signage system that displays and reproduces still image and moving image contents by using a display device is known. In a digital signage system, a large display device called an information display is used as a content display device for displaying / reproducing content. Many content display devices are installed in places where people gather, such as stores, shopping malls, public facilities, and public institutions.

In the digital signage system, content is distributed from the content distribution device to the content display device to the content display device. Specifically, the content distribution device generates a list (group) of content files, and distributes the content files included in the list to the content display device via a network. The content display device continuously displays the content file (content).

The content display device can display the content of the same attribute, but does not support the display of the content of different attributes. For example, when a content (image content) whose attribute is an image (still image) and a content (video content) whose attribute is a moving image are mixed in a list, the content display device determines the attribute of those contents. It is difficult to deal with such issues. Therefore, the content distribution device generates a list (group) of content files having the same attribute, and distributes the content files included in the list to the content display device via the network.

Patent Document 1 describes a technique for managing files having the same attribute. In the technique described in Patent Document 1, if the attribute of the file to be registered in the folder does not match the attribute of the folder, a warning that the file cannot be registered in the folder is displayed.

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2001-197244

In the technique described in Patent Document 1, it is necessary to set the attribute of the folder in advance. On the other hand, in the digital signage system, the content displayed by the content display device is changed for each installation location and time of the content display device. Therefore, in the digital signage system, if the attributes of the list are set in advance, for example, a content display device for displaying image content is installed in the same installation location, a content display device for displaying video content, and a content display device. Will have to be placed.

Further, in a digital signage system, preparing both a content display device for image content and a content display device for video content increases the number of content display devices and makes management complicated.

In order to solve such a problem, the present invention provides a content distribution device or the like capable of distributing content having the same attribute to a content display device without setting attributes in advance.

The content distribution device of the present invention includes a generation means for generating a group of contents for transmission to the content display device in a content distribution device that can be connected to a content display device capable of continuously displaying contents of the same attribute, and the group. When the first content is newly added to the group, the attribute determination means for determining the attribute of the first content as the attribute of the group, and when the second content is added to the group, the second content is added. When the attribute of the content matches the attribute of the group, the additional means for adding the second content to the group and the transmission means for transmitting the content included in the group to the content display device are provided. It is characterized by having.

The content distribution system of the present invention includes a content display device capable of continuously displaying content of the same attribute and a content distribution device connectable to the content display device, and the content distribution device is used on the content display device. A generation means for generating a group of contents for transmission, an attribute determination means for determining the attribute of the first content as an attribute of the group when the first content is newly added to the group, and the above-mentioned. When adding the second content to the group, if the attribute of the second content matches the attribute of the group, the additional means for adding the second content to the group and the group include the second content. It is characterized by comprising a transmission means for transmitting the content to be transmitted to the content display device.

The program of the present invention is a program executed by a computer that can connect to a content display device capable of continuously displaying contents of the same attribute, and includes a step of generating a group of contents for transmission to the content display device. The step of determining the attribute of the first content as the attribute of the group when the first content is newly added to the group, and the second content when adding the second content to the group. When the attribute of the content matches the attribute of the group, the step of adding the second content to the group and the step of transmitting the content included in the group to the content display device are executed. It is characterized by that.

As described above, in the present invention, the attribute of the newly added first content is determined as the attribute of the group. Therefore, when adding the second content to the group, if the attribute of the second content matches the attribute of the group, the second content is added to the group. Therefore, it is possible to deliver the content of the same attribute to the content display device without setting the attribute of the group in advance.

It is a figure for demonstrating the whole structure in 1st Embodiment. It is a figure for demonstrating the whole structure in 1st Embodiment. It is a figure for demonstrating the structure of the content display device in 1st Embodiment. It is a figure for demonstrating the structure of the content distribution apparatus in 1st Embodiment. It is a figure for demonstrating the list of content files in 1st Embodiment. It is an operation flow for explaining the content display process in 1st Embodiment. It is an operation flow for explaining the content distribution process in 1st Embodiment. It is an operation flow for explaining the content file addition processing in 1st Embodiment. It is a figure for demonstrating the operation screen in 1st Embodiment. It is a figure for demonstrating the operation screen in 1st Embodiment. It is a figure for demonstrating the operation screen in 1st Embodiment. It is a figure for demonstrating the operation screen in 1st Embodiment. It is a figure for demonstrating the operation screen in 1st Embodiment. It is a figure for demonstrating the operation screen in 1st Embodiment. It is a figure for demonstrating the operation screen in 1st Embodiment. This is an operation flow for explaining the content file addition process in the second embodiment. It is a figure for demonstrating the operation screen in 2nd Embodiment. It is an operation flow for explaining the content file addition process in 3rd Embodiment. It is an operation flow for explaining the content file addition process in 3rd Embodiment. It is a figure for demonstrating the operation screen in 3rd Embodiment. It is an operation flow for demonstrating the content file addition processing in 4th Embodiment. It is a figure for demonstrating the operation screen in 4th Embodiment.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In the following description, a content distribution system including the content distribution device and the content display device of the present invention will be described as an example. It should be noted that the present embodiment is an example for explaining the present invention, and it is needless to say that the present embodiment is not limited to the contents of the embodiment.

[1. First Embodiment]
First, the first embodiment will be described. The first embodiment is an example of transmitting and distributing content to a predetermined content display device.

[1.1 Overall configuration]
First, the overall configuration will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2. FIG. 1 is a diagram for explaining an outline of a content display device. The content display device 10 is configured by providing, for example, a large display. For example, it is a display device using a liquid crystal display as a display device. Such displays are called information displays, and are often installed in places where people gather, such as stores, shopping malls, public facilities, and public institutions.

The content display device 10 is provided with a USB (Universal Serial Bus) interface as, for example, an external IF (interface). Various peripheral devices can be connected to the USB interface, and in this embodiment, an external storage device is connected. As the external storage device, for example, a USB memory, an external HDD, an SSD, a memory card, or the like can be used. In FIG. 1, the USB memory 15 is shown to be mountable.

As the external IF, for example, in the case of an SD card, a card slot may be provided. That is, an interface corresponding to the connected peripheral device is provided. The IF in this embodiment is at least an interface to which an external storage device can be connected.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the entire content distribution system 1 including the content display device 10 and the content distribution device 20. The content display device 10 includes one or more devices. For example, in FIG. 2, as a plurality of content display devices 10, the content display devices 10a, 10b, and 10c are connected to the content distribution device 20 via the network NW. Further, a plurality of USB memories 15 are attached to each of the plurality of content display devices 10. For example, a USB memory 15a is connected to the content display device 10a, a USB memory 15b is connected to the content display device 10b, and a USB memory 15c is connected to the content display device 10c.

The content distribution device 20 is composed of a computer server. It is realized by executing a content distribution program (content distribution application) on this computer server. At this time, if the content distribution program can be executed, it may be realized by, for example, a tablet terminal, a smartphone, or the like.

[1.2 Functional configuration]
Subsequently, the functional configuration of each device will be described with reference to the drawings.

[1.2.1 Content display device]
The functional configuration of the content display device 10 will be described with reference to FIG. As shown in FIG. 3, the content display device 10 includes a control unit 110, a display unit 120, a communication unit 130, a storage unit 140, a content display control unit 150, and a USB connection unit 160.

The control unit 110 is a functional unit for controlling the entire content display device 10. The control unit 110 realizes various functions by reading and executing various programs stored in the storage unit 140, and is configured by, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or the like.

The display unit 120 is a functional unit for displaying contents. For example, it is composed of a liquid crystal display, an organic EL display, and the like. Of course, it may be a projection device such as a projector, or may be displayed on an external display device using HDMI (registered trademark).

The communication unit 130 is a functional unit for the content display device 10 to communicate with the content distribution device 20. For example, it is realized by a NIC (Network Interface Card) used in a wired / wireless LAN and a communication module that can be connected to a 3G / LTE line. Further, short-range wireless communication such as Bluetooth (registered trademark) or ZigBee may be used.

The storage unit 140 is a functional unit that stores various programs and various data necessary for the operation of the content display device 10. The storage unit 140 is composed of, for example, a semiconductor memory, an HDD (Hard Disk Drive), or the like.

The content display control unit 150 is a functional unit that controls the display of content on the display unit 120. For example, it is a functional unit that controls to sequentially display contents (for example, display control such as displaying image data as a still image in a slide show or continuously playing back moving image data).

Specifically, the content display control unit 150 sequentially displays the content by executing a program called a media player. This accesses the USB memory 300 and determines whether or not the content file is stored in the specific folder (“AutoPlay folder”) of the USB memory 300.

Then, when the content file is stored in the "AutoPlay folder", the content file is automatically read out and the content is displayed. At this time, the files are read out and displayed in the order of the file numbers.

The folder may have a different name, or a folder may not be specified. For example, when the content file is stored in the USB memory 300, it may be automatically displayed.

The USB connection unit 160 is a functional unit for connecting to a USB device. For example, it is composed of a USB 2.0 / 3.0 / 3.1 interface. In this embodiment, a USB device will be described as an example, but any interface may be used as long as it can be connected as an external device. For example, it may be a bus standard such as RS-232C, IEEE1394, Lightning, Thunderbolt, SCSI, or the like.

A USB memory 300 is connected as an external storage device via the USB connection unit 160. The USB memory referred to here corresponds to the USB memory 15 shown in FIG. In the present embodiment, the USB memory will be described as an example of the external storage device, but various storage devices such as an external HDD and an SSD may be used. Further, it may be a recording medium such as an SD card or a CF card via a card reader.

A content file storage area 310 is secured in the USB memory 300, and the content file is stored. Here, the content file in the present embodiment is content that can be displayed on the display unit 120. For example, it refers to an image file (still image data) such as JPG, GIF, PNG, or a moving image file (moving image data) such as WMV, MPG, AVI. Further, a text file such as PDF or HTML, a document file, or the like may be used.

[1.2.2 Content distribution device]
Subsequently, the functional configuration of the content distribution device 20 will be described with reference to FIG. The content distribution device 20 includes a control unit 210, a display unit 220, a communication unit 230, and a storage unit 240.

The control unit 210 is a functional unit for controlling the entire content distribution device 20. The control unit 210 realizes various functions by reading and executing various programs stored in the storage unit 240, and is configured by, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or the like.

The display unit 220 is a functional unit for displaying various operation screen contents by the content distribution function. For example, it is composed of a liquid crystal display, an organic EL display, and the like. Of course, it may be a projection device such as a projector, or may be displayed on an external display device using HDMI (registered trademark).

The communication unit 230 is a functional unit for the content distribution device 20 to communicate with the content display device 10. For example, it may be realized by a NIC used in a wired / wireless LAN, or it may be realized by a communication module that can be connected to a 3G / LTE line. Further, short-range wireless communication such as Bluetooth or ZigBee may be used.

The storage unit 240 is a functional unit that stores various programs and various data necessary for the operation of the content distribution device 20. The storage unit 240 is composed of, for example, a semiconductor memory, an HDD (Hard Disk Drive), or the like.

Further, the content file storage area 242 is secured in the storage unit 240, and stores the content distribution program 244.

The content file storage area 242 is an area in which one or more content files are stored for each list. The content file selected by the user from the stored content files is transmitted / distributed to the content display device 10.

The content distribution program 244 is read by the control unit 210 and executed to realize the content distribution function. The content distribution program 244 is not limited to the content distribution device 20, and can be executed by any information processing device such as a general computer or a tablet terminal.

[12.3 Content File]
Subsequently, the content files stored in the content file storage area 242 for each list will be described with reference to FIG.

In the content file storage area 242, the name (list name) of the list of content files, the attributes of the list, and one or more content files included in the list are stored in association with each other. The attribute of the list indicates that one or more content files included in the list are "image content" or "video content".

For example, in the content file storage area 242, the list name "photo1", the attribute "image content" of the list, and a plurality of content files "01 tky.jpg" and "02 nara.jpg" are stored in association with each other. ing. Further, in the content file storage area 242, the list name "movie1", the attribute "video content" of the list, and the content file "01 ykhm.wmv" are stored in association with each other.

The content distribution device 20 has the same attribute in the plurality of content files "01 tky.jpg" and "02 nara.jpg" having the list name "photo1" or the content file "01 ykhm.wmv" having the list name "movie1". It is distributed when the content (content file) is displayed on the content display device 10 (see the content distribution process described later).

Further, the list name "newlist" is stored in the content file storage area 242. The list name "newlist" indicates that the name of the list has not been decided yet. Further, in the content file storage area 242, the attributes of the list and the content file are not stored in association with the list name "newlist". That is, it means that the attribute of the list is not set and the content file is not registered.

The attribute of the list name "newlist" is set based on the first content file (new content file). When the attribute of the first content file (new content file) is "image content", the attribute of the list name "newlist" is also set to "image content". On the other hand, when the attribute of the first content file is "video content", the attribute of the list name "newlist" is also set to "video content". The name of the list (“foot1”, “movie1”, “newlist”) can be set to a desired name at the time of creating the list or at a desired timing of the user after the list is created.

Here, in the present embodiment, a group including one or more content files is set as a list, but the list is not limited thereto. For example, a folder may be used as long as it is a group containing one or more content files.

[1.3 Processing flow]
Subsequently, the flow of processing in this embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings.

[1.3.1 Content display processing]
The content display process executed when the content is displayed in the content display device 10 will be described with reference to the operation flow of FIG.

First, when the power supply is in the standby mode (power supply standby state) (step S102), it waits until an operation to turn on the power supply is detected (step S104-No). On the other hand, when the power is in the standby mode (power standby state) (step S102) and the operation to turn on the power is detected (step S104-Yes), the power state changes to "ON". (Step S106).

Here, as the power supply state of the content display device 10, there are three states of "power supply standby state (standby mode)", "signal standby state", and "ON (power ON) state". First, the "power standby state" is a state before the power is turned on. In the "signal standby state", the power is on, but when displaying based on an external signal such as HDMI mode or DVI mode, no signal is input from the outside, or the USB memory 300 (external) in USB mode. The storage device) is not connected. The "ON state" is a state in which the power is turned on, a signal is input, and content data is read from the USB memory 300 (external storage device).

Further, when the power state is ON, the content display device 10 has a plurality of display modes. This can be switched according to the external input, for example, the mode can be switched according to the input of HDMI, DVI, D-SUB, composite and the like. In addition, a "USB mode" for reading content data from the USB memory 300 (external storage device) can be selected.

When the "USB mode" is selected, it is confirmed whether or not the "AutoPlay folder" exists in the USB memory 300 (external storage device). Then, when the "AutoPlay folder" exists, the content files included in the "AutoPlay folder" are continuously displayed.

Specifically, in the flow, when the mode is other than the USB mode, the operation according to the selected mode is executed (step S108-No). In the present embodiment, the description of the processing in the other operation modes will be omitted.

Here, when the USB mode is selected (step S108-Yes), it is determined whether or not the AutoPlay folder exists (step S110).

That is, when the USB memory 300 is connected to the USB connection unit 160 and the AutoPlay folder exists in the USB memory 300 (step S110-Yes), the content display process is executed (step S112).

The content display process is a process in which the content based on the content file stored in the "AutoPlay folder" is sequentially displayed by the media player stored in the content display device 10. For example, when the file numbers are stored as serial numbers (01, 02, ...), It is possible to display and play the files in the order of the file numbers.

The media player has a function of displaying image content / document content and playing video content based on the stored content.

Further, at this time, the content to be displayed may be switched and displayed at predetermined time intervals, or may be displayed at every time set by the user. Further, each file may have an attribute and may be displayed in sequence.

Here, if the mode cannot be switched to another mode (step S114-No) and the power off operation is not performed (step S116-No), steps S108 and subsequent steps are executed, and the content is repeatedly displayed. .. When the power is turned off, the power standby state is entered in the present embodiment.

On the other hand, when the mode is switched to another mode (step S114-Yes), the mode corresponding to the mode is operated. If the mode cannot be switched to another mode (step S114-No) and the power OFF operation is performed (step S116-Yes), this process ends and the power is turned off.

[1.3.2 Content distribution processing]
The content distribution process executed by the content distribution device 20 will be described with reference to FIG. 7.

First, the content distribution device 20 logs in to the content display device 10 (step S152). As an example, telnet is used for command transmission, and ftp is used for content file transmission. Hereinafter, when the state of the content display device 10 is acquired, a command is transmitted and acquired via telnet, but it is natural that another protocol may be used. For example, SSH may be used instead of telnet, or sftp / scp may be used instead of ftp.

Subsequently, the power state of the content display device 10 is acquired (step S154). This is a process that is confirmed because the content display device 10 does not perform a process such as storing / updating a file when the USB memory 300 is already being accessed.

When the acquired power state is not "power standby state" (step S156-No) and the current input mode is USB mode (step S158, step S160-Yes), the power supply is set to the power standby state (standby mode). Change (step S162). As a result, the effect of not displaying the screen being rewritten to the user and the effect of safely writing the file can be expected.

In this embodiment, it is realized by setting the "power supply standby state", but other methods are also conceivable. For example, you may execute a process such as disconnecting the USB driver and hiding the screen.

On the other hand, when the current power supply state is the "power supply standby state" (step S156-Yes), the process of setting the power supply to the standby state (power supply standby state) is not performed. If the acquired power supply state is not the "power supply standby state" (step S156-No) and the current input mode is other than the USB mode (step S158, step S160-No), the power supply is on standby (power supply standby state). ) Is not performed.

This is because the system does not access the USB memory 300 and therefore does not put it in standby mode in the power standby state. This is also for displaying the content as it is when the content is already displayed in another mode (for example, the content of the external input is displayed in the HDMI mode).

Even in such a case, the power supply standby state may be set. For example, safety may be predominant such as preventing damage to the file system, and the power may be put into a standby state.

Subsequently, when the USB memory 300 does not have the "AutoPlay folder" (step S164-No), the "AutoPlay folder" is created (step S166). On the other hand, when the "AutoPlay folder" already exists in the USB memory 300 (step S164-Yes), the file in the "AutoPlay folder" is deleted (step S168).

In this embodiment, the file in the "AutoPlay folder" is deleted once, but the current content file may be left as it is and an additional mode may be provided for adding. If the add mode is selected, step S168 is not executed.

Alternatively, the process may be to uniformly create a new folder (delete the current folder).

Subsequently, the content file is transmitted (step S170). Here, when the transmission of the content file is completed, the media player reset process is executed (step S172).

Here, the reset process of the media player is executed, for example, by turning on / off the power of the content display device 10. Specifically, once the power of the content display device 10 is turned off and then turned on again (reset operation), the media player is reset and the content data stored in the "AutoPlay folder" is renewed. Execute the process to be displayed.

Since the login state performed in step S152 is canceled, the content distribution device 20 may perform the login process again. For example, if the login process is executed at predetermined time intervals and the login is possible, it can be determined that the media player reset process is completed.

Then, after the logout process (step S174), by controlling the input mode to be switched to the USB mode (step S176), the content data transmitted in step S170 is displayed and played back by the media player.

[1.3.3 Content file addition process]
The content file addition process executed by the content distribution device 20 will be described with reference to FIG.

First, the content distribution device 20 selects a list of content files stored in the content file storage area 242 of the storage unit 240 (step S202). At this time, the attributes of the list are acquired (step S204).

When the content distribution device 20 does not add the content file to the list (step S206-No), the content distribution device 20 executes another process. Other processing includes changing the file name of the content file.

On the other hand, when the content distribution device 20 newly adds a content file to the list (step S206-Yes), the content distribution device 20 acquires the attribute "image content" or "video content" of the new content file (step S208). ..

Here, the attribute of the list is "not set" (step S210-Yes). That is, in step S202, when the list name "newlist" is selected as the list from the content file storage area 242 of the storage unit 240, the attribute of the list stored in the content file storage area 242 is "not set". be. In this case, the content distribution device 20 sets (determines) the attribute "image content" or "video content" of the new content file as the attribute of the list (step S212).

The content distribution device 20 adds a new content file to the list (step S214). In this case, in the content file storage area 242 of the storage unit 240, the attribute "image content" or "video content" of the list and the new content file are stored in association with the list name "newlist" as a list. ..

On the other hand, the attribute of the list is not "not set" (step S210-No). That is, in step S202, when the list name "photo1" or "movie1" is selected as the list from the content file storage area 242 of the storage unit 240, the attribute of the list stored in the content file storage area 242 is It is "image content" or "video content". In this case, the content distribution device 20 confirms whether or not the attribute "image content" or "video content" of the list matches the attribute of the new content file (step S216).

Here, when the attribute "image content" or "video content" of the list matches the attribute of the new content file (step S216-Yes), the content distribution device 20 adds a new content file to the list. Add (step S214). In this case, in the content file storage area 242 of the storage unit 240, a new content file is associated with the list name "photo1" or "movie1" as a list and the list attribute "image content" or "video content". Is remembered.

On the other hand, when the attribute "image content" or "video content" of the list does not match the attribute of the new content file (step S216-No), the content distribution device 20 adds the new content file to the list. Is rejected, and a message to that effect is displayed on the display unit 220 (step S218).

[1.4 Operation example]
Subsequently, a specific operation example (screen example) will be described with reference to the drawings.

[1.4.1 Operation example 1]
First, the operation when the content distribution device 20 executes the content file addition process will be described with reference to FIGS. 9 to 12.

FIG. 9 is an example of the display screen W100 displayed on the display unit 220 in the content distribution device 20. The display screen W100 is displayed on the display unit 220 by executing step S202 of the content file addition process. That is, when the list name "newlist" is selected as the list, the display screen W100 is displayed on the display unit 220.

The display screen W100 includes an operation button area, an area R100, an area R102, and an area R104.

A plurality of operation buttons are displayed in the operation button area. For example, in the operation button area, a distribution button B100 for actually distributing the content file to the content display device 10, an add button B102 for adding the content file to the list, and a content file are deleted from the list. The delete button B104 for this is displayed.

A list of content files is displayed in the area R100. Specifically, in the area R100, the attributes of the list and the list name are displayed side by side. By identifying and displaying the attributes of the list (for example, a list of video contents and a list of still image contents), the user can intuitively identify the list containing what kind of content the list contains. .. For example, the list attribute "image content" and the list name "photo1" are displayed side by side. Further, the attribute "video content" of the list and the list name "movie1" are displayed side by side. In addition, the list attribute "not set" and the list name "newlist" are displayed side by side. The list attribute "not set" is an identification display indicating that the list attribute has not been determined.

In the area R102, the list name "newlist" of the list selected from the list of the list displayed in the area R100 is displayed. The selected list (list attribute "unset", list name "newlist") may be identified by the user, for example, the list selected from the list of lists displayed in the area R100. May be identified (for example, highlighted).

In the area R104, a message indicating that "image content" or "moving image content" can be added to the selected list is displayed.

FIG. 10 is an example of the display screen W110 displayed on the display unit 220 in the content distribution device 20. The display screen W110 is displayed on the display unit 220 by executing steps S202, S204, S206-Yes, S208, S210-Yes, S212, and S214 of the content file addition process. That is, when a new content file "01 pc.jpg" whose attribute is "image content" is added to the list (list name "newlist"), the display screen W110 is displayed on the display unit 220.

In the area R104, a content file (new content file) to be added to the list (list name “newlist”) is displayed. For example, the new content file is displayed when the add button B102 is operated. Alternatively, the new content file is displayed by dragging and dropping from another display screen.

The new content file displayed in the area R104 is displayed in a tile shape. As a new content file, for example, the content C110, the order C112, and the file name C114 are displayed in the area R104. The content C110 represents the content of the content file (for example, an image of a personal computer). The file name C114 represents the file name "pc.jpg" of the content C110. The sequence C112 represents the sequence "01" in the selected list (list name "newlist"). The user can recognize that the content C110 is displayed / reproduced first by the order C112. As the display of the content file, for example, a list display that is not tiled may be used.

When a new content file "01 pc.jpg" is displayed in the area R104, the content file storage area 242 of the storage unit 240 is associated with the list name "newlist" as a list and has the attribute "image content" of the list. And the new content file "01 pc. JPG" are stored. In this case, the attribute of the list displayed alongside the list name "newlist" in the area R100 is changed from the identification display "not set" indicating that the attribute of the list is not determined to "image content". Further, the attribute of the list displayed in the area R102 is changed from the identification display "not set" indicating that the attribute of the list is not determined to "image content".

FIG. 11 is an example of the display screen W120 displayed on the display unit 220 in the content distribution device 20. The display screen W120 is displayed on the display unit 220 by executing steps S202, S204, S206-Yes, S208, S210-No, S216-Yes, and S214 of the content file addition process. That is, when a new content file "02 sm.jpg" whose attribute is "image content" is added to the list (list name "newlist"), the display screen W120 is displayed on the display unit 220.

In the area R104, the content file "01 pc.jpg" included in the list (list name "newlist") and the content file (new content file) to be added to the list are displayed. For example, the new content file is displayed when the add button B102 is operated. Alternatively, the new content file is displayed by dragging and dropping from another display screen.

The new content file displayed in the area R104 is displayed in a tile shape. As a new content file, for example, the content C120, the order C122, and the file name C124 are displayed in the area R104. The content C120 represents the content of the content file (for example, an image of a shopping cart). The file name C124 represents the file name "sm.jpg" of the content C120. The sequence C122 represents the sequence "02" in the selected list (list name "newlist"). The user can recognize that the content C120 is displayed / reproduced second by the order C122.

When a new content file "02 sm.jpg" is displayed in the area R104, the content file storage area 242 of the storage unit 240 is associated with the list name "newlist" as a list and has the attribute "image content" of the list. And the new content file "02 sm.jpg" are stored.

FIG. 12 is an example of the display screen W130 displayed on the display unit 220 in the content distribution device 20. The display screen W130 is displayed on the display unit 220 by executing steps S202, S204, S206-Yes, S208, S210-No, S216-No, and S218 of the content file addition process. That is, when an attempt is made to add a new content file whose attribute is "video content" to the list (list name "newlist"), the addition to the list of new content files (list name "newlist") is rejected. If so, the display screen W130 is displayed on the display unit 220.

The display screen W130 is displayed on the display screen W120. The display screen W130 includes an area R130 and an area R132.

In the area R130, a message indicating that it is an error to add a new content file whose attribute is "video content" to the list (list name "newlist") is displayed.

In the area R132, a message indicating that the "image content" and the "video content" cannot be mixed in the list (list name "newlist") is displayed. An operation button B130 for closing the display screen W130 is displayed in the area R132.

In a general digital signage system, the content displayed by the content display device is changed for each installation location and time of the content display device. Therefore, in the digital signage system, if the attributes of the list are set in advance, for example, a content display device for displaying image content is installed in the same installation location, a content display device for displaying video content, and a content display device. Will have to be placed. Therefore, in the digital signage system (content distribution system 1) according to the present embodiment, the attribute "image content" of the newly added content file "01 pc.jpg" is determined as the attribute of the list (list name "newlist"). ing. In this case, when the content file "02 sm.jpg" is added to the list (list name "newlist"), the attribute of the content file "02 sm.jpg" matches the attribute of the list (list name "newlist"). Therefore, the content file "02 sm.jpg" is added to the list (list name "newlist"). Therefore, it is possible to distribute the content having the same attribute to the content display device 10 without setting the attribute of the list (list name “newlist”) in advance.

[1.4.2 Operation example 2]
First, the operation when the content distribution device 20 executes the content distribution process will be described with reference to FIG. 13.

FIG. 13 is an example of the display screen W140 displayed on the display unit 220 in the content distribution device 20. The display screen W140 is displayed on the display unit 220 by executing step S170 of the content distribution process. That is, the display screen W140 is displayed when the distribution button B100 is operated.

The display screen W140 is displayed on the display screen W120. The display screen W140 includes an area R140 and an area R142.

In the area R140, a message indicating that the list name "newlist" is selected as a list for distributing the content file to the content display device 10 is displayed.

The area R142 represents a place where the content display device 10 is installed. For example, the place where the content display device 10 is installed represents the entrance on the first floor of a store or a shopping mall. In the area R142, an operation button B140 for distributing the content file to the content display device 10 and an operation button B142 for closing the display screen W140 without distributing the content file to the content display device 10 are displayed. Has been done.

Here, the user selects the place where the content display device 10 is installed and operates the operation button B140 to operate the content files "01 pc.jpg" and "02" included in the list name "newlist". "sm.jpg" is transmitted to the selected content display device 10. In this case, the content files "01 pc.jpg" and "02 sm.jpg" are stored in the external storage device (USB memory 300) connected to the content display device 10. Therefore, the user does not need to insert and remove the USB memory 300 to copy the content file, and can manage the content file appropriately.

[1.4.3 Operation example 3]
First, other operations when the content distribution device 20 executes the content file addition process will be described with reference to FIGS. 14 and 15.

FIG. 14 is an example of the display screen W150 displayed on the display unit 220 in the content distribution device 20. The display screen W150 is displayed on the display unit 220 by executing steps S202, S204, S206-Yes, S208, S210-Yes, S212, and S214 of the content file addition process. That is, when a new content file "01 ykhm.wmv" whose attribute is "video content" is added to the list (list name "newlist"), the display screen W150 is displayed on the display unit 220.

In the area R104, a content file (new content file) to be added to the list (list name “newlist”) is displayed. For example, the new content file is displayed when the add button B102 is operated. Alternatively, the new content file is displayed by dragging and dropping from another display screen.

The new content file displayed in the area R104 is displayed in a tile shape. As a new content file, for example, the content C150, the order C152, and the file name C154 are displayed in the area R104. The content C150 represents the content of the content file (for example, a moving image of a cityscape). The file name C154 represents the file name "ykhm.wmv" of the content C150. The sequence C152 represents the sequence "01" in the selected list (list name "newlist"). The user can recognize that the content C150 is displayed / reproduced first by the order C152. As the display of the content file, for example, a list display that is not tiled may be used.

When a new content file "01 ykhm.wmv" is displayed in the area R104, the content file storage area 242 of the storage unit 240 is associated with the list name "newlist" as a list and has the attribute "video content" of the list. And the new content file "01 ykhm.wmv" are stored. In this case, the attribute of the list displayed alongside the list name "newlist" in the area R100 is changed from the identification display "not set" indicating that the attribute of the list is not determined to "video content". Further, the attribute of the list displayed in the area R102 is changed from the identification display "not set" indicating that the attribute of the list is not determined to "video content".

FIG. 15 is an example of the display screen W160 displayed on the display unit 220 in the content distribution device 20. The display screen W160 is displayed on the display unit 220 by executing steps S202, S204, S206-Yes, S208, S210-No, S216-No, and S218 of the content file addition process. That is, when an attempt is made to add a new content file whose attribute is "image content" to the list (list name "newlist"), the addition to the list of new content files (list name "newlist") is rejected. If so, the display screen W160 is displayed on the display unit 220.

The display screen W160 is displayed on the display screen W150. The display screen W160 includes an area R160 and an area R162.

In the area R160, a message indicating that it is an error to add a new content file whose attribute is "image content" to the list (list name "newlist") is displayed.

In the area R162, a message indicating that the "image content" and the "video content" cannot be mixed in the list (list name "newlist") is displayed. In the area R162, an operation button B160 for closing the display screen W160 is displayed.

In the digital signage system (content distribution system 1) according to the present embodiment, the attribute "video content" of the newly added content file "01 ykhm.wmv" is determined as the attribute of the list (list name "newlist"). .. In this case, when the next content file is added to the list (list name "newlist"), the attributes of the content file do not match the attributes of the list (list name "newlist"), so the list (list name "newlist") ) Does not add the following content files. Therefore, it is possible to deliver the content having the same attribute to the content display device 10 without setting the attribute of the list (list name “newlist”) in advance.

[2. Second Embodiment]
Subsequently, the second embodiment will be described. The second embodiment has the same functions and configurations as those of the first embodiment, but the processing of the content distribution device 20 is replaced with FIGS. 8 to 16. In this embodiment, the process will be mainly described. The same processing as in FIG. 8 of the first embodiment is designated by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[2.1 Content file addition processing]
The content file addition process executed by the content distribution device 20 will be described with reference to FIG.

First, steps S202, S204, S206-Yes, S208, S210-No, and S216 are executed. Here, when the attribute "image content" or "video content" of the list does not match the attribute of the new content file (step S216-No), the content distribution device 20 creates a new list (step). S252), a new content file is added to the list (step S254).

[2.2 Operation example]
The operation when the content distribution device 20 executes the content file addition process will be described with reference to FIG.

FIG. 17 is an example of the display screen W200 displayed on the display unit 220 in the content distribution device 20. The display screen W200 is displayed on the display unit 220 by executing steps S202, S204, S206-Yes, S208, S210-No, S216-No, S252, and S254 of the content file addition process. That is, when an attempt is made to add a new content file whose attribute is "image content" to a list (list name "newlist"), a new list is created and the new content file is added to that list. If so, the display screen W200 is displayed on the display unit 220.

The display screen W200 includes an operation button area (delivery button B100, add button B102, delete button B104), an area R200, an area R202, and an area R204.

A list of content files is displayed in the area R200. For example, the list attribute "image content" and the list name "photo1" are displayed side by side. Further, the attribute "video content" of the list and the list name "movie1" are displayed side by side. In addition, the list attribute "video content" and the list name "newlist" are displayed side by side. The list name "newlist2" is created when step S252 is executed. In this case, the list name "newlist2" and the list attribute "unset" are stored in association with each other in the content file storage area 242 of the storage unit 240, and the list attribute "unset" is stored in the area R200. And the list name "newlist2" are displayed side by side.

In the area R202, the list name "newlist2" of the newly created list is displayed in the list of the list displayed in the area R200. The list name "newlist2" is displayed in the area R202 when step S252 is executed.

In the area R204, the content C210, the order C212, and the file name C214 are displayed. Further, in the area R204, a message indicating that a new list has been created because the content having different attributes has been added is displayed. When a message indicating that a new list has been created is displayed in the area R204, the content file storage area 242 of the storage unit 240 is associated with the list name "newlist2" as a list, and the list attribute "image content". And a new content file "01 yasai.jpg" are stored. In this case, the attribute of the list displayed alongside the list name "newlist2" in the area R200 is changed from the identification display "not set" indicating that the attribute of the list is not determined to "image content". Further, the attribute of the list displayed in the area R202 is changed from the identification display "not set" indicating that the attribute of the list is not determined to "image content".

In the digital signage system (content distribution system 1) according to the present embodiment, when the content file "yasai.jpg" is added to the list (list name "newlist"), the attribute of the content file "yasai.jpg" is a list (list (list name "newlist")). If it does not match the attribute of the list name "newlist"), a new list (list name "newlist2") is generated, and the content file "01 yasai.jpg" is added to the list (list name "newlist2"). Therefore, it is possible to distribute the content having the same attribute to the content display device 10 without setting the attribute of the list (list name “newlist2”) in advance.

[3. Third Embodiment]
Subsequently, the third embodiment will be described. The third embodiment has the same functions and configurations as those of the second embodiment, but the processing of the content distribution device 20 is replaced with FIGS. 16 to 18 and 19. In this embodiment, the process will be mainly described. The same processing as in FIG. 16 of the second embodiment is designated by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof will be omitted.

The content file addition process executed by the content distribution device 20 will be described with reference to FIGS. 18 to 20.

First, steps S202, S204, S206-Yes, S208, S210-No, and S216 are executed. Here, when the attribute "image content" or "video content" of the list (list name "newlist") does not match the attribute of the new content file (step S216-No), the content distribution device 20 is new. Inquires to the user whether or not to convert the attribute "image content" or "video content" of the content file of (step S302).

FIG. 20 is an example of the display screen W300 displayed on the display unit 220 in the content distribution device 20.

The display screen W300 is displayed on the display screen W150. The display screen W300 includes the area R300.

In the area R300, since "image content" and "video content" cannot be mixed in the list (list name "newlist"), the user is inquired as to whether or not to convert the attributes of the new content file. A message is displayed. In the area R300, an operation button B300 for converting the attribute of the new content file and an operation button B302 for closing the display screen W300 without converting the attribute of the new content file are displayed.

Here, when the operation button B302 is operated, that is, when an instruction not to convert the attribute of the new content file is given (step S302-No), the content distribution device 20 sets the list of new content files (list). The addition to the name "newlist") is refused, and a message to that effect is displayed on the display unit 220 (step S304).

On the other hand, when the operation button B300 is operated, that is, when an instruction to convert the attribute of the new content file is given (step S302-Yes), the content distribution device 20 confirms the attribute of the new content file. (Step S306).

Here, when the attribute of the new content file is "video content" (step S306-No), the content distribution device 20 generates "image content" from the "video content" for the new content file. The "image content" is included in the list (list name "newlist") (step S308). The content distribution device 20 adds a new content file to the list (step S312).

On the other hand, when the attribute of the new content file is "image content" (step S306-Yes), the content distribution device 20 includes the new content file in the list (list name "newlist") so that it becomes a slide show. Generate "video content" from "image content" (step S310). The content distribution device 20 adds a new content file to the list (step S312).

In the digital signage system (content distribution system 1) according to the present embodiment, when a content file is added to a list (list name "newlist"), the attribute of the content file is the attribute of the list (list name "newlist"). If they do not match, the attributes of the new content file are converted to the attributes of the list (list name "newlist") and the content file is added to the list (list name "newlist"). Therefore, it is possible to deliver the content having the same attribute to the content display device 10 without setting the attribute of the list (list name “newlist”) in advance.

[4. Fourth Embodiment]
Subsequently, the fourth embodiment will be described. The fourth embodiment has the same functions and configurations as those of the third embodiment, but the processing of the content distribution device 20 is replaced with FIGS. 19 to 21. Specifically, in the third embodiment, the attributes of the new content file are converted into the attributes of the list (list name "newlist"), but in the fourth embodiment, the list (list name "newlist"). Convert the attributes of to the attributes of the new content file. In this embodiment, the process will be mainly described.

The content file addition process executed by the content distribution device 20 will be described with reference to FIGS. 18, 21, and 22.

First, steps S202, S204, S206-Yes, S208, S210-No, and S216 are executed. Here, when the attribute "image content" or "video content" of the list (list name "newlist") does not match the attribute of the new content file (step S216-No), the content distribution device 20 sets the list. Inquires the user whether or not to convert the attribute "image content" or "video content" of (list name "newlist") (step S402).

FIG. 22 is an example of the display screen W400 displayed on the display unit 220 in the content distribution device 20.

The display screen W400 is displayed on the display screen W150. The display screen W400 includes the area R400.

Since "image content" and "video content" cannot be mixed in the list (list name "newlist") in the area R400, the user decides whether or not to convert the attributes of the list (list name "newlist"). A message indicating that you are inquiring about is displayed. The area R400 includes an operation button B400 for converting the attribute of the list (list name "newlist") and an operation button B402 for closing the display screen W400 without converting the attribute of the list (list name "newlist"). Is displayed.

Here, when the operation button B402 is operated, that is, when an instruction not to convert the attribute of the list (list name "newlist") is given (step S402-No), the content distribution device 20 uses a new content file. Is refused to be added to the list (list name "newlist"), and a message to that effect is displayed on the display unit 220 (step S404).

On the other hand, when the operation button B400 is operated, that is, when an instruction to convert the attribute of the list (list name "newlist") is given (step S402-Yes), the content distribution device 20 is set to the list (list name "newlist"). Check the attributes of "newlist" (step S406).

Here, when the attribute of the list (list name "newlist") is "video content" (step S406-No), the content distribution device 20 refers to the content file included in the list (list name "newlist"). , Generate "image content" from "video content" (step S408). The content distribution device 20 adds a new content file to the list (step S412).

On the other hand, when the attribute of the list (list name "newlist") is "image content" (step S406-Yes), the content distribution device 20 refers to the content file included in the list (list name "newlist"). Generate "video content" from "image content" so that it becomes a slide show (step S410). The content distribution device 20 adds a new content file to the list (step S412).

In the digital signage system (content distribution system 1) according to the present embodiment, when a content file is added to a list (list name "newlist"), the attribute of the content file is the attribute of the list (list name "newlist"). If they do not match, the attributes of the list (list name "newlist") are converted to the attributes of the content file, and the content file is added to the list (list name "newlist"). Therefore, it is possible to deliver the content having the same attribute to the content display device 10 without setting the attribute of the list (list name “newlist”) in advance.

[5. Modification example]
The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications can be made. That is, the technical scope of the present invention also includes embodiments obtained by combining technical means appropriately modified within a range that does not deviate from the gist of the present invention.

Further, it goes without saying that the above-described embodiments may be combined and executed as appropriate within a range that does not contradict each other, in addition to the above-described embodiments.

Further, the program that operates in each device in the embodiment is a program that controls a CPU or the like (a program that causes a computer to function) so as to realize the functions of the above-described embodiment. Then, the information handled by these devices is temporarily stored in a temporary storage device (for example, RAM) at the time of processing, and then stored in various ROM or HDD storage devices, and is read and corrected by the CPU as necessary. -Writing is performed.

Here, as the recording medium for storing the program, a semiconductor medium (for example, ROM, a non-volatile memory card, etc.), an optical recording medium / magneto-optical recording medium (for example, a CD (Digital Versatile Disc), MO (Magneto Optical)). It may be any of Disc), MD (Mini Disc), CD (Compact Disc), BD, etc.), magnetic recording medium (for example, magnetic tape, flexible disk, etc.) and the like. In addition, by executing the loaded program, not only the functions of the above-described embodiment are realized, but also by processing in collaboration with the operating system or other application programs based on the instructions of the program, the present invention In some cases, the function of the invention is realized.

Further, in the case of distribution to the market, the program can be stored and distributed in a portable recording medium, or transferred to a server computer connected via a network such as the Internet. In this case, it goes without saying that the storage device of the server computer is also included in the present invention.

Further, a part or all of each device in the above-described embodiment may be realized as an LSI (Large Scale Integration) which is typically an integrated circuit. Each functional block of each device may be individually chipped, or a part or all of them may be integrated into a chip. Further, the method of making an integrated circuit is not limited to the LSI, and may be realized by a dedicated circuit or a general-purpose processor. In addition, when an integrated circuit technology that replaces LSI appears due to advances in semiconductor technology, it is of course possible to use an integrated circuit based on this technology.

1 ... Content distribution system 10, 10a, 10b, 10c ... Content display device 15, 15a, 15b, 15c ... USB memory 20 ... Content distribution device 110 ... Control unit 120 ... Display unit 130 ... Communication unit 140 ... Storage unit 150 ... Content Display control unit 160 ... USB connection unit 210 ... Control unit 220 ... Display unit 230 ... Communication unit 240 ... Storage unit 242 ... Content file storage area 244 ... Content distribution program 300 ... USB memory 310 ... Content file storage area B100, B102, B104 , B130, B140, B142 ... Operation buttons B160, B300, B302, B400, B402 ... Operation buttons C110, C120, C150, C210 ... Contents C112, C122, C152, C212 ... Order C114, C124, C154, C214 ... File name R100 , R102, R104, R130, R132, R140, R142 ... Areas R160, R162, R200, R202, R204, R300, R400 ... Areas W100, W110, W120, W130, W140 ... Display screens W150, W160, W200, W300, W400 … Display screen

Claims (8)

In a content distribution device equipped with a control unit that can connect to a content display device that can continuously display content with the same attributes.
The attribute indicates whether the content is a moving image or an image.
The control unit
Content is added to the content list for distribution to the content display device, and the content is added.
If the attribute of the content list is not set, the attribute of the content list is set based on the attribute of the content first added to the content list.
A content distribution device characterized in that content included in the content list is distributed to the content display device. The control unit displays a reception screen for accepting the addition of the content, and displays the reception screen.
The reception screen is
The first display area for displaying the attributes of the content list and the name of the content list,
A second display area for displaying the content list name of the content list selected from the content list displayed in the first display area, and a second display area.
A third display area for displaying the content to be added to the selected content list, and
The content distribution device according to claim 1, wherein the content distribution device comprises at least. The content distribution device according to claim 2, wherein the second display area includes an identification display indicating an attribute of the selected content list. When the control unit displays the content to be added to the content list first in the third display area, the identification display of the second display area is changed to the identification display indicating the attribute of the content to be added first. The content distribution device according to claim 3, wherein the content distribution device is changed. The control unit
When adding the content to the content list, if the attribute of the content list is set,
When the attribute of the content list and the attribute of the content match, the content is added to the content list.
The content distribution device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein a new content list is created when the attributes of the content list do not match the attributes of the content. A content display system that includes a content display device capable of continuously displaying content with the same attributes and a content distribution device.
The attribute indicates whether the content is a moving image or an image.
The content distribution device is
Content is added to the content list for distribution to the content display device, and the content is added.
If the attribute of the content list is not set, the attribute of the content list is set based on the attribute of the content first added to the content list.
The content included in the content list is delivered to the content display device, and the content is distributed to the content display device.
The content display device is
Receiving content from the content distribution device,
The received contents are displayed in sequence.
A content display system characterized by that. It is a content distribution method in a content distribution device that can connect to a content display device that can continuously display content with the same attributes.
The attribute indicates whether the content is a moving image or an image.
A step of adding content to the content list for distribution to the content display device, and
If the attribute of the content list is not set, the step of setting the attribute of the content list based on the attribute of the content first added to the content list, and the step of setting the attribute of the content list.
A step of delivering the content included in the content list to the content display device, and
A content distribution method characterized by having. A program for causing a computer to execute each step of the content distribution method of claim 7.

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