JP7305116B2 - Content delivery system and content delivery method - Google Patents

Description

The embodiments of the present invention relate to a content distribution technology that disposes a terminal near a product displayed in a store and uses this terminal to distribute content used for sales promotion of the product.

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, a monitor is installed in the vicinity of an exhibited product, and a demonstration image of the product photographed and edited for TV shopping is displayed on the monitor to arouse the consumer's desire to purchase.

JP-A-2001-331137

Since only predetermined demonstration images are displayed on the monitors arranged together with the products, there are cases where the information desired by consumers cannot be obtained. When a consumer wants to know more about a product, it is necessary to ask a question to the store clerk.

The embodiments of the present invention have been made in consideration of such circumstances, and provide a content distribution technology that enables consumers to immediately obtain information that they particularly want to know about products displayed in stores. With the goal.

A content distribution system according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a content storage unit for storing a plurality of contents corresponding to a plurality of types of information about one product to be promoted, and one of the plurality of contents. a touch panel that displays on a screen a selection input section corresponding to the plurality of contents; an input reception section that receives an input operation by the selection input section; and an input operation of the selection input section. and a switching unit for switching to output the content corresponding to the selection input unit from the output unit when the selection input unit is selected.

A content distribution system according to an embodiment of the present invention includes an access unit that accesses a server at regular time intervals; an identification information transmission unit that transmits identification information that can individually identify a terminal that accesses the server to the server; a schedule setting unit that acquires the schedule associated with the transmitted identification information from the server and sets the schedule.

A content distribution system according to an embodiment of the present invention includes an access unit that accesses a server; an identification information transmission unit that transmits identification information that can individually identify a terminal that accesses the server; a download unit that downloads the content associated with the information from the server and stores the content in the content storage unit.

A content distribution system according to an embodiment of the present invention includes: a download period determination unit that determines whether or not a current time is included in a scheduled download period that precedes a scheduled output period during which the content is scheduled to be output; a download unit that downloads the content from the server and stores the content in the content storage unit when the time is included in the scheduled download period.

A content distribution system according to an embodiment of the present invention includes: an output end determination unit that determines whether or not the current time is after a scheduled output period during which the content is scheduled to be output; an erasing unit for erasing the content corresponding to the scheduled output period from the content storage unit when the period has elapsed.

A content distribution system according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a counting unit that counts the number of times the content corresponding to the selection input unit is selected when an input operation is performed on the selection input unit; a selection frequency transmission unit that transmits information that can specify the number of times the content has been selected to the server.

A content distribution system according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a selection time storage unit that stores a time at which the content corresponding to the selection input unit is selected when an input operation is performed on the selection input unit; and a selection time transmission unit configured to transmit to a server information capable of specifying the time at which the content of is selected.

A content delivery system according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a camera that captures a person in front of the touch panel, and a face portion of the person included in the image of the person that is analyzed based on a face recognition algorithm. and a number-of-persons transmission unit that transmits to a server information capable of identifying the number of people who have been in front of the touch panel for a certain period of time or longer.

A content distribution system according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a display control unit that arranges a plurality of the selection input units in a predetermined order and displays them on the screen of the touch panel; a counting unit for counting the number of times the content corresponding to the selection input unit is selected; and a changing unit for changing the content corresponding to each selection input unit based on the number of times the content is selected. , provided.

A content delivery system according to an embodiment of the present invention displays, on the screen of the touch panel, one main display section on which an image of the content is displayed and a plurality of the selection input sections each having a smaller display area than the main display section. A display control unit is provided.

A content distribution system according to an embodiment of the present invention downloads content related to a second product different from the first product from a server during a first scheduled output period during which content related to the first product is scheduled to be output, and distributes the content to the user. A download unit for storing data in a storage unit is provided.

In the content distribution system according to the embodiment of the present invention, the plurality of contents are composed of one main content and a plurality of sub-contents whose reproduction time is shorter than that of the main content, and the switching section causes the sub-content to be reproduced by the output section. is output, the main content is switched to be output by the output unit.

A content distribution system according to an embodiment of the present invention is a content distribution system comprising a terminal installed near the product and outputting the content, and a server accessed from a plurality of the terminals via the Internet, The server includes: a schedule accepting unit that accepts an input operation for setting a schedule corresponding to the terminal; a schedule storage unit that stores the set schedule in association with identification information that can individually identify the terminal; An identification information receiving unit that receives the identification information from the terminal that has accessed via the Internet, and an authentication unit that performs authentication to cause the terminal to acquire the schedule associated with the identification information.

A content distribution method according to an embodiment of the present invention comprises the steps of: storing a plurality of contents corresponding to a plurality of types of information about one product to be promoted; a step of outputting from an output unit, a step of displaying a selection input portion corresponding to the plurality of contents on a touch panel screen, a step of receiving an input operation by the selection input unit, and an input operation of the selection input unit. and switching to output by the output unit the content corresponding to the selection input unit when the selection input unit is selected.

The figure which shows the whole structure of a content delivery system. The block diagram which shows the system configuration|structure of a management server and a shop terminal. The block diagram which shows the system configuration|structure of the terminal control part of a store terminal. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the system configuration of a terminal storage device of a store terminal; The perspective view which shows the installation aspect of the store terminal in a store. The figure which shows the screen of the shop terminal in outputting content. Explanatory drawing which shows the structure of a content. The figure which shows the terminal management screen of a management server. (A) is a distribution management table, (B) is an explanatory diagram showing a terminal management table. (A) is a content management table, (B) is an explanatory diagram showing a notification management table. (A) is an explanatory diagram showing a selection frequency information table, and (B) an audience number information table. FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing the relationship between selection input operations and content output patterns; FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing the relationship between the scheduled download period and the scheduled output period; 4 is a flow chart showing content production and distribution operations. 4 is a flowchart showing terminal management processing of the management server; 4 is a flowchart showing main control processing of the store terminal; 4 is a flowchart showing regular access processing of a store terminal; 4 is a flowchart showing download processing of a store terminal; 4 is a flowchart showing content output processing of a store terminal; 4 is a flowchart showing content deletion processing of a store terminal;

A content distribution system according to this embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 20. FIG. Reference numeral 1 in FIG. 1 denotes a content distribution system. A content distribution system 1 includes a management server 3 installed at a content distribution company 2 and a shop terminal 5 arranged at a shop 4 . The store terminal 5 of the present embodiment exemplifies a tablet terminal. In the following explanation, it is assumed that the content distribution company 2 owns the ownership of the store terminal 5 and the copyright of the content to be distributed.

As shown in FIG. 1, the store 4 in which the store terminal 5 is installed is located in a remote location away from the content distribution company 2 . In addition, the store 4 may be plural. Furthermore, a plurality of store terminals 5 may be installed in one store 4 . A store terminal 5 is connected to a LAN 6 managed by each store 4 . A LAN 6 of each store 4 is connected to the Internet 8 via a router 7 having a firewall function. The LAN 6 constructed in the store 4 may be a wired LAN or a wireless LAN. Alternatively, a wireless router may be connected to a wired LAN, and the store terminal 5 may be connected using this wireless LAN.

The management server 3 is connected to the Internet 8 . That is, the store terminal 5 can be connected to the management server 3 via the Internet 8 . A predetermined fixed IP address is assigned to the management server 3 . The IP address of this management server 3 is stored in the store terminal 5 in advance, and the store terminal 5 can access the management server 3 arbitrarily. It should be noted that it is not necessary to access the store terminal 5 from the management server 3 only in the manner in which the store terminal 5 accesses the management server 3 . The management server 3 accumulates content output (reproduced) using the store terminal 5 and distributes the content to each store terminal 5 via the Internet 8 .

The content output from each store terminal 5 may be a moving image, a still image, voice, character information, or a combination thereof. The term moving image in the present embodiment also includes audio output together with the moving image. In other words, the term "displaying (outputting) moving images" also includes outputting audio together with moving images.

In the present embodiment, the store terminal 5 accesses the management server 3 during regular access at regular intervals (for example, every 5 minutes). At the time of this regular access, the store terminal 5 acquires the corresponding schedule. Note that the schedule of this embodiment includes a scheduled download period for downloading the content to be output using the store terminal 5 from the management server 3 and a scheduled output period for outputting the downloaded content at the store terminal 5. , and the start and stop times of the store terminal 5 . Furthermore, other schedules may be included.

Operations of the store terminal 5 are controlled based on these schedules. That is, the schedule acquired from the management server 3 includes control information (command information) of the store terminal 5 . Also, the schedule may be a schedule corresponding to each store terminal 5, or may be a schedule corresponding to each group or each store.

The store terminal 5 is automatically activated when the activation time set by the schedule acquired from the management server 3 comes. Further, when it is the scheduled download period, the store terminal 5 downloads the corresponding content. Moreover, when it is the scheduled output period, the store terminal 5 outputs the corresponding content. Also, the store terminal 5 is automatically stopped (shut down) at the stop time. Thus, in this embodiment, the operation of each store terminal 5 is managed by the content distribution company 2 . That is, there is no need for the store clerk of each store 4 to manage the store terminal 5 . At each store 4, an employee of the content distribution company 2 installs the store terminal 5 in the store 4, and the content can be automatically distributed without any operation by the salesclerk of the store 4 after that.

A content distribution company 2 has a program production unit 10 that produces a television shopping program that is broadcast via a television station 9, and a store terminal distribution unit 11 that distributes a re-edited version of the program to each store terminal 5. and a net distribution unit 80 for net distribution via the Internet 8 . In the present embodiment, contents (moving images) that are re-edited so that the TV shopping program can be used at the store terminal 5 are distributed.

Television shopping is a form of mail-order sales in which products 12 (see FIG. 5) targeted for sales promotion are introduced through television broadcasting and orders are received from viewers by telephone or the like. It is convenient for the consumer because he or she can obtain the product 12 while staying at home. Since the product 12 advertised by TV shopping in this way can be expected to increase sales, each shop 4 will sell the product 12 as well.

When the product 12 is displayed in the store 4, there are times when the consumer wants to know the product 12 in detail. In such a case, even if you ask a salesclerk at the store 4, detailed information cannot be obtained if the salesclerk does not know about the product. With conventional technology, it is difficult to obtain the amount of information provided by television shopping programs at stores. Therefore, by installing the store terminal 5 in the store 4, the consumer can obtain detailed information about the product 12.例文帳に追加

In this embodiment, the store terminal distribution unit 11 is a department that produces and distributes content for answering questions about the product 12 from consumers. In addition, the net distribution section 80 is a department that specializes in producing and distributing contents for net distribution.

The store terminal distribution unit 11 is provided to distribute contents to the store terminals 5 installed in each store 4 . On the other hand, the network distribution unit 80 is provided for distributing contents to terminals other than the store terminal 5 (for example, a personal computer). Here, when the network distribution unit 80 performs distribution, the content may be distributed using the company's WEB server (not shown), or the content may be distributed using another company's WEB server (not shown). Also good. Moreover, the terminal to which the net distribution unit 80 distributes may be a terminal installed in each store 4 or a terminal installed in a general home. Furthermore, when the network distribution unit 80 performs distribution, authentication information such as a password is notified in advance to users who have a contract with the content distribution company 2 . Then, when there is access from these users, authentication using the authentication information may be performed, and distribution may be performed only to authorized users.

As shown in FIG. 5, when a product 12 is displayed on a predetermined display stand 13, the store terminal 5 is installed near the product 12. As shown in FIG. For example, on each shelf of the display stand 13, a product 12 stored in a decorative box is installed. In addition, samples of the product 12 and the store terminal 5 are arranged on the uppermost shelf of the display stand 13 . A consumer who wishes to purchase the merchandise 12 takes the merchandise 12 housed in a cosmetic box installed on each shelf of the display table 13 to the cash register. Note that the store terminal 5 is placed in an upright state using a predetermined holding table 14 . The consumer can perform a so-called touch operation by touching the screen of the touch panel 15 of the store terminal 5 to perform an operation.

A main switch 16 is provided on the front side of the store terminal 5, but the input operation acceptance function of the main switch 16 is disabled. In addition, functions of devices that are not directly related to content output, such as USB connectors (not shown), are also disabled. In order to activate these deactivated functions, it is necessary to input a release code set by the content distribution company 2. - 特許庁

In this way, the store terminal 5 is not operated carelessly. Moreover, there is no possibility that the contents stored in the store terminal 5 will be illegally copied. A camera 17 for photographing a person in front of the touch panel 15 is provided on the front side of the shop terminal 5 . This camera 17 is used to take pictures all the time. By performing this constant photographing, it is possible to prevent crimes such as shoplifting of the product 12 using the store terminal 5 . A GPS receiver may be installed in the store terminal 5 to constantly monitor the position.

Conventionally, it has already been widely practiced to install a TV monitor or the like next to a product and use the TV monitor to reproduce a moving image explaining the product. In addition, distribution of video via the Internet is already widely practiced. On the other hand, the store terminal 5 of the present embodiment is completely different from the technique of simply reproducing an explanatory moving image. It is a terminal that aims to be able to answer questions quickly and perfectly. In other words, the content delivery system 1 of this embodiment has many original technologies, not just video monitor technology.

As shown in FIG. 6, the screen of the touch panel 15 includes one main display portion 18 (output portion) on which an image of content is displayed, and five (plural) display areas smaller than the main display portion 18 . A selection input section 19 (selection input button) is displayed. In this embodiment, five selection input sections 19 are arranged vertically on the right side of the screen. A main display section 18 is arranged on the left side of the selection input section 19 . Furthermore, below the main display section 18, a notification display section 20 for displaying the content of the notification is provided. Further, a clerk call button 21 and a voice recognition button 22 are provided below the notification display section 20 .

The main display unit 18 displays one content among the plurality of content stored in the store terminal 5 . In this embodiment, a plurality of contents are produced for one type of product 12 targeted for sales promotion. The plurality of contents consist of one main content and a plurality of sub-contents whose reproduction time is shorter than that of the main content. For example, the main content has a playback time of about 30 minutes, which is the same as the video used for TV shopping. On the other hand, each sub-content consists of a short video or the like for introducing the product 12 in detail, and each has a playback time of about 3 minutes.

Note that, in the following description, a plurality of contents corresponding to one type of product 12 may be referred to as a content group. A single store terminal 5 stores a plurality of content groups respectively corresponding to a plurality of types of products 12 . These content groups are downloaded from the management server 3 according to the scheduled download period, and output (reproduced) by the shop terminal 5 according to the scheduled output period. Note that each content group is downloaded or output during a separate period. That is, each scheduled download period corresponding to each content group does not overlap, and each scheduled output period does not overlap.

The selection input unit 19 is a button that allows the consumer to touch the touch panel 15 and is provided for selecting content displayed on the main display unit 18 . For example, when the main content is displayed on the main display section 18, the consumer wishes to see the "use scene". In that case, the consumer touches the selection input section 19 (the second selection input section 19 from the top in FIG. 6) corresponding to the "use scene". Then, the moving image displayed on the main display unit 18 is switched to the moving image of the sub-content of the "use scene".

Note that the number of selections of the sub-contents selected by the consumer is counted. Then, the sub-contents are rearranged in descending order of the number of selections. For example, among the five selection input sections 19 arranged in the vertical direction, the sub-contents with the highest number of selections are arranged in order from the top. That is, when the selection input sections 19 are arranged in the vertical direction, the content that is selected many times is associated with the top selection input section. Specifically, in the initial display mode, when "What is XX?" ” to correspond to the selection input section 19 at the highest level. In this way, the number of times the consumer selects sub-contents that the consumer particularly wants to know increases. Easier to operate.

In the present embodiment, characters (text data) are displayed in the selection input section 19, but an image using part of the video of the sub-content may be displayed in the selection input section 19 as well. Furthermore, the image displayed on the selection input section 19 may be a moving image as well as a still image.

Note that the store terminal 5 transmits aggregated information obtained by aggregating trends of consumers in the store 4 to the management server 3 at regular intervals (for example, every 5 minutes) during regular access. This total information includes information that can specify the number of times each sub-content is selected, the time of selection, the number of viewers of each content, the viewing time, and the like.

Although the plurality of selection input sections 19 are arranged vertically in this embodiment, the plurality of selection input sections 19 may be arranged side by side. Also, although five selection input sections 19 are shown as an example, at least one selection input section 19 is sufficient. Also, there may be six or more selection input units 19 . Also, the number of selection input sections 19 and the number of sub-contents may be the same, or the number of sub-contents may be greater than the number of selection input sections 19 .

As shown in FIG. 7, in this embodiment, more sub-contents than the number of selection input units 19 are produced. Also, the sub-contents correspond to each of a plurality of types of information regarding one type of product 12 . Furthermore, the sub-contents are composed of the same number of sub-contents of the first layer as the number of selection input sections 19, and sub-contents of the second layer and above corresponding to these contents, respectively. One type of product 12 corresponds to one main content.

Also, the type of sub-contents in the first layer corresponds to the type of sub-contents in the second layer. For example, if the sub-content in the first layer is "use scene (pattern 1)", the sub-content in the second layer corresponds to "use scene (pattern 2)", "use scene (pattern 3)", etc. do. In other words, even for one type of use scene, various patterns of use scenes are created in advance by changing the performer 23 (see FIG. 6) or changing the situation.

The sub-contents in the first layer correspond to the selection input section 19 in the initial display. When one of these sub-contents of the first layer is selected, the selection input section 19 corresponds to the sub-content of the second layer corresponding to the type of the selected sub-content. For example, when "use scene (pattern 1)" is selected among the five selection input sections 19 in the initial display, the five selection input sections 19 are "use scene (pattern 2)", "use scene (pattern 3)", and "use scene (pattern 3)". )” is changed to correspond to the usage scene of other patterns. Consumers can then select other patterns of usage scenes.

In addition, when the consumer selects one type of sub-contents, the selection input section 19 may be changed to correspond to another type of sub-contents. For example, when "usage scene (pattern 1)" is selected, "customer's voice (pattern 1)", "customer's voice (pattern 2)", or "reasons for popularity (pattern 2) , etc., to the selection input unit 19 .

Alternatively, each sub-content may be changed to correspond to the selection input section 19 at random. Furthermore, the store terminal 5 may learn patterns of consumer selection of sub-contents, and change the sub-contents corresponding to the selection input section 19 according to this learning. Also, the order of the sub-contents may be rearranged according to these learnings. In other words, the store terminal 5 may be provided with a machine learning section that changes or rearranges the order of the sub-contents.

As shown in FIG. 6, the voice recognition button 22 allows the consumer to select sub-contents by voice without touching the selection input section 19 . First, the consumer touches the voice recognition button 22 . Then, when the consumer says, "I want to see the usage scene," the voice is picked up by the microphone 38 (see FIG. 2) of the store terminal 5, and the store terminal 5 selects and inputs the "use scene" selection input section 19. performs the same operation as when is touch-operated. As described above, the selection input unit of the present embodiment does not have to be in the form of selection buttons displayed on the screen of the touch panel 15, and performs processing according to the voice of the consumer acquired by the microphone 38. can be

Also, when the sub-contents of the first layer correspond to the selection input section 19 in the initial display, the sub-contents of the second layer not corresponding to the selection input section 19 may be called by voice recognition.

Also, the consumer may utter the question by voice. For example, the store terminal 5 may learn voices corresponding to various questions in advance, and select sub-contents according to the learning. Furthermore, a request that does not correspond to the type of sub-content may be accepted by voice. For example, when the consumer wishes to view only the scenes of a specific performer 23 and says, "I want to see the scenes of Mr. ○○'s appearance", the scenes of the specific performer 23 are included. It may also be a mode in which the sub-contents to be called are called.

Note that analysis of the consumer's voice acquired by the microphone 38 is performed by the voice recognition unit 58 (see FIG. 3) provided in the store terminal 5 . This voice recognition unit 58 analyzes the consumer's voice based on a voice recognition algorithm.

The speech recognition unit 58 may also include secretarial function application software as a speech analysis and recognition interface. The software uses natural language processing to answer consumer questions. For example, when a consumer voices a question, "What color do you have?", the speech recognition unit 58 analyzes the content of the question and derives the answer, saying, "There are red, white, and black." You can answer with voice output. In addition, the speech recognition unit 58 identifies which language the consumer is speaking, for example, Japanese, English, or Chinese, and responds in the corresponding language. You can

The store clerk call button 21 is used when the consumer calls the store clerk of the store 4 . For example, when the consumer touches the store clerk call button 21, a notification is sent from the store terminal 5 via the LAN 6 to a portable terminal (not shown) possessed by the store clerk. The store clerk who has received this notification can rush to the place where the product 12 is sold and deal with the consumer. Moreover, when the touch operation of the clerk call button 21 is performed, the store terminal 5 may notify the management computer (not shown) of the store 4 . Further, when the touch operation of the store clerk call button 21 is performed, the store terminal 5 may output a notification sound for calling the store clerk.

The notification display unit 20 displays information to be notified to consumers at each store 4 in the form of sentences (text data). The contents to be displayed on the notification display section 20 can be input by the management server 3 . The information downloaded from the management server 3 includes information that can specify the content displayed on the notification display section 20 .

In this embodiment, while displaying content on the main display section 18 of the touch panel 15, the selection input section 19 for other content can be displayed, so that the consumer can easily perform an input operation to select other content. .

Next, the system configuration of the management server 3 or the store terminal 5 will be described with reference to block diagrams shown in FIGS. 2 to 4. FIG. Note that the configuration shown in this block diagram is an example, and other configurations may be included in the management server 3 or the store terminal 5 .

The management server 3 or store terminal 5 of this embodiment has hardware resources such as a CPU, ROM, RAM, and HDD (or non-volatile memory), and the CPU executes various programs to perform information processing by software. It consists of a computer implemented using hardware resources. Furthermore, the content delivery method of this embodiment is implemented by causing a computer to execute a content delivery program.

As shown in FIG. 2, the management server 3 includes a server control unit 24 that controls the management server 3, a server storage device 25 that stores various information such as contents for terminal distribution and schedules of the store terminals 5, and store terminals. 5 via the Internet 8, a real-time clock 27 used to acquire the current time, an input unit 28 for the administrator to input various information, and a display unit 29 for outputting various information. Prepare.

Note that the server control unit 24 is configured by a CPU or the like. Also, the server storage device 25 is configured by an HDD or the like. Also, the input unit 28 is composed of a keyboard, a mouse, and the like. Also, the display unit 29 is configured by a display or the like.

The server control unit 24 includes a main control unit 30 that executes main control processing, a schedule reception unit 31 that receives an input operation for setting a schedule corresponding to each store terminal 5, and a store terminal 5 that has been accessed via the Internet 8. , a terminal ID receiving section 32 (identification information receiving section) that receives a terminal ID (identification information) that can individually identify each store terminal 5, and an authentication section 33 that authenticates the terminal ID.

The server storage device 25 stores a distribution information storage unit 34 for storing distribution information including content for terminal distribution and notification content, and a schedule set corresponding to each store terminal 5 in association with each terminal ID. and a total information storage unit 36 for storing total information received from each store terminal 5 .

As shown in FIG. 2, the store terminal 5 includes a touch panel 15 (output unit) for receiving content display and input operations, a camera 17 for a person in front of the touch panel 15, and a speaker 37 (output unit) for outputting audio related to content. ), a microphone 38 that acquires voice, a terminal control unit 39 that controls the store terminal 5, a terminal storage device 40 that stores various information such as contents and schedules, and the management server 3 and the Internet 8 at regular intervals. A communication unit 41 (access unit) that communicates via, a real-time clock 42 that is used to acquire the current time, a start control unit 43 that controls the start of the store terminal 5, and a stop control that controls the stop of the store terminal 5 A portion 44 is provided.

The authentication unit 33 performs authentication for causing the store terminal 5 to acquire the schedule and content associated with the terminal ID (identification information). The store terminal 5 permitted by the authentication unit 33 can acquire the schedule and content corresponding to the terminal ID from the management server 3 . On the other hand, the store terminal 5 that is not permitted by the authentication unit 33 is disconnected from the management server 3 . In this embodiment, since only communication for accessing the management server 3 from the store terminal 5 is performed, even if the store terminal 5 is provided in the LAN 6 on the side of the store 4, the management server 3 manages the schedule of the store terminal 5. be able to.

Note that the terminal control unit 39 is configured by a CPU or the like. In addition, the terminal storage device 40 is composed of a non-volatile memory or the like. In addition, the activation control unit 43 includes control by a BIOS (Basic Input/Output System). Further, the stop control unit 44 includes control by an OS (Operating System).

The real-time clocks 27 and 42 (RTC) output time information indicating the current time and calendar information indicating the date and day of the week. Also, the real-time clocks 27 and 42 may output the activation time obtained by integrating the time from power-on to the present. Furthermore, the real-time clocks 27 and 42 may have a timer function that integrates time from a predetermined start time to a predetermined end time.

Note that the output unit of this embodiment includes both the speaker 37 that outputs audio and the touch panel 15 that displays an image related to content (an image displayed on the main display unit 18). Either one of the speaker 37 and the touch panel 15 may be configured.

Also, the speaker 37 of this embodiment may be a directional speaker that limits the range in which sound spreads to a certain direction. By using this directional speaker, it is possible to output the sound for product explanation so that only the consumer in front of the store terminal 5 can hear it. Therefore, other people near the store terminal 5 will not be disturbed.

As shown in FIG. 3 , the terminal control unit 39 includes a main control unit 45 that executes main control processing, a display control unit 46 that controls display on the screen of the touch panel 15, and a selection input unit 19 and the like via the touch panel 15. An input reception unit 47 that receives an input operation, a switching unit 48 that performs switching to output content corresponding to the selection input unit 19 when an input operation is performed on the selection input unit 19, and each selection input unit 19 A change unit 49 that changes the content corresponding to based on the number of selections, a download unit 50 that downloads the content from the management server 3 and stores it in the terminal storage device 40, and the current time (date) are included in the scheduled download period. and a terminal state transmission unit 52 for transmitting the operation state of the store terminal 5 to the management server 3 .

Furthermore, the terminal control unit 39 includes an output end determination unit 53 that determines whether or not the current time (date) has passed the scheduled output period during which the content is scheduled to be output, and the terminal stores the content that is no longer needed. An erasing unit 54 for erasing from the device 40, a selection count transmitting unit 55 for transmitting to the management server 3 total information that can specify the number of times each content has been selected, and total information that can specify the time at which each content was selected. to the management server 3, and face recognition capable of individually identifying a person by analyzing the part of the person's face included in the person's image taken by the camera 17 based on a face recognition algorithm. A portion 57 is provided.

Furthermore, the terminal control unit 39 has a voice recognition unit 58 that can identify questions by analyzing the consumer's voice acquired by the microphone 38 based on a voice recognition algorithm, and a face recognition unit 57 that recognizes the image captured by the camera 17. Based on the information analyzed by, the number of consumers who have been in front of the touch panel 15 for a certain period of time or more is counted, and the number of people transmission unit 59 that transmits this counted information to the management server 3, and when accessing the management server 3 A terminal ID transmission unit 60 (identification information transmission unit) that transmits a terminal ID is provided.

The terminal ID (identification information) that the terminal ID transmission unit 60 transmits to the management server 3 is a physical address (terminal number) that is uniquely assigned to the hardware. Information individually assigned to software installed in the store terminal 5 may be used as the terminal ID, or information stored in a USB dongle may be used as the terminal ID.

In addition, when the terminal ID transmission unit 60 transmits the terminal ID to the management server 3 , state information indicating the operating state of the shop terminal 5 may be transmitted. For example, status information including information indicating whether the system is operating normally, information indicating whether content is being downloaded, or information indicating whether content is being output is sent to the management server 3. You can send it. The management server 3 can grasp the operating state of each store terminal 5 based on the state information received from each store terminal 5 .

The display control unit 46 performs control to display at least the main display unit 18 and the selection input unit 19 on the screen of the touch panel 15 . Here, the display control unit 46 performs control for arranging the plurality of selection input units 19 in a predetermined order and displaying them on the screen of the touch panel 15 .

The face recognition unit 57 is a processing circuit that identifies a portion of a person's face from a visible light image captured by the camera 17 and individually identifies a large number of people using a known face recognition algorithm. Also, an integrated circuit (IC) specialized for face recognition may be used as the face recognition section 57 . The face recognition unit 57 can use a microcomputer having a relatively high processing power, in which a face recognition program in which a face recognition algorithm is programmed is installed.

As shown in FIG. 4, the terminal storage device 40 includes a content storage unit 61 that stores a plurality of contents corresponding to a plurality of types of information about one product targeted for sales promotion, and a terminal ID associated with the terminal ID. A schedule setting unit 62 that acquires the schedule obtained from the management server 3 and sets the schedule, and counts the number of times that the content corresponding to the selection input unit 19 is selected when the input operation of the selection input unit 19 is performed. a selection time storage unit 64 for storing the time when the content corresponding to the selection input unit 19 was selected when the input operation of the selection input unit 19 was performed; and the content output by the touch panel 15 and a viewing time storage unit 66 for storing the time when each consumer viewed the content.

A schedule input by an administrator who manages the management server 3 is set in the schedule setting unit 62 . The store terminal 5 accesses the management server 3 at regular time intervals, and acquires the updated schedule corresponding to the store terminal 5, if any. Then, the schedule is set in the schedule setting section 62 . In this way, even if the store terminal 5 is provided in the LAN 6 on the store 4 side, the schedule of the store terminal 5 can be managed by the management server 3 . In addition, the store clerk at the store 4 where the store terminal 5 is installed does not need to operate the store terminal 5 to set the schedule. In addition, schedules can be updated collectively using the management server 3 without individually operating each store terminal 5 installed in each store 4 .

In this embodiment, a plurality of store terminals 5 can be managed for each store or for each predetermined group. Therefore, the schedule can be updated for each store or for each predetermined group. Here, the update of the schedule for each store indicates a case where the schedules of a plurality of store terminals 5 installed in one store 4 are updated collectively. Groups can be set for each area such as Kanto or Kansai, for each prefecture, or for each product. The update of the schedule for each group indicates a case where the schedules of a plurality of store terminals 5 associated with one group are collectively updated.

The counting unit 63 counts up the number of selections of the sub-content corresponding to the selection input unit 19 when the selection input unit 19 is touch-operated. In addition, the selected time at this time (for example, time divided into 5-minute intervals) is stored in the selected time storage unit 64 . Note that the number of selections and the selection time may be stored in the counting unit 63 in association with each other. Alternatively, the face recognition unit 57 may be used to individually identify the consumer who performed the touch operation, and the number of sub-content selections may be stored together with the information about the consumer.

In this way, it is possible to tabulate which sub-contents are selected the most among the sub-contents. Also, if the sub-contents correspond to predetermined questions, it is possible to tally which question is the most frequently asked.

In addition, the total information including the number of selections and the selection time is transmitted to the management server 3 using the number of selection transmission unit 55 each time the store terminal 5 accesses the management server 3 . In this way, the number of selections corresponding to each content can be acquired by the management server 3, so that the content that the consumer is interested in can be grasped. Also, the management server 3 can grasp the selection time of each content. For example, by comparing the time of content selection acquired by the store terminal 5 with point-of-sale information acquired by a POS system (point-of-sale information management system), the relationship between content viewing and actual purchasing behavior can be grasped. can do.

In the present embodiment, the store terminal 5 transmits total information including the number of selections at regular time intervals, but may transmit the number of selections each time the content is selected. In other words, the shop terminal 5 and the management server 3 may always be connected, and the information may be transmitted to the management server 3 each time the content is selected.

In this embodiment, the face recognition unit 57 individually identifies consumers who viewed the content output from the store terminal 5, so that the number of people who viewed the content can be counted. For example, people who have been in front of the touch panel 15 for a certain period of time (for example, 30 seconds or longer) are identified as consumers who have viewed the content (consumers who are interested in the product 12), and the number of such consumers is counted. This number is stored in the audience number storage unit 65 . Also, the viewing time at this time (for example, time divided into 5-minute intervals) is stored in the viewing time storage unit 66 . Note that the number of viewers and the viewing time may be stored in the viewer number storage unit 65 in association with each other.

The face recognition unit 57 can also recognize the consumer's sex, race, age, facial expression (emotion), line of sight movement, viewing time, and the like. Furthermore, the number of viewers can be stored in the number-of-viewers storage unit 65 as information associated with gender, age, or the like. These pieces of information are stored in the audience number storage unit 65 in association with the viewed content. Furthermore, such information may be stored in association with each of a plurality of contents. Based on these pieces of information, it is possible to aggregate which content is being viewed the most among the plurality of content output from the store terminal 5 . In addition, it is possible to aggregate the presence or absence of interest in the product 12 corresponding to the content.

In addition, aggregate information including the number of viewers is transmitted to the management server 3 using the number-of-persons transmission unit 59 each time the store terminal 5 accesses the management server 3 . In this way, the management server 3 can grasp the number of people who have viewed the content. Therefore, the store terminal 5 of the content distribution system 1 can be used as a marketing tool for the product 12 targeted for sales promotion.

Next, operation of the store terminal 5 will be described. As shown in FIG. 12A, in the store terminal 5, when the main content is being output using the main display unit 18 and the speaker 37, if the store terminal 5 does not receive any operation, the main content is output. After the playback time ends, output of the main content is started again. That is, the main content is played back repeatedly.

The switching unit 48 included in the store terminal 5 of the present embodiment performs switching to output the main content using the main display unit 18 and the speaker 37 after outputting the sub-content using the main display unit 18 and the speaker 37 . In this way, if no one operates the touch panel 15 during the output of the sub-contents, the main content is automatically output, so the sales promotion of the product 12 can be continued. In addition, by including information detailing the details of the product in the sub-content that has a short reproduction time, the information that the consumer wants to know can be obtained in a short time, and the product turnover rate can be improved.

As shown in FIG. 12B, when the consumer touches the selection input unit 19 while the main content is being output using the main display unit 18 and the speaker 37 in the store terminal 5, the main content is displayed. The output ends, and the output of the sub-content 1 corresponding to the selection input section 19 touched is started. After the output of the sub-content 1 is completed, the output of the main content is started again. The output of the main content may be restarted from the beginning, or may be restarted from the part where the output of the main content was interrupted.

As shown in FIG. 12C, when the consumer touches the selection input unit 19 while the main content is being output using the main display unit 18 and the speaker 37 in the store terminal 5, the main content is displayed. The output ends, and the output of the sub-content 1 corresponding to the selection input section 19 touched is started. When the consumer touches the selection input section 19 while the sub-content 1 is being output, the output of the sub-content 1 ends and the sub-content corresponding to the selection input section 19 touched is displayed. Output of content 2 is started. After the output of the sub-content 2 ends, the output of the main content is started again.

As shown in FIG. 13, one store terminal 5 can be used to output the contents of a plurality of products according to their scheduled output periods. For example, during the sales promotion period for product A, the store terminal 5 is installed near the product A to output the contents. can be installed to output content. Note that the scheduled output periods of the content corresponding to each product are set so as not to overlap.

The store 4 notifies the content distribution company 2 in advance of the management of these schedules. Then, the content distribution company 2 sets the scheduled download period of each content according to the scheduled output period of each content. Downloading is performed for each content group. In other words, when downloading, a plurality of contents corresponding to one product are treated as one set. Note that one set of contents may be downloaded at separate times as long as it is within the scheduled download period.

For example, the scheduled download period of the product A is set before the scheduled output period of the content group of the product A. The scheduled download period is set from one week to the day before the scheduled output period. During this scheduled download period, the shop terminal 5 downloads the content group of the product A. - 特許庁

In this way, it is possible to download in advance the content group scheduled to be output before the scheduled output period of each content group. In addition, since the download is performed at an arbitrary time during the scheduled download period, the line used for the download may be disconnected while the content is being output, and the state of the line does not affect the output of the content. .

When the current time (date) is included in the scheduled download period, the download unit 50 included in the store terminal 5 of the present embodiment downloads the content group corresponding to the scheduled download period from the management server 3 and stores the contents in the content storage unit 61. to store the data. In this way, even if the store terminal 5 is provided in the LAN 6 on the side of the store 4, the management server 3 can manage the download of the content group of the store terminal 5. FIG. Also, the store clerk of the store 4 where the store terminal 5 is installed does not need to operate the store terminal 5 to download the content group.

In addition, the download unit 50 downloads the content related to the second product different from the first product from the management server 3 and stores it in the content storage unit 61 during the first scheduled output period in which the output of the content related to the first product is scheduled. process. In this way, the content related to the second product scheduled to be output next can be downloaded while the content related to the first product is being output. Therefore, it is possible to immediately start outputting the content related to the second product after the first scheduled output period of the content related to the first product has passed.

It should be noted that the scheduled download periods for the content groups corresponding to the respective products may be set to overlap. Also, even if a plurality of scheduled download periods overlap, each download is performed individually. For example, when the scheduled download period for the content group of product A and the scheduled download period for the content group of product B overlap, after the download of the content group for product A is completed, the content group for product B is downloaded. Download starts. In this way, the load on the network lines can be avoided.

Also, if an error occurs during the download of the content group of product B, the download is performed again. Then, the download of the content group of the product B is finished before the scheduled output period of the content of the product B starts. Since the management server 3 can grasp the download distribution status of the content group, an employee of the content distribution company 2 can go to the store 4 and perform maintenance when an error occurs.

When the planned output period of the content of product A ends, the content of product A is deleted from the content storage unit 61 of the store terminal 5 . That is, when the current time (date) is past the scheduled output period, the deletion unit 54 included in the store terminal 5 performs processing to delete the content group corresponding to the scheduled output period from the content storage unit 61 .

Then, when the planned output period of the content of the product B starts, the output of the content of the product B starts. Further, after the download of the content group of the product B is completed, the content group of the product C whose scheduled output period is set next to the scheduled output period of the content of the product B is downloaded. In this embodiment, the content group of product C is not downloaded until the download of the content group of product B is completed, and a standby state is established. The content of product B is erased from the content storage unit 61 of the store terminal 5 when the scheduled output period ends. Then, the output of the content of product C is started. After that, this operation is repeated.

In other words, only two or three content groups are stored in the content storage unit 61 provided in the store terminal 5, and four or more content groups are never stored. By doing so, unnecessary content groups do not remain in the store terminal 5, so that the capacity of the content storage section 61 can be used effectively. Further, for example, even if the store terminal 5 is taken out by a third party, the content group will be automatically deleted after the scheduled output period has passed, so that the content group will be illegally used by the third party. It is possible to control the situation and protect the copyright of the content group.

Next, the management server 3 will be explained. The administrator of the management server 3 can distribute each content group and manage each store terminal 5 . As shown in FIG. 8, the management screen displayed on the display unit 29 of the management server 3 includes a distribution management button 67 for managing the content distribution schedule and a terminal management button 68 for managing the store terminal 5. , a content management button 69 for managing content, a notification management button 70 for managing notification content, a shop management button 71 for managing the schedule of the shop 4, and an administrator of the management server 3 (user ) are provided.

For example, when a selection input operation is performed on the terminal management button 68, a terminal management screen is displayed. On this terminal management screen, in association with the terminal ID (identification information) of each store terminal 5, the installation store 4 where each store terminal 5 is installed, the group name to which each store terminal 5 belongs, each store terminal 5 displays the name of the content to be downloaded by the store terminal 5, the update date and time indicating the most recent access date and time of each store terminal 5, the download state of the content group, and the terminal state indicating whether or not each store terminal 5 is operating normally. be done. An edit button 73 for editing the schedule of each store terminal 5 is also provided. When the edit button 73 is selected and input, the screen is switched to a schedule edit screen. Further, the terminal management screen is provided with a pull-down menu 74 capable of searching for each store and a pull-down menu 75 capable of searching for each group.

As shown in FIG. 9A, the schedule storage unit 35 of the management server 3 stores a distribution management table for managing the scheduled download period and scheduled output period of each store terminal 5 . In this distribution management table, in association with the terminal ID (identification information) of each store terminal 5, the installation store 4 where each store terminal 5 is installed, the group name to which each store terminal 5 belongs, each store terminal 5 The name of the content to be downloaded (for example, the name of the corresponding product), the scheduled download period corresponding to this content, and the scheduled output period corresponding to this content are stored. Note that the scheduled download period or the scheduled output period may include not only the date but also the time. Other information may also be stored in the delivery management table. These information can be edited arbitrarily by the administrator.

As shown in FIG. 9B, the schedule storage unit 35 provided in the management server 3 stores a terminal management table for managing each store terminal 5 . In this terminal management table, the terminal ID (identification information) of each store terminal 5 is associated with the terminal name of each store terminal 5, the installed store 4 where each store terminal 5 is installed, and each store terminal 5. A group name to which each store terminal 5 belongs, a content name (for example, a corresponding product name) downloaded by each store terminal 5, an access interval indicating an interval at which each store terminal 5 accesses the management server 3, and an activation time of each store terminal 5. , and the stop time of each store terminal 5 are stored. Note that the start time and stop time may include not only the time but also the day of the week or date. Other information may also be stored in the terminal management table. These information can be edited arbitrarily by the administrator.

As shown in FIG. 10A, the schedule storage unit 35 provided in the management server 3 stores a content management table for managing each content group. In this content management table, each content group is associated with an identifiable content ID, a content name of each content group (for example, a corresponding product name), a delivery period of each content group, and a delivery period of each content group. The state, the file name of the main content, and the file name of the sub-content are stored. The distribution period of each content group is a period during which each content group can be downloaded, includes the scheduled download period set for each store terminal 5, and is set to be sufficiently longer than the scheduled download period. be. Other information may also be stored in the content management table. These information can be edited arbitrarily by the administrator.

As shown in FIG. 10B, the schedule storage unit 35 of the management server 3 stores a notification management table for managing each notification content. In this notification management table, each notification content is associated with an identifiable notification ID, each notification name (for example, summary of notification content), text data of each notification content, delivery period of each notification content, The distribution status of each notification content is stored. Note that the distribution period of each notification content is a period during which each notification content is downloaded and output by the store terminal 5 . Also, the distribution period of the notification content is set separately from the scheduled download period (distribution period) of the content group. Also, other information may be stored in the notification management table. These information can be edited arbitrarily by the administrator.

As shown in FIG. 11A, the total information storage unit 36 provided in the management server 3 stores a selection frequency information table in which the number of times the sub-contents are selected is totaled. In this selection frequency information table, in association with the terminal ID (identification information) of each store terminal 5, the installation store 4 where each store terminal 5 is installed, the group name to which each store terminal 5 belongs, and the corresponding content The name (for example, the corresponding product name), the selection time when the consumer touches the selection input section 19 of the touch panel 15, and the number of selections corresponding to each sub-content are stored. These pieces of information are stored based on aggregated information transmitted from each store terminal 5 at regular intervals (for example, every 5 minutes).

As shown in FIG. 11B, the total information storage unit 36 provided in the management server 3 stores an audience number information table in which the number of viewers of content is totaled. In this audience number information table, in association with the terminal ID (identification information) of each store terminal 5, the installation store 4 where each store terminal 5 is installed, the group name to which each store terminal 5 belongs, and the corresponding content Name (e.g., corresponding product name), viewing time when the consumer viewed the content, total number of viewers of this content, number of male viewers, number of female viewers, and ages of viewers are stored. be done. These pieces of information are stored based on aggregated information transmitted from each store terminal 5 at regular intervals (for example, every 5 minutes).

By collecting these pieces of information in the management server 3, the content distribution company 2 can centralize the management of each store terminal 5 and the distribution of content. In addition, the store clerk of each store 4 does not have to manage the store terminal 5 and work related to content distribution.

Next, content creation and distribution work will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. In the explanation of each step of the flowchart below, for example, the part described as "step S11" is abbreviated as "S11".

As shown in FIG. 14, first, the program production department 10 of the content distribution company 2 holds a meeting to produce a television shopping program for one product 12 to be promoted (S11). At this time, the performer 23 is determined. The contract with the performer 23 predetermines the period of the video to be used, and the broadcasting period of the program and the distribution period of the contents are also determined according to this period.

Next, the program production section 10 lists items that the consumer wants to know about the product 12, and examines questions to be asked to the performers 23 in the television shopping program (S12). Answers to these questions correspond to sub-contents. Next, the program production section 10 prepares a script of a television shopping program according to the questions and the like considered (S13).

Next, the program production section 10 performs program recording according to the created script (S14). Next, the program production section 10 performs product photography for introducing the target product 12 in detail (S15). Next, the program production section 10 takes a picture of the impression of the user who actually used the product 12 (S16). Next, the program production unit 10 edits the captured video (video) for television broadcasting (S17). Next, the program production section 10 sends the completed video for television broadcasting to the television station 9, and performs television broadcasting via this television station 9 (S18).

Next, the store terminal distribution unit 11 of the content distribution company 2 performs re-editing work to create a moving image for terminal distribution using the images used in the television broadcast and the images not used in the television broadcast (S19). Next, the store terminal distribution unit 11 starts distributing moving images for terminal distribution (S20). By this distribution, the content is downloaded to the store terminal 5 and reproduced.

Next, processing executed by the server control unit 24 of the management server 3 or the terminal control unit 39 of the shop terminal 5 will be described with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS. 15 to 20. FIG. Note that the block diagram shown in FIG. 2 will be referred to as appropriate. Further, the processing described below is processing that is repeated at regular time intervals. By repeating these processes, the content delivery system 1 is used to execute the content delivery method. It should be noted that the processing described below may be interrupted and executed while other processing is being executed in each control unit.

FIG. 15 shows terminal management processing executed by the server control unit 24 of the management server 3 . First, the server control unit 24 uses the schedule accepting unit 31 to accept an input operation for setting a schedule corresponding to each store terminal 5 or an input operation for setting a schedule corresponding to each content. Then, it is determined whether or not there is an input operation for setting the schedule (S21).

Here, if there is no input operation for setting the schedule (NO in S21), the process proceeds to S23. On the other hand, if there is a schedule setting input operation (YES in S21), the input schedule is stored in the schedule storage unit 35 (S22), and the process proceeds to S23.

In S23, the server control unit 24 determines whether or not there is content input. Here, if there is no content input (NO in S23), the process proceeds to S25. On the other hand, if content is input (YES at S23), the input content is stored in the distribution information storage unit 34 (S24), and the process proceeds to S25.

At S<b>25 , the server control unit 24 determines whether or not there is an access from the store terminal 5 . Here, if there is no access from the store terminal 5 (NO in S25), the process is terminated. On the other hand, if there is an access from the shop terminal 5 (YES at S25), the terminal ID receiving section 32 receives the terminal ID (identification information) transmitted from the shop terminal 5 that has accessed (S26), and proceeds to S27.

In S27, the authentication unit 33 of the server control unit 24 determines whether the received terminal ID (identification information) is valid, that is, whether it is a terminal ID registered in advance as a management target in the management server 3. judge. Here, if the authentication is not permitted (NO in S27), the process is terminated. On the other hand, if the authentication is permitted (YES in S27), the process proceeds to S28.

In S28, the server control unit 24 receives the aggregated information from the store terminal 5, and updates the information of various tables stored in the aggregated information storage unit 36 based on the received aggregated information. Information in various tables stored in the schedule storage unit 35 may be updated based on the received aggregated information.

Next, the server control unit 24 refers to the schedule storage unit 35 to determine whether the schedule associated with the received terminal ID (identification information) has been updated. It is determined whether or not there is a new schedule (S29). Here, if there is no new schedule (NO in S29), the process proceeds to S31. On the other hand, if there is a new schedule (YES in S29), the new schedule is transmitted to the store terminal 5 (S30), and the process proceeds to S31.

In S31, the server control unit 24 determines whether or not there is a content group associated with the received terminal ID (identification information) that has not yet been downloaded even though it is within the scheduled download period. . Here, if there is no undownloaded content group (NO in S31), the process ends. On the other hand, if there is a content group that has not yet been downloaded (YES in S31), an instruction to download this content group is sent to the store terminal 5 (S32), and the process ends.

FIG. 16 shows main control processing executed by the terminal control unit 39 of the store terminal 5 . First, the terminal control unit 39 of the store terminal 5 executes regular access processing for accessing the management server 3 at regular intervals (for example, every 5 minutes) during regular access (S41).

Next, the download section 50 of the terminal control section 39 executes a download process of downloading the content group from the management server 3 and storing it in the content storage section 61 (S42). Next, the display control unit 46 and the switching unit 48 of the terminal control unit 39 execute content output processing for outputting content using the main display unit 18 and the speaker 37 (S43). Next, the erasing section 54 of the terminal control section 39 executes a content erasing process of erasing the unnecessary content from the content storage section 61 (S44), and ends the process.

FIG. 17 shows regular access processing executed by the terminal control unit 39 of the shop terminal 5 . First, the terminal control unit 39 of the store terminal 5 refers to the real-time clock 42 and determines whether or not the current time is the regular access timing (S51). Here, if it is not the regular access timing (NO in S51), the process ends. On the other hand, if it is the regular access timing (YES in S51), the management server 3 is accessed via the communication unit 41 (S52). Next, the terminal ID transmission section 60 of the terminal control section 39 transmits the terminal ID (identification information) to the management server 3 (S53). State information indicating the operating state of the store terminal 5 is transmitted in association with the terminal ID.

Next, the terminal control unit 39 determines whether or not authentication by the management server 3 is permitted (S54). Here, if the authentication is not permitted (NO in S54), the process is terminated. On the other hand, if the authentication is permitted (YES in S54), the latest aggregated information accumulated in the store terminal 5 and aggregated based on the information stored in the terminal storage device 40 is transmitted to the management server 3 (S55). ). The aggregated information is transmitted by the number-of-selections transmission unit 55, the selection time transmission unit 56, the number-of-persons transmission unit 59, and the like. Further, each time the aggregated information is transmitted to the management server 3, the transmitted aggregated information may be cleared.

Next, the terminal control unit 39 determines whether or not there is a new schedule associated with the transmitted terminal ID (identification information) in the management server 3 (S56). Here, if there is no new schedule in the management server 3 (NO in S56), the process proceeds to S59. On the other hand, if the new schedule exists in the management server 3 (YES in S56), the new schedule is received from the management server 3 (S57), and the setting of the schedule setting unit 62 is updated based on the received schedule (S58). , to S59.

In S<b>59 , the terminal control unit 39 determines whether or not there is an undownloaded content group associated with the transmitted terminal ID (identification information). Here, if there is no undownloaded content group (NO in S59), the process ends. On the other hand, if there is a content group that has not yet been downloaded (YES in S59), settings are made to execute the content group that has not been downloaded in the download process (S60), and the process ends.

FIG. 18 shows download processing executed by the terminal control unit 39 of the shop terminal 5 . First, the download unit 50 of the terminal control unit 39 of the shop terminal 5 determines whether or not the content group is being downloaded (S61). Here, if the download is not being executed (NO in S61), the process proceeds to S65, which will be described later. On the other hand, if the download is being executed (YES at S61), the download is continued (S62) and the process proceeds to S63.

In S63, the download unit 50 determines whether or not the download of the content group is completed. Here, if the download has not been completed (NO in S63), the process ends. On the other hand, if the download is completed (YES in S63), the downloaded content group is stored in the content storage unit 61 (S64), and the process proceeds to S65.

In S65, the download period determination unit 51 of the terminal control unit 39 refers to the real-time clock 42 and determines whether or not the current time (date) is the scheduled download period of the predetermined content group set in the schedule setting unit 62. judge. Here, if it is not the scheduled download period (NO in S65), the process is terminated. On the other hand, if it is the scheduled download period (YES in S65), the process proceeds to S66.

In S66, the download unit 50 determines whether or not a setting has been made to download content groups that have not been downloaded in the regular access process described above, that is, whether or not there are content groups that have not been downloaded. Here, if there is no content group that has not been downloaded (NO in S66), the process ends. On the other hand, if there is an undownloaded content group (YES in S66), the management server 3 is accessed (S67), and the terminal ID transmission unit 60 transmits the terminal ID (identification information) to the management server 3 (S68).

Next, the download unit 50 determines whether or not the authentication is permitted by the management server 3 (S69). Here, if the authentication is not permitted (NO in S69), the process is terminated. On the other hand, if the authentication is permitted (YES in S69), downloading of content groups that have not yet been downloaded is started (S70), and the process ends.

FIG. 19 shows content output processing executed by the terminal control unit 39 of the shop terminal 5 . First, the display control unit 46 of the terminal control unit 39 of the store terminal 5 displays the main display unit 18 on the screen of the touch panel 15 (S71). In addition, when the content is being output, the processing related to the output of the content is executed.

Next, the terminal control unit 39 uses the speaker 37 to output audio regarding the content (S72). Next, the display control unit 46 displays the selection input unit 19 on the screen of the touch panel 15 (S73).

Next, the input reception unit 47 of the terminal control unit 39 determines whether or not a touch operation has been performed on the selection input unit 19 (S74). Here, if the selection input unit 19 is touch-operated (YES in S74), the process proceeds to S77, which will be described later. On the other hand, if the selection input unit 19 is not touch-operated (NO in S74), the process proceeds to S75.

In S75, the input reception unit 47 determines whether or not the voice recognition button 22 has been touched. Here, if the voice recognition button 22 is not touch-operated (NO in S75), the process proceeds to S81, which will be described later. On the other hand, if the voice recognition button 22 has been touched (YES in S75), voice recognition processing is executed to recognize the consumer's voice input via the microphone 38 (S76), and the process proceeds to S77. Note that the voice recognition process is executed by the voice recognition unit 58 to identify the sub-content desired by the consumer.

In S77, the switching unit 48 of the terminal control unit 39 switches to display the sub-content corresponding to the selection input unit 19 touched or the sub-content specified by the voice recognition unit 58 on the main display unit 18. process.

Next, the terminal control unit 39 counts the number of selections stored in the counting unit 63 corresponding to the sub-content corresponding to the selection input unit 19 touched or the sub-content specified by the voice recognition unit 58. Count up (S78). Next, the terminal control unit 39 stores the selected time at which the touch operation or voice input was performed in the selected time storage unit 64 (S79).

Next, the changing section 49 of the terminal control section 39 changes the sub-content corresponding to each selection input section 19 based on the number of times the sub-content is selected (S80). For example, the sub-contents are rearranged in descending order of selection frequency. In addition, you may rearrange in order with a high possibility of being selected next.

In S<b>81 , the terminal control unit 39 uses the camera 17 to photograph a person in front of the touch panel 15 . Next, the face recognition section 57 of the terminal control section 39 performs face recognition processing to analyze the human face portion included in the image of the person photographed by the camera 17 based on the face recognition algorithm to identify the person individually. (S82).

Next, the terminal control unit 39 counts the number of consumers who have been in front of the touch panel 15 for a certain period of time or more, and stores the number of viewers in the viewer number storage unit 65 (S83). Next, the terminal control section 39 stores the viewing time corresponding to the number of viewers in the viewing time storage section 66 (S84).

Next, the terminal control unit 39, based on the information stored in the counting unit 63, the selection time storage unit 64, the number of viewers storage unit 65, and the viewing time storage unit 66, collects information for transmission to the management server 3. is updated (S85).

Next, when the sub-content is being displayed on the main display section 18, the switching section 48 determines whether or not it is time to finish outputting this sub-content (S86). Here, if it is not the output end timing of the sub-content (NO in S86), the process proceeds to S88. On the other hand, if it is time to finish outputting the sub-content (YES in S86), the content displayed on the main display unit 18 is switched from this sub-content to the main content. Then, the output of this main content is started (S87).

In S<b>88 , the input reception unit 47 determines whether or not the clerk call button 21 has been touched. Here, if the clerk call button 21 is not touched (NO in S88), the process ends. On the other hand, if the clerk call button 21 has been touched (YES in S88), a clerk call process is executed to give a predetermined notification to the clerk (S89), and the process ends.

FIG. 20 shows content deletion processing executed by the terminal control unit 39 of the shop terminal 5 . First, the output end determination unit 53 of the store terminal 5 acquires the current time (date) from the real-time clock 42 and determines whether or not the current time is after the predetermined content scheduled output period has elapsed. That is, the output termination determination unit 53 refers to the schedule setting unit 62 and determines whether or not there is a content group whose scheduled output period has passed among the content groups stored in the content storage unit 61 (S91). .

Here, if there is no content group for which the scheduled output period has passed (NO in S91), the process ends. On the other hand, if there is a content group for which the scheduled output period has elapsed (YES in S91), the erasing section 54 of the terminal control section 39 erases this content group from the content storage section 61 (S92), and the process ends.

In the flowchart of the present embodiment, each step is executed in series. good. Also, some steps may be executed in parallel with other steps.

It should be noted that the program executed by the system of the present embodiment is pre-installed in a ROM or the like and provided. Alternatively, this program can be stored as an installable or executable file on a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium such as CD-ROM, CD-R, memory card, DVD, flexible disk (FD), etc. may be stored and provided.

Also, the program executed by the system may be stored on a computer connected to a network such as the Internet, downloaded via the network, and provided. In addition, this system can also be configured by combining separate modules that independently perform each function of the constituent elements and are interconnected by a network or a dedicated line.

In this embodiment, there is one main content corresponding to one type of product 12, but a plurality of main contents corresponding to one type of product 12 may be provided.

In this embodiment, both the main display section 18 and the selection input section 19 are displayed on the screen of the touch panel 15, but only the selection input section 19 may be displayed on the screen of the touch panel 15. good.

In this embodiment, the main display section 18 and the speaker 37 constitute an output section for outputting content, but the output section may be constructed only with the speaker 37 . In other words, content may be output only by sound. The touch panel 15 may perform only selection operation of sub-content without outputting the content.

In addition, in the present embodiment, a moving image is exemplified as the content, but the content may be only character information.

In this embodiment, one management server 3 is used to configure the content distribution system 1, but a plurality of servers may be used. For example, a distribution server that distributes content and a terminal management server that manages each store terminal 5 may be separately provided.

In addition, in this embodiment, the contents output by the store terminal 5 are downloaded from the management server 3, but other aspects may be adopted. For example, the content may be stored in the content storage unit 61 in advance before the store terminal 5 is installed in the store 4 . In other words, the store terminal 5 may be used as a stand-alone without being connected to a network. Alternatively, an employee of the content distribution company 2 may store the content in a USB memory and connect the USB memory to the shop terminal 5 to store the content in the content storage unit 61 .

Information may be transmitted and received between a plurality of store terminals 5 via the LAN 6 of the store 4 . For example, content downloaded from the management server 3 using one store terminal 5 may be sent to another store terminal 5 via the LAN 6 .

Although a tablet-type terminal is exemplified as the store terminal 5, the store terminal 5 may be in another form. For example, the store terminal 5 may be in the form of a notebook PC or a desktop PC.

In the store terminal 5, the selection input section 19 corresponding to the content other than the content being output may be displayed on the screen by the main display section 18, or the selection input section 19 corresponding to the content being output may be displayed by the main display section 18. By displaying the selection input section 19 on the screen and performing a touch operation on the selection input section 19, the content being output by the main display section 18 may be reproduced from the beginning.

Note that the store terminal 5 may include a deep learning unit. A deep learning unit is a computer equipped with artificial intelligence (AI) that performs machine learning. This artificial intelligence may understand consumer questions and derive appropriate answers to them.

Note that the content downloaded from the management server 3 or the content stored in the store terminal 5 may be encrypted.

Predetermined content unrelated to the products 12 is stored in the content storage unit 61 of the shop terminal 5, and when it is not the scheduled output period for any of the products 12, the predetermined content is displayed on the main display unit of the touch panel 15. 18 may be displayed. Note that this predetermined content may be a video or the like that introduces the installed store.

In the shop terminal 5, when the consumer's question cannot be answered by voice recognition, the consumer may perform a predetermined operation to be connected to the call center. For example, when the store terminal 5 cannot answer the consumer's question, a button for connecting to the call center is displayed on the screen, and the consumer touches the button to enable an operator ( product experts). Then, the store terminal 5 may be used to have an interactive conversation with the operator in the form of a videophone (or voice-only telephone), and the operator may answer the consumer's questions. Also, instead of the clerk call button 21, an operator call button may be displayed by default.

In addition, by installing a plurality of store terminals 5 in the store and detecting the movement of the consumer using the camera 17 of each store terminal 5 and accumulating the information in a predetermined database, the consumer in the store You may enable it to analyze the conducting wire of.

In the content distribution system 1 of the present embodiment, the content distribution company 2 remotely operates the store terminal 5 so that the store terminal 5 takes over the role of a store clerk in the store 4 . Instead of a store clerk, the store terminal 5 can accurately answer the consumer's question. The consumer may obtain necessary information by touching the store terminal 5, call a salesclerk using the salesclerk call button 21, or call the operator of the content distribution company 2 using the operator's call button. may be called. In other words, it is a system that enables consumers to immediately obtain desired information about products in a desired manner.

The content delivery system 1 of the present embodiment can instantaneously replace the content output from the store terminal 5 according to the replacement of products, consumer needs, season, and time.

Note that the content distribution company 2 in which the management server 3 is installed and the store 4 in which the store terminal 5 is installed may be located in different countries.

According to the above-described embodiments, by providing the switching unit for switching the content corresponding to the selection input unit to be output by the output unit, the information that the consumer particularly wants to know about the products displayed in the store can be immediately obtained. can get to

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

1 Content distribution system 2 Content distribution company 3 Management server 4 Store 5 Store terminal 6 LAN 7 Router 8 Internet 9 Television station 10 Program production department 11 Store terminal distribution unit 12 Product 13 Display stand 14 Holding table 15 Touch panel 16 Main switch 17 Camera 18 Main display unit 19 Selection input unit 20 Notification display unit 21... Clerk call button, 22... Voice recognition button, 23... Performer, 24... Server control unit, 25... Server storage device, 26... Communication unit, 27... Real-time clock, 28... Input unit, 29... Display unit, 30 Main control unit 31 Schedule reception unit 32 Terminal ID reception unit 33 Authentication unit 34 Distribution information storage unit 35 Schedule storage unit 36 Total information storage unit 37 Speaker 38 Microphone , 39... Terminal control unit, 40... Terminal storage device, 41... Communication unit, 42... Real-time clock, 43... Start control unit, 44... Stop control unit, 45... Main control unit, 46... Display control unit, 47... Input Receiving unit 48 Switching unit 49 Changing unit 50 Downloading unit 51 Download period determining unit 52 Terminal state transmitting unit 53 Output end determining unit 54 Erasing unit 55 Number of times of selection transmitting unit , 56... Selection time transmission unit, 57... Face recognition unit, 58... Voice recognition unit, 59... Number of people transmission unit, 60... Terminal ID transmission unit, 61... Content storage unit, 62... Schedule setting unit, 63... Count unit, 64... Selected time storage unit 65... Viewing number storage unit 66... Viewing time storage unit 67... Distribution management button 68... Terminal management button 69... Content management button 70... Notification management button 71... Store management button , 72... User management button, 73... Edit button, 74, 75... Pull-down menu, 80... Network distribution unit.

Claims (10)

a content storage unit that stores a plurality of contents corresponding to a plurality of types of information about one product targeted for sales promotion;
an output unit that outputs one of the plurality of contents;
a touch panel that displays selection input units corresponding to the plurality of contents on a screen;
an input reception unit that receives an input operation by the selection input unit;
a switching unit that performs switching to output the content corresponding to the selection input unit from the output unit when an input operation is performed on the selection input unit;
a camera for photographing a person in front of the touch panel;
a face recognition unit capable of individually identifying the person by analyzing the face portion of the person included in the image of the person based on a face recognition algorithm;
a number-of-persons transmission unit that transmits to a server information capable of identifying the number of people who have been in front of the touch panel for a certain period of time or more;
comprising
content delivery system. an access unit that accesses the server at regular time intervals;
an identification information transmission unit that transmits identification information that can individually identify a terminal that accesses the server to the server;
a schedule setting unit that acquires from the server a schedule associated with the identification information transmitted to the server and sets the schedule;
comprising
The content distribution system according to claim 1. an access unit that accesses the server;
an identification information transmission unit that transmits identification information that can individually identify a terminal that accesses the server to the server;
a download unit that downloads the content associated with the identification information transmitted to the server from the server and stores the content in the content storage unit;
comprising
3. The content delivery system according to claim 1 or 2. a download period determination unit that determines whether or not the current time is included in a scheduled download period that precedes the scheduled output period during which the content is scheduled to be output;
a download unit that downloads the content from the server and stores the content in the content storage unit when the current time determined by the download period determination unit is included in the scheduled download period;
comprising
The content distribution system according to any one of claims 1 to 3. an output termination determination unit that determines whether or not the current time is after the scheduled output period during which the content is scheduled to be output;
an erasing unit for erasing the content corresponding to the scheduled output period from the content storage unit when the current time determined by the output termination determination unit is after the scheduled output period has elapsed;
comprising
The content distribution system according to any one of claims 1 to 4. a counting unit that counts the number of times the content corresponding to the selection input unit is selected when an input operation is performed on the selection input unit;
a selection frequency transmission unit configured to transmit information capable of specifying the number of times each of the contents has been selected to the server;
comprising
The content delivery system according to any one of claims 1 to 5. a selection time storage unit that stores a time at which the content corresponding to the selection input unit is selected when an input operation is performed on the selection input unit;
a selection time transmission unit that transmits to the server information capable of specifying the time at which each of the contents was selected;
comprising
The content delivery system according to any one of claims 1 to 6. a display control unit that arranges the plurality of selection input units in a predetermined order and displays them on the screen of the touch panel;
a counting unit that counts the number of times the content corresponding to the selection input unit is selected when an input operation is performed on the selection input unit;
a changing unit that changes the content corresponding to each of the selection input units based on the number of times the content is selected;
comprising
The content delivery system according to any one of claims 1 to 7. a display control unit that displays, on the screen of the touch panel, one main display unit that displays an image of the content and a plurality of the selection input units that have a display area smaller than that of the main display unit;
The content distribution system according to any one of claims 1 to 8. a step in which a terminal stores a plurality of contents respectively corresponding to a plurality of types of information regarding one product to be promoted;
a step of outputting one of the plurality of contents from an output unit of the terminal;
a step of displaying a selection input part corresponding to a plurality of the contents on the screen of the touch panel of the terminal;
a step in which the terminal receives an input operation by the selection input unit;
a step in which, when an input operation is performed on the selection input section, the terminal switches to output the content corresponding to the selection input section from the output section;
a step in which a camera mounted on the terminal photographs a person in front of the touch panel;
the terminal analyzing a portion of the person's face contained in the person's image based on a facial recognition algorithm to individually identify the person;
a step in which the terminal transmits to a server information capable of identifying the number of people who have been in front of the touch panel for a certain period of time or more;
including,
Content delivery method.

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