JP7433953B2 - Broadcasting slot management device, broadcasting slot management system, program, and broadcasting slot management method - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a broadcast slot management device, a broadcast slot management system, a program, and a broadcast slot management method.

When outputting content to an external device, there is a technology that registers the content in a prepared broadcast slot and transmits it to a server that integrates the external device.

Patent Document 1 discloses a technology related to a signage system. In paragraph [0035], "The signage server 102 uses the common interface module (hereinafter referred to as common IF module) 103 as the frame information 104 with the empty frame (the time period in which advertising content may be inserted) set for each signage player 114. via the CDC server 101, and is registered in the frame information table 111 of the organization management unit (the above-mentioned frame information management device).'' Furthermore, in paragraph [0036], it is stated that ``The programming management department of the CDC server 101 allocates advertising content suitable for the frame information 104 while referring to the content information table 109 and the signage information table 110, and generates schedule information (programming information). "Create."

Patent No. 4852632

When outputting content registered in a broadcast slot, it is desirable to output it in a manner that meets various requirements, such as the nature of the content and restrictions on output equipment.

Patent Document 1 does not output content in a manner that meets complex requests.

The present invention has been made in view of the above points, and an object of the present invention is to provide a technique for outputting content registered in a broadcast slot in a manner that flexibly responds to complex requests.

The present application includes a plurality of means for solving the above problems, examples of which are as follows.

In order to solve the above problems, a broadcasting slot management device according to one aspect of the present invention includes a slot organization information registration unit that registers slot organization information including one or a plurality of consecutive chronological broadcasting slots; a slot reservation registration unit that accepts reservations for broadcasting; a content registration unit that accepts registration of content to be broadcast for the broadcast slot reserved by the slot reservation registration unit; and a content registration unit that accepts and registers input of an output mode of the content. The present invention is characterized by comprising an output mode registration section and a broadcast command section that outputs the content and a broadcast instruction including information indicating the output mode.

The output mode registration unit receives an input of an alternate broadcast instruction for the broadcast slot, and the content registration unit receives an input of an alternate broadcast instruction for the broadcast slot, and the content registration unit outputs a number determined based on the alternate broadcast instruction for the broadcast slot to which the alternate broadcast instruction is input. The content may be registered, and the broadcast command unit may output the broadcast command to alternately broadcast the plurality of registered contents for the broadcast slot in which the alternate broadcast instruction is input. .

The output mode registration unit may be capable of accepting input of the alternate broadcast instruction for each of the broadcast slots included in the slot organization information.

The frame organization information registration unit receives and registers a specification of a broadcast time slot for the frame organization information, and the broadcast command unit registers the content registered for the broadcast slot having the frame organization information. , included in the frame organization information to be repeatedly broadcast when repeatedly broadcasting in the broadcast time slot associated with the frame organization information and outputting the broadcast command for the broadcast slot in which the alternate broadcast instruction has been input. The broadcasting instruction may be outputted so that the content is replaced and broadcast in the broadcasting slot related to the alternate broadcasting instruction.

The output mode registration unit receives an input of a first regulation that is a regulation for the frame organization information, and the content registration unit is a regulation that is a regulation regarding content to be broadcast from among regulation candidates determined by the first regulation. The broadcast command unit may receive a selection of a second regulation, receive registration of the content according to the second regulation, and output the broadcast command including the second regulation.

The first regulation or the second regulation may be characterized by at least one of a screen division mode, an image ratio, a distinction between vertical and horizontal formats, or a distinction between still images and moving images.

The broadcast slot management device includes a display information generation unit that generates display information of a slot organization confirmation screen that adjustably displays the broadcast order of the content registered for the broadcast slot included in the slot organization information, The frame composition confirmation screen may be characterized in that the broadcast frame associated with the alternate broadcast instruction is displayed in a distinguishable manner from other broadcast frames.

The broadcast slot management device may include a history acquisition unit that acquires broadcast performance information indicating broadcast performance, totals the number of broadcasts for each content, and generates broadcast history information.

Furthermore, in order to solve the above problems, a broadcast slot management system according to another aspect of the present invention includes a broadcast manager device owned by a broadcast manager who manages the broadcast of content, and a broadcast requester device that requests the broadcast of the content. A broadcast slot management system in which a broadcast slot management device that manages broadcast slots, and an output device management device that manages output devices are communicably connected, wherein the broadcast manager device The broadcast requester device includes a frame organization registration requesting unit that requests registration of frame organization information including a plurality of consecutive broadcast frames, and the broadcast requester device requests a reservation for broadcasting for the broadcasting slot and also registers content to be broadcast. The broadcasting slot management device includes a slot reservation requesting unit for requesting the slot reservation requesting unit, and the broadcasting slot management device includes a slot organization information registration unit for registering the slot organization information requested by the broadcasting manager device, and a slot reservation requesting unit for registering the slot reservation requesting unit for the broadcasting requested by the slot reservation requesting unit. a slot reservation registration unit that accepts a slot reservation; a content registration unit that accepts registration of content to be broadcast for the broadcast slot reserved by the slot reservation registration unit; and a content registration unit that accepts input of an output mode of the content and registers it. The present invention is characterized by comprising an output mode registration section and a broadcast command section that outputs a broadcast command including information indicating the output mode to the output device management device.

Each of the plurality of output device management devices may be owned by a different company.

The output device management device includes a broadcast log providing unit that transmits broadcast performance information indicating the broadcast performance of the content to the broadcast slot management device, and the broadcast slot management device uses the broadcast performance information to It may also be characterized by comprising a history acquisition unit that totals the number of broadcasts and generates broadcast history information.

Moreover, in order to solve the above-mentioned problem, a program according to another aspect of the present invention is a program that causes a computer to function as a broadcasting slot management device, wherein the broadcasting slot management device is connected to a slot organization information registration unit and a slot reservation unit. A frame that functions as a registration unit, a content registration unit, an output mode registration unit, and a broadcast command unit, and registers frame organization information including one or a plurality of chronologically continuous broadcast frames in the frame organization information registration unit. A program information registration procedure is executed, the slot reservation registration section is caused to execute a slot reservation registration procedure for accepting a broadcast reservation for the broadcast slot, and the content registration section is caused to register the broadcast slot reserved by the slot reservation registration section. , causes the output mode registration section to execute a content registration procedure for accepting registration of content to be broadcast, causes the output mode registration section to execute an output mode determination procedure for accepting and registering input of an output mode for the content, and causes the broadcast command section to: The present invention is characterized in that a broadcast command procedure for outputting a broadcast command including information indicating the output mode is executed.

Furthermore, in order to solve the above-mentioned problems, a broadcasting slot management method according to another aspect of the present invention is a broadcasting slot management method using a broadcasting slot management device, which comprises one or more consecutive broadcasting slots in chronological order. A slot programming information registration procedure for registering programming information, a slot reservation registration procedure for accepting a broadcast reservation for the broadcast slot, and a content for accepting registration of content to be broadcast for the broadcast slot reserved in the slot reservation registration procedure. The present invention is characterized by comprising a registration procedure, an output mode registration procedure for receiving and registering an input of an output mode of the content, and a broadcast command procedure for outputting a broadcast command including information indicating the output mode and the content. .

According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a technique for outputting content registered in a broadcast slot in a manner that flexibly responds to complex requests.

Problems, configurations, and effects other than those described above will be made clear by the description of the embodiments below.

FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of an overview of a broadcast slot management system. It is a diagram showing an example of functional blocks of a broadcast slot management system. It is a diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of a broadcast slot management device. FIG. 3 is a sequence diagram illustrating an example of frame organization information registration processing. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of a data structure of channel type information. This is information showing an example of the data structure of broadcast slot information. It is a sequence diagram which shows an example of slot reservation processing. It is a figure which shows an example of the data structure of slot reservation information. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of a data structure of content-related information. It is a figure showing an example of a channel registration screen. It is a figure which shows an example of a slot reservation screen. It is a figure which shows an example of a broadcast frame detailed setting screen. It is a figure showing an example of a content registration screen. It is a figure which shows an example of a frame formation confirmation screen.

Hereinafter, examples of embodiments of the present invention will be described based on the drawings. FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of an overview of a broadcast slot management system 1. As shown in FIG. The broadcast slot management system 1 in this embodiment manages the broadcast of content to a plurality of scattered output devices 53.

The content managed in the broadcast slot management system 1 is advertising content, and an example will be described below in which the advertising content is output from a signage player through processing by the broadcast slot management device 10. A signage player is an output device that is installed in public spaces, stores, etc., and mainly displays advertisements such as images and text. Note that in this embodiment, the content output from the output device 53 is not limited to advertising content, and includes all kinds of information such as audio, still images, and videos that can be output via the output device 53. Further, the output device 53 is not limited to a signage player, and may be an information processing device such as a PC (Personal Computer) or a smartphone.

Conventionally, when outputting advertising content from a signage player, advertising agency D receives material submission from submission manager B or submission person C, and submits the advertising content to media owner A. In addition, when advertising agency D conveys broadcast conditions such as the desired number of broadcasts and broadcast areas to media owner A, media owner A adjusts the broadcast schedule and organizes advertising content, The information was sent to the corresponding distribution system 40. Since media owner A had to manually adjust the schedule and organize advertising content according to each distribution system 40, the burden was enormous, and there were many cases in which the media owner A had to request a separate vendor to manage the broadcast slots.

In this embodiment, at least one of the information processing devices operated by the media owner A, the traffic manager B, the traffic person C, and the advertising agency D is connected to the broadcast slot management device 10 via the network N, respectively. Connected for communication. The media owner A, the submission manager B, the person in charge of submission C, and the advertising agency D share various information regarding advertising content through a common interface provided by the broadcast slot management device 10.

For example, media owner A defines a channel type that includes one or more broadcast slots, and requests the broadcast slot management device 10 to register the channel type. The channel type is associated with broadcast conditions such as the number of broadcast frames, distribution destination candidates that are candidates for the output device 53 that outputs advertising content, and the broadcast period.

For example, advertising agency D requests the broadcast slot management device 10 to reserve a broadcast slot. Media owner A may approve the slot reservation request to confirm the reservation of the broadcast slot. The submission manager B, the person in charge of submission C, or the advertising agency D submits advertising content to the broadcast slot management device 10. Advertising agency D associates the broadcast slot to be reserved with advertising content. Media owner A can approve advertising content associated with a broadcast slot. Note that the approval of the slot reservation request and the approval of the advertising content may be performed at the same time.

Furthermore, media owner A can organize the advertising content before requesting the distribution system 40 to broadcast the advertising content. The advertising content compiled by the media owner A is transmitted from the broadcast slot management device 10 to the distribution system 40. For example, the broadcast slot management device 10 specifies a distribution destination selected from distribution destination candidates when reserving a broadcast slot, and transmits advertising content to a distribution system 40 that manages distribution to the distribution destination. .

In FIG. 1, the distribution system 40 is, for example, a server computer, and the plurality of distribution systems 40 included in the broadcast slot management system 1 are each managed by a different company (for example, a distribution vendor). The distribution system 40a manages distribution to base X, the distribution system 40b manages distribution to base Y, and the distribution system 40c manages distribution to base Z. Note that the plurality of output devices 53 managed by one distribution system 40 do not have to be located physically close to each other (for example, within the same store). The distribution system 40 functions as an output device management device.

The distribution system 40 transmits a signal indicating advertising content at an appropriate timing to an STB (Set Top Box) 52 connected via a network N or a router 51. The STB 52 converts the received signal into a signal that can be interpreted by the output device 53 and transmits the signal. The output device 53 outputs advertising content based on the received signal.

Note that, as an example in this embodiment, media owner A requests the administrator of distribution system 40 to procure STB 52. After procuring the STB 52, the administrator of the distribution system 40 requests the broadcast slot management device 10 to register the STB 52 by operating the distribution system 40. The broadcast slot management device 10 and the distribution system 40 transmit and receive information such as the installation position of the STB 52 via an API (Application Programming Interface) for registering connected devices.

More specifically, the distribution system 40 transmits to the broadcast slot management device 10, via the API, a registration request specifying identification information for specifying the STB 52, identification information for the corporation to which the STB 52 belongs, and the like. The broadcast slot management device 10 receives the received identification information of the STB 52, a start time to start using the STB 52, an end time to end the use, a broadcast start time in 24 hours, and a broadcast end time of the STB 52, which will be described later. In the hierarchical information of the output device 53, information indicating the installation position of the output device 53 managed by the STB 52 (for example, a name indicating the highest layer in the hierarchical information, a name indicating the second layer, a name indicating the third layer, etc.) , the name indicating the lowest hierarchy), etc., are transmitted to the STB 52 as a response to the registration request. As a result, in the broadcast slot management device 10, the STB 52 is registered in association with the distribution system 40, and device area information 121, which will be described later, is generated.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of functional blocks of the broadcast slot management system 1. For example, the broadcast slot management system 1 includes a broadcast slot management device 10, a broadcast manager device 20, and a broadcast client device 30, which are communicably connected via a network N. Furthermore, in the broadcast slot management system 1, the broadcast slot management device 10 and the distribution system 40 are communicably connected. The broadcast slot management device 10 is an information processing device such as a server computer or a PC, and is operated by, for example, a broadcast slot management service provider.

The broadcast manager device 20 and the broadcast client device 30 are each an information processing device such as a PC, a smartphone, a PDA (Personal Digital Assistant), a notebook computer, or a tablet terminal. As an example, the broadcast manager device 20 is operated by a person in charge of media owner A, and the broadcast client device 30 is operated by a person in charge of advertising agency D. Note that the distribution system 40 shown in FIG. 1 is, for example, an information processing device such as a server computer or a PC. The distribution system 40 is, for example, a server computer or an information processing device such as a PC. Note that the distribution system 40 may be connected to the broadcast slot management device 10 via the network N.

The broadcast slot management device 10 includes a processing section 110, a storage section 120, an input section 130, an output section 140, and a communication section 150. The processing unit 110 controls the entire broadcast slot management device 10 in an integrated manner. The storage unit 120 stores information necessary for processing by the processing unit 110. The input unit 130 receives information input to the broadcast slot management device 10 from an input device connected via an input IF, which will be described later. The output unit 140 outputs information stored in the broadcast slot management device 10 to an output device connected via an output IF to be described later. The communication unit 150 mediates the transmission and reception of information between the broadcast manager device 20, the broadcast client device 30, and the distribution system 40.

The processing unit 110 includes a frame organization information registration unit 111 , a frame reservation registration unit 112 , an output mode registration unit 113 , a display information generation unit 114 , a content registration unit 115 , a broadcast command unit 116 , and a history acquisition unit 117 Equipped with. The frame organization information registration unit 111 registers a channel type including one or a plurality of consecutive broadcast frames in chronological order as frame organization information. The frame organization information registration unit 111 receives specifications of the number of included broadcast frames, the type of advertising content that can be registered in the broadcast slot, and the duration of the advertising content in the frame organization information, and Register in association with organization information.

Furthermore, the frame organization information registration unit 111 receives and registers designations of advertising content distribution destination candidates, broadcast periods, and broadcast time slots in the frame organization information. The distribution destination candidates are candidates for the output device 53 that broadcasts the advertising content. The broadcast period indicates the period from the broadcast start date to the broadcast end date of the advertising content related to the frame organization information. The broadcast time slot indicates a time slot in a day in which advertising content related to the frame organization information is broadcast.

The slot reservation registration unit 112 accepts a reservation for broadcasting for a broadcast slot included in the slot organization information. More specifically, the slot reservation registration unit 112 receives a slot reservation request specifying slot organization information from the broadcast manager device 20 or the broadcast client device 30. The slot reservation registration unit 112 registers a reservation for the broadcast slot included in the designated slot organization information when there is space in the number of slots in the designated slot organization information.

In addition, the slot reservation registration unit 112 selects the distribution destination, broadcast period, and broadcast time of the advertising content to be registered in the broadcast slot from among the distribution destination candidates, broadcast period, and broadcast time slot specified in the frame organization information. It accepts the specification of the band and registers it in association with the broadcast slot to be reserved. Note that the broadcast conditions for advertising content that are registered by the slot reservation registration unit 112 are not limited to the distribution destination, broadcast period, and broadcast time slot, and among these items, there may be items that are not registered.

The output mode registration unit 113 receives and registers an input of an output mode of advertising content. More specifically, the output mode registration unit 113 receives, for example, from the broadcast manager device 20, an input of an alternate broadcast instruction for the broadcast slot included in the slot organization information. Although the alternate broadcast instructions will be described later, the output mode registration unit 113 can receive input of alternate broadcast instructions for each of one or more broadcast frames included in the frame organization information. Further, the output mode registration unit 113 receives an input of a first regulation that is a rule for frame organization information.

The display information generation unit 114 generates display information for a channel registration screen for registering a channel type based on a request from the broadcast manager device 20, and transmits it to the broadcast manager device 20 that sent the request. Furthermore, the display information generation unit 114 generates display information for a slot reservation screen for reserving a broadcast slot based on a slot reservation request from the broadcast manager device 20 or the broadcast client device 30, and transmits the request. It is transmitted to the broadcast manager device 20 or the broadcast client device 30.

On the slot reservation screen, vacant broadcast slots are displayed in a selectable manner among one or more broadcast slots included in the slot organization information specified in the slot reservation request. For example, on the slot reservation screen, broadcast slots that have not yet been reserved among the distribution destination candidates, broadcast periods, and broadcast time slots specified in the slot organization information are displayed in a selectable manner. Media owner A or advertising agency D operating broadcast manager device 20 or broadcast client device 30 selects a desired broadcast slot from among the selectably displayed broadcast slots. As a result, broadcast conditions such as distribution destination, broadcast period, and broadcast time zone for the broadcast frame are registered.

As an example, the slot reservation screen selectably displays broadcast slots that have not yet been reserved among the broadcast slots that satisfy the distribution destination candidates registered together with the slot organization information and the broadcast period. When the selection of a broadcast slot on the slot reservation screen is accepted, the distribution destination and broadcast period of the selected broadcast slot are registered as broadcast conditions (desired conditions) in association with the reservation slot.

The display information generation unit 114 also generates display information for a content registration screen, which is a screen for registering content for a reservation slot, and sends the display information to the broadcast manager device 20 or broadcast client device 30 that transmitted the request. Send. On the content registration screen, selection of the second regulation can be accepted from among the regulation candidates determined by the first regulation registered for the frame organization information. Further, the display information generation unit 114 generates display information for a frame organization confirmation screen that displays the broadcast order of contents registered for the broadcast slots included in the frame organization information in an adjustable manner. On the frame composition confirmation screen, the broadcast frame for which the alternate broadcasting instruction has been given is displayed so as to be distinguishable from other broadcast frames.

The content registration unit 115 accepts registration of advertising content to be broadcast for a broadcast slot. One unit of advertising content made up of a combination of materials is registered in one broadcasting frame. The content registration unit 115 registers advertising content of the type registered for the broadcast slot in the slot organization information and that continues for the duration registered for the broadcast slot. Note that the type and duration of the advertising content are associated with the advertising content in advance before registration in the broadcast slot. In addition, the advertising content that the content registration unit 115 registers for a broadcast slot is not limited to content that continues for the duration registered for the broadcast slot.

Furthermore, the content registration unit 115 registers the number of advertisement contents determined based on the alternate broadcast instruction for the broadcast slot in which the alternate broadcast instruction has been input. The content registration unit 115 accepts the selection of the second regulation from among the regulation candidates determined by the first regulation, and also accepts the registration of content according to the second regulation. The first regulation and the second regulation are at least one of a screen division mode, an image ratio, a distinction between vertical and horizontal formats, or a distinction between still images and moving images.

Note that the screen division mode is a display mode when the display screen displayed on the output device 53 is divided into a plurality of regions. The image ratio is the aspect ratio of the image. The distinction between vertical and horizontal formats is information indicating whether content is displayed on a screen installed in a portrait orientation or content displayed on a screen installed in a landscape orientation.

The broadcast command unit 116 outputs, to the distribution system 40, a broadcast command including information indicating the output mode of the advertising content to be broadcast and the advertising content. The broadcast command unit 116 outputs a broadcast command to repeatedly broadcast advertising content corresponding to the number of broadcast frames specified in the frame organization information in the broadcast time slot specified in the frame organization information. As an example, the broadcast command unit 116 includes the identification information of the output device 53 specified from the information specified as the distribution destination, the advertising content, the broadcast order, and the broadcast time in the broadcast command, and transmits it to the distribution system 40. do. Note that the broadcast command unit 116 outputs a broadcast command to alternately broadcast a plurality of advertising contents registered for the broadcast slot for which the alternate broadcast command has been input.

Note that, when outputting a broadcast command for a broadcast slot for which an alternate broadcast instruction has been input, the broadcast command unit 116 outputs a broadcast command for the broadcast slot included in the frame organization information that is repeatedly broadcast so that the advertising content is replaced and broadcast. Output the command. Further, the broadcast command unit 116 outputs a broadcast command including the second regulation when the content registration unit 115 receives the selection of the second regulation.

In addition, the broadcast command unit 116 may generate advertisement content in an output mode according to the broadcast command and output it to the distribution system 40. For example, the broadcast command unit 116 can generate image information according to the first regulation and the second regulation and transmit it to the distribution system 40 as advertising content. Alternatively, the broadcast command unit 116 may generate image information of advertising content to be output after replacing the content of the broadcast slot to which the alternate broadcast instruction has been input, and output it to the distribution system 40.

The history acquisition unit 117 aggregates the number of broadcasts of advertising content from broadcast performance information (log data) periodically transmitted from the distribution system 40 (for example, at the end time of daily broadcasts), and records it in broadcast history information 126, which will be described later. . Note that, as an example, the history acquisition unit 117 selects log data related to the output device 53 registered in advance in the device area information 121 (described later) as a device whose history is to be acquired from the information transmitted from the distribution system 40. The history acquisition unit 117 uses the selected log data to total the number of broadcasts for each combination of advertising content and output device 53, and records it in the broadcast history information 126.

The storage unit 120 stores device area information 121, channel type information 122, broadcast slot information 123, slot reservation information 124, content related information 125, and broadcast history information 126. The device area information 121 is information that has hierarchical information in which the output devices 53 are hierarchically arranged based on the installation positions for each of a plurality of management organizations that manage broadcasting. In the hierarchical information, for example, the wider the installation location is, the higher the location is. The management organization is, for example, an organization that manages the distribution system 40.

Note that the device area information 121 includes, for example, identification information that specifies the output device 53, the name of the output device 53, the available broadcast time zone, and whether or not to acquire the broadcast history. The information shown is associated with the above-mentioned hierarchical information.

The channel type information 122 includes information specified for frame organization information and information indicating the first regulation. The broadcast frame information 123 is information regarding the broadcast frame specified in the frame organization information. The slot reservation information 124 is information regarding a broadcast slot reserved by the broadcast manager device 20 or the broadcast client device 30. The content related information 125 is information related to advertising content registered for the reservation slot. When advertising content is registered for a reserved slot, the slot reservation information 124 and content related information 125 include information indicating the registered advertising content and information indicating the second regulation selected for the advertising content. including.

Note that the channel type information 122 and the broadcast slot information 123 are information generated by a slot organization information registration process that will be described later. Furthermore, the slot reservation information 124 and the content-related information 125 are information generated by a slot reservation process that will be described later.

The broadcast history information 126 is information regarding the broadcast performance of advertising contents broadcasted under the management of the distribution system 40. In the broadcast history information 126, for example, for each advertisement content, a broadcast period, identification information for specifying the output device 53 or information indicating the installation position, and the number of broadcasts are associated.

Broadcast manager device 20 includes a processing section 210, an input section 220, an output section 230, and a communication section 240. The processing unit 210 controls the entire broadcast manager device 20 in an integrated manner. The broadcast client device 30 includes a processing section 310, an input section 320, an output section 330, and a communication section 340. The processing unit 310 controls the entire broadcast requester device 30 in an integrated manner. The distribution system 40 includes a processing section 410, an input section 420, an output section 430, and a communication section 440.

The input section 220, the input section 320, and the input section 420 have the same functions as the input section 130, and the output section 230, the output section 330, and the output section 430 have the same functions as the output section 140. The communication unit 240, the communication unit 340, and the communication unit 440 have the same functions as the communication unit 150, so a description thereof will be omitted.

The processing unit 210 of the broadcast manager device 20 includes a slot organization registration requesting unit 211, a slot reservation requesting unit 212, and an approval determining unit 213. The frame composition registration requesting unit 211 requests the broadcast frame management device 10 to register frame composition information. The slot reservation requesting unit 212 requests the broadcast slot management device 10 to reserve a slot. As an example, the slot reservation requesting unit 212 of the broadcast manager device 20 makes a slot reservation request for advertising content whose type is "promotion." Furthermore, the slot reservation requesting unit 212 requests registration of advertising content for the reserved slot.

The approval determination unit 213 determines approval regarding the slot reservation and advertising content requested by the broadcast slot management device 10. Note that the functions of the slot organization registration requesting section 211, the slot reservation requesting section 212, and the approval determining section 213 are realized by a browser program, an application program, or the like.

The processing unit 310 of the broadcast client device 30 includes a slot reservation requesting unit 311 . The functions of the slot reservation requesting unit 311 are similar to those of the slot reservation requesting unit 212, and therefore the description thereof will be omitted. As an example, the slot reservation requesting unit 311 of the broadcast client device 30 makes a slot reservation request for advertising content whose type is "advertisement."

The processing unit 410 of the distribution system 40 includes a broadcast log providing unit 411. The broadcast log providing unit 411 periodically transmits, for example, log information that can specify the number of broadcasts of advertising content broadcast via the STB 52 to the broadcast slot management device 10 .

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the broadcast slot management device 10. As shown in FIG. The broadcast slot management device 10 includes a calculation device 11, a memory 12, an external storage device 13, an input IF (Interface) 14, an output IF 15, a communication IF 16, and a storage medium drive device 17, and each component are connected by a bus.

The arithmetic device 11 is a processing device such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit), and executes processing according to a program recorded in the memory 12 or the external storage device 13. In the broadcast slot management device 10, processing is performed by an arithmetic device 11 that operates according to a program read out onto a memory 12 or an external storage device 13. The processing unit 110 realizes each function by the arithmetic unit 11 executing a program.

The memory 12 is a storage device such as a RAM (Random Access Memory) or a flash memory, and functions as a storage area from which programs and data are temporarily read. The external storage device 13 is a storage medium that can be written to and read from, such as an HDD (Hard Disk Drive), a CD-R (Compact Disc-Recordable), or a DVD-RAM (Digital Versatile Disk-Random Access Memory), and a storage media drive. equipment, etc. The functions of the storage unit 120 are realized by the memory 12 or the external storage device 13. Note that the functions of the storage unit 120 may be realized by a storage device connected via the communication IF 16.

The input IF 14 is an interface for receiving input operations from an operator, and is connected to input devices such as a touch panel, keyboard, mouse, and microphone. The output IF 15 is an interface for outputting information to an output device such as an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) display built into the broadcast slot management device 10.

The communication IF 16 is an interface for connecting the broadcast slot management device 10 to the network N, and is, for example, a communication device such as a LAN (Local Area Network) card. The storage medium drive device 17 is a device that inputs and outputs information from a portable medium 18 such as a CD (Compact Disk) or a DVD (Digital Versatile Disk).

Note that the processing of each component of the broadcast slot management device 10 may be executed by one piece of hardware, or may be executed by a plurality of pieces of hardware. Further, the processing of each component of the broadcast slot management device 10 may be realized by one program, or may be realized by a plurality of programs.

The hardware configurations of the broadcast manager device 20, the broadcast requester device 30, and the distribution system 40 are the same as those of the broadcast slot management device 10, so the description thereof will be omitted.

FIG. 4 is a sequence diagram illustrating an example of frame organization information registration processing. The processing in this sequence diagram is executed in the broadcast slot management system 1 in response to, for example, an operation from a broadcast manager.

First, the frame organization registration requesting unit 211 of the broadcast manager device 20 requests the channel registration screen 250 from the broadcast manager device 20 (step S11). For example, the slot organization registration requesting unit 211 transmits the login information input to the broadcast manager device 20 to the broadcast slot management device 10 together with a request for a channel registration screen 250, which will be described later.

Next, the display information generation unit 114 of the broadcast slot management device 10 transmits the image information of the channel registration screen 250 (step S12). Specifically, the display information generation unit 114 refers to the login information received from the broadcast manager device 20, extracts information that can be referenced by the logged-in broadcast manager (for example, media owner A), and registers the channel. Display information for screen 250 is generated. The display information generation unit 114 transmits the generated display information to the broadcast manager device 20.

FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of the channel registration screen 250. The channel registration screen 250 includes a channel type input area 251, a channel name input area 252, a broadcast period input area 253, a broadcast time slot input area 254, a distribution destination candidate input area 255, and a broadcast slot setting area 256. Basically, no information is displayed in each input area at the time of initial registration. However, the channel registration screen 250 may be a screen for accepting changes or updates to already registered channel types, and in that case, already registered information may be displayed.

Channel type input area 251 is an area that accepts input of channel type. The information input into the channel type input area 251 is used to identify frame organization information. The channel name input area 252 is an area for accepting input of a character string indicating the name of a channel, and the channel will be described later. The broadcast period input area 253 is an area that accepts input of the broadcast period of advertising content related to the frame organization information. The broadcast period input area 253 accepts input of, for example, a broadcast start date and a broadcast end date.

The broadcast time slot input area 254 is an area that accepts input of a broadcast time slot, which is a time slot in a day in which advertising content related to the frame organization information is broadcast. The distribution destination candidate input area 255 is an area that accepts input of distribution destination candidates for advertising content related to frame organization information. The broadcast frame setting area 256 accepts input of the number of broadcast frames. For example, in the broadcast frame setting area 256, the number of frames can be set by providing a selectable "Add frame" button as shown in FIG.

Further, the broadcast frame setting area 256 includes, for example, a type input area 256a, a content target area input area 256b, a duration input area 256c, and a detailed setting button 256d. The type input area 256a is an area that accepts input of the type of advertising content that can be registered in the broadcast slot. For example, advertising content whose type is "advertisement" is content that is submitted by someone other than media owner A and whose main purpose is advertising. Advertising content whose type is "sales promotion" is content submitted by media owner A whose main purpose is sales promotion. Note that the types are not limited to these two types. For example, "filler" for filling in blank time slots or the like may be input as the type.

The content target area input area 256b is an area that accepts input of a target area for advertising content that can be registered in a broadcast slot. As an example, advertising content may be produced with the assumption that it will be broadcast nationwide, or it may be produced with the assumption that it will be broadcast only in a certain region. The content target area input area 256b is an area for accepting a selection as to whether the advertising content is targeted at the entire country or at one area. The duration input area 256c is an area that accepts input of the duration of advertising content.

The detailed settings button 256d is a button for accepting more detailed settings for the frame organization information. When the detailed setting button 256d is selected, a channel detailed setting screen (not shown) is displayed. On the channel details setting screen, it is possible to set the first regulation for the frame organization information.

As described above, the first regulation is, for example, at least one of the screen division mode, the image ratio, the distinction between vertical and horizontal formats, or the distinction between still images and moving images. For example, on the channel details setting screen, it is possible to input the image ratio and the distinction between vertical and horizontal formats.

The explanation returns to FIG. 4. Next, the slot organization registration request unit 211 of the broadcast manager device 20 receives input of broadcast slot setting information specifying the number of broadcast slots, the type of advertising content, and the broadcast period (step S13). Specifically, the frame organization registration requesting unit 211 receives input of information for each input area displayed on the channel registration screen 250. The input information includes the number of broadcast slots, the type of advertising content, and the broadcast period, as well as the broadcast time zone, content target area, and duration of the advertising content.

Next, the frame organization registration requesting unit 211 receives input of first regulation information (step S14). Specifically, the frame organization registration requesting unit 211 receives input of first regulations including the image ratio and the distinction between vertical and horizontal formats for the channel details setting screen. Note that the first regulation for which the frame organization registration requesting unit 211 receives input is not limited to this example.

Next, the slot organization registration requesting unit 211 transmits the information input in steps S13 and S14 to the broadcast slot management device 10 (step S15).

Next, the slot organization information registration unit 111 of the broadcast slot management device 10 uses the received information to generate channel type information 122 and broadcast slot information 123 (step S16). Note that the output mode registration unit 113 includes information indicating the first regulation input in step S14 in the channel type information 122. After that, the broadcast slot management device 10 and the broadcast manager device 20 end the processing of this sequence diagram.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of the data structure of the channel type information 122. The channel type information 122 is information in which, for example, a channel type ID 122a, a broadcast period 122b, a broadcast time slot 122c, a distribution destination candidate 122d, and first regulation information 122e are associated. When new frame organization information is registered, the frame organization information registration unit 111 generates a record of channel type information 122 to which a new channel type ID is added.

The channel type ID 122a is identification information that specifies frame organization information. The broadcast period 122b is information indicating the broadcast period input into the broadcast period input area 253. The broadcast time zone 122c is information indicating the broadcast time zone input into the broadcast time zone input area 254. The distribution destination candidate 122d is information indicating the distribution destination candidate input into the distribution destination candidate input area 255. The first regulation information 122e is information indicating the first regulation input for the frame organization information.

FIG. 6 is information showing an example of the data structure of the broadcast slot information 123. The broadcast slot information 123 includes, for example, a channel type ID 123a, a broadcast slot ID 123b, a content type 123c, a content target area 123d, and a duration 123e. The channel type ID 123a is identification information that specifies the channel type, and corresponds to the channel type ID 122a of the channel type information 122.

The broadcast slot ID 123b is identification information that specifies the broadcast slot included in the slot organization information specified by the channel type ID 123a. The broadcast slot setting area 256 of the channel registration screen 250 accepts input of the number of slots, as described above. In the broadcast slot information 123, one channel type ID 123a is associated with the number of broadcast slot IDs 123b input in the broadcast slot setting area 256. Note that the broadcast frame ID 123b may indicate the broadcast order when the frame organization information includes a plurality of broadcast frames. When a plurality of broadcast frames are registered for one frame organization information, the plurality of advertisement contents registered in each broadcast frame are broadcast continuously.

The content type 123c is information indicating the type of advertising content input into the type input area 256a for the broadcast slot specified by the broadcast slot ID 123b. The content target area 123d is information indicating the content target area input into the content target area input area 256b for the broadcast frame related to the broadcast frame ID 123b. The duration 123e is information indicating the duration input into the duration input area 256c for the broadcast frame related to the broadcast frame ID 123b.

As described above, in this embodiment, the first regulation is set for the frame organization information. The first regulation is applied to advertising content that is broadcast in a broadcast slot included in the set slot organization information.

Note that in the channel registration screen 250 and the channel details setting screen, if there is an input area in which no information is input, a screen indicating an error may be displayed on the broadcast manager device 20. Alternatively, information indicating that no information has been input may be transmitted to the broadcast slot management device 10 together with information specifying the input area without displaying an error. In that case, the slot organization information registration unit 111 or the output mode registration unit 113 of the broadcast slot management device 10 generates the channel type information 122 and the broadcast slot information 123 assuming that the preset initial values have been input.

Next, the slot reservation process will be explained.

FIG. 7 is a sequence diagram showing an example of slot reservation processing. This process is executed, for example, in response to an operation from a broadcast requester or a broadcast manager. The case where a broadcast slot is reserved based on input to the broadcast client device 30 will be described below. Note that the broadcast slot may be reserved based on input to the broadcast manager device 20.

Note that in this embodiment, a broadcast requester or a broadcast manager performs a slot reservation process that is a reservation of a broadcast slot. Once a broadcast slot is reserved, advertising content to be broadcast is associated with the reserved slot. The broadcast manager performs two types of approval: approval for the reserved broadcast slot and approval for the advertising content associated with the reserved slot. These approvals may be performed twice, once when the broadcast slot is reserved and when the advertising content is associated, or once when the advertising content is associated, and approval for the reserved slot may also be performed. may be considered as having been given. Hereinafter, a case will be described in which approval for a reservation slot is also performed at the same time when advertising content is associated.

First, the slot reservation requesting unit 311 of the broadcast client device 30 transmits a request for a slot reservation screen specifying the channel type to the broadcast slot management device 10 (step S21). Specifically, before starting the process of step S21, the slot reservation requesting unit 311 of the broadcast client device 30 makes a slot reservation using, for example, the slot organization information search area 261 of the slot reservation screen 260, which will be described later. Search for frame organization information. The slot reservation requesting unit 311 transmits to the broadcast slot management device 10 a request for a slot reservation screen 260 specifying the channel type ID, which is the identification information of the determined slot organization information.

Next, the display information generation unit 114 of the broadcast slot management device 10 generates display information for the slot reservation screen 260 for the specified channel type by referring to the reservation status (step S22). In this embodiment, slot reservation information 124, which will be described later, is generated for broadcast slots that have already been reserved. The display information generation unit 114 of the broadcast slot management device 10 refers to the slot reservation information 124 and extracts a broadcast slot that is associated with the channel type ID received in step S21 and that has not yet been reserved. The display information generation unit 114 generates display information for a slot reservation screen 260 that selectably displays the extracted broadcast slots.

Next, the display information generation unit 114 transmits the display information of the slot reservation screen 260 to the broadcast client device 30 that requested the slot reservation screen 260 (step S23).

FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of the slot reservation screen 260. The frame reservation screen 260 includes a frame organization information search area 261, a frame organization information display area 262, and an empty frame display area 263. The frame organization information search area 261 is an area that accepts a search for frame organization information. The frame organization information search area 261 accepts input of, for example, channel type, broadcast period, broadcast time zone, or distribution destination candidate.The frame organization information search area 261 accepts input of the number of reservable slots, as shown in FIG. You may accept it.

The display information generation unit 114 refers to the channel type information 122 and the broadcast slot information 123 using the information input to the frame organization information search area 261 as a search key, and specifies the frame organization information corresponding to the search key. Note that when a plurality of pieces of frame organization information are extracted as search results, the display information generation unit 114 may accept selection of frame organization information for displaying empty frames from among the extracted frame organization information.

The frame organization information display area 262 is an area that displays information regarding the frame organization information specified by the search. The display information generation unit 114 refers to the channel type information 122 using the channel type ID of the frame composition information specified by inputting a search key into the frame composition information search area 261, and selects a frame including the broadcast period and broadcast time zone. Display information for the organization information display area 262 is generated.

The empty frame display area 263 is an area that selectably displays empty frames for which reservations have not been made among the broadcast frames included in the frame organization information. As described above, the frame organization information is registered by specifying the broadcast period and distribution destination candidates. In this embodiment, it is possible to accept a slot reservation that specifies a broadcast period specified in the slot organization information and a portion of distribution destination candidates. As shown in FIG. 11, in the empty frame display area 263, distribution destination candidates and broadcast periods registered for the frame organization information are displayed in a selectable manner.

The number of empty frames may be displayed in the empty frame display area 263, as shown in FIG. 13. The number of empty frames may be displayed for each type of advertising content, for example. On the slot reservation screen 260, one or more vacant slots can be selected. When an empty slot is selected, the broadcast period, distribution destination, and type of advertising content of the empty slot can be specified.

In other words, the slot reservation registration unit 112 divides the broadcast period and the distribution destination candidates included in the specified slot organization information into units that allow slot reservations. The slot reservation requesting unit 311 calculates, for each unit, the number of vacant slots by subtracting the number of broadcast slots that have already been reserved from the number of slots designated in the slot organization information. The display information generation unit 114 generates display information for the empty frame display area 263 that displays the number of empty frames for each unit.

In the example shown in FIG. 11, frame organization information named "AB channel" is specified as the search result. In the channel type information 122, for "AB channel", information indicating "2019/12/1 to 2019/12/6" as broadcast period 122b and information indicating "all day" as broadcast time zone 122c are respectively "AB Channel". channel" is associated with the channel type ID 122a.

Furthermore, when referring to the empty frame display area 263 shown in FIG. ” includes at least “Store A” and “Store B”. In addition, regarding "Store B", on "2019/12/1", there is one vacant broadcast slot whose type is "advertisement", and there is no vacant broadcast slot whose type is "sales promotion". I understand.

The empty frame display area 263 includes a detailed setting button 263a. When the empty frame displayed in the empty frame display area 263 is selected and the detailed setting button 263a is selected, the display screen changes to a broadcast frame detailed setting screen 270.

FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an example of the broadcast slot details setting screen 270. The broadcast slot details setting screen 270 includes a broadcast slot information display area 271, a content content input area 272, an alternate broadcast instruction input area 273, a content submission reception area 274, a preview display area 275, and an approval status display area 276. and, including.

The broadcast slot information display area 271 is an area that displays information regarding the broadcast slot. The broadcast frame display area includes a reservation frame ID. Further, in the broadcast frame display area, for example, a reserved frame name, channel type, frame reservation period, broadcast time slot, number of reserved frames, and distribution destination are displayed so as to be inputtable. As an example, the information input in the slot organization information search area 261 of the slot reservation screen 260 is displayed in the broadcast slot information display area 271.

The content input area 272 is an area that accepts input of information regarding advertising content to be broadcast in a reserved slot. As an example, the content input area 272 accepts input of an advertiser and advertisement content.

The alternate broadcast instruction input area 273 is an area that accepts input of an alternate broadcast instruction. The alternate broadcast instruction input area 273 accepts input of the number of contents to be alternately broadcast. When the number of contents is input into the alternate broadcast instruction input area 273, the input number of advertising contents is associated with the reservation slot. When an alternate broadcast instruction for a reserved slot is input, the advertising content associated with the reserved slot is alternately broadcast.

The content submission reception area 274 is an area that accepts registration instructions for advertising content to be broadcast in a reserved slot. It is possible to select whether to register previously submitted advertising content in the content submission reception area 274, or whether to accept new submissions of advertising content in the slot reservation process and register it for the reserved slot. It is. When input of information indicating new submission of advertising content is received, the display screen transitions to FIG. 13, which will be described later, indicating that advertising content will be newly submitted in the slot reservation process, details of which will be described later.

In addition, the broadcast manager device 20, the broadcast requester device 30, or an information processing device (not shown) operated by the submission manager B or the person in charge of submission C can submit advertising content. The content registration unit 115 of the broadcast slot management device 10 stores materials such as audio, still images, and videos that constitute advertising content in an area (not shown) of the storage unit 120.

The preview display area 275 is an area that accepts preview display instructions. For example, when a display instruction for the preview display area 275 is received, a preview of the advertising content associated with the reservation slot is displayed. The approval status display area 276 is an area that displays the approval status from the broadcast manager for the reservation slot. For example, in the approval status display area 276, the approval stage, which is information such as whether the approval for the reservation slot has been completed or whether the approval for the advertising content associated with the reservation slot has been completed, is displayed as the approval status. .

The explanation returns to FIG. 7. Next, the slot reservation requesting unit 311 receives the designation of the broadcast period and distribution destination on the slot reservation screen 260 (step S24). Specifically, the slot reservation requesting unit 311 accepts selection of one or more empty slots for the empty slot display area 263. The slot reservation requesting unit 311 specifies the broadcast period and distribution destination of the broadcast slot related to the selected vacant slot. The slot reservation requesting unit 311 may specify the type of advertising channel of the broadcast slot related to the selected vacant slot.

Next, the slot reservation requesting unit 311 receives a selection as to whether or not to perform alternate broadcasting (step S25). Specifically, the slot reservation requesting unit 311 accepts selection of the detailed setting button 263a on the slot reservation screen 260, and accepts input of information into the alternate broadcast instruction input area 273 of the broadcast slot detailed setting screen 270.

Next, the slot reservation requesting unit 311 receives the content registration request and transmits it to the broadcast slot management device 10 (step S26). Specifically, upon receiving an instruction to register advertising content in the content submission reception area 274, the slot reservation requesting unit 311 notifies the broadcasting slot management device 10. The present embodiment will be described assuming that a content registration request indicating new submission of advertising content has been received.

Next, the display information generation unit 114 of the broadcast slot management device 10 generates display information for the content registration screen 280 (step S27). The content registration screen 280 is a screen that is displayed when newly registering advertising content in the slot reservation process.

Next, the display information generation unit 114 transmits the display information generated in step S27 to the broadcast client device 30 (step S28).

Next, the slot reservation requesting unit 311 receives input of the second regulation information and content, and transmits the input to the broadcast slot management device 10 (step S29).

FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of the content registration screen 280. Content registration screen 280 includes a content information input area 281 and a second regulation information input area 282. The content information input area 281 is an area that accepts input of information regarding advertising content to be registered in a reservation slot. The content information input area 281 accepts input of information indicating, for example, content ID, content name, broadcast seconds, expiration date, and material classification.

Content ID is identification information that specifies advertising content. The content ID is automatically assigned, for example, when accepting new registration of advertising content. The content name is information indicating the name of the advertising content. The number of broadcast seconds is the duration of the advertising content. The expiration date is information indicating the expiration date when there is an expiration date for broadcasting the advertising content. The material classification is information indicating the classification of the material of advertising content. The material classification is, for example, information such as "video" or "still image."

The second regulation information input area 282 is an area that accepts selection of a second regulation, which is a regulation regarding advertising content to be broadcast in a reservation slot, from among regulation candidates determined by the first regulation information. The second regulation information input area 282 includes a horizontal regulation input area 282a, a vertical regulation input area 282b, a regulation pattern input area 282c, a still image input area 282d, a video input area 282e, and a sound source input area 282r. , and a telop input area 282t. The still image input area 282d, the moving image input area 282e, the sound source input area 282r, and the telop input area 282t are treated as material input areas.

The horizontal regulation input area 282a is an area that is displayed for input when the first regulation indicating horizontal type is associated with the frame organization information specified at the time of frame reservation. The vertical regulation input area 282b is an area that is displayed for input when the first regulation indicating vertical format is associated with the slot organization information specified at the time of slot reservation. .

The regulation pattern input area 282c is an area that selectably displays regulation candidates determined by the first regulation. Regulation candidates include, for example, a screen division method, an image ratio, or a distinction between still images and moving images. In an area (not shown) of the storage unit 120, patterns of screen division methods and combinations of image ratios are stored in advance as regulation candidates for each of the vertical and horizontal types.

For example, in a horizontal pattern, only the video is displayed on the entire screen. In other horizontal patterns, video is displayed on the entire screen and audio is output. In the other horizontal pattern, the screen is divided into two, with a moving image displayed in the upper left portion and a still image displayed in the inverted L-shaped portion at the bottom and right side of the screen. In the other horizontal pattern, the screen is divided into three parts, with a moving image displayed on the upper left side, a still image displayed on the lower left side, and a caption displayed on the right side.

Note that when a second regulation pattern is input in the second regulation information input area 282, the division mode of the screen that makes up the pattern is displayed, and the material that makes up the pattern can be input. Each material input area is displayed. Note that the display information generation unit 114 determines which type of material is to be input in the material input area according to the regulation pattern input to the regulation pattern input area 282c.

The material input area includes at least one of a still image input area 282d, a moving image input area 282e, a sound source input area 282r, and a telop input area 282t. The material input area receives input of, for example, a location where a material is stored, that is, link information. Additionally, a URL may be input into the material input area as a material constituting the advertising content. When broadcasting advertising content for which a URL is input as a material, for example, the STB 52 refers to the link destination of the URL via the Internet and acquires the material to be broadcast.

The content registration screen 280 shown in FIG. 13 shows a state in which the second regulation of the "horizontal C" pattern is input into the regulation pattern input area 282c of the horizontal regulation input area 282a. The "Horizontal C" regulation pattern is a pattern in which the screen is divided into three parts, a moving image is displayed on the upper left side, a still image is displayed on the upper right side, a telop is displayed on the lower part, and audio is output. That is, when a certain regulation pattern is selected from among the regulation candidates, the display information generation unit 114 creates a still image input area so as to accept input of a still image, a moving image, a sound source, and a subtitle as materials representing the pattern. 282d, a moving image input area 282e, a sound source input area 282r, and a telop input area 282t.

A regulation pattern is input to the regulation pattern input area 282c, and materials are input to areas for inputting materials such as a still image input area 282d, a moving image input area 282e, a sound source input area 282r, and a telop input area 282t. , when the "confirm button" is selected, it is assumed that the input of the second regulation information and content has been accepted in step S29 shown in FIG. That is, the slot reservation requesting unit 311 receives input of the second regulation information and content, and transmits the input to the broadcast slot management device 10.

As described above, the broadcast slot details setting screen 270 accepts input of the number of contents into the alternate broadcast instruction input area 273 when performing alternate broadcasts. The second regulation information input area 282 can accept registration of advertisement content in units corresponding to the input number. As an example, the second regulation information input area 282 shown in FIG. 13 allows registration of multiple units of advertising content by scrolling up and down.

The explanation returns to FIG. 7. Next, the slot reservation registration unit 112 of the broadcast slot management device 10 transmits information indicating an approval application using the input information to the broadcast manager device 20 (step S30). Specifically, the slot reservation registration unit 112 registers the channel type ID of the slot organization information transmitted from the broadcast client device 30 in step S26, the broadcast period of the broadcast slot, the distribution destination, and the broadcast client device 30. The information indicating the person who has logged in, the information regarding the advertising content to be registered for the reservation slot, and the second regulation information are transmitted to the broadcast manager device 20, and an application for approval is made. Note that the slot reservation registration unit 112 transmits information indicating the approval application to the administrator of the slot organization information specified by the channel type ID, for example. As an example, when the manager inputs login information into the broadcast manager device 20 and logs into the broadcast slot management system 1, information regarding the approval application is displayed on the web page of the broadcast slot management system 1.

Next, the approval determining unit 213 of the broadcast manager device 20 receives an input of approval and transmits it to the broadcast slot management device 10 (step S31).

Next, the slot reservation registration unit 112 generates slot reservation information 124 and content-related information 125 for the approved broadcast slot (step S32). Thereafter, the broadcast slot management device 10, the broadcast manager device 20, and the broadcast client device 30 end the processing of this sequence diagram.

In addition, in step S25, when the selection for alternate broadcasting is accepted and the input of the number of contents to be alternately broadcast is accepted, the output mode registration unit 113 of the broadcast slot management device 10 outputs the input number of advertising contents, for example. A request is made to the broadcast client device 30. The slot reservation registration unit 112 registers each advertisement content obtained as a result of the request in the slot reservation information 124 in association with the broadcast slot for which the selection for alternate broadcasting has been accepted.

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of the data structure of the slot reservation information 124. The slot reservation information 124 includes a reservation slot ID 124a, a channel type ID 124b, a broadcast slot ID 124c, a channel ID 124d, a broadcast period 124e, a broadcast time slot 124f, a distribution destination 124g, a content ID 124h, and an approval flag 124i. Alternate broadcast flag 124j.

The reservation slot ID 124a is identification information that specifies a reservation slot that is a reserved broadcast slot. The channel type ID 124b is identification information that specifies the frame organization information specified during the frame reservation process. That is, it is the channel type ID specified in step S21 of FIG.

The broadcast slot ID 124c is identification information that identifies the broadcast slot included in the slot organization information, and corresponds to the broadcast slot ID 123b in the broadcast slot information 123. Channel ID 124d is identification information that identifies a channel.

Note that, as described above, the broadcast period and distribution destination candidates included in one frame organization information are divided into units that allow frame reservations, and frame reservations can be made for each unit. In this embodiment, one or more broadcast slots reserved for the same broadcast period and the same distribution destination are treated as configuring the same channel, and are assigned a channel ID. The upper limit of the number of broadcast frames constituting a channel is the number of frames specified in the frame organization information.

The broadcast period 124e is the broadcast period of the channel specified by the channel ID 124d. That is, the broadcast period 124e is the broadcast period designated in step S24 shown in FIG. 7. The broadcast time slot 124f is the broadcast time slot of the channel specified by the channel ID 124d. The broadcast time slot 124f is, for example, the same as the broadcast time slot of the frame organization information specified by the channel type ID 124b (broadcast time slot 122c in the channel type). Note that, when reserving a slot, a designation of a broadcasting time slot for reserving a broadcasting slot may be accepted from among the broadcasting time slots registered in the slot organization information.

The distribution destination 124g is the distribution destination of the channel specified by the channel ID 124d. That is, the distribution destination 124g is the distribution destination specified in step S24 shown in FIG. 7. The content ID 124h is identification information that specifies advertising content when the advertising content to be broadcast is registered for the reservation slot specified by the reservation slot ID 124a. The approval flag 124i is information indicating whether or not the reservation slot related to the reservation slot ID 124a has been approved, and whether or not the advertising content registered for the reservation slot has been approved.

The alternate broadcasting flag 124j is information indicating whether or not alternate broadcasting is to be performed for the reservation slot specified by the reservation slot ID 124a. In this embodiment, the content registration unit 115 associates a content ID 124h corresponding to the number of contents to be alternately broadcasted with the reservation slot ID 124a of the reservation slot in which an instruction to perform alternate broadcasting has been input. Furthermore, the output mode registration unit 113 associates an alternate broadcast flag 124j indicating that alternate broadcasting will be performed with the reservation slot 124a. Additionally, an instruction to perform alternate broadcasting may be input for each of the broadcast slots specified by the broadcast slot ID 124c.

As an example, in the slot reservation information 124 shown in FIG. 8, the broadcast time slot 124f included in the record whose channel ID 124d is "A02001" is "10005", and the distribution destination 124g is "ABBF". That is, the channel "A02001" is broadcast in the time slot "10005" and the distribution destination is "ABBF".

Furthermore, for a record whose channel ID 124d is "A02001", the channel type 124b is "00001", and the broadcast slot ID 124c is "a01", "a02", "a03", or "a04". This is registered by specifying the frame organization information whose channel type ID is "00001" for the channel "A02001", and the frame organization information includes ("a01", "a02", "a03"). ”, and “a04”) are registered in association with each other.

Among the records whose channel ID 124d is "A02001", there are two records whose broadcast slot ID 124c is "a02", and the alternate broadcast flags 124j of the two records are "1". This indicates that the broadcast slot whose broadcast slot ID is "a02" is instructed to be alternately broadcast, and the number of contents of "2" is specified. Note that among the two records in which the broadcast slot ID 124c is "a02", one has no content ID 124h registered, and one has the content ID 124h "uu61c2x". This indicates that among the two broadcast slots in which alternate broadcasting is performed, advertising content has not yet been registered in one, and advertising content in the other is "uu61c2x."

FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of the data structure of the content-related information 125. The content related information 125 includes, for example, a content ID 125a, a regulation pattern 125b, a material type 125c, and a material 125d. The content ID 125a is identification information that specifies advertising content, and corresponds to the content ID 124h of the slot reservation information 124.

The regulation pattern 125b is information input into the regulation pattern input area 282c of the content registration screen 280. The material type 125c is information indicating the type of material required in the regulation pattern 125b. The material 125d is information indicating the storage location of the material or the identification of the material, which is input into material input areas such as the still image input area 282d, the video input area 282e, the sound source input area 282r, and the telop input area 282t on the content registration screen 280. It is information.

Note that in the present embodiment, selectable regulation patterns and required material types are stored in an area (not shown) of the storage unit 120 in association with each other. The output mode registration unit 113 uses the material type associated with the selected regulation pattern to determine the material type 125c associated with the regulation pattern 125b of the content-related information 125.

FIG. 14 is a diagram showing an example of the frame composition confirmation screen 290. When the processing unit 210 of the broadcast manager device 20 transmits a screen request for the frame organization confirmation screen 290 to the broadcast slot management device 10, the display information generation unit 114 of the broadcast slot management device 10 generates the display information of the frame organization confirmation screen 290. It is generated and transmitted to the broadcast manager device 20.

The frame composition confirmation screen 290 includes a frame composition information search area 291 and a frame composition information display area 292. The frame organization information search area 291 accepts input of, for example, channel type, broadcast period, broadcast time zone, or distribution destination candidate. The display information generation unit 114 uses the information input in the frame organization information search area 291 as a search key to specify frame organization information to be searched. The display information generation unit 114 refers to the frame reservation information 124 using the channel type ID of the specified frame composition information, and extracts one or more channels related to the frame composition information. The display information generation unit 114 generates display information in the frame organization information display area 292 that displays information regarding the broadcast slot included in the extracted channel and advertising content registered for the broadcast slot according to the distribution destination and broadcast period. It is generated and transmitted to the broadcast manager device 20.

The frame organization information display area 292 includes a channel information display area 292a and a content display area 292b. The channel information display area 292a is an area for displaying information regarding channels. For example, the channel name and broadcast time slot are displayed in the channel information display area 292a.

The content display area 292b is an area where advertising content registered for a broadcast slot included in a channel is displayed in an editable manner. For example, in the content display area 292b, each advertisement content and the duration of the advertisement content are displayed in accordance with the broadcast order. The broadcast manager device 20 can change the broadcast order by operating the advertising content in the content display area 292b. A preview screen of advertising content may be displayed in the content display area 292b.

If the channel displayed in the channel information display area 292a includes a broadcasting frame for which an alternate broadcasting instruction has been received, among the broadcasting frames displayed in the content display area 292b, the broadcasting frame for which an alternate broadcasting instruction has been received may be used for other broadcasts. Displayed so that it can be distinguished from the frame. As an example, an icon 292c indicating that an alternate broadcast instruction has been received is displayed on advertising content registered in a broadcast slot for which an alternate broadcast instruction has been received.

The frame organization confirmation screen 290 in FIG. 14 is a display screen related to the case where "AB channel" is input as the channel type. The frame organization information of "AB Channel" includes 4 broadcast frames, the broadcast period is "2019/12/1~2019/12/7", and the broadcast time is "9:00~12:00". ” is registered as. Further, regarding the frame organization information, "A channel" and "B channel" are registered. As an example, the contents included in the broadcast frames of "A channel" and "B channel" are different.

Among the four broadcast frames included in "A channel," three advertising contents, "content c1," "content c2," and "content c3," are registered in the third broadcast slot. . Further, an icon 292c is displayed on these advertisement contents. This indicates that an alternate broadcast instruction specifying three numbers of advertising contents has been issued for the third broadcast slot.

Note that the frame organization confirmation screen 290 of this embodiment can accept registration of new advertising content. For example, if there is a broadcast slot in which no advertising content is registered, the broadcast manager device 20 can apply for registration of advertising content with a type of "filler" for the broadcast slot. The broadcast slot management device 10 that has received the registration application updates the slot reservation information 124 by associating the advertising content related to the application with the broadcast slot for which the registration application has been received.

When the selection of the "confirm button" is received on the frame configuration confirmation screen 290, the broadcast command unit 116 of the broadcast frame management device 10 specifies the distribution system 40 that manages the distribution regarding the distribution destination associated with the channel. and outputs a broadcast command for advertising content.

Furthermore, the broadcast slot management device 10 in this embodiment outputs a broadcast command to repeatedly broadcast the advertising content corresponding to the broadcast slot in the broadcast time slot registered with the slot organization information. More specifically, the broadcast command unit 116 outputs a broadcast command to repeatedly display the specified number of frames of advertising content in the broadcast order for the broadcast time slot registered in the frame organization information.

When the channel that outputs the broadcast command includes a broadcast frame for which alternate broadcasting is instructed, the broadcast command unit 116 replaces and broadcasts the specified number of advertising contents for the broadcast frame included in the channel that is repeatedly broadcast. output the broadcast command.

Thereby, when outputting advertising content related to one or more broadcast slots, it becomes possible to output it in a complicated manner according to needs. For example, when outputting multiple broadcast slots, for advertising content in a certain broadcast order, the first time outputs the advertising content in the form of quiz questions, and the second time outputs the answers, etc., to meet various needs. Output can be performed.

In the example shown in FIG. 14, "Content a" is registered in the first frame of "A channel", "Content b" is registered in the second frame, and "Content c1" is registered in the third frame for which an alternate broadcasting instruction is given. , "content c2", and "content c3" are registered, and "content d" is registered in the fourth frame. Therefore, from "9:00", which is the start time of the broadcast time slot registered for "AB Channel", "Content a", "Content b", "Content c1", and "Content d" are displayed for the first time. will be broadcast in order. The second time, "content a", "content b", "content c2", and "content d" are broadcast in this order. For the third time, "content a", "content b", "content c3", and "content d" are broadcast in this order. These three broadcasts constitute one cycle, and the broadcasts are repeated within the broadcast time slot "9:00-12:00" registered for "AB Channel".

As described above, according to the present embodiment, by setting regulations according to the nature of the content, constraints of the output device 53, etc., it is possible to support complex output modes according to needs. Furthermore, when one or more pieces of advertising content are repeatedly broadcast, by accepting alternate broadcasting instructions, the advertising content can be output in a manner that flexibly responds to complex requests.

Note that, as described above, the broadcast command unit 116 may generate advertisement content in an output mode according to the broadcast command and output it to the distribution system 40. Thereby, the load on the distribution system 40 or other devices managed by the distribution system 40 can be reduced. Further, for example, even if a device managed by the distribution system 40 does not have a function to interpret broadcast instructions, advertising content can be efficiently output.

Although each embodiment according to the present invention has been described above, the present invention is not limited to one example of the above-described embodiment, and includes various modifications. For example, the example of the embodiment described above has been described in detail to make the present invention easier to understand, and the present invention is not limited to having all the configurations described here. Moreover, it is possible to replace a part of the configuration of one example of a certain embodiment with the configuration of another example. Further, it is also possible to add a configuration of another example to the configuration of one example of a certain embodiment. Further, it is also possible to add, delete, or replace a part of the configuration of the example of each embodiment with other configurations. Further, each of the above-mentioned configurations, functions, processing units, processing means, etc. may be partially or entirely realized in hardware by designing, for example, an integrated circuit. Furthermore, the control lines and information lines in the drawings indicate those considered necessary for explanation, and do not necessarily show all of them. Almost all components may be considered interconnected.

Further, the functional configurations of the broadcast slot management device 10, the broadcast manager device 20, and the broadcast requester device 30 described above are classified according to the main processing contents for easy understanding. The present invention is not limited by the classification or names of the constituent elements. As described above, the configurations of the broadcast slot management device 10, the broadcast manager device 20, and the broadcast client device 30 can be classified into more components depending on the processing content. It is also possible to classify one component so that it performs more processes.

1: Broadcasting slot management system, 10: Broadcasting slot management device, 11: Arithmetic device, 12: Memory, 13: External storage device, 14: Input IF, 15: Output IF, 16: Communication IF, 17: Storage medium drive device , 18: Media, 20: Broadcast manager device, 30: Broadcast client device, 40, 40a, 40b, 40c: Distribution system, 51, 51ba, 51bb, 51ca: Router, 52, 52aa, 52ba, 52bb, 52ca, 52cb: STB, 53, 53aa, 53ba, 53bb, 53ca, 53cb: Output device, 110, 210, 310, 410: Processing unit, 111: Frame organization information registration unit, 112: Frame reservation registration unit, 113: Output mode registration section, 114: display information generation section, 115: content registration section, 116: broadcast command section, 117: history acquisition section, 120: storage section, 121: device area information, 122: channel type information, 123: broadcast slot information, 124: Frame reservation information, 125: Content related information, 126: Broadcast history information, 130, 220, 320, 420: Input section, 140, 230, 330, 430: Output section, 150, 240, 340, 440: Communication section , 211: Frame organization registration request section, 212/311: Frame reservation request section, 213: Approval determination section, 250: Channel registration screen, 251: Channel type input area, 252: Channel name input area, 253: Broadcast period input area , 254: Broadcast time slot input area, 255: Distribution destination candidate input area, 256: Broadcast slot setting area, 260: Frame reservation screen, 261/291: Frame organization information search area, 262/292: Frame organization information display area, 263: Empty frame display area, 270: Broadcast frame details setting screen, 271: Broadcast frame information display area, 272: Content content input area, 273: Alternate broadcast instruction input area, 274: Content submission reception area, 275: Preview display area, 276: Approval status display area, 280: Content registration screen, 281: Content information input area, 282: Second regulation information input area, 290: Frame organization confirmation screen, 411: Broadcast log providing unit, A: Media owner, B: Trafficking manager, C: Trafficking person, D: Advertising agency, N: Network

Claims (12)

a frame organization information registration unit that registers frame organization information including one or a plurality of consecutive broadcast frames in chronological order;
a slot reservation registration unit that accepts broadcast reservations for the broadcast slot;
a content registration unit that accepts registration of content to be broadcast for the broadcast slot reserved by the slot reservation registration unit;
an output mode registration unit that receives and registers an input of an output mode of the content;
comprising a broadcast command unit that outputs a broadcast command including information indicating the output mode and the content ;
The output mode registration unit receives input of an alternate broadcast instruction for the broadcast slot,
The content registration unit registers a number of the contents determined based on the alternate broadcast instruction for the broadcast slot in which the alternate broadcast instruction is input,
The broadcasting slot management device is characterized in that the broadcasting command unit outputs the broadcasting command for alternately broadcasting the plurality of contents registered for the broadcasting slot to which the alternate broadcasting instruction is input. The broadcasting slot management device according to claim 1 ,
The broadcast slot management device is characterized in that the output mode registration unit is capable of accepting input of the alternate broadcast instruction for each of the broadcast slots included in the slot organization information. The broadcasting slot management device according to claim 1 or 2 ,
The frame organization information registration unit receives and registers a designation of a broadcast time slot with respect to the frame organization information,
The broadcast command unit repeatedly broadcasts the content registered for the broadcast slot having the slot organization information in the broadcast time slot associated with the slot organization information, and also broadcasts the content registered for the broadcast slot having the slot organization information, and when the alternate broadcast instruction is input. When outputting the broadcasting command for the broadcasting slot, outputting the broadcasting command so that the content is replaced and broadcast for the broadcasting slot related to the alternate broadcasting instruction included in the slot organization information that is repeatedly broadcast. A broadcast slot management device characterized by: a frame organization information registration unit that registers frame organization information including one or a plurality of consecutive broadcast frames in chronological order;
a slot reservation registration unit that accepts broadcast reservations for the broadcast slot;
a content registration unit that accepts registration of content to be broadcast for the broadcast slot reserved by the slot reservation registration unit;
an output mode registration unit that receives an input of a first regulation that defines an output mode of the broadcast slot included in the frame organization information ;
comprising a broadcast command including information indicating an output mode of content and a broadcast command unit that outputs the content;
The content registration unit receives a selection of a second regulation, which is a regulation regarding an output mode of content to be broadcast, from among the regulation candidates determined by the first regulation, and selects a second regulation that is a regulation regarding an output mode of the content to be broadcast, and selects a second regulation according to the second regulation. Registration accepted,
A broadcast slot management device, wherein the broadcast command unit outputs the broadcast command including the second regulation. The broadcasting slot management device according to claim 4 ,
A broadcasting slot management device characterized in that the first regulation or the second regulation is at least one of a screen division mode, an image ratio, a distinction between vertical and horizontal formats, or a distinction between still images and moving images. . The broadcasting slot management device according to any one of claims 1 to 3 ,
comprising a display information generation unit that generates display information of a frame composition confirmation screen that adjustably displays the broadcast order of the content registered for the broadcast slot included in the frame composition information,
The broadcast slot management device is characterized in that, on the slot organization confirmation screen, the broadcast slot associated with the alternate broadcast instruction is displayed in a distinguishable manner from other broadcast slots. The broadcasting slot management device according to any one of claims 1 to 6 ,
A broadcast slot management device comprising a history acquisition unit that acquires broadcast performance information indicating broadcast performance, totals the number of broadcasts for each content, and generates broadcast history information. A broadcast manager device owned by a broadcast manager that manages the broadcast of content, a broadcast client device that requests the broadcast of content, a broadcast slot management device that manages broadcast slots, and an output device management device that manages output equipment. is a broadcasting slot management system in which are communicatively connected,
The broadcast manager device includes:
comprising a frame organization registration requesting unit that requests registration of frame organization information including one or a plurality of consecutive broadcast frames in chronological order;
The broadcast requester device includes:
comprising a slot reservation requesting unit that requests a reservation for broadcasting for the broadcasting slot and requests registration of content to be broadcast;
The broadcast slot management device includes:
a frame organization information registration unit that registers the frame organization information requested by the broadcast manager device;
a slot reservation registration unit that receives a reservation for the broadcast slot requested by the slot reservation request unit;
a content registration unit that accepts registration of content to be broadcast for the broadcast slot reserved by the slot reservation registration unit;
an output mode registration unit that receives and registers an input of an output mode of the content;
a broadcast command unit that outputs a broadcast command including information indicating the output mode to the output device management device ;
The output mode registration unit receives input of an alternate broadcast instruction for the broadcast slot,
The content registration unit registers a number of the contents determined based on the alternate broadcast instruction for the broadcast slot in which the alternate broadcast instruction is input,
The broadcasting slot management system is characterized in that the broadcasting command unit outputs the broadcasting command to alternately broadcast the plurality of contents registered for the broadcasting slot to which the alternate broadcasting instruction is input. 9. The broadcast slot management system according to claim 8 ,
A broadcast slot management system characterized in that each of the plurality of output device management devices is owned by a different company. The broadcasting slot management system according to claim 8 or 9 ,
The output device management device includes a broadcast log providing unit that transmits broadcast performance information indicating the broadcast performance of the content to the broadcast slot management device,
The broadcast slot management system is characterized in that the broadcast slot management device includes a history acquisition unit that totals the number of broadcasts for each content using the broadcast performance information and generates broadcast history information. A program that causes a computer to function as a broadcast slot management device,
The broadcast slot management device functions as a slot organization information registration unit, a slot reservation registration unit, a content registration unit, an output mode registration unit, and a broadcast command unit,
causing the frame composition information registration unit to execute a frame composition information registration procedure for registering frame composition information including one or a plurality of consecutive broadcast frames in chronological order;
causing the slot reservation registration unit to execute a slot reservation registration procedure for accepting broadcast reservations for the broadcast slot;
causing the content registration unit to execute a content registration procedure for accepting registration of content to be broadcast for the broadcast slot reserved by the slot reservation registration unit;
causing the output mode registration unit to execute an output mode registration procedure of accepting and registering an input of an output mode of the content;
causing the broadcast command unit to execute a broadcast command procedure for outputting a broadcast command including information indicating the output mode ;
In the output mode registration step, an input of an alternate broadcast instruction for the broadcast slot is received, and in the content registration step, for the broadcast slot in which the alternate broadcast instruction is input, a number determined based on the alternate broadcast instruction is received. register the said content of
A program characterized in that, in the broadcast command procedure, the broadcast command is output to alternately broadcast the plurality of contents registered for the broadcast slot in which the alternate broadcast command has been input. A broadcast slot management method using a broadcast slot management device, the method comprising:
a frame composition information registration procedure for registering frame composition information including one or a plurality of consecutive broadcast frames in chronological order;
a slot reservation registration procedure for accepting a broadcast reservation for the broadcast slot;
a content registration procedure for accepting registration of content to be broadcast for the broadcast slot reserved in the slot reservation registration procedure;
an output mode registration procedure for accepting and registering an input of an output mode of the content;
comprising a broadcast command including information indicating the output mode and a broadcast command procedure for outputting the content,
In the output mode registration step, an input of an alternate broadcast instruction for the broadcast slot is received, and in the content registration step, for the broadcast slot in which the alternate broadcast instruction is input, a number determined based on the alternate broadcast instruction is received. The said content of is registered,
A broadcast slot management method characterized in that, in the broadcast command procedure, the broadcast command is output to alternately broadcast the plurality of contents registered for the broadcast slot in which the alternate broadcast command has been input.

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