Information distribution device, information distribution system, and display control device

Abstract

To provide an information distribution device that allows excellent display with less dependency on a communication speed, prevents stopping of display and data update in changing and updating displayed information and images, and further increases both the property of appealing to users and user conveniences by performing independent display control of a plurality of pieces of information.SOLUTION: An information distribution device 1 includes: a data processing device 1 that generates a plurality of pieces of information having a layer structure 5 constituted of a plurality of layers; and a display control device 3 that performs display control of at least one external display terminal 4, on the basis of the plurality of pieces of information generated by the data processing device 1. Display of the plurality of pieces of information is controlled by the display control device 3 so that at least a display area other than part of a display area of specified information is overlaid with information other than the specified information. In addition, the display control device 3 is capable of performing independent display control for each of the plurality of pieces of information.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an information distribution device, an information distribution system, and a display control device that distribute information such as timetables and digital content. [Background technology]

[0002] In recent years, digital signage has been adopted in transportation systems such as route buses, etc. In such transportation systems, for example, information including a timetable and digital content such as advertisements are displayed on a display terminal.

[0003] As an example of a system for distributing timetables and digital content, Patent Document 1 describes a service providing system. The service providing system described in Patent Document 1 includes a server and a service providing device. The server and the service providing device are connected to each other via a communication network such as the Internet. The service providing device includes a control unit and a display unit. The control unit divides the display area in which the display unit displays information into a bus stop information display area and a vending machine information display area, and displays the timetable information distributed from the server in the bus stop information display area, and displays the information on the products sold distributed from the server in the vending machine information display area. The control unit controls the display of these two display areas in parallel and simultaneously. For example, during a time period when the number of users increases, the vending machine information display area is enlarged, and display data with an increased number of products is displayed in the enlarged area. In response to the enlargement of the vending machine information display area, the bus stop information display area is reduced, and the reduced display data is displayed. If the reduction in data reduces visibility, it is possible to prevent information that is used less frequently from being displayed. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] JP 2020-86513 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] However, the above-mentioned prior art has the following problems. 1) Because information data is generated on the server, the communication load between the server and the display is large, and high communication speeds are required. 2) If communication between the server and the display is interrupted or slows down, the images of the digital content being displayed, especially videos, may stop, or timetable updates may stop, reducing the appeal of advertising images and reducing user convenience. 3) When displaying information such as a timetable and information such as signage simultaneously and superimposed on each other, it is not possible for operators to freely change the time and area in which the timetable is displayed, or the time and area in which the signage is displayed, on an individual basis.

[0006] The object of the present invention is to provide an information distribution device, information distribution system and display control device which can provide good display with little dependency on communication speed even when multiple pieces of information are displayed in a superimposed manner, and which can prevent the display or data update from being stopped when the displayed information or images are changed or updated, thereby improving appeal to users and improving user convenience. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] In order to achieve the above object, according to one aspect of the present invention, A data processing device that generates a plurality of pieces of information having a layer structure composed of a plurality of layers; a display control device that controls display of at least one external display terminal based on the plurality of pieces of information generated by the data processing device; The display control device controls the display of the plurality of pieces of information so that a display area other than at least a part of a display area of ​​a specific piece of information is superimposed with information other than the specific piece of information, The display control device is capable of independently controlling the display of each of the plurality of pieces of information.

[0008] In the above information distribution device, the plurality of pieces of information include first information including timetable information such as a train schedule or a timetable, and second information including digital content.

[0009] In the above information distribution device, the display control device performs control to vary an overlapping range of the first information and the second information and to display the information.

[0010] Furthermore, in the above information distribution device, the display control device causes the external display terminals to asynchronously display timetables having different contents, and to display digital content having the same contents at the same timing.

[0011] Furthermore, in the above information distribution device, the display control device performs display control to superimpose and display the first information, which is a timetable other than at least the nearest departure time, on the second information.

[0012] Furthermore, in the above information distribution device, the display control device controls the display time interval of the second information, or the selection of an arbitrary content from a plurality of digital contents, or the display time and disappearance time interval of the time information which is the first information.

[0013] Furthermore, in the information distribution device, the data processing device generates the layer-structured information based on information received from an external device.

[0014] According to another aspect of the present invention, A server that generates a plurality of pieces of information having a layer structure composed of a plurality of layers; a display control device that controls display of at least one external display terminal based on the plurality of pieces of information generated by the server; The display control device controls the display of the plurality of pieces of information so that a display area other than a part of a display area in which a specific piece of information among the plurality of pieces of information is displayed is superimposed with information other than the specific piece of information, Furthermore, there is provided an information distribution system in which the display control device controls the display of each of the plurality of pieces of information independently.

[0015] In the above information distribution system, the plurality of pieces of information include first information including timetable information such as a train schedule or a timetable, and second information including digital content.

[0016] In the above information distribution system, the display control device performs control to vary an overlapping range of the first information and the second information and to display the information.

[0017] Furthermore, in the above information distribution system, the display control device causes the external display terminals to asynchronously display timetables having different contents, and to display digital content having the same contents at the same timing.

[0018] Furthermore, in the above information distribution system, the display control device performs display control to superimpose and display the first information, which is a timetable other than at least the nearest departure time, on the second information.

[0019] Furthermore, in the above information distribution system, the display control device controls the display time interval of the second information, or the selection of an arbitrary content from a plurality of digital contents, or the display time and disappearance time interval of the time information which is the first information.

[0020] Furthermore, in the above information distribution system, the data processing device receives information from an external device, and generates the layer-structured information based on the received information.

[0021] According to yet another aspect of the present invention, A receiving unit that receives a plurality of pieces of information having a layer structure composed of a plurality of layers from a server; A control unit that controls display of at least one external display terminal based on the plurality of pieces of information, The plurality of pieces of information include a first piece of information including a timetable and a second piece of information including digital content; The first information and the second information are displayed in such a manner that the second information is superimposed on a display area other than a part of a display area of ​​the first information, There is provided a display control device that performs display control of the first information and the second information independently. Effect of the Invention

[0022] According to the present invention, the following effects are obtained. 1) The display control device has the function of storing all information for display and at the same time converting the stored information into information for display, so it can display directly on the external display terminal without going through a server, eliminating the need for high-speed communication lines and enabling the realization of an inexpensive system that is not dependent on communication speeds. At the same time, it can display accurate information and clear images regardless of the state of the communication lines, improving user convenience and image visibility. 2) By controlling the display of time schedule information such as timetables and information such as signage independently, operators can freely change the time and area in which timetables are displayed, and the time and area in which signage is displayed, on an ongoing basis, thereby improving appeal to users and convenience for operators. 3) The same digital content such as signage can be displayed on multiple external display devices with synchronized display timing, making it possible to provide advertisements that have a strong impact on users, especially in the case of videos. 4) In order to accommodate different needs for each signage, the signage display area is not made uniform, but can be changed according to the needs of the business operator. This improves convenience for the business operator, and at the same time, by allowing the display area to be changed, image burn-in can be prevented. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0023] [Figure 1] 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an information distribution device according to a basic concept of the present invention; [Figure 2(A)] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a layer structure. [Figure 2(B)] FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram showing another example of a layer structure. [Diagram 3] 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an information distribution system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] 4 is a diagram for explaining a specific process flow in the information distribution system shown in FIG. 3. [Diagram 5] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a master device. [Figure 6] 11 is a schematic diagram for explaining a series of processes from transmission to display of layer structure data. FIG. [Figure 7(A)] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example in which only a transparent layer of second information (signage) is superimposed on first information (timetable). [Figure 7(B)] FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example in which a digital content layer of second information (signage) is superimposed on FIG. 7(A). [Figure 7(C)] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example in which second information (signage) having a layered structure is superimposed on first information (timetable) having a layered structure. [Figure 8] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of a display image displayed on a plurality of external display terminals. [Figure 9] 10 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a signage playlist generated by each of a plurality of master devices. FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0024] Hereinafter, the basic concept of the present invention will be described first with reference to the drawings, and then the embodiments will be described in detail. However, the embodiments are merely illustrative and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention to the embodiments.

[0025] 1. Basic Concept of the Invention The basic concept of the present invention will be described below with reference to FIG. 1, FIG. 2(A) and FIG. 2(B). FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an information distribution device according to the present invention. As shown in Fig. 1, the information distribution device 1 has a data processing device 2 and a display control device 3. The data processing device 2 generates a plurality of pieces of information having a layer structure 5 composed of a plurality of layers. The display control device 3 performs display control of at least one external display terminal 4 based on the information of the layer structure 5 generated by the data processing device 2.

[0026] 2(A) and 2(B) are schematic diagrams showing an example of the layer structure 5 and another example of the layer structure, respectively. Fig. 2(A) is a schematic diagram showing the second information composed of two layers, each of which has a layer structure combined in a plane. On the other hand, Fig. 2(B) is a schematic diagram showing the layer structure composed of two layers, but where the area range of at least one of the two layers is smaller than the area range of the other layer, and where the two layers are superimposed.

[0027] Hereinafter, each of FIG. 2(A) and FIG. 2(B) will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. (1) About Figure 2(A) The layer structure 5 includes a first information 6a and a second information 7a, and the first information 6a has two layers 6α and 6β with the same layer size (display area range), which are superimposed to form the first information 6a. The second information 7a has two layers, and the first layer 7α and the second layer 7β are combined in the same plane to form the second information 7a. The two pieces of information, the first information 6a and the second information 7a, have the same display areas 8 and 9, and are superimposed on each other and are displayed by the display control device 3 so that each piece of information can be controlled independently.

[0028] (2) Regarding Figure 2(B) The layer structure 5' includes a first information 6a' and a second information 7a'. The first information 6a' has the same configuration as that of FIG. 2(A) and has two layers 6α' and 6β' of the same size (display area range), which are superimposed to form the first information 6a'. The second information 7a' has two layers, and the first layer 7α' and the second layer 7β' have different layer sizes (display area ranges), and are formed by superimposing the second layer 7β', whose display area range is smaller than that of the first layer 7α', on the first layer 7α', whose display area range is the same as that of the first information 6a'. The first information 6a' and the second information 7a' have the same display areas 8' and 9', and the display control device 3 controls the display so that the information is superimposed on each other and can be controlled independently.

[0029] Although the above-mentioned layer structure 5, 5' is configured with two pieces of information, the number of pieces of information may be two or more. Also, although the above-mentioned two pieces of information are different pieces of information, the same pieces of information may be superimposed and displayed. Furthermore, the display area ranges of the first information 6a, 6a' and the second information 7a, 7a' may be different. In addition, in either case, it goes without saying that the multiple pieces of information can be independently controlled by the display control device 3.

[0030] Here, the display control device 3 being able to control the display of a plurality of pieces of information independently means that the following control is possible. [1] The display control device 3 can arbitrarily change the size of the display area for each of a plurality of pieces of information. As a result, the size of the display area in which a plurality of pieces of information overlap can be arbitrarily set. [2] The display control device 3 can change the time interval at which each of the multiple pieces of information is displayed to any desired time. [3] Display control device 3 may selectively display one piece of signage data from among the signage data. [4] In the case where there are multiple external display terminals, the display control device 3 may cause the multiple external display terminals to asynchronously display timetable information such as a timetable with different contents, which is one of the first information, and to simultaneously display digital content with the same contents, which is one of the second information. By configuring in this way, the above-mentioned effects can be obtained.

[0031] 2. Examples of the Invention Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an information distribution system according to an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 3, the information delivery system 10 includes a content delivery system 30. A customer terminal 11 and an external display device 15 are connected to the content delivery system 30. The customer terminal 11 is a terminal used by an advertising agency or an operator of a vehicle such as a bus. The customer terminal 11 is, for example, a PC (Personal Computer). The external display device 15 includes a plurality of external display terminals 15. 1 ~15 n These external display terminals 15 1 ~15 n The customer terminal 11 and the external display terminal 15 have the same structure and have a display function such as a liquid crystal display, an LED display, or an electronic paper display. 1 ~15 n In either case, existing devices (terminals) can be used.

[0032] The content distribution system 30 includes a server 12, a storage 13, and a plurality of master devices 14. 1 ~14 n The server 12, the storage 13, and the multiple master devices 14 1 ~14 n are connected to each other so as to be able to communicate with each other via a communication network 100 such as the Internet. A customer terminal 11 is also connected to the communication network 100.

[0033] The server 12 corresponds to the data processing device 2 already explained in <1. Basic Concept of the Invention>. The server 12 is equipped with a Web (World Wide Web) application. The Web application receives information from the customer terminal 11 and creates data and information to be displayed on the external display device 15. For example, a cloud server can be used as the server 12.

[0034] Multiple Master Devices 14 1 ~14 n corresponds to the display control device 3 already explained in <1. Basic Concept of the Invention>. 1 ~14 n are connected to an external display terminal 15 via a HDMI (High-Definition Multimedia Interface) (registered trademark) communication cable. 1 ~15 n Connected to Master Device 14 1 ~14 n The master device 14 is installed, for example, at the boarding and alighting points of a bus station or at a bus stop. 1 ~14 n The master device 14 has the same configuration, and each of them is not installed in the same location, but is installed in an area having a certain size in the bus station. 1 ~14 n For example, a box-type PC (about the size of a matchbox) can be used as the communication cable. It goes without saying that the communication cable is not limited to an HDMI cable, and may be either a wired or wireless cable.

[0035] Next, the operation of the information distribution system 10 will be described. Advertising businesses and transportation businesses access server 12 using customer terminal 11 owned by the business. In server 12, a web application receives information required for display from customer terminal 11. Server 12 temporarily stores and manages the information received from customer terminal 11 in a database within the server. Server 12 generates information having a layer structure based on the information received from customer terminal 11. The layer structure corresponds to layer structure 5 described in <1. Basic concept of the invention>. Server 12 stores the generated layer structure information in storage 13.

[0036] Master Device 14 1 ~14 n Each of the master devices 14 downloads information having a layer structure from the storage 13 and stores it in the master device. 1 The external display terminal 15 displays the image based on the stored layer structure information. 1 Similarly, the master device 14 2 ~14 n Based on the stored information having the layer structure, the external display terminal 15 2 ~15 n Control the display.

[0037] FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining a specific process flow in the information distribution system 10. Hereinafter, a specific process flow will be explained with reference to FIG. 4. Note that in FIG. 4, for convenience, the master device 14 1 Only the operation of

[0038] First, in step S10, a customer accesses the server 12 using the customer terminal 11 to log in to the Web application. When the customer inputs login information, in step S11, the server 12 checks the input information against information in a database.

[0039] Next, in steps S12 to S13, the customer terminal 11 transmits the 1In this unique code registration process, the customer terminal 11 and the master device 14 1 For example, data is transmitted and received between the customer terminal 11 and the master device 14 using a message protocol, such as the Message Queuing Telemetry Transport (MQTT) protocol. 1 When data communication between the master device 14 and the master device 14 is successful, the unique code registration process is completed. 1 Any code may be used as long as it can identify the device. For example, a MAC address may be used as the unique code.

[0040] Next, in step S14, the customer terminal 11 transmits the 1 External display terminal 15 connected to 1 In step S15, the customer terminal 11 acquires content information that has already been stored in the server 12, and in step S16, the customer terminal 11 displays the content information. At this time, the content information may be displayed on the customer terminal 11, including new content information stored in the customer terminal 11. In step S17, the customer terminal 11 creates a content and a layout, and in step S18, the customer terminal 11 temporarily stores both the content and the layout in the server 12.

[0041] Web Application and Master Device 14 1It has a calendar function, and it is possible to set content for each date. Furthermore, it is possible to set multiple contents, and the type, content, and number of contents can be set for each customer. It is also possible to set the time zone, and it is possible to set content according to the local time of various countries.

[0042] After setting the calendar using the above-mentioned calendar function, in step S19, the server 12 transmits both the content (information having a layer structure) and the layout information to the storage 13, and in step S20, the storage 13 stores both the transmitted content and layout information.

[0043] In step S21, the master device 14 1 The master device 14 downloads both the content and layout information from the storage 13. After downloading, 1 In step S22, the master device 14 creates (shapes) display data by combining both the content and layout information. 1 External display terminal 15 1 Send the created display data to the external display terminal 15 1 The master device 14 1 Since both the content and layout information acquired from the storage 13 can be transmitted and received separately, the communication load on the communication network 100 can be reduced.

[0044] Next, Master Device 14 1 The configuration will be specifically described with reference to FIG. FIG. 5 shows the master device 14 1 As shown in FIG. 5, the master device 14 1has a display control unit 20. The display control unit 20 acquires data 16, which is two pieces of information, content and layout, from the storage 13. The data 16, which has a layer structure, includes timetable data, signage data, and template information. The timetable data includes departure times of arriving and departing flights, destination information (Japanese, English, etc.), boarding point information (bus stops, etc.), delay information, information on changes to departure times, etc., and the like. The signage data includes playback file information (JPEG (Joint Photographic Experts Group) files, PNG (Portable Network Graphics) files, MP4 files, etc.), playback time (display start time, display end time, playback file length, etc.), and the like. The template information is information for determining the display layout (information on which position of the display screen which data is to be displayed, up to which row of the timetable is to be displayed, etc.).

[0045] The display control unit 20 controls the external display terminal 15 based on the data 16 having a layer structure. 1 The display control unit 20 has a timetable data processing unit 21 and a signage data processing unit 22. The timetable data processing unit 21 first acquires flight information from the layer-structured timetable data 16 (step S30). For example, the timetable data processing unit 21 has a function of acquiring the current time, and can acquire information on the n most recent flights from the current time. Note that the number of flights, n, is not a fixed value and can be changed as necessary.

[0046] Hereinafter, the timetable data processing unit 21 and the signage data processing unit 22 will be described in detail. (1) About the timetable data processing unit 21 The timetable data processing unit 21 calculates the time based on the time zone for the acquired information on the n number of departure and arrival flights (step S31). The time zone can be set in advance by the Web application of the server 12. This makes it possible to handle timetable data from all over the world.

[0047] Next, if there is delay information, the timetable data processing unit 21 calculates the time taking the delay information into account (step S32). This makes it possible to display the departure time including the delay time. The delay information may be obtained from information stored in the server 12 by the customer terminal 11, or may be information obtained from an existing delay monitoring system that monitors bus delays and stored in the server 12.

[0048] Finally, the timetable data processing unit 21 applies decoration (such as character color or blinking) to the character strings of the departure times and destination information in the timetable data.

[0049] (2) Regarding the signage data processing unit 22 Signage data processing unit 22 first checks whether or not signage data is included in layered data 16 (see FIG. 6). If signage data is included, signage data is acquired from layered data 16 (step S40).

[0050] Next, signage data processing unit 22 performs the following processing for each extension (still image data, video data) on the signage data acquired from storage 13 (step S41). (Still image data processing) External display terminal 15 1 Information such as how many seconds an image should be displayed is extracted from the signage data. (Video data processing) External display terminal 15 1 Information such as how many seconds the video will be displayed and the display time (time) is extracted from the signage data (step S41). In addition, in the signage data, time-related data is added to each image data by using the above-mentioned Web application.

[0051] Furthermore, signage data processing unit 22 plays back the signage according to the display time and the display start time acquired from the signage data (step S42). Finally, signage data processing unit 22 ends the playback of the signage according to the display end time acquired from the signage data (step S43).

[0052] A series of data processing steps until the layer-structured data stored in the server is displayed on the external display device will be described in detail below with reference to FIG. As shown in Fig. 6, the server 12 creates layer-structured data 16 using a web application in the server, and the created data is stored in the storage 13 (see Fig. 4). For example, the template information and timetable data are stored as Json (JavaScript Object Notation) files. In the layer-structured data 16, the timetable data is the first information, and the signage data is the second information.

[0053] Master Device 14 1 The master device 14 downloads the layer-structured data 16 from the storage 13. 1 Then, the display control unit 20 controls the external display terminal 15 based on the layer structure data 16. 1 The display device controls the display device so that the timetable data and the signage data are superimposed on each other. Specifically, the timetable data processing unit 21 performs display control of the display area 16a of the timetable data having a layer structure, which is the first information, and the signage data processing unit 22 performs display control of the display area 16b of the signage, which is the second information. 1 On the display screen, display area 16b of signage (advertising) data, which is the second information, is displayed superimposed on an area excluding a part of display area 16a of timetable data, which is the first information. At this time, timetable data processing unit 21 and signage data processing unit 22 operate asynchronously, and can independently control the display of multiple pieces of information without affecting each other.

[0054] As described above, the master device has the function of storing all the information to be displayed and at the same time converting the stored information into information to be displayed. Therefore, since the information can be displayed directly on the external display terminal without going through a server, a high-speed communication line is not required, and an inexpensive system that is not dependent on communication speed can be realized. In addition, accurate information and clear images can be displayed without being affected by the condition of the communication line, improving user convenience and image visibility. In addition, by controlling the display of time schedule information such as timetables and information such as signage independently, operators can freely change the time and display area of ​​timetables and the time and display area of ​​signage on an individual basis, which has the extremely advantageous effect of improving appeal to users and convenience for operators.

[0055] In the information distribution system 10 of this embodiment, the master device 14 1 ~14 n may have a function for converting text data into an image. With this text / image conversion function, for example, it is possible to display an image (e.g., a mark) according to the destination of the first departure, the next departure, etc. in the timetable. Generally, public transportation operators hold timetables in text data, so the text / image conversion function is effective and does not impair the processing of the time display.

[0056] Also, master device 14 1 ~14 n Alternatively, the master device 14 may hold a plurality of pieces of signage data as digital contents and selectively display one piece of the signage data. 1 ~14 n The signage data may be selected according to the destination in the timetable.

[0057] Furthermore, in the information distribution system 10 of this embodiment, a plurality of external display terminals 15 1 ~15 nAlternatively, timetables with different contents may be displayed asynchronously, and advertising images with the same contents may be displayed at the same time. For example, in a bus terminal or the like, multiple boarding and alighting points are lined up in a row, and the display screens of the external display terminals installed at each boarding and alighting point can be viewed from one direction. In this case, the value of advertising can be increased by displaying the same advertising image on the display screens of each external display terminal.

[0058] Next, referring to FIG. 7(A) to FIG. 7(C), the external display terminal 15 1 A state in which timetable data, which is the first information, and signage data, which is the second information, are displayed in an overlapping manner will now be described in detail. FIG. 7(A) is a diagram showing an example of a case where timetable data and information having a layer structure are superimposed on a transparent image which is the second layer of the signage data having a layer structure. In the example of FIG. 7(A), the second layer which is a transparent image of the signage data having a layer structure is superimposed on the entire display area 16b of the timetable over the entire display area 16a of the first information which is the timetable. By covering the entire timetable display area 16a with a transparent image in this way, the display of the timetable is not hindered and the external display terminal 15 can display the information. 1 On the display screen, only the timetable 17 is displayed.

[0059] Fig. 7(B) is a diagram showing another example in which a signage layer, which is second information, is superimposed on the data in the configuration of Fig. 7(A). In the example of Fig. 7(B), the signage layer is superimposed on the entirety of the timetable display area 16a except for a part of it, so that only information on the earlier departure time is displayed on the external display terminal 15. 1 By adopting this type of display format, passengers can become more aware of the information they want to know (the departure time of the next train), and at the same time, the signage operator can display advertising information they want to make known in a large format, improving convenience and profitability for both the passengers (users) and the operator. Note that here, a transparent image layer is not used, but the signage layer is directly superimposed on the first information, which is the timetable, but it goes without saying that the same effect can be achieved by superimposing a signage layer on top of a transparent image layer.

[0060] In Fig. 7(C), the second information having a layer structure, specifically the second layer which is a transparent image constituting the signage information, and the first layer which is a signage image which is image information with a narrower display area range than the second layer, are superimposed on the first information, which is the timetable, and the timetable can display more departure and arrival flight times than the display form in Fig. 7(B). By adopting such a display form, passengers can recognize times other than the first departure, improving passenger convenience, and content providers can change the size of the content they can display at will, improving convenience for the providers, and furthermore, by changing the image display area, image burn-in can be prevented. In the explanation here, the second information having a layer structure in which a signage layer and a transparent layer are connected in a plane is superimposed on the first timetable information; however, it goes without saying that the same effect can be obtained by superimposing the second information, which is formed by superimposing a signage layer having a smaller display area than the transparent layer on a transparent image layer, on the first information.

[0061] Next, referring to FIG. 8, a plurality of external display terminals 15 1 ~15 3 At the same time, the same signage information (second information) is displayed on multiple external display terminals 15. 1 ~15 3 An example of displaying two or more images at the same time will now be described in detail. The display images shown in Fig. 8(a) to Fig. 8(c) all correspond to the display image shown in Fig. 7(C), and as shown in Fig. 7(C), the signage information has a layer structure in which a second layer, which is a transparent image, and a first layer, which is image information of a signage image having a narrower display area range than the second layer, are connected in a plane. An image in which this signage information is superimposed on the timetable data is displayed. External display terminal 15 1 ~15 3 In this case, different timetables are displayed asynchronously, but the same advertising images are displayed at the same time. 1 ~14 3 Between them, different timetable data is set in the first layer, and the same signage data is set in the second layer. As explained in Figure 7(C), in Figure 8, second information having a layer structure in which a signage layer and a transparent layer are connected in a plane is superimposed on the first timetable information, but it goes without saying that the same effect can be obtained even if the display area of ​​the signage layer that constitutes the second information is larger than the display area of ​​the transparent image layer.

[0062] Hereinafter, with reference to FIG. 9, a description will be given of a reproduction list generated in each of the multiple master devices and a signage display operation based on the reproduction list. Figure 9 shows three master devices 14 1 ~14 3 FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a playlist that is generated and used in each of the above. The playlist shown in FIG. 9 has multiple play slots 1 to 24 based on the system time "00:00:00:00". 1 ~14 3 Each of the master devices 14 creates a playlist shown in FIG. 9 based on the total play time of the signage. 1 ~14 3 The playlist created by is for playing signage with the same content, i.e., playing videos. For example, in the playback slot 1, a one-hour signage including image A, image A, image B, and video C is played.

[0063] Master Device 14 1 ~14 3 The system time in each device is the same. Master device 14 1 ~14 3 According to the playlist, the external display terminal 15 starts playing the play slot 1 (one hour of signage including image A, image A, image B, and video C) at "00:00:00:00" of the system time. As a result, the same advertisement content is displayed on the external display terminal 15 at the same time. 1 ~15 3 For example, master device 14 1 ~14 3 Even if the timing of turning on the master device is different, 1 ~14 3 If the system times on each device are the same, the same signage can be displayed at the same time.

[0064] By adopting this type of display format, i.e., by allowing digital content such as the same signage to be displayed on multiple external display terminals with synchronized display timing, it is possible to provide advertisements that have a particularly strong impact on users, such as videos.

[0065] In the information distribution system 10 of this embodiment, the server 12 may partially rewrite the layer structure data 16 stored in the storage 13 based on update information from the customer terminal 11. For example, when a customer uses the external display terminal 15 1 When a part of the timetable displayed on the master device 14 is updated, the server 12 updates the information of the corresponding part of the timetable in the layer structure data 16. 1 The updated part of the timetable is downloaded from the storage 13 and displayed on the external display terminal 15. 1 This will be reflected in the display.

[0066] In the information distribution system 10 of this embodiment, the server 12 includes a master device 14. 1 ~14 nIn this case, the server 12 and the external display terminal 15 may be provided with multiple virtual machines corresponding to the respective servers. 1 ~15 n are connected via a communication network 100. [Explanation of symbols]

[0067] 1 Information distribution device 2 Data Processing Device 3 Display Control Device 4 External display terminal 5,5' layer structure 10 Information Distribution System 16 Layer structure data 30 Content Delivery System

Claims

1. A data processing device that generates a plurality of pieces of information having a layer structure composed of a plurality of layers; a display control device that controls display of at least one external display terminal based on the plurality of pieces of information generated by the data processing device; The display control device controls the display of the plurality of pieces of information so that a display area other than at least a part of a display area of ​​a specific piece of information is superimposed with information other than the specific piece of information, The information distribution device, wherein the display control device is capable of independently controlling the display of each of the plurality of pieces of information.

2. 2. The information distribution device according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of pieces of information include first information including timetable information such as a train schedule or a timetable, and second information including digital content.

3. The information distribution device according to claim 1 , wherein the display control device performs control to vary an overlapping range of the first information and the second information for display.

4. 4. The information distribution device according to claim 3, wherein the display control device causes the external display terminals to asynchronously display timetables having different contents from each other and to display digital content having the same contents at the same timing.

5. The information distribution device according to claim 2 , wherein the display control device performs display control to superimpose and display the first information, which is a timetable other than at least the nearest departure time, on the second information.

6. 4. The information distribution device according to claim 3, wherein the display control device controls a display time interval of the second information, a selection of an arbitrary content from a plurality of digital contents, or a display time and disappearance time interval of the time information which is the first information.

7. The information distribution device according to claim 1 , wherein the data processing device generates the information of the layer structure based on information received from an external device.

8. A server that generates a plurality of pieces of information having a layer structure composed of a plurality of layers; a display control device that controls display of at least one external display terminal based on the plurality of pieces of information generated by the server; the display control device controls the display of the plurality of pieces of information so that a display area other than a part of a display area in which a specific piece of information among the plurality of pieces of information is displayed is superimposed with information other than the specific piece of information; Further, the display control device controls the display of each of the plurality of pieces of information independently.

9. 9. The information distribution system according to claim 8, wherein the plurality of pieces of information include first information including timetable information such as a train schedule or a timetable, and second information including digital content.

10. The information distribution system according to claim 8 , wherein the display control device performs control to vary an overlapping range of the first information and the second information for display.

11. 11. The information distribution system according to claim 10, wherein the display control device causes the external display terminals to asynchronously display timetables having different contents from each other and to display digital content having the same contents at the same timing.

12. The information distribution system according to claim 9 , wherein the display control device performs display control to superimpose and display the first information, which is a timetable other than at least the nearest departure time, on the second information.

13. The information distribution system according to claim 10 , wherein the display control device controls a display time interval of the second information, a selection of an arbitrary content from a plurality of digital contents, or a display time and disappearance time interval of the time information which is the first information.

14. 9. The information distribution system according to claim 8, wherein the data processing device receives information from an external device, and generates the layer-structured information based on the received information.

15. A receiving unit that receives a plurality of pieces of information having a layer structure composed of a plurality of layers from a server; a control unit that controls display of at least one external display terminal based on the plurality of pieces of information; the plurality of pieces of information include first information including a timetable and second information including digital content; The first information and the second information are displayed in such a manner that the second information is superimposed on a display area other than a part of a display area of ​​the first information, A display control device that performs display control of the first information and the second information independently.

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