Multi-functional facility terminal system

Abstract

To provide a multi-functional facility terminal system which increases a profit by promoting use of multi-functional facility terminals installed in a predetermined facility.SOLUTION: The multi-functional facility terminal system is composed of: a management server which distributes a content to a plurality of multi-functional facility terminals installed in a predetermined facility; a management terminal which selects, deletes, and adds the content for the management server and makes a designated request to the management server; and the multi-functional facility terminals which receive the distributions of the designated content.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The disclosure in this specification relates to a multi-function facility terminal system in which a plurality of units are connected to a local area network in a specific facility. [Background technology]

[0002] In designated facilities, such as hospitals and hotels, television sets (hereinafter referred to as "televisions") are usually installed on bedside tables or writing desks (television boards). To watch programs (content) on these televisions, users such as patients and guests purchase television cards from television card vending machines installed in public spaces within the designated facilities, and insert the cards into the televisions to watch.

[0003] In recent years, these televisions have become more sophisticated, integrating a variety of functions beyond the single function of content distribution, and have become multifunctional facility terminals. For example, some televisions have an external set-top box that enables not only content viewing but also e-commerce (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

[0004] In addition, a system is provided in which information for each hospitalized patient is individually distributed to a tablet terminal connected to the hospital's LAN, as well as information for unspecified hospitalized patients, and the tablet terminal is connected to a television via an HDMI (registered trademark) (High Definition Multimedia Interface) cable, and content received on the television is transferred to the tablet terminal (see, for example, Patent Document 2). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2004-88163 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2013-125464 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] However, recently, the need for users to watch television content has generally declined, and sales of television cards have also decreased, while the burden on operators of designated facilities, such as maintenance costs for television card ticket machines, has become relatively greater, resulting in reduced revenue from the installation of televisions.

[0007] In particular, since the content distributed to televisions installed in each location in the specified facility is uniformly the same, it may not necessarily meet the needs of the users, which could result in a decline in viewing numbers.

[0008] Furthermore, if the terminal used to view the content is equipped with not only television functions but also functions that meet the diverse needs of users using the specified facility, the frequency of use of the terminal will increase, and the operator's profits are expected to increase.

[0009] Furthermore, if the operator can flexibly control the functions of the terminal, usage by the user will be promoted, and the profits associated with usage can be increased.

[0010] In addition, when using such a terminal instead of a television, it is generally equipped with a login function, and, taking into consideration the user's convenience, the terminal or browser is initially configured to store the user's login information, search and browsing history data for content, etc. The terminal is usually set for a period during which the same user can use the terminal, and after the user's usage period has expired, the terminal will be used by another user. Therefore, it is preferable that the login information and the search and browsing history data are retained during the period during which the same user can use the terminal, but when the usage period has expired and another user uses the same terminal, the login information and the search and browsing history data must be erased. If data security and data privacy protection are appropriately guaranteed while maintaining user convenience, the user can use the terminal with peace of mind, which contributes to promoting the use of the terminal.

[0011] The disclosure in this specification is intended to solve the above-mentioned problems, and aims to provide a multi-function facility terminal system that promotes the use of televisions (multi-function facility terminals) installed in designated facilities. [Means for solving the problem]

[0012] In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, one aspect of the multifunctional facility terminal system disclosed in this specification includes a management server that distributes content consisting of external content including at least video on demand and internal content that displays various internal information of the predetermined facility from the Internet via a local area network installed in the predetermined facility; a management terminal of the predetermined facility that selects, deletes, or adds the content and requests the management server to specify the content via the Internet, and that generates and edits the internal content and transmits the content to the management server; and an authentication processing unit that accepts input of authentication data consisting at least of identification information that uniquely identifies the recipient of the content and ID information that identifies the user via the local area network, transmits the authentication data to the management server to request authentication, and performs authentication processing by the management terminal to enable viewing of the content designated for the user; a multifunction facility terminal having: a generation unit that generates a user interface image for launching each application of the content; a display unit that displays the user interface image through the authentication processing; and a receiving unit that receives the viewable content by operating the user interface image, wherein a plurality of the multifunction facility terminals are connected to the local area network at the specified facility.

[0013] According to this configuration, it is possible to distribute content according to the attributes of users who use a specific facility.

[0014] Furthermore, the management terminal designates different contents in accordance with attribute information consisting of at least one of an area attribute of the predetermined facility where the multifunction facility terminal is installed and an affiliation attribute of the user using the multifunction facility terminal in the predetermined facility; the authentication processing unit of the multifunction facility terminal accepts input of authentication data including the attribute information; The management server may have a memory unit that stores registration data that associates the attribute information with content specified in accordance with the attribute information, and when it receives an authentication request using the authentication data from the multi-function facility terminal, it reads out the content corresponding to the attribute information from the memory unit and distributes the read out content to the multi-function facility terminal that sent the authentication request.

[0015] the management terminal sets secondary attribute information for the attribute information, and specifies the content corresponding to the secondary attribute information by adding or deleting the content specified in correspondence with the attribute information; the authentication processing unit of the multifunction facility terminal receives secondary authentication data including the secondary attribute information; The management server may be configured such that the memory unit stores secondary registration data that associates the secondary attribute information with the content specified in accordance with the secondary attribute information, in correspondence with the registration data, and when it receives an authentication request using the secondary authentication data from the multi-function facility terminal, it reads out the content corresponding to the secondary attribute information from the memory unit and distributes the read out content to the multi-function facility terminal that is the recipient of the content that sent the authentication request.

[0016] The multi-function facility terminal has a transmitting unit that transmits connection information with the multi-function facility terminal from the Internet via the management server to one or more caller terminals outside the specified facility, and a video call unit that, upon access from the caller terminal based on the connection information, establishes a video call connection with the caller terminal from the Internet via the management server on a browser, and the video call unit may be activated from a user interface image displayed on a display unit by the authentication process.

[0017] The multi-function facility terminal has an internal video call unit that can make and receive internal video calls between other multi-function facility terminals connected to the local area network at the specified facility via the management server, and the internal video call unit is activated from a user interface image displayed on a display unit by the authentication process.

[0018] The multifunction facility terminal may be configured so that the internal content can be viewed without the authentication process, and only the external content can be viewed after the authentication process.

[0019] The multifunction facility terminal may have a control unit that starts up an external device connected to the multifunction facility terminal through the authentication process.

[0020] The authentication processing unit may include a reading unit that accepts input by reading a two-dimensional code that incorporates a one-time password issued in correspondence with the authentication data.

[0021] The authentication processing unit may be configured to include a reading unit that accepts input by reading authentication data composed of the ID information, the attribute information, and the sub-attribute information from a recording medium on which the authentication data is recorded.

[0022] the local area network to which the multifunction facility terminals are connected is a wireless local area network, and the ID information includes identification information of the user terminals owned by the users; In response to an authentication request received from the authentication processing unit, the management server may send connection information including an SSID (Service Set Identifier) ​​that is an access point of the multi-function facility terminal and a password to the user terminal, and by inputting the connection information into the multi-function facility terminal, the user interface image may be displayed on the display unit.

[0023] The multi-function facility terminal may be configured to have a storage unit that stores history data including the authentication data, browsing history data of the content, and search history data entered by the user via the Internet, and an erasure processing unit that erases the authentication data and the history data along with a logout process of the user's account by a predetermined restart operation.

[0024] The management server may be configured to transmit billing data relating to the viewing of the content at the multifunction facility terminal to the management terminal. [Effects of the Invention]

[0025] The multifunction facility terminal system of the present invention has the effect of promoting the use of multifunction facility terminals installed in a predetermined facility, thereby increasing the profits associated with such use. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0026] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram of a multi-function facility terminal system. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a block diagram of each device that constitutes the multi-function facility terminal system. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a sequence diagram of content distribution in the multifunction facility terminal system. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a sequence diagram of content distribution (modification) in the multifunction facility terminal system. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a sequence diagram of a visiting system (external video call) of the multifunction facility terminal system. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a sequence diagram of an internal video call in the multifunction facility terminal system. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 shows distribution data in which authentication data and content are associated with each other. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 shows an example of registered data in which attribute information is associated with read content. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 shows distribution data in which authentication data including attribute information is associated with content. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 shows a multi-function facility terminal installed on a bedside table. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a control flow diagram of the external device. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing the process of erasing authentication data and history data stored in a multifunction facility terminal. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a launcher image displayed on a multifunction facility terminal. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is a diagram showing an example (modification) of a launcher image display on a multifunction facility terminal. [Figure 15] FIG. 15 shows a login screen of the multifunction facility terminal. [Figure 16] FIG. 16 is a diagram showing an example of a launcher image displayed after logging in to a multifunction facility terminal. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0027] Hereinafter, embodiments for implementing the disclosure of this specification will be described with reference to the drawings. When a subsequent embodiment has components corresponding to those of a previously described embodiment, the same reference numerals will be used and redundant description will be omitted. Furthermore, when only a portion of the configuration is described in each embodiment, the reference numerals of the previously described embodiment may be used for the remaining portions of the configuration. Even if it is not explicitly stated that specific combinations are possible in each embodiment, it is also possible to partially combine embodiments together as long as there is no particular problem with the combination. Furthermore, the size of each member and component in the drawings has been appropriately exaggerated to facilitate explanation and does not represent the actual dimensions or ratios between members and components.

[0028] <System configuration> 1 is a configuration diagram of the multifunction facility terminal system disclosed in this specification. The multifunction facility terminal system is composed of at least a management server 1, a management terminal 2, and a multifunction facility terminal 3, which are interconnected via the Internet I.

[0029] For example, the management server 1 is a tower-type, rack-type, or blade-type computer, the management terminal 2 is a desktop computer or laptop, and the multifunction facility terminal 3 is a tablet terminal. The management server 1, management terminal 2, and multifunction facility terminal 3 all include a CPU (Central Processing Unit), RAM (memory), and ROM (storage). The CPU reads data stored in the storage or external storage device, and upon receiving a predetermined signal, reads a processing program stored in the storage into memory, and executes a predetermined process on the read data using the processing program.

[0030] In addition, the management server 1, management terminal 2, and multi-function facility terminal 3 can all be connected to communication lines such as the Internet, and the management terminal 2 and multi-function facility terminal 3 are equipped with a web browser and can display various data on the display (the display format of the data is not particularly limited as long as it can be delivered over the communication line, and includes all forms such as text, images, video, and audio).

[0031] The multifunction facility terminals 3 that constitute the multifunction facility terminal system disclosed in this specification are installed in a specified facility and multiple units are connected to the local area network 5 of the specified facility (for example, in Figure 1, N multifunction facility terminals 3 are connected, such as multifunction facility terminal 3A, multifunction facility terminal 3B, ... multifunction facility terminal 3N).

[0032] The predetermined facility is a facility such as a building installed so that the multifunctional facility terminal 3 can be used by users with a specific common attribute, and typically corresponds to a hospital, school, company, apartment building, etc. The users with the specific common attribute are patients in a hospital, students in a school, employees in a company, and residents in an apartment building. Hereinafter, this specification will explain an embodiment of the multifunctional facility terminal system using hospital F as an example of the predetermined facility. When the predetermined facility is hospital F, the multifunctional facility terminal 3 is, for example, a terminal mainly used for entertainment purposes, replacing the television that is conventionally installed on the bedside table of hospitalized patients, and the management terminal 2 is a terminal for hospital F to manage the use of the multifunctional facility terminal 3 by the patients.

[0033] The local area network 5 is interconnected with the multifunction facility terminals 3 and the management terminal 2. In this embodiment, the local area network 5 is a wireless local area network. More specifically, the local area network 5 configures a mesh Wi-Fi system consisting of multiple access points. Each mesh Wi-Fi access point is composed of a controller 51, which serves as a master device, and agents 52, which are multiple slave devices subordinate to the controller 51. The controller 51 acquires discovery information about the access points and topology information about the connection structure from the agents 52, and based on this information, sends instructions to the multiple agents 52 to control the network. The controller 51 also performs proxy control and data traffic management for data communications between the Internet 1 and the local area network 5. The multifunction facility terminal 3 is connected to the local area network 5 using the agents 52 as an access point.

[0034] The multifunction facility terminal 3 is also connected to a caller terminal 4 outside the hospital F via the controller 51 over the Internet I. The caller terminal 4 is equipped with a web browser, just like the management terminal 2 and the multifunction facility terminal 3. The caller terminal 4 may be any type of terminal as long as it is capable of communicating with the multifunction facility terminal 3, such as a smartphone 4A, a tablet terminal 4B, or a personal computer 4C.

[0035] <Functional configuration of the management server and multi-function facility terminal> 2 is a functional block diagram of the management server 1 and the multifunctional facility terminal 3. In this embodiment, the management server 1 is a server group consisting of a content distribution management server 11, a video call communication management server 12, an extension call management server 13, an authentication server 14, a database server 15, and an accounting server 16. However, all or part of the servers constituting the server group may be aggregated to form the management server 1 (not shown).

[0036] In response to requests from the multifunction facility terminals 3, the content distribution management server 11 distributes content consisting of external content, including video-on-demand, and internal content displaying various internal information about Hospital F. The video call communication management server 12 establishes a video call connection between the multifunction facility terminals 3 and the caller terminal 4 on the web browser, enabling bidirectional transmission and reception of audio and images. The extension call management server 13 enables extension video calls between multiple multifunction facility terminals 3 connected to the local area network 5. The authentication server 14 receives an authentication request from the multifunction facility terminals 3 for viewing the content, using authentication data consisting of at least identification information uniquely identifying the recipient of the content and ID information identifying the user. The database server 15 stores registration data that associates attribute information, including the area attributes of Hospital F where the multifunction facility terminals 3 are installed and the affiliation attributes of the user using the multifunction facility terminals 3 in Hospital F, with the content specified in accordance with the attribute information. The billing server 16 calculates the usage fee for the multifunction facility terminals 3 and notifies the management terminal 2 of the billing information.

[0037] In addition, when the management server 1 is configured as a single server by integrating the servers, the functions of each server that configures the server group are configured as functions provided in the single management server 1. For example, the content distribution management server 11 serves as a content distribution unit, the video call communication management server 12 serves as a video call communication management unit, the extension call management server 13 serves as an extension call management unit, the authentication server 14 serves as an authentication unit, the database server 15 serves as a storage unit, and the billing server 16 serves as a billing processing unit. Hereinafter, in this embodiment, the management server 1 can be configured as either the server group or the single integrated server, unless otherwise specified. Furthermore, unless otherwise specified to specify one of the forms, in the description of the functions of the management server 1, the terms "content distribution unit," "video call communication management unit," "internal call management unit," "authentication unit," "storage unit," and "billing processing unit" also include cases where the individual "content distribution management server 11," "video call communication management server 12," "internal call management server 13," "authentication server 14," "database server 15," and "billing server 16" that make up the server group are applied.

[0038] The multifunction facility terminal 3 has a reading unit 311, an authentication processing unit 312, a storage unit 313, an erasure processing unit 314, a generation unit 315, a receiving unit 316, a display unit 317, a transmission unit 318, a video call unit 319, an internal video call unit 320, and a control unit 321.

[0039] The authentication processing unit 312 accepts input of the authentication data via the local area network 5. The authentication processing unit 312 transmits authentication data including the attribute information to the management server 1 to request authentication, and performs authentication processing such that the management terminal 2 receives from the management server 1 distribution data of the content designated corresponding to the user and enables viewing. If the authentication data accepted by the authentication processing unit 312 is recorded on a recording medium, the reading unit 311 accepts input of the authentication processing unit 312 by reading the authentication data from the recording medium.

[0040] The storage unit 313 stores the authentication data sent by the authentication processing unit 312 to request authentication from the management server 1. The authentication data stored in the storage unit 313 is specifically an ID and password constituting a user's account, and is stored as a cookie. The storage unit 313 also stores, as a cache, history data including search history data when the user searched for the content and browsing history data when the user viewed the content.

[0041] The deletion processing unit 314 performs a logout process by a predetermined restart operation of the multifunction facility terminal 3 and automatically deletes the authentication data and history data stored in the storage unit 313 .

[0042] A generation unit 315 generates a user interface image for launching each application of the content. A display unit 317 displays the user interface image through authentication processing by an authentication processing unit 312. A reception unit 316 receives the viewable content by the user operating the user interface image.

[0043] The transmitting unit 318 transmits connection information with the multifunction facility terminal 3 from the Internet I via the management server 1 to one or more caller terminals 4 outside the hospital F. The video call unit 319, upon access from the caller terminal 4 based on the connection information, establishes a video call connection with the caller terminal 4 on the browser via the management server 1 from the Internet I. The internal video call unit 320 enables internal video calls to be made to and received from multiple multifunction facility terminals 3 connected to the local area network 5 in the hospital F via the management server 1.

[0044] The control unit 321 controls the activation of the external device 6 connected to the multifunction facility terminal 3 .

[0045] The management terminal 2 requests the management server 1 to select, delete or add the content via the Internet I, and also generates and edits the internal content and sends it to the management server 1. The management terminal 2 also specifies the content that can be viewed by the authentication processing unit 312 of the multifunction facility terminal 3 in accordance with the attribute information.

[0046] <Content delivery sequence> 3 is a sequence diagram of the distribution of the content. The content is distributed from the management server 1 in response to a request from the multifunction facility terminal 3. The external content is publicly transmitted broadcasting such as terrestrial, BS, or CS, video, music, games, etc. distributed via the Internet I. The internal content is text, images, video, etc. related to internal information of Hospital F, such as notices from Hospital F to hospitalized patients, guides to Hospital F's facilities, explanations of operations, examinations, etc.

[0047] The management terminal 2 selects, deletes, or adds external content to be distributed to the management server 1 in response to users (mainly hospitalized patients) of Hospital F (S111). The management terminal 2 also generates and edits the internal content and transmits it to the management server 1 (S112). Note that the management terminal 2 can select, delete, or add the external content, and generate and edit the internal content even after the content has been distributed to the multi-function facility terminal 3, which will be described later.

[0048] The multifunction facility terminal 3 accepts the authentication data input by the user and transmits the authentication data to the management server 1 to request authentication (S113). The authentication data is composed of identification information that uniquely identifies the recipient of the content and ID information that identifies the user. The identification information may be, for example, the MAC address of the multifunction facility terminal 3. Furthermore, if the specified facility is Hospital F, the ID information may be a patient card number or the like, which can uniquely identify the user.

[0049] Based on the authentication request, the management server 1 reads out the content specified by the management terminal 2 (S114). For the read content, distribution data associated with the authentication data is generated, as shown in Fig. 7. For example, authentication data consisting of identification information 00:00:00:00:00:00 and ID information A-001 is used to generate distribution data associated with the content "For Children A" specified by the management terminal 2.

[0050] The authentication data may further include the attribute information. For example, different content may be specified from the management terminal 2 depending on attributes such as the type of disease or age of the user. If Hospital F divides users' hospital beds or wards according to the type of disease, each hospital bed or ward where the multifunctional facility terminal 3 is installed may be specified as the area attribute. Furthermore, if the user belongs to different departments depending on age or gender, such as pediatrics, obstetrics and gynecology, or geriatrics, the department to which the user belongs may be specified as the affiliation attribute. The management terminal 2 uses the area attribute or affiliation attribute (or the area attribute and affiliation attribute) as attribute information and specifies different content for each attribute information. For example, if the hospitalized patient is a child, content for children may be selected, and content distributed late at night and content for adults may be deleted.

[0051] The attribute information may be subdivided, and the content may be further specified based on secondary attribute information. The content corresponding to the secondary attribute information is specified by adding or deleting the content specified in accordance with the attribute information. The authentication processing unit 312 of the multifunction facility terminal 3 accepts secondary authentication data including the secondary attribute information. The storage unit of the management server 1 stores secondary registration data, which associates the secondary attribute information with the content specified in accordance with the secondary attribute information, in association with the registration data. Furthermore, when the management server 1 receives an authentication request based on the secondary authentication data from the multifunction facility terminal 3, it reads out the content corresponding to the secondary attribute information and distributes the read out content to the multifunction facility terminal 3 that is the recipient of the content that transmitted the authentication request. For example, even if two children have the same area attribute in the attribute information for a general hospital bed and the same affiliation attribute, different content can be specified for a child hospitalized in the surgery department on the third floor of Hospital F and a child hospitalized in the internal medicine department on the fourth floor by specifying secondary attribute information.

[0052] 8 shows examples of registration data and sub-registration data stored in the storage unit. The registration data and sub-registration data are registered by associating attribute information (area attribute), attribute information (affiliation attribute), and sub-attribute information with content (designated content) designated by the management terminal 2. For example, the designated content when the attribute information (area attribute) is "general hospital bed" and the attribute information (affiliation attribute) is "pediatric" is associated with "children's A." Furthermore, even if the sub-attribute information is different for a general hospital bed (area attribute), different content can be designated in accordance with the different sub-attribute. For example, in FIG. 8, when the sub-attribute information is "3rd floor (surgery)," the designated content is "children's C," and when the sub-attribute information is "4th floor (internal medicine)," the designated content is "children's D."

[0053] FIG. 9 shows distribution data generated based on authentication data including the attribute information and the secondary attribute information. The distribution data is generated by reading the registration data and secondary registration data described in FIG. 8 from the storage unit for each piece of authentication data consisting of the identification information and ID information described in FIG. 7. By including the attribute information in the authentication data, the management terminal 2 can specify content according to the attribute. Furthermore, by including secondary attribute information in the authentication data, the user can be further subdivided and different content can be specified for each. For example, for children (affiliation attribute) hospitalized in general beds (area attribute), both children hospitalized on the "3rd floor (surgery)" and children hospitalized on the "4th floor (internal medicine)" can view "Children's A" content, but only children on the "3rd floor (surgery)" can view "Children's C" content, and only children on the "4th floor (surgery)" can view "Children's D" content.

[0054] The management server 1 sends an authentication response to the multifunction facility terminal 3 that sent the authentication data (S115). Upon receiving the authentication response, the multifunction facility terminal 3 generates a user interface image (UI image) for launching each application of the content in the generation unit 315 (S116).

[0055] If the local area network 5 is wireless, such as mesh Wi-Fi, the authentication request in S113 and the authentication response in S114 may be performed as follows: A user terminal (not shown) owned by the user is used for the authentication request. The ID information constituting the authentication data includes the identification number of the user terminal. In response to the authentication request received from the authentication processing unit 312 of the multifunction facility terminal 3, the management server 1 transmits connection information, including the SSID (Service Set Identifier) ​​and password of the access point of the multifunction facility terminal 3, to the user terminal as the authentication response. The user inputs the connection information transmitted to the user terminal into the multifunction facility terminal 3, causing the multifunction facility terminal 3 to generate the user interface image. By using the user terminal, an authentication request can be made along with permission to connect to a wireless local area network 5, such as mesh Wi-Fi.

[0056] A recording medium on which the authentication data is recorded may be distributed to the user, and the authentication processing unit 312 may input the authentication data by reading it from the recording medium using the reading unit 311. The recording medium may be, for example, an electronic recording medium, i.e., a patient registration card (smart card) equipped with an IC chip, or a card on which a two-dimensional code on which encoded information is recorded is printed. The reading unit 311 may be built into the multifunction facility terminal 3 or may be an externally attached card reader.

[0057] The generated user interface image is displayed on the display unit 317, and when the user operates it (S117), the content desired by the user is delivered to the multifunction facility terminal 3 (S118).

[0058] The management server 1 transmits billing data (billing information) relating to the viewing of the content at the multifunction facility terminal 3 to the management terminal 2 (S119). The management terminal 2 performs a billing process to calculate the amount to be billed to the user from the billing information (S120). For example, this billing process adds the usage fee for the local area network 5 to the billing information relating to the viewing of the content. The management terminal 2 transmits the billing information relating to the calculated amount to the multifunction facility terminal 3 (S121). In the case of Hospital F, the management terminal 2 may notify the multifunction facility terminal 3 of the billing information together with the hospitalization costs.

[0059] <Content distribution sequence (variation example)> Fig. 4 is a sequence diagram of a modified example of Fig. 3. In the content distribution sequence described in Fig. 3, both external content and internal content are distributed after authentication processing (S113 to S115), but in the content distribution sequence of Fig. 4, the internal content is distributed (S213) without going through a series of authentication processing including authentication request (S214), content readout (S215), and authentication response (S216). In other words, authentication processing is not required to view the internal content, and after the series of authentication processing, only the external content is distributed by operating the user interface image (S218) at the multifunction facility terminal 3 via user interface image generation (S217) (S219).

[0060] For example, in the case of Hospital F, the internal content would include hospital guides, hospital announcements, and explanations of operations and examinations. Previously, television programs, which fall under the category of external content, were available to view on the condition that patients purchased a pay TV card. Meanwhile, hospital announcements and procedures for operations and examinations were explained to hospital patients individually by doctors and nurses who visited their rooms.

[0061] In the sequence of Fig. 4, as in the sequence of Fig. 3, viewing of the external content is subject to charges, so after the series of authentication processes, viewing is enabled and charging data (charging information) related to viewing of the external content is transmitted to the management terminal 2 (S220). The management terminal 2 performs charging processing to calculate the amount to be charged to the user from the charging information (S221). The management terminal 2 transmits the calculated charging information related to the amount to be charged to the multifunction facility terminal 3 (S222).

[0062] On the other hand, the internal content is set to be viewable even to hospitalized patients who do not wish to view the external content. In this way, by eliminating the authentication process that is a condition for the delivery of external content when delivering the internal content, all hospitalized patients can view the internal content from the multifunction facility terminal 3, thereby reducing the workload of doctors and nurses in providing individual explanations.

[0063] The selection, deletion and addition of content by the management terminal (S211) and the generation and editing of internal content (S212) are the same as the sequence shown in FIG.

[0064] <Video call sequence> 5 is a sequence diagram of a video call between a multifunction facility terminal 3 and one or more caller terminals 4 outside Hospital F. In a video call, as in the content distribution described in FIG. 3, the multifunction facility terminal 3 accepts authentication data input by the user and transmits the authentication data to the management server 1 to request authentication (S311). The management server 1 sends an authentication response to the multifunction facility terminal 3 that transmitted the authentication data (S312). The multifunction facility terminal 3 that receives the authentication response generates a user interface image (UI image) for launching each application of the content in the generation unit 315 (S313). The generated user interface image is displayed on the display unit 317, and the user operates it (S314), enabling a video call between the multifunction facility terminal 3 and the caller terminal 4.

[0065] In response to an operation on the user interface image, the transmitting unit 318 of the multifunction facility terminal 3 transmits connection information with the multifunction facility terminal 3 to the caller terminal 4 from the Internet I via the management server 1 (S315) (S316). The connection information may be transmitted to the caller terminal 4, for example, via an SNS or the like. The video calling unit 319 of the multifunction facility terminal 3 is accessed by the caller terminal 4 from the connection information (S317), and establishes a video call connection with the caller terminal 4 on a browser via the Internet I and the management server 1 (S318). Once the connection is established, an external video call becomes possible between the multifunction facility terminal 3 and the caller terminal 4 (S319). The video calling unit 319 is activated from the user interface image displayed on the display unit 317 by the authentication process.

[0066] In order to interconnect the multifunction facility terminal 3 and the caller terminal 4 and perform a video call on a browser, a communication method based on WebRTC (Web Real-Time Communication) configured by P2P communication can be used. In WebRTC, the video call communication management server 12 is composed of a signaling server for acquiring data from the other party of the communication, a STUN server that enables direct data transmission and reception between multiple terminals, and a TURN server that acts as an intermediate point between the multiple terminals and temporarily receives data to repeatedly transmit and receive it.

[0067] Previously, online visits between patients and callers outside Hospital F required the use of shared video call tablets installed in Hospital F, which required advance reservations. If another patient had a prior appointment, the caller and the patient had to coordinate schedules, resulting in a cumbersome process. Furthermore, video visits with the caller via social media on the patient's personal device in the patient's hospital room or bed were often prohibited, and even if permitted, a dedicated application had to be downloaded to at least one of the devices. The video call unit 319 of the multifunctional facility terminal 3 allows relatively free video call visits between patients and those wishing to visit during visiting hours designated by Hospital F.

[0068] <Internal video call sequence> 6 is a sequence diagram of an internal video call between multiple multifunction facility terminals 3 connected to a local area network 5 via the management server 1. At least information associating the IP addresses and extension numbers of multifunction facility terminals 3A and 3B is transferred to the management server 1 (S411). The management server 1 stores the received information on the IP addresses and extension numbers (S413).

[0069] 3 and 4, the multifunction facility terminal 3A and the multifunction facility terminal 3B accept the input of authentication data by their respective users and transmit the authentication data to the management server 1 to request authentication (S414). The management server 1 sends an authentication response to the multifunction facility terminals 3A and 3B that sent the authentication data (S415). Upon receiving the authentication response, the multifunction facility terminals 3A and 3B generate user interface images (UI images) for launching each application of the content in their respective generation units 315 (S416). The generated user interface images are displayed on their respective display units 317, and the user operates the internal video call unit 320 (S417), thereby launching an internal video call, enabling an internal video call between the multifunction facility terminals 3A and 3B.

[0070] In this embodiment, when an extension call is made from the extension video call unit 320 of the multifunction facility terminal 3A specifying the extension number of the multifunction facility terminal 3B, information on the extension number is transferred to the management server 1 (S418). The management server 1 searches for stored IP address information corresponding to the extension number of the multifunction facility terminal 3B (S419). The management server 1 transfers the extension call to the searched IP address of the multifunction facility terminal 3 (S420). The multifunction facility terminal 3B, which has received the transfer of the extension call, transfers a received message to the management server 1 (S421). The management server 1 establishes a connection between the multifunction facility terminal 3A and the multifunction facility terminal 3B in response to the message (S422), thereby enabling an extension video call between the multifunction facility terminal 3A and the multifunction facility terminal 3B (S423).

[0071] The extension call management server 13 may be, for example, a SIP server that uses a protocol for controlling calls in data communications when using voice calls over an IP network.

[0072] In the case of Hospital F, multi-function facility terminals 3 are installed not only at patients' locations but also at nurse stations and medical offices, allowing nurses and doctors to use internal video calls to communicate with patients without having to go to their rooms.

[0073] <External device control> In a patient room of a hospital F, the multifunctional facility terminal 3 is usually placed in a storage cabinet that can be installed in the bedside space, i.e., a bedside table C (see FIG. 10). The bedside table C also has a drawer D, and is configured to be able to accommodate external devices 6 such as a safe S and a refrigerator.

[0074] The external device 6 is activated by turning on a switch, and this activation action is controlled from the multifunction facility terminal 3. Figure 11 shows the control flow of the external device 6 by the multifunction facility terminal 3.

[0075] 3, authentication processing for the distribution of the content is executed (S11), and if the authentication is approved (Y in S12), a control signal is sent from the control unit 321 of the multifunction facility terminal 3 to the external device 6 (S13). If the authentication is not approved (N in S12), an error message is displayed on the display unit 317 of the multifunction facility terminal 3 (S16), and the control processing of the external device 6 is stopped (S17).

[0076] When the switch control device of the external device 6 receives the control signal (S14), the switch control device activates the external device 6 (S15), and the external device 6 operates and becomes available for use.

[0077] The switch control device may be, for example, a smart plug, a smart relay, or the like that has a short-range wireless communication function and is capable of receiving the control signal from the multifunction facility terminal 3.

[0078] As explained in the sequence of Fig. 4, the internal content can be viewed on the multifunction facility terminal 3 without going through authentication processing. If the hospitalized patient does not wish to view the external content, authentication processing is not performed, and the external device 6 cannot be started. Therefore, in a configuration in which the viewing procedures for internal content and external content differ as explained in Fig. 4, the authentication processing unit 312 of the multifunction facility terminal 3 may set a login screen dedicated to the external device 6 in addition to a login screen for viewing external content.

[0079] <Authentication data and history data deletion process> FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing the process of erasing authentication data and history data stored in the multifunction facility terminal 3. As shown in FIG.

[0080] When the authentication processing unit 312 executes the authentication process (login) (S21), the authentication data is stored in the storage unit 313 of the multifunction facility terminal 3 (S22). The authentication data usually includes an ID and a password. Specifically, the authentication data is stored in a cookie file.

[0081] When the user searches for or browses the content (S23), history data including content search history data and content browsing history data is also stored in the storage unit 313 (S4). Specifically, the history data is stored in a cache file.

[0082] The management server 1 (the authentication unit of the management server 1 or the authentication server 14) that receives the authentication data may verify the authentication data, and if it is correct, generate a session ID and return it to the multifunction facility terminal 3. In this case, unless the user logs out, the management server 1 will identify the user by the session ID when searching, viewing, etc. the content.

[0083] Even if the standby button of the multifunction facility terminal 3 is turned OFF (Y in S25), the authentication data and the history data are not erased. Therefore, when the user turns the standby button of the multifunction facility terminal 3 ON again after turning it OFF (S26), the user can immediately search for or view the content without performing the authentication process. With this configuration, once the user has performed the authentication process, the user can immediately view the desired content at any time, just like with a normal television, improving user convenience.

[0084] If the standby button of the multifunction facility terminal 3 is not turned OFF (N in S25), when a logout process is performed by a predetermined restart operation (S27), the authentication data (S28) and history data (S29) are automatically erased. Here, the predetermined restart operation is any one of the following: unplugging the power plug of the multifunction facility terminal 3 from the outlet (wall socket) and then plugging it back in to restart the multifunction facility terminal 3; pressing a reset button on the multifunction facility terminal 3 and then restarting the multifunction facility terminal 3; pressing and holding the power button on a remote control that remotely controls the multifunction facility terminal 3 and then restarting the multifunction facility terminal 3; or restarting at a specified time (a time set by a timer on the multifunction facility terminal 3). As described above, even if the user does not perform a logout operation, the logout process is automatically performed by the predetermined restart operation, and the authentication data and history data are erased, thereby appropriately guaranteeing data security and data privacy protection and allowing the user to use the terminal with peace of mind.

[0085] The order of erasing the authentication data (S28) and erasing the history data (S29) may be reversed.

[0086] <Example of launcher image for multi-function facility terminal> FIG. 13 is an example of a launcher image displayed on the display unit 317 of the multifunction facility terminal 3. In this embodiment, the multifunction facility terminal 3 is a tablet-type television terminal that can be operated using a remote control (not shown). The display unit 317 has a home button 317A in the upper left corner for returning to the default screen (home screen). Also, in the same upper row as the home button 317A, a date and clock display button 317B, a weather display button 317C, and a button 317D for displaying an instruction video for operating the multifunction facility terminal 3 are displayed. Below the home button 317A, the internal content display buttons 317E and 317F are displayed. Operating (tapping) the internal content display buttons 317E and 317F may display, for example, an internal content selection screen, which may further display menu buttons for, for example, a hospital map, hospitalization instructions, and instructions on how to connect to the local area network 5 (mesh Wi-Fi), in addition to notices from the hospital F to patients (such as hospitalization regulations).

[0087] Below the internal content display button 317F, there are provided an online visit (video call) button 317G and an in-hospital call (extension video call) button 317H. A tap operation on the online visit (video call) button 317G corresponds to the user interface image operation (S314) in Fig. 5, and a tap operation on the in-hospital call (extension video call) button 317H corresponds to the user interface image operation (S417) in Fig. 6.

[0088] A free content service menu 317I and a paid content service menu 317J are displayed in the lower center of the display unit 317. The free content service menu 317I has content selection buttons A, B, and C (for example, buttons for selecting terrestrial broadcasting, BS, etc.), while the paid content service menu 317J has content selection buttons D, E, F, and G (for example, paid video distribution channels, etc.). These content selection buttons display the content that has been selected, deleted, or added by the management terminal 2.

[0089] <Example of launcher image for multi-function facility terminal (modified version)> Figures 14 to 16 are modified examples of the launcher image example described in Figure 13. As described in Figure 4, the embodiment in Figures 14 to 16 is a diagram showing launcher images for internal content that can be viewed even before the authentication process and external content that can be viewed after the authentication process.

[0090] Fig. 14 shows a launcher image before the authentication process, in which only the internal content display buttons 317E and 317F are displayed below the home button 317A. Compared to the launcher image in Fig. 13, the online visit (video call) button 317G and the in-hospital call (extension video call) button 317H are hidden (disabled). Also, the areas for the free content service menu 317I and the paid content service menu 317J, which display the external content menu in the launcher image in Fig. 13, are replaced with advertisement display 317L in Fig. 14. Therefore, in the launcher image in Fig. 14, only internal content can be viewed using the multifunction facility terminal 3, and viewing of external content, online visits, and in-hospital calls are not possible.

[0091] Note that the internal content display buttons 317E and 317F, "Notice from our hospital" and "Guide to our hospital", are examples, and other buttons (for example, "Operation and examination explanation button", "Hospital fee explanation button", etc.) may be added. Also, the disabled buttons and advertisement display 317L may be displayed in a grayed-out state.

[0092] An external content login button 317K is displayed in the area adjacent to and above the home button 317A. When the external content login button 317K is tapped, the display unit 317 transitions to an authentication screen 317M shown in FIG. 15. In this embodiment, authentication is performed by having the reader 311 read an authentication card 7, which displays a two-dimensional code incorporating a one-time password issued in response to authentication data, from the authentication screen 317M, and the external content launcher is enabled. In FIG. 16, an online visit (video call) button 317G, an in-hospital call (extension video call) button 317H, an operation manual button 317N, a free content service menu 317I for external content, and a paid content service menu 317J are enabled. Note that, once authentication processing is performed and authentication is completed, the external content login button 317K displays "External content login in progress."

[0093] As described above, the multifunctional facility terminal system disclosed in this specification can provide a customizable multifunctional facility terminal 3 by allowing the administrator of Hospital F to control the selection, deletion, or addition of applications.

[0094] The technology disclosed in this specification is not limited to the above-described embodiments. That is, it includes the embodiments shown as examples and modifications made by those skilled in the art based on them. It also includes the substitution or combination of parts or elements between one embodiment and another embodiment. Furthermore, the disclosed technical scope is not limited to the description of the embodiments. The disclosed technical scope is defined by the claims and includes all modifications within the meaning and scope equivalent to the claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0095] 1 Management Server 2 Management terminal 3 Multi-function facility terminal 4. Caller terminal 5 Local Area Network 6 External equipment 7 Authentication Card 11 Content distribution management server 12 Video call communication management server 13 Internal call management server 14 Authentication Server 15 Database Server 16 Billing Server 51 Controller 52 Agent 311 Reading unit 312 Authentication processing section 313 Preservation Department 314 Erase processing unit 315 Generation part 316 Receiving Unit 317 Display section 318 Transmitter 319 Video Call Department 320 Internal Video Call Section 321 Control Unit

Claims

1. a management server that distributes content consisting of external content including at least video-on-demand and internal content displaying various internal information of the predetermined facility from the Internet via a local area network installed in the predetermined facility; a management terminal of the predetermined facility that requests the management server via the Internet to select, delete, or add the content in response to a user of the predetermined facility, and that generates and edits the internal content and transmits it to the management server; a multifunction facility terminal system comprising: an authentication processing unit that accepts input of authentication data consisting at least of identification information that uniquely identifies the recipient of the content and ID information that identifies the user via the local area network, transmits the authentication data to the management server to request authentication, and performs authentication processing to enable viewing of the content specified by the management terminal; and a multifunction facility terminal having: a generation unit that generates a user interface image for launching each application of the content; a display unit that displays the user interface image through the authentication processing; and a receiving unit that receives the viewable content by operating the user interface image, wherein a plurality of the multifunction facility terminals are connected to the local area network at a specified facility.

2. the management terminal designates the different contents in accordance with attribute information consisting of at least one of an area attribute of the predetermined facility in which the multifunction facility terminal is installed and an affiliation attribute of the user using the multifunction facility terminal in the predetermined facility; the authentication processing unit of the multifunction facility terminal accepts input of authentication data including the attribute information; The multifunction facility terminal system of claim 1, wherein the management server has a memory unit that stores registration data that associates the attribute information with content specified in accordance with the attribute information, and when it receives an authentication request using the authentication data from the multifunction facility terminal, it reads out the content corresponding to the attribute information from the memory unit and distributes the read out content to the multifunction facility terminal that sent the authentication request.

3. the management terminal sets secondary attribute information for the attribute information, and specifies the content corresponding to the secondary attribute information by adding or deleting the content specified in correspondence with the attribute information; the authentication processing unit of the multifunction facility terminal receives secondary authentication data including the secondary attribute information; 3. The multifunction facility terminal system according to claim 2, wherein the storage unit stores secondary registration data that associates the secondary attribute information with the content specified in accordance with the secondary attribute information, in association with the registration data, and when the management server receives an authentication request using the secondary authentication data from the multifunction facility terminal, the management server reads out the content corresponding to the secondary attribute information from the storage unit and distributes the read out content to the multifunction facility terminal that is the recipient of the content that sent the authentication request.

4. the multifunction facility terminal has a transmitting unit that transmits connection information with the multifunction facility terminal from the Internet via the management server to one or more caller terminals outside the specified facility, and a video calling unit that, when accessed by the caller terminal from the connection information, establishes a video call connection with the caller terminal on a browser via the Internet via the management server; 2. The multifunction facility terminal system according to claim 1, wherein the video call unit is activated from a user interface image displayed on a display unit by the authentication process.

5. the multifunction facility terminal has an internal video call unit capable of making internal video calls to and from other multifunction facility terminals connected to the local area network in the specified facility via the management server, 2. The multifunction facility terminal system according to claim 1, wherein the internal video call unit is activated from a user interface image displayed on a display unit by the authentication process.

6. 2. The multifunction facility terminal system according to claim 1, wherein the multifunction facility terminal is configured so that the internal content can be viewed without the authentication process, and only the external content can be viewed after the authentication process.

7. 2. The multifunction facility terminal system according to claim 1, wherein the multifunction facility terminal has a control unit that activates an external device connected to the multifunction facility terminal through the authentication process.

8. 8. The multifunction facility terminal system according to claim 1, wherein the authentication processing unit has a reading unit that accepts input by reading a two-dimensional code incorporating a one-time password issued in correspondence with the authentication data.

9. 8. The multifunction facility terminal system according to claim 1, wherein the authentication processing unit has a reading unit that accepts input by reading the authentication data from a recording medium on which the authentication data is recorded.

10. the local area network to which the multifunction facility terminals are connected is a wireless local area network, and the ID information includes identification information of the user terminals owned by the users; The multifunction facility terminal system of claim 8, wherein the management server, in response to an authentication request received from the authentication processing unit, transmits connection information to the user terminal, the connection information including an SSID (Service Set Identifier) ​​that is an access point of the multifunction facility terminal, and a password, and by inputting the connection information into the multifunction facility terminal, the user interface image is displayed on the display unit.

11. The multifunction facility terminal system according to claim 8, further comprising: a storage unit configured to store history data including the authentication data, browsing history data of the content, and search history data entered by the user via the Internet; and an erasure processing unit configured to erase the authentication data and the history data together with a logout process of the user's account by a predetermined reboot operation.

12. 9. The multifunction facility terminal system according to claim 8, wherein the management server transmits to the management terminal billing data relating to the viewing of the content at the multifunction facility terminal.

Images