Signage management system and signage management method

Abstract

To provide a signage management system and a signage management method that can make display details of a signage unit more flexible and complicated than before, and also can easily operate the signage unit even in a situation in which it is difficult to make a wired connection.SOLUTION: A signage management system 1 comprises a display part 20 for visual display, a signage unit 2 including a signage control program 27 and a processor 26, a regular content server 5, an interruption server 6, a relay device 3, and an operation device 7. When the processor executes the signage control program 27, the signage unit 2 regularly displays a regular content at the display part 20, and temporarily displays an interruption content instead of the regular content displayed at the display part 20.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a signage management system and a signage management method. [Background technology]

[0002] BACKGROUND ART Conventionally, there is known a signage unit such as that shown in Patent Document 1. The signage unit includes a display unit for displaying images, and can be installed indoors or outdoors, for example, at a construction site or underwater. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2024-8267 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, conventional signage units only play back fixed images, called stationary content, in a loop, which has the disadvantage that the displayed content is monotonous and lacks flexibility.

[0005] The inventors have discovered that when a signage unit is displaying steady content, it is useful to temporarily display other content as interrupt content on the signage unit. For example, it is useful to display an alarm on the signage unit to notify people of an emergency. It is also useful to simultaneously display content appropriate for morning assemblies on multiple signage units.

[0006] Furthermore, when a signage unit is underwater, it is sealed, and when it is installed in a public place, it is sealed for security reasons, which makes it impossible to access it from outside using a wired keyboard.

[0007] The present invention has been made in consideration of these circumstances, and its purpose is to provide a signage management system and a signage management method that can make the display content of a signage unit more flexible and complex than before, and that can easily operate a signage unit even in situations where it is difficult to make a wired connection. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] A signage management system of a first invention is a signage management system comprising: a signage unit including a display unit for visually displaying, a signage control program, and a processor; a steady content server for providing steady content to the signage unit that is to be displayed on the display unit; an interrupt server for providing interrupt content to the signage unit that is to be displayed on the display unit; a relay device pre-connected to the signage unit; and an operation device for performing operations on the signage unit via the relay device by wireless communication, wherein the relay device comprises a communication unit that enables communication between the steady content server and the signage unit, communication between the interrupt server and the signage unit, and communication between the operation device and the signage unit, and wherein when the signage control program is executed by the processor, the signage unit is configured to constantly display the steady content on the display unit and temporarily display interrupt content in place of the steady content displayed on the display unit.

[0009] With this configuration, the display unit can steadily display stationary content and, as needed, can temporarily display interruption content, making the display content of the signage unit more flexible and complex than ever before. Furthermore, since the signage unit can be operated wirelessly from the operating device via the relay device, the signage unit can be easily operated even in situations where it is difficult to connect to the signage unit via a wired connection.

[0010] Preferably, the interrupt server is configured to be able to send an interrupt instruction to the signage unit, and when the signage control program is executed by the processor, it is configured to cause the display unit to display interrupt content in response to the interrupt instruction received from the interrupt server.

[0011] According to this configuration, the interrupt content is displayed on the display unit in response to an interrupt instruction received from the interrupt server, so the display content of the signage unit can be made more flexible and complex than before.

[0012] Preferably, the operation device and the interrupt server are configured to be able to communicate with each other, and the interrupt server is configured to send an interrupt instruction to the signage unit so as to display the interrupt content selected on the operation device on the display unit.

[0013] According to this configuration, the interruption content selected on the operation device is displayed on the display unit, so the display content of the signage unit can be made more flexible and complex than before.

[0014] Preferably, the operation device stores identification information, the interrupt server stores identification information of operation devices that are permitted to access the signage unit, and the relay device is configured to detect whether the operation device is attempting to access the signage unit, and when the operation device is attempting to access the signage unit, to inquire of the interrupt server whether the operation device is permitted to access the signage unit, and to allow only operation devices that are permitted to access the signage unit to access the signage unit.

[0015] According to this configuration, the relay device is configured to allow only operation devices that are permitted to access the signage unit to access the signage unit, thereby preventing unintended and unauthorized access to the signage unit.

[0016] Preferably, the signage management system is equipped with an external alarm device for issuing an alarm, the relay device is configured to be able to control the operation of the external alarm device, the interrupt instruction includes an alarm directed to the relay device or the signage unit, and the relay device or the signage unit is configured to respond to the alarm by causing the display unit of the signage unit to display a display corresponding to the alarm and to activate the external alarm device.

[0017] According to this configuration, the relay device or signage unit responds to an alarm by displaying a message corresponding to the alarm on the display unit of the signage unit and activating an external alarm device, thereby making the operation of the signage management system flexible and complex.

[0018] Preferably, the relay device is configured to be able to switch the power of the signage unit from off to on.

[0019] According to this configuration, the power supply of the signage unit can be switched from off to on, so that necessary information can be displayed on the display unit even when the signage unit is in an off state.

[0020] Preferably, at least one of the signage unit and the relay device includes a rechargeable battery, and the at least one device is configured to measure a charging current of the battery, suspend charging when the charging current is equal to or less than a threshold, and charge when the charging current is greater than the threshold.

[0021] With this configuration, charging is interrupted when the charging current is below a threshold, preventing excessive current from flowing when the battery is nearly fully charged and saving power for charging.

[0022] A signage management method of a second invention is a signage management method implemented in a signage management system, wherein the signage management system comprises a signage unit including a display unit for visual display, a steady content server for providing the signage unit with steady content to be displayed on the display unit, an interrupt server for providing the signage unit with interrupt content to be displayed on the display unit, a relay device pre-connected to the signage unit, and an operation device for performing operations on the signage unit via the relay device via wireless communication, wherein the relay device comprises a communication unit that enables communication between the steady content server and the signage unit, communication between the interrupt server and the signage unit, and communication between the operation device and the signage unit, and the signage management method includes the signage unit causing the display unit to constantly display the steady content, and the signage unit causing the signage unit to temporarily display the interrupt content instead of the steady content displayed on the display unit. [Effects of the Invention]

[0023] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a signage management system and a signage management method that can make the display content of a signage unit more flexible and complex than before, and that can easily operate a signage unit even in situations where it is difficult to make a wired connection. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0024] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a signage management system. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a flowchart of a signage management method implemented in the signage management system shown in FIG. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a flowchart of the data acquisition and transmission process of FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a flowchart of the content update process of FIG. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a flowchart of the external control process of FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a flowchart of the warning process of FIG. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a flowchart of the signage display process of FIG. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a flowchart of the power reception management process performed in the signage management system shown in FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0025] (Signage Management System 1) The following describes a signage management system 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of the signage management system 1. The signage management system 1 includes a signage unit 2, a relay device 3, an external operation device 4, a steady-state content server 5, an interrupt server 6, an operation device 7, a power controller 8, and an external alarm device 9 for issuing an alarm. The relay device 3, the external operation device 4, the steady-state content server 5, the interrupt server 6, and the operation device 7 can communicate with each other via a network 10, such as the Internet.

[0026] (Signage Unit 2) The signage unit 2 has a function of displaying images and is installed in various outdoor or indoor locations, such as, but not limited to, construction sites, underwater, public facilities, private property, or businesses. There may be multiple signage units 2. When there are multiple signage units 2, the display content may be the same or different.

[0027] The signage unit 2 includes a display unit 20 for visual display, a speaker 21 for outputting sound, a timer 22 for measuring time, a communication unit 23 for communicating with the outside, a power supply 24 for supplying power to operate the signage unit 2, a memory device 25, and a processor 26.

[0028] In this example, the display unit 20 is a liquid crystal display. In other examples, the display unit 20 may be a liquid crystal display, an organic EL display, an LED display, or the like, but is not limited to these.

[0029] The communication unit 23 enables the processor 26 to communicate with other devices. The communication unit 23 communicates with the relay device 3 using a wired communication function based on the USB standard. In other examples, the communication unit 23 may have a communication function based on other wired or wireless standards. The communication unit 23 may be able to communicate with devices other than the relay device 3.

[0030] The power source 24 is a rechargeable battery. In other examples, the power source 24 may be a non-rechargeable power source.

[0031] The storage device 25 can store a signage control program 27 and signage storage information 28, and can also store various information necessary for the operation of the processor 26. The signage control program 27 is configured to implement at least a part of a signage management method. The signage storage information 28 includes, for example, regular content and interruption content to be displayed on the display unit 20.

[0032] Processor 26 is connected to each component of signage unit 2 and controls the operation of each component. Processor 26 can communicate with relay device 3 via communication unit 23. Processor 26 operates as signage control unit 29 by reading and executing signage control program 27. Unless an interrupt instruction is received, signage control unit 29 causes display unit 20 to constantly display regular content by loop playback. In response to an interrupt instruction received from interrupt server 6, signage control unit 29 causes display unit 20 to temporarily display interrupt content instead of the regular content. The processing performed by signage control unit 29 will be described later.

[0033] (Relay device 3) The relay device 3 is connected to the signage unit 2 in advance, and relays communication between the signage unit 2 and various components included in the signage management system 1. At least one relay device 3 is connected to each signage unit 2.

[0034] The relay device 3 includes a timer 30 for measuring time, a communication unit 31 for communicating with the outside, a storage device 32, and a processor 33.

[0035] The communication unit 31 enables the processor 33 to communicate with other devices. For example, the communication unit 31 has a function of communicating with the signage unit 2 and the external operation device 4 using a wired communication function based on the USB standard. Furthermore, the communication unit 31 has a function of communicating with the operation device 7 at short distances using a wireless communication function based on the Bluetooth standard. Furthermore, the communication unit 31 has a function of communicating with the steady-state content server 5 and the interrupt server 6 via the Internet using a wireless communication function such as the 4G standard or the 5G standard. Note that in other examples, the communication unit 31 may be configured to communicate with each component using a communication function based on another wired or wireless standard.

[0036] The communication unit 31, under the control of the processor 33, enables communication between the regular content server 5 and the signage unit 2, enables communication between the interrupt server 6 and the signage unit 2, and enables communication between the operating device 7 and the signage unit 2.

[0037] The storage device 32 can store a relay control program 34 and relay storage information 35, and can also store various information necessary for the operation of the processor 33. The relay control program 34 is configured to implement at least a part of a signage management method. The processor 33 functions as a relay control unit 36 ​​by reading and executing the relay control program 34. The processing executed by the relay control unit 36 ​​will be described later.

[0038] (External operation device 4) The external operation device 4 includes, for example, a camera 40, various sensors 41 such as a temperature sensor and a humidity sensor, and a GPS 42 for acquiring location information. The external operation device 4 may also include other devices. The external operation device 4 is connected to the communication unit 31 of the relay device 3 via a wired communication function based on the USB standard. The external operation device 4 may also be capable of wired or wireless communication based on other communication standards. The data acquired by the external operation device 4 is used by the relay control unit 36 ​​or the signage control unit 29. The acquired data may also be used by other components of the signage management system 1.

[0039] In this example, the signage unit 2, the relay device 3, and the external operation device 4 are arranged so as not to be easily accessible from the outside. For example, the signage unit 2, the relay device 3, and the external operation device 4 are sealed or placed in a locked case, and configured so that input / output devices such as a wired keyboard or mouse cannot be easily connected from the outside.

[0040] (Stationary Content Server 5) The steady content server 5 is a device for providing steady content to be displayed on the display unit 20 to the signage unit 2. The steady content server 5 includes a communication unit 50, a storage device 51, and a processor 52. The communication unit 50 enables the processor 52 to communicate with various devices including the relay device 3 via the Internet using a wireless communication function such as the 4G standard or the 5G standard. Note that in other examples, the communication unit 50 may be configured to communicate with each component using a communication function based on another wired or wireless standard.

[0041] The storage device 51 stores a routine management program 53 and routine content information 54, and can further store various information necessary for the operation of the processor 52. The routine management program 53 is configured to realize at least a part of a signage management method. The routine content information 54 includes routine content that is routinely displayed on the display unit 20. The processor 52 functions as a routine management unit 55 by reading and executing the routine management program 53. The operation of the routine management unit 55 will be described later.

[0042] (Interrupt Server 6) The interrupt server 6 is a device for providing the signage unit 2 with interrupt content to be displayed on the display unit 20. The interrupt server 6 includes a communication unit 60, a storage device 61, and a processor 62. The communication unit 60 enables the processor 62 to communicate with various devices including the relay device 3 via the Internet using a wireless communication function such as the 4G standard or the 5G standard. Note that in other examples, the communication unit 60 may be configured to communicate with each component using a communication function based on another wired or wireless standard.

[0043] The storage device 61 stores an interruption management program 63 and interruption information 64, and can further store various information necessary for the operation of the processor 62. The interruption management program 63 is configured to implement at least a part of a signage management method. The interruption information 64 includes interruption content that is displayed on the display unit 20 by interrupting the regular content. The interruption information 64 includes identification information of the operation device 7 that is permitted to access the signage unit 2.

[0044] The processor 62 functions as an interrupt management unit 65 by reading and executing the interrupt management program 63. The interrupt management unit 65 can send an interrupt instruction to the relay device 3 or the signage unit 2 to cause the display unit 20 to display the interrupt content selected on the operation device 7. If an alarm needs to be issued, the interrupt instruction includes an alarm. The operation of the interrupt management unit 65 will be described later.

[0045] Examples of interruption content include, but are not limited to, an alarm that notifies the signage unit 2 of information such as danger, and an image of a morning meeting held simultaneously within the company.

[0046] (Operation Device 7) The operation device 7 is a device for performing operations on the signage unit 2 via the relay device 3 by wireless communication. The operation device 7 includes a communication unit 70, an input / output unit 71, a storage device 72, and a processor 73. The operation device 7 may be, for example, a general-purpose portable device such as a smartphone, or a dedicated portable device. The operation device 7 basically realizes operations on one selected signage unit 2, but may also be capable of operating multiple signage units 2 simultaneously. Multiple operation devices 7 may exist.

[0047] The communication unit 70 enables the processor 73 to communicate with various devices including the steady content server 5, the interrupt server 6, and the relay device 3 via the Internet using a wireless communication function such as the 4G standard or the 5G standard. Furthermore, the communication unit 70 has a function for communicating with the relay device 3 at short distances using a wireless communication function based on the Bluetooth standard. Note that in other examples, the communication unit 70 may be configured to communicate with each component using a communication function based on another wired or wireless standard.

[0048] The input / output unit 71 is a liquid crystal touch panel mounted on a smartphone. In other examples, the input / output unit 71 may include other components, such as, but not limited to, another touch panel, a speaker, a microphone, a physical keyboard, a mouse, a touch pen, a light-emitting device, etc. The input / output unit 71 may be configured with various devices capable of input by a user and output to a user.

[0049] The storage device 72 stores an operation program 74 and operation information 75, and can also store various information necessary for the operation of the processor 73. The operation program 74 is configured to realize at least a part of a signage management method. The operation information 75 stores unique identification information that can identify each operation device 7.

[0050] The processor 73 functions as an operation unit 76 by reading and executing the operation program 74. The operation unit 76 realizes operation of the signage unit 2 via the relay device 3. Furthermore, the operation unit 76 realizes operation of the signage unit 2 by cooperating with the steady-state content server 5 and the interruption server 6. For example, the operation unit 76 instructs the steady-state content server 5 and the interruption server 6 to operate the signage unit 2. The operation of the signage unit 2 is realized, for example, by downloading dedicated software. In another example, the operation of the signage unit 2 is realized by operating software running on the cloud from a web browser. The operation of the signage unit 2 may also be realized by other methods.

[0051] (Power Controller 8) The power supply controller 8 controls the on / off of the power supplied to the power supply 24 of the signage unit 2 and the external alarm device 9. The power supply controller 8 receives power from an external AC power supply or a solar panel. The power supply source is not limited to these. The relay device 3 is configured to be able to switch the power supply of the signage unit 2 from off to on and from on to off by controlling the power supply controller 8.

[0052] (External alarm device 9) The external alarm device 9 includes, for example, a rotating light 90 and a siren 91. The relay device 3 is configured to be able to control the operation of the external alarm device 9 via the power supply controller 8. For example, the relay device 3 controls the power supply controller 8 to control the on / off of the power supplies of the rotating light 90 and the siren 91.

[0053] (Signage management method) 2 is a flowchart of a portion of a signage management method performed by the signage control unit 29, relay control unit 36, steady-state management unit 55, interrupt management unit 65, and operation unit 76 in FIG. 1 in cooperation with each other. The signage management method will be described below. To the extent that no contradiction occurs, some or all of the processing performed by any of the signage control unit 29, relay control unit 36, steady-state management unit 55, interrupt management unit 65, and operation unit 76 may be performed by the remaining components. The order of the processing that constitutes the signage management method may be changed or may be performed simultaneously, to the extent that no contradiction occurs.

[0054] Step ST101: In step ST101, the relay control unit 36 ​​performs a data acquisition and transmission process, which will be described later.

[0055] Step ST102: Next, in step ST102, signage control unit 29 performs a content update process, which will be described later.

[0056] Step ST103: Next, in step ST103, the relay control section 36 performs an external control process, which will be described later.

[0057] Step ST104: Next, in step ST104, the relay control section 36 performs an alarm process, which will be described later.

[0058] Step ST105: Next, in step ST105, signage control unit 29 performs a signage display process, which will be described later. Steps ST101 to ST105 are repeated as necessary.

[0059] (Data acquisition and transmission processing) FIG. 3 is a flowchart of the data acquisition and transmission process in step ST101 of FIG.

[0060] Step ST201: In step ST201, the relay control unit 36 ​​acquires various data from the camera 40, the sensor 41, the GPS 42, the power supply controller 8, and the timer 30. For example, a still image or video of the surroundings of the signage unit 2 is acquired from the camera 40. The temperature or humidity of the surroundings of the signage unit 2 is acquired from the sensor 41. The location information of the signage unit 2 is acquired from the GPS 42. Whether each device connected to the power supply controller 8 is on or off is acquired from the power supply controller 8. The time since the timer 30 started timing is acquired.

[0061] Step ST202: Next, in step ST202, relay control unit 36 ​​transmits the acquired data to signage control unit 29, steady-state management unit 55, interruption management unit 65, and operation unit 76 as necessary.

[0062] Step ST203: Next, in step ST203, the relay control unit 36 ​​determines whether or not there is an event corresponding to the time acquired from the timer 30. If there is an event, the process proceeds to step ST204. If there is no event, the data acquisition and transmission process ends.

[0063] Step ST204: Next, in step ST204, the relay control section 36 executes an event corresponding to the time acquired from the timer 30, and the data acquisition and transmission process ends.

[0064] (Content update process) FIG. 4 is a flowchart of the content update process in step ST102 of FIG.

[0065] Step ST301: In step ST301, signage control unit 29 inquires of routine management unit 55 as to whether or not the routine content needs to be updated. Routine management unit 55 checks routine content information 54 and returns a response to signage control unit 29 as to whether or not the routine content needs to be updated. For example, but not limited to, if the routine content stored in routine content information 54 is newer than the routine content included in signage storage information 28, or if an instruction is received from operation device 7, it is determined that the routine content needs to be updated. If the routine content needs to be updated, signage control unit 29 proceeds to step ST302, and if the routine content does not need to be updated, it proceeds to step ST303.

[0066] Step ST302: In step ST302, signage control unit 29 updates the steady content included in signage storage information 28 in accordance with an instruction from steady management unit 55, and proceeds to step ST303. For example, the steady content included in signage storage information 28 is rewritten with the steady content received from steady management unit 55.

[0067] Step ST303: In step ST303, signage control unit 29 inquires of interrupt management unit 65 as to whether or not the interrupt content needs to be updated. Interrupt management unit 65 checks interrupt information 64 and returns a response to signage control unit 29 as to whether or not the interrupt content needs to be updated. For example, but not limited to, if the interrupt content stored in interruption information 64 is newer than the interruption content included in signage storage information 28, or if an instruction is received from operation device 7, it is determined that the interruption content needs to be updated. If the interruption content needs to be updated, signage control unit 29 proceeds to step ST304, and if the interruption content does not need to be updated, it proceeds to step ST305.

[0068] Step ST304: In step ST304, signage control unit 29 updates the interruption content included in signage storage information 28 in accordance with an instruction from interrupt management unit 65, and proceeds to step ST305. For example, the interruption content included in signage storage information 28 is rewritten by the interruption content received from interrupt management unit 65.

[0069] Step ST305: In step ST305, signage control unit 29 inquires of operation unit 76 as to whether or not the interruption content needs to be updated. Operation unit 76 replies to signage control unit 29 as to whether or not the interruption content needs to be updated, for example, based on a user operation. If the interruption content needs to be updated, signage control unit 29 proceeds to step ST306, and if the interruption content does not need to be updated, signage control unit 29 proceeds to step ST307.

[0070] Step ST306: In step ST306, signage control unit 29 updates the interruption content included in signage storage information 28 in accordance with an instruction from operation unit 76, and proceeds to step ST307. For example, operation unit 76 presents the user with several interruption contents to select from, and the interruption content included in signage storage information 28 is updated based on the interruption content selected by the user. Similarly, steady content may be updated in accordance with an instruction from operation unit 76.

[0071] Step ST307: In step ST307, signage control unit 29 determines whether or not it is necessary to update the interruption content based on the time acquired from timer 22. For example, it is preset to update the interruption content according to time. If it is necessary to update the interruption content, signage control unit 29 proceeds to step ST308, and if it is not necessary to update the interruption content, signage control unit 29 ends the content update process.

[0072] Step ST308: In step ST308, signage control section 29 updates the interruption content included in signage storage information 28 in accordance with a predetermined setting, and ends the content update process.

[0073] (External control processing) FIG. 5 is a flowchart of the external control process in step ST103 of FIG.

[0074] Step ST401: In step ST401, the relay device 3 determines whether or not there is an access request to the signage unit 2 from the steady content server 5 or the interruption server 6. If there is an access request, the relay device 3 proceeds to step ST402, and if there is no access request, the relay device 3 proceeds to step ST403.

[0075] Step ST402: In step ST402, the relay device 3 permits the steady content server 5 or the interrupt server 6 making the access request to access the signage unit 2. The steady content server 5 or the interrupt server 6 that has been permitted access can perform various operations such as setting up the signage unit 2, operating the operating system, and operating various programs.

[0076] Step ST403: In step ST403, the relay device 3 detects whether or not the operation device 7 is attempting to access the signage unit 2. If the operation device 7 is attempting to access, the relay device 3 proceeds to step ST404, and if the operation device 7 is not attempting to access, the external control process ends.

[0077] Step ST404: In step ST404, the relay device 3 inquires of the interrupt server 6 about whether or not access to the signage unit 2 by the operation device 7 is permitted. In the inquiry, the relay device 3 acquires unique identification information from the operation device 7 and transmits it to the interrupt management unit 65. The interrupt information 64 stores in advance the identification information of the operation device 7 that is permitted to access each signage unit 2. The interrupt management unit 65 determines whether or not access to the signage unit 2 by the operation device 7 is permitted based on the stored identification information and the received identification information, and transmits the determination result to the relay device 3. If access is permitted, the relay device 3 proceeds to step ST405, and if access is not permitted, the relay device 3 proceeds to step ST406.

[0078] Step ST405: In step ST405, the relay device 3 permits the operation device 7 to access the signage unit 2, thereby allowing only the operation device 7 permitted to access the signage unit 2 to access the signage unit 2. The operation device 7 permitted to access can perform various operations such as setting the signage unit 2, operating the operating system, operating various programs, updating regular content, and updating interruption content. In particular, the operations that can be performed by an operation device 7 located close to the signage unit 2 may include operations that cannot be performed from the regular content server 5 or interruption server 6 accessed remotely via the Internet due to restrictions imposed by the operating system. After step ST405, the external control process ends.

[0079] Step ST406: In step ST406, the relay device 3 denies the access to the signage unit 2 by the operation device 7, and the external control process ends.

[0080] (Alarm processing) FIG. 6 is a flowchart of the warning process in step ST104 of FIG.

[0081] Step ST501: In step ST501, the relay device 3 determines whether or not an interrupt instruction including an alert has been received. In this example, the interrupt instruction including an alert is received from the interrupt server 6. The operation to include the alert in the interrupt instruction is instructed, for example, from the operation device 7. In another example, the interrupt instruction including an alert may be sent by the steady-state content server 5 or the operation device 7, or may be sent by another device. If the relay device 3 receives an alert, it proceeds to step ST502, and if it has not received an alert, it ends the alert processing. For example, the steady-state content server 5, the interrupt server 6, or the operation device 7 may determine whether or not to send an alert based on the received data. For example, the interrupt server 6 detects a disaster based on an image captured by the camera 40 and sends an alert.

[0082] Step ST502: In step ST502, in response to the received alarm, the relay device 3 causes the display unit 20 of the signage unit 2 to display a display corresponding to the alarm instead of the steady content, and activates the external alarm device 9. When the external alarm device 9 is activated, for example, an alarm is issued to the surrounding area by turning on the power of the rotating light 90 or the siren 91. After the alarm is issued, the alarm processing ends.

[0083] (Signage display processing) FIG. 7 is a flowchart of the signage display process in step ST104 of FIG.

[0084] Step ST601: In step ST601, signage control unit 29 checks whether or not there is interruption content in signage storage information 28. If there is interruption content, signage control unit 29 proceeds to step ST602, and if there is no interruption content, signage control unit 29 proceeds to step ST605.

[0085] Step ST602: In step ST602, the signage control unit 29 checks whether or not it is necessary to start a specific application. If it is necessary to start a specific application, the signage control unit 29 proceeds to step ST603, and if it is not necessary to start a specific application, the signage control unit 29 proceeds to step ST604.

[0086] Step ST603: In step ST603, the signage control unit 29 starts up a specific application to display the interruption content, and then ends the signage display process.

[0087] Step ST604: In step ST604, the signage control section 29 displays the interruption content and ends the signage display process.

[0088] Step ST605: In step ST605, the signage control section 29 displays the stationary content and ends the signage display process.

[0089] (Charging management processing) 8 is a flowchart of a power management process performed as part of a signage management method. The power management process manages the charging current of a rechargeable battery used as the power source 24 of the signage unit 2. In other examples, the power management process may be performed in another device, such as the relay device 3, the steady-state content server 5, the interrupt server 6, the operation device 7, or another device.

[0090] Step ST701: In step ST701, signage control unit 29 measures the received current flowing through power supply 24.

[0091] Step ST702: Next, in step ST702, the signage control unit 29 determines whether the measured receiving current is equal to or less than the threshold value. If the receiving current is greater than the threshold value, the signage control unit 29 proceeds to step ST703, and if the receiving current is equal to or less than the threshold value, the signage control unit 29 proceeds to step ST704.

[0092] Step ST703: In step ST703, signage control section 29 charges the rechargeable battery by causing the charging current from power supply controller 8 to flow to power supply 24, which is a rechargeable battery, and then returns to step ST701. The charging current continues to flow until it is interrupted.

[0093] Step ST704: In step ST704, signage control section 29 suspends charging, activates timer 22, and then proceeds to step ST705.

[0094] Step ST705: In step ST705, signage control unit 29 determines whether or not a predetermined time has elapsed by checking timer 22. If the predetermined time has elapsed, signage control unit 29 returns to step ST701, and if the predetermined time has not elapsed, signage control unit 29 repeats step ST705.

[0095] (summary) According to the present embodiment, it is possible to steadily display stationary content on the display unit 20 and temporarily display interruption content as necessary, thereby making it possible to make the display content of the signage unit 2 more flexible and complex than ever before. Furthermore, since the signage unit 2 can be operated wirelessly from the operation device 7 via the relay device 3, it is possible to easily operate the signage unit 2 even in situations where it is difficult to connect to the signage unit 2 via a wired connection.

[0096] According to this embodiment, interrupt content is displayed on the display unit 20 in response to an interrupt instruction received from the interrupt server 6, making it possible to make the display content of the signage unit 2 more flexible and complex than conventionally.

[0097] According to the present embodiment, the interruption content selected on the operation device 7 is displayed on the display unit 20, so that the display content of the signage unit 2 can be made more flexible and complex than conventionally.

[0098] According to this embodiment, the relay device 3 is configured to allow only operation devices 7 that are permitted to access the signage unit 2 to access the signage unit 2, thereby preventing unintended and unauthorized access to the signage unit 2.

[0099] According to this embodiment, in response to an alarm, the relay device 3 or the signage unit 2 displays a message corresponding to the alarm on the display unit 20 of the signage unit 2 and activates the external alarm device 9, thereby making the operation of the signage management system 1 flexible and complex.

[0100] According to this embodiment, the power supply of the signage unit 2 can be switched from off to on, so that necessary information can be displayed on the display section 20 even when the signage unit 2 is in an off state.

[0101] According to this embodiment, charging is interrupted when the charging current is below a threshold, thereby preventing excessive current from flowing when the battery is nearly fully charged, thereby saving power for charging.

[0102] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and those skilled in the art may make various modifications, combinations, subcombinations, and substitutions of the components of the above-described embodiments within the technical scope of the present invention or equivalents thereof. [Industrial Applicability]

[0103] The present invention is applicable to various situations in which a signage unit is used. [Explanation of symbols]

[0104] 1...signage management system, 2...signage unit, 3...relay device, 4...external operation device, 5...stationary content server, 6...interrupt server, 7...operation device, 8...power controller, 9...external alarm device, 10...network, 20...display unit, 21...speaker, 22...timer, 23...communication unit, 24...power supply, 25...storage device, 26...processor, 27...signage control program, 28...Signage storage information, 29...Signage control unit, 30...Timer, 31...Communication unit, 32...storage device, 33...processor, 34...relay control program, 35...relay storage information, 36... relay control unit, 40... camera, 41... sensor, 42... GPS, 50... communication unit, 51...storage device, 52...processor, 53...routine management program, 54... regular content information, 55... regular management unit, 60... communication unit, 61... storage device, 62...processor, 63...interrupt management program, 64...interrupt information, 65...interrupt management unit, 70...communication unit, 71...input / output unit, 72...storage device, 73...processor, 74...operation program, 75...operation information, 76...operation unit, 90... rotating light, 91... siren

Claims

1. A signage management system, The signage management system, a signage unit including a display unit for visually displaying, a signage control program, and a processor; a constant content server for providing constant content to be displayed on the display unit to the signage unit; an interruption server for providing interruption content to be displayed on the display unit to the signage unit; a relay device pre-connected to the signage unit; an operation device for performing an operation on the signage unit via the relay device by wireless communication; Equipped with the relay device includes a communication unit that enables communication between the steady content server and the signage unit, communication between the interrupt server and the signage unit, and communication between the operation device and the signage unit; When the signage control program is executed by the processor, the signage unit: causing the display unit to constantly display the constant content; temporarily displaying the interruption content in place of the steady content displayed on the display unit; configured to perform Signage management system.

2. the interrupt server is configured to send an interrupt instruction to the signage unit; When the signage control program is executed by the processor, the signage control program is configured to cause the display unit to display the interrupt content in response to the interrupt instruction received from the interrupt server. The signage management system according to claim 1 .

3. The operation device and the interrupt server are configured to be able to communicate with each other, the interruption server is configured to transmit the interruption instruction to the signage unit so as to cause the display unit to display the interruption content selected on the operation device. The signage management system according to claim 2 .

4. the operation device stores identification information, the interrupt server stores the identification information of the operating devices that are authorized to access the signage unit; The relay device: Detecting whether the operating device is attempting to access the signage unit; When the operation device is attempting to access the signage unit, inquiring of the interrupt server as to whether or not the operation device is permitted to access the signage unit; allowing only the operation device that is permitted to access the signage unit to access the signage unit; configured to run The signage management system according to claim 3 .

5. the signage management system includes an external alarm device for issuing an alarm; the relay device is configured to be able to control the operation of the external alarm device; the interrupt indication includes the alert directed to the relay device or the signage unit; the relay device or the signage unit is configured to, in response to the alarm, cause the display unit of the signage unit to display a display corresponding to the alarm and activate the external alarm device. The signage management system according to claim 4 .

6. the relay device is configured to be able to switch the power of the signage unit from off to on; The signage management system according to claim 5 .

7. At least one of the signage unit and the relay device includes a rechargeable battery; wherein the at least one device is measuring a charging current of the battery; interrupting charging when the charging current is below a threshold; charging when the charging current is greater than the threshold; configured to perform The signage management system according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

8. A signage management method implemented in a signage management system, The signage management system, a signage unit including a display unit for displaying a visual display; a constant content server for providing constant content to be displayed on the display unit to the signage unit; an interruption server for providing interruption content to be displayed on the display unit to the signage unit; a relay device pre-connected to the signage unit; an operation device for performing an operation on the signage unit via the relay device by wireless communication; Equipped with the relay device includes a communication unit that enables communication between the steady content server and the signage unit, communication between the interrupt server and the signage unit, and communication between the operation device and the signage unit; The signage management method includes: the signage unit causes the display unit to steadily display the steady content; causing the signage unit to temporarily display the interruption content in place of the steady content displayed on the display unit; Including, Signage management methods.

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