Broadcast slot management device, broadcast slot management system, program, and broadcast slot management method

Abstract

To provide a technique for outputting a content registered in a broadcast frame in a mode flexibly coping with a complex request when outputting the content.SOLUTION: A broadcast frame managing device includes: a frame organization information registration part for registering frame organization information including one broadcast frame or plural broadcast frames having continuous time series; a frame reservation registration part for receiving reservation of a broadcast to the broadcast frames; a content registration part for receiving registration of a content to be broadcast for the broadcast frame reserved by the frame reservation registration part; an output mode registration part for receiving input of an output mode of the content and registering the same; and a broadcast designation part for outputting a broadcast designation including information for showing the output mode, and the content.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a broadcast slot management device, a broadcast slot management system, a program, and a broadcast slot management method. [Background technology]

[0002] When outputting content to an external device, there is a technique for registering the content in a prepared broadcasting slot and transmitting it to a server that integrates the external device.

[0003] Patent Document 1 discloses technology related to a signage system. Paragraph

[0035] states, "The signage server 102 transmits the empty slots (time periods during which advertising content may be inserted) set for each signage player 114 as slot information 104 to the CDC server 101 via a common interface module (hereinafter, common IF module) 103, and registers the slot information table 111 of the scheduling management unit (the aforementioned slot information management device)." Paragraph

[0036] also states, "The scheduling management unit of the CDC server 101 creates schedule information (schedule information) by allocating advertising content suitable for the slot information 104 while referring to the content information table 109 and the signage information table 110." [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 4852632 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] When content registered in a broadcast slot is output, it is desirable to output the content in a manner that meets various requirements, such as the nature of the content and the limitations of the output device.

[0006] Patent Document 1 does not output content in a manner that meets complex requests.

[0007] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above points, and aims to provide a technology for outputting content registered in a broadcast slot in a manner that flexibly responds to complex requests. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] The present application includes a number of means for solving the above problems, examples of which are as follows.

[0009] In order to solve the above problems, a broadcast slot management device according to one embodiment of the present invention is characterized in that it comprises a slot scheduling information registration unit that registers slot scheduling information including one or multiple chronologically consecutive broadcast slots, a slot reservation registration unit that accepts reservations for broadcasting for the broadcast slots, a content registration unit that accepts registration of content to be broadcast for the broadcast slots reserved by the slot reservation registration unit, an output mode registration unit that accepts input of the output mode of the content and registers it, and a broadcast command unit that outputs a broadcast command including information indicating the output mode and the content.

[0010] The output mode registration unit may accept input of an alternating broadcast instruction for the broadcast slot, the content registration unit registers the number of contents determined based on the alternating broadcast instruction for the broadcast slot in which the alternating broadcast instruction was input, and the broadcast command unit may output the broadcast command to broadcast in rotation the multiple contents registered for the broadcast slot in which the alternating broadcast instruction was input.

[0011] The output mode registration unit may be characterized in that it is capable of accepting input of the alternating broadcast instruction for each of the broadcast slots included in the slot scheduling information.

[0012] The time slot organization information registration unit may accept and register a designated broadcast time period for the time slot organization information, and the broadcast command unit may repeatedly broadcast the content registered for the broadcast time slot contained in the time slot organization information during the broadcast time period related to the time slot organization information, and when outputting the broadcast command for the broadcast time slot for which the alternating broadcast instruction has been input, output the broadcast command to switch and broadcast the content for the broadcast time slot related to the alternating broadcast instruction included in the time slot organization information that is repeatedly broadcast.

[0013] The output mode registration unit may be characterized in that it accepts input of a first regulation which is a regulation for the time slot scheduling information, the content registration unit accepts a selection of a second regulation which is a regulation for the content to be broadcast from among regulation candidates determined by the first regulation, accepts registration of the content according to the second regulation, and the broadcast command unit outputs the broadcast command including the second regulation.

[0014] The first regulation or the second regulation may be at least one of a screen division mode, an image ratio, a distinction between portrait and landscape, or a distinction between a still image and a moving image.

[0015] The broadcast slot management device may be characterized in that it includes a display information generation unit that generates display information for a slot scheduling confirmation screen that displays an adjustable broadcast order of the content registered for the broadcast slot included in the slot scheduling information, and that on the slot scheduling confirmation screen, the broadcast slot associated with the alternating broadcast instruction is displayed in a manner distinguishable from other broadcast slots.

[0016] The broadcast slot management device may further include a history acquisition unit that acquires broadcast performance information indicating broadcast performance, and tallying up the number of times each piece of content has been broadcast to generate broadcast history information.

[0017] In addition, in order to solve the above problem, a broadcast slot management system according to another aspect of the present invention is a broadcast slot management system in which a broadcast manager device owned by a broadcast manager who manages the broadcasting of content, a broadcast requester device that requests the broadcasting of content, a broadcast slot management device that manages broadcast slots, and an output device management device that manages output devices are communicatively connected, wherein the broadcast manager device has a slot formation registration request unit that requests the registration of slot formation information including one or multiple chronologically consecutive broadcast slots, the broadcast requester device has a slot reservation request unit that requests a reservation for broadcasting for the broadcast slot and requests the registration of content to be broadcast, and the broadcast slot management device has a slot formation information registration unit that registers the slot formation information requested by the broadcast manager device, a slot reservation registration unit that accepts the reservation of the broadcast slot requested by the slot reservation request unit, a content registration unit that accepts the registration of content to be broadcast for the broadcast slot reserved by the slot reservation registration unit, an output mode registration unit that accepts input of the output mode of the content and registers it, and a broadcast command unit that outputs a broadcast command including information indicating the output mode to the output device management device.

[0018] Each of the plurality of output device management devices may be owned by a different company.

[0019] The output device management device may be characterized in that it includes a broadcast log providing unit that transmits broadcast performance information indicating the broadcast performance of the content to the broadcast slot management device, and the broadcast slot management device includes a history acquisition unit that uses the broadcast performance information to tally up the number of times each content is broadcast and generate broadcast history information.

[0020] In addition, in order to solve the above-mentioned problem, a program according to another aspect of the present invention is a program that causes a computer to function as a broadcast slot management device, and causes the broadcast slot management device to function as a slot organization information registration unit, a slot reservation registration unit, a content registration unit, an output mode registration unit, and a broadcast command unit, and causes the slot organization information registration unit to execute a slot organization information registration procedure for registering slot organization information including one or multiple chronologically consecutive broadcast slots, causes the slot reservation registration unit to execute a slot reservation registration procedure for accepting reservations for broadcasting for the broadcast slots, causes the content registration unit to execute a content registration procedure for accepting registration of content to be broadcast for the broadcast slots reserved by the slot reservation registration unit, causes the output mode registration unit to execute an output mode determination procedure for accepting and registering input of the output mode of the content, and causes the broadcast command unit to execute a broadcast command procedure for outputting a broadcast command including information indicating the output mode.

[0021] In addition, in order to solve the above-mentioned problems, a broadcast slot management method according to another aspect of the present invention is a broadcast slot management method by a broadcast slot management device, characterized in that it includes a slot organization information registration procedure for registering slot organization information including one or multiple chronologically consecutive broadcast slots, a slot reservation registration procedure for accepting reservations for broadcasting for the broadcast slots, a content registration procedure for accepting registration of content to be broadcast for the broadcast slots reserved in the slot reservation registration procedure, an output mode registration procedure for accepting and registering input of the output mode of the content, and a broadcast command procedure for outputting a broadcast command including information indicating the output mode and the content. Effect of the Invention

[0022] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a technique for outputting content registered in a broadcast slot in a manner that flexibly meets complex requests.

[0023] Problems, configurations, and effects other than those described above will become apparent from the following description of the embodiments. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0024] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of an overview of a broadcast slot management system. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of functional blocks of a broadcast slot management system. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of a broadcast slot management device. [Figure 4] FIG. 11 is a sequence diagram showing an example of a frame formation information registration process. [Diagram 5] FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an example of a data structure of channel type information. [Figure 6] 11 is information showing an example of a data structure of broadcast slot information. [Figure 7] FIG. 11 is a sequence diagram illustrating an example of a slot reservation process. [Figure 8] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a data structure of slot reservation information. [Figure 9] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a data structure of content-related information. [Figure 10] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a channel registration screen. [Figure 11] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a slot reservation screen. [Figure 12] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a broadcast slot detailed setting screen. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a content registration screen. [Figure 14] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a frame formation confirmation screen. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0025] Hereinafter, an example of an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Fig. 1 is a diagram showing an example of an outline of a broadcasting slot management system 1. The broadcasting slot management system 1 in this embodiment manages the broadcasting of content to a plurality of output devices 53 scattered around.

[0026] In the following, the content managed in the broadcast slot management system 1 is advertising content, and an example will be described in which the advertising content is output from a signage player by processing of the broadcast slot management device 10. A signage player refers to an output device that is installed in public spaces, stores, etc., and mainly displays advertisements such as video and text. In this embodiment, the content output from the output device 53 is not limited to advertising content, and includes all information such as audio, still images, and videos that can be output via the output device 53. In addition, the output device 53 is not limited to a signage player, and may be an information processing device such as a PC (Personal Computer) or a smartphone.

[0027] Conventionally, when advertising content was output from a signage player, advertising agency D would receive materials from a traffic manager B or a traffic person C, and submit the advertising content to media owner A. In addition, when advertising agency D communicated broadcasting conditions such as the desired number of broadcasts and broadcasting area to media owner A, media owner A would adjust the broadcast schedule and organize the advertising content, and send it to the distribution system 40 according to the base where the content would be broadcast. Since media owner A manually adjusted the schedule and organized the advertising content according to each distribution system 40, the burden was enormous, and there were many cases where the media owner A requested a separate vendor to manage the broadcast slots.

[0028] In this embodiment, at least one of the information processing devices operated by the media owner A, the data entry manager B, the data entry person C, and the advertising agency D is communicatively connected to the broadcast slot management device 10 via a network N. The media owner A, the data entry manager B, the data entry person C, and the advertising agency D share various information related to advertising contents through a common interface provided by the broadcast slot management device 10.

[0029] For example, a media owner A defines a channel type including one or more broadcast slots, and requests the broadcast slot management device 10 to register the channel type. The channel type is associated with broadcast conditions such as the number of broadcast slots, distribution destination candidates which are candidates for the output device 53 that outputs the advertising content, and a broadcast period.

[0030] Also, for example, an advertising agency D requests the broadcast slot management device 10 to reserve a broadcast slot. A media owner A can approve the slot reservation request to confirm the reservation of the broadcast slot. A data entry manager B, a data entry person C, or an advertising agency D submits advertising content to the broadcast slot management device 10. The advertising agency D associates the broadcast slot to be reserved with the advertising content. A media owner A can approve the advertising content associated with the broadcast slot. Note that the approval of the slot reservation request and the approval of the advertising content may be performed simultaneously.

[0031] Furthermore, the media owner A can organize the advertising content before requesting the distribution system 40 to broadcast the advertising content. The advertising content organized by the media owner A is transmitted from the broadcast slot management device 10 to the distribution system 40. For example, the broadcast slot management device 10 identifies a distribution destination selected from candidate distribution destinations when reserving a broadcast slot, and transmits the advertising content to the distribution system 40 that manages distribution to the selected distribution destination.

[0032] In Fig. 1, distribution system 40 is, for example, a server computer, and the multiple distribution systems 40 owned by broadcast slot management system 1 are each managed by a different company (for example, a distribution vendor). Distribution system 40a manages distribution to location X, distribution system 40b manages distribution to location Y, and distribution system 40c manages distribution to location Z. Note that multiple output devices 53 managed by one distribution system 40 do not need to be located physically close to each other (for example, in the same store). Distribution system 40 functions as an output device management device.

[0033] The distribution system 40 transmits a signal indicating advertisement content at an appropriate timing to a set top box (STB) 52 connected via a network N or a router 51. The STB 52 converts the received signal into a signal that can be interpreted by an output device 53 and transmits the converted signal. The output device 53 outputs the advertisement content based on the received signal.

[0034] As an example of this embodiment, media owner A requests the administrator of distribution system 40 to procure STB 52. After procuring STB 52, the administrator of distribution system 40 operates distribution system 40 to request broadcast slot management device 10 to register STB 52. Broadcast slot management device 10 and distribution system 40 transmit and receive information such as the installation location of STB 52 via an API (Application Programming Interface) for registering connected devices.

[0035] More specifically, the distribution system 40 transmits, via the API, to the broadcast slot management device 10, a registration request that specifies identification information for identifying the STB 52 and identification information of the corporation to which the STB 52 belongs. The broadcast slot management device 10 transmits, as a response to the registration request, the received identification information of the STB 52, the start time when the use of the STB 52 is to be started, the end time when the use is to be ended, the broadcast start time and broadcast end time of the STB 52 in a 24-hour period, and information indicating the installation position of the output device 53 managed by the STB 52 in the hierarchical information of the output device 53 described later (for example, a name indicating the highest layer in the hierarchical information, a name indicating the second layer, a name indicating the third layer, and a name indicating the lowest layer), etc. to the STB 52. As a result, in the broadcast slot management device 10, the STB 52 is registered in association with the distribution system 40, and device area information 121 described later is generated.

[0036] 2 is a diagram showing an example of functional blocks of the broadcast slot management system 1. For example, the broadcast slot management system 1 has a broadcast slot management device 10, a broadcast manager device 20, and a broadcast requester device 30, which are communicatively connected via a network N. In addition, in the broadcast slot management system 1, the broadcast slot management device 10 and a distribution system 40 are communicatively connected. The broadcast slot management device 10 is an information processing device such as a server computer or a PC, and is operated, for example, by a broadcast slot management service provider.

[0037] The broadcast manager device 20 and the broadcast client device 30 are each an information processing device such as a PC, a smartphone, a PDA (Personal Digital Assistant), a notebook computer, or a tablet terminal. As an example, the broadcast manager device 20 is operated by a person in charge of a media owner A, and the broadcast client device 30 is operated by a person in charge of an advertising agency D. The distribution system 40 shown in FIG. 1 is an information processing device such as, for example, a server computer or a PC. The distribution system 40 is an information processing device such as, for example, a server computer or a PC. The distribution system 40 may be connected to the broadcast slot management device 10 via a network N.

[0038] The broadcast slot management device 10 includes a processing unit 110, a storage unit 120, an input unit 130, an output unit 140, and a communication unit 150. The processing unit 110 performs overall control of the entire broadcast slot management device 10. The storage unit 120 stores information required for processing by the processing unit 110. The input unit 130 accepts information input to the broadcast slot management device 10 from an input device connected via an input IF described later. The output unit 140 outputs information stored in the broadcast slot management device 10 to an output device connected via an output IF described later. The communication unit 150 mediates the transmission and reception of information between the broadcast manager device 20, the broadcast requester device 30, and the distribution system 40.

[0039] The processing unit 110 includes a time slot scheduling information registration unit 111, a time slot reservation registration unit 112, an output mode registration unit 113, a display information generation unit 114, a content registration unit 115, a broadcast command unit 116, and a history acquisition unit 117. The time slot scheduling information registration unit 111 registers a channel type including one or multiple chronologically consecutive broadcast slots as time slot scheduling information. The time slot scheduling information registration unit 111 accepts designation of the number of broadcast slots included in the time slots, the type of advertising content that can be registered in the broadcast slots, and the duration of the advertising content for the time slot scheduling information, and registers them in association with the time slot scheduling information.

[0040] Furthermore, the time slot scheduling information registration unit 111 accepts and registers designations of candidate distribution destinations, broadcasting period, and broadcasting time slots of advertising content for the time slot scheduling information. The candidate distribution destinations are candidates for the output devices 53 that broadcast the advertising content. The broadcasting period refers to the period from the broadcasting start date to the broadcasting end date of the advertising content related to the time slot scheduling information. The broadcasting time slot refers to the time slot during one day when the advertising content related to the time slot scheduling information is broadcast.

[0041] The slot reservation registration unit 112 accepts reservations for broadcasting for a broadcast slot included in the slot organization information. More specifically, the slot reservation registration unit 112 accepts a slot reservation request that specifies the slot organization information from the broadcast manager device 20 or the broadcast client device 30. If there is an available slot in the specified slot organization information, the slot reservation registration unit 112 registers a reservation for the broadcast slot included in the specified slot organization information.

[0042] The slot reservation registration unit 112 also accepts designation of the destination, broadcast period, and broadcast time slot of the advertising content to be registered in the broadcast slot from among the destination candidates, broadcast period, and broadcast time slot designated for the slot scheduling information, and registers them in association with the broadcast slot to be reserved. Note that the broadcast conditions of the advertising content registered by the slot reservation registration unit 112 are not limited to the destination, broadcast period, and broadcast time slot, and some of these items may not be registered.

[0043] The output mode registration unit 113 accepts and registers an input of the output mode of the advertising content. More specifically, the output mode registration unit 113 accepts an input of an alternating broadcast instruction for a broadcast slot included in the time slot scheduling information, for example, from the broadcast manager device 20. The alternating broadcast instruction will be described later, and the output mode registration unit 113 can accept an input of an alternating broadcast instruction for each of one or more broadcast slots included in the time slot scheduling information. In addition, the output mode registration unit 113 accepts an input of a first regulation, which is a provision for the time slot scheduling information.

[0044] The display information generating unit 114 generates display information of a channel registration screen for registering a channel type based on a request from the broadcast manager device 20, and transmits the display information to the broadcast manager device 20 that transmitted the request. Also, the display information generating unit 114 generates display information of a slot reservation screen for reserving a broadcast slot based on a slot reservation request from the broadcast manager device 20 or the broadcast client device 30, and transmits the display information to the broadcast manager device 20 or the broadcast client device 30 that transmitted the request.

[0045] The slot reservation screen displays available broadcast slots for one or more broadcast slots included in the slot organization information specified in the slot reservation request in a selectable manner. For example, the slot reservation screen displays broadcast slots that have not yet been reserved and are the distribution destination candidates, broadcast period, and broadcast time slots specified for the slot organization information in a selectable manner. The media owner A or the advertising agency D operating the broadcast manager device 20 or the broadcast client device 30 selects a desired broadcast slot from the selectable broadcast slots displayed. As a result, broadcast conditions such as the distribution destination, broadcast period, and broadcast time slot for the broadcast slot are registered.

[0046] As an example, the slot reservation screen displays selectable broadcast slots that have not yet been reserved among the broadcast slots that satisfy the distribution destination candidates and broadcast period registered together with the slot scheduling information. When the selection of a broadcast slot on the slot reservation screen is accepted, the distribution destination and broadcast period of the selected broadcast slot are registered in association with the reserved slot as broadcast conditions (desired conditions).

[0047] The display information generating unit 114 also generates display information for a content registration screen, which is a screen for registering content for a reservation slot, and transmits it to the broadcast manager device 20 or broadcast client device 30 that sent the request. The content registration screen can accept the selection of a second regulation from among regulation candidates determined by the first regulation registered for the slot scheduling information. The display information generating unit 114 also generates display information for a slot scheduling confirmation screen that displays an adjustable broadcast order of the content registered for the broadcast slot included in the slot scheduling information. On the slot scheduling confirmation screen, the broadcast slot for which an alternate broadcast instruction has been given is displayed in a manner that makes it possible to distinguish it from other broadcast slots.

[0048] The content registration unit 115 accepts registration of advertising content to be broadcast for a broadcast slot. One unit of advertising content made up of a combination of materials is registered for one broadcast slot. The content registration unit 115 registers advertising content of the type registered for the broadcast slot in the slot organization information, which lasts for the duration registered for the broadcast slot. Note that the type and duration of the advertising content are associated with the advertising content before it is registered for the broadcast slot. In addition, the advertising content registered by the content registration unit 115 for the broadcast slot is not limited to content that lasts for the duration registered for the broadcast slot.

[0049] Furthermore, the content registration unit 115 registers the number of advertisement contents determined based on the alternate broadcast instruction for the broadcast slot in which the alternate broadcast instruction is input. The content registration unit 115 accepts the selection of the second regulation from among the regulation candidates determined by the first regulation, and accepts the registration of the content according to the second regulation. The first regulation and the second regulation are at least one of the screen division mode, the image ratio, the distinction between portrait and landscape, or the distinction between still images and moving images.

[0050] The screen division mode is a display mode when the display screen displayed on the output device 53 is divided into multiple regions. The image ratio is the aspect ratio of the image. The distinction between portrait and landscape is information indicating whether the content is to be displayed on a screen installed in a portrait orientation or a landscape orientation.

[0051] The broadcast command unit 116 outputs a broadcast command including information indicating the output mode of the advertising content to be broadcast, and the advertising content to the distribution system 40. The broadcast command unit 116 outputs a broadcast command to repeatedly broadcast the advertising content corresponding to the number of broadcast slots specified in the frame scheduling information during the broadcast time period specified in the frame scheduling information. As an example, the broadcast command unit 116 transmits to the distribution system 40, including in the broadcast command the identification information of the output device 53 specified from the information specified as the distribution destination, the advertising content, the broadcast order, and the broadcast time. The broadcast command unit 116 outputs a broadcast command to alternately broadcast the multiple advertising contents registered for the broadcast slot to which the alternating broadcast command has been input.

[0052] When the broadcast command unit 116 outputs a broadcast command for a broadcast slot for which an alternate broadcast command has been input, the broadcast command unit 116 outputs a broadcast command to broadcast the advertisement content in a switched manner for the broadcast slot included in the repeated broadcast slot organization information. Also, when the content registration unit 115 accepts the selection of the second regulation, the broadcast command unit 116 outputs a broadcast command including the second regulation.

[0053] In addition, the broadcast command unit 116 may generate advertising content in an output mode according to the broadcast command, and output it to the distribution system 40. For example, the broadcast command unit 116 may generate image information according to the first regulation and the second regulation, and transmit it to the distribution system 40 as advertising content. Alternatively, the broadcast command unit 116 may generate image information of advertising content that is output by replacing the content of the broadcast slot to which the alternate broadcast command has been input, and output it to the distribution system 40.

[0054] The history acquisition unit 117 counts the number of times the advertising content has been broadcast from broadcast performance information (log data) transmitted periodically (for example, at the end time of broadcasting each day) from the distribution system 40, and records the number of times in the broadcast history information 126 described later. Note that, as an example, the history acquisition unit 117 selects log data related to the output device 53, which is registered in advance in the device area information 121 described later as the device whose history is to be acquired, from the information transmitted from the distribution system 40. The history acquisition unit 117 uses the selected log data to count the number of times the advertising content has been broadcast for each combination of the advertising content and the output device 53, and records the number of times in the broadcast history information 126.

[0055] The storage unit 120 stores device area information 121, channel type information 122, broadcast slot information 123, slot reservation information 124, content related information 125, and broadcast history information 126. The device area information 121 is information that has hierarchical information in which the output devices 53 are hierarchically organized based on their installation locations, for each of a plurality of management organizations that manage broadcasting. For example, the hierarchical information is positioned higher as the installation location becomes wider. The management organization is, for example, an organization that manages the distribution system 40.

[0056] In addition, in the device area information 121, for example, identification information specifying the output device 53 is associated with the name of the output device 53, the broadcastable time period during which the output device 53 is available for broadcasting, information indicating whether or not to obtain the broadcast history, and the hierarchical information described above.

[0057] The channel type information 122 includes information designated for the time slot organization information and information indicating a first regulation. The broadcast slot information 123 is information related to the broadcast slot designated for the time slot organization information. The slot reservation information 124 is information related to the broadcast slot reserved by the broadcast manager device 20 or the broadcast client device 30. The content related information 125 is information related to the advertisement content registered for the reserved slot. When the advertisement content is registered for the reserved slot, the slot reservation information 124 and the content related information 125 include information indicating the registered advertisement content and information indicating a second regulation selected for the advertisement content.

[0058] The channel type information 122 and the broadcast slot information 123 are information generated by a slot scheduling information registration process described later. The slot reservation information 124 and the content related information 125 are information generated by a slot reservation process described later.

[0059] The broadcast history information 126 is information related to the broadcast performance of the advertising content broadcast under the management of the distribution system 40. In the broadcast history information 126, for example, for each advertising content, a broadcast period, identification information for specifying the output device 53 or information indicating the installation location, and the number of broadcasts are associated with each other.

[0060] The broadcast manager device 20 includes a processing unit 210, an input unit 220, an output unit 230, and a communication unit 240. The processing unit 210 comprehensively controls the entire broadcast manager device 20. The broadcast requester device 30 includes a processing unit 310, an input unit 320, an output unit 330, and a communication unit 340. The processing unit 310 comprehensively controls the entire broadcast requester device 30. The distribution system 40 includes a processing unit 410, an input unit 420, an output unit 430, and a communication unit 440.

[0061] Input unit 220, input unit 320, and input unit 420 have functions similar to those of input unit 130, output unit 230, output unit 330, and output unit 430 have functions similar to those of output unit 140, and communication unit 240, communication unit 340, and communication unit 440 have functions similar to those of communication unit 150, so their explanations are omitted.

[0062] The processing unit 210 of the broadcast manager device 20 includes a time slot registration request unit 211, a time slot reservation request unit 212, and an approval decision unit 213. The time slot registration request unit 211 requests the broadcast slot management device 10 to register time slot information. The time slot reservation request unit 212 makes a time slot reservation request to the broadcast slot management device 10. As an example, the time slot reservation request unit 212 of the broadcast manager device 20 makes a time slot reservation request for advertising content whose type is "sales promotion". In addition, the time slot reservation request unit 212 requests registration of advertising content for a reserved time slot.

[0063] The approval decision unit 213 decides approval of the slot reservation and advertising content requested by the broadcast slot management device 10. The functions of the slot organization registration request unit 211, the slot reservation request unit 212, and the approval decision unit 213 are realized by a browser program, an application program, or the like.

[0064] The processing unit 310 of the broadcast client device 30 includes a slot reservation request unit 311. The functions of the slot reservation request unit 311 are similar to those of the slot reservation request unit 212, and therefore a description thereof will be omitted. As an example, the slot reservation request unit 311 of the broadcast client device 30 makes a slot reservation request for advertising content whose type is “advertisement”.

[0065] The processing unit 410 of the distribution system 40 includes a broadcast log providing unit 411. The broadcast log providing unit 411 transmits log information capable of identifying the number of times that the advertising content has been broadcast via the STB 52 to the broadcast slot management device 10, for example, periodically.

[0066] 3 is a diagram showing an example of a hardware configuration of the broadcast slot management device 10. The broadcast slot management device 10 includes a calculation device 11, a memory 12, an external storage device 13, an input IF (Interface) 14, an output IF 15, a communication IF 16, and a storage medium drive device 17, and each component is connected by a bus.

[0067] The arithmetic device 11 is a processing device such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and executes processing according to a program recorded in the memory 12 or the external storage device 13. In the broadcast slot management device 10, processing is performed by the arithmetic device 11 which operates according to a program read onto the memory 12 or the external storage device 13. The processing unit 110 realizes each function by the arithmetic device 11 executing the program.

[0068] The memory 12 is a storage device such as a RAM (Random Access Memory) or a flash memory, and functions as a storage area from which programs and data are temporarily read. The external storage device 13 is, for example, a writable and readable storage medium and a storage media drive, such as a HDD (Hard Disk Drive), a CD-R (Compact Disc-Recordable), or a DVD-RAM (Digital Versatile Disk-Random Access Memory). The function of the storage unit 120 is realized by the memory 12 or the external storage device 13. The function of the storage unit 120 may be realized by a storage device connected via the communication IF 16.

[0069] The input IF 14 is an interface for receiving input operations from an operator, and is connected to input devices such as a touch panel, a keyboard, a mouse, a microphone, etc. The output IF 15 is an interface for outputting information to an output device such as an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) display built into the broadcast slot management device 10.

[0070] The communication IF 16 is an interface for connecting the broadcast slot management device 10 to the network N, and is, for example, a communication device such as a LAN (Local Area Network) card. The storage medium drive device 17 is a device for inputting and outputting information from a portable medium 18 such as a CD (Compact Disk) or a DVD (Digital Versatile Disk).

[0071] The processing of each component of the broadcast slot management device 10 may be executed by one piece of hardware or by multiple pieces of hardware. Also, the processing of each component of the broadcast slot management device 10 may be realized by one program or by multiple programs.

[0072] The hardware configurations of the broadcast manager device 20, the broadcast client device 30, and the distribution system 40 are similar to that of the broadcast slot management device 10, and therefore a description thereof will be omitted.

[0073] 4 is a sequence diagram showing an example of a time slot scheduling information registration process, which is executed in the broadcast slot management system 1 in response to an operation by a broadcast manager, for example.

[0074] First, the time slot registration request unit 211 of the broadcast manager device 20 requests the broadcast manager device 20 for a channel registration screen 250 (step S11). For example, the time slot registration request unit 211 transmits login information input to the broadcast manager device 20 to the broadcast slot management device 10 together with a request for the channel registration screen 250 described later.

[0075] Next, the display information generating unit 114 of the broadcast slot management device 10 transmits image information of the channel registration screen 250 (step S12). Specifically, the display information generating unit 114 refers to the login information received from the broadcast manager device 20, extracts information that can be referenced by the logged-in broadcast manager (e.g., media owner A), and generates display information for the channel registration screen 250. The display information generating unit 114 transmits the generated display information to the broadcast manager device 20.

[0076] 10 is a diagram showing an example of a channel registration screen 250. The channel registration screen 250 includes a channel type input area 251, a channel name input area 252, a broadcast period input area 253, a broadcast time slot input area 254, a distribution destination candidate input area 255, and a broadcast time slot setting area 256. Basically, no information is displayed in each input area at the time of initial registration. However, the channel registration screen 250 may be a screen for accepting changes or updates to the type of a channel that has already been registered, in which case the already registered information may be displayed.

[0077] The channel type input area 251 is an area for accepting input of a channel type. Information entered in the channel type input area 251 is used to identify time slot scheduling information. The channel name input area 252 is an area for accepting input of a character string indicating the name of a channel; channels will be described later. The broadcast period input area 253 is an area for accepting input of a broadcast period of advertising content related to the time slot scheduling information. The broadcast period input area 253 accepts input of, for example, a broadcast start date and a broadcast end date.

[0078] The broadcast time slot input area 254 is an area for accepting input of a broadcast time slot, which is a time slot during a day when advertising content related to the time slot scheduling information is broadcast. The distribution destination candidate input area 255 is an area for accepting input of distribution destination candidates for advertising content related to the time slot scheduling information. The broadcast slot setting area 256 accepts input of the number of slots in a broadcast slot. For example, the broadcast slot setting area 256 allows the number of slots to be set by providing an "add slot" button that is selectable as shown in FIG. 10.

[0079] Furthermore, the broadcast slot setting area 256 includes, for example, a type input area 256a, a content target region input area 256b, a duration input area 256c, and a detailed setting button 256d. The type input area 256a is an area for receiving input of the type of advertising content that can be registered in the broadcast slot. For example, advertising content with the type "advertising" is content submitted by a person other than the media owner A and whose main purpose is advertising. Advertising content with the type "sales promotion" is content submitted by the media owner A and whose main purpose is sales promotion. Note that the types are not limited to these two. For example, "filler" for filling blank time slots may be input as the type.

[0080] The content target region input area 256b is an area for accepting input of the target region of the advertising content that can be registered in the broadcasting slot. As an example, there are advertising contents that are produced on the premise that they will be broadcast nationwide, and advertising contents that are produced on the premise that they will be broadcast only in a certain region. The content target region input area 256b is an area for accepting selection of whether the advertising content is targeted at the entire nation or at a certain region. The duration input area 256c is an area for accepting input of the duration of the advertising content.

[0081] The detailed setting button 256d is a button for accepting more detailed settings for the time slot scheduling information. When the detailed setting button 256d is selected, a channel detailed setting screen (not shown) is displayed. On the channel detailed setting screen, it is possible to set a first regulation for the time slot scheduling information.

[0082] As described above, the first regulation is, for example, at least one of the screen division mode, the image ratio, the distinction between vertical and horizontal, or the distinction between still images and moving images. As an example, the image ratio and the distinction between vertical and horizontal can be input on the channel detail setting screen.

[0083] Returning to Fig. 4 for explanation, next, the time slot registration request unit 211 of the broadcast manager device 20 accepts input of broadcast slot setting information that specifies the number of slots in the broadcast slot, the type of advertising content, and the broadcast period (step S13). Specifically, the time slot registration request unit 211 accepts input of information for each input area displayed on the channel registration screen 250. The input information includes the number of slots in the broadcast slot, the type of advertising content, and the broadcast period, as well as the broadcast time zone, the content target area, and the duration of the advertising content.

[0084] Next, the frame formation registration request unit 211 accepts input of first regulation information (step S14). Specifically, the frame formation registration request unit 211 accepts input of the first regulation including an image ratio and a distinction between portrait and landscape for the channel detail setting screen. Note that the first regulation accepted as input by the frame formation registration request unit 211 is not limited to this example.

[0085] Next, the slot organization registration request unit 211 transmits the information input in steps S13 and S14 to the broadcast slot management device 10 (step S15).

[0086] Next, the slot organization information registration unit 111 of the broadcast slot management device 10 generates channel type information 122 and broadcast slot information 123 using the received information (step S16). Note that the output mode registration unit 113 includes information indicating the first regulation input in step S14 in the channel type information 122. Thereafter, the broadcast slot management device 10 and the broadcast manager device 20 end the processing of this sequence diagram.

[0087] 5 is a diagram showing an example of the data structure of the channel type information 122. The channel type information 122 is information in which, for example, a channel type ID 122a, a broadcast period 122b, a broadcast time slot 122c, a distribution destination candidate 122d, and a first regulation information 122e are associated with each other. When new time slot scheduling information is registered, the time slot scheduling information registration unit 111 generates a record of the channel type information 122 to which the new channel type ID is assigned.

[0088] The channel type ID 122a is identification information for identifying the time slot scheduling information. The broadcast period 122b is information indicating the broadcast period input in the broadcast period input area 253. The broadcast time slot 122c is information indicating the broadcast time slot input in the broadcast time slot input area 254. The delivery destination candidate 122d is information indicating the delivery destination candidate input in the delivery destination candidate input area 255. The first regulation information 122e is information indicating the first regulation input for the time slot scheduling information.

[0089] 6 is information showing an example of a data structure of the broadcast slot information 123. The broadcast slot information 123 includes, for example, a channel type ID 123a, a broadcast slot ID 123b, a content type 123c, a content target area 123d, and a duration 123e. The channel type ID 123a is identification information for identifying a channel type, and corresponds to the channel type ID 122a of the channel type information 122.

[0090] The broadcast slot ID 123b is identification information for identifying a broadcast slot included in the slot scheduling information identified by the channel type ID 123a. As described above, the broadcast slot setting area 256 of the channel registration screen 250 accepts input of the number of slots. In the broadcast slot information 123, one channel type ID 123a is associated with the number of broadcast slot IDs 123b input in the broadcast slot setting area 256. Note that the broadcast slot ID 123b may indicate the broadcast order when multiple broadcast slots are included in the slot scheduling information. When multiple broadcast slots are registered for one slot scheduling information, multiple advertising contents registered in each broadcast slot are broadcast consecutively.

[0091] The content type 123c is information indicating the type of advertisement content input in the type input area 256a for the broadcast slot identified by the broadcast slot ID 123b. The content target area 123d is information indicating the content target area input in the content target area input area 256b for the broadcast slot related to the broadcast slot ID 123b. The duration 123e is information indicating the duration input in the duration input area 256c for the broadcast slot related to the broadcast slot ID 123b.

[0092] As described above, in this embodiment, the first regulation is set for the time slot scheduling information. The first regulation is applied to the advertising content broadcast in the broadcast time slot included in the set time slot scheduling information.

[0093] If there is an input field in which no information has been entered on the channel registration screen 250 and the channel detail setting screen, a screen indicating an error may be displayed on the broadcast manager device 20. Alternatively, information indicating that no information has been entered, together with information identifying the input field, may be transmitted to the broadcast slot management device 10 without displaying an error. In this case, the slot organization information registration unit 111 or the output mode registration unit 113 of the broadcast slot management device 10 generates the channel type information 122 and the broadcast slot information 123, assuming that a preset initial value has been entered.

[0094] Next, the slot reservation process will be described.

[0095] 7 is a sequence diagram showing an example of a slot reservation process. This process is executed in response to an operation from, for example, a broadcast requester or a broadcast manager. Hereinafter, a case where a broadcast slot is reserved based on an input to the broadcast requester device 30 will be described. Note that a broadcast slot may be reserved based on an input to the broadcast manager device 20.

[0096] In this embodiment, a slot reservation process, which is a reservation of a broadcast slot, is performed by a broadcast requester or a broadcast manager. When a broadcast slot is reserved, advertising content to be broadcast is associated with the reserved slot. The broadcast manager performs two approvals: approval of the reserved broadcast slot and approval of the advertising content associated with the reserved slot. These approvals may be performed twice, once when the broadcast slot is reserved and once when the advertising content is associated, or approval may be performed once when the advertising content is associated, and the reserved slot may also be considered to have been approved. Below, a case will be described in which approval of the reserved slot is performed at the same time as associating the advertising content.

[0097] First, the slot reservation request unit 311 of the broadcast requester device 30 transmits a request for a slot reservation screen specifying a channel type to the broadcast slot management device 10 (step S21). Specifically, before starting the process of step S21, the slot reservation request unit 311 of the broadcast requester device 30 searches for slot organization information for making a slot reservation, for example, by using a slot organization information search area 261 of a slot reservation screen 260 described later. The slot reservation request unit 311 transmits a request for the slot reservation screen 260 specifying a channel type ID, which is identification information of the determined slot organization information, to the broadcast slot management device 10.

[0098] Next, the display information generating unit 114 of the broadcast slot management device 10 generates display information for the slot reservation screen 260 with reference to the reservation status for the specified channel type (step S22). In this embodiment, slot reservation information 124, which will be described later, is generated for already reserved broadcast slots. The display information generating unit 114 of the broadcast slot management device 10 references the slot reservation information 124 and extracts broadcast slots that are associated with the channel type ID received in step S21 and have not yet been reserved. The display information generating unit 114 generates display information for the slot reservation screen 260 that displays the extracted broadcast slots in a selectable manner.

[0099] Next, the display information generating unit 114 transmits the display information of the slot reservation screen 260 to the broadcast requester device 30 that has requested the slot reservation screen 260 (step S23).

[0100] 11 is a diagram showing an example of a slot reservation screen 260. The slot reservation screen 260 includes a slot scheduling information search area 261, a slot scheduling information display area 262, and an empty slot display area 263. The slot scheduling information search area 261 is an area for accepting a search for slot scheduling information. The slot scheduling information search area 261 accepts input of, for example, a channel type, a broadcast period, a broadcast time slot, or a candidate distribution destination. As shown in FIG. 11, the slot scheduling information search area 261 may also accept input of the number of reservable slots.

[0101] The display information generating unit 114 refers to the channel type information 122 and the broadcast slot information 123 using the information inputted to the time slot scheduling information search area 261 as a search key, and identifies time slot scheduling information corresponding to the search key. Note that when multiple time slot scheduling information are extracted as the search result, the display information generating unit 114 may accept selection of time slot scheduling information that displays an empty slot from among the extracted time slot scheduling information.

[0102] The time slot scheduling information display area 262 is an area for displaying information related to the time slot scheduling information identified by the search. The display information generating unit 114 refers to the channel type information 122 using the channel type ID of the time slot scheduling information identified by inputting the search key into the time slot scheduling information search area 261, and generates display information for the time slot scheduling information display area 262 including the broadcast period and the broadcast time slot.

[0103] The empty slot display area 263 is an area that displays, in a selectable manner, empty slots that have not been reserved among the broadcast slots included in the slot scheduling information. As described above, the slot scheduling information is registered by specifying the broadcast period and the candidate distribution destinations. In this embodiment, a slot reservation that specifies the broadcast period and part of the candidate distribution destinations specified in the slot scheduling information can be accepted. As shown in FIG. 11, the empty slot display area 263 displays, in a selectable manner, the candidate distribution destinations and the broadcast period registered for the slot scheduling information.

[0104] The number of available slots may be displayed in the available slot display area 263 as shown in Fig. 13. The number of available slots may be displayed, for example, for each type of advertising content. One or more available slots can be selected on the slot reservation screen 260. When an available slot is selected, the broadcast period, distribution destination, and type of advertising content of the broadcast slot related to the available slot can be specified.

[0105] In other words, the slot reservation registration unit 112 divides the broadcast period and the distribution destination candidates included in the identified slot scheduling information into units that allow slot reservation. The slot reservation request unit 311 calculates the number of available slots for each unit by subtracting the number of already reserved broadcast slots from the number of slots specified in the slot scheduling information. The display information generation unit 114 generates display information for the available slot display area 263 that displays the number of available slots for each unit.

[0106] 11, the search result identifies time slot information named "AB Channel." In the channel type information 122, "AB Channel" is associated with a channel type ID 122a of "AB Channel," with information indicating "2019 / 12 / 1-2019 / 12 / 6" as the broadcast period 122b and information indicating "all day" as the broadcast time slot 122c.

[0107] 11, it can be seen that "nationwide" is registered as a candidate distribution destination for "AB Channel," that "nationwide" includes "Southern Kanto," and that "Southern Kanto" includes at least "Store A" and "Store B." It can also be seen that for "Store B," there is one available slot in the "advertising" category on "2019 / 12 / 1," and no available slots in the "sales promotion" category.

[0108] The empty slot display area 263 includes a detail setting button 263a. When an empty slot displayed in the empty slot display area 263 is selected and the detail setting button 263a is selected, the display screen transitions to a broadcast slot detail setting screen 270.

[0109] 12 is a diagram showing an example of a broadcast slot detail setting screen 270. The broadcast slot detail setting screen 270 includes a broadcast slot information display area 271, a content input area 272, an alternating broadcast instruction input area 273, a content submission reception area 274, a preview display area 275, and an approval status display area 276.

[0110] The broadcast slot information display area 271 is an area that displays information related to a broadcast slot. The broadcast slot display area includes a reservation slot ID. In addition, the broadcast slot display area displays, for example, a reservation slot name, a channel type, a slot reservation period, a broadcast time slot, the number of reservation slots, and a distribution destination in an inputtable manner. As an example, the broadcast slot information display area 271 displays information input in the slot organization information search area 261 of the slot reservation screen 260.

[0111] The content input area 272 is an area for accepting input of information related to advertising content to be broadcast in a reserved time slot. As an example, the content input area 272 accepts input of an advertiser and advertising content.

[0112] The alternate broadcast instruction input area 273 is an area for receiving input of an alternate broadcast instruction. The alternate broadcast instruction input area 273 receives input of the number of contents to be alternately broadcast. When the number of contents is input to the alternate broadcast instruction input area 273, the input number of advertising contents are associated with the reservation slot. When an alternate broadcast instruction for a reservation slot is input, the advertising contents associated with the reservation slot are broadcast in a replacement manner.

[0113] The content submission reception area 274 is an area for receiving an instruction to register advertising content to be broadcast in a reserved time slot. It is possible to select whether to register advertising content submitted in advance in the content submission reception area 274, or to accept new advertising content in the time slot reservation process and register it in the reserved time slot. When an input of information indicating that new advertising content is to be submitted is received, the display screen transitions to that shown in FIG. 13 described later, which will be described in detail later, assuming that new advertising content is to be submitted in the time slot reservation process.

[0114] In addition, the broadcast manager device 20, the broadcast client device 30, or an information processing device (not shown) operated by the submission manager B or the submission person C can submit advertisement content. The content registration unit 115 of the broadcast slot management device 10 stores materials such as audio, still images, and videos that constitute the advertisement content in an area (not shown) of the storage unit 120.

[0115] The preview display area 275 is an area that accepts an instruction to display a preview. For example, when a display instruction to the preview display area 275 is accepted, a preview of the advertising content associated with the reservation slot is displayed. The approval status display area 276 is an area that displays the approval status from the broadcast manager for the reservation slot. For example, the approval status display area 276 displays the approval stage, which is information on whether approval for the reservation slot has been completed or approval for the advertising content associated with the reservation slot has been completed, as the approval status.

[0116] Returning to Fig. 7 for explanation, the slot reservation request unit 311 next accepts the designation of the broadcast period and distribution destination for the slot reservation screen 260 (step S24). Specifically, the slot reservation request unit 311 accepts the selection of one or more empty slots for the empty slot display area 263. The slot reservation request unit 311 specifies the broadcast period and distribution destination of the broadcast slot related to the selected empty slot. The slot reservation request unit 311 may also specify the type of advertising channel for the broadcast slot related to the selected empty slot.

[0117] Next, the slot reservation request unit 311 accepts a selection of whether to perform alternate broadcasting (step S25). Specifically, the slot reservation request unit 311 accepts a selection of the detail setting button 263a on the slot reservation screen 260, and accepts an input of information to the alternate broadcast instruction input area 273 on the broadcast slot detail setting screen 270.

[0118] Next, the slot reservation request unit 311 accepts the content registration request and transmits it to the broadcast slot management device 10 (step S26). Specifically, when the slot reservation request unit 311 accepts an instruction to register advertising content in the content submission acceptance area 274, it notifies the broadcast slot management device 10. In this embodiment, it is assumed that a content registration request indicating that advertising content will be newly submitted is accepted.

[0119] Next, the display information generating unit 114 of the broadcast slot management device 10 generates display information for the content registration screen 280 (step S27). The content registration screen 280 is a screen that is displayed when new advertising content is registered in the slot reservation process.

[0120] Next, the display information generating unit 114 transmits the display information generated in step S27 to the broadcast requester device 30 (step S28).

[0121] Next, the slot reservation request unit 311 accepts the input of the second regulation information and the content, and transmits them to the broadcast slot management device 10 (step S29).

[0122] 13 is a diagram showing an example of a content registration screen 280. The content registration screen 280 includes a content information input area 281 and a second regulation information input area 282. The content information input area 281 is an area for accepting input of information related to advertising content to be registered in a reservation slot. The content information input area 281 accepts input of information indicating, for example, a content ID, a content name, the number of seconds for broadcast, a usage period, and a material classification.

[0123] The content ID is identification information that identifies the advertising content. The content ID is automatically assigned, for example, when new advertising content is registered. The content name is information that indicates the name of the advertising content. The broadcast seconds is the duration of the advertising content. The usage period is information that indicates the period, if any, for the broadcast of the advertising content. The material classification is information that indicates the classification of the material of the advertising content. The material classification is information such as "video" or "still image", for example.

[0124] The second regulation information input area 282 is an area for accepting the selection of a second regulation, which is a rule for the advertisement content to be broadcast in the reservation time slot, from among the regulation candidates determined by the first regulation information. The second regulation information input area 282 includes a horizontal regulation input area 282a, a vertical regulation input area 282b, a regulation pattern input area 282c, a still image input area 282d, a video input area 282e, a sound source input area 282r, and a telop input area 282t. The still image input area 282d, the video input area 282e, the sound source input area 282r, and the telop input area 282t are treated as material input areas.

[0125] The horizontal regulation input area 282a is an area displayed so that input is possible when a first regulation indicating that the frame is horizontal is associated with the frame organization information specified at the time of the frame reservation. The vertical regulation input area 282b is an area displayed so that input is possible when a first regulation indicating that the frame is vertical is associated with the frame organization information specified at the time of the frame reservation.

[0126] The regulation pattern input area 282c is an area that displays regulation candidates determined by the first regulation in a selectable manner. The regulation candidates are, for example, a screen division method, an image ratio, or a distinction between a still image and a moving image. In an area (not shown) of the storage unit 120, combination patterns of screen division methods and image ratios for each of the vertical and horizontal types are stored in advance as regulation candidates.

[0127] As an example, in one horizontal pattern, only video is displayed over the entire screen. In another horizontal pattern, video is displayed over the entire screen, and audio is also output. In another horizontal pattern, the screen is divided into two, with video displayed in the upper left section, and still images displayed in the lower and inverted L-shaped section on the right side of the screen. In another horizontal pattern, the screen is divided into thirds, with video displayed in the upper left section, still images displayed in the lower left section, and captions displayed on the right side.

[0128] When the second regulation pattern is input, the second regulation information input area 282 displays the divided screen that constitutes the pattern, and displays each material input area in which the material that constitutes the pattern can be input. The display information generating unit 114 determines which type of material is to be input in the material input area, depending on the regulation pattern input in the regulation pattern input area 282c.

[0129] The material input area includes at least one of a still image input area 282d, a video input area 282e, a sound source input area 282r, and a caption input area 282t. The material input area receives, for example, an input of a location where a material is stored, that is, link information. In addition, the material input area may receive an input of a URL as a material constituting advertising content. When advertising content for which a URL has been input as a material is to be broadcast, for example, the STB 52 refers to the link destination of the URL via the Internet and acquires the material to be broadcast.

[0130] The content registration screen 280 shown in Fig. 13 shows a state in which a second regulation of a "horizontal C" pattern has been input in a regulation pattern input area 282c of a horizontal regulation input area 282a. The "horizontal C" regulation pattern is a pattern in which the screen is divided into three, a moving image is displayed in the upper left part, a still image is displayed in the upper right part, and a telop is displayed in the lower part, and sound is output. That is, when a certain regulation pattern is selected from among the regulation candidates, the display information generating unit 114 displays a still image input area 282d, a moving image input area 282e, a sound source input area 282r, and a telop input area 282t so as to accept input of a still image, a moving image, a sound source, and a telop as materials showing the pattern.

[0131] When a regulation pattern is input to the regulation pattern input area 282c, materials are input to areas for inputting materials such as the still image input area 282d, the video input area 282e, the sound source input area 282r, and the telop input area 282t, and the "Confirm button" is selected, it is treated as having received the input of the second regulation information and the content in step S29 shown in Fig. 7. That is, the slot reservation request unit 311 receives the input of the second regulation information and the content, and transmits them to the broadcast slot management device 10.

[0132] As described above, when alternating broadcasting is performed, the broadcast slot detail setting screen 270 accepts input of the number of contents in the alternating broadcast instruction input area 273. The second regulation information input area 282 can accept registration of advertising contents in units corresponding to the input number. As an example, the second regulation information input area 282 shown in Fig. 13 allows registration of multiple units of advertising contents by scrolling up and down.

[0133] Returning to FIG. 7 for explanation. Next, the slot reservation registration unit 112 of the broadcast slot management device 10 transmits information indicating an approval application to the broadcast manager device 20 using the input information (step S30). Specifically, the slot reservation registration unit 112 transmits the channel type ID of the slot organization information transmitted from the broadcast requester device 30 in step S26, the broadcast period of the broadcast slot, the distribution destination, information indicating the person who logged in to the broadcast requester device 30, information regarding the advertisement content to be registered for the reservation slot, and the second regulation information to the broadcast manager device 20, and performs an approval application. The slot reservation registration unit 112 transmits information indicating an approval application to the manager of the slot organization information specified by the channel type ID, for example. As an example, when the manager inputs login information to the broadcast manager device 20 and logs in to the broadcast slot management system 1, information regarding the approval application is displayed on the web page of the broadcast slot management system 1.

[0134] Next, the approval decision unit 213 of the broadcast manager device 20 accepts the input of approval and transmits it to the broadcast slot management device 10 (step S31).

[0135] Next, the slot reservation registration unit 112 generates slot reservation information 124 and content related information 125 for the approved broadcast slot (step S32). After that, the broadcast slot management device 10, the broadcast manager device 20, and the broadcast requester device 30 end the process of this sequence diagram.

[0136] In step S25, when the selection of alternate broadcasting is accepted and the input of the number of contents to be alternately broadcast is accepted, the output mode registration unit 113 of the broadcast slot management device 10 requests the input number of advertising contents from, for example, the broadcast client device 30. The slot reservation registration unit 112 registers each advertising content obtained as a result of the request in the slot reservation information 124 in association with the broadcast slot for which the selection of alternate broadcasting was accepted.

[0137] 8 is a diagram showing an example of a data structure of the slot reservation information 124. The slot reservation information 124 includes a reservation slot ID 124a, a channel type ID 124b, a broadcast slot ID 124c, a channel ID 124d, a broadcast period 124e, a broadcast time slot 124f, a distribution destination 124g, a content ID 124h, an approval flag 124i, and an alternate broadcast flag 124j.

[0138] The reservation slot ID 124a is identification information for identifying a reservation slot, which is a reserved broadcast slot. The channel type ID 124b is identification information for identifying slot organization information specified during the slot reservation process. That is, it is the channel type ID specified in step S21 of FIG. 7.

[0139] The broadcast slot ID 124c is identification information for identifying a broadcast slot included in the slot scheduling information, and corresponds to the broadcast slot ID 123b in the broadcast slot information 123. The channel ID 124d is identification information for identifying a channel.

[0140] As described above, the broadcast period and distribution destination candidates included in one piece of time slot scheduling information are divided into units that allow slot reservation, and slot reservation is possible for each unit. In this embodiment, one or more broadcast slots reserved for the same broadcast period and the same distribution destination are treated as constituting the same channel, and a channel ID is assigned. The upper limit of the number of broadcast slots that make up a channel is the number of slots specified in the time slot scheduling information.

[0141] The broadcast period 124e is the broadcast period of the channel specified by the channel ID 124d. That is, the broadcast period 124e is the broadcast period specified in step S24 shown in FIG. 7. The broadcast time slot 124f is the broadcast time slot of the channel specified by the channel ID 124d. As an example, the broadcast time slot 124f is the same as the broadcast time slot of the time slot scheduling information specified by the channel type ID 124b (the broadcast time slot for the channel type 122c). Note that, when reserving a time slot, a designation of the broadcast time slot for reserving the broadcast time slot may be accepted from among the broadcast time slots registered for the time slot scheduling information.

[0142] The distribution destination 124g is a distribution destination of the channel identified by the channel ID 124d. That is, the distribution destination 124g is a distribution destination specified in step S24 shown in Fig. 7. The content ID 124h is identification information for identifying the advertisement content when the advertisement content to be broadcast is registered for the reservation slot identified by the reservation slot ID 124a. The approval flag 124i is information indicating whether the reservation slot related to the reservation slot ID 124a has been approved or not, and whether the advertisement content registered for the reservation slot has been approved or not.

[0143] The alternate broadcast flag 124j is information indicating whether or not alternate broadcasting is to be performed for the reservation slot identified by the reservation slot ID 124a. In this embodiment, the content registration unit 115 associates a content ID 124h corresponding to the number of contents to be alternately broadcasted with the reservation slot ID 124a of the reservation slot in which an instruction to perform alternate broadcasting has been input. In addition, the output mode registration unit 113 associates an alternate broadcast flag 124j indicating that alternate broadcasting is to be performed with the reservation slot 124a. In addition, an instruction to perform alternate broadcasting may be input for each of the broadcast slots identified by the broadcast slot ID 124c.

[0144] 8, the broadcast time slot 124f included in the record in which the channel ID 124d is "A02001" is "10005" and the distribution destination 124g is "ABBF." In other words, the channel "A02001" is a channel that is broadcast in the time slot "10005" and has a distribution destination of "ABBF."

[0145] Also, the record with the channel ID 124d being "A02001" has the channel type 124b being "00001" and the broadcast slot ID 124c being "a01", "a02", "a03", or "a04". This indicates that the channel "A02001" was registered by specifying the slot scheduling information with the channel type ID being "00001", and that four broadcast slots (the number of "a01", "a02", "a03", and "a04") are associated with the slot scheduling information and registered.

[0146] Of the records with channel ID 124d "A02001", there are two records with broadcast slot ID 124c "a02", and the alternating broadcast flag 124j of the two records is "1". This indicates that the broadcast slot with broadcast slot ID "a02" has been instructed to broadcast alternately, and "2" content items are specified. Of the two records with broadcast slot ID 124c "a02", one has no content ID 124h registered, and the other has content ID 124h "uu61c2x". This indicates that of the two broadcast slots for alternating broadcast, one has no advertising content registered yet, and the other has advertising content "uu61c2x".

[0147] 9 is a diagram showing an example of the data structure of the content-related information 125. The content-related information 125 includes, for example, a content ID 125a, a regulation pattern 125b, a material type 125c, and a material 125d. The content ID 125a is identification information for identifying the advertisement content, and corresponds to the content ID 124h of the slot reservation information 124.

[0148] The regulation pattern 125b is information input in a regulation pattern input area 282c on the content registration screen 280. The material type 125c is information indicating the type of material required in the regulation pattern 125b. The material 125d is information indicating the storage location of the material or identification information of the material, which is input in a material input area such as a still image input area 282d, a video input area 282e, a sound source input area 282r, and a telop input area 282t on the content registration screen 280.

[0149] In addition, the regulation patterns selectable in this embodiment and the necessary material types are associated and stored in an area (not shown) of the storage unit 120. The output mode registration unit 113 uses the material type associated with the selected regulation pattern to determine the material type 125c associated with the regulation pattern 125b of the content-related information 125.

[0150] 14 is a diagram showing an example of a time slot scheduling confirmation screen 290. When the processing unit 210 of the broadcast manager device 20 transmits a screen request for the time slot scheduling confirmation screen 290 to the broadcast slot management device 10, the display information generating unit 114 of the broadcast slot management device 10 generates display information for the time slot scheduling confirmation screen 290 and transmits it to the broadcast manager device 20.

[0151] The time slot scheduling confirmation screen 290 includes a time slot scheduling information search area 291 and a time slot scheduling information display area 292. The time slot scheduling information search area 291 accepts input of, for example, a channel type, a broadcast period, a broadcast time slot, or a distribution destination candidate. The display information generation unit 114 uses the information input to the time slot scheduling information search area 291 as a search key to identify the time slot scheduling information to be searched. The display information generation unit 114 refers to the time slot reservation information 124 using the channel type ID of the identified time slot scheduling information, and extracts one or more channels related to the time slot scheduling information. The display information generation unit 114 generates display information for the time slot scheduling information display area 292 that displays information about the broadcast slot included in the extracted channel and advertising content registered for the broadcast slot according to the distribution destination and the broadcast period, and transmits the display information to the broadcast manager device 20.

[0152] The time slot information display area 292 includes a channel information display area 292a and a content display area 292b. The channel information display area 292a is an area for displaying information related to a channel. For example, the channel name and the broadcast time period are displayed in the channel information display area 292a.

[0153] The content display area 292b is an area for displaying, in an editable manner, advertisement contents registered for broadcast slots included in a channel. For example, the content display area 292b displays each advertisement content and its duration in accordance with the broadcast order. The broadcast manager device 20 can change the broadcast order by manipulating the advertisement contents in the content display area 292b. The content display area 292b may display a preview screen of the advertisement contents.

[0154] When the channel displayed in the channel information display area 292a includes a broadcast slot for which an alternate broadcast instruction has been received, the broadcast slot for which an alternate broadcast instruction has been received among the broadcast slots displayed in the content display area 292b is displayed so as to be distinguishable from other broadcast slots. As an example, an icon 292c indicating that an alternate broadcast instruction has been received is displayed on the advertising content registered in the broadcast slot for which an alternate broadcast instruction has been received.

[0155] The time slot scheduling confirmation screen 290 in FIG. 14 is a display screen when "AB Channel" is entered as the channel type. The time slot scheduling information for "AB Channel" includes four broadcast slots, with the broadcast period being "2019 / 12 / 1-2019 / 12 / 7" and the broadcast time slot being registered as "9:00-12:00". In addition, "A Channel" and "B Channel" are registered for the time slot scheduling information. As an example, the content included in the broadcast slots of "A Channel" and "B Channel" are different.

[0156] Of the four broadcast slots included in "Channel A," the third broadcast slot has three advertisement contents registered: "content c1," "content c2," and "content c3." In addition, icon 292c is displayed on these advertisement contents. This indicates that an alternate broadcast instruction specifying three advertisement contents has been issued for the third broadcast slot.

[0157] The slot scheduling confirmation screen 290 of the present embodiment can accept the registration of new advertising content. For example, if there is a broadcast slot in which no advertising content has been registered, the broadcast manager device 20 can apply for the registration of advertising content having a type of "filler" for the broadcast slot. The broadcast slot management device 10 that has accepted the registration application updates the slot reservation information 124 for the broadcast slot for which the registration application has been accepted by associating the advertising content related to the application.

[0158] When the selection of the "Confirm button" is received on the time slot scheduling confirmation screen 290, the broadcast command unit 116 of the broadcast slot management device 10 identifies the distribution system 40 that manages distribution to the distribution destination associated with the channel, and outputs a broadcast command for the advertising content.

[0159] In addition, the broadcast slot management device 10 in this embodiment outputs a broadcast command to repeatedly broadcast the advertising content corresponding to the broadcast slot during the broadcast time period registered in the time slot scheduling information. More specifically, the broadcast command unit 116 outputs a broadcast command to repeatedly display the advertising content for a designated number of slots according to the broadcast order during the broadcast time period registered in the time slot scheduling information.

[0160] When the channel for which the broadcast command is output includes a broadcast time slot for which alternate broadcasting is instructed, the broadcast command unit 116 outputs a broadcast command to broadcast a designated number of advertisement contents in an alternating manner for the broadcast time slot included in the channel for repeated broadcasting.

[0161] This makes it possible to output advertising content for one or more broadcast slots in a complex manner according to needs. For example, when outputting advertising content for multiple broadcast slots, advertising content in a certain broadcast order can be output in a form that displays quiz questions the first time and the answers the second time, for example, in accordance with a variety of needs.

[0162] In the example shown in FIG. 14, "content a" is registered in the first slot of "Channel A", "content b" is registered in the second slot, "content c1", "content c2", and "content c3" are registered in the third slot in which alternate broadcasting is instructed, and "content d" is registered in the fourth slot. Therefore, from "9:00", which is the start time of the broadcasting time slot registered for "Channel AB", "content a", "content b", "content c1", and "content d" are broadcast in this order the first time. The second time, "content a", "content b", "content c2", and "content d" are broadcast in this order. The third time, "content a", "content b", "content c3", and "content d" are broadcast in this order. These three broadcasts are a complete cycle, and the broadcast is repeated within the broadcasting time slot "9:00 to 12:00" registered for Channel AB.

[0163] As described above, according to this embodiment, it is possible to respond to complex output modes according to needs by setting regulations according to the nature of the content and the constraints of the output device 53. Furthermore, when one or more advertisement contents are repeatedly broadcast, it is possible to output the advertisement contents in a mode that flexibly responds to complex requests by accepting an alternate broadcast instruction.

[0164] As described above, the broadcast command unit 116 may generate advertising content in an output format according to the broadcast command, and output the advertising content to the distribution system 40. This can reduce the load on the distribution system 40 or other devices managed by the distribution system 40. Furthermore, even if a device managed by the distribution system 40 does not have a function for interpreting a broadcast command, the advertising content can be output efficiently.

[0165] Although each embodiment according to the present invention has been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above-mentioned embodiment, and various modified examples are included. For example, the above-mentioned embodiment has been described in detail to make the present invention easier to understand, and the present invention is not limited to having all the configurations described here. In addition, it is possible to replace a part of the configuration of one embodiment with the configuration of another example. It is also possible to add the configuration of another example to the configuration of one embodiment. In addition, it is also possible to add, delete, or replace other configurations with respect to a part of the configuration of each embodiment. In addition, each of the above-mentioned configurations, functions, processing units, processing means, etc. may be realized in hardware by designing them as integrated circuits, for example, in part or in whole. In addition, the control lines and information lines in the figure show those that are considered necessary for explanation, and do not necessarily show all of them. It may be considered that almost all of the configurations are connected to each other.

[0166] Moreover, the functional configurations of the above-mentioned broadcast slot management device 10, broadcast manager device 20, and broadcast requester device 30 are classified according to the main processing contents for ease of understanding. The classification method and names of the components do not limit the present invention. As described above, the configurations of the broadcast slot management device 10, broadcast manager device 20, and broadcast requester device 30 can be further classified into more components according to the processing contents. Also, classification can be performed so that one component executes more processes. [Explanation of symbols]

[0167] 1: broadcasting slot management system, 10: broadcasting slot management device, 11: computing device, 12: memory, 13: external storage device, 14: input IF, 15: output IF, 16: communication IF, 17: storage medium drive device, 18: media, 20: broadcasting manager device, 30: broadcasting requester device, 40, 40a, 40b, 40c: distribution system, 51, 51ba, 51bb, 51ca: router, 52, 52aa, 52ba, 52bb, 52ca, 52cb: STB, 53, 53aa, 53ba, 53bb, 53ca, 53cb: output output device, 110, 210, 310, 410: processing unit, 111: slot organization information registration unit, 112: slot reservation registration unit, 113: output mode registration unit, 114: display information generation unit, 115: content registration unit, 116: broadcast command unit, 117: history acquisition unit, 120: storage unit, 121: device area information, 122: channel type information, 123: broadcast slot information, 124: slot reservation information, 125: content related information, 126: broadcast history information, 130, 220, 320, 420: input unit, 140, 230, 330, 430: Output unit, 150, 240, 340, 440: communication unit, 211: slot formation registration request unit, 212, 311: slot reservation request unit, 213: approval decision unit, 250: channel registration screen, 251: channel type input area, 252: channel name input area, 253: broadcast period input area, 254: broadcast time slot input area, 255: distribution destination candidate input area, 256: broadcast slot setting area, 260: slot reservation screen, 261, 291: slot formation information search area, 262, 292: slot formation information display area, 263: empty slot display area, 270 : Broadcasting slot detailed setting screen, 271: Broadcasting slot information display area, 272: Content details input area, 273: Alternate broadcasting instruction input area, 274: Content submission reception area, 275: Preview display area, 276: Approval status display area, 280: Content registration screen, 281: Content information input area, 282: Second regulation information input area, 290: Slot formation confirmation screen, 411: Broadcasting log providing section, A: Media owner, B: Submission manager, C: Submission person in charge, D: Advertising agency, N: Network

Claims

1. A content registration unit that accepts registration of content to be broadcast for a broadcast slot; a broadcast command unit that outputs a broadcast command for the content registered by the content registration unit, The broadcast command unit accepts registration of multiple contents for one broadcast slot, and when an alternating broadcast instruction is accepted, outputs a broadcast command to broadcast the multiple contents in alternation for the broadcast slot.

2. The broadcast slot management device according to claim 1, an output mode registration unit that receives an input of an alternate broadcast instruction for the broadcast slot; The broadcast command unit outputs a broadcast command to alternately broadcast the multiple contents registered in each of multiple chronologically consecutive broadcast slots for the broadcast slot to which the alternating broadcast command has been input, when repeatedly broadcasting multiple contents registered in each of multiple chronologically consecutive broadcast slots.

3. The broadcast slot management device according to claim 2, A time slot information registration unit is provided for registering time slot information including one or a plurality of time-series consecutive broadcast slots, A broadcast slot management device, characterized in that the output mode registration unit is capable of accepting input of the alternating broadcast instruction for each of the broadcast slots included in the slot scheduling information.

4. The broadcast slot management device according to claim 3, The time slot information registration unit accepts and registers a designated broadcast time slot for the time slot information, A broadcast slot management device characterized in that the broadcast command unit repeatedly broadcasts the content registered for the broadcast slot contained in the slot scheduling information during the broadcast time period related to the slot scheduling information.

5. A broadcast slot management device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, A display information generating unit that generates display information for a time slot configuration confirmation screen showing the content associated with one or a plurality of chronologically consecutive broadcast slots, A broadcast slot management device, characterized in that, on the slot organization confirmation screen, the broadcast slot related to the alternate broadcast instruction is displayed in a manner distinguishable from other broadcast slots.

6. The broadcast slot management device according to claim 5, A broadcast slot management device, characterized in that the slot organization confirmation screen displays an adjustable broadcast order of the contents registered for the broadcast slot.

7. The broadcast slot management device according to claim 3 or 4, The output mode registration unit receives an input of a first regulation which is a provision for the frame organization information, the content registration unit accepts a selection of a second regulation, which is a provision regarding the content to be broadcast, from among regulation candidates determined by the first regulation, and accepts registration of the content in accordance with the second regulation; The broadcasting slot management device, wherein the broadcasting command section outputs the broadcasting command including the second regulation.

8. A broadcast slot management device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, A broadcast slot management device comprising: a history acquisition unit that acquires broadcast performance information indicating broadcast performance, and generates broadcast history information by tallying up the number of times each content is broadcast.

9. A broadcast slot management system in which a broadcast requester device that requests broadcasting of content, a broadcast slot management device that manages a broadcast slot, and an output device management device that manages an output device are communicatively connected, The broadcast requester device includes: a slot reservation request unit that requests the broadcast slot management device to register a content to be broadcast; The broadcast slot management device includes: a content registration unit that accepts registration of content to be broadcast in the broadcast slot in response to a request from the broadcast requester device; a broadcast command unit that outputs a broadcast command for the content registered by the content registration unit to the output device management device, The broadcast slot management system is characterized in that the broadcast command unit accepts registration of multiple contents for one broadcast slot, and when an alternating broadcast instruction is accepted, outputs a broadcast command to broadcast the multiple contents in alternation for the broadcast slot.

10. The broadcast slot management system according to claim 9, A broadcasting slot management system, wherein each of the plurality of output device management devices is owned by a different company.

11. The broadcast slot management system according to claim 9, the output device management device includes a broadcast log providing unit that transmits broadcast performance information indicating a broadcast performance of the content to the broadcast slot management device; The broadcast slot management device is characterized in that it comprises a history acquisition unit that uses the broadcast performance information to count the number of times each content is broadcast and generates broadcast history information.

12. A program for causing a computer to function as a broadcast slot management device, The broadcast slot management device functions as a content registration unit and a broadcast command unit, causing the content registration unit to execute a content registration procedure for accepting registration of content to be broadcast for the broadcast slot; causing the broadcast command unit to execute a broadcast command procedure for outputting a broadcast command for the content registered by the content registration unit; The program is characterized in that, in the broadcast command procedure, registration of multiple contents is accepted for one broadcast time slot, and when an alternating broadcast command is accepted, a broadcast command is output to alternately broadcast the multiple contents for the broadcast time slot.

13. A broadcast slot management method by a broadcast slot management device, A content registration procedure for accepting registration of content to be broadcast for the broadcast slot; a broadcast command procedure for outputting a broadcast command for the content registered in the content registration procedure, The broadcast slot management method is characterized in that, in the broadcast command procedure, registration of multiple contents is accepted for one broadcast slot, and when an alternating broadcast command is accepted, a broadcast command is output to alternately broadcast the multiple contents for the broadcast slot.

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