Information processing device, user terminal, information provision method, and program

Abstract

To facilitate setting an additional distribution destination as a content distribution destination even when the additional distribution destination is provided as a destination to which a content can be provided after another content distribution destination has been set.SOLUTION: An information processing device, which distributes a content to a distribution destination, includes: a first management unit that manages information on distribution destinations to which the content can be distributed, the distribution destinations being set by a first user terminal; a second management unit that manages information on a distribution destination of the content, the distribution destination being set by a second user terminal from among the distribution destinations to which the content can be distributed; a checking unit that when the first management unit receives an addition of a distribution destination to which the content can be distributed, checks attributes of the additional distribution destination and attributes of the distribution destination of the content, to determine an attribute identical for both of them; and a notification unit that when the identical attribute satisfies a predetermined condition, notifies the second user terminal that a distribution destination to which the content can be distributed has been added.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an information processing apparatus, a user terminal, an information providing method, and a program.

Background Art

[0002] There is an information providing system that provides users with content such as video and audio using a plurality of display devices such as digital signage and a distribution server that distributes content to the display devices via a network.

[0003] In addition, an advertisement distribution system is known in which an advertiser or the like selects a distribution destination based on attributes such as the industry type of the distribution destination when performing advertisement distribution to a medium such as digital signage (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, in the conventional technology, when a plurality of attributes are set for a distribution destination, there is a problem that it becomes difficult to set the distribution destination.

[0005] In particular, after setting the content distribution destination, when a distribution destination capable of distributing the content is added, it is difficult to set the added distribution destination as the content distribution destination.

[0006] One embodiment of the present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and even when a distribution destination capable of distributing content is added after setting the content distribution destination, it facilitates setting the added distribution destination as the content distribution destination.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0007] To solve the above problems, an information processing device according to one embodiment is an information processing device for distributing content to a distribution destination, comprising: a first management unit that manages information of distribution destinations to which the content can be distributed, set on a first user terminal; a second management unit that manages information of distribution destinations for the content, set on a second user terminal from among the distribution destinations to which the content can be distributed; and when the first management unit receives a request to add a distribution destination to which the content can be distributed, the attributes of the added distribution destination and the attributes of the content distribution destination Compare, The system includes a verification unit that checks for matching attributes, and a notification unit that, if the matching attributes meet predetermined conditions, notifies the second user terminal that a distribution destination capable of delivering the content has been added. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to one embodiment of the present invention, even if additional distribution destinations capable of receiving content are added after the content distribution destinations have been set, it becomes easy to set the added distribution destinations as content distribution destinations. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0009] [Figure 1] This figure shows an example of the system configuration of an information provision system according to one embodiment. [Figure 2] This is a diagram illustrating the outline of the process according to one embodiment. [Figure 3] This figure shows an example of a computer hardware configuration according to one embodiment. [Figure 4] This figure shows an example of the hardware configuration of a display control device according to one embodiment. [Figure 5] This figure shows an example of the functional configuration of an information provision system according to one embodiment. [Figure 6] This figure shows an example of destination information according to one embodiment. [Figure 7] This figure shows an example of content information according to one embodiment. [Figure 8]It is a diagram showing an example of screening frame information according to an embodiment. [Figure 9] It is a sequence diagram showing an example of the setting process of content information according to the first embodiment. [Figure 10] It is a diagram showing an example of a channel list screen according to the first embodiment. [Figure 11] It is a diagram showing examples of a channel information screen and an editing screen according to the first embodiment. [Figure 12] It is a sequence diagram (1) showing an example of the setting process of a distribution destination according to the first embodiment. [Figure 13] It is a sequence diagram (2) showing an example of the setting process of a distribution destination according to the first embodiment. [Figure 14] It is a diagram showing an example of an advertisement composition screen according to the first embodiment. [Figure 15] It is a diagram showing an example of a distribution destination setting screen according to the first embodiment. [Figure 16] It is a sequence diagram showing an example of the addition process of a distribution destination according to the first embodiment. [Figure 17] It is a flowchart showing an example of the notification process according to the first embodiment. [Figure 18] It is a diagram showing an example of a notification condition setting screen according to the first embodiment. [Figure 19] It is a diagram showing an example of an individual notification process according to the first embodiment. [Figure 20] It is a sequence diagram showing an example of the confirmation process of a distribution destination according to the second embodiment. [Figure 21] It is a diagram showing an example of an advertisement composition screen according to the second embodiment. [Figure 22] It is a diagram showing an example of a distribution destination confirmation screen according to the second embodiment.

MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

[0010] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0011] <Configuration of the System> FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the system configuration of an information providing system according to an embodiment. The information providing system 1 includes, for example, a management server 100, an administrator terminal 101, a user terminal 102, and a plurality of display control devices 110a, 110b, 110c, ···. In the following description, when any one of the plurality of display control devices 110a, 110b, 110c, ··· is indicated, "display control device 110" is used.

[0012] The display control device (distribution destination) 110 is communicably connected to the management server 100 via a communication network 2 such as the Internet and a LAN (Local Area Network). The display control device 110 has a computer configuration and executes display control processing for displaying content such as video (moving image + audio) or still images distributed from the management server 100 on a display unit by executing a predetermined program.

[0013] Among the plurality of display control devices 110a, 110b, 110c, ···, the display control device 110a is a device such as a STB (Set Top Box) that displays the content distributed from the management server 100 on a display device 111a connected to the device itself.

[0014] Also, the display control device 110 may be a STB or the like that displays the content distributed from the management server 100 on a plurality of display devices 111b, 111c connected to the device itself, like the display control device 110b. In the following description, when any one of the display devices 111a, 111b, 111c is indicated, "display device 111" is used.

[0015] The display device 111 is, for example, a display device such as digital signage. However, it is not limited to this, and the display device 111 may be various display devices such as a display, a monitor, and a projector.

[0016] Furthermore, the display control device 110 may be an integrated device with a built-in display device 112, as in the display control device 110d. The display control device 110 is an example of a distribution destination to which the management server 100 distributes content. The display device 111 and the display device 112 are examples of display units at the distribution destination.

[0017] The management server (information processing device) 100 is an information processing device composed of one or more computers. The management server 100 performs a distribution process to distribute content to be displayed on a destination display unit (display device 111 or display device 112, etc.) to a display control device 110 that controls the display unit, according to a predetermined schedule.

[0018] For example, the management server 100 distributes advertising content, which is an example of content, to the display control device 110 at the distribution destination according to a predetermined schedule, and displays the advertising content. Note that advertising content is just one example of content. The content may be various other types of content, such as official gazettes from the national or local government, or transportation service information.

[0019] The administrator terminal (first user terminal) 101 is, for example, an information terminal such as a PC (Personal Computer), a tablet terminal, or a smartphone. The administrator terminal 101 is used, for example, by an administrator who manages the information provision system 1 to set the distribution destination information 511 and content information 512, etc., which will be described later.

[0020] The user terminal (second user terminal) 102 is, for example, an information terminal such as a PC, tablet, or smartphone. The user terminal 102 is used, for example, by an advertising agency representative or a user who displays content on a distribution destination such as digital signage, to set up the broadcast slot information 513, which will be described later.

[0021] (Summary of the process) Figure 2 is a diagram illustrating the overview of the process according to one embodiment. Here, the display control device 110 and the display device 111 are assumed to be installed as digital signage, for example, in a tenant space such as a store.

[0022] In step S1, the administrator managing the information provision system 1 uses the administrator terminal 101 to set the distribution destinations (display control devices 110, etc.) to which the content distributed by the management server 100 can be delivered, as well as the attribute conditions of the content, etc., on the management server 100.

[0023] In this embodiment, multiple attributes can be set for the distribution destination (display control device 110, etc.). The attributes of the distribution destination include, for example, information such as the installation area, prefecture, or location where the distribution destination is installed. The attributes of the distribution destination also include, for example, information such as the gender, annual income, occupation, age group, or number of employees (company size) of the users (customer base, etc.) of the distribution destination.

[0024] Administrators and other relevant parties set attribute conditions for content, selecting the attributes used to determine the distribution destination from among multiple attributes of the distribution destination. For example, if the content is advertising content for a region-specific product or service, administrators and other relevant parties may set attributes such as the distribution area, prefecture, or location where the content is installed as attribute conditions for the content. Furthermore, if the content is advertising content aimed at young women, administrators and other relevant parties may set attributes such as the gender and age group of the users of the distribution destination as additional attribute conditions for the content.

[0025] In step S2, for example, when an advertising agency representative or a user at the distribution destination (hereinafter referred to as "representative") sets the distribution destination for the content, the user terminal can display a list of distribution destinations based on the information set in step S1. This list of distribution destinations includes information on attributes that correspond to the content attribute conditions set on the administrator terminal 101, among the multiple attributes set on the distribution destinations to which the content can be distributed. For example, if the attribute conditions for the content to be set are "prefecture" and "age group," the list of distribution destinations will include information on "prefecture" and "age group" among the multiple attributes of the distribution destinations to which the content can be distributed. Thus, in this embodiment, the list of distribution destinations displays only the attributes that satisfy the attribute conditions set by the administrator, etc. (for example, "prefecture" and "age group"), among the multiple attributes of the distribution destinations to which the content can be distributed.

[0026] The list of recipients may be created by the management server 100, or it may be created by the user terminal 102 based on information provided by the management server 100.

[0027] In step S3, the management server 100 distributes the content to the distribution destination (display control device 110, etc.) configured in step S2.

[0028] As described above, in the information provision system 1 according to this embodiment, when a person in charge sets the destination for content distribution, a list of destinations that display attribute information satisfying pre-set attribute conditions from among multiple attributes of the destination is displayed on the user terminal 102. Therefore, even when multiple attributes are set for a destination, the person in charge can easily set the destination for content distribution using the list of destinations displayed on the user terminal 102.

[0029] However, with this method, if additional distribution destinations are added after the person in charge has set up the content distribution destinations, it becomes difficult to set the newly added destinations as content distribution destinations.

[0030] For example, in step S4 of Figure 2, the administrator uses the administrator terminal 101 to add a distribution destination to which content can be delivered. However, this addition of a distribution destination is not reflected in the content distribution destinations that the person in charge has already set up using the user terminal 102. Furthermore, the distribution destination added by the administrator is not necessarily the distribution destination to which the person in charge wants to deliver content, so it is undesirable to automatically add the distribution destination added by the administrator to the content distribution destinations set up by the person in charge.

[0031] Therefore, in this embodiment, in step S5, the attributes of the distribution destination added by the administrator are compared with the attributes of the content distribution destination set by the person in charge, and based on the comparison result, the user terminal 102 is notified that a distribution destination capable of distributing content has been added. As an example, the management server 100 notifies the user terminal 102 that a distribution destination capable of distributing content has been added if the attributes of the added distribution destination match the attributes of the content distribution destination. As another example, the management server 100 compares the attributes of the added distribution destination with the attributes of the content distribution destination to check the number of matching attributes, and if the number of matching attributes is greater than or equal to a predetermined number, it notifies the user terminal 102 that a distribution destination capable of distributing content has been added.

[0032] This notification allows the person in charge to, for example, re-execute the process in step S2 to reconfigure the content distribution destination. Alternatively, the person in charge may use the user terminal 102 to display a settings screen that shows the added distribution destinations, and from this settings screen, configure whether or not to add the added distribution destination to the content distribution destinations.

[0033] Thus, according to the information provision system 1 of this embodiment, even if a distribution destination capable of receiving content is added after the content distribution destination has been set, it becomes easy to set (or identify) the added distribution destination as the content distribution destination.

[0034] <Hardware Configuration> (Hardware configuration of the management server, administrator terminal, and user terminal) The administrator terminal 101 and the user terminal 102 have a computer 300 hardware configuration as shown in Figure 3, for example. The management server 100 is composed of one or more computers 300.

[0035] Figure 3 shows an example of the hardware configuration of a computer according to one embodiment. The computer 300 includes, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 301, ROM (Read Only Memory) 302, RAM (Random Access Memory) 303, HD (Hard Disk) 304, HDD (Hard Disk Drive) controller 305, display 306, external device connection I / F (Interface) 307, network I / F 308, keyboard 309, pointing device 310, DVD-RW (Digital Versatile Disk Rewritable) drive 312, media I / F 314, and bus line 315, as shown in Figure 3.

[0036] Of these components, the CPU 301 controls the overall operation of the computer 300. The ROM 302 stores programs used to start the computer 300, such as the IPL (Initial Program Loader). The RAM 303 is used, for example, as a work area for the CPU 301. The HD 304 stores programs such as the OS (Operating System), applications, and device drivers, as well as various data. The HDD controller 305 controls the reading or writing of various data to the HD 304, for example, according to the control of the CPU 301.

[0037] Display 306 displays various information, such as a cursor, menu, window, text, or image. Note that Display 306 may be located outside the computer 300. External device connection I / F 307 is an interface such as USB (Universal Serial Bus) for connecting external devices, such as local devices. Network I / F 308 is an interface for data communication using a communication network.

[0038] The keyboard 309 is a type of input device equipped with multiple keys for inputting characters, numbers, and various instructions. The pointing device 310 is a type of input device for selecting and executing various instructions, selecting processing targets, moving the cursor, and so on. The keyboard 309 and the pointing device 310 may be located outside the computer 300.

[0039] The DVD-RW drive 312 controls the reading or writing of various data to the DVD-RW 311, which is an example of a removable recording medium. Note that the DVD-RW 311 is not limited to DVD-RW; it may be any other removable recording medium. The media interface 314 controls the reading or writing (storage) of data to the media 313, such as flash memory. The bus line 315 includes an address bus, a data bus, and various control signals for electrically connecting the above components.

[0040] (Hardware configuration of the display control unit) Figure 4(A) shows an example of the hardware configuration of the display control device 110 when the display control device 110 is an STB connected to the display device 111. In the example in Figure 4(A), the display control device 110 includes a CPU 401, memory 402, storage device 403, communication I / F 404, display device connection I / F 405, and bus 406, etc.

[0041] The CPU 401 is an arithmetic unit that realizes the various functions of the display control device 110 by executing a program for the display control device 110 stored in, for example, a storage device 403 or memory 402. The memory 402 includes, for example, RAM used as a work area for the CPU 401, and ROM that pre-stores a program for starting the display control device 110. The storage device 403 is, for example, a high-capacity, non-volatile storage device such as an HDD or SSD (Solid State Drive).

[0042] Communication I / F 404 is a communication interface, such as a wired LAN, wireless LAN, or wireless WAN, for connecting the display control device 110 to the communication network 2. Display device connection I / F 405 is an interface, such as HDMI® (High-Definition Multimedia Interface) or DisplayPort®, for connecting the display device 111 to the display control device 110. Bus 406 is connected in common to all of the above components and transmits, for example, address signals, data signals, and various control signals.

[0043] Figure 4(B) shows an example of the hardware configuration of the display control device 110 when the display control device 110 is an integrated device with a built-in display device 112. In the example in Figure 4(B), the display control device 110 includes a CPU 401, memory 402, storage device 403, communication I / F 404, display device 112, audio output circuit 411, speaker 412, and bus 406. Note that the CPU 401, memory 402, storage device 403, communication I / F 404, and bus 406 in Figure 6(B) are the same as those described in Figure 4(A).

[0044] The display device 112 is, for example, an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) or an organic EL (Electro-Luminescence) display device. The audio output circuit 411 is a circuit or device that outputs sound by converting audio data into an audio signal and outputting the amplified audio signal to the speaker 412.

[0045] <Functional Configuration> Figure 5 shows an example of the functional configuration of an information provision system 1 according to one embodiment.

[0046] (Management server functional configuration) The management server 100 implements, for example, a communication unit 501, a distribution destination management unit 502, a first management unit 503, a second management unit 504, a specific unit 505, a distribution unit 506, an authentication unit 507, a verification unit 508, a notification unit 509, and a storage unit 510, by having one or more computers 300 on the management server 100 execute predetermined programs. At least some of the above functional configurations may be implemented by hardware.

[0047] The communication unit 501 connects the management server 100 to the communication network 2 using, for example, a network interface 308, and performs communication processing to communicate with the display control device 110, the administrator terminal 101, and the user terminal 102.

[0048] The distribution destination management unit 502 stores and manages distribution destination information 511, which is information about the distribution destinations (display control devices 110, etc.) to which the management server 100 distributes content, in the storage unit 510, etc. Figure 6 shows an example of distribution destination information 511 managed by the distribution destination management unit 502. In the example in Figure 6, the distribution destination information 511 includes information such as "site name," "distribution destination (terminal name)," and "attributes" as items.

[0049] "Site name" is a name or identification information that identifies the site (e.g., a company, store, facility, or organization) where the display control device 110 is installed. "Distribution destination (terminal name)" is a terminal name or identification information that identifies the display control device 110 that is the distribution destination to which the management server 100 distributes content. "Attributes" is attribute information that indicates the attributes of each distribution destination.

[0050] In this embodiment, multiple attributes can be set for the distribution destination. In the example shown in Figure 6, attribute information such as "installation area," "prefecture," "installation location," "gender," "number of employees," "annual income," "job type," and "age group" is stored as attributes for the distribution destination.

[0051] "Installation Area" is attribute information indicating the area where the display control device 110 is installed (in the example in Figure 6, Kyushu, Kanto, Kansai, etc.). "Prefecture" is attribute information indicating the prefecture where the display control device 110 is installed. "Installation Location" is attribute information indicating the location where the display control device 110 is installed (in the example in Figure 6, office, store (cash register), store (front), store (entrance), etc.).

[0052] "Gender" is attribute information indicating the proportion of genders among the recipient's users (customer base, etc.). "Number of Employees" is attribute information indicating the number of employees (company size, etc.) among the recipient's companies. "Annual Income" is attribute information indicating the annual income of the recipient's users (customer base, etc.). "Job Title" is attribute information indicating the job titles of the recipient's companies and users (customer base, etc.). "Age Group" is attribute information indicating the age group of the recipient's users (customer base, etc.). This attribute information can be pre-stored (set) in the recipient information 511 by an administrator, for example.

[0053] The distribution destination management unit 502 has the function of a web server that provides a web page to the administrator terminal 101, etc., which displays a settings screen for registering, changing, or deleting distribution destination information 511.

[0054] The first management unit (content management unit) 503 stores and manages content data 514 distributed by the management server 100, as well as content information 512, etc., in the storage unit 510, etc. Figure 7(A) shows an example of content information 512 managed by the first management unit 503. In the example in Figure 7(A), the content information 512 includes information such as "content name," "description," "distribution destination," "attribute conditions," "company name," "user name," and "notification management" as items.

[0055] "Content Name" is the name or identifying information that identifies the content (channel, etc.) to be distributed to the distribution destination. "Description" is, for example, a string of characters that explains the overview of each piece of content. "Distribution Destination" is the name or identifying information of the distribution destination to which each piece of content will be distributed. "Attribute Conditions" is information that indicates the attribute information used to determine the distribution destination of each piece of content from among the multiple attribute information of the distribution destination.

[0056] "Company Name" is information indicating the company name (or organization name, etc.) or identifying information that allows each content to be used. "User Name" is information indicating the name or identifying information that identifies the user who can use each content. "Notification Management" temporarily stores information about recipients who are eligible to receive notifications from among the recipients added by the administrator.

[0057] The first management unit 503 has the function of a web server that provides a web page to the administrator terminal 101, etc., which displays a settings screen for registering, changing, or deleting content information 512.

[0058] The second management unit (broadcast slot management unit) 504 stores and manages broadcast slot information 513, which is information about broadcast slots for which content is broadcast on channels such as the office channel, the supermarket register channel, and the ○× channel, in the storage unit 510, etc.

[0059] Figure 8 shows an example of broadcast slot information according to one embodiment. In the example in Figure 8, the broadcast slot information 513 includes information such as "content name," "broadcast slot," "broadcast slot ID," "start date," "end date," "content data," "distribution destination," and "company name" as items.

[0060] "Content Name" is the name or identification information that identifies the content (channel, etc.) to be distributed to the distribution destination. "Broadcast Slot" is a time slot (broadcast period) set in advance by the administrator, etc., during which the content can be broadcast. For example, five 15-second broadcast slots may be set, with 10 minutes as one unit (roll). "Broadcast Slot ID" is identification information that identifies the broadcast slot. "Start Date" is information indicating the date and time when the broadcast of the content data set in the broadcast slot will begin. "End Date" is information indicating the date and time when the broadcast of the content data set in the broadcast slot will end.

[0061] "Content data" refers to information indicating the path and file name of the content data, which is the data for the content to be broadcast in each broadcast slot. "Distribution destination" refers to information indicating the name or identifying information of the distribution destination to which the content is distributed in each broadcast slot. "Company name" refers to information such as the name or identifying information of the broadcast slot subscriber, such as an advertising agency. The second management unit 504 has the function of a web server that provides a web page to the user terminal 102, etc., which displays a settings screen for registering, changing, or deleting broadcast slot information 513.

[0062] The identification unit 505 performs an identification process to identify (set) the distribution destination for the content based on a list of distribution destinations that include attribute information corresponding to the attribute conditions of the content, from among the attribute information of distribution destinations that has been set in advance.

[0063] For example, the identification unit 505 obtains the "distribution destination" and "attribute conditions" of the content from the content information 512 as shown in Figure 7(A). The identification unit 505 also obtains distribution destination information corresponding to the obtained "distribution destination" from the distribution destination information 511 as shown in Figure 6. Furthermore, the identification unit 505 creates a list of distribution destinations from the obtained distribution destination information that includes attributes (attribute information) corresponding to the obtained "attribute conditions". This list of distribution destinations includes only the attributes that satisfy the attribute conditions of the content from among the multiple attributes of the distribution destinations stored in the distribution destination information 511, and does not include attributes that do not satisfy the attribute conditions of the content.

[0064] Furthermore, the identification unit 505 transmits a list of distribution destinations created by an advertising agency representative or a user of the distribution destination (hereinafter referred to as "representative") to the user terminal 102 used by the representative when the representative sets the distribution destinations for the content. In addition, the identification unit 505 identifies the distribution destinations for the content based on the distribution destination information set on the user terminal 102.

[0065] For example, the user terminal 102 receives a list of distribution destinations transmitted by the identification unit 505 and displays the received list of distribution destinations on a display unit such as the display 306 so that it can be selected. In this case, the identification unit 505 identifies the distribution destination selected by the person in charge from the list of distribution destinations displayed by the user terminal 102 as the distribution destination for the content.

[0066] As another example, the user terminal 102 receives a list of distribution destinations sent by the identification unit 505 and displays the received list of distribution destinations and a settings field for setting the attribute conditions of the distribution destinations. In this case, the identification unit 505 identifies the distribution destinations of the content from the list of distribution destinations based on the attribute conditions of the distribution destinations set by the person in charge or the like. For example, if the list of distribution destinations includes "prefecture" as an attribute and "Tokyo" is set as an attribute condition of the distribution destination, the identification unit 505 extracts distribution destinations from the list of distribution destinations whose prefecture attribute includes "Tokyo" and identifies them as the distribution destinations of the content.

[0067] The distribution unit 506 executes a distribution process to distribute the content to the distribution destination identified by the identification unit 505. For example, when the broadcast date and time of the content arrives, the distribution unit 506 obtains the distribution destination identified by the identification unit 505, distributes the content to the obtained distribution destination, and instructs the broadcast (display) of the content.

[0068] The authentication unit 507 authenticates users such as administrators or staff members who log in to the management server 100, and if authentication is successful, it permits the user to log in. For example, the authentication unit 507 stores user information, such as the username (or user ID) and password of users registered in the information provision system 1, in the storage unit 510 or the like. The authentication unit 507 also permits login if the username (or user ID) and password combination included in the login request received from the administrator terminal 101 or the user terminal 102 is stored in the user information. However, this is just an example, and the authentication unit 507 may authenticate users using other authentication methods.

[0069] When the first management unit 503 receives a request to add a distribution destination to which content can be distributed, the verification unit 508 performs a verification process to confirm that the attributes of the added distribution destination match the attributes of the content distribution destination.

[0070] If the "matching attributes" confirmed by the verification unit 508 meet predetermined conditions, the notification unit 509 notifies the user terminal 102 that a distribution destination capable of distributing content has been added.

[0071] For example, the verification unit 508 compares the attributes of the added distribution destination with the attributes of the content distribution destination and checks the number of matching attributes. The notification unit 509 also notifies the user terminal 102 that a distribution destination capable of distributing content has been added if the number of matching attributes is greater than or equal to a predetermined number.

[0072] As another example, the verification unit 508 compares the attributes of the added distribution destination with the attributes of the content distribution destination and confirms that the attributes of both match. If the attributes of both match, the notification unit 509 notifies the user terminal 102 that a distribution destination capable of distributing content has been added. Preferably, the verification details of the verification unit 508 and the predetermined conditions under which the notification unit 509 issues a notification can be set, for example, on a settings screen provided by the notification unit 509 to the administrator terminal 101 or the user terminal 102.

[0073] The memory unit 510 is implemented by, for example, a program executed by the CPU 301, an HD 304, an HDD controller 305, and RAM 303. The memory unit 510 stores various information, data, and programs, such as distribution destination information 511, content information 512, broadcast slot information 513, content data 514, and setting information 515.

[0074] (Administrator terminal function configuration) The administrator terminal 101 implements the communication unit 521, receiving unit 522, display control unit 523, operation reception unit 524, transmission unit 525, and storage unit 526, etc., by having the CPU 301 execute a program such as a web browser or an application corresponding to the information provision system 1.

[0075] The communication unit 521 uses the network interface 308, etc., to connect the administrator terminal 101 to the communication network 2 and executes communication processing to communicate with the management server 100, etc.

[0076] The receiving unit 522 receives various data or information from the management server 100 via the communication unit 521. For example, the receiving unit 522 receives data (such as web content) from the management server 100 for displaying display screens such as the channel list screen 1000, the channel information screen 1110, and the notification condition setting screen 1800, which will be described later.

[0077] The display control unit 523 displays various display screens on the display unit such as the display 306. For example, the display control unit 523 has the functionality of a web browser and displays a display screen on the display unit based on web content received by the receiving unit 522 from the management server 100. The operation reception unit 524 receives operations on the display screen displayed by the display control unit 523.

[0078] The transmitting unit 525 transmits various data or information to the management server 100 via the communication unit 521. For example, the transmitting unit 525 transmits request information corresponding to operations received by the operation reception unit 524 on the channel list screen 1000, the channel information screen 1110, or the notification condition setting screen 1800, as well as setting data received by the operation reception unit 524, to the management server 100.

[0079] The memory unit 526 is implemented by, for example, a program executed by the CPU 301, an HD 304, an HDD controller 305, and RAM 303, and stores various data, information, and programs.

[0080] (User terminal functionality configuration) The user terminal 102, through the execution of a program such as a web browser or an application corresponding to the information provision system 1 by the CPU 301, realizes the communication unit 531, receiving unit 532, display control unit 533, operation reception unit 534, transmission unit 535, and storage unit 536, etc.

[0081] The communication unit 531 uses the network interface 308, etc., to connect the user terminal 102 to the communication network 2 and executes communication processing to communicate with the management server 100, etc.

[0082] The receiving unit 532 receives various data or information from the management server 100 via the communication unit 521. For example, the receiving unit 532 receives notifications from the management server 100 indicating that a distribution destination capable of distributing content has been added. The receiving unit 532 also receives data (for example, web content or a list of distribution destinations) for displaying screens such as the ad scheduling screen 1400, the distribution destination setting screen 1500, the notification condition setting screen 1800, or the distribution destination confirmation screen 2200, which will be described later.

[0083] The display control unit 533 displays various display screens on the display unit such as the display 306. For example, the display control unit 523 has the functionality of a web browser and displays a display screen on the display unit based on web content received by the receiving unit 532 from the management server 100. For example, the display control unit 533 displays a first setting screen that shows distribution destinations to which the content can be distributed and allows the user to set a distribution destination for the content from among the available distribution destinations. Furthermore, when the receiving unit 532 receives the aforementioned notification, the display control unit 523 can display a second setting screen that shows the added distribution destination and allows the user to set whether or not to add the added distribution destination to the content distribution destinations. In addition, the display control unit 523 displays an advertisement scheduling screen 1400, a distribution destination setting screen 1500, a notification condition setting screen 1800, or a distribution destination confirmation screen 2200, etc.

[0084] The transmitting unit 535 transmits various data or information to the management server 100 via the communication unit 531. For example, the transmitting unit 535 transmits request information corresponding to an operation received by the operation reception unit 534 to the management server 100. The transmitting unit 535 also transmits information about the distribution destination set on the distribution destination setting screen 1500 or the distribution destination confirmation screen 2200 to the management server 100.

[0085] The memory unit 536 is implemented by, for example, a program executed by the CPU 301, an HD 304, an HDD controller 305, and RAM 303, and stores various data, information, and programs.

[0086] (Functional configuration of the display control device) The display control device 110 executes a display control process to display content distributed from the management server 100 on the display device 111 (or display device 112) by executing a predetermined program on the CPU 401. In this embodiment, the display control device 110 may have any configuration, so a detailed explanation of the functional configuration of the display control device 110 is omitted.

[0087] <Processing flow> Next, the processing flow of the information provision method according to this embodiment will be described.

[0088] [First Embodiment] (Content information setting process) Figure 9 is a sequence diagram showing an example of the content information setting process according to the first embodiment. This process shows an example of the process by which an administrator managing the information provision system 1 sets content information 512 as shown in Figure 7(A). At the start of the process shown in Figure 9, it is assumed that the administrator has already logged in to the management server 100 using the administrator terminal 101.

[0089] In step S901, the administrator performs an operation to display the channel list screen on the administrator terminal 101. For example, the administrator enters a URL (Uniform Resource Locator) or the like to connect to the web service provided by the first management unit 503 of the management server 100 into the web browser of the administrator terminal 101. Accordingly, in step S902, the transmission unit 525 of the administrator terminal 101 sends a request to display the channel list screen to the management server 100.

[0090] In step S903, the first management unit 503 of the management server 100 transmits, for example, a channel list screen 1000 as shown in Figure 10 to the administrator terminal 101. As a result, in step S904, the display control unit 523 of the administrator terminal 101 displays the channel list screen 1000 received from the management server 100 on a display unit such as the display 306.

[0091] The processing in steps S901 to S904 is an example of the process by which the administrator terminal 101 displays the channel list screen 1000. For example, the first management unit 503 of the management server 100 may send the channel list screen 1000 to the administrator terminal 101 when the administrator terminal 101 logs into the management server 100, and have the administrator terminal 101 display it. Alternatively, if the administrator terminal 101 is running an application program for the information provision system 1 (hereinafter referred to as "app"), the app may create the channel list screen 1000 and display it on the display unit.

[0092] Figure 10 shows an example of a channel list screen according to the first embodiment. In the example in Figure 10, the channel list screen 1000 displays a channel list 1001 that includes information such as the content names (channel names), descriptions, and number of terminals for multiple channels. This channel list screen 100 is created by the first management unit 503 of the management server 100 based on content information 512, for example, as shown in Figure 7(A).

[0093] The content name in channel list 1001 is selectable, and the administrator can select the Super Register Channel by selecting the string 1002, for example, the content name "Super Register Channel".

[0094] In step S905 of Figure 9, the administrator selects a channel on the channel list screen 1000. As a result, in step S906, the transmission unit 525 of the administrator terminal 101 sends a request to display the channel information screen to the management server 100. This request to display channel information includes the content name (channel name) of the channel selected by the administrator.

[0095] In step S907, when the first management unit 503 of the management server 100 receives a request from the administrator terminal 101 to display the channel information screen, it obtains content information 512 from the storage unit 510. Then, in step S908, the first management unit 503 uses the obtained content information 512 to create a channel information screen 1110, for example, as shown in Figure 11(A).

[0096] In step S909, the first management unit 503 transmits the created channel information screen 1110 to the administrator terminal 101. As a result, in step S910, the display control unit 523 of the administrator terminal 101 displays the channel information screen 1110 received from the management server 100 on a display unit such as the display 306.

[0097] Note that the processing in steps S908 to S910 is just one example. For example, if the administrator terminal 101 is running an application, the management server 100 may send the acquired content information 512 to the administrator terminal 101, and the display control unit 523 of the administrator terminal 101 may create and display the channel information screen 1110.

[0098] Figure 11(A) shows an example of the channel information screen 1110. The channel information screen 1110 displays channel information 1111 such as the content name, the attributes used, and the description. Of this information, the content name corresponds to the "Content Name" in the content information 512. The attributes used correspond to the "Attribute Conditions" in the content information 512. The description corresponds to the "Description" in the content information 512.

[0099] Additionally, the channel information screen 1110 displays a "Content Information Edit" button 1112 for editing the channel information 1111. Furthermore, the channel information screen 1110 displays a user list 1113 for adding (or deleting) users to the "Username" field of the content information 512, and a distribution destination list 1117 for adding (or deleting) distribution destinations to the "Distribution Destination" field of the content information 512.

[0100] For example, an administrator can add a user to the "Username" field in Content Information 512 by checking checkbox 1114 in User List 1113 and selecting the Add button. The administrator can also remove a user from Content Information 512 by selecting the Delete button.

[0101] Additionally, administrators can add a distribution destination to the "Distribution Destination" section of the content information 512 by checking the checkbox 1116 in the distribution destination list 1117 and selecting the add distribution destination button 1115. Administrators can also remove a distribution destination from the "Distribution Destination" section of the content information 512 by selecting the delete button.

[0102] Now, let's return to Figure 9 and continue the explanation of the sequence diagram. In step S911, the administrator performs the operation to display the editing screen by, for example, selecting the "Edit Channel Information" button 1112 on the channel information screen 1110. As a result, in step S912, the display control unit 523 of the administrator terminal 101 displays the editing screen 1120, as shown in Figure 11(B), on a display unit such as the display 306.

[0103] At this time, the display control unit 523 may request the management server 100 to display the editing screen 1120 and display the editing screen 1120 sent from the management server 100, or the display control unit 523 may create and display the editing screen 1120.

[0104] Figure 11(B) shows an example of the editing screen 1120. In the example in Figure 11(B), the editing screen 1120 displays the content name editing field 1121, the description editing field 1122, and the attribute setting field 1123. The administrator can change the "content name" of the content information 512 by editing the string in the content name editing field 1121. Similarly, the administrator can change the "description" of the content information 512 by editing the string in the description editing field 1122.

[0105] Furthermore, the attribute settings section 1123 displays a list of multiple attributes that can be selected, such as installation area, prefecture, installation location, gender, number of employees, annual income, occupation, or age group. Administrators can set the "attribute conditions" for the content (for example, the Super Register channel) by selecting the checkbox 1124 corresponding to the attribute to be used in the attribute settings section 1123.

[0106] Now, let's return to Figure 9 and continue the explanation of the sequence diagram. In step S913, the administrator performs attribute condition setting and save operations on the editing screen 1120. For example, the administrator selects the attributes to be used for the channel in the attribute setting field 1123 of the editing screen 1120 and selects the "Save" button 1125. As a result, in step S914, the transmission unit 525 of the administrator terminal 101 sends a content information update request, including the attribute conditions received by the operation reception unit 524 during the attribute condition setting operation, to the management server 100.

[0107] Preferably, the display control unit 523 of the administrator terminal 101 displays a confirmation screen 1130 as shown in Figure 11(C) when the selected attribute is deselected. In this case, the transmission unit 525 executes the process in step S914 when the "OK" button 1131 is selected on the confirmation screen 1130.

[0108] In step S915, the first management unit 503 of the management server 100 updates the content information 512 in accordance with the content information update request. For example, if the attribute conditions of a channel on the Super Register are changed, the first management unit 503 stores the changed attribute conditions in the "attribute conditions" of the channel on the Super Register.

[0109] Through the process shown in Figure 9, the administrator can use the administrator terminal 101 to set the content information 512 as shown in Figure 7(A).

[0110] (Setting up the distribution destination) Figure 12 is a sequence diagram showing an example of the destination setting process according to the first embodiment. This process shows an example of the destination setting process in which a person in charge, such as an advertising agency or a user of the destination, sets the destination for content. At the start of the process shown in Figure 12, it is assumed that the person in charge has already logged in to the management server 100 using the user terminal 102. Also, a detailed explanation of the process similar to the process described in Figure 9 is omitted here.

[0111] In step S1201, the person in charge performs an operation to display the channel list screen on the user terminal 102. For example, the person in charge enters a URL or the like to connect to the web service provided by the second management unit 504 of the management server 100 into the web browser of the user terminal 102. Accordingly, in step S1202, the transmission unit 535 of the user terminal 102 sends a request to display the channel list screen to the management server 100.

[0112] In step S1203, the second management unit 504 of the management server 100 transmits, for example, a channel list screen 1000 as shown in Figure 10 to the user terminal 102. As a result, in step S1204, the display control unit 533 of the user terminal 102 displays the channel list screen 1000 received from the management server 100 on a display unit such as the display 306.

[0113] The processing in steps S1201 to S1204 is an example of the process by which the user terminal 102 displays the channel list screen 1000. For example, the second management unit 504 of the management server 100 may send the channel list screen 1000 to the user terminal 102 when the user terminal 102 logs into the management server 100, and have the user terminal 102 display it. Alternatively, if the user terminal 102 is running an application corresponding to the information provision system 1, the application may create the channel list screen 1000 and display it on the display unit.

[0114] In step S1205, the person in charge performs a channel selection operation on the channel list screen 1000. As a result, in step S1206, the transmission unit 525 of the user terminal 102 sends a request to display the advertising schedule screen to the management server 100. This request to display the advertising schedule screen includes the content name of the channel selected by the person in charge.

[0115] In step S1207, when the second management unit 504 of the management server 100 receives a request from the user terminal 102 to display the advertising schedule screen, it obtains the broadcast slot information 513 from the storage unit 510. Then, in step S1208, the second management unit 504 uses the obtained broadcast slot information 513 to create an advertising schedule screen 1400, for example, as shown in Figure 14.

[0116] In step S1209, the second management unit 504 transmits the created ad scheduling screen 1400 to the user terminal 102. As a result, in step S1210, the display control unit 533 of the user terminal 102 displays the ad scheduling screen 1400 received from the management server 100 on a display unit such as the display 306.

[0117] Note that the processing in steps S1208 to S1210 is just one example. For example, if the user terminal 102 is running an application, the second management unit 504 of the management server 100 may send the acquired broadcast slot information 513 to the user terminal 102, and the display control unit 533 of the user terminal 102 may create and display the advertisement scheduling screen 1400.

[0118] Figure 14 shows an example of an advertising scheduling screen according to the first embodiment. In the example of Figure 14, the advertising scheduling screen 1400 displays, for example, the registration status of the office channel's broadcast slots 1 to 5 1401, a selection field for the broadcast slot 1402, a display field for the broadcast slot ID 1403, a field for setting the start date 1404, and a field for setting the end date 1405.

[0119] Registration status 1401 displays information about registered broadcast slots. In the example in Figure 14, registration status 1401 shows that broadcast slots 1 and 5 are registered for the period from June 1st to 9th. This allows the person in charge to understand, for example, that new content can be distributed using broadcast slots 2 and 3 during the period from June 1st to 9th.

[0120] The broadcast slot selection field 1402 allows the person in charge to select a broadcast slot for distributing content, for example, using a pull-down menu. The broadcast slot ID display field 1403 displays, for example, the broadcast slot ID that identifies the broadcast slot selected in the broadcast slot selection field 1402. The start date setting field 1404 and the end date setting field 1405 allow the person in charge to set the start date for broadcasting the content and the end date for broadcasting the content.

[0121] Furthermore, the ad scheduling screen 1400 displays buttons such as "Destination Settings" 1406 and "Content Selection" 1408. By selecting the "Destination Settings" button 1406, the person in charge can display the destination settings screen 1500, for example, as shown in Figure 15. The destination display field 1307 displays the destination information set on the destination settings screen 1500.

[0122] Furthermore, by selecting the "Content Selection" button 1408, the user can display a file selection dialog or similar for selecting content data. The content data display area 1409 displays information about the content data selected in the file selection dialog or similar (for example, the file name and path information of the content data).

[0123] Now, let's return to Figure 12 and continue the explanation of the sequence diagram. In step S1211, the person in charge will perform operations such as setting the broadcast slot and setting the content data on the advertising scheduling screen 1400.

[0124] Furthermore, in step S1212, the person in charge will, for example, select the "Destination Settings" button 1306 on the ad scheduling screen 1400 to display the destination settings screen. As a result, in step S1213, the transmission unit 525 of the user terminal 102 sends a request to display the destination settings screen to the management server 100. This request to display the destination settings screen includes the content name of the content to be configured.

[0125] In step S1214, when the second management unit 504 of the management server 100 receives a request from the user terminal 102 to display the destination settings screen, it creates a list of destinations. For example, the second management unit 504 obtains the "destination" and "attribute conditions" information of the content to be configured (e.g., office channel) from the content information shown in Figure 7(A). The second management unit 504 also obtains destination information (e.g., "destination (terminal name)" and "attributes") included in the obtained "destination" from the destination information 511 shown in Figure 6. Furthermore, the second management unit 504 creates a list of destinations that includes only the attribute information included in the "attribute conditions" of the content from the obtained "attributes".

[0126] In step S1215, the second management unit 504 of the management server 100 creates a destination settings screen that includes a list of created destinations. For example, the second management unit 504 creates a destination settings screen 1500 as shown in Figure 15.

[0127] In step S1216, the second management unit 504 sends the created destination settings screen 1500 to the user terminal 102. As a result, in step S1217, the display control unit 533 of the user terminal 102 displays the destination settings screen 1500 received from the management server 100 on a display unit such as the display 306.

[0128] Figure 15 shows an example of the destination settings screen according to the first embodiment. In the example in Figure 15, the destination settings screen 1500 displays a selectable list of destinations 1501. The list of destinations 1501 displays only the annual income, occupation, and age group that meet the attribute conditions of the office channel from among the multiple attribute information set for each destination. The person in charge can select the destination of the content by selecting the checkbox 1503 for the destination to which the content will be distributed. The person in charge can also use the search field 1506 to selectively display only the destinations that meet predetermined conditions from the list of destinations 1501. Furthermore, the person in charge can select all the destinations displayed in the list of destinations by selecting the batch selection checkbox 1504.

[0129] Following the above process, in step S1218 of Figure 13, the person in charge performs a destination selection operation on the destination setting screen 1500. As a result, in step S1219, the operation reception unit 534 of the user terminal 102 temporarily stores the destination information selected by the person in charge in the storage unit 536, etc. Also, in step S1220, the display control unit 533 of the user terminal 102 displays the advertisement scheduling screen 1400 again, as shown in Figure 14.

[0130] In step S1221, the person in charge performs a save operation, for example, by selecting the "Save" button 1410 on the advertising scheduling screen 1400. As a result, in step S1222, the transmission unit 535 of the user terminal 102 sends a save request to the management server 100, which includes the broadcast slot ID of the broadcast slot set on the advertising scheduling screen 1400, the path to the content data, and the distribution destination information held in the storage unit 536.

[0131] In step S1223, the second management unit 504 of the management server 100 stores the information 801 received from the user terminal 102 in the broadcast slot information 513 as shown in Figure 8.

[0132] Through the processes described in steps S1201 to S1223 above, the person in charge can set the content distribution destination and broadcast slot information 513 on the management server 100. In addition, the information provision system 1 executes the processes in steps S1301 to S1303 when the broadcast date and time for the broadcast slot arrives.

[0133] In step S1301, the distribution unit 506 of the management server 100 obtains information on the "distribution destination" and "content data" of the broadcast slot from the broadcast slot information 513 as shown in Figure 8. The distribution unit 506 also obtains the content data based on the path information of the "content data".

[0134] In step S1302, the distribution unit 506 of the management server 100 distributes content data to the destination display control device 110 and instructs it to broadcast the content data.

[0135] In step S1303, the display control device 110 at the distribution destination starts broadcasting (displaying) the content data received from the management server 100.

[0136] As explained in Figures 9 to 15, in the information provision system 1 according to this embodiment, even when multiple attributes are set for the distribution destination, the person in charge can easily set the content distribution destination using the user terminal 102.

[0137] (Adding distribution destinations) Figure 16 is a sequence diagram showing an example of the process for adding a distribution destination according to the first embodiment. This process shows an example of the process in which an administrator adds a distribution destination to which content can be distributed using the administrator terminal 101, after performing the content information setting process described in Figure 9 and the distribution destination setting process described in Figures 12 and 13. Note that the basic processing content is the same as the content information setting process described in Figure 9, so a detailed explanation of the process similar to the content information setting process is omitted here.

[0138] In step S1601, the information provision system 1 displays a channel information screen, for example, as shown in steps S901 to S910 of Figure 9, and displays a channel information screen 1110 as shown in Figure 11(A) on the display unit of the administrator terminal 101.

[0139] In step S1602, the administrator selects the "Add Distribution Destination" button 1115 on the channel information screen 1110. As a result, in step S1603, the transmission unit 525 of the administrator terminal 101 sends a request to the management server 100 to retrieve the distribution destination list.

[0140] In step S1604, when the first management unit 503 of the management server 100 receives a request from the administrator terminal 101 to obtain a list of distribution destinations, it obtains distribution destination information 511 from the storage unit 510. Here, it is assumed that new distribution destination information 601 has been added to the distribution destination information 511 after the content information setting process described in Figure 9 has been executed.

[0141] In step S1605, the first management unit 503 of the management server 100 creates a list of distribution destinations based on the acquired distribution destination information 511 and sends the created distribution destination list to the administrator terminal 101. As a result, in step S1605, the display control unit 523 of the administrator terminal 101 displays a list of distribution destinations 1117 on the channel information screen 1110, for example, as shown in Figure 11(A). This list of distribution destinations 1117 includes new distribution destination information 601.

[0142] Note that the processing described in steps S1602 to S1606 is just one example. The first management unit 503 of the management server 100 may, in the channel information screen display processing of step S601, create a list of distribution destinations 1117 including the new distribution destination information 601 and display it on the channel information screen 1110.

[0143] In step S1607, the administrator shall add a distribution destination using the distribution destination list 1117 on the channel information screen 1110. For example, the administrator can add a distribution destination by selecting the checkbox 1116 of the distribution destination they wish to add in the distribution destination list 1117 and then selecting the "Add Distribution Destination" button 1115 again. As a result, in step S1608, the transmission unit 525 of the administrator terminal 101 sends a content information update request to the management server 100, which includes the distribution destination information added by the administrator.

[0144] In step S1609, the first management unit 503 of the management server 100 updates the content information 512 in accordance with the content information update request received from the administrator terminal 101. As a result, for example, as shown in Figure 7(B), the distribution destination information 701 added by the administrator is stored in the "distribution destination" field of the content information 512.

[0145] In step S1610, the management server 100 performs a notification process, for example, as shown in Figure 17.

[0146] (Notification processing) Figure 17 is a flowchart illustrating an example of notification processing according to the first embodiment. This process shows, for example, an example of notification processing performed by the management server 100 in step S1610 of Figure 16.

[0147] Before the start of the process shown in Figure 17, it is assumed that the setting information 515 shown in Figure 18(B) is set using, for example, the notification condition setting screen 1800 shown in Figure 18(A), and stored in the storage unit 510. The setting information 515 may be set by the administrator using the administrator terminal 101 to display the notification condition setting screen 1800, or by the person in charge using the user terminal 102 to display the notification condition setting screen 1800. Furthermore, even if the administrator and the person in charge have not set the setting information 515, it is assumed that the storage unit 510 of the management server 100 has the setting information 515 with default values ​​already stored.

[0148] In the settings screen 1800 shown in Figure 18, if the "Refer to attribute type" checkbox 1801 is checked, the verification unit 508 refers to the content's attribute conditions when comparing the attributes of the added destination with the attributes of the content's destination. In this case, when the verification unit 508 compares the attributes of the added destination with the attributes of the content's destination, it compares only the attributes corresponding to the "attribute conditions" in the content information 512. On the other hand, if the "Refer to attribute type" checkbox 1801 is not checked, the verification unit 508 compares all the attributes set in the destination information 511 when comparing the attributes of the added destination with the attributes of the content's destination.

[0149] Furthermore, administrators and staff can set notification conditions for the notification unit 509 in the notification condition setting section 1802. For example, if "Attributes match exactly" is selected as the notification condition, the notification unit 509 will notify the user terminal 102 that a destination has been added when all the attributes of the added destination and the attributes of the content destination match. On the other hand, if "Attributes match (above / below the set value)" is selected as the notification condition, the notification unit 509 will notify the user terminal 102 that a destination has been added when the attributes of the added destination and the attributes of the content destination match at or above the set value.

[0150] In step 1701 of Figure 17, the verification unit 508 of the management server 100 obtains the configuration information 515 from the storage unit 510.

[0151] In step S1702, the verification unit 508 refers to the setting information 515 to determine whether or not to refer to the attribute conditions. If the attribute conditions are to be referred to, the verification unit 508 proceeds to step S1703. On the other hand, if the attribute conditions are not to be referred to, the verification unit 508 proceeds to step S1705.

[0152] When the process moves to step S1703, the verification unit 508 obtains the "attribute conditions" of the channel to which the distribution destination has been added (for example, the office channel) from the content information 512, as shown in Figure 7(B).

[0153] In step S1704, the verification unit 508 obtains attribute information corresponding to the added attribute conditions of the delivery destination (for example, setting values ​​for attributes such as annual income, industry, and age group) from the delivery destination information 511 as shown in Figure 6.

[0154] On the other hand, when the process moves from step S1702 to step S1705, the verification unit 508 acquires all attribute information for each of the added distribution destinations.

[0155] In step S1706, the verification unit 508 obtains, for example, the company name and distribution destination registered for each broadcast slot of the channel to which the distribution destination has been added (for example, the office channel) from the broadcast slot information 513 as shown in Figure 8.

[0156] In step S1707, the management server 100 executes an individual notification process 1708 for each acquired company name, as shown in Figure 19.

[0157] (Individual notification processing) Figure 19 is a flowchart illustrating an example of an individual notification process according to the first embodiment. This process shows, for example, an example of an individual notification process executed by the management server 100 in step S1708 of Figure 17.

[0158] In step S1901, the verification unit 508 of the management server 100 obtains attribute information of the content distribution destination corresponding to the acquired company name. For example, the verification unit 508 refers to the broadcast slot information 513 shown in Figure 8 and obtains attribute information of the distribution destinations "D Company □ Store, D Company △ Store, E Company Headquarters 11F, E Company Headquarters 12F, ..." corresponding to the company name "Advertising Agency X Company" from the distribution destination information 511 shown in Figure 6.

[0159] In this case, the verification unit 508, according to the setting information 515, retrieves attribute information corresponding to the attribute conditions of the content distribution destination if it refers to attribute conditions, and retrieves all attribute information of the content distribution destination if it does not refer to attribute conditions.

[0160] In step S1902, the verification unit 508 compares the added destination attribute information (attributes) with the content destination attribute information (attributes) and confirms that the attribute information (attributes) matches. Here, the added destination attribute information is the attribute information (attribute setting value) obtained in the processing of steps S1701 to S1705 in Figure 17. The content destination attribute information is the attribute information (attribute setting value) obtained in step S1901.

[0161] In step S1903, the notification unit 509 of the management server 100 determines whether the matching attribute information confirmed by the verification unit 508 satisfies the notification conditions set on the notification condition setting screen 1800 as shown in Figure 18. For example, if the notification condition is "attributes match exactly," the notification unit 509 determines that the notification condition is met if all of the attribute information of the added distribution destination and the attribute information of the content distribution destination match. Also, if the notification condition is "two or more attributes match," the notification unit 509 determines that the notification condition is met if two or more of the attribute information of the added distribution destination and the attribute information of the content distribution destination match.

[0162] If the matching attribute information (attribute) satisfies the notification conditions, the notification unit 509 proceeds to step S1904. On the other hand, if the matching attribute information (attribute) does not satisfy the notification conditions, the notification unit 509 terminates the process shown in Figure 19.

[0163] When the process moves to step S1904, the notification unit 509 stores the added destination information in the content information 512, associating it with the company name. For example, in the content information 512 as shown in Figure 7(B), the notification unit 509 stores the added destination information 702 in the "Notification Management" item corresponding to the company name "Advertising Agency X".

[0164] In step S1905, the notification unit 509 notifies the user terminal 102 corresponding to the company name that a recipient has been added. For example, the notification unit 509 stores in advance an email address corresponding to the company name "Advertising Agency X" or the username "User01", and sends a notification email to that email address indicating that a recipient has been added. However, it is not limited to this, and the notification unit 509 may also notify the user terminal 102 that a recipient has been added using various notification means such as push notifications, messaging services, or SMS (Short Message Service).

[0165] As another example, the notification unit 509 may display a notification on the ad scheduling screen 1400 indicating that a distribution destination has been added when the user terminal 102 displays, for example, the ad scheduling screen 1400 shown in Figure 14. Alternatively, the notification unit 509 may display a notification on the user terminal 102 indicating that a distribution destination has been added when the person in charge logs in to the management server 100 using the user terminal 102.

[0166] As described above, according to the information provision system 1 of the first embodiment, if some or all of the attributes of a distribution destination added by the administrator match the attributes of the content distribution destination, the user terminal 102 is notified that a distribution destination to which the content can be distributed has been added.

[0167] [Second Embodiment] In the first embodiment, when a distribution destination capable of distributing content is added, the person in charge can, based on a notification from the management server 100, perform the distribution destination configuration process, for example as described in Figures 12 and 13, to determine whether or not to add the added distribution destination to the content distribution destinations.

[0168] However, with this method, if there are many possible distribution destinations for the content, the process of deciding whether or not to add each newly added destination to the content distribution list becomes time-consuming and laborious.

[0169] Therefore, in the second embodiment, after the user terminal 102 receives a notification from the management server 100, it displays a settings screen that shows a list of added distribution destinations, and from this settings screen, it is possible to set whether or not to add the added distribution destinations to the content distribution destinations.

[0170] The system configuration, hardware configuration, and functional configuration of the information provision system 1 according to the second embodiment may be the same as those of the first embodiment.

[0171] (Verification process for delivery destinations) Figure 20 is a sequence diagram showing an example of the destination confirmation process according to the second embodiment. This process shows an example of a process in which, after the user terminal 102 receives a notification sent by the management server 10 in step S1905 of Figure 19, the person in charge sets whether or not to add the added destination to the content distribution destinations.

[0172] In step S2001, the information provision system 1 performs the display process of an advertising schedule screen, for example, as shown in steps S1201 to S1210 of Figure 12, and displays an advertising schedule screen 2100, for example, as shown in Figure 21, on the user terminal 102.

[0173] As shown in Figure 21, the ad scheduling screen 2100 according to the second embodiment has an added "Check added distribution destinations" button 2101 to the ad scheduling screen 1400 described in Figure 14.

[0174] Preferably, when creating the ad scheduling screen 2100, the second management unit 504 of the management server 100 refers to the "Notification Management" of the content information 512 as shown in Figure 7(B). Also, if the second management unit 504 has stored a distribution destination corresponding to the user ID when the user terminal 102 logged in in the "Notification Management", it displays the "Confirm Added Distribution Destinations" button 2101 on the ad scheduling screen 2100.

[0175] In step S2002 of Figure 20, the person in charge performs the operation to confirm the added distribution destination by selecting the "Confirm added distribution destination" button 2101 on the advertising scheduling screen 2100. As a result, in step S2003, the transmission unit 535 of the user terminal 102 sends a request to the management server 100 to display the distribution destination confirmation screen. This request to display the distribution destination confirmation screen includes, for example, the content name corresponding to the advertising scheduling screen 2100 (e.g., Office Channel).

[0176] In step S2004, the second management unit 504 of the management server 100 obtains information on the added distribution destinations included in the request to display the confirmation screen and creates a list of the added distribution destinations. For example, the second management unit 504 obtains information on the added distribution destinations 702 stored in the "Notification Management" item corresponding to the content name "Office Channel" included in the request to display the confirmation screen, from the content information 512 as shown in Figure 7(B).

[0177] In step S2005, the second management unit 504 deletes the acquired "notification management" information. For example, in the content information 512 shown in Figure 7(B), the second management unit 504 deletes the information for the "notification management" item corresponding to the content name "Office Channel".

[0178] In step S2006, the second management unit 504 creates a destination confirmation screen 2200, for example, as shown in Figure 22, which includes the information of the added destinations. In step S2007, the second management unit 504 sends the created destination confirmation screen 2200 to the user terminal 102. As a result, in step S2008, the display control unit 533 of the user terminal 102 displays the destination confirmation screen 2200 received from the management server 100 on a display unit such as the display 306.

[0179] Figure 22 shows an example of a destination confirmation screen according to the second embodiment. In the example in Figure 22, the destination confirmation screen 2200 displays a list of added destinations 2201. The destination confirmation screen 2200 also has a checkbox 2202, and by selecting the checkbox 2202, it is possible to set which of the added destinations will be added as destinations for content distribution.

[0180] In step S2009, the person in charge selects a distribution destination on the distribution destination confirmation screen 2200. For example, the person in charge selects the checkbox 2202 for the distribution destination to be added to the content distribution destination in the list of added distribution destinations 2201 on the distribution destination confirmation screen 2200, and then selects the "Save" button 2203. As a result, in step S2010, the operation reception unit 534 of the user terminal 102 temporarily stores the distribution destination information selected by the person in charge in the storage unit 536, etc. Then, in step S2011, the display control unit 533 of the user terminal 102 displays the advertisement scheduling screen 2100 again, as shown in Figure 21.

[0181] In step S2012, the person in charge performs a save operation, for example, by selecting the "Save" button 2102 on the advertisement arrangement screen 2100. As a result, the information provision system 1 performs a save process, for example, as shown in steps S1222 and S1223 of Figure 13.

[0182] As a result of the process shown in Figure 20, the user terminal 102, upon receiving notification from the management server 100, displays a delivery destination confirmation screen 2200 that shows a list of the added delivery destinations. Therefore, even when there are many delivery destinations to which content can be distributed, the person in charge can easily use the delivery destination confirmation screen 2200 to decide whether or not to distribute the content to the added delivery destinations.

[0183] As described above, according to each embodiment of the present invention, even if a distribution destination capable of receiving content is added after the content distribution destination has been set, it becomes easy to set (or identify) the added distribution destination as the content distribution destination.

[0184] <Supplement> Each function of the embodiments described above can be realized by one or more processing circuits. Hereinafter, "processing circuit" as used herein includes processors programmed to execute each function by software, such as processors implemented by electronic circuits, as well as devices such as ASICs (Application Specific Integrated Circuits), DSPs (digital signal processors), FPGAs (field programmable gate arrays), and conventional circuit modules designed to execute each function described above.

[0185] Furthermore, the apparatus described in the examples represents only one of several computing environments for carrying out the embodiments disclosed herein. In one embodiment, the management server 100 includes multiple computing devices, such as a server cluster. The multiple computing devices are configured to communicate with each other via any type of communication link, including networks and shared memory, and perform the processing disclosed herein. Moreover, each functional configuration of the management server 100 may be combined into a single server device or divided among multiple devices.

[0186] <Note> This specification discloses the following information processing devices, user terminals, information provision methods, and programs. (Section 1) An information processing device that delivers content to a recipient, A first management unit manages information on distribution destinations to which the content can be delivered, which is set on the first user terminal. A second management unit manages information about the content distribution destinations set on a second user terminal from among the distribution destinations to which the content can be distributed, When the first management unit receives an acceptance for the addition of a distribution destination to which the content can be distributed, a verification unit confirms whether the attributes of the added distribution destination match the attributes of the distribution destination of the content. If the matching attribute satisfies predetermined conditions, a notification unit notifies the second user terminal that a distribution destination capable of distributing the content has been added, An information processing device having (Section 2) The verification unit checks the number of matching attributes, The notification unit notifies the second user terminal that a distribution destination capable of delivering the content has been added if the number of matching attributes is greater than or equal to a predetermined number. The information processing device described in paragraph 1. (Section 3) The information processing device according to paragraph 1, wherein the notification unit notifies the second user terminal that a distribution destination capable of distributing the content has been added when the attributes of the added distribution destination match those of the content distribution destination. (Section 4) The verification unit compares a plurality of attributes pre-configured for the added distribution destination with a plurality of attributes pre-configured for the content distribution destination, as described in any of paragraphs 1 to 3. (Section 5) The first management unit further manages the attribute conditions of the content set on the first user terminal, The verification unit compares an attribute corresponding to the attribute condition of the content from among a plurality of attributes pre-set for the added distribution destination with an attribute corresponding to the attribute condition from among a plurality of attributes set for the content distribution destination, as described in any of paragraphs 1 to 3. (Section 6) The information processing device according to any one of paragraphs 1 to 5, wherein the predetermined conditions can be set from the first user terminal or the second user terminal. (Section 7) The second user terminal, after receiving the notification, displays a settings screen that shows the added delivery destinations. From the aforementioned settings screen, you can choose whether or not to add the added distribution destination to the distribution destinations of the content (item 8). A user terminal that can communicate with an information processing device that distributes content to a distribution destination via a communication network, A display control unit that displays a first setting screen for selecting a distribution destination for the content from among the distribution destinations to which the content can be distributed, and A receiving unit that receives a notification indicating that a distribution destination capable of distributing the aforementioned content has been added, It has, The display control unit is capable of displaying a second settings screen for setting whether or not to add the added distribution destination to the content distribution destinations when the receiving unit receives the notification. (Section 9) An information processing device that delivers content to a distribution destination, A first management process that manages information on distribution destinations to which the content set on the first user terminal can be distributed, A second management process manages information about the distribution destinations for the content set on a second user terminal, from among the distribution destinations to which the content can be distributed. When the first management process accepts the addition of a distribution destination to which the content can be distributed, a confirmation process is performed to verify that the attributes of the added distribution destination and the attributes of the content distribution destination match. If the matching attribute satisfies predetermined conditions, a notification process is performed to notify the second user terminal that a distribution destination capable of delivering the content has been added. A method of providing information to carry out the task. (Section 10) A program that causes a computer to execute the information provision method described in paragraph 9.

[0187] Although embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to these specific embodiments, and various modifications and applications are possible within the scope of the gist of the present invention as described in the claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0188] 1. Information Provision System 2. Communication Network 100 Management Server (Information Processing Device) 101 Administrator terminal (first user terminal) 102 User terminal (second user terminal, user terminal) 110 Display control device (distribution destination) 111 Display device (display section) 112 Display device (display unit) 300 Computers 503 1st Management Department 504 Second Management Department 508 Verification Section 509 Notification Department 512 Content Information 513 Broadcast slot information 1120 Editing screen (first settings screen) 2200 Delivery destination confirmation screen (settings screen, second settings screen) [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0189] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2020-042508

Claims

1. An information processing device that delivers content to a recipient, A first management unit manages information on distribution destinations to which the content can be delivered, which is set on the first user terminal. A second management unit manages information about the content distribution destinations set on a second user terminal from among the distribution destinations to which the content can be distributed, When the first management unit receives a request to add a distribution destination to which the content can be distributed, a verification unit compares the attributes of the added distribution destination with the attributes of the content's distribution destination and confirms that the attributes match. If the matching attribute satisfies predetermined conditions, a notification unit notifies the second user terminal that a distribution destination capable of distributing the content has been added, An information processing device having

2. The verification unit checks the number of matching attributes, The notification unit notifies the second user terminal that a distribution destination capable of delivering the content has been added if the number of matching attributes is greater than or equal to a predetermined number. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1.

3. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the notification unit notifies the second user terminal that a distribution destination capable of distributing the content has been added when all the attributes of the added distribution destination and the attributes of the content distribution destination match.

4. The information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the verification unit compares a plurality of attributes pre-set for the added distribution destination with a plurality of attributes pre-set for the content distribution destination.

5. The first management unit further manages the attribute conditions of the content set on the first user terminal, The information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the verification unit compares an attribute corresponding to the attribute condition of the content from among a plurality of attributes pre-set for the added distribution destination with an attribute corresponding to the attribute condition from among a plurality of attributes set for the content distribution destination.

6. The information processing device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the predetermined conditions can be set from the first user terminal or the second user terminal.

7. The second user terminal, after receiving the notification, displays a settings screen that shows the added distribution destinations. The information processing device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein it is possible to set whether or not to add the added distribution destination to the distribution destination of the content from the settings screen.

8. A user terminal that can communicate with an information processing device that distributes content to a distribution destination via a communication network, A display control unit that displays a first setting screen for selecting a distribution destination for the content from among the distribution destinations to which the content can be distributed, and A receiving unit that receives a notification indicating that a distribution destination capable of distributing the aforementioned content has been added, It has, The display control unit is capable of displaying a second settings screen for setting whether or not to add the added distribution destination to the content distribution destinations when the receiving unit receives the notification.

9. An information processing device that delivers content to a distribution destination, A first management process that manages information on distribution destinations to which the content set on the first user terminal can be distributed, A second management process manages information about the distribution destinations for the content set on a second user terminal from among the distribution destinations to which the content can be distributed, When the first management process accepts the addition of a distribution destination to which the content can be distributed, a confirmation process is performed to compare the attributes of the added distribution destination with the attributes of the content's distribution destination and to confirm that the attributes match. If the matching attribute satisfies predetermined conditions, a notification process is performed to notify the second user terminal that a distribution destination capable of distributing the content has been added. A method of providing information to carry out the task.

10. A program that causes a computer to execute the information provision method described in claim 9.

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