Content processing device, content processing system, and program

Abstract

To provide a content processing device, a content processing system, and a program for outputting content having an advertising effect to viewers who are able to view the content.SOLUTION: A content processing server 1 includes a viewer determination unit 12 that determines whether there is a viewer who is able to view content output to a display 31; a content determination unit 13 that determines content stored in a content storage unit 22 that corresponds to a reproduction frame according to a reproduction list 41 stored in a reproduction list storage unit 23; and a content output unit 14 that outputs the content determined by the content determination unit 13 to the display 31. When the viewer determination unit 12 determines that there is not any viewer, the content determination unit 13 determines that alternative content with no specified reproduction time is the content corresponding to the reproduction frame.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

Technical Field

[0005]

[0001] The present invention relates to a content processing device, a content processing system, and a program.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, many advertising spaces have been provided in places where many people gather, such as stations and city centers. These days, advertising using digital images and videos by advertising display devices typified by digital signage has become mainstream. In such conventional digital signage, often the same advertisements in the same order are played all the time, whether someone is watching or not. This is because the work of replacing or changing the order of advertisements takes time and effort, and it is difficult to determine who is watching and for how long. However, in recent years, digital signage advertising has also been evolving into a targetable medium. Under such circumstances, for example, an information processing device that provides content specialized for residents by installing a digital signage screen in an elevator or entrance of an apartment building has been disclosed (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

[0006] The present invention solves the above problem by the following means. The first invention is a content processing device comprising: a playback list storage unit that stores a playback list in which the playback time and playback order of content to be output to a display device are shown in playback frames; a content storage unit that stores a plurality of content; a viewer determination means that determines whether or not there is a viewer who can view the content to be output to the display device; a content determination means that determines the content in the content storage unit that corresponds to the playback frame according to the playback list stored in the playback list storage unit; and a content output means that outputs the content determined by the content determination means to the display device, wherein the content determination means determines, when the viewer determination means determines that there is no viewer, to be alternative content without a specified playback time as the content corresponding to the playback frame. The second invention is a content processing device of the first invention, wherein at least some of the multiple contents stored in the content storage unit have a playback time set, and the content determination means determines, when the viewer determination means determines that there is a viewer, the contents in the content storage unit that have a playback time set that can be played within the range of the playback frame as the content corresponding to the playback frame. The third invention is a content processing device of the second invention, wherein the content determination means determines, when the viewer determination means determines that there is a viewer, and there is no content in the content storage unit for which a playback time that can be played within the playback frame range has been set, the alternative content is determined to be the content corresponding to the playback frame. The fourth invention is a content processing device in any of the first to third inventions, wherein the viewer determination means determines whether there is a viewer when playback of the content corresponding to the playback frame on the display device ends, and the content determination means determines the alternative content as the content corresponding to the next playback frame when the viewer determination means determines that there is no viewer. The fifth invention is a content processing device in any of the first to fourth inventions, comprising: attribute acquisition means for acquiring attribute information of viewers who can view the display device; viewer history registration means for registering viewer history information, including the attribute information and date and time acquired by the attribute acquisition means, in a usage history storage unit; and viewer analysis means for analyzing trends in the attribute information relating to the viewer on a day of the week and / or time, based on the viewer history information stored in the usage history storage unit, wherein the content storage unit stores the content in association with attribute conditions, and the content determination means determines the content corresponding to the playback slot based on the analysis result by the viewer analysis means and the attribute conditions of the content storage unit when the viewer determination means determines that there is a viewer. The sixth invention is a content processing device of the fifth invention, wherein the content determination means determines, when the viewer determination means determines that there is a viewer, and when content cannot be determined based on the analysis results by the viewer analysis means and the attribute conditions of the content storage unit, the alternative content is determined to be the content corresponding to the playback frame. The seventh invention is a content processing device according to the fifth or sixth invention, comprising a device location storage unit that stores installation location information relating to the location where the display device is installed, the viewer history registration means registers the viewer history information, which further includes the installation location information, in the usage history storage unit, and the viewer analysis means further analyzes the trend of attribute information relating to the viewer at the installation location of the display device based on the viewer history information stored in the usage history storage unit. The eighth invention is a content processing device according to any of the first to seventh inventions, wherein the display device is provided in a predetermined space, and the viewer determination means determines that a viewer is present when a person is in the predetermined space. The ninth invention is a content processing device according to any of the first to eighth inventions, wherein the content storage unit includes billable advertising content, and the content output unit includes a performance registration means for registering playback performance information relating to the content output by the content output means in the playback performance storage unit, and the viewer determination means confirms the number of viewers when the content determination means determines the billable advertising content, and the performance registration means registers the playback performance information, which further includes the number of viewers confirmed by the viewer determination means, in the playback performance storage unit. The tenth invention is a content processing system that includes a content processing device and a display device, which are any of the first to ninth inventions. The eleventh invention is a program for causing a computer to function as a content processing device of any of the first through ninth inventions. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a content processing device, a content processing system, and a program for outputting content that has an advertising effect to viewers who are in a position to view it. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] This figure shows the overall configuration of the content processing system according to this embodiment. [Figure 2] This diagram shows the functional blocks of the content processing server according to this embodiment. [Figure 3] This figure shows an example of the storage unit of the content processing server according to this embodiment. [Figure 4]This figure shows an example of a playlist stored in the playlist storage unit of the content processing server according to this embodiment. [Figure 5] This figure shows an example of the screen configuration output to the display according to this embodiment. [Figure 6] This is a flowchart showing the content output process of the content processing server according to this embodiment. [Figure 7] This is a continuation of Figure 6. [Figure 8] This is a flowchart showing the variable billing content processing of the content processing server according to this embodiment. [Figure 9] This flowchart shows the viewer analysis process of the content processing server according to this embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0009] The following describes embodiments for carrying out the present invention with reference to the figures. However, this is merely an example, and the technical scope of the present invention is not limited thereto. (Embodiment) <Overall configuration of content processing system 100> Figure 1 is a diagram showing the overall configuration of the content processing system 100 according to this embodiment. Figure 2 shows the functional blocks of the content processing server 1 according to this embodiment. Figure 3 shows an example of the storage unit 20 of the content processing server 1 according to this embodiment. Figure 4 shows an example of a playlist 41 stored in the playlist storage unit 23 of the content processing server 1 according to this embodiment.

[0010] The content processing system 100 shown in FIG. 1 performs processing related to the content output to the display 31 (display device) by the content processing server 1 (content processing device). At that time, the content processing server 1 determines the presence or absence of the viewer P who can view the display 31, and if it is determined that there is no viewer P, it decides to output alternative content. Further, when it is determined that the viewer P is present, the content processing server 1 decides to output the content with the playback time set to be playable within the range of the playback frame.

[0011] The content processing system 100 includes a content processing server 1, an external server 4 (4A, 4B,...), a display 31 and a camera 32 installed in the elevator 3 (predetermined space), and each is connected via a communication network N. In FIG. 1, only one elevator 3 is shown, but the content processing system 100 may include a plurality of elevators 3. Further, the display 31 and the camera 32 may be directly connected to the communication network N, or may be connected to the communication network N via a base station or the like not shown. The communication network N is, for example, a communication network such as an Internet line. Further, the communication network N may be wired or wireless.

[0012] <Content processing server 1> The content processing server 1 is a server that determines the content to be output to the display 31 and performs the process of outputting the determined content to the display 31. The content processing server 1 is, for example, possessed by an advertising intermediary that matches a plurality of companies that own the display 31 with a plurality of advertisers that have content.

[0013] As shown in FIG. 2, the content processing server 1 includes a control unit 10, a storage unit 20, and a communication interface unit 29. The control unit 10 is a central processing unit (CPU) that controls the entire content processing server 1. The control unit 10 works in cooperation with the aforementioned hardware to perform various functions by appropriately reading and executing the operating system (OS) and various application programs stored in the memory unit 20.

[0014] Before explaining the control unit 10, let's explain the storage unit 20. The storage unit 20 is a storage device such as a hard disk or semiconductor memory element for storing programs, data, etc., necessary for the operation of the content processing server 1. The memory unit 20 includes a program memory unit 21, a content memory unit 22, a playback list memory unit 23, a display position memory unit 24 (device position memory unit), a playback history memory unit 25 (usage history memory unit, playback performance memory unit), and an analysis result memory unit 26.

[0015] The program storage unit 21 is a memory area for storing various programs. The program storage unit 21 stores various programs, including, for example, the content processing program 21a (program). The content processing program 21a is a program for performing various functions executed by the control unit 10, which will be described later. The content storage unit 22 is a storage area that stores content acquired from the external server 4 (described later) and output to the display 31.

[0016] Figure 3(A) illustrates the various items in the content storage unit 22. The content storage unit 22 has the following items, using the content ID (IDentification) as the key: output target, type, attribute conditions, content data, and playback time. A content ID is an identifier used to uniquely identify content. The output target indicates which of the multiple screen areas output to display 31 should be targeted. Specific examples of the multiple screen areas output to display 31 will be described later. In this example, the output targets could be, for example, the main screen, the side screen, and the footer screen.

[0017] The "Type" indicates the type of content. In this example, content types include, for example, fixed content and variable-fee content (advertising content subject to charges). Here, fixed content refers to content with predetermined content. Fixed content includes still image content, content with no fixed playback time that involves continuous similar movements, and video content. Fixed content includes alternative content. Alternative content is content without a specified playback time, such as filler content. Examples of filler content include landscape images and text content such as "Please wait." On the other hand, variable-fee content refers to content that becomes subject to charges based on the viewer P's viewing, such as video content that includes advertisements.

[0018] Attribute conditions indicate the target attributes of the content. Examples of attribute conditions include age group and gender. The content data is the content itself that is broadcast on the display 31, and is, for example, video content or still image content. Playback time refers to the time it takes to play the content data. For variable-rate content, the playback time may be a predetermined time, for example, it may be one of three playback times: 6-second, 15-second, or 20-second ads.

[0019] As a concrete example, examples of variable-rate content stored in the content storage unit 22 may include money-related content or golf-related content, with the attribute condition being that the user is a man in his 40s or 50s.

[0020] The playback list storage unit 23 is a storage area that stores a playback list indicating the order in which content to be output to the display 31. The playback list shows the playback time and playback order of the content to be output to the display 31, indicated by playback frames. An example of a playlist 41 stored in the playlist storage unit 23 is shown in Figure 4. The playback list 41 shown in Figure 4 is a tabular list that shows the playback order vertically and the screen area to be played horizontally. The playback order is sequential, starting from 1. Content processing server 1 uses the playback list 41 to play the content sequentially from 1, and when it reaches the end, it returns to 1 and repeats the process.

[0021] Each playback slot has a predetermined time setting and can display multiple pieces of content. For example, the advertising slot on the main screen is set to 170 seconds, while the information content slots for greetings and lifestyle topics are set to 60 seconds. The side screen and footer screen, for example, are each set to 10 seconds. According to the playlist 41 shown in Figure 4, in the main screen area, content is played sequentially starting from content with playback order 1, and after content with playback order 12 has been played, it returns to content with playback order 1 and continues playing. In the side screen, content with playback order 1 is played first, then content with playback order 2 is played, and then content with playback order 1 is played again. Furthermore, the playback list storage unit 23 may store multiple playback lists that differ by day, day of the week, month, etc., so that the appropriate playback list is used depending on the date.

[0022] The display location memory unit 24 in Figure 2 is a memory area that stores information (installation location information) regarding the installation location of the display 31. The display location memory unit 24 may store, for example, the installation location, whether it is indoors or outdoors, and the monitor size, using the display ID that identifies the display 31 as a key.

[0023] The playback history storage unit 25 is a storage area that stores content playback history information. Playback history information includes viewer history information related to viewer P and playback performance information related to content. Figure 3(B) shows examples of each item in the playback history storage unit 25. The playback history storage unit 25 includes the following items: playback date and time, content ID, display ID, attribute information, number of viewers, and billing amount. The playback date and time is the date and time the content was played. The Content ID is the identifier for the content being played. The display ID is the identification information of the display 31 on which the content was output. The attribute information refers to the attribute information of the viewer P who is able to view the display 31. The number of viewers is the number of viewers P who are able to view display 31. If there are no viewers (P), the attribute information and viewer count fields will be left blank. The charge amount is the amount derived from the number of viewers when the content indicated by the content ID is variable-rate content.

[0024] The analysis result storage unit 26 shown in Figure 2 is a storage area that stores analysis results obtained by analyzing the attribute information of viewers P who can view the display 31. The analysis result storage unit 26 stores, for example, analysis results that associate time periods with attribute information. The analysis result storage unit 26 may also associate display IDs. The analysis result storage unit 26 stores information such as, for example, that on a certain display 31, the usage is mainly by men in their 30s to 50s around 7 AM, and by women in their 30s to 40s and children around 8 AM. Note that the memory units and items of the memory unit 20 described above are just examples.

[0025] Next, the control unit 10 will be described. The control unit 10 includes a playback frame confirmation unit 11, a viewer determination unit 12 (viewer determination means), a content determination unit 13 (content determination means), a content output unit 14 (content output means), an attribute acquisition processing unit 15 (attribute acquisition means), a performance registration unit 16 (viewer history registration means, performance registration means), and a viewer analysis unit 17 (viewer analysis means).

[0026] The playback frame confirmation unit 11 checks the playback frame by referring to the playback list 41 (see Figure 4) stored in the playback list storage unit 23. The viewer determination unit 12 determines whether there are any viewers P who can view the content output to the display 31. For example, the viewer determination unit 12 analyzes the captured images continuously acquired from the camera 32 to determine whether there are any viewers P. In addition to determining whether there are any viewers P, the viewer determination unit 12 also checks the number of viewers if there are viewers P.

[0027] The content determination unit 13 determines the content corresponding to the playback slot of the playlist 41 confirmed by the playback slot confirmation unit 11. If the content determination unit 13 determines that there is no viewer P, as determined by the viewer determination unit 12, it determines alternative content to be the content corresponding to the playback slot. Furthermore, if the content determination unit 13 determines that there is a viewer P by the viewer determination unit 12, it determines content with a playback time set that can be played within the confirmed playback frame as the content corresponding to the playback frame. At that time, the content determination unit 13 determines content in the content storage unit 22 that matches the analysis results stored in the analysis result storage unit 26 and the attribute conditions of the content storage unit 22 as the content corresponding to the playback frame. Also, if there is no content in the content storage unit 22 that matches the analysis results stored in the analysis result storage unit 26 and the attribute conditions of the content storage unit 22, the content determination unit 13 determines, for example, alternative content as the content corresponding to the playback frame. Furthermore, if there is no content in the content storage unit 22 with a playback time set that can be played within the confirmed playback frame, the content determination unit 13 also determines alternative content as the content corresponding to the playback frame.

[0028] The content output unit 14 outputs the content determined by the content determination unit 13 to the display 31. The attribute acquisition processing unit 15 acquires attribute information of the viewer P who can view the display 31. The attribute acquisition processing unit 15 acquires attribute information of the viewer P by, for example, analyzing captured images continuously acquired from the camera 32. The attribute information includes, for example, age group (age group) and gender.

[0029] The performance registration unit 16 registers the playback history information, which includes viewer history information including attribute information, playback date and time and display ID, and playback performance information including content ID and number of viewers, in the playback history storage unit 25. The viewer analysis unit 17 analyzes, for example, the trends in viewer P's attribute information by day of the week and / or time, based on the playback history information stored in the playback history storage unit 25. The viewer analysis unit 17 then stores the analysis results related to the attribute information in the analysis result storage unit 26. Details of each of these functions will be described later.

[0030] The communication interface unit 29 shown in Figure 1 is an interface for communication between the display 31, camera 32, and external servers 4 (4A, 4B, ...) via the communication network N. Furthermore, a computer refers to an information processing device equipped with a control unit, memory device, etc., and the content processing server 1 is an information processing device equipped with a control unit 10, a memory unit 20, etc., and is included in the concept of a computer.

[0031] <Display 31> Display 31 is, for example, a digital signage installed in elevator 3 and has a monitor such as an LCD display. Display 31 is installed in elevator 3 in various locations, and the monitor size may vary. Display 31 outputs content received from content processing server 1 to the corresponding screen area.

[0032] Here, we will explain an example of the screen of display 31. Figure 5 shows an example of the configuration of the screen 50 output to the display 31 according to this embodiment. The screen 50 shown in Figure 5 consists of a main screen area 51, a side screen area 52, and a footer screen area 53. The main screen area 51 is the main screen area. The main screen area 51 is the largest of the three screen areas. Content is output to the main screen area 51 depending on whether or not there is a viewer P. The side screen area 52 is a screen area that primarily displays content related to weather information. The footer screen area 53 is a screen area that primarily displays news-related content and time-related content.

[0033] <Camera 32> The camera 32 in Figure 1 is positioned near the display 31 and capable of capturing images of the viewer P of the display 31. In the example in Figure 1, the camera 32 is mounted on the ceiling of the elevator 3. The camera 32 continuously captures images and transmits the captured images to the content processing server 1.

[0034] <External Server 4> The external servers 4 (4A, 4B, ...) shown in Figure 1 are, for example, servers that hold various types of content. External server 4A is, for example, a server that holds news content and weather information content, while external server 4B is, for example, a server that holds variable billing content, such as advertising content requested by advertisers. External server 4 may also be a server that holds other variable billing content, such as ad network advertising content, or direct advertising content. Although not shown in the diagram, each external server 4 includes a control unit, a storage unit, a communication interface unit, and the like.

[0035] <Explanation of the process> Next, the processing of the content processing system 100 will be described. Assuming that the content processing system 100 is performing processing, the content processing server 1 receives content from an external server 4, for example, periodically, so that the content storage unit 22 has multiple content items stored in it.

[0036] Figures 6 and 7 are flowcharts showing the content output process of the content processing server 1 according to this embodiment. Figure 8 is a flowchart showing the variable billing content processing of the content processing server 1 according to this embodiment. This content output process is scheduled to take place, for example, during a predetermined period of time (e.g., from 4:00 AM to 2:00 AM the following day), and the process begins at the predetermined time. Furthermore, this content output process mainly concerns content to be output to the main screen area 51 (see Figure 5).

[0037] In step S (hereinafter referred to simply as "S") 11 of Figure 6, the control unit 10 (playback frame confirmation unit 11) of the content processing server 1 refers to the playback list 41 stored in the playback list storage unit 23 and confirms the playback frame. In S12, the control unit 10 (viewer determination unit 12) acquires the captured image from the camera 32. In S13, the control unit 10 (viewer determination unit 12) performs image analysis processing to analyze the captured image. Specifically, the control unit 10 uses known image recognition technology, such as person recognition technology, to confirm the presence or absence of a person in the captured image.

[0038] In S14, the control unit 10 determines whether the playback frame confirmed in S11 is for fixed content. If the confirmed playback frame is for fixed content (S14: YES), the control unit 10 moves the process to S15. On the other hand, if the confirmed playback frame is not for fixed content (S14: NO), the control unit 10 moves the process to S16. In S15, the control unit 10 (content determination unit 13, content output unit 14) retrieves the fixed content corresponding to the playback frame from the content storage unit 22 and outputs it to the display 31. After that, the control unit 10 moves the process to S21 in Figure 7. On the other hand, in S16, the control unit 10 performs variable billing content processing.

[0039] Here, we will explain the processing of variable billing content based on Figure 8. In S31 of Figure 8, the control unit 10 (viewer determination unit 12) determines whether or not there is a viewer P using the processing result from the process in S13 of Figure 6. If it is confirmed that a person is visible in the image taken by the camera 32 inside the elevator 3, the control unit 10 determines that there is a viewer P. If there is a viewer P (S31: YES), the control unit 10 moves the process to S32. On the other hand, if there is no viewer P (S31: NO), the control unit 10 moves the process to S39.

[0040] In S32, the control unit 10 (content determination unit 13) determines whether or not there is variable billing content in the content storage unit 22 that can be played within the playback frame. If there is variable billing content that can be played within the playback frame (S32: YES), the control unit 10 moves the process to S33. On the other hand, if there is no variable billing content that can be played within the playback frame (S32: NO), the control unit 10 moves the process to S39.

[0041] In S33, the control unit 10 (content determination unit 13) extracts variable-rate content corresponding to the analysis results stored in the analysis result storage unit 26 from the content storage unit 22 and outputs it to the display 31. If the variable-rate content playable within the playback frame does not correspond to the analysis results stored in the analysis result storage unit 26, the control unit 10 extracts alternative content from the content storage unit 22 and outputs it to the display 31. In S34, the control unit 10 (attribute acquisition processing unit 15) acquires attribute information of viewer P. The control unit 10 acquires information regarding the age and gender of a person obtained by the image analysis processing in S13 of Figure 6 as attribute information of viewer P. The control unit 10 can acquire attribute information of viewer P by using known techniques for acquiring information regarding the age and gender of a person from an image.

[0042] In S35, the control unit 10 determines whether the output content is alternative content. If it is alternative content (S35: YES), the control unit 10 moves the process to S23 in Figure 7, which will be described later. On the other hand, if it is not alternative content (S35: NO), the control unit 10 moves the process to S36. In S36, the control unit 10 (performance registration unit 16) calculates the charge amount according to the number of viewers P. After that, the control unit 10 moves the process to S23 in Figure 7, which will be described later. On the other hand, in S39, the control unit 10 (content determination unit 13, content output unit 14) acquires alternative content from the content storage unit 22 and outputs it to the display 31. After that, the control unit 10 moves the process to S11 in Figure 6.

[0043] In S21 of Figure 7, the control unit 10 (viewer determination unit 12) determines whether or not there is a viewer P using the processing result from the process in S13 of Figure 6. If there is a viewer P (S21: YES), the control unit 10 moves the process to S22. On the other hand, if there is no viewer P (S21: NO), the control unit 10 moves the process to S23. In S22, the control unit 10 (attribute acquisition processing unit 15) acquires attribute information of viewer P.

[0044] In S23, the control unit 10 (performance registration unit 16) registers the playback history information in the playback history storage unit 25. Here, the playback history information includes the playback date and time, the content ID of the outputted content, and the display ID. In addition, if there is a viewer P, the playback history information also includes the attribute information of viewer P and the number of viewers. Furthermore, if the charge amount has been calculated, the playback history information also includes the charge amount. In S24, the control unit 10 determines whether or not to terminate playback. As described above, when the predetermined time (2:00 the next day) arrives, the control unit 10 determines to terminate playback. If playback is terminated (S24: YES), the control unit 10 terminates this process. On the other hand, if playback is not terminated (S24: NO), the control unit 10 moves the process to S11 in Figure 6.

[0045] The above describes the processing of content output to the main screen area 51. Furthermore, regarding the output process to the side screen area 52 and footer screen area 53, the control unit 10, for example, refers to the playlist 41, determines the content to be output, and repeatedly extracts the determined content from the content storage unit 22 and outputs it. In this way, the viewer P can see content that takes attribute information into account and is output to the main screen area 51 better than the content of the side screen and footer screen that is repeatedly output.

[0046] Here, we will explain a specific example of variable billing content processing. If 160 seconds have already passed in a 170-second playback slot, leaving 10 seconds remaining, and there is, for example, a 6-second variable-rate content, the control unit 10 outputs the 6-second variable-rate content to the display 31 (S33 in Figure 8). This leaves 166 seconds of the 170-second playback slot, with 4 seconds remaining. Since there is no 4-second variable-rate content available, the control unit 10 outputs alternative content to the display 31 (S39 in Figure 8).

[0047] Next, we will explain the process of generating the analysis results used to determine the content. Figure 9 is a flowchart showing the viewer analysis process of the content processing server 1 according to this embodiment. This audience analysis process will be carried out at appropriate intervals, such as once a month. In S41 of Figure 9, the control unit 10 (viewer analysis unit 17) of the content processing server 1 extracts playback history information stored in the playback history storage unit 25 for each display 31 based on the display ID. In S42, the control unit 10 (viewer analysis unit 17) analyzes the trends in attribute information of the extracted playback history information for each day of the week and / or time based on the playback date and time. In S43, the control unit 10 (viewer analysis unit 17) stores the analysis results in the analysis result storage unit 26. After that, the control unit 10 terminates this process.

[0048] In this way, by storing the analysis results in the analysis result storage unit 26, the content processing server 1 can use the analysis results to determine content suitable for viewer P when deciding on content. Furthermore, by periodically updating the analysis results, the server can store analysis results that reflect the viewer's behavior history in a more recent state.

[0049] Thus, according to this embodiment, the content processing server 1 has the following effects. (1) According to the playlist 41 stored in the playlist storage unit 23, the content stored in the content storage unit 22 that corresponds to the playback slot is determined, the determined content is output to the display 31, and it is determined whether there is a viewer P who can view the display 31. If it is determined that there is no viewer P, alternative content without a specified playback time is determined as the content corresponding to the playback slot. Therefore, if there is no viewer P on display 31, alternative content can be output, and content with advertising effects can not be output.

[0050] (2) At least some of the content stored in the content storage unit 22 has a set playback time. When it is determined that there is a viewer P, the content with a playback time that can be played within the playback frame is determined to be the content corresponding to the playback frame. If there is no content in the content storage unit 22 with a playback time that can be played within the playback frame, alternative content is determined to be the content corresponding to the playback frame. Therefore, Viewer P can be shown variable-rate content from the beginning, and will not be shown variable-rate content midway through playback. In addition, to ensure that Viewer P can see the variable-rate content to the end, it is possible to prevent the output of content that would cause playback to stop midway. (3) When playback of the content corresponding to the playback slot ends on the display 31, the presence or absence of viewer P is determined, and if it is determined that there is no viewer P, alternative content is selected as the content corresponding to the next playback slot. Therefore, the content to be output to the display 31 can be determined at the timing of content output in the next playback frame.

[0051] (4) Attribute information of viewers P who can view the display 31 is obtained from images captured by the camera 32, and viewer history information including the obtained attribute information and date and time is registered in the playback history storage unit 25, and the trend of viewer P's attribute information on the day of the week and / or time is analyzed based on the viewer history information registered in the playback history storage unit 25. If it is determined that there is a viewer P, the content corresponding to the playback slot is determined based on the analysis results and the attribute conditions of the content storage unit 22. Furthermore, if it is determined that there is a viewer P, and if content corresponding to the playback slot cannot be determined based on the analysis results and the attribute conditions of the content storage unit 22, alternative content is determined as the content corresponding to the playback slot. Therefore, content useful to viewer P can be output to the display 31 depending on the day of the week and time of day. Furthermore, irrelevant content can be prevented from being output to the display 31. As a result, in the case of advertising content, viewer P's impression of the advertisement can be improved.

[0052] (5) Viewer history information, including the display ID, is registered in the playback history storage unit 25, and the trend of viewer P attribute information for each display ID on a given day and / or time is analyzed based on the viewer history information registered in the playback history storage unit 25. Therefore, by analyzing the trends in viewer P's attribute information for each display 31, more detailed analysis results can be obtained. Then, using the analysis results, content useful to viewer P can be output to the display 31.

[0053] (6) When the advertising content subject to billing is determined, the number of viewers is further determined, and playback history information including the determined number of viewers is registered in the playback history storage unit 25 as playback history information for the content output to the display 31. Therefore, the amount charged to advertisers for advertising content can be calculated from the content ID and the number of viewers.

[0054] Although embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above. Furthermore, the effects described in the embodiments are merely a list of the most preferred effects arising from the present invention, and the effects of the present invention are not limited to those described in the embodiments. The embodiments described above and the modified forms described later can be used in combination as appropriate, but a detailed explanation is omitted.

[0055] (Transformed form) (1) In this embodiment, the content storage unit is described as being located in the content processing server, but it is not limited to this. The content storage unit may be stored in each external server. In that case, the content processing server can receive the content itself from the external server each time. In this way, the content processing server does not need to manage the advertising content itself.

[0056] (2) In this embodiment, an example was described in which content is output to a display 31 installed in an elevator, but it is not limited to this. Other predetermined spaces may be taxis or private rooms such as karaoke boxes. Furthermore, it is not limited to predetermined spaces. (3) In this embodiment, the presence or absence of viewers P is determined using a camera 32 as an example, but the invention is not limited to this. Various sensors may be used to determine the presence or absence of viewers. For example, an infrared sensor may be used. In addition, to obtain the presence or absence of viewers and viewer attribute information, for example, the number of viewers may be determined by Wi-Fi signals or beacon signals transmitted from a mobile terminal carried by a person, and viewer attribute information may be obtained based on the ID of each signal.

[0057] (4) In this embodiment, we have described an example in which content is determined using the results of an analysis of viewer P's attribute information, but we are not limited to this. For example, content may also be determined using index information such as weather information. Doing so would allow us to output content that is even more useful to the viewer. In this embodiment, the example described is one in which alternative content is output if variable-rate content cannot be determined using the analysis results. If the analysis results are not stored in the analysis result storage unit, that is, if this process has just started, alternative content will be output. Therefore, if the analysis results are not stored in the analysis result storage unit, for example, pre-configured variable-rate content may be output.

[0058] (5) In this embodiment, the trend of attribute information of the extracted playback history information has been described as being analyzed by day of the week and / or time based on the playback date and time, but it is not limited to this. For example, weather information such as weather and temperature may be added to the analysis. Furthermore, the content processing server may take current weather information into consideration when determining the content.

[0059] (6) In this embodiment, the screen area output to the display 31 has been described as consisting of the main screen, side screen, and footer screen areas, but it is not limited to this. At least one screen area is sufficient. Furthermore, although this embodiment describes an example where fixed content is output to the side screen area and footer screen area, the content may be changed depending on whether or not there is a viewer, similar to the main screen area.

[0060] (7) In this embodiment, landscape image content was used as an example of alternative content, but it is not limited to this. Other image content may be used, or content without an image. The alternative content may also be text content.

[0061] (8) In this embodiment, the content processing server and the display are described as separate devices, but the embodiment is not limited to this. A display device that also functions as a content processing server may be used. In that case, the display position storage unit may not be necessary. [Explanation of symbols]

[0062] 1. Content Processing Server 3 Elevator 4,4A,4B External Servers 10 Control Unit 11. Playback frame confirmation section 12 Viewer Judging Section 13. Content Decision Department 14. Content Output Section 15. Attribute acquisition processing unit 16. Performance Registration Department 17 Viewer Analysis Department 20 Memory section 21a Content Processing Program 22 Content storage unit 23 Playlist Memory 24 Display position memory unit 25 Playback history memory unit 26 Analysis result storage unit 31 displays 32 cameras 41 Playlist 50 screens 51 Main screen area 52 Side screen area 53 Footer screen area 100 Content Processing Systems

Claims

1. A playback list storage unit stores a playback list that shows the playback time and playback order of content to be output to a display device in a playback frame, A content storage unit that stores multiple contents, A viewer determination means for determining whether there are viewers who can view the content output to the display device, Content determination means for determining the content in the content storage unit that corresponds to the playback frame according to the playback list stored in the playback list storage unit, Content output means for outputting the content determined by the content determination means to the display device, Equipped with, The content determination means is a content processing device that, when the viewer determination means determines that there is no viewer, determines that alternative content without a specified playback time is the content corresponding to the playback slot.

2. In the content processing apparatus according to claim 1, At least some of the multiple contents stored in the content storage unit have a playback time set for them. The content determination means, when the viewer determination means determines that there is a viewer, determines the content in the content storage unit, which has a playback time set that can be played within the range of the playback frame, as the content corresponding to the playback frame.

3. In the content processing apparatus according to claim 2, The content determination means determines, when the viewer determination means determines that there is a viewer, and there is no content in the content storage unit for which a playback time that can be played within the playback frame range has been set, the alternative content is determined to be the content corresponding to the playback frame.

4. In the content processing apparatus according to claim 1, The viewer determination means determines whether or not there is a viewer when playback of the content corresponding to the playback frame on the display device ends, The content determination means is a content processing device that, when the viewer determination means determines that there is no viewer, determines the alternative content to be the content corresponding to the next playback slot.

5. In the content processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4, An attribute acquisition means for acquiring attribute information of the viewer who can view the display device, A viewer history registration means registers viewer history information, including the attribute information and date and time acquired by the attribute acquisition means, into a usage history storage unit. A viewer analysis means that analyzes the trends in attribute information relating to the viewer on a given day of the week and / or time, based on the viewer history information stored in the usage history storage unit, Equipped with, The content storage unit stores the content in association with attribute conditions. The content determination means is a content processing device that, when the viewer determination means determines that there is a viewer, determines the content corresponding to the playback frame based on the analysis results by the viewer analysis means and the attribute conditions of the content storage unit.

6. In the content processing apparatus according to claim 5, The content determination means determines, when the viewer determination means determines that there is a viewer, and when content cannot be determined based on the analysis results by the viewer analysis means and the attribute conditions of the content storage unit, the alternative content is determined as content corresponding to the playback slot.

7. In the content processing apparatus according to claim 5, The device includes a device location storage unit that stores installation location information relating to the location where the aforementioned display device is installed. The viewer history registration means registers the viewer history information, which further includes the installation location information, in the usage history storage unit. The viewer analysis means is a content processing device that, based on the viewer history information stored in the usage history storage unit, further analyzes the trends in attribute information relating to the viewer at the installation location of the display device.

8. In the content processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4, The display device is provided in a predetermined space, The viewer determination means is a content processing device that determines that a viewer is present when there is a person in the predetermined space.

9. In the content processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4, The content storage unit includes advertising content subject to billing, The system includes a performance registration means for registering playback performance information related to the content output by the content output means into a playback performance storage unit. The viewer determination means confirms the number of viewers when the content determination means determines the advertising content subject to billing. The performance registration means is a content processing device that registers the playback performance information, which further includes the number of viewers confirmed by the viewer determination means, in the playback performance storage unit.

10. A content processing system comprising a content processing device and a display device according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

11. Computers, A means for determining whether there are viewers who can view the content output to the display device, A content determination means determines the content stored in the content storage unit that corresponds to a playback frame, according to a playback list that shows the playback time and playback order of the content to be output to the display device stored in the playback list storage unit, and the content stored in the content storage unit that corresponds to the playback frame. Content output means for outputting the content determined by the content determination means to the display device, and make it work A program that causes the content determination means to function such that, when the viewer determination means determines that there is no viewer, it determines that alternative content without a specified playback time is the content corresponding to the playback slot.

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