Improved integrated signage management system

Abstract

The present invention provides an integrated signage management system, wherein the system comprises a main server, a station connected to the main server, and a plurality of displays connected to the main server; the station is an electronic device comprising a terminal capable of wired or wireless communication with an administrator, agent, or user capable of monitoring and controlling the system; the display is a signage display device and comprises a display unit for delivering advertisements, promotions, or messages and a controller; the controller integrally incorporates a program unit along with a communication interface capable of communication; the program unit incorporates a program for controlling or adjusting the displays, which includes signage content, content control, and a display method including the display time or cycle of the signage, thereby enabling the programs of the plurality of displays to be automatically updated or changed without visiting the display installation location. Additionally, environmental information such as the temperature and humidity of the displays is transmitted to the station via the server.

Description

Technology Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an improved signage integrated management system. Background Technology

[0002] Signage refers to visual structures created to convey specific information. It includes digital signage, which displays information through digital displays. Digital signage can provide new advertisements and information both indoors and outdoors by integrating with the Internet and mobile devices; electronic billboards are an example of this.

[0003] Inside a display that provides advertisements or information, there is a set-top box, and this set-top box holds programs for displaying advertisements or information. However, there is an issue where display maintenance work is inconvenient because the display installer or administrator must visit the installation site to change, update, or delete the programs. Even if the installer or administrator transmits the programs online to solve this problem, there are limitations due to the one-to-one nature of the work, and the reliability of the updates is weak.

[0004] Patent Publication No. 10-2023-0143390 discloses an LED signage management system utilizing the Internet of Things and dynamic IP, comprising an LED signage operated by a control area and an operation area, a server connected to the LED signage, and a terminal connected to the server, wherein the operation area includes a virtual private network and a dynamic IP unit.

[0005] Patent Publication No. 10-2023-0118526 discloses a digital signage control method comprising a cloud service-based digital signage control server, a DB management unit that stores multiple video contents, a signage control unit that outputs a first video content among multiple video contents stored in the DB management unit through a display of a predetermined signage device at a predetermined time, an interaction control unit that recognizes a user using at least one of a camera, a motion sensor, and a beacon included in the signage device, and an advertising fee determination unit that determines an advertising fee to be charged to an advertiser corresponding to the video content.

[0006] Patent Publication No. 10-2023-0029387 discloses a digital signage integrated control method that can flexibly respond to new models or changed and added functions by changing only the configuration file, without updating the system's source code or agent, when digital signage from a different manufacturer is added or a new model of digital signage from the same manufacturer is added.

[0007] However, these patents are limited to tasks involving one-to-one connection between a display and a manager, and relate to transmitting video content at a predetermined time rather than changing the program or updating the signage model, and do not disclose an overall system for managing signage in an integrated manner.

[0008] Meanwhile, conventionally, temperature and humidity information from the display site is not monitored by a central management server, so even if an abnormality occurs in the display, it cannot be detected, raising concerns that device failures may be left unaddressed. The problem to be solved

[0009] Therefore, the present invention aims to provide a signage integrated management system that can automatically and comprehensively change and update programs without visiting the display representing the signage, and can know the environmental information of the display. means of solving the problem

[0010] To achieve the above-mentioned purpose, the present invention provides a signage integrated management system, wherein the system comprises a main server, a station connected to the main server, and a plurality of displays connected to the main server; the station is an electronic device comprising a terminal capable of wired or wireless communication with an administrator, agent, or user capable of monitoring and controlling the system; the display is a signage display device and comprises a display unit for delivering advertisements, promotions, or messages and a controller; the controller integrally incorporates a program unit along with a communication interface capable of communication; the program unit incorporates a program for controlling or adjusting the display, which includes signage content, content control, and a display method including the display time or cycle of the signage, thereby enabling the programs of the plurality of displays to be automatically updated or changed without visiting the display installation location; a temperature sensor and a humidity sensor for measuring the temperature and humidity of the controller in real time are installed inside each display; the main server receives a command signal from the station and, based on this signal, transmits a program to the controller of the display to control the display; the main server includes a command signal receiving unit, a program DB and a program transmission unit, an environment information receiving unit, and a power control transmission unit; the command signal receiving unit receives a command signal from the station and the program DB of Each data includes a program file storing content displayed on the display and information data associated with the program file, and the program DB further includes content data storing multiple contents capable of being transmitted and displayed on the display, and the program transmission unit transmits the program data and content data generated by referencing the program DB to the display, and the environmental information receiving unit receives the temperature and humidity from the temperature sensor and humidity sensor installed on the display, respectively, and transmits them to the environmental information display unit of the station.The power control transmission unit provides a signage integrated management system that receives an on or off command for a display from the power control command unit of the station and transmits the corresponding command to the display.

[0011] The station may include a display station that displays and updates information related to the currently used display, and a solution station that is linked to the main server and can edit the solution based on the content data of the main server.

[0012] The display station includes an authentication unit, a controller display unit, a screen control unit, a brightness and volume control unit, and a template unit. The controller display unit displays program information for each display and a controller embedded therein. The screen control unit changes screen-related attributes, including the size, aspect ratio, intensity and cycle, and screen display time of the screen displayed on the display. The brightness and volume control unit adjusts the brightness of the display unit and the ambient sound volume. The template unit displays specific information and data regarding the signage of each display and may include an operation unit for operating the display.

[0013] The solution station includes a content display unit and a content edit unit, the content display unit displays predetermined content data transmitted from the main server, and the content edit unit may add a player, resolution, audio components, and automatic tagging functions so that the user can edit content selected from the content data.

[0014] The content editor section further includes a display association section, and the solution edited in the content editor section can be sent to the main server for saving, or the solution edited in the content editor section can be updated to a specific display by selecting it through the display association section and updating it with that change program. Effects of the invention

[0015] The present invention allows for the updating or addition of various signage data without visiting the displays, making the management and maintenance of the displays very convenient. In particular, it offers the advantage of partially or collectively changing the programs of the displays in real time, even when there are multiple displays and their installation locations are scattered. Furthermore, not only the display manager but also agents and users can freely update or add various data of the display signage according to the signage environment and the preferences of the users, making the management and maintenance of the displays even more convenient.

[0016] In addition, it provides the effect of being able to check display environment information through the server and facilitating power control. Brief explanation of the drawing

[0017] Figure 1 is an overall configuration diagram of the signage integrated management system of the present invention. Figure 2 is a configuration diagram of the main server of the present invention. Figure 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of the data structure of a program DB. Figure 4 is a configuration diagram of the station of the present invention. FIG. 5 is a drawing illustrating an example of a template part of the present invention. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of content data displayed on the screen of the present invention. FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating the relationship between an administrator, an agent, and an individual user using the system of the present invention. Figure 8 is a diagram illustrating the installation of a sensor and a power control unit on a display. Specific details for implementing the invention

[0018] The present invention is capable of various modifications and may have various embodiments. Specific embodiments are illustrated in the drawings and described in detail in the specific details for carrying out the invention. However, this is not intended to limit the invention to specific embodiments, and it should be understood that the invention includes all modifications, equivalents, and substitutions that fall within the spirit and scope of the invention.

[0019] FIG. 1 is an overall configuration diagram of the signage integrated management system (1; hereinafter abbreviated as “management system” or “system”) of the present invention. The management system (1) of the present invention includes a main server (2), a station (3) connected to the main server (2), and a plurality of displays (4) also connected to the main server (2).

[0020] The station (3) includes an electronic device comprising any terminal capable of wired or wireless communication for an administrator, agent, or user capable of monitoring and controlling the system of the present invention. The station (3) may be, for example, a computer or a mobile phone, and is not limited to a specific device. The station (3) may be an administrator terminal or computer installed at the location where the main server (2) is located. Hereinafter, the present invention is described under the premise that the user of the station (3) is an administrator. If the station (3) is a mobile phone, it is convenient because an authenticated user can control the display (4) via the main server (2) from anywhere.

[0021] The display (4) is a signage display device and is installed indoors or outdoors. The display (4) is equipped with a controller (5) in addition to a display unit that conveys advertisements, promotions, or other messages. The controller (5) has a program unit (50) built in along with a communication interface to enable communication, for example, via Android. The program unit (50) is a core component of the display (4) and contains various programs for controlling or adjusting the display (4) overall, including signage content, content control, and display methods such as the display time or cycle of the signage.

[0022] FIG. 8 illustrates a temperature sensor (S1) and a humidity sensor (S2) connected to a controller (5) and mounted inside a display (4) in the present invention. The temperature sensor (S1) and the humidity sensor (S2) may be installed inside the controller (5) or installed outside adjacent to it. The temperature sensor (S1) and the humidity sensor (S2) measure the temperature and humidity of the controller (5) in real time. Additionally, a power ON / OFF unit (P) is installed inside the display (4).

[0023] In the present invention, it is assumed that multiple displays (4) are installed. These may be grouped by region, by content, or by agent or user. However, it should be noted that the displays (4) can be physically installed anywhere in the country.

[0024] The main server (2) is connected to the station (3) and each display (4). Specifically, the main server (2) receives a command signal from the station (3) and, based on this signal, transmits a program to the controller (5) of the display (4) to control the display (4).

[0025] FIG. 2 is a configuration diagram of the main server (2) of the present invention. The main server (2) includes a command signal receiving unit (22), a program DB (20), a program transmission unit (24), an environment information receiving unit (300), and a power control transmission unit (400).

[0026] The command signal receiving unit (22) receives a command signal from the station (3). The command signal receives a command signal from the manager regarding various control parameters associated with a program, as described below. The command signal is transmitted in real time and can receive multiple signals simultaneously.

[0027] The program DB (20) is a core component of the main server (2), and as illustrated in FIG. 3, each data (200) of the program DB (20) includes a program file (202) that stores content displayed on each display (4) and information data (204) associated with the program file (202) - program name, capacity, pixels, last updated time, volume, etc. Additionally, the program DB (20) stores incidental information regarding each display (4).

[0028] The data in the program DB (20) records information of all displays (4), and these data can be grouped and sorted by region, industry, agent, or user.

[0029] Additionally, the program DB (20) includes content data (200a) that stores various content capable of being transmitted and displayed on the display (4), for example, as video files. The content data (200a) stores usable data, such as video, audio, or photo files, which are not currently in use on the display.

[0030] The program transmission unit (24) has the function of transmitting program data (200) and content data (200a) generated by referring to the program DB (20) based on a command signal to each display (4).

[0031] The server controller (206) is configured to execute the functions of a command signal receiving unit (22), a program DB (20), and a program transmission unit (24). Specifically, it reads the signal from the command signal receiving unit (22) to update or modify or update program data (200) or content data (200a) in the program DB (20), and transmits the result to the program transmission unit (24).

[0032] The environmental information receiving unit (300) receives the temperature and humidity from the temperature sensor (S1) and humidity sensor (S2) installed on the display (4).

[0033] FIG. 4 is a configuration diagram of the station (3) of the present invention. The main components of the station (3) can be provided and installed on a terminal, computer, or mobile phone as a dedicated program or app.

[0034] The station (3) includes a display station (3a) that displays and updates information related to the display currently in use, and a solution station (3b) that is connected to the main server (2) and can edit the solution based on the content data (200a) of the main server (2).

[0035] Additionally, the station (3) includes a command transmission unit (3c) that transmits the work results of the display station (3a) and the solution station (3b) to the main server (2).

[0036] Additionally, the station (3) includes an environment information display unit (302) that displays the temperature and humidity of the environment information receiving unit (300) received from the main server (2).

[0037] Additionally, the station (3) includes a power control command unit (402) that transmits a command to the main server (2) to turn the display (4) on or off.

[0038] First, the display station (3a) includes an authentication unit (30), a controller display unit (32), a screen control unit (34), a brightness and volume control unit (36), and a template unit (38). Each component can be displayed on the screen as various visual information that an administrator connected to the station (3) can recognize and operate. Access to display each component can be performed by clicking a page, clicking a detailed item or an icon to change the page, or linking to a related page. The display of these components can be shown on the screen in parallel or sequentially in page order.

[0039] The authentication unit (30) verifies whether the person accessing the station (3) is a legitimate administrator (or agent or user). Any method of authentication may be used, such as a unique device number, password, or biometric signals such as fingerprints or iris scans.

[0040] The controller display unit (32) displays program information for each display (4) and the controller (5) embedded therein. This information is basic information, for example, the display name “NEOX Control” and the current display driving program name “NEOX program ver 3.0” are displayed next to it. If there are multiple displays to manage, each column displays its respective information. Additionally, icons for “Internet connection,” “Local,” and “Connection failure” can be displayed next to each display information. Then, the manager can easily identify the basic information and communication connection status of the displays (4) under the jurisdiction of the system (1) of the present invention through the controller display unit (32).

[0041] The screen control unit (34) can control matters regarding the screen displayed on the display (4). It can change attributes related to the screen, such as screen size, aspect ratio, flicker intensity and frequency, and screen display time. However, it cannot perform updates or refreshes that change the content itself. The administrator can move to the screen control unit (34) for the corresponding display by clicking on a specific display in the controller display unit (32). Alternatively, the convenience of use can be enhanced by separately displaying a link to the controller list in the screen control unit (34).

[0042] The brightness and volume control unit (36) controls the brightness of the display on the display (4) and the volume of sound heard in the surroundings. In particular, the impression given by the screen of the signage display (4) varies depending on whether it is day or night, and in the case of an indoor environment, depending on the ambient brightness or lighting. Also, the impression of transmitting messages or music as text information differs from that of transmitting actual voice, and in some environments, the volume may not be allowed. Therefore, in the present invention, in addition to the screen control unit (34), a brightness and volume control unit (36) is installed. Furthermore, the brightness of the screen or the volume of the sound can be varied, for example, by month or by time of day even on the same day. In outdoor spaces with large crowds, a bright screen and loud volume may be advantageous during the evening hours. The administrator can click on a specific display on the controller display unit (32) to move to the brightness and volume control unit (36) for the corresponding display, or display a separate list of controllers on the control unit (36) to improve user convenience.

[0043] The template section (38) is a part that displays specific information and data regarding the signage of each display. The template section (38) can be entered from the main screen of the station (3) or the screen of the controller display section. The template section (38) includes an operation section (380) in addition to information such as the program installed on each display, thumbnail of the screen displayed on the display, capacity, resolution, and the latest update time of the program. The operation section (380) includes editing, preview, or deletion functions. FIG. 5 is a drawing illustrating an example of the template section (38) of the present invention.

[0044] Next, the solution station (3b) includes a content display unit (302) and a content edit unit (304). The content display unit (302) displays predetermined content data (200a) transmitted from the main server (2). The administrator can determine which content to use on a specific display by clicking on the content data (200a). This function is particularly useful for agents or users who directly install and operate the display. FIG. 6 illustrates an example of content data (200a) displayed on the screen of the present invention.

[0045] The content edit section (304) is configured to allow an administrator to edit selected content from the content data (200a) from various angles. The administrator may add a player, resolution, audio components, and automatic tagging functions. The basic functions of the content edit section (304) may include the functions of the aforementioned screen control section (34) and brightness and volume control section (36).

[0046] The content edit section (304) further includes a display association section (304a).

[0047] The administrator can send the solution that has been edited in the content editor section (304) to the main server (2) for storage. Alternatively, the administrator can select a specific display through the display association section (304a) and update the solution that has been edited in the content editor section (304) with its change program.

[0048] In addition, as described above, the station (3) displays an environment information display unit (302) that receives and displays temperature and humidity data from the environment information receiving unit (300) of the main server (2). The administrator can monitor the temperature and humidity information of the display (4) under their jurisdiction to determine whether there is an abnormality. If the temperature is too high, it means that there is excessive heat, and if the humidity is high, it can be determined that rain or snow has entered the display.

[0049] Meanwhile, the manager can turn the power of the display (4) under their control on or off via the power control transmission unit (400) of the main server (2) through the power control command unit (402) of the station (3). This can be used when the temperature or humidity continuously deviates from the normal range. In addition, it is very convenient when instructing the normal start or end of operation of the display (4).

[0050] The station (3) and the main DB (2) of the present invention communicate in real time, and the data of the main DB (2) is transmitted to the station (3), and the decision of the station (3) and the command signal reflecting it are transmitted to the main DB (2).

[0051] The command signal receiving unit (22) of the main server (2) receives a command signal from the station (3), and the command signal includes a program and a manager’s command signal regarding various control parameters associated therewith, as described below.

[0052] The program transmission unit (24) transmits the program data (200) and content data (200a) generated by referring to the program DB (20) based on the command signal to each display (4).

[0053] The transmitted data replaces or adds an existing program in the program section (50) of the display (4).

[0054] As such, according to the management system (1) of the present invention, various data of the signage can be updated or added without visiting the display (4), so the management and maintenance of the display (4) is very convenient. In particular, even if there are many displays (4) and the installation locations are scattered, there is an advantage that the programs of the displays (4) can be partially or collectively changed in real time.

[0055] The present invention has been described above on the premise of a manager overseeing the display (4), but an agent acting as an intermediate operator or a user who directly operates the display (4) may also use the system (1) of the present invention. In this case, the station (3) becomes an electronic device owned by the agent or the user. As shown in FIG. 7, the management system (1) of the present invention is operated by a manager, but multiple agents or users may access it. An agent may have multiple users as members acting as an intermediate operator. A user may be a member of an agent or may access the management system (1) directly without an agent.

[0056] In this case, the present invention ensures that the agent cannot view display-related information outside their jurisdiction or information exceeding their authority. Additionally, individual users cannot view display-related information outside their jurisdiction or information exceeding their authority. However, with the exception of this point, the agent and the user, like the manager, have the authority to freely change matters regarding their displays at any time. Therefore, according to the present invention, not only the display manager but also the agent and the user can freely update or add various data of the display signage according to the signage environment and the preferences of the users, thereby providing the effect of making the management and maintenance of the display more convenient.

[0057] Although preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described above, various changes and modifications are possible to the present invention, and it is obvious that the scope of the present invention extends to the same or equivalent scope as the claims described below.

Claims

Claim 1 As an integrated signage management system, the system comprises a main server, a station connected to the main server, and a plurality of displays connected to the main server. The station is an electronic device including a terminal capable of wired or wireless communication with an administrator, agent, or user capable of monitoring and controlling the system. The display is a signage display device and is equipped with a display unit that transmits advertisements, promotions, or messages, and a controller. The controller integrally incorporates a program unit along with a communication interface capable of communication. The program unit incorporates a program for controlling or adjusting the display, which includes signage content, content control, and a display method including the display time or cycle of the signage, thereby enabling the programs of the plurality of displays to be automatically updated or changed without visiting the display installation location. A temperature sensor and a humidity sensor are installed inside each display to measure the temperature and humidity of the controller in real time. The main server receives a command signal from the station and, based on this signal, transmits a program to the display controller to control the display. The main server includes a command signal receiving unit, a program DB and program transmission unit, an environment information receiving unit, and a power control transmission unit. The command signal receiving unit receives a command signal from the station, and each data in the program DB is displayed on the display. A signage integrated management system comprising a program file containing content and information data associated with the program file, wherein the program DB further contains content data containing multiple contents capable of being transmitted and displayed on a display, the program transmission unit transmits program data and content data generated by referencing the program DB to the display, the environment information receiving unit receives temperature and humidity from the temperature sensor and humidity sensor installed on the display and transmits them to the environment information display unit of the station, and the power control transmission unit receives an on or off command for the display from the power control command unit of the station and transmits the corresponding command to the display. Claim 2 In claim 1, the station comprises a display station that displays and updates information related to a display currently in use, and a solution station that is linked to a main server and can edit a solution based on content data from the main server, forming a signage integrated management system. Claim 3 In claim 2, the display station includes an authentication unit, a controller display unit, a screen control unit, a brightness and volume control unit, and a template unit; the controller display unit displays program information of each display and a controller embedded therein; the screen control unit changes screen-related attributes including the size, ratio, intensity and period, and screen display time of the screen displayed on the display; the brightness and volume control unit controls the brightness of the display unit displayed on the display and the ambient sound volume; the template unit displays specific information and data regarding the signage of each display; and the signage integrated management system includes an operation unit for operating the display. Claim 4 In Clause 2, the solution station includes a content display unit and a content edit unit, wherein the content display unit displays predetermined content data transmitted from a main server, and the content edit unit is equipped with a player, resolution, audio components, and an automatic tagging function to enable a user to edit content selected from the content data, thereby forming a signage integrated management system. Claim 5 In claim 4, the content edit unit further includes a display association unit, and the signage integrated management system is configured to transmit and save a solution edited in the content editor unit to a main server, or to select a specific display through the display association unit and update the solution edited in the content editor unit with its change program.

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