Content output system capable of performing virtual electronic shelf label function

Abstract

A content output system capable of performing a virtual electronic shelf label function, according to an embodiment, comprises: a plurality of display devices that output content transmitted from the outside; and a server that manages product information and electronic shelf label information indicating the product information, wherein the content and the product information transmitted from the server are separately output by each of the plurality of display devices.

Description

A content output system capable of performing the function of a virtual electronic price indicator.

[0001] Various embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a content output system capable of performing a virtual electronic price display function, and more particularly, to a system capable of simultaneously outputting synchronized content on a plurality of display devices and outputting product information related thereto.

[0002] Labels that display product information such as sales price, discount information, and country of origin are used to display and sell multiple products within a certain space, such as a distribution store.

[0003] Previously, product information was primarily written by hand on paper or printed on paper labels in a standardized format. However, paper labels require corrections or replacement when product information changes, such as price fluctuations. Therefore, the need for alternatives to paper labels is growing in large retail stores with a large product selection and frequent product information changes.

[0004] Recently, electronic shelf labels (ESLs) have been proposed as a means of replacing paper labels. These devices receive product information from a server and display it on a display. Because these ESLs allow for quick and easy changes to product information, research and development on them are steadily increasing.

[0005] Meanwhile, display devices for advertising products are increasingly being introduced into retail stores. These devices allow for the display of virtual electronic price tags alongside the content displayed by the display device, eliminating the need for separate electronic price tags.

[0006] Digital signage is "digital media that delivers various information and advertisements through network-controlled digital displays in public and commercial spaces." The display devices used in retail stores, as mentioned above, can also be considered a type of digital signage.

[0007] As digital signage becomes increasingly prevalent in retail stores, attempts are being made to integrate it with electronic price tags. This allows for the display of promotional content, related product information, and electronic price tags. However, when displaying these elements on a single signage, the question arises: how to control the signage output?

[0008] Meanwhile, as linear signage is installed on retail store shelves, multiple signs can be arranged in a row, either in series or in parallel, one above the other. Since identical or similar products are often displayed on the same shelf, advertising through multiple signs requires consistent content.

[0009] To achieve this, synchronization of the content output by signage is necessary. A method has been proposed that checks whether synchronization is necessary through communication between multiple signages before proceeding with synchronization. However, this method has the disadvantage of becoming more complex as the number of signages increases due to the need for communication between multiple signages. Furthermore, it is cumbersome because synchronization must first be confirmed before proceeding.

[0010] Embodiments provide a content output system in which each of a plurality of display devices outputting content outputs product information independently of the content. An ESL server communicates with a CMS (contents management system) server to transmit product information, etc. to the display devices, thereby providing a content output system in which product information is output independently of the content.

[0011] Embodiments provide a content output system that performs video synchronization between display devices by synchronizing the system time of the display devices through network equipment, setting a synchronization point of content in advance, and starting the video at that point on each display device.

[0012] The problems to be solved through the embodiments are not limited to the problems described above, and problems not mentioned can be clearly understood by a person having ordinary skill in the technical field to which the embodiments belong from this specification and the attached drawings.

[0013] A content output system according to one embodiment may include a plurality of display devices that output content transmitted from an external source, and a server that manages product information and electronic price indicator information that displays the product information, and each of the plurality of display devices may independently output content and product information transmitted from the server.

[0014] According to the content output system according to the embodiments, 'content for advertising a product' and 'product information and a virtual electronic price tag including the same' can be output through a device on a display, thereby providing convenience in terms of management to a manager of a distribution store.

[0015] In addition, according to the content output system of the embodiments, a separate physical connection between multiple display devices is not required, so the content output system can be easily configured.

[0016] In addition, according to the content output system of the embodiments, synchronization is performed based on the system time set identically on all devices without the need to check whether synchronization of the content is necessary, so that synchronization can be performed accurately and quickly.

[0017] The effects of the embodiments are not limited to the effects described above, and effects not mentioned can be clearly understood by a person having ordinary skill in the art to which the embodiments belong from this specification and the attached drawings.

[0018] Figure 1 is a drawing showing a content output system according to one embodiment installed on a shelf in a distribution store.

[0019] Figure 2 is a drawing for explaining the server shown in Figure 1.

[0020] Figure 3 visualizes a content output system according to one embodiment.

[0021] Figure 4a is a diagram illustrating an example of a synchronization process of a content output system.

[0022] Figure 4b is a flowchart for explaining the synchronization process of Figure 4a.

[0023] Figure 5a is a diagram illustrating another example of a synchronization process of a content output system.

[0024] Figure 5b is a flowchart for explaining the synchronization process of Figure 5a.

[0025] Figures 6a to 6e are diagrams for explaining the relationship between contents and synchronization according to the type of content, respectively.

[0026] The terms used in the embodiments have been selected from widely used and common terms as much as possible, taking into account the functions of the present invention. However, these terms may vary depending on the intentions of those skilled in the art, precedents, the emergence of new technologies, etc. Furthermore, in certain cases, the applicant may arbitrarily select terms, and in such cases, the meanings thereof will be described in detail in the description of the relevant invention. Therefore, the terms used in the present invention should not be defined simply as names of terms, but rather based on the meanings of the terms and the overall content of the present invention.

[0027] When a part of the specification is said to "include" a component, this does not exclude other components, but rather implies the inclusion of other components, unless otherwise specifically stated. Furthermore, terms such as "-unit" and "-module" used in the specification mean a unit that processes at least one function or operation, which may be implemented in hardware, software, or a combination of hardware and software.

[0028] As used herein, when an expression such as "at least one" precedes an array of elements, it modifies the entire array of elements, not just each individual element. For example, the expression "at least one of a, b, and c" should be interpreted to include a, b, c, or a and b, a and c, b and c, or a and b and c.

[0029] Below, embodiments of the present disclosure are described in detail with reference to the attached drawings so that those skilled in the art can easily implement them. The present disclosure may be implemented in a form that can be implemented in the content output systems of the various embodiments described above, or may be implemented in various different forms and is not limited to the embodiments described herein.

[0030] Figure 1 is a drawing showing a content output system according to one embodiment installed on a shelf in a distribution store.

[0031] Referring to Fig. 1, a content output system (1) according to one embodiment is illustrated. The content output system (1) is installed in a distribution store, and Fig. 1 illustrates a display stand (2) of the distribution store. The display stand (2) has two floors (3), and products (M) are placed on the floors (3).

[0032] Each shelf floor (3) may include a shelf rail (4). Two screens (5) are attached along one shelf rail (4). The two screens (5) are each composed of two identical display devices (6A, 6B).

[0033] A plurality of display devices (6) can output content transmitted from outside the device. Here, the content may refer to a video, photo, voice, text, etc. related to a product advertisement. The first display device (6A) can output content through the left screen (5) on the upper floor (3), and the second display device (6B) can output content through the right screen (5) on the upper floor (3). Similarly, other display devices (6C, 6D) can output content through two screens (5) on the lower floor (3). However, the number of display devices (6) is not limited to that illustrated.

[0034] A content output system (1) according to one embodiment may include a server (7). The server (7) may communicate with a plurality of display devices (6) via a wireless signal (S) and may perform various roles in relation to the plurality of display devices (6). The role of the server (7) is specifically described with reference to FIG. 2.

[0035] Figure 2 is a drawing for explaining the server shown in Figure 1.

[0036] In explaining FIG. 2 below, reference will be made to the components of the content output system (1) illustrated in FIG. 1.

[0037] Referring to FIG. 2, the server (7) may include an electronic shelf label (ESL) management unit (71), a contents management unit (72), and a time management unit (73).

[0038] The ESL management unit (71) is a module related to the output of an ESL (electronic shelf label), i.e., an electronic price tag. The ESL management unit (71) can manage product information, and in addition, can manage information on an electronic price tag that displays product information.

[0039] The content management unit (72) is a module for managing content, as its name suggests, a CMS (content management system). The content management unit (72) can manage content output from the display device (6), and also manage the display device (6). The content management unit (72) can transmit the content it is managing to the display device (6) via a wireless signal.

[0040] The content management unit (72) can control each of the plurality of display devices (6) to independently output content. Accordingly, the plurality of display devices (6) may output the same content, output content that is related to each other, or output different content.

[0041] At this time, each module can be linked. For example, the ESL management unit (71) and the content management unit (72) can be linked. Accordingly, the server (7) can control the display devices (6) so that product information corresponding to the content output on each of the multiple display devices (6) is output.

[0042] For example, if the first display device (6A) outputs an advertisement for chocolate, the server (7) can control the first display device (6A) so that product information about the chocolate is also output. At the same time, if the second display device (6B) outputs an advertisement for candy, the server (7) can control the second display device (6B) so that product information about the candy is also output.

[0043] Under the control of the content management unit (72) or the server (7), each of the plurality of display devices (6) can independently output content, and each of the plurality of playback areas of one display device (6) can also output different content. In addition, the server (7) can control the display device (6) so that product information corresponding to the content output to each of the plurality of playback areas is output.

[0044] The time management unit (73) is a module for managing the system time. The time management unit (73) can synchronize the system times of multiple display devices (6) via a wireless signal (S). By the time management unit (73), the system times of multiple display devices (6) can be set to the same time. The time management unit (73) and content synchronization will be described later.

[0045] According to one embodiment, since one server (7) includes modules with various functions, the manager of the server or distribution store can control the output of the display device (6) by managing only one server (7). Therefore, the content output system according to one embodiment can provide convenience to the manager in terms of managing multiple display devices (6) and the store as a whole.

[0046] Meanwhile, depending on the embodiment, the above-described modules may exist as individual servers performing their respective functions. For example, the ESL server, the content management server, and the time server may exist individually.

[0047] The ESL server can perform the same role as the ESL management unit (71). That is, the ESL server can manage product information, and in addition, can manage electronic price tag information that displays product information.

[0048] The content management server can perform the same role as the content management unit (72). That is, the content management server can manage content output from the display device (6) and control each of the plurality of display devices (6) to independently output content.

[0049] The time server can perform the same role as the time management unit (73). That is, the time server can synchronize the system times of multiple display devices (6), and by the time server, the system times of multiple display devices (6) can be set to the same.

[0050] Each server can be interconnected. For example, an ESL server interconnected with a content management server can transmit product information to a display device (6) through the content management server or independently. The display device (6) that receives the product information can output the product information independently of the content output.

[0051] Accordingly, even if content for advertising a product and product information (including electronic price tags) are output on a single display device, the content and product information can be independently managed on two servers, thereby preventing server overload.

[0052] Below, an example is described in which one server (7) includes various modules.

[0053] Figure 3 visualizes a content output system according to one embodiment.

[0054] In explaining FIG. 3 below, reference will be made to the components of the content output system (1) illustrated in FIG. 1 and the server (7) illustrated in FIG. 2.

[0055] Referring to FIG. 3, a snapshot of video content distributed to six display devices (6A to 6F) by a server (7) is shown. According to this embodiment, each device (6A to 6F) can drive a single screen (5).

[0056] Each display device (6A to 6F) can control playback on its own screen (5). The two screens (5) cover one of the shelf rails (4). Each shelf rail (4) forms the front portion of a shelf floor (3), in which case board supplies (not shown) can be provided. The three shelf floors (3) can be arranged in parallel, one above the other, as part of the shelf (2).

[0057] The screen (5) of one display device (6) is divided into two areas by a dashed line. In this case, the dashed line does not actually divide the screen (5), but rather indicates that one display device (6) includes multiple playback areas.

[0058] As illustrated in FIG. 3, the content to be output may have a large area, making it difficult to properly display the content on a single display device (6). In this case, a module of the content management unit (72) or the server (7) may distribute a single piece of content to at least some of the multiple display devices (6). However, depending on the embodiment, a separate content distribution server or content distributor may be deployed separate from the server (7).

[0059] At least some of the plurality of display devices (6) may output segmented portions of a single content to display the single content as a whole. This output method may include assigning separately produced video content to each display device (6). Accordingly, a unified video content can be implemented as a whole.

[0060] Referring to FIG. 3, multiple display devices (6A to 6F) can be programmed by the content management unit (72) to play only a portion of the video content with each zoom setting.

[0061] The zoom on the upper screen (5) mounted on the upper shelf rail (4) is set to the upper portion of the image, showing a snapshot of the board worn by the board rider. The zoom on the screen (5) on the middle shelf rail (4) is set to the central portion of the image, showing a snapshot of the legs and arms of the board rider. The zoom on the screen (5) on the lower shelf rail (4) shows a snapshot of the snow-covered landscape.

[0062] In Figure 3, zooming is implemented for each area of ​​the image using a popular image feature called "viewbox." Image content outside of the three individual zoom settings cannot be viewed on screen (5). However, within the spatial arrangement of the display, the area between the screens (5) is used to provide merchandise related to the board.

[0063] In addition, the screen (5) of the display device (6A to 6F) can output a virtual electronic price indicator (10). The virtual electronic price indicator (10) is displayed at an appropriate position corresponding to the position of the board product placed on the counter floor (3).

[0064] A virtual electronic price display (10) can be output to each display device (6A to 6C) by the ESL management unit (71) or server (7). At this time, the electronic price display (10) can be output to the display devices (6A to 6F) by overlapping with or replacing the video content.

[0065] The electronic price display (10) may include text information related to the product or product price information depicted by a dotted line (11). The electronic price display (10) may also include a photograph (12) or video (13) related to the product, separate from the video content. Accordingly, the display device (6A to 6F) may output product information in the form of an electronic price display (10) simultaneously with the output of the content.

[0066] Meanwhile, when multiple display devices (6) divide a single content and output it individually, if the playback point differs for each display device (6), errors may occur partially in a single content. In such a case, a process of synchronizing the content output by the display devices (6) is required.

[0067] Below, the process of synchronizing content using the system time set identically for each display device (6) by the time management unit (73) or server (7) is described.

[0068] Fig. 4a is a diagram illustrating an example of a synchronization process of a content output system. Fig. 4b is a flowchart illustrating the synchronization process of Fig. 4a.

[0069] In explaining an example of the synchronization process of FIGS. 4a and 4b below, reference will be made to the components of the content output system (1) illustrated in FIG. 1 and the server (7) illustrated in FIG. 2.

[0070] Referring to FIG. 4a, the time management unit (73) or server (7) can set a synchronization point (t) of content on the system time of multiple display devices (6). Content output from each of the multiple display devices (6) can be synchronized when the synchronization point (t) is reached.

[0071] For example, the synchronization point (t) can be determined according to the synchronization cycle (T) of the content. If the system time at the moment when the display device (6) starts outputting the content is set to 0, and the synchronization cycle for the server (7) to synchronize the content is T, the first synchronization point (t) in terms of the system time is T, which is the time T that has passed from 0, and the second synchronization point (t) is 2T, which is the time T that has passed from T.

[0072] At each synchronization point (t), the server (7) calculates the elapsed time since the start of content output on the system time based on the synchronization cycle (T), and controls multiple display devices (6) to output the content from the corresponding 'point (P1) of the content'. At this time, outputting the content from the point (P1) of the content may mean not only adjusting the playback point of the content, but also newly outputting the content from that point.

[0073] The first display device (6A) outputs content from a point (P1) of the content prior to the point T, which is the first synchronization point (t) in the system time (arrow indicated by a dotted line). When the synchronization point (t) T is reached, the first display device (6A) can output content from a point (P1) of the content, which is the previous playback point, by the server (7) (arrow indicated by a solid line).

[0074] The same principle can be applied when the second synchronization point (t) in the system time, 2T, is reached. Note that at this time, no error in the playback time and playback point occurs in the first display device (6A), and therefore, the arrow depicted in the dotted line is not shown.

[0075] The second display device (6B) outputs content from a point (P1) later than the content's point (P1) until just before reaching T, the first synchronization point (t) in system time (arrow indicated by a dotted line). Upon reaching T, the synchronization point (t), the second display device (6B) can output content from the previous playback point (P1) of the content by the server (7) (arrow indicated by a solid line).

[0076] According to this, even if each of the contents output by the plurality of display devices (6) has an error in the playback time or playback point and the playback point is different, the contents output by the plurality of display devices (6) can be synchronized to the exact playback point in terms of the system time.

[0077] Meanwhile, the synchronization period (T) can be determined according to the length (L) of the content. As the content management unit (72) and the time management unit (73) are interconnected, the server (7) can determine the synchronization period (T) of the content according to the length (L) of the content, and set the synchronization time point (t) of the content on the system time of the plurality of display devices (6) based on the synchronization period (T).

[0078] For example, if the content is relatively short, such as 10 to 15 seconds, the synchronization period (T) can be set to 10 minutes. If the content output start time is set to 0 in terms of system time, the synchronization time (t) can exist every 10 minutes, such as 10 minutes, 20 minutes, and 30 minutes.

[0079] Meanwhile, as the length of the content (L) increases, the probability of errors in the content's playback time and playback point increases, so the synchronization cycle (T) of the content may become relatively shorter compared to the length of the content (L).

[0080] When each of the plurality of display devices (6) reaches the synchronization point (t), it can output content from a point (P1) of the content corresponding to the synchronization point (t).

[0081] Referring to FIG. 4b, a content synchronization process of a content output system (1) based on a synchronization cycle is illustrated.

[0082] At step S410, the time management unit (73) or server (7) can synchronize the system times of multiple display devices (6). Accordingly, the system times of each of the multiple display devices (6) can be set to the same time.

[0083] At step S420, the server (7) can set a synchronization cycle (T) of the content to be output by the display device (6). At this time, the synchronization cycle (T) can be determined according to the length (L) of the content.

[0084] At step S430, the server (7) can set a synchronization point (t) of the content on the system time of multiple display devices (6) based on the synchronization cycle (T).

[0085] At step S440, the server (7) calculates the elapsed time since the start of content output based on the system time and the synchronization cycle (T), and controls the plurality of display devices (6) to output the content from a point (P1) of the corresponding content. Each of the plurality of display devices (6) can synchronize the content by the server (7) when the synchronization point (t) is reached based on the system time.

[0086] Figure 5a is a diagram illustrating another example of the synchronization process of a content output system. Figure 5b is a flowchart illustrating the synchronization process of Figure 5a.

[0087] In explaining another example of the synchronization process of FIGS. 5a and 5b below, reference will be made to the components of the content output system (1) illustrated in FIG. 1 and the server (7) illustrated in FIG. 2.

[0088] Referring to Fig. 5a, the length (L) of the content is depicted as being relatively longer compared to Fig. 4a. In Fig. 4a, since the interval between two synchronization points (t) is greater than the length (L) of the content, the content is synchronized after being repeatedly output n times, whereas in Fig. 5a, since the interval between two synchronization points (t) is smaller than the length (L) of the content, the synchronization of the content can occur before the content is repeatedly output.

[0089] At this time, Fig. 5a illustrates a method of synchronizing content according to a synchronization point (Pc) within the preset content, regardless of the synchronization cycle. The server (7) can set a synchronization point (Pc) within the content and set a synchronization point (t) of the content based on the system time of multiple display devices (6).

[0090] Specifically, the server (7) can calculate the time taken to reach a synchronization point (Pc) within the content after the start of outputting the content on the system time, and set a corresponding synchronization point (t).

[0091] Synchronization points (Pc) within content can be points arbitrarily set by the user. For example, synchronization points (Pc) can be points that the user deems important within the content. Synchronization points (Pc) within content can be set based on the length (L) of the content. For example, as the length (L) of the content increases, the number of points that the user deems important within the content increases, and thus the number of synchronization points (Pc) within the content can increase.

[0092] Each of the plurality of display devices (6) is synchronized by the server (7) when the synchronization point (t) is reached in the system time, and can output the content from the synchronization point (Pc) within the content. At this time, outputting the content from the synchronization point (Pc) within the content may mean not only adjusting the playback point of the content but also newly outputting the content from that point.

[0093] The first display device (6A) outputs content from a point prior to the synchronization point (Pc) within the content until just before reaching the first synchronization point (t) in the system time, indicated by the arrow in the dotted line. Upon reaching the synchronization point (t) A, the first display device (6A) can output content from the synchronization point (Pc) within the content, which is the previous playback point, by the server (7) (arrow in the solid line).

[0094] The second display device (6B) outputs content from a point after the synchronization point (Pc) within the content until just before reaching the first synchronization point (t) in the system time, indicated by the arrow in the dotted line. Upon reaching the synchronization point (t) A, the second display device (6B) can output content from the synchronization point (Pc) within the content, which is the previous playback point, by the server (7) (arrow in the solid line).

[0095] The same principle can be applied when the second synchronization point (t) in the system time, B, is reached. Note that at this time, no error in the playback time and playback point occurs in the first display device (6A), and therefore, the arrow depicted in the dotted line is not shown.

[0096] According to this, even if the playback points of each of the contents output by the plurality of display devices (6) differ due to errors in the playback time or playback point, the contents output by the plurality of display devices (6) can be synchronized to the correct playback point in terms of system time.

[0097] Referring to FIG. 5b, a content synchronization process of a content output system (1) based on a synchronization point within the content is illustrated.

[0098] At step S510, the time management unit (73) or server (7) can synchronize the system times of multiple display devices (6). Accordingly, the system times of each of the multiple display devices (6) can be set to the same time.

[0099] At step S520, the server (7) can set a synchronization point (Pc) within the content that the display device (6) is to output. At this time, the synchronization point (Pc) within the content can be determined according to the length (L) of the content.

[0100] At step S530, the server (7) can set a synchronization point (t) of the content on the system time of multiple display devices (6) based on a synchronization point (Pc) within the content. For example, the server (7) can calculate the time it takes to reach a synchronization point (Pc) within the content after the start of outputting the content on the system time, and set a synchronization point (t) corresponding thereto.

[0101] At step S540, the server (7) can control multiple display devices (6) to output content from a synchronization point (Pc) within the preset content. Each of the multiple display devices (6) can synchronize the content by the server (7) when the synchronization point (t) is reached in the system time.

[0102] Meanwhile, the above-described contents have been described based on the case where various modules are included in one server (7) as mentioned above. Depending on the embodiment, the various modules may exist in the form of individual servers. For example, a time server existing separately from the ESL server and the content management server can set the synchronization point of content on the system time of a plurality of display devices (6), and accordingly, the content output from each of the plurality of display devices (6) can be synchronized when the set synchronization point is reached.

[0103] Figures 6a to 6e are diagrams for explaining the relationship between contents and synchronization according to the type of content, respectively.

[0104] In explaining another example of the synchronization process of FIGS. 6A and 6E below, reference will be made to the components of the content output system (1) illustrated in FIG. 1 and the server (7) illustrated in FIG. 2.

[0105] In a content output system (1) according to one embodiment, the server (7) can set a synchronization point in time on the system time of the plurality of display devices (6) according to the relationship between contents output to the plurality of display devices (6).

[0106] In explaining the relationship between contents below, the numbers described are merely exemplary, and the numbers indicating the relationship between contents may be calculated differently depending on the algorithm set in the server (7).

[0107] Referring to FIG. 6A, the first display device (6A) outputs video content regarding the first chocolate, and the second display device (6B) outputs video content regarding the first chocolate. Since the product information is the same as the first chocolate, the server (7) can determine that the relevance between the two contents is 100%. Here, a 100% relevance between the two contents may mean that the contents output by the two display devices (6A, 6B) are the same. Accordingly, the server (7) can determine a synchronization cycle with a relatively short cycle of 1 minute and set a synchronization point based on this.

[0108] Referring to FIG. 6B, the first display device (6A) outputs video content regarding the first chocolate, and the second display device (6B) outputs video content regarding the second chocolate. While both products share the commonality of being chocolate, the server (7) can determine a 75% correlation between the two contents due to the different types of chocolate. Accordingly, the server (7) can determine a synchronization cycle of 3 minutes, which is longer than when the correlation between the contents is 100%, and set the synchronization point based on this.

[0109] Referring to FIG. 6C, the first display device (6A) outputs video content regarding orange juice, and the second display device (6B) outputs video content regarding grape juice. Although the two products have something in common in that they are both juices among beverages, the server (7) can determine that the correlation between the two contents is 50% because the fruits that make up the flavor of the juice are different. Accordingly, the server (7) can determine the synchronization cycle to be 5 minutes, which is longer than when the correlation between the contents is 75%, and set the synchronization point based on this.

[0110] Referring to FIG. 6D, the first display device (6A) outputs video content regarding an apple, and the second display device (6B) outputs video content regarding a pear. Although the two products have something in common in that they are fruits, since they are different fruits, the server (7) can determine that the correlation between the two contents is 25%. Accordingly, the server (7) can determine the synchronization cycle to be 10 minutes, which is longer than when the correlation between the contents is 50%, and set the synchronization point based on this.

[0111] Meanwhile, the server (7) can set whether to synchronize content based on the content type. The content type can include various media capable of advertising products, such as video, images, audio, and text.

[0112] Referring to Figure 6e, the first display device (6A) outputs photographic content related to cola, and the second display device (6B) outputs video content related to cider. While both products share the commonality of being carbonated beverages, the server (7) can determine a 50% correlation between the two contents, given that the raw materials that make up the flavor of carbonated beverages differ.

[0113] However, regardless of the relevance between the contents, since the first display device (6A) is outputting photographic content, there is no need for content synchronization. Accordingly, the server (7) can identify content that does not require synchronization and exclude the first display device (6A) outputting the content from the synchronization target.

[0114] Even if only one of the multiple display devices (6A, 6B) is a medium requiring synchronization, synchronization does not need to be performed, so in this case, the server (7) may not set the synchronization cycle and synchronization point of the content.

[0115] Above, the synchronization of content output by multiple display devices (6) has been described, but this can also be applied between multiple playback areas in one display device (6). For example, the server (7) can set the synchronization point of content on the system time of multiple playback areas, and the content output by the multiple playback areas can be synchronized when the synchronization point is reached.

[0116] According to a content output system (1) according to one embodiment, 'content for advertising a product' and 'product information and a virtual electronic price tag including the same' can be output through a device on a display, thereby providing convenience in terms of management to a manager of a distribution store.

[0117] In addition, according to the content output system (1) of one embodiment, since the server acts as the main body to distribute images to display devices and synchronize content, a separate physical connection between multiple display devices is not required, so the content output system can be easily configured.

[0118] In addition, according to the content output system of the embodiments, synchronization is performed based on the system time set identically on all display devices without the need to check whether synchronization of the content is necessary, so that synchronization can be performed accurately and quickly.

[0119] The description of the above-described embodiments is merely illustrative, and those skilled in the art will understand that various modifications and equivalent other embodiments are possible from the description. Therefore, the true scope of protection of the invention should be defined by the appended claims, and all differences that fall within the scope equivalent to the contents described in the claims should be construed as being included within the scope of protection defined by the claims.

[0120] The present invention has industrial applicability in that it can improve the management efficiency of a distribution store manager by outputting product-related content and product-related information on a plurality of electronic price tags, and at the same time, it can improve the efficiency of controlling a plurality of electronic price tags by systematically and automatically controlling synchronization of the plurality of electronic price tags based on the system time.

Claims

1. A content output system capable of performing the function of a virtual electronic shelf label (ESL): A plurality of display devices that output content transmitted from the outside; and A server that manages product information and electronic price tag information that displays the product information; A content output system in which each of the plurality of display devices independently outputs the content and product information transmitted from the server.

2. In paragraph 1, The above server includes a content management unit that manages content output from the display device, A content output system in which the above content management unit controls each of the plurality of display devices to independently output content.

3. In paragraph 2, The above content management unit distributes one content to at least some of the plurality of display devices, A content output system, wherein at least some of the plurality of display devices output segmented portions of a single content to display the single content as a whole.

4. In paragraph 1, A content output system in which the server controls the display devices so that product information corresponding to the content output to each of the plurality of display devices is output.

5. In paragraph 1, The server further includes a time management unit that synchronizes the system times of the plurality of display devices, A content output system in which the system times of the plurality of display devices are set to the same time by the time management unit.

6. In paragraph 5, The above time management unit sets the synchronization point of the content on the system time of the plurality of display devices, A content output system in which content output from each of the plurality of display devices is synchronized when the synchronization point is reached.

7. In paragraph 1, The server determines the synchronization period of the content according to the length of the content, and sets the synchronization point of the content on the system time of a plurality of display devices based on the synchronization period, A content output system in which each of the plurality of display devices outputs content from a point in the content corresponding to the synchronization point when the synchronization point is reached.

8. In paragraph 1, The server sets a synchronization point within the content according to the length of the content, and sets a synchronization point of the content on the system time of a plurality of display devices based on the synchronization point within the content. A content output system in which each of the plurality of display devices outputs content from a synchronization point within the content when the synchronization point is reached.

9. In paragraph 1, A content output system in which the server sets a synchronization point of the plurality of display devices based on the relevance between the contents output to the plurality of display devices.

10. In paragraph 1, The above server is a content output system that sets whether to synchronize depending on the type of the above content.

11. In paragraph 1, Each of the plurality of display devices includes a plurality of playback areas, A content output system in which each of the plurality of playback areas outputs different content according to the control of the server.

12. In paragraph 11, A content output system in which the server controls the display device so that product information corresponding to the content output to each of the plurality of playback areas is output.

13. In paragraph 1, Includes a content management server that manages content output from the display device, A content output system in which the above content management server controls each of the plurality of display devices to independently output content.

14. In paragraph 1, Further comprising a time server that synchronizes the system times of the plurality of display devices; By the above time server, the system times of the plurality of display devices are set to the same, The above time server sets the synchronization point of the content on the system time of the plurality of display devices, A content output system in which content output from each of the plurality of display devices is synchronized when the synchronization point is reached.

15. In paragraph 1, A content output system in which the display device outputs the product information in the form of an electronic price indicator that overlaps with or replaces the content.

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