JP2014157336A - Digital signage device, control program thereof, digital signage system and server device - Google Patents

Abstract

A human who can visually recognize an image representing information desired by a specific user is limited.
A signage apparatus according to an embodiment includes a display device, a printer, an input device, a display control unit, and a print control unit. The display control means displays the print image indicated by the operation input by the input device in the first period, and in the second period that is at least a part of the period different from the first period. Controls the display device to display an advertisement image directed to an unspecified person, and the preview image is displayed at the center of the display area of the display device at both ends in the horizontal direction rather than at both ends in the horizontal direction of the advertisement image. Display in the state of being positioned on the side. The print control unit controls the printer to print the print image in response to a user's operation instructing the print being input by the input device while the display image is displayed on the display device.
[Selection] Figure 1

Description

  Embodiments described herein relate generally to a digital signage device, a control program thereof, a digital signage system, and a server device.

  Digital signage that displays an advertisement image using an electronic display device such as a liquid crystal display device is known. A display device used in this digital signage is generally installed in a state where an advertisement image being displayed is visible to an unspecified human eye.

  On the other hand, sharing an apparatus for digital signage as an information terminal is also considered. That is, according to an operation by a specific user, an image representing information desired by the user is displayed on the display device.

  When an image representing information desired by a specific user is displayed on the display device installed in the above-described state in order to display an advertisement image, the information desired by the specific user is represented. Images are also easily seen by unspecified people.

JP 2012-14602 A

  For this reason, when an advertisement image and an image representing information desired by a specific user are displayed on the same display device, the advertisement image can be viewed by many people, but the specific user desires it. It has been desired to be able to limit the number of people who can view an image representing information to be displayed.

  The digital signage apparatus according to the embodiment includes a display device, a printer, an input device, a display control unit, and a print control unit. The display device displays an arbitrary image. The printer prints an arbitrary image on a print medium. The input device inputs a user's operation facing the display device. The display control means displays the print image indicated by the operation input by the input device in the first period, and in the second period that is at least a part of the period different from the first period. Controls the display device to display an advertisement image directed to an unspecified person. The preview image is displayed on both sides of the horizontal direction of the advertisement image in the display area of the display device. Display in the center position. The print control means controls the printer so as to print the print image in response to a user operation instructing the print being input by the input device while the display image is displayed on the display device. .

1 is a block diagram of a digital signage apparatus according to a first embodiment. The figure which shows the external appearance of the digital signage apparatus of FIG. The figure which shows the external appearance of the digital signage apparatus of FIG. The flowchart of the control processing in CPU in FIG. The flowchart of the control processing in CPU in FIG. The figure which shows the display image as an example. The figure which shows the operation image as an example. The figure which shows the confirmation image as an example. The figure showing the typical positional relationship of a digital signage apparatus and a user. The figure showing the typical positional relationship of a digital signage apparatus and a user. The block diagram of the digital signage system which concerns on 2nd Embodiment.

  Embodiments will be described below with reference to the drawings.

(First embodiment)
FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a digital signage apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment.

  A digital signage device (hereinafter abbreviated as “signage device”) 1 is installed in a place where an unspecified number of people can exist, such as a shopping mall, and displays an advertisement image representing advertisement information. The signage apparatus 1 also has a function as an information terminal for printing an image representing information desired by a specific user.

  A signage apparatus 1 includes a central processing unit (CPU) 10, a read-only memory (ROM) 11, a random-access memory (RAM) 12, an auxiliary storage device 13, a touch panel 14, a printer 15, a wireless communication device 16, and a bus line 17. including. The CPU 10, ROM 11, RAM 12, auxiliary storage device 13, touch panel 14, printer 15, and wireless communication device 16 are all connected to the bus line 17.

  The CPU 10 corresponds to the central part of the computer. CPU10 controls each part in order to implement | achieve the various functions as the signage apparatus 1 according to an operating system or an application program.

  The ROM 11 corresponds to a main storage portion of the computer. The ROM 11 stores the above operating system and application programs. The ROM 11 may store data necessary for the CPU 10 to execute various processes.

  The RAM 12 corresponds to the main storage portion of the computer. The RAM 12 stores data necessary for the CPU 10 to execute various processes as necessary. The RAM 12 is also used as a work area when the CPU 10 performs various processes.

  The auxiliary storage device 13 is, for example, a hard disk drive, an SSD (solid state drive), or a nonvolatile rewritable memory. The auxiliary storage device 13 stores data used when the CPU 10 performs various processes and data generated by the processes performed by the CPU 10. The data stored in the auxiliary storage device 13 includes data representing various images. The auxiliary storage device 13 may store the above application program.

  The touch panel 14 includes a display device 14a and a touch sensor 14b. The display device 14a displays an arbitrary image under the control of the CPU 10. The touch sensor 14b is disposed so as to overlap the display surface of the display device 14a. The touch sensor 14b inputs a user operation by touching an image displayed by the display device 14a. The touch sensor 14b is an example of an input device.

  The printer 15 prints an arbitrary image on a print medium such as paper under the control of the CPU 10.

  The wireless communication device 16 wirelessly accesses a communication network 2 such as a LAN (local area network), and performs processing for communication with the content server 3 and the like via the communication network 2. As the wireless communication device 16, for example, an existing wireless LAN device can be applied. Instead of the wireless communication device 16 or in addition to the wireless communication device 16, a communication device of a type that accesses the communication network 2 by wire may be provided.

  The application program stored in the ROM 11 or the auxiliary storage device 13 includes a control program describing control processing described later. Transfer of the signage device 1 is generally performed in a state where the control program is stored in the ROM 11 or the auxiliary storage device 13. However, the signage apparatus 1 and the control program in a state where the control program is not stored in the ROM 11 or the auxiliary storage device 13 may be individually transferred. Then, a control program may be written in the ROM 11 or the auxiliary storage device 13 in accordance with an operation by a user or the like. The transfer of the control program can be performed by recording on a removable recording medium such as a magnetic disk, a magneto-optical disk, an optical disk, a semiconductor memory, or by communication via a network.

  The content server 3 manages data representing various images to be displayed on the signage device 1, and transmits these data to the signage device 1 as necessary.

  2 and 3 are views showing the appearance of the signage apparatus 1, FIG. 2 shows a front view, and FIG. 3 shows a side view. 2 and 3, the same elements as those in FIG. 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals.

  As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the signage apparatus 1 further includes a housing 18 and a plurality of casters 19.

  The casing 18 has an elongated shape in the vertical direction, and accommodates and supports each element shown in FIG. In particular, the housing 18 supports the touch panel 14 so that a display image by the display device 14a can be viewed from the front surface 18a side of the housing 18. Moreover, the housing | casing 18 supports the touch panel 14 in a high position so that the visual observation from many people in the vicinity is possible. Further, the housing 18 supports the printer 15 so that the print medium after the image is printed by the printer 15 can be discharged to the outside of the housing 18.

  The caster 19 is attached to the housing 18 in a rotatable state. The casters 19 are in contact with the floor F and support the casing 18 in a state where the longitudinal direction of the touch panel 14 is aligned with a direction substantially orthogonal to the floor F. The signage apparatus 1 is typically installed on a substantially horizontal floor F. Therefore, it can be considered that the longitudinal direction of the touch panel 14 substantially coincides with the vertical direction, and the direction orthogonal thereto, that is, the width direction of the touch panel 14 substantially coincides with the horizontal direction. Of course, it is possible to install on the floor F which is not horizontal, but here, the direction orthogonal to the longitudinal direction of the touch panel 14 is defined as the horizontal direction. The caster 19 can move the signage device 1 by rotating.

  Next, the operation of the signage apparatus 1 configured as described above will be described.

  4 and 5 are flowcharts of control processing in the CPU 10.

  When the signage device 1 is activated by turning on a power switch (not shown), the CPU 10 starts the control process shown in FIGS. 4 and 5 according to the control program stored in the ROM 11 or the auxiliary storage device 13. Note that the content of the processing described below is an example, and various processing that can obtain the same result can be used as appropriate.

  In Act1, the CPU 10 generates an image for displaying an advertisement (hereinafter referred to as a display image) and instructs the display device 14a to start displaying the display image. In response to this instruction, the display device 14a starts displaying the display image.

  FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a display image 50 as an example.

  The CPU 10 generates the display image 50 by arranging the standard image 51, the selected image 52, the advertisement image 53, and the selected image 54 in the vertical direction as shown in FIG.

  The standard image 51 is an image in which date / time, logo, weather, language selection button, telop, and the like are arranged according to a predetermined form as shown in FIG.

  The selected image 52 is an image in which the category buttons 52a, 52b, 52c, and 52d are arranged in the horizontal direction. The category button 52a is an operation button for inputting a user operation for requesting issuance of a coupon. The category button 52b is an operation button for inputting a user operation for requesting issuance of a delivery order sheet. The category button 52c is an operation button for inputting a user operation for requesting the issue of a leaflet. The category button 52d is an operation button for inputting a user operation for requesting issuance of a map. Data representing the selected image 52 is written in advance in the auxiliary storage device 13, for example.

  The advertisement image 53 is an image representing advertisement information directed to an unspecified person. The advertisement image 53 has a size as large as possible within the area defined for the placement of the advertisement image 53. In FIG. 6, the advertisement image 53 has the same size as the area defined for the placement of the advertisement image 53.

  The selected image 54 is an image in which direct buttons 54a, 54b, 54c and change buttons 54d, 54e are arranged in the horizontal direction as shown in FIG. The direct buttons 54a to 54c are operation buttons for inputting a user operation for requesting printing of an associated image. As the direct buttons 54a to 54c, thumbnails of images associated therewith are used. The change buttons 54d and 54e are operation buttons for inputting a user operation for requesting a change of an image associated with the direct buttons 54a to 54c. The images associated with the direct buttons 54a, 54b, and 54c may be arbitrary, but here are images representing recipes and free paper.

  The CPU 10 downloads a plurality of data representing each of the plurality of advertisement images 53 and a plurality of data representing each of the plurality of images to be associated with the direct buttons 54 a to 54 c from the content server 3 in advance, and the auxiliary storage device 13. Remember it. In Act 1, the CPU 10 generates the display image 50 by appropriately using these data stored in the auxiliary storage device 13. Data representing the advertisement image 53 and a plurality of data representing each of the plurality of images to be associated with the direct buttons 54a to 54c may be downloaded from the content server 3 in the process of Act1.

  In Act 2, the CPU 10 checks whether or not a predetermined condition is satisfied in order to determine the timing for changing the advertisement image. If the determination is NO because the condition is not satisfied, the CPU 10 proceeds to Act3. The above conditions are arbitrarily determined by the designer or manager of the signage device 1. The above condition is, for example, the case where the elapsed time from the start of displaying the displayed display image 50 exceeds a predetermined time.

  In Act 3, the CPU 10 confirms whether or not a touch operation by the user has been performed. If it is determined NO because the touch operation is not detected by the touch sensor 14b, the CPU 10 returns to Act2.

  Thus, in Acts 2 and 3, the CPU 10 waits for a condition to be satisfied or a touch operation to be performed. If the determination is YES in Act2 because the condition is satisfied, the CPU 10 proceeds to Act4.

  In Act 4, the CPU 10 updates the display image 50 so as to change the advertisement image 53 to another image. Thereafter, the CPU 10 returns to the standby state of Acts 2 and 3.

  When the user touches the display image 50 and this is detected by the touch sensor 14b, the CPU 10 determines YES in Act3. In this case, the CPU 10 proceeds to Act5.

  In Act 5, the CPU 10 confirms whether or not the touch operation target in the display image 50 is any of the category buttons 52a to 52d. If the touch position detected by the touch sensor 14b is not a position corresponding to any of the category buttons 52a to 52d and the CPU 10 determines NO, the CPU 10 proceeds to Act6.

  In Act 6, the CPU 10 confirms whether the touch operation target in the display image 50 is any of the direct buttons 54a to 54c. If the touch position detected by the touch sensor 14b is not a position corresponding to any of the direct buttons 54a to 54c and the CPU 10 determines NO, the CPU 10 proceeds to another process corresponding to the touch position detected by the touch sensor 14b. Transition. Since this other process is not a feature of the present embodiment, description thereof is omitted. Further, if the touch position detected by the touch sensor 14b is a position corresponding to any of the direct buttons 54a to 54c, and if it is determined YES in Act 6, the CPU 10 proceeds to Act 13 in FIG.

  If the touch position detected by the touch sensor 14b is a position corresponding to one of the category buttons 52a to 52d, and if it is determined YES in Act 5, the CPU 10 proceeds to Act 7.

  In Act 7, the CPU 10 generates an image for a selection operation by the user (hereinafter referred to as an operation image), and instructs the display device 14a to start displaying the operation image. In response to this instruction, the display device 14a ends the display of the display image and starts displaying the operation image. Specifically, the CPU 10 determines which of the category buttons 52a to 52d is the target of the touch operation based on the touch position detected by the touch sensor 14b. Then, the CPU 10 generates an operation image for selection operation corresponding to the corresponding category button 52a.

  FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an operation image 60 as an example. In FIG. 7, the same elements as those shown in FIG. 6 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof is omitted.

  As shown in FIG. 7, the CPU 10 arranges the standard image 51, the selected image 52, the selected image 54, and the selected image 61 in the vertical direction to generate an operation image 60. That is, the operation image 60 is obtained by arranging the selection image 61 in place of the advertisement image 53 in the display image 50. However, the CPU 10 adds a frame line 52e indicating which of the category buttons 52a to 52d has been touched by the user to the selected image 52. The operation image 60 shown in FIG. 7 is displayed in response to the category button 52a being touched by the user, that is, when the coupon is issued by the user. The contents of the selected image 61 when the category buttons 52b to 52d are touched by the user are different from those in FIG.

  The selection image 61 includes a plurality of selection buttons 61a for selecting any one of a plurality of options in a state of being arranged in the horizontal direction. Since the operation image 60 in FIG. 7 is a case where a coupon issuance is requested by the user, a plurality of options are a plurality of coupons that can be printed by the signage device 1. The CPU 10 associates the plurality of selection buttons 61a in the selection image 61 with the plurality of coupons, respectively. The selection button 61a includes thumbnails of coupon images associated therewith. Although not shown in FIG. 4, when there is a coupon for which the related selection button 61a is not displayed in the selection image 61, an operation of tracing the selection image 61 with a finger or the like in the horizontal direction is used. The CPU 10 updates the operation image 60 so that the selection button 61 a that has not been displayed is displayed in the selection image 61 in response to what the user has performed.

  When the category button 52b is touched, the CPU 10 includes the selection image 61 including a plurality of selection buttons for selecting one of a plurality of products to be delivered. When the category button 52c is touched, the CPU 10 includes the selection image 61 including a plurality of selection buttons for selecting any one of the plurality of leaflets. When the category button 52d is touched, the CPU 10 sets the selection image 61 as an image for selecting a target area of the map to be issued.

  In Act 8, the CPU 10 confirms whether or not a touch operation by the user has been performed. If the touch operation is not detected by the touch sensor 14b and the determination is NO, the CPU 10 proceeds to Act9.

  In Act 9, the CPU 10 checks whether or not a predetermined time has elapsed since the operation image 60 was displayed in Act 7. If the predetermined time has not yet elapsed and the determination is NO, the CPU 10 returns to Act 8.

  Thus, in Acts 8 and 9, the CPU 10 waits for a fixed time to elapse without touch operation being performed. If a predetermined time has passed without any touch operation, and the determination is YES in Act 9, the CPU 10 returns to Act1. That is, if the state where the touch operation is not performed while the operation image 60 is displayed continues for a certain time, the CPU 10 returns to the state where the display image 50 is displayed.

  If a touch operation is performed in the standby state of Acts 8 and 9, the CPU 10 determines YES in Act 8 and proceeds to Act 10.

  In Act 10, the CPU 10 confirms whether the target of the touch operation is any one of the category buttons 52a to 52d. If the touch position detected by the touch sensor 14b is a position corresponding to one of the category buttons 52a to 52d and the CPU 10 determines YES, the CPU 10 returns to Act7. However, since the target of the touch operation in the operation image 60 is not any of the category buttons 52a to 52d, the CPU 10 proceeds to Act 11 if it is determined NO in Act 10.

  In Act 11, the CPU 10 confirms whether or not the touch operation target in the operation image 60 is any of the plurality of selection buttons 61a. If the touch position detected by the touch sensor 14b is a position corresponding to one of the operation buttons 61a and the determination is YES, the CPU 10 proceeds to Act 13 in FIG. However, since the touch position detected by the touch sensor 14b is not a position corresponding to any of the operation buttons 61a, if it is determined NO in Act 11, the CPU 10 proceeds to Act 12.

  In Act 12, the CPU 10 confirms whether or not the touch operation target in the operation image 60 is any of the direct buttons 54a to 54c. If the touch position detected by the touch sensor 14b is not a position corresponding to any of the direct buttons 54a to 54c and the CPU 10 determines NO, the CPU 10 proceeds to another process corresponding to the touch position detected by the touch sensor 14b. Transition. Since this other process is not a feature of the present embodiment, description thereof is omitted. In addition, since the touch position detected by the touch sensor 14b is a position corresponding to any of the direct buttons 54a to 54c, if it is determined YES in Act 12, the CPU 10 proceeds to Act 13 in FIG.

  As described above, when any of the direct buttons 54a to 54c is touched on the display image 50, and when any of the plurality of selection buttons 61a or any of the direct buttons 54a to 54c is touched on the operation image 60. Then, the CPU 10 proceeds to Act13.

  In Act 13 in FIG. 5, the CPU 10 generates an image (hereinafter referred to as a confirmation image) for allowing the user to confirm the image to be printed, and causes the display device 14a to start displaying the confirmation image. Instruct. In response to this instruction, the display device 14a ends the display of the display image 50 or the operation image 60 and starts displaying the confirmation image. Specifically, the CPU 10 determines which of the direct buttons 54a to 54c and the plurality of selection buttons 61a is the target of the touch operation based on the touch position detected by the touch sensor 14b. Then, the CPU 10 generates a confirmation image as an image including a preview image of the image associated with the corresponding button.

  FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a confirmation image 70 as an example. In FIG. 8, the same elements as those shown in FIGS. 6 and 7 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof is omitted.

  The CPU 10 generates a confirmation image 70 including a standard image 51, a selection image 52, a selection image 54, a selection image 61, and a setting image 71 as shown in FIG. That is, the confirmation image 70 is obtained by additionally arranging the setting image 71 on the operation image 60 in a state of being superimposed on the selection image 61.

  The setting image 71 includes a preview image 71a, change buttons 71b and 71c, a print button 71d, and a display field 71e.

  The CPU 10 reduces the horizontal width of the image to be printed to be smaller than the horizontal width of the advertisement image 53 and reduces the entire image to fit within the setting image 71 as shown in FIG. A preview image 71a is generated. Then, the CPU 10 generates the setting image 71 by combining the preview image 71a with a form including the change buttons 71b and 71c, the print button 71d, and the display field 71e.

  The change buttons 71b and 71c are operation buttons for inputting a user operation for instructing to change the number of prints. The print button 71d is an operation button for inputting a user operation for instructing printing of an image to be printed. The display column 71e displays a numerical value indicating the number of prints. In Act 13, the CPU 10 sets the numerical value in the display field 71e to “1”.

  When the CPU 10 proceeds from Act 6 or Act 12 to Act 13 in response to any of the direct buttons 54a to 54c being touched, the image associated with the touched direct button is set as a print target. Further, when the CPU 10 proceeds from Act 11 to Act 13 in response to touch of any of the plurality of selection buttons 61a, the CPU 10 sets the image associated with the touched selection button 61a as a print target. The preview image 71a shown in FIG. 8 is an example of the case where the operation proceeds from Act 11 to Act 13 in response to the touch of one of the selection buttons 61a in the operation image 60 shown in FIG. 7, and is associated with the corresponding selection button 61a. It is an image obtained by reducing the image of the coupon that has been used.

  The preview image 71 a is located at the center in the horizontal direction in the confirmation image 70. The confirmation image 70 is displayed using almost the entire display area of the display device 14a. Therefore, the preview image 71a is positioned at the horizontal center in the display area of the display device 14a.

  As described above, the CPU 10 functions as a display control unit by the processing of Acts 1 to 13.

  In Act 14, the CPU 10 confirms whether or not a touch operation by the user has been performed. If the touch operation is not detected by the touch sensor 14b and the determination is NO, the CPU 10 proceeds to Act 15.

  In Act 15, the CPU 10 confirms whether or not a predetermined time has elapsed since the confirmation image 70 was displayed in Act 13. If the predetermined time has not yet elapsed and the determination is NO, the CPU 10 returns to Act14.

  Thus, in Acts 13 and 14, the CPU 10 waits for a predetermined time to elapse without touch operation being performed or without touch operation being performed. If it is determined YES in Act 15 because a predetermined time has passed without a touch operation being performed, the CPU 10 returns to Act 1. That is, if the state in which the touch operation is not performed while the confirmation image 70 is displayed continues for a certain time, the CPU 10 returns to the state in which the display image 50 is displayed.

  On the other hand, if a touch operation is performed when Acts 14 and 15 are in the standby state, the CPU 10 determines YES in Act 14 and proceeds to Act 16.

  In Act 16, the CPU 10 confirms whether the target of the touch operation is any one of the category buttons 52a to 52d. If the touch position detected by the touch sensor 14b is a position corresponding to one of the category buttons 52a to 52d and the CPU 10 determines YES, the CPU 10 returns to Act7. However, since the touch operation target in the confirmation image 70 is not any of the category buttons 52a to 52d, the CPU 10 proceeds to Act 17 if it is determined NO in Act 16.

  In Act 17, the CPU 10 confirms whether or not the touch operation target is one of the change buttons 71b and 71c. If the touch position detected by the touch sensor 14b is a position corresponding to one of the change buttons 71b and 71c and the determination is YES, the CPU 10 proceeds to Act18.

  In Act 18, the CPU 10 updates the confirmation image 70 so as to change the numerical value represented in the display field 71e. Specifically, the CPU 10 increases the numerical value shown in the display field 71e if the touch operation target is the change button 71b, and increases the numerical value shown in the display field 71e if the touch operation target is the change button 71c. Decrease by one. After that, the CPU 10 returns to the standby state for Acts 14 and 15.

  If the touch position detected by the touch sensor 14b is not a position corresponding to one of the change buttons 71b and 71c, and if it is determined NO in Act 17, the CPU 10 proceeds to Act 19.

  In Act 19, the CPU 10 confirms whether or not the touch operation target is the print button 71d. If the touch position detected by the touch sensor 14b is not a position corresponding to the print button 71d and the determination is NO, the CPU 10 proceeds to Act 20.

  In Act 20, the CPU 10 confirms whether or not the touch operation target in the confirmation image 70 is any of the direct buttons 54a to 54c. If the touch position detected by the touch sensor 14b is not a position corresponding to any of the direct buttons 54a to 54c and the CPU 10 determines NO, the CPU 10 proceeds to another process corresponding to the touch position detected by the touch sensor 14b. Transition. Since this other processing is not a feature of the present application, description thereof is omitted. Further, since the touch position detected by the touch sensor 14b is a position corresponding to one of the direct buttons 54a to 54c, if it is determined YES in Act 20, the CPU 10 returns to Act 13.

  If it is determined YES in Act 19 because the touch operation target is the print button 71d, the CPU 10 proceeds to Act 21.

  In Act 21, the CPU 10 instructs the printer 15 to print the image to be printed at this time for the set number of prints. In response to this instruction, the printer 15 prints the corresponding image on the print medium by the corresponding number. The print medium on which the image is printed is discharged to the outside of the housing 18 and can be received by the user. Thus, if the print target is an image of a coupon, the coupon is an order sheet if the print target is a delivery order sheet image, and if the print target is a flyer image, the flyer is If the print target is a map image, a map is issued. Thus, the CPU 10 functions as a print control unit.

  After finishing Act 21, the CPU 10 returns to Act1.

  Thus, according to the signage apparatus 1, the display image 50 is displayed on the display device 14a in a situation where no operation is performed by the user. Since this display image 50 is in a display state as shown in FIG. 2 as well, it is possible for an unspecified person on the front side of the housing 18 to see it well. That is, the advertisement image 53 is noticed by an unspecified person in the vicinity of the signage device 1, and a sufficient advertisement effect can be expected.

  When a user wants to obtain a coupon, an order sheet, a flyer, or a map issued by the signage device 1, the user must perform an operation on the signage device 1, so that the signage device 1 faces and the signage device 1. It will be located close to. In particular, in this embodiment, since the touch panel 14 is used to input a user's operation, the user must perform an operation of touching the display image on the touch panel 14 for the operation. It will be close enough.

  9 and 10 are diagrams showing a typical positional relationship between the signage device 1 and the user 80. FIG.

  For this reason, it is difficult for other humans behind the user 80 to easily see the display on the display device 14a because the body of the user 80 is in the way.

  However, as the screen size of the display device 14a is larger, the advertising effect of the advertising image 53 is improved. Therefore, it is assumed that the screen size of the display device 14a is, for example, 32 inches. For this reason, it is difficult to completely hide the image displayed by the display device 14a with the body of the user 80.

  Now, when the user 80 obtains a coupon, an order sheet, a flyer, or a map by the signage device 1, what is not desired to be known to others around is the printed content. Therefore, among the images displayed on the display device 14a during the operation of the signage apparatus 1 described above, the image that the user 80 does not want to be seen by others is the preview image 71a.

  The preview image 71 a has a horizontal width smaller than that of the advertisement image 53. Further, the preview image 71 a is arranged in the horizontal center of the confirmation image 70. Therefore, the preview image 71a is displayed near the center in the horizontal direction in the display area of the display device 14a. For these reasons, both horizontal ends of the preview image 71a are positioned closer to the center of the display area of the display device 14a than both horizontal ends of the advertisement image 53. As a result, the preview image 71a is hidden by the body of the user 80, and there is a high probability that it will be difficult for others to see.

  In particular, in the confirmation image 70 shown in FIG. 8, as described above, the preview image 71a is positioned at the center in the horizontal direction in the display area of the display device 14a. Typically, the user is positioned directly in front of the display device 14a. In this state, the user is positioned directly in front of the preview image 71a, and the other person previews from either the left or right side of the user. It becomes difficult to look into the image 71a.

  As described above, according to the signage apparatus 1, when the advertisement image 53 and the preview image 71 a representing information desired by a specific user are displayed on the same display device 14 a, the advertisement image 53 can be viewed by many people. However, it is possible to limit the person who can view the preview image 72a.

(Second Embodiment)
FIG. 11 is a block diagram of a digital signage system 100 according to the second embodiment. In FIG. 11, the same elements as those shown in FIG. 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof is omitted.

  A digital signage system (hereinafter abbreviated as a signage system) 100 includes a signage device 1 and a content server 4.

  The signage apparatus 1 is the same as the first embodiment in hardware. However, the control program stored in the ROM 11 or the auxiliary storage device 13 is different from that in the first embodiment.

  The content server 4 includes a CPU 40, a ROM 41, a RAM 42, an auxiliary storage device 43, a communication device 44, and a bus line 45. The CPU 40, ROM 41, RAM 42, auxiliary storage device 43, and communication device 44 are connected to the bus line 45, respectively.

  The CPU 40 corresponds to the central part of the computer. The CPU 40 executes processing for controlling image display on the signage device 1 based on the operation system and application programs stored in the ROM 41 and the auxiliary storage device 43.

  The ROM 41 corresponds to a main storage part of the computer. The ROM 41 stores the above operation system and application programs. The ROM 41 may store data necessary for the CPU 40 to execute various processes.

  The RAM 42 corresponds to the main storage portion of the computer. The RAM 42 stores data necessary for the CPU 40 to execute various processes as necessary. The RAM 42 is also used as a work area when the CPU 40 performs various processes.

  The auxiliary storage device 43 is, for example, a hard disk drive or an SSD (solid state drive). The auxiliary storage device 43 stores data used when the CPU 40 performs various processes and data generated by the processes performed by the CPU 40. The auxiliary storage device 43 may store the above application program. The data stored in the auxiliary storage device 43 includes data representing various images to be displayed on the digital signage apparatus 1.

  The communication device 44 performs processing for communication with the content server 3 and the like via the communication network 2. As the communication device 44, for example, an existing LAN device can be applied. The communication device 44 may access the communication network 2 wirelessly.

  The content server 4 can use, for example, a general-purpose server device or a computer device as basic hardware.

  The application program stored in the ROM 41 or the auxiliary storage device 43 includes a control program describing control processing described later. Transfer of the content server 4 is generally performed in a state where this control program is stored in the ROM 41 or the auxiliary storage device 43. However, the content server 4 and the control program in a state where the control program is not stored in the ROM 41 or the auxiliary storage device 43 may be individually transferred. Then, a control program may be written in the ROM 41 or the auxiliary storage device 43 in accordance with an operation by a user or the like. The transfer of the control program can be performed by recording on a removable recording medium such as a magnetic disk, a magneto-optical disk, an optical disk, a semiconductor memory, or by communication via a network.

  Next, the operation of the signage system 100 configured as described above will be described.

  In the signage system 100, the CPU 40 performs most of the control processing shown in FIGS.

  However, in Acts 1, 4, 7, 13, and 18, the CPU 40 generates the respective images, but does not directly control the display device 14a for displaying those images. Instead, the CPU 40 transmits data representing the generated image to the signage device 1 to instruct a display change. In response to this instruction, the CPU 10 controls the display device 14a to change the display.

  In Act 21, the CPU 40 does not directly control the printer 15. Instead, the CPU 40 transmits image data to be printed to the signage apparatus 1 and instructs printing. In response to this instruction, the CPU 10 controls the printer 15 to print an image to be printed.

  In addition, when a touch operation is performed, the CPU 10 determines the target button and notifies the content server 3 of the button. In response to this notification, the CPU 40 is used for determination in Acts 3, 5, 6, 8, 10-12, 14, 16, 17, 19, 20 and generation of the operation image 60 or confirmation image 70 in Acts 7 and 13. Select an image.

  Thus, in the signage system 100, the signage device 1 functions as a signage terminal under the control of the content server, and the same display as in the first embodiment is performed on the signage device 1.

  Thus, the CPU 40 and the communication device 44 implement first and second transmission means.

  Also in the second embodiment, the display device 14a performs the same display as in the first embodiment, and the same effect as in the first embodiment can be achieved.

  This embodiment can be variously modified as follows.

  As the input device, a device different from the touch sensor 14b such as a keyboard may be used.

  The position of the preview image 71a in the confirmation image may be shifted in any of the horizontal directions. However, both ends of the preview image 71a in the horizontal direction are both positioned closer to the center of the display area of the display device 14a than both ends of the advertisement image 53 in the horizontal direction.

  Although several embodiments of the present invention have been described, these embodiments are presented by way of example and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These novel embodiments can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, replacements, and changes can be made without departing from the scope of the invention. These embodiments and modifications thereof are included in the scope and gist of the invention, and are included in the invention described in the claims and the equivalents thereof.

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Digital signage apparatus (signage apparatus), 2 ... Communication network, 3, 4 ... Content server, 10, 40 ... CPU, 11, 41 ... ROM, 12, 42 ... ROM, 13, 43 ... Auxiliary storage device, 14 ... Touch panel, 14a ... display device, 14b ... touch sensor, 15 ... printer, 16 ... wireless communication device, 18 ... housing, 44 ... communication device, 100 ... digital signage system (signage system).

Claims (6)

A display device for displaying any image;
A printer that prints any image onto a print medium;
An input device for inputting a user's operation facing the display device;
The print image instructed by the operation input by the input device is displayed in the first period, and not displayed in the second period that is at least a part of the period different from the first period. The display device is controlled to display an advertisement image directed to a specific person, and the preview image is displayed on the display device at both ends in the horizontal direction rather than both ends in the horizontal direction of the advertisement image. Display control means for displaying in a state of being positioned on the center side of the area;
The printer is controlled to print the print image in response to a user's operation for instructing the print being input by the input device while the display device is displaying the print image. A digital signage apparatus comprising a print control means.   2. The digital signage apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the display control unit controls the display device to display the preview image at a center in a horizontal direction of the display area.   The digital signage apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the input device is a touch sensor arranged so as to overlap a display surface of the display device. A digital signage system comprising a signage terminal and a content server,
The signage terminal
A display device for displaying any image;
A printer that prints any image onto a print medium;
An input device for inputting a user's operation facing the display device;
Notification means for notifying the content server of the operation input by the input device;
Display control means for controlling the display device to display a display image transmitted from the content server;
Print control means for controlling the printer to print the print image transmitted from the content server,
The content server
An advertisement display image including an advertisement image directed to an unspecified person and a preview image including a print image instructed by the user through the operation notified by the notification means are used as the display image to the signage terminal. A first transmission means for transmitting the preview image in a state in which both ends in the horizontal direction are positioned closer to the center of the display image than both ends in the horizontal direction of the advertisement image;
And a second transmission means for transmitting the print image to the signage terminal in response to an instruction to print the print image by the operation notified by the notification means. A characteristic digital signage system. A display device for displaying any image;
A printer that prints any image onto a print medium;
An input device for inputting a user's operation facing the display device;
Notification means for notifying the content server of the operation input by the input device;
Display control means for controlling the display device to display a display image transmitted from the content server;
A server device used as the content server to constitute a digital signage system together with a signage terminal provided with a print control means for controlling the printer so as to print a print image transmitted from the content server. And
An advertisement display image including an advertisement image directed to an unspecified person and a preview image including a print image instructed by the user through the operation notified by the notification means are used as the display image to the signage terminal. A first transmission means for transmitting the preview image in a state in which both ends in the horizontal direction are positioned closer to the center of the display image than both ends in the horizontal direction of the advertisement image;
And a second transmission unit configured to transmit the print image to the signage terminal in response to an instruction to print the print image by the operation notified by the notification unit. Server device. A display device for displaying any image;
A printer that prints any image onto a print medium;
An input device for inputting a user's operation facing the display device;
A control program for a digital signage device comprising a computer,
The computer,
The print image instructed by the operation input by the input device is displayed in the first period, and not displayed in the second period that is at least a part of the period different from the first period. The display device is controlled to display an advertisement image directed to a specific person, and the preview image is displayed on the display device at both ends in the horizontal direction rather than both ends in the horizontal direction of the advertisement image. Display control means for displaying in a state of being positioned on the center side of the area;
The printer is controlled to print the print image in response to a user's operation for instructing the print being input by the input device while the display device is displaying the print image. A control program that functions as print control means.

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