WO2012115027A1

WO2012115027A1 - Communication device for electronic pop advertising terminal

Info

Publication number: WO2012115027A1
Application number: PCT/JP2012/053936
Authority: WO
Inventors: 名倉昭仁
Original assignee: 株式会社シアーズ
Priority date: 2011-02-22
Filing date: 2012-02-20
Publication date: 2012-08-30
Also published as: JPWO2012115027A1

Abstract

[Problem] To provide a technique for using a simple method to connect existing offline-type POP terminals to a network while also utilizing the terminals. [Solution] A communication device (2) which is connected to an electronic POP advertising terminal (3) installed in an advertising location and which receives, through a communication line, an advertising data file from an advertising server (8), the communication device (2) being provided with an information processor (23), a communication interface unit (21) capable of communicating with the advertising server (8), a connector (25) connected to the electronic POP advertising terminal (3), and a memory unit (22) for storing the received advertising data file. The information processor (23) downloads the advertising data file in the advertising server (8) through the communication interface unit (21), stores the downloaded advertising data file in the memory unit (22), sends a notification about an interrupt request to the electronic POP advertising terminal (3) connected via the connector (25), and causes the advertising data file stored in the memory unit (22) to be outputted in the electronic POP advertising terminal (3).

Description

Communication device for electronic POP advertising terminal

The present invention relates to advertisement providing technology, and in particular, a data communication function used by connecting to an electronic POP advertising terminal having a function of reproducing and displaying an electronic POP advertisement (Point Of Purchase advertising) installed in an advertising place such as a store. It is related with the communication apparatus provided with.

In recent years, a method of providing advertisements related to sales products by installing a terminal having a function of reproducing and displaying content data such as video and audio in an advertising place such as a store shelf or a counter in a store is widely used. In general, such an advertisement using content such as video and audio is called an electronic POP advertisement (Point Of Purchase advertising). In electronic POP advertisements, content data, its display schedule, and the like must be frequently updated with sales promotions and product model changes.

Therefore, an advertisement display control device is proposed that reads advertisement data and schedule data that regulates display of advertisement data from the inserted storage medium, and updates previous advertisement data and schedule data stored in the memory. (For example, refer to Patent Document 1). In Patent Document 1, an automatic data transfer program is stored in addition to advertisement data and schedule data in a storage medium, and the storage medium is inserted into a terminal that provides an electronic POP advertisement (hereinafter referred to as “POP terminal”). Then, the automatic data transfer program is automatically started, and the update operation of the advertisement data and the schedule data is executed by the control unit of the POP terminal.

Also, an online POP terminal that has a data communication function and can be connected to a network has been proposed (see, for example, Patent Document 2). In Patent Document 2, the POP terminal includes a communication I / F unit, an e-mail processing unit that receives an e-mail, and an advertisement reproduction unit that reproduces content data. The attached content data can be reproduced.

JP 2004-138740 A JP 2007-109190 A

According to the technique described in Patent Document 1, even if the POP terminal is not provided with an online data communication function and is not connected to the network, the storage medium in which the content data and the display schedule are recorded is inserted. Thus, the content to be reproduced and displayed can be updated as appropriate. However, each time the content data is updated, the operator (operator) must manually insert and remove the storage medium (eg, CD-ROM, USB memory, etc.), so a large number of POP terminals are installed. There has been a problem that the burden of updating the content data and the like is large in the stores and the like.

In this respect, since the POP terminal described in Patent Document 2 has a data communication function and is an online type that can be connected to a network, new content data and the like can be acquired via the network. No renewal work is required. However, already offline POP terminals are sold in large quantities and are used in each store. In the case of stores where many offline POP terminals are installed in various places, all these existing offline POP terminals are used. Replacing the type POP terminal with the online type requires a great deal of cost. Furthermore, when an online type POP terminal is replaced, an offline type POP terminal becomes unnecessary, leading to a waste of resources.

The present invention has been made in view of the above-described problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a technique for connecting these to a network by a simple method while utilizing an existing offline POP terminal.

In order to solve the above-described problem, a communication device of the present invention is a communication device that is connected to an electronic POP advertising terminal installed in an advertising place and receives an advertisement data file from an advertisement server through a communication line, and includes an information processing unit A communication interface unit that enables communication with the advertisement server through the communication line, a connection unit connected to the electronic POP advertising terminal, and a storage unit that stores the received advertisement data file. The information processing unit downloads the advertisement data file of the advertisement server via the communication interface unit, stores the downloaded advertisement data file in the storage unit, and is connected via the connection unit. The electronic POP advertising terminal is notified of the interruption request, and the advertising data file stored in the storage unit is stored in the electronic P Characterized in that to output the P ads terminal.

In the communication apparatus, the information processing unit compares the advertisement data file of the advertisement server with the advertisement data file stored in the storage unit at predetermined intervals. You may download the advertisement data file of an advertisement server.

In the communication apparatus, the information processing unit notifies the advertisement server of a reception request at every predetermined interval, and receives an advertisement data file transmitted by the advertisement server based on the notified reception request. Thus, the advertisement data file of the advertisement server may be downloaded.

In the communication device, the information processing unit notifies the advertisement server of identification information registered in advance in the communication device, and the advertisement server distributes an advertisement data file distributed based on the notified identification information. The advertisement data file of the advertisement server may be downloaded by receiving.

Moreover, it is preferable that the electronic POP advertising terminal is of an offline type that does not have a function of communicating through a communication line.

In the communication apparatus, the connection unit includes at least a power supply line and a signal line, and the power supply line is always connected to the connected electronic POP advertising terminal, via the power supply line. In addition, power is supplied from the connected electronic POP advertising terminal, and the signal line of the connection unit is controlled to be turned on and off by the information processing unit with the connected electronic POP advertising terminal. It is preferable.

In the communication device, it is preferable that the information processing unit notifies the connected electronic POP advertising terminal of an interrupt request by turning on a signal line of the connection unit at a predetermined timing.

In the communication device, it is preferable that the communication interface unit can communicate with the advertisement server via a wireless LAN. Alternatively, it is preferable that the communication interface unit can communicate with the advertisement server via a mobile phone line. Alternatively, it is preferable that the communication interface unit can communicate with the advertisement server via a wired LAN.

According to the present invention, the advertisement data file acquired via the communication line by the communication device can be output from the offline POP terminal, so that the advertisement data file stored in the existing offline POP terminal is updated as appropriate. It is possible to easily control a large number of offline POP terminals and display appropriate advertisements on the POP terminals. Other effects will be described in the mode for carrying out the invention.

Schematic which shows the whole structure of the electronic POP advertisement provision system of this invention The figure which shows an example of the structure of management database, such as a communication apparatus The figure which shows an example of the structure of an advertisement management database An example of a block diagram showing a configuration of an offline type electronic POP advertising terminal Flow chart showing an outline of processing of an offline type electronic POP advertising terminal An example of a block diagram showing a configuration of a communication apparatus of the present invention Sequence diagram showing an outline of processing of the electronic POP advertisement providing system The flowchart which shows an example of a process of the communication apparatus of this invention Flow chart showing an example of processing of the advertisement server Flow chart showing an example of file copy processing Flow chart showing an example of playback display processing

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In addition, this invention is not limited to the following examples.

The communication device of the present invention is connected to an offline POP terminal, and the offline POP terminal is an online POP terminal that constitutes a part of an online electronic POP advertisement providing system (hereinafter referred to as “advertisement providing system”). It can be in a usable state. According to the communication apparatus of the present invention, an advertisement data file acquired from an online advertisement server can be output from an offline POP terminal. In particular, since the basic processing of an existing offline POP terminal can be used as it is, the existing offline POP terminal can be substantially used as an online type.

The advertisement data file is a data file required for displaying an advertisement, and includes, for example, content data, schedule data, and the like. The content data is data indicating the contents of the electronic POP advertisement, and is, for example, a set of moving image data, audio data, still image data, and text data in MPEG, MP4, AVI, MP3, JPG, TXT format, and the like. The schedule data includes the content data to be played back, the playback order and playback time zone of the content data (playback display start time and end time), and the day of the week on which the advertisement is provided (day of the week, weekdays only, weekends and holidays, etc.) This is data (for example, a TXT file) indicating a period during which an advertisement is provided.

Hereinafter, the outline of the entire advertisement providing system will be described first, and then the configuration and operation of the offline POP terminal will be described, and then the communication device of the present invention and the operation thereof will be described.

[Electronic POP advertisement providing system]
FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing the overall configuration of the advertisement providing system. The advertisement providing system 1 of the present invention is a system for providing advertisement data files of an advertisement server to various terminals through a network, and a POP terminal to which the communication device of the present invention is connected is also used as one of the various terminals. It is a system that can. The advertisement providing system 1 includes a communication device 2, a POP terminal 3, and an advertisement server 8. Each device is connected directly or indirectly via the network 7. Furthermore, the advertisement providing system 1 is preferably capable of displaying the advertisement of the advertisement server 8 on the information terminal 5 having a data communication function. The information terminal 5 includes, for example, an online POP terminal, an online TV, a personal computer, a mobile phone, a tablet terminal, and a PDA.

The advertisement providing system 1 is preferably provided with a management terminal 9 for managing the advertisement server 8. The advertisement providing system 1 may include a relay device 6 for connecting the communication device 2 and the information terminal 5 (hereinafter referred to as “communication device or the like”) to the network 7 as necessary.

The communication device 2 is connected to the POP terminal 3, acquires an advertisement data file from the advertisement server 8 via the network 7, and causes the POP terminal 3 to output the advertisement data file. The communication device 2 acquires the advertisement data file not only by storing a specific advertisement data file in a storage unit (for example, a first storage unit 22 shown in FIG. 6 described later) in the communication device 2 but also by communication. Even if it is not stored in the storage unit of the device 2, including enabling a specific advertisement data file to be output from the POP terminal 3 through the communication device 2 is also included. In addition, when the communication device 2 acquires a new advertisement data file from the advertisement server 8, the advertisement data file includes not all of the data required for displaying the advertisement but content data or schedule data, It may contain only some data that needs to be changed. Details of the configuration and operation of the communication device 2 will be described later with reference to FIGS.

The POP terminal 3 has a function of reproducing and displaying an advertisement on a display using an advertisement data file installed in an advertisement place and stored in a storage unit (for example, a first storage unit 32 shown in FIG. 4 to be described later). . The advertisement place is, for example, in various stores (store A, store B,...), And in particular, in the vicinity of the sales product to be advertised in order to effectively increase the customer's willingness to purchase. preferable. Further, the present invention is not limited to this, and it may be a public facility such as a street where many consumers gather, a resting place, or a service area of a station / highway. The POP terminal 3 to which the communication device 2 of the present invention is connected is preferably an offline type terminal that does not have a function of communicating through a communication line alone. The offline-type POP terminal 3 can update the display content of the advertisement by directly connecting the portable storage medium 4 (for example, CD-ROM, USB memory, etc.) storing the advertisement data file alone. is there. Furthermore, the offline type POP terminal 3 can function substantially as an online type POP terminal by connecting the communication device 2 of the present invention.

The POP terminal 3 that can be used in the present invention needs to have a connection unit 31 (see FIG. 4) capable of connecting at least the communication device 2 and transmitting / receiving data to / from the communication device 2. . The connection unit 31 is a general-purpose interface that can connect not only the communication device 2 but also various peripheral devices and the portable storage medium 4 (typically a USB memory). For example, the connection unit 31 may be a USB connector configured in conformity with the USB (Universal Serial Bus) standard. Details of the configuration and operation of the POP terminal 3 will be described later with reference to FIGS.

The relay device 6 is a device that relays communication between the communication device and the network 7. Specifically, the relay device 6 uses a wireless LAN (Local Area Network) access point, a base station of a cellular phone network or a PHS network, a portable information terminal having a modem function or a routing function, a mobile router, or the like. Can do. When the relay device 6 is a wireless LAN access point, a spot area capable of wireless communication with a predetermined frequency and communication format is formed, and data is transmitted / received to / from a communication device or the like existing in the spot area. Wi-Fi (Wireless Fidelity) is preferably adopted as the predetermined frequency and communication format, but is not limited to this, and WiMAX (Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access), Bluetooth (registered trademark), etc. It may be. “Wi-Fi” and “WiMAX” are compliant with “IEEE 802.11” and “IEEE 802.16”, which are wireless LAN standards, respectively.

In the present embodiment, an example in which the relay device 6 and the communication device 2 are connected by a wireless line will be described. In addition, an analog line, a digital line, an optical fiber line, a wired LAN such as Ethernet (registered trademark), The relay device 6 and the communication device 2 may be connected using a wired line such as a USB cable.

The network 7 is not particularly limited as long as the communication device 2 and the advertisement server 8 can communicate with each other. For example, a public telephone network, ISDN (Integrated Service Digital Network, an abbreviation for digital integrated network). Also called service network.), ADSL (Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Line), CATV (Community Antenna Television) network, optical fiber network, wireless LAN (Local Area Network), CS (Communication Mobile Network), CS (Communication Mobile Network). it can.

The advertisement server 8 is a form of an advertisement supply device that supplies an advertisement data file to a communication device or the like via the relay device 6 and the network 7. In the present embodiment, a server is adopted as the advertisement supply device. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and one or a plurality of personal computers can be used, or a combination of a server and a personal computer can be used. it can. The advertisement server 8 has a function of connecting to the network 7 directly or via the relay device 6 and a function of storing and updating advertisement data files. Further, the advertisement server 8 searches for and transmits the corresponding advertisement data file in response to a request from the communication device, the function of authenticating the communication device, etc., and the advertisement data based on the identification information and registration information of the communication device etc. It is preferable to have a function for automatically distributing files.

The advertisement server 8 includes a communication device management database 81 for managing identification information of communication devices and the like that join this system, and an advertisement management database 82 for managing advertisement data files supplied to the communication devices. It is preferable to have. The communication device management database 81 and the advertisement management database 82 will be described below with reference to FIGS.

FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of the structure of a communication device management database, and FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of the structure of an advertisement management database. As shown in FIG. 2, the communication device management database 81 includes a registration ID 811, a communication device ID 812, a POP terminal ID 813, area information 814, an advertisement ID 816, an update flag 817, and the like. The communication device ID 812 and the POP terminal ID 813 are identification information for uniquely identifying the communication terminal 2 and the POP terminal 3, respectively. The registration ID 811 uniquely identifies the combination of the POP terminal 3 and the communication device 2 connected thereto. Or identification information of an information terminal 5 other than the communication terminal 2 and the POP terminal 3. Specifically, the identification information of the communication device 2, the POP terminal 3, and the information terminal 5 may be an IP address, a MAC address, an IMSI (International Mobile Subscriber Identity) number, a mobile phone number, or a manufacturing number or It may be a hash value generated based on a manufacturing number or the like. That is, identification information unique to the device is sufficient.

Area information 814 is information on the location and position where the POP terminal 3 is installed, and includes, for example, a store name, an address, a latitude / longitude, and a telephone number. In addition, the area information 814 can be designated as a wide area such as “XX city”, “XX city”, and the like. In the case of designating a wide area, sub area information 815 may be provided as necessary, and thereby a detailed position can be specified. For example, when a plurality of POP terminals 3 are installed in the same store, a floor or a sales floor can be designated by the subarea information 815.

The advertisement ID 816 is identification information given to the advertisement data file supplied to the communication device or the like. The contents of the advertisement data file indicated by the advertisement ID 816 are managed by the advertisement management database shown in FIG. The update flag 817 is a value indicating update of the advertisement data file. For example, “1” indicates that the file has been updated but transmission to the target communication device or the like has not been completed, and “0” indicates that the file has not been updated or has already been updated. Indicates that transmission is complete. Furthermore, the update date and time may be recorded. Moreover, you may provide the owner information 818 as needed, and the owner of the communication apparatus 2 or the POP terminal 3 can be specified by this. In addition, the management device management database may include information related to an update program for changing software (firmware) settings of the communication device 2 and the POP terminal 3.

Further, as shown in FIG. 3, the advertisement management database 82 includes an advertisement ID 821, content data 822, and schedule data 823. Further, it may include advertisement contents 824, target person information 825, advertisement provider information 826, billing information 827, and the like as necessary. The advertisement ID 821 is identification information for uniquely identifying an advertisement data file including a plurality of content data and schedule data. The content data 822 stores a plurality of content data bodies or their identification information. The schedule data 823 stores a schedule for reproducing and displaying content or identification information thereof. The advertisement content 204 indicates the contents of a plurality of contents included in the content data 822, and includes, for example, “gourmet information”, “tourist information”, and “grocery sale information”. The target person information 825 is an attribute of the consumer who views the advertisement, and includes, for example, “age group”, “sex”, “profession”, “family composition”, “residential area”, and the like. The provider information 826 is information such as an advertisement requester and a producer, and includes “maker”, “store name”, “store manager”, “sales office staff”, “area staff”, and the like. The billing information 827 is information necessary for giving and receiving advertising expenses and rewards.

It should be noted that the structure of each database is an example, and various changes can be made according to the business form of advertisement provision, and desired information may be added. Further, the advertisement server 8 may be configured to be connectable to another content database and a position information management database via the network 7. The update processing of each database will be described later together with the function of the management terminal 9.

In the present embodiment, an example in which the advertisement server 8 transmits an advertisement data file to the communication device 2 via the relay device 6 and the network 7 has been described. However, as the advertisement server 8, a data communication function (Wi-Fi, Bluetooth (registered trademark) is used. ), Infrared communication, and the like), and a data communication may be performed by connecting a direct line between the advertisement server 8 and the plurality of communication devices 2. Further, the information terminal 5 may notify the advertisement server 8 of a content data distribution request (for example, an empty mail) and acquire the content data. In addition, when a reader or the like is installed in a store or the like and the identification information of the information terminal 5 acquired by the reader is notified to the advertisement server 8, the display contents of the POP terminal 3 installed in the vicinity and the information terminal 5 It is good also as a structure by which the content of advertisement according to an owner's attribute is reproduced and displayed also on the information terminal 5. In addition, when the information terminal 5 is a GPS compatible terminal, the advertisement server 8 searches for appropriate advertisement data files according to the position information notified by the information terminal 5 and distributes them to the information terminal 5. Also good.

The management terminal 9 is a terminal that manages the advertisement server 8 serving as an advertisement supply device, a function for registering or updating identification information of a communication device or the like that subscribes to the advertisement providing system, an advertisement data file stored in the advertisement server 8 And a function of distributing an advertisement data file stored in the advertisement server 8 to a specific communication device or the like. The management terminal 9 has an operator operation, a function for inputting / outputting various information, a function for displaying various information such as an operation menu and file contents on a screen, a function for storing various information and programs, and the like. For example, a personal computer or the like can be employed as the management terminal 9.

The management terminal 9 may be a single device or a device integrated with the advertisement server 8, but at least one management terminal 9 </ b> A and a plurality of management terminals are managed according to the access authority to the advertisement server 8. The terminal 9B is preferably constituted by a plurality of management terminals 9C. For example, the management terminal 9A is a terminal used by a system administrator (operator) of the entire advertisement providing system 1, and is granted access authority for all data in the management database 81 and the advertisement management database 82 of the communication device of the advertisement server 8. Is done. The management terminal 9A may be configured to be directly accessible to the advertisement server 8 without going through the network 7. By operating the management terminal 9A, the system administrator can register identification information of communication devices and the like (including the POP terminal 3) that join the advertisement providing system 1, or change various information along with rearrangement. it can. In addition, the content distributed to each communication device or the like can be updated. The identification information of the communication device 2 and the POP terminal 3 may be registered by the administrator. However, when the communication device 2 connects to the advertisement server 8, the identification information of the communication device 2 and the POP terminal 3 is stored in the advertisement server 8. It is good also as a structure registered into the advertisement server 8 by transmitting.

The management terminal 9B is a terminal used by an advertisement provider (advertising requester, advertisement producer) to whom a lower-level access authority is granted, the owner of the POP terminal 3, and the like. Used to update the contents of the advertisement management database. For example, when an advertisement provider creates a new advertisement data file, the advertisement provider can register the advertisement data file in the advertisement management database, and can also specify the POP terminal 3 or the like to which the advertisement data file is distributed. Further, for example, an advertisement data file distributed to the POP terminal 3 owned by the user or the POP terminal 3 installed in a specific area can be updated.

The management terminal 9C is a terminal used by store managers, sales floor managers, etc., to which lower access authority is given, and is mainly used for updating the contents of the advertisement management database 82. For example, the person in charge of the sales floor can produce an advertisement data file to be reproduced and displayed on the POP terminal 3 installed in the sales floor in charge, and can register them in the advertisement management database 82. The

management terminals

9B and 9C may be placed in, for example, a store or a sales base where the POP terminal 3 is installed.

The

management terminals

9B and 9C may be connected to the advertisement server 8 via the network 7, or may be configured to be connected to the advertisement server 8 via the main management terminal 9A. Moreover, the structure which updates the content of each database using the application which the advertisement server 8 provides via a normal WEB browser may be sufficient. In addition, the

management terminals

9A, 9B, and 9C may hold a part or all of each database configured in the advertisement server 8.

[Electronic POP advertising terminal]
FIG. 4 is an example of a block diagram showing a configuration of an offline type POP terminal. The POP terminal 3 is a terminal that is installed in an advertisement place and reproduces and displays an electronic POP advertisement. The POP terminal 3 is a connection unit 31, a first storage unit 32, a second storage unit 33, a main memory 35, an information processing unit 34, and an operation input unit. 371, a screen display unit 372, an audio processing unit 373, and a power supply unit 374.

The connection unit 31 is a general-purpose interface conforming to a predetermined standard for connecting a peripheral device including the communication device 2 and the portable storage medium 4, and between the connected peripheral device and the portable storage medium. Send and receive data. In the present embodiment, the connection unit 31 is preferably configured in conformity with the USB standard. However, the connection unit 31 is not limited to this, and may be a serial interface or an interface based on Bluetooth (registered trademark). The communication device 2 of the present invention may be connected to the connection unit 31 as a peripheral device. In a state where the communication device 2 is not connected or a plurality of connection units 31 are provided, the portable storage medium 4 As an example, a USB memory (hereinafter also referred to as “USB memory 4”) in which an advertisement data file is stored may be inserted.

For example, the USB memory 4 stores content data and schedule data as an advertisement data file in its storage area (folder), and stores an update program for updating the program of the POP terminal 3 in another storage area (folder). May be.

The first storage unit 32 has a function of storing advertisement data files, and stores content data 321 and schedule data 322 in the storage area. The content data 321 and the schedule data 322 are obtained by copying the content data and the schedule data included in the advertisement data file stored in the storage area of the USB memory 4, respectively. For the first storage unit 32, a memory card (for example, an SD card, a memory stick, an xD picture card) or the like can be employed.

The second storage unit 33 has a function of storing various information used for processing in the information processing unit 34 described later, and specifically stores a program 331, log data 332, and the like as various information. The program 331 is a program for executing various processes in the information processing unit 34 and can be updated by an update program stored in the storage area of the USB memory 4. The log data 332 is a record indicating the history of the operation status of the POP terminal 3. The second storage unit 33 preferably employs an SPI (Serial Peripheral Interface) flash memory.

In addition, the structure of the 1st memory | storage part 32 and the 2nd memory | storage part 33 is not limited to this, You may be comprised by memory | storage devices, such as another semiconductor memory and a hard disk. In the present embodiment, the first storage unit 32 that stores advertisement file data and the second storage unit 33 that stores programs and the like are used. However, the present invention is not limited to this. The first storage 32 and the second storage unit 33 may be configured with one storage device, or may be configured with two first storage units 32.

When the two first storage units 32 are provided, one of the first storage units 32 performs reproduction and display of advertisements, and the other first storage unit 32 is connected to the inserted portable storage medium 4. It is also possible to execute a copy process of the advertisement data file. Thus, even when the POP terminal 3 reproduces and displays the content data 321, the advertisement data file is transferred from the peripheral device or the portable storage medium to the first storage unit 32 without stopping the reproduction display process. Is preferable because it can be copied. Further, the storage area of the first storage unit 32 or the second storage unit 33 may be divided into a plurality of areas, and the same operation as the above operation may be performed on each region.

The main memory 35 is a volatile semiconductor memory that can be directly accessed by a processor of the information processing unit 34 described later. As the main memory, for example, a DRAM (Dynamic Random Access Memory) can be adopted.

The information processing unit 34 is a processing unit that executes various processes and includes a processor and its peripheral circuits. Specifically, the information processing unit 34 loads a program 331 stored in the second storage unit 33 into the main memory 35 by a processor (not shown), reads and executes the loaded program, In cooperation with each other, one or all of the functions of each processing unit described below are realized. The information processing unit 34 includes a file processing unit 341, a reproduction display unit 342, a time measuring unit 343, and the like. The file processing unit 341 receives an interrupt request from the peripheral device connected to the connection unit 31 or the portable storage medium 4 as a trigger, and the first storage unit 32 receives the advertisement data file from the connected peripheral device or the portable storage medium 4. Execute the copy process. Further, a process of copying the update program from the connected peripheral device or the portable storage medium 4 to the second storage unit 33 may be executed.

The reproduction display unit 342 reads the schedule data 322 stored in the first storage unit 32, controls the reproduction order and method of the content data 321, and reproduces and displays the content data 321 on the screen display unit 372 and the audio processing unit 373. . The time measuring unit 343 measures the date and time using a timer function of the processor and its peripheral circuits. Further, the timer unit 343 may acquire time information from the timer unit 233 of the communication device 2.

The operation input unit 371 has a function of detecting an operator operation and outputting the operation to the information processing unit 34. The operation input unit 371 is configured by an operation input device such as a keyboard and a mouse, for example. The screen display unit 372 has a function of displaying moving image / still image content data on the screen based on an instruction from the information processing unit 34. For the screen display unit 372, for example, an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) can be employed. Moreover, the present invention is not limited to this, and a PDP (Plasma Display Panel), an organic EL display (Organic Electroluminescence Display), or the like may be used. The audio processing unit 373 has a function of outputting audio content data as an audio signal from a speaker based on an instruction from the information processing unit 34. The audio processing unit 373 includes a dedicated audio processing circuit unit and a speaker. The power supply unit 374 supplies power to each unit of the POP terminal 3 based on an instruction from the information processing unit 34. The power supply unit 374 is preferably capable of supplying power also to the communication device 2 connected via the connection unit 31. The power supply unit 374 is configured by a dedicated power supply circuit. The power supply unit 374 may be configured to receive power supply from the outside, or may be configured by a built-in battery.

Hereinafter, a case where the offline POP terminal 3 is used alone will be described. When the USB memory 4 is inserted, the POP terminal 3 of the present embodiment accesses the USB memory 4 in which the advertisement data file is stored, and the advertisement data is transferred between the USB memory 4 and the first storage unit 32. Execute the process to copy the file. Further, the second storage unit 33 is accessed, a program for reproduction display is loaded into the main memory, and the content data stored in the first storage unit 32 is reproduced and displayed according to the schedule data.

FIG. 5 is an example of a flowchart showing an outline of processing of the offline type POP terminal. First, the information processing unit 34 of the POP terminal 3 determines whether or not the content data 321 is stored in the first storage unit 32 (for example, an SD card) (step 401).

If it is determined in step 401 that the content data 321 is not stored (including the case where the SD card itself is not inserted) (No), the information processing unit 34 has no content data to be reproduced and displayed. An error message indicating that the SD card is not inserted is displayed on the screen display unit 372 (step 402).

On the other hand, when it is determined in step 401 that the content data 321 is stored (Yes), the information processing unit 34 determines whether an interrupt request from the connection unit 31 (for example, a USB bus) has been notified. (Step 403).

If it is determined in step 403 that an interrupt request has been notified (Yes), the file processing unit 341 accesses the USB memory 4 inserted in the connection unit 31 and stores the advertisement data file stored in the USB memory 4. Is copied to a predetermined storage area (folder) of the first storage unit 32 (step 404). After step 404, the file processing unit 341 executes the process of step 401.

On the other hand, when it is determined in step 403 that an interrupt request has not been notified (No), the reproduction display unit 342 displays the content data 321 in accordance with the schedule data 322 stored in the first storage unit 32. The audio processing unit 373 reproduces and displays the image (step 405). Details of the processing in step 405 will be described later with reference to FIG. After step 405, the POP terminal 3 may enter the sleep state, or when referring to the schedule data 322, if there is a certain time (for example, 30 minutes, 60 minutes) until the next playback start time, Therefore, you may shut down. Further, part or all of the content data may be repeatedly reproduced according to a predetermined setting based on the program 331.

As described above, since the POP terminal 3 does not have a data communication function, the POP terminal 3 is used alone as an offline terminal, but the USB memory 4 storing the advertisement data file is inserted through the connection unit 31. Then, the advertisement data file stored in the POP terminal 3 can be updated.

However, in an environment where a large number of POP terminals 3 are installed in the store, the burden on the operator for updating the advertisement data file is large. Therefore, the present invention is configured such that the offline POP terminal 3 can be handled substantially as an online type by connecting the communication device 2 that can be connected to the network by the data communication function to the POP terminal 3. Hereinafter, the configuration of the communication device 2 of the present invention and the operation of the communication device 2 of the present invention in the advertisement providing system will be described.

[Communication device]
FIG. 6 is an example of a block diagram showing the configuration of the communication device 2 of the present invention. The communication device 2 is a device used by being connected to the POP terminal 3, and includes a communication interface unit 21 (hereinafter referred to as “communication I / F unit 21”), a first storage unit 22, a second storage unit 24, information A processing unit 23, a connection unit 25, a power supply unit 26, and a main memory 27 are provided.

The communication I / F unit 21 has a function of transmitting and receiving data and is configured by a data communication circuit. The communication I / F unit 21 preferably conforms to the IEEE 802.11 standard or IEEE 802.16 and is configured to be capable of Wi-Fi communication or WiMAX communication. However, Bluetooth (registered trademark) communication, infrared communication Etc. may be possible. Furthermore, a 3G mobile phone line, a PHS line, or the like may be used.

The first storage unit 22 has a function of storing advertisement data files, and stores content data 221 and schedule data 222 in the storage area. The content data 221 and the schedule data 222 store content data and schedule data included in the advertisement data file downloaded from the advertisement server 8, respectively. Various nonvolatile semiconductor memories can be adopted as the first storage unit 22, but it is preferable that the first storage unit 22 is configured by a USB memory.

The second storage unit 24 has a function of storing various types of information used for processing in the information processing unit 23, which will be described later, and specifically stores a program 241, connection data 242, log data 243, and the like as the various types of information. To do. The program 241 is various programs for executing various processes in the information processing unit 23. The connection data 242 is information necessary for the communication device 2 to connect to the relay device 6 to establish communication, or information necessary to connect to the advertisement server 8. Specifically, for example, the identification information of the communication device 2, the password for connecting to the relay device 6 or the advertisement server 8, etc., the encryption protocol used for communication, and the like. The connection data 242 may include identification information of the POP terminal 3. The log data 243 is a record indicating the history of the operation status of the communication device 2. The second storage unit 24 preferably employs an SPI flash memory as a large-capacity nonvolatile semiconductor memory.

In addition, the structure of the 1st memory | storage part 22 and the 2nd memory | storage part 24 is not limited to this, You may be comprised by memory | storage devices, such as another semiconductor memory and a hard disk. In the present embodiment, the first storage unit 22 for storing advertisement file data and the second storage unit 24 for storing programs and the like are used. However, the present invention is not limited to this. The first storage 22 and the second storage unit 24 may be configured by a single storage device.

The main memory 27 is a volatile semiconductor memory that can be directly accessed by a processor of the information processing unit 23 described later. For example, an SDRAM (Synchronous Dynamic Random Access Memory) is preferably used as the main memory.

The information processing unit 23 is a processing unit that executes various processes, and includes a processor and its peripheral circuits. Specifically, the information processing unit 23 reads and executes the program 241 stored in the second storage unit 24 by a processor (not shown), and makes the hardware and the program cooperate with each other. Realize one or all functions. The information processing unit 23 includes a connection processing unit 231, a file processing unit 232, a time measuring unit 233, and the like.

The connection processing unit 231 establishes communication with the advertisement server 8 using the connection data 242, and further establishes communication with the relay device 6 in some cases. The file processing unit 232 acquires the advertisement data file of the advertisement server 8 via the communication I / F unit 21 and stores the acquired advertisement data file in a predetermined storage area (folder) of the first storage unit 22. Further, the file processing unit 232 transmits information (data number, update date / time, etc.) regarding the content data 221 and the schedule data 222 stored in the first storage unit 22 to the management terminal 9 via the communication I / F unit 21. May be.

The timekeeping unit 233 has a function of measuring the date and time using a timer function of the processor and its peripheral circuits. Further, the timer unit 233 may be configured to acquire the current time in synchronization with a time server (not shown). The connection unit 25 is an interface for connecting the POP terminal 3, peripheral devices, portable storage media, and the like, and transmits / receives data to / from the connected POP terminal 3, peripheral devices, portable storage media, and the like. In the present embodiment, at least one connection unit 25 is provided for connection to the POP terminal 3 and is configured in conformity with the USB (Universal Serial Bus) standard in the same manner as the connection unit 31 of the POP terminal 3. Is preferred.

In this case, a plug as a USB terminal is provided in the connection unit 25 on the communication device 2 side, and this plug is inserted into a receptacle as a USB terminal provided in the connection unit 31 (see FIG. 4) of the POP terminal 3. The communication device 2 and the POP terminal 3 are preferably connected directly.

When the USB connection is established, the communication device 2 side functions as a USB device (target), and the POP terminal 3 side functions as a USB host. The connection unit 25 and the connection unit 31 (see FIG. 4) configured as a USB bus have four lines, that is, a power supply line (VBUS (+ VDD)), a first signal line (DATA +), and a second signal. A line (DATA-) and a ground (GND) are provided. Further, the communication device 2 and the POP terminal 3 may be connected via a USB cable or the like instead of being directly connected by a plug or a receptacle provided in each connection unit. The information processing unit 23 of the communication device 2 is preferably capable of transmitting a signal to the POP terminal by turning on / off the connection of the signal line.

The connection unit 25 and the connection unit 31 (FIG. 4) are not limited to the USB interface. The communication device 2 only needs to be able to autonomously turn on / off the bus connection with the POP terminal 3, and may be configured by another interface (for example, a serial interface, Bluetooth (registered trademark)).

When the POP terminal 3 is connected via the connection unit 25, the power supply unit 26 receives power supply from the power supply unit 374 (FIG. 4) of the POP terminal 3 via the power line of the USB bus, for example, and performs communication. Power is supplied to each part of the device 2. The power supply unit 26 may be configured to receive power supply from the outside via a power cable, or may be configured by a built-in battery.

FIG. 7 is a sequence diagram showing an outline of processing of the advertisement providing system. Hereinafter, processing when the communication device 2 is connected to the advertisement server 8 via the relay device 6 and the communication device 2 and the POP terminal 3 are connected via the USB bus will be described with reference to FIG. First, when the communication device 2 and the POP terminal 3 are connected via each connection unit, the power line of the USB bus is connected (step 501). Next, wireless communication is established between the communication device 2 and the relay device 6, and the communication device 2 is connected to the network 7 (step 502). Next, the communication device 2 connects to the advertisement server 8 via the network 7 (step 503).

Next, the communication device 2 downloads a desired advertisement data file from the advertisement server 8 (step 504). As a method of acquiring the advertisement data file of the advertisement server 8, a configuration (pull type) of acquiring the advertisement data file in response to an operation on the communication device 2 side may be used, or based on identification information registered in advance or the like. Thus, a configuration (push type) in which the advertisement data file is transmitted to the communication devices 2 simultaneously or individually may be used. The process when configured as a pull type will be described with reference to FIG. 8, and the process when configured as a push type will be described with reference to FIG. The communication device 2 may be configured to be able to download an update program for changing various settings of the communication device 2, an update program for changing various settings of the POP terminal 3, and the playback display program.

After step 504, the information processing unit 23 of the communication device 2 electrically turns on the signal line of the USB bus between the communication device 2 and the POP terminal 3 to enable data communication (step 505). An interrupt request is notified to the POP terminal 3 (step 506). The POP terminal 3 executes a file copy process of the advertisement data file between the communication device 2 and the POP terminal 3 in response to the notification of the interrupt request (Step 507). The processing of

steps

506 and 507 corresponds to the processing of

steps

403 and 404 in FIG.

When the file copy process is completed, the information processing unit 23 of the communication device 2 executes a process of cutting the signal line of the USB bus (step 508). As a result, the communication device 2 returns to a state where it is only supplied with power from the POP terminal 3 through the power supply line. After the signal line of the USB bus is turned off, the POP terminal 3 operates as an offline terminal regardless of the operation of the communication device 2. The POP terminal 3 executes a reproduction display process according to the schedule data (step 509). The processing in step 509 corresponds to the processing in step 405 in FIG.

As described above, the communication device 2 is connected to the POP terminal 3 as a device (target) using a USB connection sequence. Therefore, when viewed from the side of the POP terminal 3 functioning as a host, even if either the USB memory 4 or the communication device 2 is connected, the processing itself of the POP terminal 3 is not affected. Therefore, according to the communication device 2 of the present invention, it is not necessary to change basic software and hardware on the POP terminal 3 side, and existing resources can be utilized. As a result, the cost associated with the expansion of the online advertisement providing system can be significantly reduced.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing an outline of processing of the communication apparatus of the present invention. First, when the communication device 2 and the POP terminal 3 are connected via the respective connecting portions and the POP terminal 3 side is activated, only the power line of the USB bus is turned on, whereby the power is transmitted from the POP terminal 3 to the communication device 2. Is supplied (step 601). In step 601, only the power line of the USB bus is turned on and the signal line remains off. Even if the communication device 2 and the POP terminal 3 are connected, the communication device 2 that is a USB device (target), for example, receives a request from the connection unit 31 of the POP terminal 3 that is a USB host. Do not notify the descriptor information. As a result, the right to use the USB bus is not granted to the communication device 2, so that the signal line remains electrically off. Descriptor information includes USB target identification information (vendor ID, product ID, etc.), USB configuration information, interface information (endpoint information that is a communication port), and the like.

Next, the connection processing unit 231 of the communication device 2 establishes wireless communication with the nearest relay device 6 using the connection data 242 (step 602). Specifically, the connection processing unit 231 performs a wireless LAN (for example, Wi-Fi) connection procedure to the relay apparatus 6 (for example, a wireless LAN access point) in charge of the spot area to which the communication apparatus 2 itself belongs. Execute. The connection procedure is, for example, “Association” or “Authentication” defined in the IEEE 802.11 standard. Thus, Wi-Fi wireless communication is established between the communication I / F unit 21 of the communication device 2 and the wireless LAN access point as the relay device 6.

Next, the connection processing unit 231 establishes communication with the advertisement server 8 (step 603). Specifically, the connection processing unit 231 transmits the connection data 242 (such as unique identification information given to the communication device 2, the POP terminal 3, or the combination of the communication device 2 and the POP terminal 3) to the advertisement server 8. And request their own authentication. When the advertisement server 8 authenticates as a valid device, the connection of the communication device 2 is permitted. For example, the advertisement server 8 refers to the communication device management database 81 in FIG. 2 to verify the validity of the connection data transmitted from the communication device 2 and permits the connection of the communication device 2.

Next, the file processing unit 232 executes processing for downloading an advertisement data file from the advertisement server 8. The processing in steps 604 to 609 shown below is processing when the advertisement providing system is configured as a pull type. For example, in the case of the pull type, the file processing unit 232 transmits an advertisement data file reception request to the advertisement server 8 via the communication I / F unit 21 at predetermined intervals according to the timing operation of the timing unit 233. In response to the reception request from the communication device 2, the advertisement server 8 transmits a desired advertisement data file to the communication device 2. When the file processing unit 232 receives the advertisement data file transmitted from the advertisement server 8 via the communication I / F unit 21, it stores the received advertisement data file in the first storage unit 22.

Specifically, first, the communication device 2 determines whether or not it is time to transmit the advertisement data file reception request to the advertisement server 8 (step 604).

In step 604, when it is determined that it is the transmission timing (Yes), the file processing unit 232 transmits an advertisement data file reception request to the advertisement server 8 (step 605). On the other hand, if it is determined in step 604 that it is not the timing (No), the file processing unit 232 waits for a predetermined time (step 614), and then determines whether it is the reception timing again (step). 604).

Here, when receiving the advertisement data file reception request from the communication device 2, the advertisement server 8 searches the communication device management database 81 in FIG. 2 to identify the entry of the communication device 2 requesting reception, for example, Based on the value of the update flag 817 of the entry, it is determined whether there is an advertisement data file to be transmitted to the communication device 2 (step 606).

In step 606, when it is determined that there is an advertisement data file to be transmitted to the communication device 2 (Yes), the advertisement data file is transmitted to the communication device 2, and the communication device 2 transmits the advertisement data file to the communication I / F. Received via the unit 21 (step 607). Then, the file processing unit 232 of the communication device 2 stores the received advertisement data file for each data type in a predetermined storage area (folder) of the first storage unit 22 (step 608).

On the other hand, when it is determined in step 606 that there is no advertisement data file to be transmitted to the communication device 2 (No), the file processing unit 232 proceeds to the process of step 614. In this case, the advertisement server 8 may discard the reception request as it is, or may notify the communication device 2 that there is no advertisement data file to be updated.

If there are a plurality of advertisement data files to be received, the file processing unit 232 determines whether or not the reception of the target advertisement data file has been completed (step 609). If it is determined in step 609 that the reception has not ended (No), the file processing unit 232 receives the next advertisement data file (step 607). On the other hand, when it is determined in step 609 that the reception has been completed (Yes), the connection unit 25 executes the process of step 610. The file processing unit 232 may notify the advertisement server 8 that the reception has been completed. Upon receiving this notification, the advertisement server 8 can change the value of the update flag 817 of the corresponding entry in the communication device management database 81.

Note that the pull-type configuration is not limited to this, and for example, the file processing unit 232 has an advertisement data file stored in the first storage unit 22 at a predetermined interval according to the timing operation of the timing unit 233, and The advertisement data file may be downloaded from the advertisement server 8 when compared with the advertisement data file of the corresponding entry in the communication device management database 81 and these are different.

After step 609, the information processing unit 23 of the communication device 2 turns on the signal line of the USB bus between the connection unit 25 of the communication device 2 and the connection unit 31 of the POP terminal 3 when the reception of the advertisement data file is completed. (Step 610). In addition, the signal line may be turned on when the connection with the advertisement server 8 is terminated, or may be based on a signal instructing an interrupt request notification transmitted from the advertisement server 8. When the signal line is turned on, the communication device 2 then notifies the POP terminal 3 of an interrupt request (step 611). Specifically, first, the information processing unit 23 of the communication apparatus 2 instructs the connection unit 25 to notify the POP terminal 3 of the descriptor information, and the connection unit 25 is suspended from notification based on this instruction. The descriptor information is transferred to the connection unit 31 of the POP terminal 3. As a result, a logical communication pipe is set between the application software on the host side (POP terminal 3) and the end point on the device side (communication apparatus 2), and both can communicate with each other through the connection unit (step). 610). When the USB bus usage right is given from the POP terminal 3 (host) to the communication device 2 (device), an interrupt request is generated, and the interrupt request is notified from the communication device 2 to the POP terminal 3 (step 611).

Triggered by the notification of the interrupt request, the POP terminal 3 executes a file copy process of the advertisement data file between the communication device 2 and the POP terminal 3 (step 612). This file copy process may be the same as the process (step 404 in FIG. 5) when the offline type POP terminal 3 copies the advertisement data file from the portable storage medium 4. When the notification of completion of the file copy process is received from the POP terminal 3, the information processing unit 23 of the communication apparatus 2 turns off the signal line of the USB bus (step 613). Alternatively, the USB bus signal line may be turned off by forcibly shutting off the power line of the USB bus and connecting it again. Thereafter, the communication device 2 is in a state where it only receives power from the POP terminal 3 via the power line of the USB bus.

Then, the communication device 2 refers to the time indicated by the time measuring unit 233, waits for a predetermined time (step 614), and executes the process of step 604 again. The predetermined time may be appropriately set, for example, 5 minutes, 10 minutes, or the like. Note that when the POP terminal 3 is shut down, the supply of power via the USB bus is stopped, so the communication device 2 ends the process.

In steps 604 to 609 described above, the communication device 2 acquires an advertisement data file transmitted by the advertisement server 8 based on the reception request of the communication device 2 (pull type). The system is not limited to this. The advertisement providing system selects the communication device 2 or POP terminal 3 that requires the advertisement data file based on the identification information of the communication device 2 or the POP terminal 3 without depending on the reception request of the communication device 2, and automatically It is good also as a structure (push type) which delivers an advertisement data file.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing an example of processing of the advertisement server. In the case of the push type, the advertisement server 8 specifies the communication device 2 that distributes the updated advertisement data file at every predetermined interval or based on an instruction from the management terminal 9, and the communication device 2 or the POP terminal 3 The advertisement data file is transmitted through the network 7 to the communication device 2 connected to the communication device 2, and the advertisement data file in the storage unit of the communication device 2 or the POP terminal 3 is updated. In this case, the file processing unit 232 can receive the automatically transmitted advertisement data file via the communication I / F unit 21 without making a reception request, and the received advertisement data file can be received as the first advertisement data file. It can be stored in the storage unit 22.

First, the advertisement server 8 refers to the communication device management database 81 and identifies an advertisement data file that has not been distributed and the communication device 2 that is the distribution destination. Specifically, the advertisement server 8 first determines whether the value of the update flag 817 is “0” or “1” (step 621).

In step 621, when the update flag is “0” indicating that the distribution of the advertisement data file has been completed (No), there is no new advertisement data file to be distributed, so the advertisement server 8 ends the process. . On the other hand, when the update flag is “1” indicating that the distribution of the advertisement data file is not completed in step 621 (Yes), the advertisement server 8 identifies the communication device 2 of the entry, and the communication device 2 is called (step 622). Since the communication device 2 may not be powered on, in this case, the advertisement server 8 may transmit an activation signal to the communication device 2. The communication device 2 may be configured to be activated by this signal, activate a program for receiving the advertisement data file, and notify the advertisement server 8 that the advertisement data file can be received.

Next, the advertisement server 8 transmits the advertisement data file to the communication terminal 2 (step 623). When the communication terminal 2 receives the advertisement data file and stores it in its storage unit, the communication terminal 2 notifies the advertisement server 8 of the completion of reception. If reception fails, the advertisement server 8 may be notified to that effect.

The advertisement server 8 determines whether or not a reception completion notification is received from the communication device 2 (step 624). If it is determined in step 624 that the reception completion notification has not been received or that it has been received that the reception has failed, the advertisement server 8 calls the communication device 2 again (step 622) and transmits the advertisement data file. (Step 623). On the other hand, if it is determined in step 624 that the reception completion notification has been received, the advertisement server 8 sets the update flag of the corresponding entry in the communication device management database 81 to “0” (step 625) and ends the processing. To do. The operation of the communication device 2 after the advertisement data file is stored in the communication device 2 is the same as that after step 610 in FIG.

When the advertisement providing system is configured as a push type, the communication device management database 81 includes information on stores or the like in which the POP terminal 3 or the like connected in advance through the communication device is installed (for example, location, business type / business condition). Customer segments, sales items, business hours, etc.) are preferably registered. The advertisement server 8 compares the information on the store etc. registered in the communication device management database 81 with the contents of the advertisement registered in the advertisement management database 82 and the target person information, and a desired condition suitable for the mode of the store Can be searched for, or a POP terminal 3 satisfying a desired condition suitable for the contents of the advertisement data file can be searched. Using the search result, the communication device 2 can be used. These advertisement data files can also be autonomously distributed to the POP terminal 3.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing file copy processing in the POP terminal. When receiving the notification of the interrupt request (step 403 in FIG. 5 and step 506 in FIG. 7), the POP terminal 3 starts the file copy process (step 404 in FIG. 5 and step 507 in FIG. 7). Even if the interrupt request is notified from either the communication device 2 as a peripheral device or the USB memory 4 as a portable storage medium, it does not affect the basic processing of the POP terminal 3 itself. Note that the steps 701 to 704 and 706 in FIG. 10 require operator intervention (input, etc.) for confirmation. However, the processing of the POP terminal is not limited to this mode. Can also be done without. In particular, when the communication apparatus 2 of the present invention is connected, it is preferable to perform file copy processing that does not require operator intervention.

First, the file processing unit 341 determines whether or not a predetermined storage area (folder) serving as a copy source designated on the basis of descriptor information at the time of USB connection in the peripheral device or the portable storage medium 4 is correctly recognized ( Step 701).

If it is determined in step 701 that the copy source folder is not correctly recognized (No), the file processing unit 341 may display an error display on the screen display unit 372 (step 703). On the other hand, if it is determined in step 701 that the copy source folder is correctly recognized (Yes), the file processing unit 341 stores the first storage unit 32 (eg, SD card) before starting the file copy. A message indicating that the contents of the predetermined storage area (folder) will be deleted may be displayed on the screen display unit 372 (step 702), and it may be determined whether or not confirmation of deletion permission has been received from the operator (step 704).

If it is determined in step 704 that the operator has received permission (Yes), the file processing unit 341 deletes the contents of the copy destination folder, accesses the copy source folder, and reads the content data 221 and the schedule data 222. These are written in the copy destination folder (step 705). Then, the fact that the file copy is completed may be displayed on the screen display unit 372 (step 706). At this time, the file processing unit 341 may record in the log data 243 that the file copy process has been executed. Further, the screen display unit 372 may display that the portable storage medium (USB memory 4) may be removed. Further, the communication apparatus 2 is notified that the file copy process has been completed. In step 704, if the operator does not permit the rewriting of the advertisement data file (No), the file copy process is not executed.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing the playback display process in the POP terminal. Hereinafter, the reproduction display process executed by the POP terminal 3 will be described.

First, the reproduction display unit 342 determines whether or not the schedule data 322 exists in a predetermined folder of the first storage unit 32 (step 801).

If it is determined in step 801 that there is no schedule data 322 (No), the playback display unit 342 displays an error display on the screen display unit 372 (step 802).

On the other hand, if it is determined in step 801 that there is the schedule data 322 (Yes), the playback display unit 342 refers to the schedule data 322 and determines whether it is the playback start time of the advertisement (step 803). . In this case, for example, the reproduction display unit 342 may compare the current time indicated by the time measuring unit 343 with the reproduction start time indicated by the schedule data 322.

If it is determined in step 803 that it is not the reproduction start time (No), the reproduction display unit 342 waits for a predetermined time and then executes the process of step 803 again. On the other hand, when it is determined in step 803 that it is the playback start time (Yes), the playback display unit 342 specifies the content specified in the content data 321 based on the playback order described in the schedule data 322. Are sequentially reproduced by the screen display unit 372 and the audio processing unit 373 (step 804). When the reproduction end time indicated by the schedule data 322 is reached, the reproduction display process is terminated.

If it is determined in step 801 that the schedule data 322 does not exist, the playback display unit 342 may repeat playback of part or all of the content data 321 based on a predetermined setting by the program 331. That is, the POP terminal 3 can reproduce and display the content data 321 based on the schedule data 322 in which a detailed reproduction method is set, or a part of the content data 321 based on a predetermined simple setting or It is also possible to reproduce and display all of them repeatedly. As another reproduction display process, a predetermined repeat reproduction may be executed when a person approaches the POP terminal 3 by a human sensor (not shown) provided in the POP terminal 3. .

Note that an interrupt request may be notified from the communication device 2 or the portable storage medium 4 during the playback display process shown in Step 804. When a plurality of first storage units 32 are configured, the reproduction display unit 342 continues the reproduction display process using the content data 321 and the schedule data 322 stored in one of the first storage units 32, and the file processing unit 341 A file copy process can also be executed between the communication device 2 or USB memory 4 and the other first storage unit 32. Such a configuration is preferable because the POP terminal 3 can update the advertisement data file in the first storage unit 32 without stopping the reproduction and display of the advertisement. When the file copy process by the file processing unit 341 ends, the POP terminal 3 may end the reproduction display process and take over the advertisement data file between the first storage units.

As described above, according to the communication device of the present invention, the advertisement data file received via the network can be output from the offline POP terminal, so that the existing offline POP terminal is substantially converted to the online type. Can be used as In addition, since the communication device of the present invention uses the USB connection sequence and is connected to the POP terminal 3 by turning on / off the signal line of the USB bus, the process executed by the POP terminal 3 is not affected. For this reason, since it is not necessary to change the basic software and hardware design on the POP terminal 3 side, the cost required to expand the advertisement providing system can be reduced.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Advertisement provision system 2 Communication apparatus 3 POP terminal 4 USB memory 5 Information terminal 6 Relay apparatus 7 Network 8 Advertising server 9 Management terminal 21 Wireless communication interface part 22 First storage part 23 Information processing part 24 Second storage part 25 Connection part 26 Power supply unit 27 Main memory 31 Connection unit 32 First storage unit 33 Second storage unit 34 Information processing unit 35 Main memory

Claims

A communication device connected to an electronic POP advertising terminal installed at an advertising place and receiving an advertising data file from an advertising server through a communication line,
An information processing unit, a communication interface unit capable of communicating with the advertisement server through the communication line, a connection unit connected to the electronic POP advertising terminal, and a storage unit for storing the received advertisement data file With
The information processing unit
Download the advertisement data file of the advertisement server via the communication interface unit,
Storing the downloaded advertisement data file in the storage unit;
A communication apparatus, wherein an interrupt request is notified to the electronic POP advertising terminal connected via the connection unit, and an advertising data file stored in the storage unit is output from the electronic POP advertising terminal.
The information processing unit
The advertisement data file of the advertisement server and the advertisement data file stored in the storage unit are compared at predetermined intervals, and if different, the advertisement data file of the advertisement server is downloaded. The communication device according to claim 1.
The information processing unit
Notifying the advertisement server of a reception request at predetermined intervals,
The communication apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the advertisement data file of the advertisement server is downloaded by receiving an advertisement data file transmitted from the advertisement server based on the notified reception request.
The information processing unit
Notifying the advertisement server of identification information registered in advance in the communication device,
4. The advertisement data file of the advertisement server is downloaded by receiving an advertisement data file distributed based on the notified identification information by the advertisement server. The communication device described.
The communication apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the electronic POP advertising terminal is an offline type that does not have a function of communicating through a communication line.
The connecting portion has at least a power supply line and a signal line,
The power line is always connected to the connected electronic POP advertising terminal, and is supplied with power from the connected electronic POP advertising terminal via the power line,
6. The signal line of the connection unit is controlled by the information processing unit to turn on and off the connection with the connected electronic POP advertising terminal. Communication equipment.
The information processing unit
The communication according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein an interrupt request is notified to the connected electronic POP advertising terminal by turning on a signal line of the connection unit at a predetermined timing. apparatus.
The communication device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the communication interface unit can communicate with the advertisement server via a wireless LAN, a mobile phone line, or a wired LAN.
An electronic POP advertising terminal to which the communication device according to any one of claims 1 to 8 is connected.