Program, content output method, and system

Abstract

To solve the problem in which conventionally, it is difficult to allow a user to comfortably view a content and allow the user to view an advertisement.SOLUTION: A content output device 1 comprises: an advertisement acquisition unit 133 that acquires an advertisement; an advertisement output unit 142 that outputs the advertisement; a state changing unit 134 that changes state information of a state management unit 113 in which state information of an advertisement output state is managed; an instruction receiving unit 121 that receives a content output instruction; a determination unit 131 that refers to the state management unit 113 to determine whether or not the state information satisfies a content output condition; a content acquisition unit 132 that, when the content output condition is satisfied, acquires a content specified by the content output instruction; and a content output unit 141 that outputs a content only when the determination unit 131 determines that the content output condition is satisfied. The content output device can allow a user to comfortably view a content and allow the user to view an advertisement.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a content output device or the like that outputs content. [Background technology]

[0002] Nowadays, there are many apps and services that allow you to watch manga and videos for free (Non-Patent Document 1, Non-Patent Document 2).

[0003] Conventionally, there has been an advertisement display status monitoring program that claims to be able to monitor the advertisement display status more accurately (see Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2020-109706 [Non-patent literature]

[0005] [Non-Patent Document 1] YouTube (registered trademark), [Retrieved April 20, 2024], Internet [URL: https: / / www.youtube.com / ] [Non-patent document 2] Welcome to Piccoma, [Retrieved April 20, 2024], Internet [URL:https: / / piccoma.com / ad / Official_001 / ?utm_source=yahoo&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=KP_YSS&utm_content=Bigword&argument=hBQRfkqQ&dmai=a6489944b4e23a&yclid=YSS.1001255328.EAIaIQobChMIgLbw_obQhQMVywZ7Bx3ilgrQEAAYASAAEgIEovD_BwE] Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] However, in the technology disclosed in the non-patent document, there are various limitations on the free viewing of content, such as a limit on the number of times content can be viewed for free per day, not all content can be viewed for free, or content can only be viewed after watching an advertisement.

[0007] Furthermore, in the patent literature, it is difficult to achieve both a user being able to comfortably view content and a user being able to view advertisements.

[0008] Furthermore, currently, users are forced to view a large number of various advertisements, which is a nuisance to users. As a result, users intentionally leave their mobile devices with advertisements displayed on them, and in fact, in many cases, users do not view the advertisements. Furthermore, users have a strong aversion to advertisements, which poses a certain risk to companies.

[0009] Therefore, the present invention provides a deferred payment advertising system in which, for example, content desired by a user (for example, manga or music) is output first, and the user can view advertisements for the content output later.

[0010] Furthermore, the present invention provides a mechanism that allows users to earn points by using, for example, a PinP (picture-in-picture) function to display advertisements there, even while other applications are running.

[0011] Furthermore, the present invention provides a mechanism for allowing a user to view an advertisement for viewing content at any time, for example. [Means for solving the problem]

[0012] The content output device of the first invention is a content output device comprising: an advertisement acquisition unit that acquires advertisements from an advertisement management unit in which one or more advertisements are stored; an advertisement output unit that outputs the advertisements acquired by the advertisement acquisition unit; a status change unit that changes status information in a status management unit in which status information related to the advertisement output status is managed; an instruction receiving unit that receives a content output instruction; a judgment unit that refers to the status management unit and determines whether a content output condition, which is a condition under which the status management unit outputs content corresponding to the content output instruction, is satisfied; a content acquisition unit that, if the judgment unit determines that the content output condition is satisfied, acquires content specified by the content output instruction from a content storage unit in which two or more contents are stored; and a content output unit that outputs the content acquired by the content acquisition unit only if the judgment unit determines that the content output condition is satisfied.

[0013] This configuration allows the user to comfortably view content while also allowing the user to view advertisements.

[0014] Furthermore, the content output device of the second invention is a content output device in which, compared to the first invention, the content output unit does not output the second content if the advertisement output unit has not output an advertisement after outputting the first content.

[0015] This configuration can encourage users to watch advertisements.

[0016] Furthermore, the content output device of the third invention is a content output device according to the first or second invention, in which the advertisement output section does not output advertisements while the content output section is outputting content.

[0017] This configuration allows the user to comfortably view content while also allowing the user to view advertisements.

[0018] Furthermore, the content output device of the fourth invention is a content output device according to any one of the first to third inventions, wherein the advertisement output unit outputs the advertisement after the content output unit has completed outputting the content.

[0019] This configuration allows the user to comfortably view content while also allowing the user to view advertisements.

[0020] Furthermore, the content output device of the fifth invention is a content output device in which, compared to the fourth invention, the advertisement output unit outputs an advertisement on the window of the launched application or on the home screen after the content output unit has completed outputting the content.

[0021] This configuration allows the user to comfortably view content while also allowing the user to view advertisements.

[0022] Furthermore, the content output device of the sixth invention is a content output device in which, compared to the fifth invention, the advertisement management unit stores two or more advertisements, and the advertisement acquisition unit acquires different advertisements from the advertisement management unit depending on the application or home screen on which the advertisement is output.

[0023] This configuration allows the user to comfortably view content while also allowing the user to view advertisements.

[0024] Furthermore, the content output device of the seventh invention is a content output device in which, compared to the fifth or sixth invention, the advertisement output unit refers to a control information management unit in which information for determining applications that do not output advertisements, or control information that is information for determining applications that do not output advertisements, is stored, and based on the control information, advertisements are not output on windows of applications that do not output advertisements.

[0025] This configuration allows the user to comfortably view content while also allowing the user to view advertisements.

[0026] Furthermore, the content output device of the eighth invention is a content output device according to the fifth or sixth invention, wherein the advertisement output unit outputs advertisements in PinP format on an application window or on a home screen.

[0027] This configuration allows the user to comfortably view content while also allowing the user to view advertisements.

[0028] Furthermore, in the content output device of the ninth invention, compared to the first invention, the status management unit manages status information for each of two or more user identifiers, and the judgment unit, when the instruction receiving unit receives a content output instruction, judges whether the output conditions are met based on the status information paired with the user identifier corresponding to the content output instruction.

[0029] With this configuration, it is possible to achieve both an ability for two or more users to comfortably view content and an ability for each user to view advertisements. [Effects of the Invention]

[0030] According to the content output device of the present invention, it is possible to achieve both a user being able to comfortably view content and an advertisement. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0031] [Figure 1] Block diagram of a content output device 1 according to a first embodiment. [Figure 2] A flowchart illustrating an example of the operation of the content output device 1. [Figure 3] A flowchart illustrating an example of the first determination [Figure 4] A flowchart illustrating an example of the advertisement output process [Figure 5] A flowchart illustrating an example of the second determination process [Figure 6]FIG. 10 shows an example of the content management table. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of the advertising management table. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating the processing of the content output device 1. [Figure 9] Figure showing an example of the output [Figure 10] Figure showing an example of the output [Figure 11] Figure showing an example of the output [Figure 12] Conceptual diagram of information system A in embodiment 2 [Figure 13] Block diagram of Information System A [Figure 14] A flowchart illustrating an example of the operation of the content output device 2. [Figure 15] A flowchart illustrating an example of the operation of the terminal device 3 [Figure 16] An example of the user management table is shown below. [Figure 17] Block diagram of a computer system according to the above embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0032] Hereinafter, embodiments of a content output device and the like will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that components with the same reference numerals in the embodiments perform similar operations, and therefore repeated description may be omitted.

[0033] (Embodiment 1) In this embodiment, a content output device that manages the output status of advertisements for content playback will be described. Also, in this embodiment, a content output device that can output content based on the output status of the advertisements that it manages will be described.

[0034] In addition, in this embodiment, a content output device will be described in which, after viewing one piece of content, if the advertisement output status does not satisfy the content output condition, other content cannot be viewed.

[0035] In addition, in this embodiment, a content output device will be described in which an application (hereinafter, referred to as an "app" as appropriate) that plays back content does not output advertisements.

[0036] In this embodiment, a content output device that outputs an advertisement after playing back content will be described.

[0037] In this embodiment, a content output device is described that outputs an advertisement to another launched app or a home screen after content is played back. Note that in this embodiment, for example, the content output device outputs the advertisement to the other app or the home screen using PinP.

[0038] In addition, in this embodiment, a content output device that selects and outputs an advertisement depending on the target (another application or the home screen) for which the advertisement is to be output will be described.

[0039] Furthermore, in this embodiment, a content output device that manages information for determining whether an application outputs an advertisement or not will be described.

[0040] In this specification, information X being associated with information Y means that information Y can be obtained from information X, or information X can be obtained from information Y, and the method of association is not important. Information X and information Y may be linked, may exist in the same buffer, information X may be included in information Y, or information Y may be included in information X, etc.

[0041] Furthermore, in this specification, selecting or determining information Z means obtaining information Z, obtaining a pointer to information Z, obtaining the ID of information Z, setting a flag on information Z, etc., and it is sufficient if information Z can be accessed.

[0042] 1 is a block diagram of a content output device 1 according to the present embodiment. Here, the content output device 1 is a terminal. The content output device 1 may be, for example, a smartphone, a tablet terminal, a personal computer, or the like, but the type of the device is not important.

[0043] The content output device 1 includes a storage unit 11, a reception unit 12, a processing unit 13, and an output unit 14. The storage unit 11 includes a content storage unit 111, an advertisement management unit 112, a status management unit 113, and a control information management unit 114. The reception unit 12 includes an instruction reception unit 121. The processing unit 13 includes a determination unit 131, a content acquisition unit 132, an advertisement acquisition unit 133, and a status change unit 134. The output unit 14 includes a content output unit 141 and an advertisement output unit 142.

[0044] The storage unit 11 stores various types of information. The various types of information include, for example, content, advertisements, status information, control information, one or more applications, and various conditions. The type of application is not important. The various conditions include, for example, content output conditions. It goes without saying that the various conditions may be embedded in the program.

[0045] The content output condition is a condition for determining whether or not to output content. The content output condition is a condition related to the status management unit 113. The condition related to the status management unit 113 is a condition related to status information. For example, the content output condition is that status information indicating that an advertisement has not been output is not present in the status management unit 113. For example, the content output condition is that status information indicating that an advertisement has been output is present in the status management unit 113. For example, the content output condition is that status information indicating a negative number of points is not present in the status management unit 113. For example, the content output condition is that status information indicating a positive number of points is present in the status management unit 113. For example, the content output condition is that "the number of points required to output the content <= the positive number of points indicated by the status information".

[0046] The advertisement output condition is a condition for outputting an advertisement. For example, the advertisement output condition is that the situation information is information that prevents content from being output. For example, the advertisement output condition is that the point, which is the situation information, is equal to or less than a threshold value (for example, equal to or less than 0).

[0047] The content storage unit 111 stores one or more pieces of content. A content is usually associated with a content identifier. A content is associated with, for example, one or more content attribute values. A content is associated with, for example, the number of points required to output the content. The number of points may be considered to be a content attribute value.

[0048] Content is information that is output. Content is usually information that a user views. Content is preferably stream data. Content can be, for example, video, still images, music, audio, or video and audio, and the data type does not matter. Content can be, for example, manga, movies, books, music, or photos.

[0049] A content identifier is information that identifies content. The content identifier may be, for example, a content ID or a content name. Content attribute values ​​may be, for example, the type of content, the author of the content, the performer of the content, the size of the content, the playback time of the content, or the price for outputting the content.

[0050] The advertisement management unit 112 stores one or more advertisements. The advertisement may be, for example, a video, a video and audio, an audio, or a still image. An advertisement may be associated with one or more advertisement attribute values. The advertisement attribute values ​​may be, for example, the type of application for which the advertisement is to be output, an application identifier, or the number of points obtained by outputting the advertisement.

[0051] One or more pieces of situation information are stored in the situation management unit 113. The situation information may be associated with the application identifier of the application that outputs the content.

[0052] Status information is information relating to the advertisement output status. Information relating to the advertisement output status may be information relating to both the advertisement output status and the content output status. Status information may be, for example, information relating to the content output status for which advertisement output has not yet finished. Status information is, for example, information indicating that advertisement output has not been performed, information indicating that advertisement output has been performed, information indicating that content output has been performed, the number of points obtained by advertisement output, and the negative number of points obtained by content output. Note that if the status information includes points, the points will increase when an advertisement is output, and the points will decrease when content is output.

[0053] For example, if status information indicating that an advertisement has not been output exists in the status management unit 113, for example, new content cannot be output. For example, if status information indicating that an advertisement has been output exists in the status management unit 113, for example, new content can be output. For example, if status information indicating that content has been output exists in the status management unit 113, new content cannot be output. For example, if status information indicating that an advertisement has been output exists in the status management unit 113, for example, new content can be output. For example, if the number of positive points obtained by outputting an advertisement exists in the status management unit 113, content corresponding to the number of points can be output. For example, if the number of negative points obtained by outputting content exists in the status management unit 113, new content cannot be output unless an advertisement is output until the number of negative points becomes 0 or a positive point.

[0054] Control information management unit 114 stores control information. The control information is information for determining an application that does not output advertisements, or information for determining an application that outputs advertisements. An application that outputs advertisements is an application that can output advertisements in PinP (Picture in Picture) within the window of the application while the application is running. The application may also be a web page.

[0055] The control information, for example, has one or more application identifiers for identifying applications that do not output advertisements, or has one or more application identifiers for identifying applications that output advertisements. The control information, for example, is a condition related to one or more attribute values ​​(e.g., application type) of applications that do not output advertisements. The control information, for example, is a condition related to one or more attribute values ​​of applications that output advertisements. Note that, for example, only when an application specified by the control information as outputting advertisements is running, an advertisement is output on the screen of the application.

[0056] The content storage unit 111, the advertisement management unit 112, the status management unit 113, and the control information management unit 114 may be present in an external device (not shown). For example, the content storage unit 111 may be present in a content server (not shown). For example, the advertisement management unit 112 may be present in an advertisement server (not shown).

[0057] The receiving unit 12 receives various instructions and information, such as an instruction to output content, an instruction to start an application, and an instruction to output advertisements.

[0058] A content output instruction is an instruction to output content. A content output instruction usually includes a content identifier. An advertisement output instruction is an instruction to output an advertisement.

[0059] The means for inputting various instructions and information may be any means, such as a touch panel, keyboard, mouse, or menu screen.

[0060] The instruction receiving unit 121 receives various instructions. The various instructions include, for example, a content output instruction, an application startup instruction, and an advertisement output instruction. Here, "receiving" typically refers to receiving information input from an input device such as a touch panel, keyboard, or mouse, but may also be a concept that includes receiving information transmitted via a wired or wireless communication line, or receiving information read from a recording medium such as an optical disk, a magnetic disk, or a semiconductor memory.

[0061] The processing unit 13 performs various types of processing. The various types of processing are, for example, processing performed by a determination unit 131, a content acquisition unit 132, an advertisement acquisition unit 133, and a situation change unit .

[0062] The determination unit 131 performs a first determination process to determine whether or not to output content. That is, the determination unit 131 refers to the status management unit 113 and determines whether or not the status management unit 113 satisfies the content output conditions. The determination unit 131 determines, for example, whether or not the content output conditions for outputting content corresponding to a content output instruction are satisfied. Note that whether or not the status management unit 113 satisfies the content output conditions may be considered to be the same as whether or not the status information satisfies the content output conditions.

[0063] Determination unit 131 performs a second determination process of whether or not to output an advertisement. That is, determination unit 131 refers to situation management unit 113 and determines whether or not situation management unit 113 satisfies the advertisement output conditions. Note that whether or not situation management unit 113 satisfies the advertisement output conditions may be considered to be the same as whether or not situation information satisfies the advertisement output conditions.

[0064] The content acquisition unit 132 acquires the content specified by the content output instruction from the content storage unit 111. For example, when the determination unit 131 determines that the content output condition is satisfied, the content acquisition unit 132 acquires the content specified by the output instruction from the content storage unit 111 in which two or more contents are stored.

[0065] The advertisement acquisition unit 133 acquires advertisements from the advertisement management unit 112. It is preferable that the advertisement acquisition unit 133 acquires different advertisements from the advertisement management unit 112 depending on the application or home screen on which the advertisement is to be output. The advertisement acquisition unit 133 acquires, for example, an advertisement associated with the application on which the advertisement is to be output. The advertisement acquisition unit 133 acquires, for example, an advertisement associated with the home screen. Note that the method of associating an advertisement with an application or a home screen does not matter. One or more application identifiers may be associated with an advertisement, or one or more application attribute values ​​(for example, the type of application) may be associated with an advertisement.

[0066] For example, the advertisement acquisition unit 133 immediately acquires the advertisement from the advertisement management unit 112 after the output of the content is completed.

[0067] The situation change unit 134 changes the situation information of the situation management unit 113. For example, when an advertisement is output, the situation change unit 134 changes the situation information of the situation management unit 113 so as to enable output of new content. For example, when content is output, the situation change unit 134 changes the situation information of the situation management unit 113 so as to disable output of new content.

[0068] The output unit 14 outputs various types of information, such as content, advertisements, and a message indicating that content cannot be output.

[0069] Here, output typically means displaying on a display or projecting using a projector, but it may also be a concept that includes printing on a printer, outputting sound, transmitting to an external device, storing on a recording medium, or handing over the processing results to another processing device or another program.

[0070] The content output unit 141 outputs the content acquired by the content acquisition unit 132. It is preferable that the content output unit 141 outputs the content acquired by the content acquisition unit 132 only when the determination unit 131 determines that the content output condition is satisfied.

[0071] It is preferable that content output unit 141 does not output the second content if advertisement output unit 142 has not output an advertisement after outputting the first content.

[0072] The advertisement output unit 142 outputs the advertisement acquired by the advertisement acquisition unit 133. It is preferable that the advertisement output unit 142 does not output the advertisement while the content output unit 141 is outputting the content, in order to allow the user to view the content comfortably.

[0073] It is preferable that the advertisement output unit 142 outputs the advertisement after the content output unit 141 has completed outputting the content.

[0074] It is preferable that the advertisement output unit 142 outputs an advertisement on the window of the launched application or on the home screen. It is even more preferable that the advertisement output unit 142 outputs an advertisement on the window of the launched application or on the home screen after the content output unit 141 has completed outputting the content.

[0075] When it is detected that an application does not output advertisements based on the control information of the control information management unit 114, the advertisement output unit 142 preferably does not output advertisements on the window of the application.

[0076] It is preferable that the advertisement output unit 142 outputs the advertisement in PinP format on the window of the application or on the home screen.

[0077] The storage unit 11, content storage unit 111, advertisement management unit 112, status management unit 113, and control information management unit 114 are preferably non-volatile recording media, but can also be realized by volatile recording media.

[0078] There is no restriction on the process by which information is stored in the storage unit 11 etc. For example, information may be stored in the storage unit 11 etc. via a recording medium, information transmitted via a communication line etc. may be stored in the storage unit 11 etc., or information input via an input device may be stored in the storage unit 11 etc.

[0079] The receiving unit 12 and the instruction receiving unit 121 can be realized by a device driver for an input means such as a touch panel or a keyboard, or control software for a menu screen.

[0080] The processing unit 13, the determination unit 131, the content acquisition unit 132, the advertisement acquisition unit 133, and the situation change unit 134 can usually be realized by a processor, a memory, etc. The processing procedures of the processing unit 13, etc. are usually realized by software, and the software is recorded on a recording medium such as a ROM. However, they may also be realized by hardware (dedicated circuit). The processor may be a CPU, MPU, GPU, etc., and the type does not matter.

[0081] The output unit 14, the content output unit 141, and the advertisement output unit 142 may or may not include output devices such as a display, a speaker, etc. The output unit 14, etc. may be realized by driver software for an output device, or by a combination of driver software for an output device and the output device, etc.

[0082] Next, an example of the operation of the content output device 1 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

[0083] (Step S201) Instruction receiving unit 121 determines whether or not a content output instruction has been received from the user. If a content output instruction has been received, the process proceeds to step S202, and if not, the process proceeds to step S215.

[0084] (Step S202) The content acquisition unit 132 acquires the content identifier included in the content output instruction.

[0085] (Step S203) The determination unit 131 determines whether or not to output the content. This determination is referred to as a first determination. An example of the first determination will be described with reference to the flowchart in FIG.

[0086] (Step S204) If the result of the determination in step S203 is that the content can be output, the process proceeds to step S205, and if the content cannot be output, the process proceeds to step S211.

[0087] (Step S205) Content acquisition unit 132 acquires the content identified by the content identifier acquired in step S202 from content storage unit 111. Content output unit 141 outputs the content acquired by content acquisition unit 132. Content acquisition unit 132 accumulates the content identifier of the content to be output in a buffer (not shown).

[0088] (Step S206) Content acquisition unit 132 determines whether or not output of all content identified by the content identifiers acquired in step S202 has been completed. If output of the content has been completed, the process proceeds to step S207, and if output is not completed, the process returns to step S205. Note that if the content is a stream or manga, it is determined that output of the content has been completed when playback of the stream has been completed to the end or output of the final page of the manga has been completed.

[0089] (Step S207) The status change unit 134 updates the status information in the status management unit 113 in response to the completion of the output of the content.

[0090] For example, the status change unit 134 updates the status information to status information indicating that the next content cannot be output. For example, the status change unit 134 deletes status information indicating that the next content can be output. For example, the status change unit 134 accumulates status information indicating that the next content cannot be output. For example, the status change unit 134 subtracts the current number of points indicated by the status information by the number of points paired with the output content.

[0091] (Step S208) The advertisement acquisition unit 133 etc. performs processing to output the advertisement. An example of such advertisement output processing will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

[0092] (Step S209) The status change unit 134 determines whether or not the advertisement output has been completed in step S208. If the advertisement output has been completed, the process proceeds to step S210, and if not, the process returns to step S201. Note that advertisement output may not be completed if, for example, the user forcibly terminates advertisement output.

[0093] (Step S210) In response to the completion of the advertisement output, the status change unit 134 updates the status information in the status management unit 113. Return to step S201.

[0094] For example, the status change unit 134 updates the status information in the status management unit 113 to status information indicating that the next content can be output. For example, the status change unit 134 deletes status information indicating that the next content cannot be output. For example, the status change unit 134 accumulates status information indicating that the next content can be output. For example, the status change unit 134 increases the current number of points indicated by the status information by the number of points paired with the output advertisement.

[0095] (Step S211) The output unit 14 outputs a message to the effect that the content instructed to be output cannot be output.

[0096] (Step S212) The advertisement acquisition unit 133 etc. performs processing to output an advertisement. An example of such advertisement output processing will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

[0097] (Step S213) The status change unit 134 determines whether or not the advertisement output has been completed in step S212. If the advertisement output has been completed, the process proceeds to step S214, and if not, the process returns to step S201.

[0098] (Step S214) In response to the completion of the advertisement output, the status change unit 134 updates the status information in the status management unit 113. The process returns to step S201.

[0099] For example, the status change unit 134 updates the status information to indicate that the next content can be output. For example, the status change unit 134 deletes status information indicating that the next content cannot be output. For example, the status change unit 134 accumulates status information indicating that the next content can be output. For example, the status change unit 134 increases the current number of points indicated by the status information by the number of points paired with the output advertisement.

[0100] (Step S215) The instruction receiving unit 121 determines whether or not an instruction to start an application has been received. If an instruction to start an application has been received, the process proceeds to step S216, and if not, the process proceeds to step S222.

[0101] (Step S216) The processing unit 13 reads out the application corresponding to the application start instruction from the storage unit 11 and starts it.

[0102] (Step S217) The determination unit 131 determines whether or not to output an advertisement. This determination is called second determination processing. An example of the second determination processing will be described with reference to the flowchart in FIG.

[0103] (Step S218) If the result of the determination in step S217 is "to output an advertisement", the process proceeds to step S219, and if the result is "to not output an advertisement", the process returns to step S201.

[0104] (Step S219) The advertisement acquisition unit 133 etc. performs processing to output an advertisement. An example of such advertisement output processing will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

[0105] (Step S220) The status change unit 134 determines whether or not the advertisement output has been completed in step S219. If the advertisement output has been completed, the process proceeds to step S221, and if not, the process returns to step S201.

[0106] (Step S221) In response to the completion of advertisement output, the status change unit 134 updates the status information in the status management unit 113. The process returns to step S201.

[0107] For example, the status change unit 134 updates the status information to indicate that the next content can be output. For example, the status change unit 134 deletes status information indicating that the next content cannot be output. For example, the status change unit 134 accumulates status information indicating that the next content can be output. For example, the status change unit 134 increases the current number of points indicated by the status information by the number of points paired with the output advertisement.

[0108] (Step S222) The reception unit 12 determines whether or not an advertisement output instruction has been received from the user. If an advertisement output instruction has been received, the process proceeds to step S219, and if not, the process proceeds to step S223.

[0109] (Step S223) The reception unit 12 determines whether or not other instructions have been received. If other instructions have been received, the process proceeds to step S224, and if not, the process returns to step S201.

[0110] (Step S224) The processing unit 13 performs processing according to other instructions. The process returns to step S201.

[0111] It should be noted that steps S208 to S210 may be omitted in the flowchart of Fig. 2. In such a case, the process returns from step S207 to step S201.

[0112] Also, steps S212 to S214 may be omitted in the flowchart of Fig. 2. In such a case, the process returns from step S211 to step S201.

[0113] Furthermore, in the flowchart of FIG. 2, the process ends when the power is turned off or an interrupt occurs to end the process.

[0114] Next, an example of the first determination in step S203 will be described with reference to the flowchart in FIG.

[0115] (Step S301) The determination unit 131 acquires the status information of the status management unit 113.

[0116] (Step S302) The determination unit 131 determines whether or not there is a point number paired with the content identifier. If there is a point number, the process proceeds to step S303, and if there is not, the process proceeds to step S304.

[0117] (Step S303) The determination unit 131 acquires the number of points paired with the content identifier.

[0118] (Step S304) The judgment unit 131 judges whether or not the situation information, or the situation information and the number of points, satisfy the content output conditions of the storage unit 11. If the content output conditions are satisfied, the process proceeds to step S305; if not, the process proceeds to step S306.

[0119] (Step S305) The determination unit 131 assigns the value "output possible" to the variable "determination result." The process returns to the upper level process.

[0120] (Step S306) The determination unit 131 assigns the value "output not permitted" to the variable "determination result." The process returns to the upper level process.

[0121] Next, an example of the advertisement output process in step S208 will be described with reference to the flowchart in FIG.

[0122] (Step S401) Advertisement acquisition unit 133 acquires one or more content attribute values ​​of the output content. Note that here, if the content identifier of the output content does not exist in a buffer (not shown), advertisement acquisition unit 133 does not acquire one or more content attribute values.

[0123] (Step S402) Advertisement acquisition unit 133 acquires the application identifier of the running application. Note that, here, if there is no running application, advertisement acquisition unit 133 does not acquire the application identifier.

[0124] (Step S403) Advertisement acquisition unit 133 determines whether or not an application identifier was acquired in step S402. If an application identifier was acquired, the process proceeds to step S404, and if not, the process proceeds to step S405.

[0125] (Step S404) The advertisement acquisition unit 133 acquires one or more application attribute values ​​that are paired with the acquired application identifier.

[0126] (Step S405) The advertisement acquisition unit 133 selects and acquires an advertisement from the advertisement management unit 112.

[0127] The advertisement acquisition unit 133 acquires advertisements corresponding to one or more types of information selected from, for example, a content identifier, one or more content attribute values, an application identifier, and one or more application attribute values ​​from the advertisement management unit 112. Note that the advertisement acquisition unit 133 may randomly select an advertisement from the advertisement management unit 112.

[0128] (Step S406) The advertisement output unit 142 determines whether the application is running. If the application is running, the process proceeds to step S407, and if not, the process proceeds to step S408.

[0129] (Step S407) The advertisement output unit 142 outputs the acquired advertisement in PinP format on the window of the running application, and then returns to the upper processing.

[0130] (Step S408) The advertisement output unit 142 outputs the acquired advertisement in PinP on the home screen, and then returns to the upper processing.

[0131] Next, an example of the second determination process in step S217 will be described with reference to the flowchart in FIG.

[0132] (Step S501) The determination unit 131 acquires the status information of the status management unit 113.

[0133] (Step S502) The determination unit 131 determines whether or not the situation information acquired in step S501 satisfies the advertisement output condition. If the advertisement output condition is satisfied, the process proceeds to step S503, and if not, the process proceeds to step S507.

[0134] (Step S503) The determination unit 131 acquires the control information from the control information management unit 114.

[0135] (Step S504) The determination unit 131 acquires application information of the running application. The application information is an application identifier and / or one or more application attribute values.

[0136] (Step S505) The determination unit 131 determines whether or not an advertisement can be output on the window of the running application using the control information and the application information. If the advertisement can be output, the process proceeds to step S506, and if the advertisement cannot be output, the process proceeds to step S507.

[0137] (Step S506) The determination unit 131 assigns the value "output advertisement" to the variable "determination result." The process returns to the upper level process.

[0138] (Step S507) The determination unit 131 assigns the value "Do not output advertisement" to the variable "Determination result." The process returns to the upper level process.

[0139] A specific example of the operation of the content output device 1 in this embodiment will be described below. The content here is assumed to be, for example, a comic book content. Also, the content output device 1 is assumed to be a smartphone used by a user.

[0140] It is also assumed that the content management table of FIG. 6 is stored in the content storage unit 111 of the content output device 1. The content management table is a table for managing content. The content management table manages one or more records having an "ID," "content identifier," "content attribute value," "points," and "content." The "content attribute value" here is "type" and "price." "Points" is the number of points consumed to output the content. "Content" is the file name of the manga. The actual data identified by the file name exists in the content storage unit 111.

[0141] Also, it is assumed that the advertisement management unit 112 stores the advertisement management table of FIG. 7. The advertisement management table is a table for managing advertisements. The advertisement management table manages one or more records having an "ID," an "advertising identifier," an "advertising attribute value," and an "advertising." The "advertising attribute value" here is a "data type" and a "point." "Point" is the number of points obtained by viewing an advertisement. "Advertising" is the file name of the advertisement. The actual data identified by the file name exists in the advertisement management unit 112.

[0142] It is also assumed that the status management unit 113 stores the number of points owned by the user. It is also assumed that the status management unit 113 initially stores a ticket that allows the user to read only one manga (one volume) unconditionally. The ticket is an example of status information. The initial value of points is "0".

[0143] It is assumed that the control information management unit 114 stores the application identifiers “application 5” and “application 8” of applications that cannot be output with advertisements superimposed thereon. It is assumed that these application identifiers are identifiers of applications designated by the user of the content output device 1.

[0144] In the above situation, two specific examples will be described. Specific example 1 is a case where an advertisement is displayed on the home screen using PinP. Specific example 2 is a case where an advertisement is displayed on an app window using PinP.

[0145] (Example 1) Assume that a user of the content output device 1 inputs a content output instruction having a content identifier "1-1" to the content output device 1. Then, the instruction receiving unit 121 of the content output device 1 receives the content output instruction "<content identifier>1-1". Next, the content acquisition unit 132 acquires the content identifier "1-1" included in the content output instruction.

[0146] Next, the determination unit 131 refers to the status management unit 113 and detects that there is status information that is a ticket that allows reading only one volume of a manga. Then, the determination unit 131 obtains the determination result "output permitted."

[0147] Next, content acquisition unit 132 acquires the entity data of the comic identified by content "file11" identified by content identifier "1-1" from content storage unit 111. Then, content output unit 141 outputs the comic.

[0148] Next, the user operates the content output device 1 to turn over the pages of the comic being output and finishes reading the comic (see FIG. 8(a)). Then, the content acquisition unit 132 determines that the output of the content has been completed.

[0149] Next, in response to the completion of the output of the content, the status change unit 134 deletes the ticket from the status management unit 113. This deletion is also an update of the status information.

[0150] Next, suppose that the user wants to read the second volume of the manga and inputs a content output instruction "<content identifier>1-2" to the content output device 1. The instruction receiving unit 121 then receives the content output instruction. Next, the content acquisition unit 132 acquires the content identifier "1-2" included in the content output instruction.

[0151] Next, the determination unit 131 refers to the status management unit 113, detects that there is no ticket that can read only one volume of the manga, and that the "number of points = 0", and determines that the content output condition (ticket exists OR number of points >= points paired with the content identifier) ​​is not met. Then, the determination unit 131 obtains the determination result "output not possible".

[0152] Next, the output unit 14 outputs a message to the content output device 1 indicating that the comic book that has been instructed to be output cannot be output (see FIG. 8(b)). Note that in FIG. 8(b), the message includes an "x".

[0153] Next, the advertisement acquisition unit 133 and the like perform processing for outputting an advertisement. That is, the advertisement acquisition unit 133 acquires an advertisement at random from, for example, the advertisement management table (FIG. 7). Next, the advertisement output unit 142 determines that the app is not running. Then, the advertisement output unit 142 outputs the acquired advertisement in PinP on the home screen. This is illustrated in FIG. 9. In FIG. 9, advertisement 901 is output on the home screen in PinP. Then, it is assumed that the user has finished viewing advertisement 901 in FIG. 9.

[0154] Furthermore, the user inputs an advertisement output instruction to the content output device 1 to read three more volumes of manga (content identifiers "1-2," "1-3," and "1-4") and watches the advertisements (see FIG. 8(c)). As a result, the status management unit 113 accumulates the number of points "15."

[0155] Next, it is assumed that the user inputs a content output instruction including content identifiers "1-2" to "1-4" to the content output device 1. Then, the content output device 1 sequentially outputs the manga identified by "1-2," the manga identified by "1-3," and the manga identified by "1-4" (see FIG. 8(d)). As a result, the user can read three volumes of the manga identified by "1-2" to "1-4."

[0156] (Example 2) As in Specific Example 1, it is assumed that the user of the content output device 1 inputs a content output instruction having the content identifier "1-1" to the content output device 1, and the user finishes reading the manga identified by the content identifier "1-1".

[0157] Then, the status change unit 134 deletes the ticket from the status management unit 113 in response to the completion of the output of the content.

[0158] Next, it is assumed that the user inputs an instruction to launch the application (search engine α) identified by the application identifier “Application 1.” The launch instruction is given by, for example, double-clicking the icon of the application.

[0159] Next, the instruction receiving unit 121 receives an instruction to start the application. Next, the processing unit 13 reads out the application "search engine α.exe" corresponding to the instruction to start the application from the storage unit 11, and starts up "search engine α."

[0160] Next, the determination unit 131 performs what is called a second determination process. That is, the determination unit 131 acquires the status information "points=0" from the status management unit 113. Next, the determination unit 131 determines that the status information satisfies the advertisement output condition "no ticket AND points<=0".

[0161] Next, the determination unit 131 acquires the control information "APP 5" and "APP 8" from the control information management unit 114. The determination unit 131 also acquires the application identifier "APP 1" of the running application.

[0162] Next, the determination unit 131 detects that the acquired application identifier is not included in the control information, and determines that an advertisement can be output on the window of the running application "search engine α." Then, the determination unit 131 obtains the determination result "output an advertisement."

[0163] Next, the advertisement acquisition unit 133 acquires an advertisement that is paired with the advertisement attribute value satisfied by the application "search engine." Next, the advertisement output unit 142 outputs the advertisement in PinP format on the window of the application "search engine α." An example of such output is shown in FIG. 10. In FIG. 10, 1001 is an advertisement.

[0164] As a result of the advertisement being output, the status change unit 134 changes the points, which are the status information of the status management unit 113, from "0" to "5," which is a point paired with the output advertisement.

[0165] As described above, according to this embodiment, it is possible to achieve both a user being able to comfortably view content and a user being able to view advertisements.

[0166] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, it is possible to encourage users to view advertisements.

[0167] Furthermore, according to the present embodiment, it is possible to output only one advertisement to view one piece of content, in which case there is no need to manage points associated with the content and points associated with the advertisement.

[0168] In the specific example of this embodiment, the device that outputs the content and advertisements is a smartphone. However, as described above, the device that outputs the content and advertisements may also be a tablet terminal, a personal computer, or the like. In such a case, an example of advertisement output is shown in FIG. 11. In FIG. 11, advertisement 1102 is output in PinP format on a screen (window) on which application 1101 is displayed.

[0169] The processing in this embodiment may be implemented by software. This software may be distributed by software download or the like. This software may also be recorded on a recording medium such as a CD-ROM and distributed. This also applies to other embodiments in this specification. The software implementing the content output device 1 in this embodiment is the following program. That is, this program causes a computer to function as an advertisement acquisition unit that acquires advertisements from an advertisement management unit that stores one or more advertisements; an advertisement output unit that outputs the advertisements acquired by the advertisement acquisition unit; a status change unit that changes status information in a status management unit that manages status information related to the advertisement output status; an instruction acceptance unit that accepts a content output instruction; a determination unit that refers to the status management unit and determines whether a content output condition is met, causing the status management unit to output content corresponding to the output instruction; a content acquisition unit that acquires content specified by the output instruction from a content storage unit that stores two or more contents when the determination unit determines that the content output condition is met; and a content output unit that outputs the content acquired by the content acquisition unit only when the determination unit determines that the content output condition is met.

[0170] It is preferable that the above program runs in the background and monitors the launch and operation of other applications.

[0171] In this embodiment, for example, the operations of the above program may be realized by two applications. That is, the above program may be separated into an application that performs the function of outputting content and an application that performs the function of outputting advertisements. Also, there may be two or more applications that perform the function of outputting content, and one application that performs the function of outputting advertisements for the two or more applications. In such a case, it is preferable that the application that performs the function of outputting advertisements runs in the background and monitors the operation of the application that performs the function of outputting content, and monitors the launch and operation of other applications.

[0172] In such cases, the application (program) that performs the function of outputting content is a program that causes a computer to function as an instruction receiving unit that receives content output instructions, a judgment unit that refers to a status management unit in which status information regarding the output status of advertisements is managed and determines whether the status management unit satisfies a content output condition that causes the status management unit to output content corresponding to the output instruction, a content acquisition unit that acquires the content specified by the output instruction from a content storage unit in which two or more contents are stored if the judgment unit determines that the content output condition is satisfied, and a content output unit that outputs the content acquired by the content acquisition unit only if the judgment unit determines that the content output condition is satisfied.

[0173] In addition, an application (program) that performs the function of outputting advertisements in such cases is a program that causes a computer to function as an advertisement acquisition unit that acquires advertisements from an advertisement management unit in which one or more advertisements are stored, an advertisement output unit that outputs the advertisements acquired by the advertisement acquisition unit, a status change unit that changes status information in a status management unit that manages status information regarding the advertisement output status of the advertisement output unit, and a completion acceptance unit that accepts notification that the output of content has been completed, and causes the advertisement output unit to function as one that outputs the advertisement when the completion acceptance unit accepts notification of completion.

[0174] It should be noted that both the application that performs the function of outputting the content and the application that performs the function of outputting the advertisement can access the same status management unit.

[0175] In addition, in an application that performs a function of outputting an advertisement, the application may cause the computer to function such that the advertisement output unit outputs the advertisement after a content output unit has completed output of content. In addition, in an application that performs a function of outputting an advertisement, the application may cause the computer to function such that the advertisement output unit outputs the advertisement on a window of a launched application or on a home screen after a content output unit has completed output of content.

[0176] (Embodiment 2) The present embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that the content output device is a server that provides content and distributes advertisements.

[0177] 12 is a conceptual diagram of an information system A according to this embodiment. The information system A includes a content output device 2 and one or more terminal devices 3.

[0178] The content output device 2 may be, for example, a cloud server or an ASP server, but the type does not matter. The terminal device 3 is a terminal used by a user. The terminal device 3 may be, for example, a smartphone, a tablet terminal, a personal computer, etc., but the type does not matter.

[0179] 13 is a block diagram of an information system A according to the present embodiment. The content output device 2 includes a storage unit 21, a receiving unit 22, a processing unit 23, and a transmitting unit 24.

[0180] The storage unit 21 includes a content storage unit 111, an advertisement management unit 112, and a status management unit 213. The reception unit 22 includes an instruction reception unit 121. The processing unit 23 includes a determination unit 131, a content acquisition unit 132, an advertisement acquisition unit 133, and a status change unit 134. The transmission unit 24 includes a content output unit 141 and an advertisement output unit 142.

[0181] The terminal device 3 includes a terminal storage unit 31, a terminal reception unit 32, a terminal processing unit 33, a terminal transmission unit , a terminal reception unit 35, and a terminal output unit .

[0182] The status management unit 213 constituting the content output device 2 stores status information for each of two or more user identifiers.

[0183] The storage unit 21 may include a control information management unit 114. In this case, the control information management unit 114 may store control information for each of two or more user identifiers. Note that the control information may be common to all users.

[0184] The content output unit 141 transmits the content acquired by the content acquisition unit 132 to the terminal device 3.

[0185] The advertisement output unit 142 transmits the advertisement acquired by the advertisement acquisition unit 133 to the terminal device 3.

[0186] The receiving unit 22 receives various instructions and information from the terminal device 3. An instruction accepting unit 121 included in the receiving unit 22 receives various instructions from the terminal device 3. The various instructions are, for example, a content output instruction and an advertisement output instruction.

[0187] The processing unit 23 performs various types of processing, such as processing performed by the determination unit 131, the content acquisition unit 132, the advertisement acquisition unit 133, or the situation change unit 134.

[0188] The transmission unit 24 transmits various types of information to the terminal device 3. The various types of information include, for example, content and advertisements.

[0189] Various types of information are stored in the terminal storage unit 31 constituting the terminal device 3. The various types of information are, for example, user identifiers. The terminal storage unit 31 may include a control information management unit 114.

[0190] The terminal reception unit 32 receives various instructions and information. The various instructions include, for example, a content output instruction, an application startup instruction, and an advertisement output instruction. Here, "reception" typically refers to the reception of information input from an input device such as a touch panel, keyboard, or mouse, but may also include the reception of information transmitted via a wired or wireless communication line, or the reception of information read from a recording medium such as an optical disk, a magnetic disk, or a semiconductor memory.

[0191] The device processing unit 33 performs various types of processing. For example, the various types of processing are processing for converting instructions and information received by the terminal receiving unit 32 into instructions and information with a data structure to be transmitted. For example, the various types of processing are processing for converting information received by the terminal receiving unit 35 into information with a data structure to be output.

[0192] The terminal transmitting unit 34 transmits various instructions and information, such as an instruction to output content and an instruction to output advertisements.

[0193] The terminal receiving unit 35 receives various types of information, such as content and advertisements.

[0194] The terminal output unit 36 ​​outputs various types of information, such as application screens, content, and advertisements.

[0195] The terminal output unit 36 ​​preferably outputs the advertisement in PinP format on the home screen or on the window of the application.

[0196] Here, output typically means displaying on a display or projecting using a projector, but it may also be a concept that includes printing on a printer, outputting sound, transmitting to an external device, storing on a recording medium, or handing over the processing results to another processing device or another program.

[0197] The storage unit 21 and the terminal storage unit 31 are preferably non-volatile recording media, but may also be realized as volatile recording media.

[0198] There is no restriction on the process by which information is stored in the storage unit 21 etc. For example, information may be stored in the storage unit 21 etc. via a recording medium, information transmitted via a communication line etc. may be stored in the storage unit 21 etc., or information input via an input device may be stored in the storage unit 21 etc.

[0199] Receiving unit 22, instruction receiving unit 121, transmitting unit 24, content output unit 141, advertisement output unit 142, terminal transmitting unit 34, and terminal receiving unit 35 are typically realized by wireless or wired communication means.

[0200] The processing unit 23 and the terminal processing unit 33 can usually be realized by a processor, memory, etc. The processing procedures of the processing unit 23, etc. are usually realized by software, and the software is recorded on a recording medium such as a ROM. However, they may also be realized by hardware (dedicated circuit). The processor may be a CPU, MPU, GPU, etc., and the type does not matter.

[0201] The terminal reception unit 32 can be realized by a device driver for an input means such as a touch panel or a keyboard, or control software for a menu screen.

[0202] The terminal output unit 36 ​​may or may not include an output device such as a display, a speaker, etc. The terminal output unit 36 ​​may be realized by driver software for an output device, or by a combination of driver software for an output device and the output device, etc.

[0203] Next, an example of the operation of the content output device 2 constituting the information system A will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

[0204] (Step S1401) The instruction receiving unit 121 determines whether or not a content output instruction has been received from the terminal device 3. If a content output instruction has been received, the process proceeds to step S1402, and if not, the process proceeds to step S1415. Note that the content output instruction includes a content identifier and a user identifier.

[0205] (Step S1402) The content acquisition unit 132 acquires the content identifier and the user identifier included in the received content output instruction.

[0206] (Step S1403) The determination unit 131 determines whether or not to transmit the content. That is, the determination unit 131 acquires, for example, situation information paired with the user identifier acquired in step S1402. Next, the determination unit 131 determines whether or not the situation information satisfies the content output conditions (for example, "the number of points is not negative" or "the user has a ticket to output the content"), and acquires the determination result.

[0207] (Step S1404) If the result of the determination in step S1403 is that the content can be transmitted, the process proceeds to step S1405, and if not, the process proceeds to step S1411.

[0208] (Step S1405) The content acquisition unit 132 acquires the content identified by the content identifier acquired in step S1402 from the content storage unit 111. The content output unit 141 transmits the content acquired by the content acquisition unit 132 to the terminal device 3.

[0209] (Step S1406) The content acquisition unit 132 acquires all the contents identified by the content identifiers acquired in step S1402, and determines whether or not the output of the contents has been completed. If the output of the contents has been completed, the process proceeds to step S1407, and if not, the process returns to step S1405.

[0210] (Step S1407) In response to the completion of the content transmission, the status change unit 134 updates the status information paired with the user identifier.

[0211] For example, the status change unit 134 updates the status information paired with the user identifier acquired in step S1402 to status information indicating that the next content cannot be transmitted. For example, the status change unit 134 deletes the status information paired with the user identifier, which is status information indicating that the next content can be transmitted. For example, the status change unit 134 stores the status information indicating that the next content cannot be transmitted in association with the user identifier. For example, the status change unit 134 subtracts the current number of points indicated by the status information paired with the user identifier by the number of points paired with the transmitted content.

[0212] (Step S1408) The advertisement acquisition unit 133 and the like perform processing for transmitting an advertisement. That is, the advertisement acquisition unit 133, for example, randomly acquires an advertisement from the advertisement management unit 112. Next, the advertisement output unit 142 transmits the advertisement to the terminal device 3. Note that it is preferable that the advertisement is output in PinP format in the terminal device 3.

[0213] (Step S1409) The status change unit 134 determines whether or not the transmission of the advertisement has been completed in step S1408. If the transmission of the advertisement has been completed, the process proceeds to step S1410, and if not, the process returns to step S1401. Note that the transmission of the advertisement is not completed when, for example, information is received from the terminal device 3 indicating that the output of the advertisement has been interrupted midway during the output of the advertisement as a stream.

[0214] (Step S1410) In response to the completion of advertisement transmission, the status change unit 134 updates the status information in the status management unit 213. Return to step S1401. Note that the completion of advertisement transmission means that all data of one advertisement, which is a stream, has been transmitted to the terminal device 3.

[0215] For example, the status change unit 134 updates the status information paired with the user identifier to status information indicating that the next content can be sent. For example, the status change unit 134 deletes the status information paired with the user identifier, which indicates that the next content cannot be sent. For example, the status change unit 134 stores the status information indicating that the next content can be sent in association with the user identifier. For example, the status change unit 134 increases the current number of points indicated by the status information paired with the user identifier by the number of points paired with the transmitted advertisement.

[0216] (Step S1411) The output unit 14 transmits to the terminal device 3 a message to the effect that the content instructed to be output cannot be transmitted.

[0217] (Step S1412) The advertisement acquisition unit 133 and the like perform processing for transmitting an advertisement. That is, the advertisement acquisition unit 133, for example, randomly acquires an advertisement from the advertisement management unit 112. Next, the advertisement output unit 142 transmits the advertisement to the terminal device 3. Note that it is preferable that the advertisement is output in PinP format in the terminal device 3.

[0218] (Step S1413) The status change unit 134 determines whether or not the transmission of the advertisement has been completed in step S1412. If the transmission of the advertisement has been completed, the process proceeds to step S1414, and if not, the process returns to step S1401.

[0219] (Step S1414) In response to the completion of advertisement transmission, the status change unit 134 updates the status information in the status management unit 213. The process returns to step S1401.

[0220] For example, the status change unit 134 updates the status information paired with the user identifier to status information indicating that the next content can be sent. For example, the status change unit 134 deletes the status information paired with the user identifier, which indicates that the next content cannot be sent. For example, the status change unit 134 stores the status information indicating that the next content can be sent in association with the user identifier. For example, the status change unit 134 increases the current number of points indicated by the status information paired with the user identifier by the number of points paired with the transmitted advertisement.

[0221] (Step S1415) The instruction receiving unit 121 determines whether or not an instruction to start an application has been received. If an instruction to start an application has been received, the process proceeds to step S1416, and if not, the process proceeds to step S1422.

[0222] (Step S1417) The determination unit 131 determines whether or not to send an advertisement. This determination is called a second determination process. The determination unit 131, for example, acquires situation information paired with a user identifier included in the application launch instruction, determines whether the situation information satisfies an advertisement output condition, and acquires the determination result. Note that the advertisement output condition is, for example, "the points that are situation information are negative" or "there are no tickets for sending content in the situation information."

[0223] (Step S1418) If the result of the determination in step S1417 is "to send an advertisement", the process proceeds to step S1419, and if the result is "not to send an advertisement", the process returns to step S1401.

[0224] (Step S1419) The advertisement acquisition unit 133 and the like perform processing for transmitting an advertisement. That is, the advertisement acquisition unit 133, for example, randomly acquires an advertisement from the advertisement management unit 112. Next, the advertisement output unit 142 transmits the advertisement to the terminal device 3. Note that it is preferable that the advertisement be output in PinP format in the terminal device 3.

[0225] (Step S1420) The status change unit 134 determines whether or not the transmission of the advertisement has been completed in step S1419. If the transmission of the advertisement has been completed, the process proceeds to step S1421, and if not, the process returns to step S1401.

[0226] (Step S1421) In response to the completion of advertisement transmission, the situation change unit 134 updates the situation information paired with the user identifier, which is the situation information in the situation management unit 213. The process returns to step S1401.

[0227] For example, the status change unit 134 updates the status information paired with the user identifier to status information indicating that the next content can be sent. For example, the status change unit 134 deletes the status information paired with the user identifier, which indicates that the next content cannot be sent. For example, the status change unit 134 stores the status information indicating that the next content can be sent in association with the user identifier. For example, the status change unit 134 increases the current number of points indicated by the status information paired with the user identifier by the number of points paired with the transmitted advertisement.

[0228] (Step S1422) The reception unit 12 determines whether or not an advertisement output instruction has been received from the terminal device 3. If an advertisement output instruction has been received, the process proceeds to step S1419, and if not, the process proceeds to step S1423.

[0229] (Step S1423) The reception unit 12 determines whether or not any other instruction has been received. If any other instruction has been received, the process proceeds to step S1424, and if not, the process returns to step S1401.

[0230] (Step S1424) The processing unit 13 performs processing according to other instructions. The process returns to step S1401.

[0231] In the flowchart of FIG. 14, the process ends when the power is turned off or an interrupt occurs to end the process.

[0232] Next, an example of the operation of the terminal device 3 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

[0233] (Step S1501) The terminal reception unit 32 determines whether or not a content output instruction has been received. If a content output instruction has been received, the process proceeds to step S1502, and if not, the process proceeds to step S1505.

[0234] (Step S1502) The device processing unit 33 acquires the user identifier from the device storage unit 31, and generates a content output instruction to be transmitted, which includes the user identifier and the content identifier included in the content output instruction accepted in step S1501. The terminal transmitting unit 34 transmits the content output instruction to the content output device 2.

[0235] (Step S1503) The terminal receiving unit 35 determines whether or not content or a message has been received from the content output device 2. If content or the like has been received, the process proceeds to step S1504, and if not, the process returns to step S1503.

[0236] (Step S1504) The terminal output unit 36 ​​outputs the content or message. Return to step S1501.

[0237] (Step S1505) The terminal receiving unit 35 determines whether or not an advertisement has been received. If an advertisement has been received, the process proceeds to step S1506, and if not, the process proceeds to step S1509.

[0238] (Step S1506) The device processing unit 33 determines whether or not the application is running. If the application is running, the process proceeds to step S1507, and if the application is not running, the process proceeds to step S1508.

[0239] (Step S1507) The terminal output unit 36 ​​outputs the advertisement received via PinP on the window of the running application. Return to step S1501.

[0240] (Step S1508) The terminal output unit 36 ​​outputs the advertisement received via PinP on the home screen. Return to step S1501.

[0241] (Step S1509) Terminal reception unit 32 determines whether or not an instruction to start an application has been received. If an instruction to start an application has been received, the process proceeds to step S1510, and if not, the process proceeds to step S1512.

[0242] (Step S1510) The device processing unit 33 starts up the application corresponding to the start-up instruction.

[0243] (Step S1511) The device processing unit 33 acquires the user identifier from the device storage unit 31, and configures an instruction to start the application having the user identifier. The device transmitting unit 34 transmits the instruction to start the application to the content output device 2. The process returns to step S1501.

[0244] It is preferable that the terminal device 3 receives an advertisement from the content output device 2 based on the transmission of an instruction to start the application, and outputs the advertisement in PinP format on the window of the application.

[0245] (Step S1512) The terminal receiving unit 32 determines whether or not an advertisement output instruction has been received. If an advertisement output instruction has been received, the process proceeds to step S1513, and if not, the process proceeds to step S1514.

[0246] (Step S1513) The terminal processing unit 33 acquires the user identifier from the terminal storage unit 31, and configures an advertisement output instruction having the user identifier. The terminal transmitting unit 34 transmits the advertisement output instruction to the content output device 2. Return to step S1501.

[0247] (Step S1514) The terminal receiving unit 32 determines whether or not other instructions have been received. If other instructions have been received, the process proceeds to step S1514, and if not, the process returns to step S1501.

[0248] (Step S1515) The terminal processing unit 33 performs processing in accordance with the other instructions. The process returns to step S1501. Note that the other instructions may be transmitted to the content output device 2 here.

[0249] In the flowchart of FIG. 15, the process ends when the power is turned off or an interrupt occurs to end the process.

[0250] A specific example of the operation of the information system A in this embodiment will be described below. It is assumed that the content output by the content output device 2 here is, for example, a comic book.

[0251] 6 is stored in the content storage unit 111 of the content output device 2. Also, it is assumed that the advertisement management table of FIG. 7 is stored in the advertisement management unit 112 of the content output device 2.

[0252] It is also assumed that the status management unit 213 stores a user management table shown in FIG. 16. The user management table is a table for managing user information for each user. The user management table manages one or more records each having an "ID," "user identifier," "status information," and "user attribute value." The "user attribute value" here includes "gender" and "age." The "status information" here is points. Points indicate the number of contents that can be viewed. Here, it is assumed that when a user registers with the content output device 2, the user is given "1" point. In other words, after user registration, the user can view only one volume of a manga without watching advertisements.

[0253] In Figure 16, a user with user identifier "U001" (hereinafter referred to as User 1) has watched two advertisements without reading any manga since registering as a user, so the user's status information (points) is "3." This means that the user can read three volumes of manga for free from now on without watching any advertisements.

[0254] In Figure 16, a user with user identifier "U002" (hereinafter referred to as User 2) has read one volume of a manga after registering as a user, and therefore the user's status information (points) has been changed from the initial value of "1" to "0." In other words, the user will no longer be able to read manga without watching an advertisement.

[0255] 16, a user with user identifier "U003" (hereinafter referred to as "User 3") has just registered. In other words, the status information (points) of the user is the initial value of "1", and the user can read only one volume of the manga without viewing advertisements.

[0256] In the above situation, the following two specific examples will be explained. In specific example 1, User 2 inputs a content output instruction and is unable to view the manga. In specific example 2, User 3 inputs a content output instruction and is able to view the manga.

[0257] (Example 1) Assume that user 2 inputs a content output instruction to terminal device 3. Then, terminal receiving unit 32 receives the content output instruction. Next, terminal processing unit 33 acquires user identifier "U002" from terminal storage unit 31 and composes a content output instruction to be transmitted, "<user identifier>U002 content identifier>1-2", which is a content output instruction having the user identifier and a content identifier (e.g., "1-2") included in the content output instruction. Terminal transmitting unit 34 transmits the content output instruction to content output device 2.

[0258] Next, the instruction receiving unit 121 of the content output device 2 receives the content output instruction from the terminal device 3. Next, the content acquisition unit 132 acquires the content identifier "1-2" and the user identifier "U002" included in the content output instruction.

[0259] Next, the determination unit 131 acquires the status information "0" paired with the user identifier "U002" from the user management table (FIG. 16). Next, the determination unit 131 determines that the status information "0" does not satisfy the content output condition (status information >= 1), and acquires the determination result "transmission not permitted."

[0260] Next, the output unit 14 transmits to the terminal device 3 a message to the effect that the content instructed to be output cannot be transmitted.

[0261] Next, the terminal receiving unit 35 of the terminal device 3 receives the message from the content output device 2. Next, the terminal output unit 36 ​​outputs the message.

[0262] Furthermore, the advertisement acquisition unit 133 of the content output device 2 randomly acquires an advertisement from the advertisement management table (FIG. 8). Next, the advertisement output unit 142 transmits the advertisement to the terminal device 3.

[0263] Next, the terminal receiving unit 35 of the terminal device 3 receives the advertisement from the content output device 2. Next, the device processing unit 33 determines that the app is not running. Next, the terminal output unit 36 ​​outputs the advertisement received via PinP on the home screen. An example of such output is shown in FIG. 9.

[0264] In addition, when the terminal device 3 is a personal computer and, for example, a window is displayed on the screen, the terminal device 3 outputs an advertisement in PinP format on the window, as shown in FIG. 11, for example.

[0265] (Example 2) Assume that user 3 inputs a content output instruction to terminal device 3 for the first time after user registration. Terminal receiving unit 32 then receives the content output instruction. Next, terminal processing unit 33 acquires user identifier "U003" from terminal storage unit 31, and generates a content output instruction to be transmitted, "<user identifier>U003 content identifier>1-1," which includes the user identifier and a content identifier (e.g., "1-1") included in the content output instruction. Terminal transmitting unit 34 transmits the content output instruction to content output device 2.

[0266] Next, the instruction receiving unit 121 of the content output device 2 receives an instruction to output the content from the terminal device 3. Next, the content acquisition unit 132 acquires the content identifier "1-1" and the user identifier "U003" included in the content output instruction.

[0267] Next, the determination unit 131 acquires the status information "1" paired with the user identifier "U003" from the user management table (FIG. 16). Next, the determination unit 131 determines that the status information "1" satisfies the content output condition (status information >= 1), and acquires the determination result "transmission permitted."

[0268] Next, the content acquisition unit 132 acquires the content "file11" identified by the content identifier "1-1" from the content management table (FIG. 6). The content output unit 141 transmits the content "file11" acquired by the content acquisition unit 132 to the terminal device 3.

[0269] Next, the terminal receiving unit 35 of the terminal device 3 receives the content "file11" from the content output device 2. Next, the terminal output unit 36 ​​outputs the content "file11".

[0270] Furthermore, in response to the completion of the content transmission, the status change unit 134 of the content output device 2 updates the status information paired with the user identifier "U003" from "1" to "0."

[0271] After that, User 3 can view that comic, but User 3 cannot view the next comic without watching an advertisement.

[0272] As described above, according to this embodiment, it is possible to achieve both an ability for two or more users to comfortably view content and an ability for each user to view advertisements.

[0273] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, it is possible to encourage users to view advertisements.

[0274] The software that realizes the content output device 2 in this embodiment is the following program. That is, this program causes a computer to function as an advertisement acquisition unit that acquires advertisements from an advertisement management unit in which one or more advertisements are stored, an advertisement output unit that outputs the advertisements acquired by the advertisement acquisition unit, a status change unit that changes status information in a status management unit in which status information related to an advertisement output status is managed, an instruction receiving unit that receives a content output instruction, a determination unit that references the status management unit and determines whether a content output condition is satisfied under which the status management unit outputs content corresponding to the content output instruction, a content acquisition unit that, when the determination unit determines that the content output condition is satisfied, acquires content specified by the content output instruction from a content storage unit in which two or more contents are stored, and a content output unit that outputs the content acquired by the content acquisition unit only when the determination unit determines that the content output condition is satisfied.

[0275] FIG. 17 is a block diagram of a computer system 300 that executes the programs described in this specification to realize the content output device 1, the content output device 2, or the terminal device 3 according to the various embodiments described above.

[0276] In FIG. 17, a computer system 300 includes a computer 301 including a CD-ROM drive, a keyboard 302, a mouse 303, and a monitor 304.

[0277] 17, computer 301 includes, in addition to CD-ROM drive 3012, MPU 3013, bus 3014 connected to CD-ROM drive 3012 etc., ROM 3015 for storing programs such as a boot-up program, RAM 3016 connected to MPU 3013 for temporarily storing instructions of application programs and providing temporary storage space, and hard disk 3017 for storing application programs, system programs, and data. Although not shown here, computer 301 may further include a network card for providing connection to a LAN.

[0278] A program that causes computer system 300 to execute the functions of content output device 1 and the like of the above-described embodiment may be stored on CD-ROM 3101, inserted into CD-ROM drive 3012, and then transferred to hard disk 3017. Alternatively, the program may be transmitted to computer 301 via a network (not shown) and stored on hard disk 3017. The program is loaded into RAM 3016 when executed. The program may also be loaded directly from CD-ROM 3101 or the network.

[0279] The program does not necessarily include an operating system (OS) or a third-party program that causes the computer 301 to execute the functions of the content output device 1 of the above-described embodiment. The program only needs to include instructions that call appropriate functions (modules) in a controlled manner to achieve the desired results. How the computer system 300 operates is well known, and a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0280] In addition, in the above program, the steps of transmitting information and receiving information do not include processing performed by hardware, such as processing performed by a modem or interface card in the transmission step (processing that can only be performed by hardware).

[0281] The computer that executes the program may be a single computer or a plurality of computers, that is, it may perform centralized processing or distributed processing.

[0282] Furthermore, in each of the above embodiments, it goes without saying that two or more communication means present in one device may be physically realized by one medium.

[0283] Furthermore, in each of the above embodiments, each process may be realized by centralized processing in a single device, or may be realized by distributed processing in a plurality of devices.

[0284] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various modifications are possible, and it goes without saying that these modifications are also included within the scope of the present invention. [Industrial Applicability]

[0285] As described above, the content output device 1 according to the present invention has the effect of enabling the user to comfortably view content while also allowing the user to view advertisements, and is useful as a terminal for outputting content, etc. [Explanation of symbols]

[0286] A. Information Systems 1, 2 Content output device 3 Terminal Devices 11, 21 Storage area 12 Reception 13, 23 Processing section 14 Output section 22 Receiving unit 24 Transmitter 31 Terminal storage section 32 Terminal Reception 33 Terminal processing section 34 Terminal transmitter 35 Terminal receiving unit 36 Terminal Output Unit 111 Content storage unit 112 Advertising Management Department 113, 213 Situation Management Department 114 Control Information Management Department 121 Instruction Reception Department 131 Judgment Department 132 Content Acquisition Department 133 Advertising Acquisition Department 134 Status Change Department 141 Content Output Unit 142 Advertising Output Unit

Claims

1. Computer, a content output means for outputting content; an advertisement output means for outputting an advertisement on a window or a home screen displayed when the application is started; A program that functions as a

2. The advertisement output means The program according to claim 1 , further comprising: outputting the advertisement on the window or the home screen that is displayed when the application is started after the content is output.

3. The advertisement output means The program according to claim 1 , wherein different advertisements are output depending on the application or the home screen.

4. The advertisement output means 3. The program according to claim 1, wherein the advertisement is not output on a window displayed when an application that does not output an advertisement is started, based on control information for determining an application that does not output an advertisement.

5. The advertisement output means 3. The program according to claim 1, wherein the advertisement is output on the window that is displayed when the one application that outputs the advertisement is launched, based on control information for determining an application that outputs the advertisement.

6. The computer a control means for controlling the content output means to enable output of the next content in response to the advertisement output means outputting the advertisement; The program according to claim 1 or 2, further functioning as:

7. A content output method executed on a computer, comprising: a content output step of outputting the content; an advertisement output step of outputting an advertisement on a window displayed when the application of the first embodiment is started or on a home screen; A content output method comprising:

8. A system including at least a terminal device, a content output means for outputting content in the terminal device; an advertisement output means for outputting an advertisement on a window or a home screen displayed when one application is started in the terminal device; A system comprising:

9. A content output method executed in a system including at least a terminal device, a content output step of outputting content on the terminal device; an advertisement output step of outputting an advertisement on a window or a home screen displayed when one application is started in the terminal device; A content output method comprising:

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