Distribution apparatus, distribution method, and storage medium

Abstract

The user cannot select and view content from three or more types of content due to the user's hobbies, life rhythms and the like. By means of a distribution device (1) provided with a content receiving unit (124) that receives live content from a distributor terminal (3), a first distribution unit (142), a second distribution unit (143), and a third distribution unit (144) that enables a user to select and view three or more types of content in accordance with the user's hobbies or pace of life, etc. The first distribution unit (142) distributes a first type of content to the user terminal (2), the second distribution unit (143) distributes a second type of content, which is a video / time-specified content, to the user terminal (2), and the third distribution unit (144) distributes a third type of content to the user terminal (2) as required.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a publishing device capable of publishing content. Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, there is a server or the like that selects and presents appropriate exercise content information according to the result of a user's answer to inquiry information (see Patent Document 1).

[0003] Patent Literature Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent No. 6970480 Summary of the invention

[0004] However, in the prior art, due to the user's hobbies or life rhythm, the user is unable to select content from more than three contents, and the more than three contents adopt a distribution method from more than three content distribution methods including a first type of content that is distributed in real time at a specific time band, a second type of content that has been recorded and distributed at a specific time band, and a third type of content that has been recorded and distributed on demand.

[0005] The publishing device of the first invention comprises: a first receiving unit, which receives from a user terminal a publishing instruction for a first type of content sent from a publisher terminal of the content in a time band determined by first publishing time information, that is, a first instruction; a content receiving unit, which receives the first type of content sent from a publisher terminal in a time band determined by the first publishing time information; a first publishing unit, which publishes the first type of content received by the content receiving unit to the user terminal that has sent the first instruction in the time band determined by the first publishing time information; a second receiving unit, which receives from the user terminal a publishing instruction for a second type of content to be published in a time band determined by second publishing time information, that is, a second instruction; and a second publishing unit, which publishes the first type of content received by the content receiving unit to the user terminal that has sent the first instruction in the time band determined by the first publishing time information. a second storing unit storing second content to be published to the user terminal in a time band determined by the second publishing time information according to the second publishing time information, obtains the second content corresponding to the second instruction received by the second receiving unit at the time determined by the second publishing time information corresponding to the second content, and publishes the second content to the user terminal that has sent the second instruction; a third receiving unit receives a publishing instruction, i.e., a third instruction, corresponding to the third content to be published on demand from the user terminal; and a third publishing unit obtains the third content corresponding to the third instruction received by the third receiving unit from the third storing unit storing the third content to be published on demand, and publishes the third content to the user terminal that has sent the third instruction.

[0006] With such a configuration, the user can select and view content according to the user's preferences, life pace, and the like.

[0007] In addition, the publishing device of the second invention is as follows: with respect to the first invention, the first receiving unit receives a first instruction from two or more user terminals, and further includes a user image receiving unit that receives a user image from each of the two or more user terminals during the publishing of the first content. The first publishing unit publishes, to each of the two or more user terminals, user images of one or more other users in the user images received by the user image receiving unit and the first content. The second receiving unit receives a second instruction from the two or more user terminals, and the second publishing unit does not publish user images of one or more other users to each of the two or more user terminals.

[0008] With such a configuration, the user can select and view content according to the type of content, knowing or not knowing the status of other users, and in accordance with the user's preferences.

[0009] In addition, the publishing device of the third invention is as follows: with respect to the first invention, the second receiving unit receives the second instruction from each of more than two user terminals, and further comprises a user image receiving unit that receives the user image from each of more than two user terminals during the publishing of the second content, and the second publishing unit publishes, to each of more than two user terminals, the user images of one or more other users in the user images received by the user image receiving unit and the second content.

[0010] With such a configuration, even when viewing the second type of recorded content, it is possible to view the user images of other users.

[0011] In addition, the publishing device of the fourth invention is as follows, with respect to any one of the first to third inventions, further comprising: an input information receiving unit, which receives input information input by a user regarding a content that has been output, from two or more user terminals that have output the first content, the second content, or the third content; and a statistical processing unit, which performs statistical processing on the input information received by the input information receiving unit, obtains a statistical processing result, and outputs the statistical processing result.

[0012] With such a configuration, it is possible to perform statistical processing based on user input regarding three or more types of content and obtain statistical processing results.

[0013] In addition, the publishing device of the fifth invention is as follows. Regarding the fourth invention, the input information corresponds to a type identifier that identifies the type of content that has been output, and the statistical processing unit obtains at least 3 statistical processing results for each type identifier and outputs the statistical processing results for each type identifier.

[0014] With such a configuration, based on the user's input regarding three or more types of content, statistical processing can be performed for each type of content and the statistical processing result can be acquired.

[0015] In addition, the publishing device of the sixth invention is as follows, with respect to the fourth or fifth invention, further comprising: a first reservation receiving unit, which receives a first reservation instruction that determines an audio-visual reservation for a first type of content from a user terminal; and a second reservation receiving unit, which receives a second reservation instruction that determines an audio-visual reservation for a second type of content from a user terminal, and a statistical processing unit uses the first reservation instruction and the second reservation instruction to obtain statistical processing results related to the audio-visual reservation of the content.

[0016] With such a configuration, it is possible to perform statistical processing based on information related to reservation for viewing of content and obtain statistical processing results.

[0017] Furthermore, a distribution device according to a seventh invention is as follows, in relation to the fourth invention, further comprising: a recommendation acquisition unit that acquires recommendation information about content using a statistical processing result; and a recommendation transmission unit that transmits the recommendation information to a user terminal.

[0018] With such a configuration, statistical processing can be performed based on user input regarding three or more types of content, and recommendations can be made to the user using the statistical processing results.

[0019] In addition, the publishing device of the eighth invention is as follows. With respect to the seventh invention, the recommendation acquisition unit refers to the user management unit that stores one or more user information including viewing history information about content that the user has viewed, reservation history information about content that the user has reserved to view, and input information that the user has input, in correspondence with the user identifier, and acquires recommendation information related to the content that the user identified by the user identifier should view.

[0020] With such a configuration, statistical processing can be performed based on the user's viewing history, reservation history, or input information for three or more types of content, and recommendations can be made to the user using the statistical processing results.

[0021] Furthermore, a distribution device according to a ninth invention is as follows, regarding any one of the first to eighth inventions, further comprising a communication unit that receives communication information from a user of the user terminal during distribution of the first content and transmits the communication information to the publisher terminal.

[0022] With such a configuration, when distributing the first type of content, communication information from the user can be sent to the publisher.

[0023] In addition, the publishing device of the tenth invention is as follows, with respect to any one of the first to ninth inventions, further comprising: a screen indication receiving unit, which receives an indication corresponding to a content identifier that identifies a content from a user terminal and outputs an indication of a first-size screen related to a content, namely, a screen indication; a screen acquisition unit, which acquires screen information used to construct a screen related to a content corresponding to the screen indication from a screen storage unit that stores information used to construct a screen of a first size and information used to construct a screen related to a content and information used to construct a screen of a user interface that indicates for viewing a content with a screen of a second size larger than the first size, namely, screen information; a screen sending unit, which sends the screen information obtained by the screen acquisition unit to the user terminal; and a switching support unit, which receives information corresponding to the indication of the user interface from the user terminal and outputs screen information used to construct a screen of a second size corresponding to the information or access information for accessing the screen information.

[0024] With such a configuration, it is possible to guide the user to an environment where it is easy for the user to view and listen to the content.

[0025] According to the distribution device of the present invention, a user can select and view content according to the user's preference, life pace, etc. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0026] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of information system A in implementation mode 1. Figure 2 This is the block diagram of the information system A. Figure 3 It is a block diagram of the distribution device 1. Figure 4 This is a flowchart for explaining an example of the operation of the distribution device 1 . Figure 5 : is a flowchart for explaining an example of the viewing instruction processing. Figure 6 This is a flowchart for explaining an example of the first distribution process. Figure 7 This is a flowchart for explaining an example of the second distribution process. Figure 8 This is a flowchart for explaining an example of the statistical processing. Fig. 9 This is a flowchart for explaining an example of the recommendation process. Fig.10 This is a flowchart for explaining an example of the warning process. Fig.11 This is a flowchart for explaining an example of the viewing end processing. Fig.12This is a flowchart for explaining an example of the operation of the user terminal 2 . Fig.13 This is a diagram showing the content management table. Fig.14 This is a diagram showing the user management table. Fig.15 This is a diagram showing an example of the screen. Fig.16 This is a diagram showing an example of the screen. Fig.17 This is a diagram showing an example of the screen. Fig.18 This is a diagram showing an example of the screen. Fig.19 This is a diagram showing an example of the screen. Fig. 20 This is a diagram showing an example of the screen. Fig.21 This is an external view of the computer system. Fig. 22 is a block diagram of the computer system. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0027] Hereinafter, embodiments of the distribution device, etc. will be described with reference to the drawings. In the embodiments, components denoted by the same reference numerals perform the same operations, and therefore, duplicate descriptions may be omitted.

[0028] (Implementation Method 1) In this embodiment, an information system having a publishing device capable of publishing three types of content of different natures, such as the first type of content (also called live content), the second type of content, and the third type of content is described. Furthermore, although it is preferred that the first type of content, the second type of content, and the third type of content have images and sounds, they may also have only images. It can also be said that the first type of content is live content. It can also be said that the second type of content is video content. · Time-specified content. You can also say that the third type of content is video recording. · Content on demand.

[0029] In addition, in this embodiment, an information system having a distribution device is described, that is, when viewing live content using a user terminal, images of other viewers can also be output through the user terminal, and in the recording · During viewing of time-specified content, images of other viewers cannot be output through the user terminal.

[0030] In addition, in this embodiment, an information system having the following publishing device is described, that is, when using the video recording of the user terminal · While viewing the time-specified content, the images of other viewers can also be output through the user terminal.

[0031] In addition, in this embodiment, an information system having a distribution device is described, which performs statistical processing on input information from viewers. In this embodiment, the distribution device performs statistical processing on, for example, each user, each type of content, or each content, and obtains statistical processing results. In addition, the distribution device obtains statistical processing results of, for example, viewing reservations during statistical processing.

[0032] In addition, in the present embodiment, an information system including a distribution device for recommending content to a user using a statistical processing result will be described.

[0033] In addition, in the present embodiment, an information system having a distribution device is described, which enables a publisher and a user to communicate during the distribution of live content.

[0034] Moreover, in the present embodiment, an information system having the following publishing device is described, that is, screen information having an interface for guidance is sent on a first-size operating screen of a smartphone, etc., so that content can be viewed and listened to using a second-size screen larger than the first size of a personal computer, television or projector, etc.

[0035] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the correspondence between information X and information Y means that information Y can be obtained from information X, or information X can be obtained from information Y, and the correspondence method is not limited. Information X and information Y may be linked, may exist in the same buffer area, information X may be included in information Y, or information Y may be included in information X, etc.

[0036] Figure 1 1 is a schematic diagram of an information system A in this embodiment. The information system A includes a distribution device 1 , one or more user terminals 2 , and one or more publisher terminals 3 .

[0037] The publishing device 1 is a server that publishes content. Here, the content includes video. Preferably, the content includes sound. For example, the content is sports content. Sports content is content used to support users in doing exercise. For example, sports content is exercise content, fitness content, stretching content, dance content, yoga content, aerobic exercise content, aerobics content, relaxation content, muscle training content, and fitness boxing content. Preferably, the content here is not content that users simply watch and listen to, but content that users can do some kind of exercise.

[0038] The distribution device 1 is a so-called server. The distribution device 1 is, for example, a cloud server or an ASP server, but the type is not limited thereto.

[0039] The user terminal 2 is a terminal used by a user who views content. The user terminal 2 is, for example, a so-called personal computer, a smartphone, or a tablet terminal, but the type is not limited thereto.

[0040] The publisher terminal 3 is a terminal used by the publisher. The publisher is a person who publishes content. For example, the publisher is a person who guides the exercise in the sports content. For example, the publisher is a coach in the exercise content, fitness content, stretching content, etc. The publisher terminal 3 is, for example, a so-called personal computer, a smart phone, or a tablet terminal, but the type is not limited thereto.

[0041] The distribution device 1 and one or more user terminals 2 as well as the distribution device 1 and one or more publisher terminals 3 can communicate via a network such as the Internet or a LAN.

[0042] Figure 2 It is a block diagram of information system A in this embodiment. Figure 3 It is a block diagram of the distribution device 1.

[0043] The distribution device 1 includes a storage unit 11, a receiving unit 12, a processing unit 13, and a sending unit 14. The storage unit 11 includes a screen storage unit 111, a content storage unit 112, and a user management unit 113. The content storage unit 112 includes a first storage unit 1121, a second storage unit 1122, and a third storage unit 1123. The receiving unit 12 includes a screen instruction receiving unit 121, a first reservation receiving unit 122, a second reservation receiving unit 123, a content receiving unit 124, a first receiving unit 125, a second receiving unit 126, a third receiving unit 127, a user image receiving unit 128, and an input information receiving unit 129. The processing unit 13 includes a screen acquisition unit 131, a reservation unit 132, a switching support unit 133, a content accumulation unit 134, a synthesis unit 135, a communication unit 136, an input information accumulation unit 137, a statistical processing unit 138, and a recommendation acquisition unit 139. The sending unit 14 includes a screen sending unit 141 , a first sending unit 142 , a second sending unit 143 , a third sending unit 144 , and a recommendation sending unit 145 .

[0044] The user terminal 2 includes a user deposit unit 21 , a user acceptance unit 22 , a user processing unit 23 , a user message sending unit 24 , a user receiving unit 25 , and a user output unit 26 .

[0045] The publisher terminal 3 includes a publisher depositing unit 31 , a publisher accepting unit 32 , a publisher processing unit 33 , a publisher sending unit 34 , a publisher receiving unit 35 , and a publisher output unit 36 ​​.

[0046] Various information is stored in the storage unit 11 constituting the distribution device 1. The various information includes, for example, screen information, three or more types of content, user information, input information, recommendation conditions, and one or more schedule information.

[0047] The recommendation condition is a condition for sending the recommendation information, and examples of the recommendation condition include "the number of viewers is the largest and the user has not viewed the content yet" and "the user's satisfaction has the same attribute value as the content that is above a threshold and the user has not viewed the content yet".

[0048] Schedule information is information about a schedule for publishing content and includes, for example, a content identifier and publishing time information.

[0049] The content identifier is information for identifying content. Examples of the content identifier are ID, content name, and URL. The content identifier included in the schedule information is an identifier of the first type of content or the second type of content.

[0050] Release time information is information that determines the time zone for releasing content. Release time information includes the start time of the release of the content. Release time information may also include the end time of the release of the content. In other words, release time information may be information that only determines the start time of the release of the content, or information that determines the start time and the end time of the release.

[0051] One or more screen information is stored in the screen storage unit 111. The screen information corresponds to, for example, a screen identifier. The screen identifier is information for identifying a screen. For example, the screen identifier is a URL or an ID.

[0052] The screen information is information for constituting a screen output to the user terminal 2. For example, the screen information is described in HTML, XML, etc., but the implementation method is not limited. In addition, the screen is, for example, a screen for selecting the content of the audio-visual reservation, a screen for selecting the audio-visual content, and a screen for introducing the content.

[0053] The screen information is, for example, information for forming a screen related to one content, and may be information for forming a screen of a first size, information for forming a screen of a second size larger than the first size, or information for forming a screen for a tablet terminal.

[0054] The user terminal 2 having a screen of the first size is, for example, a smartphone or a watch-type terminal, but the type is not limited. The user terminal 2 having a screen of the second size is, for example, a personal computer, a television, or a projector, but the type is not limited.

[0055] The screen information is, for example, information for constituting a screen of a first size of a smartphone or the like, information for constituting a screen related to one content, or information for constituting a screen having a specific user interface.

[0056] A specific user interface is a user interface for viewing a content on a second-size user terminal 2 such as a personal computer. A user interface (hereinafter, appropriately referred to as a "UI") is, for example, a button, a check box, a menu item, etc. Screen information for constituting a screen having a UI includes UI information. UI information is information for constituting a specific UI.

[0057] Three or more contents are stored in the content storage unit 112. The contents include, for example, first type of contents described below, second type of contents described below, and third type of contents described below.

[0058] Preferably, the content corresponds to one or more content attribute values. The content attribute values ​​are, for example, a category identifier, a class item identifier, a publisher identifier, and a difficulty identifier. For example, the category identifier is "second type of content" or "third type of content".

[0059] The category identifier is information for identifying the category of the content, such as "exercise", "fitness", "yoga", "aerobics", "relaxation", "muscle training", "dance", "fitness boxing", "massage", and "stretching".

[0060] The publisher identifier is information for identifying the publisher of the content. The publisher identifier is, for example, information for identifying the publisher of the first type of content. The publisher identifier is, for example, the publisher's ID, the publisher's name, email address, telephone number, and IP address of the publisher's terminal 3.

[0061] The difficulty identifier is information that specifies the difficulty of the content. The difficulty of the content is the difficulty of the movement, the difficulty of following the movement in the content. Examples of the difficulty identifier are "for beginners", "for intermediates", "for advanced users", "1", "2", "5", "A", "B", "C".

[0062] The first type of content is stored in the first storage unit 1121. For example, the first type of content being published is temporarily stored in the first storage unit 1121. For example, the first type of content that has been published is permanently stored in the first storage unit 1121. It can also be said that the first type of content is live content. The publishing time of the first type of content has been determined. In the publication of the first type of content, it is preferred that the user can communicate with the publisher. In addition, it can also be said that the user is a viewer. The first type of content usually corresponds to a category identifier "first type of content".

[0063] The first type of content is content that is published from the publisher terminal 3 of the publisher of the content in the time band determined by the first publishing time information. The first publishing time information is the publishing time information of the first type of content. The first type of content corresponds to, for example, a content identifier, a publisher identifier of the publisher of the content, a category identifier "first type of content", and the first publishing time information. The first type of content corresponds to the first instruction described later that has been received by the first receiving unit 125 described later.

[0064] One or more second contents are stored in the second storage unit 1122. The second contents are video recordings. · Time-specific content. Video recording · Time-specified content is recorded content that is released in a specific time zone. In the release of the second type of content, users are usually unable to communicate with the publisher. In the release of the second type of content, users can still communicate with each other.

[0065] The second type of content is content released to the user terminal 2 in the time band determined by the second release time information. The second release time information is the second release time information of the second type of content. The second type of content corresponds to, for example, a content identifier, a publisher identifier of a publisher of the content, a category identifier "second type of content", and the second release time information. The second type of content corresponds to the second instruction described later that has been received by the second receiving unit 126 described later.

[0066] One or more third content types are stored in the third storage unit 1123. The third content type is a video recording. · On-demand content. Recordings · On-demand content is recorded content that is downloaded on demand. In the release of the third type of content, users cannot communicate with the publisher. In addition, the release time of the third type of content is not determined.

[0067] The third type of content corresponds to, for example, a content identifier, a publisher identifier of the publisher of the content, and a category identifier “third type of content.” The third type of content corresponds to a third instruction described later that has been received by a third receiving unit 127 described later.

[0068] As the first type of content, the second type of content, and the third type of content, it is preferable that the content having the same content is already stored in the storage unit 11 .

[0069] One or more user information is stored in the user management unit 113. The user information is information about the user. The user information includes one or more of viewing history information, reservation history information, and input information. The user information corresponds to the user identifier.

[0070] The user identifier is information for identifying a user, such as a user ID, an email address, or a telephone number.

[0071] The viewing history information is information related to the content that the user has viewed. The viewing history information includes one or more viewing information. The viewing information is information related to the content that the user has viewed. The viewing information includes, for example, a content identifier of the content that the user has viewed. The viewing information includes, for example, viewing time information that specifies the time when the user viewed the content. The viewing time information may also be release time information that specifies a time band. The viewing information usually corresponds to the user identifier. The viewing history information includes, for example, the number of times a content has been viewed.

[0072] The reservation history information is information related to the content that the user has reserved for viewing. And, the viewing reservation is appropriately expressed as a reservation. The reservation history information has one or more reservation information. The reservation information is information related to the viewing reservation of the content. The reservation information, for example, has a content identifier of the content that the user has reserved. The reservation information usually corresponds to the user identifier.

[0073] Input information is information that a user has input. Input information is usually information that a user has input about content. For example, input information is satisfaction with the viewed content and comments on the viewed content. Satisfaction can also be an evaluation value, level, etc.

[0074] The receiving unit 12 receives various instructions and information, such as a screen instruction described later, a first reservation instruction described later, a second reservation instruction described later, content, a first instruction described later, a second instruction described later, a third instruction described later, a user image described later, and input information.

[0075] The screen instruction receiving unit 121 receives a screen instruction from the user terminal 2. The screen instruction is a request to output screen information. For example, the screen instruction corresponds to a content identifier for identifying one content and is an instruction to output a screen of a first size related to one content.

[0076] The first reservation receiving unit 122 receives a first reservation instruction from the user terminal 2. The first reservation instruction is an instruction to determine the viewing reservation for the first type of content. The first reservation instruction usually has information that determines the first type of content. The information that determines the first type of content is, for example, a content identifier that determines the first type of content or release time information of a time zone for releasing the first type of content.

[0077] The second reservation receiving unit 123 receives a second reservation instruction from the user terminal 2. The second reservation instruction is an instruction to determine the viewing reservation for the second content. The second reservation instruction usually has information that determines the second content. The information that determines the second content is, for example, a content identifier that determines the second content or release time information of a time zone for releasing the second content.

[0078] The content receiving unit 124 receives the first content transmitted from the publisher terminal 3 in the time zone specified by the first publishing time information. The content receiving unit 124 usually receives the first content from the publisher terminal 3, but may also receive the first content from a server (not shown) that has received the first content from the publisher terminal 3.

[0079] The first receiving unit 125 receives the first instruction from the user terminal 2. Preferably, the first receiving unit 125 receives the first instruction from two or more user terminals 2. In addition, the first instruction is an instruction to publish the first type of content. The first instruction usually has information that identifies the first type of content. The first instruction has, for example, a URL, a URI, or a content identifier.

[0080] The second receiving unit 126 receives a second instruction from the user terminal 2. The second instruction is an instruction to publish the second type of content. The second instruction usually has information that specifies the second type of content. The second instruction has, for example, a URL, a URI, or a content identifier.

[0081] The third receiving unit 127 receives a third instruction from the user terminal 2. The third instruction is an instruction to publish the third type of content. The third instruction usually has information that specifies the third type of content. The third instruction includes, for example, a URL, a URI, or a content identifier.

[0082] The user image receiving unit 128 receives user images from one or more user terminals 2 during the release of the first type of content. Here, the user terminal 2 is a terminal that outputs the first type of content. In addition, the user image is an image sent from the user terminal 2. The user image is, for example, an image taken by a camera installed on the user terminal 2. The user image may also include sound. The user image is usually an image taken of the user who is viewing and listening to the content.

[0083] For example, when distributing the second type of content, the user image receiving unit 128 receives the user image from one or more user terminals 2. Here, the user terminal 2 is a terminal that outputs the second type of content. The user image is usually an image of the user viewing the content.

[0084] The input information receiving unit 129 receives input information from two or more user terminals 2 that have output the first type of content, the second type of content, or the third type of content. The input information is information input by a user regarding the outputted content.

[0085] The input information receiving unit 129 generally receives input information corresponding to a content identifier. The input information corresponds to, for example, a category identifier for identifying the category of the content that has been output. The input information generally corresponds to a user identifier of a user who has input the input information.

[0086] The processing unit 13 performs various processes. The various processes are performed by, for example, the screen acquisition unit 131 , the reservation unit 132 , the switching support unit 133 , the content accumulation unit 134 , the synthesis unit 135 , the communication unit 136 , the input information accumulation unit 137 , the statistical processing unit 138 , and the recommendation acquisition unit 139 .

[0087] The screen acquisition unit 131 acquires screen information corresponding to the received screen instruction from the screen storage unit 111. Such screen information is, for example, information for constituting a screen related to one content, and is information for constituting a screen of a first size. Such screen information is, for example, information for constituting a screen having a user interface indicated for viewing and listening to the one content using a screen of a second size.

[0088] The reservation unit 132 performs reservation processing according to the reservation instruction received by the receiving unit 12. The reservation processing is a process of accumulating reservation information in the storage unit 11. For example, according to the reservation instruction received by the receiving unit 12, the reservation unit 132 accumulates reservation information including a content identifier corresponding to the reservation instruction in correspondence with the user identifier of the user who has sent the reservation instruction. The reservation information is information on the audio-visual reservation. The reservation information includes, for example, a content identifier and a user identifier. The reservation information is, for example, a user identifier corresponding to the content identifier or a content identifier corresponding to the user identifier.

[0089] For example, when the first reservation instruction is received by the first reservation receiving unit 122, the reservation unit 132 performs reservation processing corresponding to the first reservation instruction. The reservation unit 132, for example, accumulates reservation information including a content identifier corresponding to the first reservation instruction in the user management unit 113 in correspondence with the user identifier of the user who has sent the reservation instruction. The reservation unit 132, for example, accumulates reservation information including a user identifier corresponding to the first reservation instruction in the content storage unit 112 in correspondence with the content identifier corresponding to the first reservation instruction.

[0090] For example, when the second reservation instruction is received by the second reservation receiving unit 123, the reservation unit 132 performs reservation processing corresponding to the second reservation instruction. For example, the reservation unit 132 stores reservation information including a content identifier corresponding to the second reservation instruction in correspondence with the user identifier of the user who has sent the reservation instruction in the user management unit 113. For example, the reservation unit 132 stores reservation information including a user identifier corresponding to the second reservation instruction in correspondence with the content identifier corresponding to the second reservation instruction in the content storage unit 112.

[0091] The switching support unit 133 receives information corresponding to the instruction to the user interface from the user terminal 2, and outputs screen information of a second-size screen of a personal computer or the like corresponding to the information or access information for accessing the screen information. The access information is, for example, a URL or a URI. In addition, the output here is, for example, sending a message, but it can also be accumulation. The accumulation is, for example, accumulation on a web page paired with a user identifier, and then the user identified by the user identifier can access it.

[0092] For example, when information corresponding to the instruction to the UI is received from the user terminal 2, the switching support unit 133 sends access information for accessing the screen information of the second size screen of the personal computer or the like corresponding to the information to the email address of the user terminal 2. The information corresponding to the instruction to the UI is, for example, a content identifier, a URL, or a UI identifier.

[0093] The content accumulation unit 134 accumulates the content received by the receiving unit 12. The content accumulation unit 134 accumulates the first type of content received by the first receiving unit 125 in the first storage unit 1121, for example.

[0094] The synthesizing unit 135 synthesizes the first type of content received by the first receiving unit 125 with one or more user images. The user image is an image transmitted from the user terminal 2 and received by the user image receiving unit 128 .

[0095] The synthesis of the first type of content and one or more user images means that an image including the first type of content and one or more user images is formed on one screen. Since the synthesis unit 135 can be realized by a known technology of a video conference system, etc., a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0096] The synthesis unit 135 synthesizes, for example, the second type of content received by the second receiving unit 126 and one or more user images.

[0097] The communication unit 136 receives communication information from the user of the user terminal 2 during distribution of the first content, and transmits the communication information to the publisher terminal 3. Thus, during distribution of the first content, the opinions and feelings of the users who viewed the first content can be conveyed to the publisher.

[0098] For example, during the distribution of the first type of content, the communication unit 136 receives the communication information of the publisher from the publisher terminal 3, and transmits the communication information to one or more user terminals 2. Thus, during the distribution of the first type of content, the opinions or feelings of the publisher of the first type of content can be conveyed to the viewers, i.e., users.

[0099] For example, during distribution of the second type of content, the communication unit 136 receives communication information from a user of the user terminal 2 and transmits the communication information to other user terminals 2. Thus, the communication unit 136 can support communication between users viewing the same second type of content.

[0100] The communication information may be, for example, a string of characters input by the user or a voice of the user. The communication information may also be, for example, a string of characters input by the publisher.

[0101] The input information accumulation unit 137 accumulates the input information received by the input information receiving unit 129. The input information accumulation unit 137 accumulates the input information received by the input information receiving unit 129 in the user management unit 113 in association with the content identifier corresponding to the input information and the user identifier of the user who sent the input information.

[0102] The statistical processing unit 138 performs statistical processing on two or more input information received by the input information receiving unit 129, obtains statistical processing results, and outputs the statistical processing results. The input information received by the input information receiving unit 129 is, for example, input information from the user management unit 113.

[0103] The statistical processing results are the statistical value of each content identifier, the statistical value of each category identifier, and the statistical value of each user identifier.

[0104] The statistical value is, for example, a representative value of two or more pieces of input information. The representative value is, for example, an average value or a median value. The statistical value is, for example, a representative value of satisfaction of two or more pieces of input information. The statistical value is, for example, the number of reservations, the number of reservations per unit period, the representative value of the number of reservations, the number of views, the number of views per unit period, the representative value of the number of views, and the ratio of reserved but not viewed. In addition, the number of reservations is the number of reserved contents. The number of views is the number of viewed contents or the number of users who have viewed.

[0105] The statistical processing unit 138 obtains, for example, at least three statistical processing results for each type identifier, and outputs the statistical processing result for each type identifier.

[0106] The statistical processing unit 138 obtains statistical processing results related to content viewing reservations using the first reservation instruction and the second reservation instruction. The statistical processing unit 138 obtains the ratio of reserved but unviewed content for each content identifier or each category identifier using the first reservation instruction and the second reservation instruction. The statistical processing unit 138 obtains statistical processing results related to the number of content viewers.

[0107] The recommendation acquisition unit 139 acquires recommendation information about content using the statistical processing result acquired by the statistical processing unit 138. The recommendation acquisition unit 139 refers to the user management unit 113 to acquire recommendation information about content that the user identified by the user identifier should view.

[0108] The optimal recommendation acquisition unit 139 acquires recommendation information using the viewing history information or reservation history information of the user.

[0109] The recommendation information is information related to the content recommended to the user. The recommendation information includes, for example, information identifying the content recommended to the user. The recommendation information includes, for example, one or more content identifiers.

[0110] Recommended information is, for example, information about content that has a similarity of more than a threshold to content that the user has viewed and that was released on a different week or at the same time as the content that the user has viewed. Recommended information is, for example, information about content that has a similarity of more than a threshold to content that the user has viewed and that the user has not viewed.

[0111] The transmission unit 14 transmits various information. The various information includes, for example, screen information, various contents, and recommended information.

[0112] The screen information transmitting unit 141 transmits the screen information acquired by the screen acquiring unit 131 to the user terminal 2 .

[0113] The first distribution unit 142 distributes the first type of content received by the content receiving unit 124 to the user terminal 2 that has sent the first instruction in the time zone specified by the first distribution time information.

[0114] Preferably, the first distribution unit 142 distributes the user images of one or more other users and the first content to each of the two or more user terminals among the user images received by the user image receiving unit 128. The other users are users different from the user of the user terminal 2 that sent the user image. The other users are other users who watch and listen to the same content as the user of the user terminal 2 that sent the user image.

[0115] The second distribution unit 143 obtains the second type of content corresponding to the second distribution time information from the second storage unit 1122 at the time specified by the second distribution time information, and distributes the obtained second type of content to the user terminal 2 that has sent the second instruction.

[0116] Preferably, the second distribution unit 143 does not distribute one or more user images of other users to each of the two or more user terminals 2. Not distributing one or more user images of other users means not distributing the user images to the user terminals 2 when distributing the second content.

[0117] The second distribution unit 143 may further distribute one or more user images of other users and the second type of content among the user images received by the user image receiving unit 128 to each of the two or more user terminals 2 .

[0118] The third distribution unit 144 obtains the third type of content corresponding to the third instruction received by the third receiving unit 127 from the third storage unit 1123, and distributes the third type of content to the user terminal 2 that has sent the third instruction.

[0119] The recommendation transmission unit 145 transmits the recommendation information acquired by the recommendation acquisition unit 139 to the user terminal 2 .

[0120] Various information is stored in the user storage unit 21 constituting the user terminal 2. The various information is, for example, a user identifier.

[0121] The user accepting unit 22 accepts various instructions or information. The various information or instructions include, for example, input information, communication information, a first instruction, a second instruction, a third instruction, a first reservation instruction, a second reservation instruction, and a screen instruction.

[0122] The input means of various information and instructions may be a touch screen, a keyboard, a mouse, a menu screen, etc., and may be any one of them.

[0123] The user processing unit 23 performs various processes. The various processes are, for example, processes for converting received information or instructions into information or instructions of a structure to be transmitted. The various processes are, for example, processes for converting received information into information of a structure to be output.

[0124] The user message sending unit 24 sends various information or instructions to the distribution device 1. The various information or instructions are, for example, input information, communication information, first instruction, second instruction, third instruction, first reservation instruction, second reservation instruction, and screen instruction.

[0125] The user receiving unit 25 receives various information from the distribution device 1. The various information includes, for example, various contents, user profiles of other users, and statistical processing results.

[0126] The user output unit 26 outputs various information, such as various screens, various contents, user images of other users, and statistical processing results.

[0127] Here, output usually refers to display on a monitor or projection using a projector, but it can also include concepts such as printing using a printer, sound output, sending to an external device, accumulation on a storage medium, transmission of processing results to other processing devices or other programs, etc.

[0128] Various information is stored in the publisher storage unit 31 constituting the publisher terminal 3. The various information is, for example, a publisher identifier.

[0129] The publisher receiving unit 32 receives various instructions or information. The various information or instructions are, for example, content and communication information.

[0130] The publisher receiving unit 32 includes, for example, a camera, and can capture a publisher doing exercise to obtain the first type of content. The publisher receiving unit 32 includes, for example, a microphone, and can capture the publisher's voice. Furthermore, the first type of content preferably includes not only video but also sound.

[0131] The publisher processing unit 33 performs various processes. For example, the various processes are processes for converting received information or instructions into information or instructions of a structure to be transmitted. For example, the various processes are processes for converting received information into information of a structure to be output.

[0132] The publisher transmission unit 34 transmits various information, instructions, etc. to the distribution device 1. The various information, instructions, etc. are, for example, content and communication information.

[0133] The publisher receiving unit 35 receives various information from the publisher 1. The various information is, for example, user profiles of one or more users, input information, and statistical processing results.

[0134] The publisher output unit 36 ​​outputs various information. The various information includes, for example, user profiles of one or more users, input information, and statistical processing results.

[0135] Here, output usually refers to display on a monitor or projection using a projector, but it can also include concepts such as printing using a printer, sound output, sending to an external device, accumulation on a storage medium, transmission of processing results to other processing devices or other programs, etc.

[0136] Although it is preferred that the storage unit 11, screen storage unit 111, content storage unit 112, user management unit 113, input information management unit 114, first storage unit 1121, second storage unit 1122, third storage unit 1123, user storage unit 21 and publisher storage unit 31 are non-volatile storage media, it can also be achieved through volatile storage media.

[0137] The process of storing information in the storage unit 11 is not limited. For example, information may be stored in the storage unit 11 via a storage medium, information sent via a communication line, or information inputted via an input device may be stored in the storage unit 11.

[0138] Usually, although the receiving unit 12, the screen indication receiving unit 121, the first reservation receiving unit 122, the second reservation receiving unit 123, the content receiving unit 124, the first receiving unit 125, the second receiving unit 126, the third receiving unit 127, the user image receiving unit 128, the input information receiving unit 129, the user receiving unit 25 and the publisher receiving unit 35 are realized by wireless or wired communication means, they can also be realized by means of receiving broadcasts.

[0139] Typically, the processing unit 13, the screen acquisition unit 131, the reservation unit 132, the switching support unit 133, the content accumulation unit 134, the synthesis unit 135, the communication unit 136, the input information accumulation unit 137, the statistical processing unit 138, the recommendation acquisition unit 139, the user processing unit 23 and the publisher processing unit 33 can be implemented by a processor or memory. Typically, the processing sequence of the processing unit 13, etc. is implemented by software, and the software is recorded on a storage medium such as a ROM. However, the processing sequence can also be implemented by hardware (dedicated circuit). In addition, the processor is a CPU, an MPU, a GPU, etc., and its type is not limited.

[0140] Typically, the sending unit 14, the screen sending unit 141, the first publishing unit 142, the second publishing unit 143, the third publishing unit 144, the recommended sending unit 145, the user sending unit 24 and the publisher sending unit 34 are implemented by wireless or wired communication means, but can also be implemented by broadcasting means.

[0141] The user accepting unit 22 and the publisher accepting unit 32 can be realized by a device driver of an input means such as a touch panel or a keyboard, or by control software of a menu screen.

[0142] The user output unit 26 and the publisher output unit 36 ​​may or may not include output devices such as a display or a speaker. The user output unit 26 and the like may be implemented by driver software of the output device or by the driver software of the output device and the output device.

[0143] Next, an example of the operation of information system A is described. First, use Figure 4 The flowchart of will now be used to explain an example of the operation of the distribution device 1.

[0144] (Step S401) The screen instruction receiving unit 121 determines whether a screen instruction has been received from the user terminal 2. If a screen instruction has been received, the process proceeds to step S402, and if a screen instruction has not been received, the process proceeds to step S404.

[0145] (Step S402) The screen acquisition unit 131 acquires the screen information corresponding to the screen instruction received in step S401 from the screen storage unit 111. The screen information corresponding to the screen instruction is, for example, screen information identified by the screen identifier included in the screen instruction.

[0146] (Step S403) The screen transmission unit 141 transmits the screen information acquired in step S402 to the user terminal 2 that has transmitted the screen instruction. The process returns to step S401.

[0147] (Step S404) The handover support unit 133 determines whether instruction information for the UI has been received from the user terminal 2. If the instruction information has been received, the process proceeds to step S405, and if the instruction information has not been received, the process proceeds to step S408.

[0148] Furthermore, the instruction information for the UI corresponds to the user identifier corresponding to the user terminal 2 .

[0149] (Step S405) The switching support unit 133 obtains access information (for example, URL) corresponding to the information corresponding to the instruction to the UI from the storage unit 11. The access information is screen information of a screen related to the same content as the content determined by the information displayed on the screen including the UI, and is information for accessing the screen information of the second size screen of a personal computer or the like.

[0150] (Step S406) The handover support unit 133 obtains the user identifier corresponding to the information received in step S404. Next, the handover support unit 133 obtains the destination information (eg, email address, mobile phone number) paired with the user identifier from the user management unit 113.

[0151] (Step S407) The handover support unit 133 transmits the access information acquired in step S405 to the destination information acquired in step S406. The process returns to step S401.

[0152] (Step S408) The receiving unit 12 determines whether or not a reservation instruction has been received from the user terminal 2. If the receiving unit 12 has received a reservation instruction, the process proceeds to step S409, and if not, the process proceeds to step S410.

[0153] The reservation instruction corresponds to the user identifier of the user who sent the reservation instruction. The reception of the reservation instruction by the reception unit 12 is based on the reception of the first reservation instruction by the first reservation reception unit 122 or the reception of the second reservation instruction by the second reservation reception unit 123.

[0154] (Step S409) The reservation unit 132 performs reservation processing based on the reservation instruction received by the receiving unit 12 in step S408. The process returns to step S401.

[0155] Then, the reservation unit 132 accumulates, for example, reservation information including a content identifier corresponding to the received reservation instruction in association with a user identifier corresponding to the user terminal 2 that has transmitted the reservation instruction.

[0156] (Step S410) The receiving unit 12 determines whether a viewing instruction has been received from the user terminal 2. If the viewing instruction has been received by the receiving unit 12, the process proceeds to step S411, and if not, the process proceeds to step S412.

[0157] (Step S411) The processing unit 13 performs processing corresponding to the received viewing instruction. Return to step S401. Such processing is referred to as viewing instruction processing. Figure 5 An example of the audio-visual instruction processing is described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

[0158] (Step S412) The processing unit 13 obtains the current time from a clock (not shown). Next, the processing unit 13 refers to the content storage unit 112 and determines whether the distribution start time of the first content or the second content has arrived. If the distribution start time of the content has arrived, the process proceeds to step S413. If the distribution start time of the content has not arrived, the process proceeds to step S416.

[0159] (Step S413) The processing unit 13 refers to the content storage unit 112 and determines whether the target content whose distribution start time has arrived is the first type of content or the second type of content. If it is the first type of content, the process proceeds to step S414, and if it is the second type of content, the process proceeds to step S415.

[0160] (Step S414) The first publishing unit 142 performs a process of publishing the first type of content of the object whose publishing start time has come. Return to step S401. And, such a process is called a first publishing process. Figure 6 An example of the first publishing process is described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

[0161] (Step S415) The second publishing unit 143 performs processing for publishing the second type of content of the object whose publishing start time has come. Return to step S401. And, such processing is called second publishing processing. Figure 7 An example of the second publishing process is described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

[0162] (Step S416) The processing unit 13 determines whether it is time for statistical processing. If it is time for statistical processing, the process proceeds to step S417, and if it is not time for statistical processing, the process proceeds to step S418. The time for statistical processing is, for example, when a predetermined time has arrived or when an instruction from the user has been received.

[0163] (Step S417) The statistical processing unit 138 performs statistical processing. Return to step S401. Figure 8 An example of statistical processing is described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

[0164] (Step S418) The processing unit 13 determines whether it is the time for the recommended processing. If it is the time for the recommended processing, the process proceeds to step S419, and if it is not the time for the recommended processing, the process proceeds to step S420. The time for the recommended processing is, for example, when a predetermined time has arrived or when an instruction from the user has been received.

[0165] (Step S419) The recommendation acquisition unit 139 and the like perform recommendation processing. Return to step S401. Fig. 9 An example of the recommendation process is described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

[0166] (Step S420) The processing unit 13 etc. performs a warning process on the user who has made the viewing reservation. Fig.10 An example of warning processing is described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

[0167] And, in Figure 4 In the flowchart, even during processing, the distribution device 1 receives various instructions or information (e.g., screen instructions, reservation instructions, viewing instructions, etc.) from one or more user terminals 2 and performs processing corresponding to the instructions or information. In other words, it is preferred that the distribution device 1 performs various processing in parallel.

[0168] And, in Figure 4 In the flowchart of , the processing is ended by power off or embedding the processing end.

[0169] Next, use Figure 5 The flowchart of FIG. 4 illustrates an example of the viewing instruction processing of step S411.

[0170] (Step S501) The processing unit 13 obtains the content identifier corresponding to the received viewing instruction. The processing unit 13 obtains the category identifier paired with the content identifier. The processing unit 13 determines whether the category identifier is "third type of content". If it is "third type of content", the process proceeds to step S502, and if it is not "third type of content", the process proceeds to step S506.

[0171] (Step S502) The processing unit 13 obtains the third type of content identified by the content identifier corresponding to the received viewing instruction from the third storage unit 1123. Then, the processing unit 13 usually obtains the third type of content in sequence until the distribution is completed.

[0172] (Step S503) The third delivery unit 144 delivers the third content acquired in step S502 to the user terminal 2 that has sent the viewing instruction. The third delivery unit 144 usually delivers the third content acquired in step S502 in sequence until delivery is completed.

[0173] (Step S504) The processing unit 13 determines whether to terminate the distribution. If the distribution is terminated, the process proceeds to step S505, and if the distribution is not terminated, the process returns to step S502. The termination of the distribution may be, for example, the final distribution of the third type of content or the receipt of an end instruction from the user terminal 2 of the user who viewed the third type of content.

[0174] (Step S505) The processing unit 13 performs viewing end processing. Returns to the upper processing. Fig.10 The flowchart of will explain an example of viewing and listening end processing.

[0175] (Step S506) The processing unit 13 obtains the current time from a clock (not shown).

[0176] (Step S507) The processing unit 13 obtains the release time information paired with the content identifier corresponding to the received viewing instruction from the content storage unit 112. Next, the processing unit 13 determines whether the current time is within the release time zone indicated by the release time information. If it is within the release time zone, the process proceeds to step S413. If it is not within the release time zone, the process proceeds to step S508. And, if it is not within the release time zone, the viewing reservation is made here. In addition, if it is within the release time zone, a user terminal 2 that releases the content is added.

[0177] (Step S508) The processing unit 13 obtains the user identifier corresponding to the received viewing instruction and temporarily accumulates the user identifier in a buffer area not shown. Return to the upper processing. Moreover, such a buffer area is a buffer area for storing the user identifier of the user who has made a viewing reservation. Afterwards, when the publishing start time indicated by the publishing time information is reached, the first publishing unit 142 or the second publishing unit 143 publishes the content to the user terminal 2 corresponding to one or more user identifiers in the buffer area.

[0178] Next, use Figure 6 The flowchart of FIG. 4 illustrates an example of the first publishing process of step S414.

[0179] (Step S601) The content receiving unit 124 determines whether the first type of content has been received from the publisher terminal 3 corresponding to the distribution start time. If the first type of content has been received, the process proceeds to step S602, and if the first type of content has not been received, the process returns to step S601.

[0180] (Step S602) The content accumulation unit 134 acquires the first type of content received in step S601. In addition, the content accumulation unit 134 accumulates the first type of content in the first storage unit 1121.

[0181] (Step S603) The user image receiving unit 128 determines whether the user image has been received from one or more user terminals 2. If the user image has been received, the process proceeds to step S604, and if the user image has not been received, the process proceeds to step S605.

[0182] (Step S604) The synthesis unit 135 obtains the user image obtained in step S603.

[0183] (Step S605) The communication unit 136 determines whether the communication information has been received. If the communication information has been received, the process proceeds to step S606, and if the communication information has not been received, the process proceeds to step S607.

[0184] (Step S606) The communication unit 136 obtains the received communication information.

[0185] (Step S607) The synthesizing unit 135 forms a screen including the first type of content received in step S601. Such a screen may include only the first type of content, or the first type of content and one or more user images, or the first type of content and one or more communication information, or the first type of content, one or more user images, and one or more communication information.

[0186] (Step S608) The first delivery unit 142 delivers the screen formed in step S606 to the user terminal 2 corresponding to the user identifier of each of the one or more users who are viewing and listening. Moreover, the one or more user identifiers are user identifiers stored in a buffer area (not shown). The one or more user identifiers are identifiers of the users who are viewing and listening to the content.

[0187] (Step S609) The processing unit 13 determines whether to terminate the distribution. If the distribution is to be terminated, the process proceeds to step S610, and if the distribution is not to be terminated, the process returns to step S601. The termination of the distribution is, for example, the final distribution of the first type of content.

[0188] (Step S610) The processing unit 13 performs viewing end processing. Fig.10An example of viewing and listening end processing is described in the flowchart.

[0189] Next, use Figure 7 The flowchart of FIG. 4 illustrates an example of the second publishing process of step S415.

[0190] (Step S701) The second distribution unit 143 obtains the second type of content corresponding to the distribution start time from the second storage unit 1122.

[0191] (Step S702) The user image receiving unit 128 determines whether the user image has been received from one or more user terminals 2. If the user image has been received, the process proceeds to step S703, and if the user image has not been received, the process proceeds to step S705.

[0192] (Step S703) The synthesis unit 135 obtains the one or more user images received in step S702.

[0193] (Step S704) The synthesis unit 135 constructs a screen including the second type of content acquired in step S701 and the one or more user images acquired in step S703.

[0194] (Step S705) The second delivery unit 143 delivers the screen including the second type of content to the user terminal 2 making the viewing reservation and the user terminal 2 currently viewing.

[0195] (Step S706) The processing unit 13 determines whether to terminate the distribution. If the distribution is to be terminated, the process proceeds to step S707, and if the distribution is not to be terminated, the process returns to step S701. The termination of the distribution is, for example, the final distribution of the second type of content.

[0196] (Step S707) The processing unit 13 performs viewing end processing. Fig.10 The flowchart of will explain an example of viewing and listening end processing.

[0197] Next, use Figure 8 The flowchart of FIG. 4 illustrates an example of statistical processing in step S417.

[0198] (Step S801 ) The statistical processing unit 138 substitutes 1 into the counter i.

[0199] (Step S802) The statistical processing unit 138 determines whether the i-th user identifier exists. If the i-th user identifier exists, the process proceeds to step S803, and if not, the process proceeds to step S810.

[0200] (Step S803) The statistical processing unit 138 substitutes 1 into the counter j.

[0201] (Step S804) The statistical processing unit 138 determines whether there is a j-th statistical value to be obtained for each user. If there is a j-th statistical value, the process proceeds to step S805, and if not, the process proceeds to step S809. The statistical value to be obtained for each user is determined in advance.

[0202] (Step S805) The statistics processing unit 138 obtains one or more pieces of original information used to obtain the j-th statistical value to be obtained for each user and one or more pieces of original information paired with the i-th user identifier from the user management unit 113. The original information may be, for example, a content identifier of a content that the user has viewed, input information that the user has input, or a category identifier of a content that the user has viewed.

[0203] (Step S806) The statistical processing unit 138 uses the one or more raw information obtained in step S805 to perform operations corresponding to the j-th statistical value to be obtained for each user, and obtains the j-th statistical value. The statistical value is, for example, the number of contents viewed by the user in the unit period, the number of each category identifier of the contents viewed by the user in the unit period, the average value of the satisfaction of the contents viewed by the user in the unit period, and the content attribute value common to the contents whose satisfaction of the contents viewed by the user in the unit period is above a threshold. In addition, the statistical value is usually a numerical value, but it may not be a numerical value.

[0204] In addition, for example, in the storage unit 11, a calculation expression is stored in association with an identifier of a j-th statistical value to be obtained for each user.

[0205] (Step S807 ) The statistical processing unit 138 pairs the j-th statistical value acquired in step S806 with the i-th user identifier and accumulates them in the user management unit 113 .

[0206] (Step S808) The statistical processing unit 138 increases the count j by 1. The process returns to step S804.

[0207] (Step S809) The statistical processing unit 138 increases the count i by 1. The process returns to step S802.

[0208] (Step S810 ) The statistical processing unit 138 substitutes 1 into the counter i.

[0209] (Step S811) The statistical processing unit 138 determines whether the i-th category exists. If the i-th category exists, the process proceeds to step S812, and if not, the process proceeds to step S818. The category is, for example, any one of the three: "first type of content", "second type of content", and "third type of content".

[0210] (Step S812 ) The statistical processing unit 138 substitutes 1 into the counter j.

[0211] (Step S813) The statistical processing unit 138 determines whether there is a j-th statistical value to be obtained for each type of content. If there is a j-th statistical value, the process proceeds to step S814, and if not, the process proceeds to step S818. The statistical value to be obtained for each type of content is determined in advance.

[0212] (Step S814) The statistics processing unit 138 obtains one or more pieces of original information used to obtain the j-th statistical value to be obtained for each type of content and one or more pieces of original information paired with the i-th category identifier from the content storage unit 112. The original information may be, for example, a user identifier of a user who has viewed the content or input information input by the user who has viewed the content.

[0213] (Step S815) The statistical processing unit 138 uses the one or more raw information obtained in step S814 to perform operations corresponding to the j-th statistical value to be obtained for each content, and obtains the j-th statistical value. The statistical value is, for example, the number of viewers per unit period for each content and the average value of satisfaction for each content.

[0214] Furthermore, for example, in the storage unit 11, a calculation expression is stored in association with an identifier of the j-th statistical value to be acquired for each type of content.

[0215] (Step S816) The statistical processing unit 138 accumulates the j-th statistical value acquired in step S815 in the content storage unit 112 in a pair with the i-th category identifier.

[0216] (Step S817) The statistical processing unit 138 increases the count j by 1. The process returns to step S813.

[0217] (Step S818) The statistical processing unit 138 increases the count i by 1. The process returns to step S811.

[0218] (Step S819 ) The statistical processing unit 138 substitutes 1 into the counter i.

[0219] (Step S820) The statistical processing unit 138 determines whether the i-th content exists. If the i-th content exists, the process proceeds to step S821, and if not, the process returns to the upper processing.

[0220] (Step S821 ) The statistical processing unit 138 substitutes 1 into the counter j.

[0221] (Step S822) The statistical processing unit 138 determines whether there is a j-th statistical value to be acquired for each content. If there is a j-th statistical value, the process proceeds to step S823, and if not, the process proceeds to step S827. The statistical value to be acquired for each content is determined in advance.

[0222] (Step S823) The statistics processing unit 138 obtains one or more pieces of original information used to obtain the j-th statistical value to be obtained for each content and one or more pieces of original information paired with the i-th content identifier from the content storage unit 112. The original information may be, for example, a user identifier of a user who has viewed the content or input information input by the user who has viewed the content.

[0223] (Step S824) The statistical processing unit 138 uses the one or more raw information obtained in step S823 to perform operations corresponding to the j-th statistical value to be obtained for each content, and obtains the j-th statistical value. The statistical value is, for example, the number of viewers per unit period of each content and the average value of the satisfaction of each content.

[0224] Furthermore, for example, in the storage unit 11, a calculation expression is stored in association with an identifier of a j-th statistical value to be acquired for each content.

[0225] (Step S825) The statistical processing unit 138 accumulates the j-th statistical value acquired in step S824 in the content storage unit 112 in a pair with the i-th content identifier.

[0226] (Step S826) The statistical processing unit 138 increases the counter j by 1. The process returns to step S822.

[0227] (Step S827) The statistical processing unit 138 increases the count i by 1. The process returns to step S820.

[0228] Next, use Fig. 9 The flowchart of FIG. 4 illustrates an example of the recommendation process of step S419.

[0229] (Step S901 ) The recommendation acquisition unit 139 substitutes 1 into the counter i.

[0230] (Step S902) The recommendation acquisition unit 139 determines whether the i-th user identifier exists in the user management unit 113. If the i-th user identifier exists, the process proceeds to step S903, and if not, the process returns to the upper level process.

[0231] (Step S903 ) The recommendation acquisition unit 139 substitutes 1 into the counter j.

[0232] (Step S904) The recommendation acquisition unit 139 determines whether the j-th recommendation condition exists in the storage unit 11. If the j-th recommendation condition exists, the process proceeds to step S905, and if not, the process proceeds to step S909.

[0233] (Step S905) The recommendation acquisition unit 139 acquires one or more pieces of information used in determining the j-th recommendation condition and one or more pieces of information paired with the i-th user identifier. The information used in determining the recommendation condition is, for example, one or more content attribute values ​​of the content whose user satisfaction is greater than a threshold value, or the satisfaction of two or more users for one piece of content.

[0234] (Step S906) The recommendation acquisition unit 139 determines whether the one or more information acquired in step S905 matches the j-th recommendation condition. If so, the process proceeds to step S907, and if not, the process proceeds to step S908.

[0235] (Step S907 ) The recommendation acquisition unit 139 acquires the recommendation information corresponding to the j-th recommendation condition from the storage unit 11 , and temporarily accumulates the recommendation information in a buffer area (not shown).

[0236] (Step S908 ) The recommendation acquisition unit 139 increases the count j by 1. The process returns to step S904 .

[0237] (Step S909) The recommendation acquisition unit 139 determines whether the recommendation information exists in a buffer area (not shown). If the recommendation information exists, the process proceeds to step S910, and if not, the process proceeds to step S912.

[0238] (Step S910 ) The recommendation information transmission unit 145 reads one or more pieces of recommendation information from a buffer area (not shown) and constructs recommendation information to be transmitted.

[0239] (Step S911) The recommendation transmission unit 145 obtains the destination information paired with the i-th user identifier from the user management unit 113. Next, the recommendation transmission unit 145 transmits the recommendation information constructed in step S910 to the destination indicated by the destination information.

[0240] (Step S912) The recommendation sending unit 145 increases the count i by 1. The process returns to step S902.

[0241] Next, use Fig.10 The flowchart of FIG. 4 illustrates an example of the warning process of step S420.

[0242] (Step S1001) The processing unit 13 obtains the current time from a clock (not shown).

[0243] (Step S1002) The processing unit 13 substitutes 1 into the counter i.

[0244] (Step S1003) The processing unit 13 determines whether there is an i-th content to be distributed at a predetermined time. If there is an i-th content, the process proceeds to step S1004, and if not, the process returns to the upper processing.

[0245] (Step S1004) The processing unit 13 obtains the distribution start time included in the distribution time information paired with the content identifier of the i-th content.

[0246] (Step S1005) The processing unit 13 uses the release start time and the current time to determine whether the current time satisfies the warning condition (for example, "release start time - current time ≤ threshold"). If the warning condition is satisfied, the process proceeds to step S1006, and if not, the process proceeds to step S1008.

[0247] (Step S1006) The processing unit 13 obtains the user identifiers corresponding to the one or more pieces of reservation information corresponding to the content identifier of the i-th content. In other words, the processing unit 13 obtains the one or more user identifiers of the person who reserved the viewing of the i-th content.

[0248] (Step S1007) The transmission unit 14 obtains the destination information paired with the one or more user identifiers obtained in step S1006 from the user management unit 113. Next, the transmission unit 14 transmits warning information indicating that distribution of the i-th content will start to the destinations indicated by the one or more destination information.

[0249] (Step S1008) The processing unit 13 increases the count i by 1. The process returns to step S1003.

[0250] Next, use Fig.11 The flowchart of step S505 and the like will be used to illustrate an example of viewing and listening end processing.

[0251] (Step S1101) The processing unit 13 obtains the content identifier of the viewed content.

[0252] (Step S1102) The processing unit 13 obtains the user identifier of one or more users who have viewed the content.

[0253] (Step S1103) The processing unit 13 constructs viewing information using the content identifier acquired in step S1101 and the one or more user identifiers acquired in step S1102. The viewing information includes, for example, the content identifier and the user identifier.

[0254] (Step S1104 ) The processing unit 13 accumulates the one or more pieces of viewing information constructed in step S1103 in the storage unit 11 .

[0255] (Step S1105) The input information receiving unit 129 determines whether input information has been received from one or more user terminals 2. If input information has been received, the process proceeds to step S1106, and if input information has not been received, the process returns to step S1105.

[0256] (Step S1106) The input information accumulation unit 137 accumulates one or more pieces of input information received in step S1105. The process returns to the upper processing. The input information accumulation unit 137 accumulates the received input information in association with, for example, a user identifier and a content identifier.

[0257] Next, use Fig.12 The flowchart of FIG. 1 illustrates an operation example of the user terminal 2.

[0258] (Step S1201) The user accepting unit 22 determines whether a screen instruction has been accepted. If the screen instruction has been accepted, the process proceeds to step S1202, and if not, the process proceeds to step S1205.

[0259] (Step S1202) The user processing unit 23 forms a screen instruction to be transmitted. The user transmission unit 24 transmits the screen instruction to the distribution device 1.

[0260] (Step S1203) The user receiving unit 25 determines whether the screen information has been received from the distribution device 1. If the screen information has been received, the process proceeds to step S1204, and if the screen information has not been received, the process returns to step S1203.

[0261] (Step S1204) The user processing unit 23 uses the received screen information to construct the screen to be output. The user output unit 26 outputs the screen constructed in step S1204. The process returns to step S1201.

[0262] (Step S1205) The user accepting unit 22 determines whether an instruction to the UI has been accepted. If the instruction has been accepted, the process proceeds to step S1206, and if not, the process proceeds to step S1207.

[0263] (Step S1206) The user processing unit 23 forms an instruction to be sent. The user sending unit 24 sends the instruction to the distribution device 1. The process returns to step S1201.

[0264] (Step S1207) The user acceptance unit 22 determines whether the access information acquisition instruction has been accepted. If the instruction has been accepted, the process proceeds to step S1208, and if not, the process proceeds to step S1209. The access information acquisition instruction is, for example, an instruction to open an email program or an instruction to open a corresponding email.

[0265] (Step S1208) The user processing unit 23 obtains the access information according to the access information acquisition instruction. The user output unit 26 outputs the access information. The process returns to step S1201. The output of the access information is, for example, an email.

[0266] (Step S1209) The user accepting unit 22 determines whether the reservation instruction has been accepted. If the reservation instruction has been accepted, the process proceeds to step S1210, and if not, the process proceeds to step S1211. The reservation instruction includes, for example, a content identifier.

[0267] (Step S1210) The user processing unit 23 forms a reservation instruction to be transmitted. The user message transmitting unit 24 transmits the reservation instruction to the distribution device 1. The process returns to step S1201. Furthermore, the transmitted reservation instruction usually has a user identifier.

[0268] (Step S1211) The user accepting unit 22 determines whether a viewing instruction has been accepted. If the viewing instruction has been accepted, the process proceeds to step S1212, and if not, the process proceeds to step S1218. The viewing instruction includes, for example, a content identifier.

[0269] (Step S1212) The user processing unit 23 forms a viewing instruction to be transmitted. The user transmission unit 24 transmits the viewing instruction to the distribution device 1. The transmitted viewing instruction usually has a user identifier.

[0270] (Step S1213) The user receiving unit 25 determines whether the content corresponding to the viewing instruction has been received from the distribution device 1. If the content has been received, the process proceeds to step S1214, and if the content has not been received, the process proceeds to step S1215. The content here may also include user images and communication information.

[0271] (Step S1214) The user processing unit 23 constructs a screen including the received content, and the user output unit 26 outputs the constructed screen.

[0272] (Step S1215) The user processing unit 23 determines whether to terminate the content output process. If the process is to be terminated, the process proceeds to step S1216, and if the process is not to be terminated, the process returns to step S1213.

[0273] (Step S1216) The user accepting unit 22 determines whether the input information has been accepted. If the input information has been accepted, the process proceeds to step S1217, and if the input information has not been accepted, the process returns to step S1216.

[0274] (Step S1217) The user processing unit 23 constructs input information etc. to be transmitted. The input information etc. includes, for example, input information, a content identifier, and a user identifier. Next, the user information transmission unit 24 transmits the input information etc. to the distribution device 1. Return to step S1201.

[0275] (Step S1218) The user receiving unit 25 determines whether information has been received from the distribution device 1. If the information has been received, the process proceeds to step S1219, and if the information has not been received, the process returns to step S1201.

[0276] (Step S1219) The user processing unit 23 uses the received information to construct a screen to be output. The user output unit 26 outputs the constructed screen. Return to step S1201. The screen includes the received information. In addition, the information here is, for example, recommendation information, warning information, and statistical processing results.

[0277] And, in Fig.12 In the flowchart of FIG. 1 , the user receiving unit 22 of the user terminal 2 can also receive the communication information, the user processing unit 23 converts the communication information into the communication information to be sent, and the user sending unit 24 sends the communication information to the publishing device 1. It is preferred that such communication information is received only during the viewing of the first type of content. However, the user receiving unit 22 can also receive the communication information during the viewing of the second type of content.

[0278] In addition, Fig.12 In the flowchart of , the processing is ended by power off or embedding the processing end.

[0279] Next, an example of the operation of the publisher terminal 3 is described. For example, when the publishing start time indicated by the publishing time information is reached, the camera of the publisher terminal 3 starts to shoot the publisher doing exercise according to the instruction from the publisher (for example, the coach). After that, the publisher receiving unit 32 obtains the captured image. In addition, the publisher receiving unit 32 obtains the publisher's voice collected by the microphone of the publisher terminal 3. Next, the publisher processing unit 33 constructs the first content to be sent. Here, the first content has an image and a sound. Next, the publisher sending unit 34 sends the constructed first content to the publishing device 1.

[0280] Until the publisher inputs an instruction to end the distribution, or until the distribution end time indicated by the distribution time information, the publisher terminal 3 acquires the first type of content and continues to send it to the distribution device 1 .

[0281] In addition, the publisher terminal 3 receives, for example, screen information including user images of one or more users who are viewers of the first type of content published by the publisher, and outputs a screen using the screen information. In addition, the publisher terminal 3 receives, for example, screen information including input information from one or more users who are viewers of the first type of content published by the publisher, and outputs a screen using the screen information. The publisher terminal 3 receives, for example, statistical processing results from the publishing device 1 and outputs them.

[0282] Hereinafter, a specific operation example of the information system A in this embodiment will be described.

[0283] Here, in the content storage unit 112 of the distribution device 1, there are stored Fig.13 The content management table of the structure shown. The content management table is a table that manages information related to the content. The content management table manages one or more records having "ID", "content identifier", "release time information", "content attribute value", "reservation history information", "audio-visual history information", and "satisfaction representative value". "Release time information" has "day" and "time band". "Content attribute value" has "type", "category", "publisher" and "difficulty". "Reservation history information" has "date" and "number of reservations". "Audio-visual history information" has "date" and "number of viewers".

[0284] "ID" is information for identifying a record. "Content identifier" is the ID of the content here, but it can also be a content name, etc. "Time band" can have only a start time, or both a start time and an end time. "Category" is a category identifier. "Category" is a category identifier. "Publisher" is a publisher identifier. "Difficulty" is a difficulty identifier. "Number of reservations" is the number of users who have viewed the corresponding content of the reservation. "Number of viewers" is the number of users who have viewed the corresponding content. Here, the "satisfaction representative value" is the average value of the satisfaction sent from the user terminal 2 to the publishing device 1 by two or more viewers after they have viewed the corresponding content.

[0285] In addition, in the user management unit 113 of the distribution device 1, there are stored Fig.14The user management table of the structure shown. The user management table is a table for managing information related to users. The user management table manages one or more records having "ID", "user identifier", "user attribute value", "reservation history information", "audio-visual history information" and "input information". "User attribute value" has "age", "gender" and "email address". "Reservation history information" has "date" and "content identifier". "audio-visual history information" has "date" and "content identifier". "Input information" has "satisfaction" and "comments". The "content identifier" of the "reservation history information" is the identifier of the content that the user has reserved for viewing. The "content identifier" of the "audio-visual history information" is the identifier of the content that the user has viewed. "Input information" is information input by the user after the user views the content and sent from the user terminal 2 to the publishing device 1.

[0286] In such a situation, the following three specific examples are described. In specific example 1, a user interface for guiding from a screen output by a smartphone, i.e., a user terminal 2, which can easily realize audio-visual reservation or a list display of content, to a personal computer with a larger screen size and easy to watch content is described. In specific example 2, a process in which a user watches the user image of another user or sends information to a publisher (coach) while watching the first type of content is described. In specific example 3, a process in which a user cannot watch the user image of another user while watching the second type of content and the third type of content but can watch his or her own image is described.

[0287] (Specific example 1) User A identified by user identifier "U001" inputs a screen instruction to output a content distribution schedule to user terminal 2S, which is his smartphone. Then, user terminal 2S receives the screen instruction and transmits the screen instruction to distribution device 1.

[0288] Next, the distribution device 1 receives the screen instruction and refers to Fig.13 The content management table is used to construct screen information of the content distribution schedule, and the screen information is sent to the user terminal 2S.

[0289] Next, the user terminal 2S receives the screen information of the content publishing schedule, and uses the screen information to construct and output the screen of the content publishing schedule. Fig.15 .

[0290] Next, in order to conduct Fig.15 1501, user A makes a reservation for viewing the content Fig.15 The box of 1501 is indicated.

[0291] In this way, the user terminal 2S accepts Fig.15The screen indication corresponding to 1501 is shown in FIG. Fig.15 The user terminal 2S then sends an instruction to send the screen information of the viewing reservation (training reservation) of the content corresponding to 1501. Then, the user terminal 2S sends the screen instruction to the distribution device 1.

[0292] Next, the distribution device 1 receives the screen instruction and then acquires the screen information corresponding to the screen instruction from the screen storage unit 111 and transmits it to the user terminal 2S.

[0293] Next, the user terminal 2S receives the screen information and outputs a screen corresponding to the screen information. Such a screen example is Fig.16 . Fig.16 This is an example of a screen on a smartphone.

[0294] Next, it is assumed that user A wants to use a personal computer with a large screen size to view the first type of content, and the screen size ( Fig.16 ) is indicated by the "Join training via personal computer" button 1601.

[0295] Next, the user receiving unit 22 of the user terminal 2S receives the instruction to the UI 1601. Next, the user processing unit 23 forms the instruction to be sent. And such an instruction is an instruction to send a URL for accessing the first type of content (live broadcast) 1501. In addition, the instruction includes the content identifier "C011" corresponding to the first type of content (live broadcast) 1501. Next, the user sending unit 24 sends the instruction to the distribution device 1.

[0296] Next, the switching support unit 133 of the distribution device 1 receives the instruction information for the UI 1601 from the user terminal 2S. Next, the switching support unit 133 obtains the access information corresponding to the information corresponding to the instruction for the UI from the storage unit 11. Here, the access information is the URL for the content identified by the content identifier "C011".

[0297] Next, the switching support unit 133 obtains the user identifier "U001" corresponding to the received information. Next, the switching support unit 133 obtains the destination information (here, the email address "x@A.jp" of user A) paired with the user identifier from the user management table. Next, the switching support unit 133 sends an email containing the obtained access information to the obtained email address "x@A.jp".

[0298] Next, user A changes the terminal to be used to a personal computer, that is, user terminal 2P, starts a mail program, and opens an email sent to the email address "x@A.jp". Thus, one email contains a URL for accessing the first content (live broadcast) 1501. Next, user A indicates the URL on the screen of user terminal 2P.

[0299] In this way, the user receiving unit 22 of the user terminal 2P receives the viewing instruction of the first type of content 1501. Next, the user processing unit 23 forms the viewing instruction to be sent. Next, the user sending unit 24 sends the viewing instruction to the distribution device 1. And, such a viewing instruction corresponds to the content identifier "C011" of the first type of content 1501.

[0300] Next, the receiving unit 12 of the distribution device 1 receives the viewing instruction from the user terminal 2P. Then, the processing unit 13 detects that the distribution start time of the first content 1501 has arrived. In addition, the content receiving unit 124 receives the first content identified by the content identifier "C011" from the publisher terminal 3 corresponding to the first content 1501. Then, the first distribution unit 142 distributes the screen containing the received first content to the user terminals 2 corresponding to the user identifiers of two or more users including the user A.

[0301] Next, the user terminals 2 of two or more users including the user A receive and output the first type of content identified by the content identifier “ C011 ”.

[0302] As described above, in this specific example, the user can view content by switching from a smartphone that can easily display a list of content or schedule viewing using a touch screen to a personal computer that has a larger screen size and is easy to view content.

[0303] Furthermore, when the content that the user wants to watch is not a content that is subject to reservation (for example, third-type content or content that is being distributed but the distribution start time has passed), the screen on the user terminal 2 is replaced with Fig.16 For example, Fig.17 Even in such a picture, the picture ( Fig.17 ) also has UI 1701 for guiding users from a smartphone with a smaller screen to a personal computer with a larger screen size that is easier to view and listen to content.

[0304] (Specific example 2) 85 users including user A are currently viewing the first type of content 1501 and exercising.

[0305] After that, 5 users among the 85 viewers allow the user image to be distributed to other users. And, a flag for determining whether the distribution of the user image to other users is permitted is stored in the storage unit 11 of the distribution device 1, for example, in correspondence with the user identifier. And, the flag for determining whether the distribution of the user image to other users is permitted is called a permission flag.

[0306] After that, the content receiving unit 124 of the distribution device 1 continues to receive the first type of content from the publisher terminal 3. In addition, the content accumulation unit 134 acquires the received first type of content and accumulates it in the first storage unit 1121.

[0307] In addition, the user image receiving unit 128 receives user images from five or more user terminals 2 including user terminals 2 with a permission flag corresponding to the value of "permitting distribution to other users". Then, the synthesizing unit 135 obtains: the first type of content that has been received; and five user images corresponding to five user identifiers that are paired with the permission flag that allows the distribution of user images to other users. Next, the synthesizing unit 135 synthesizes the first type of content and the five user images to form screen information including the five user images. Next, the first publishing unit 142 publishes the synthesized screen information to the user terminals 2 corresponding to the user identifiers of the users who are watching and listening and the publisher terminal 3. In addition, the first publishing unit 142 can send the screen information including the five user images to the user terminals 2 of all 85 viewers or only to the five user terminals 2 that provided the user images. When the screen information including the five user images is transmitted only to the five user terminals 2 , the first distribution unit 142 transmits the screen information not including the five user images to the other 80 user terminals 2 .

[0308] Then, the user terminal 2 corresponding to at least the permission flag for allowing the release to other users receives the screen information in which the first content and the five user images are synthesized, constructs a screen using the screen information, and outputs the screen. Fig.18 .exist Fig.18 In the screen, the user can understand how other users are exercising hard, improve exercise efficiency, or exercise hard and happily.

[0309] In addition, Fig.18 In the output of the screen, user A inputs "I have a backache, so can I exercise while standing?" in his user terminal 2P through chat or voice.

[0310] In this way, the user terminal 2P receives the communication information “I have a backache, so can I exercise while standing?” and transmits the communication information to the distribution device 1 .

[0311] Next, the communication unit 136 of the distribution device 1 receives the communication information. Then, the synthesis unit 135 forms screen information including the received first type of content, five user images and the communication information. Next, the first distribution unit 142 distributes the formed screen information to the user terminal 2 and the publisher terminal 3 corresponding to the user identifier of each user who views the first type of content.

[0312] Next, each user terminal 2 and publisher terminal 3 receives the screen information including the first content, the five user images and the communication information, uses the screen information to form a screen and outputs the screen. Such an output example is Fig.19 .

[0313] After that, see or hear Fig.19 The publisher of the communication information 1901 makes a sound "It's okay. Please exercise while standing." This sound is sent to the publishing device 1, and is sent to the user terminal 2 of each user via the publishing device 1 and output.

[0314] As described above, in this specific example, the user can view the user image of another user or send information to the publisher (coach) while viewing the first type of content.

[0315] Furthermore, in this specific example, it is preferred that the user's voice information is voice-recognized by the user terminal 2 or the delivery device 1 , and the acquired character string is transmitted to one or more user terminals 2 and the delivery terminal 3 .

[0316] (Concrete example 3) Next, the user inputs a viewing instruction for the second content or the third content to the user terminal 2. Then, the viewing instruction is transmitted from the user terminal 2 to the distribution device 1. Here, the viewing instruction includes the content identifier "C001".

[0317] Next, the distribution device 1 receives the viewing instruction. Next, the processing unit 13 selects the content management table ( Fig.13 ) obtains the type identifier "2" paired with the content identifier "C001". In addition, the processing unit 13 obtains the current time "7:00" from a clock (not shown). Next, the processing unit 13 obtains the current time "7:00" from the content management table ( Fig.13 ) obtains the release time information "<week> Monday to Sunday <time zone> 7:00-8:00" paired with the content identifier "C001". Then, the processing unit 13 determines that the current time is the release time zone indicated by the release time information.

[0318] Next, the second distribution unit 143 performs a second distribution process. Specifically, the second distribution unit 143 reads the content with the content identifier "C001" from the second storage unit 1122 and distributes it to the user terminal 2 of one or more users who have made a viewing reservation or sent a viewing instruction.

[0319] Next, the user terminal 2 receives the content with the content identifier "C001". After that, the user terminal 2 synthesizes the image captured by the camera included in the user terminal 2 with the received second content and outputs it. Such an output example is Fig. 20 . Fig. 20 By comparing the image of the instructor with the image of oneself (2001) captured by the camera of the user terminal 2, the user can exercise appropriately. Fig. 20 You cannot view or hear other users' user images.

[0320] As described above, in this specific example, when viewing the second and third types of content, the user cannot view the images of other users, but can view his own image. As a result, users who are not good at sports will not feel embarrassed and can obtain images that can improve their sports ability.

[0321] As described above, according to the present embodiment, the user can select and view content from three or more types of content according to the user's preference, life pace, etc.

[0322] In addition, according to the present embodiment, the status of other users may or may not be known depending on the type of content, and the user can select and view content according to the user's preferences, etc. Furthermore, in the present embodiment, for content of the same content, it is preferred that three or more kinds of content including the first content, the second content, and the third content can be provided to the user. In addition, in the present embodiment, in the same time zone, it is preferred that content of the same content is prepared as two or more kinds of content including the first content and the second content, or two or more kinds of content including the first content and the third content, and the user can select.

[0323] Furthermore, in the present embodiment, even when viewing the second type of recorded content, the user images of other users can be viewed.

[0324] In addition, according to the present embodiment, statistical processing is performed based on user input related to three or more types of content to obtain statistical processing results. Based on user input, for example, is based on input information, or based on viewing reservation, viewing instruction, etc.

[0325] Furthermore, according to the present embodiment, statistical processing is performed for each type of content based on user input related to three or more types of content, and statistical processing results can be obtained.

[0326] Furthermore, according to the present embodiment, statistical processing is performed based on information related to reservation for viewing of content, and the statistical processing result can be obtained.

[0327] Furthermore, according to the present embodiment, statistical processing is performed based on user input related to three or more types of content, and recommendations can be made to the user using the statistical processing results.

[0328] Furthermore, according to the present embodiment, statistical processing is performed based on the user's viewing history, reservation history, or input information for three or more types of content, and recommendations can be made to the user using the statistical processing results.

[0329] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, during the publication of the first type of content, the user can send communication information to the publisher. In this embodiment, during the publication of the first type of content, communication information from other users can also be sent to the user.

[0330] Furthermore, the processing in this embodiment can also be implemented by software. Furthermore, the software can also be distributed by software downloading, etc. In addition, the software can also be recorded on a storage medium such as a CD-ROM and distributed. Furthermore, this point also applies to other embodiments of this specification. Furthermore, the software that implements the publishing device 1 in this embodiment is the following program. That is, the program is a program that enables a computer to function as a first receiving unit, a content receiving unit, a first publishing unit, a second receiving unit, a second publishing unit, a third receiving unit, and a third publishing unit. The first receiving unit receives from a user terminal a publishing instruction for a first type of content sent from a publisher terminal of the content in a time band determined by the first publishing time information, that is, a first instruction. The content receiving unit receives the first type of content sent from the publisher terminal in a time band determined by the first publishing time information. The first publishing unit publishes the first type of content received by the content receiving unit to the user terminal that has sent the first instruction in a time band determined by the first publishing time information. The second receiving unit receives from the user terminal a publishing instruction for a second type of content published in a time band determined by the second publishing time information. The indication is the second indication, and the second publishing unit obtains the second content corresponding to the second indication received by the second receiving unit from the second storage unit corresponding to the second publishing time information and storing the second content to be published to the user terminal in the time band determined by the second publishing time information, and publishes the second content to the user terminal that has sent the second indication. The third receiving unit receives the publishing indication corresponding to the third content published on demand from the user terminal, that is, the third indication, and the third publishing unit obtains the third content corresponding to the third indication received by the third receiving unit from the third storage unit storing the third content published on demand, and publishes the third content to the user terminal that has sent the third indication.

[0331] in addition, Fig.21 The external appearance of a computer that executes the program described in this specification to realize the distribution device 1 and the like of the various embodiments described above is shown. The above-described embodiments can be realized by computer hardware and a computer program executed on the computer hardware. Fig.21 is an appearance diagram of the computer system 300, Fig. 22 is a block diagram of system 300 .

[0332] Fig.21 In the figure, the computer system 300 includes a computer 301 having a CD-ROM drive, a keyboard 302, a mouse 303, and a monitor 304.

[0333] Fig. 22In addition to the CD-ROM drive 3012, the computer 301 also includes: MPU 3013; bus 3014 connected to the CD-ROM drive 3012, etc.; ROM 3015 for storing programs such as a startup program; RAM 3016 connected to the MPU 3013 and used to temporarily store application commands and provide temporary storage space; and a hard disk 3017 for storing application programs, system programs, and data. Although not shown in the figure, the computer 301 may also include a network card that provides connection to a LAN.

[0334] In the computer system 300, the program for executing the functions of the distribution device 1 and the like of the above-mentioned embodiment may be stored in the CD-ROM 3101, and further transferred to the hard disk 3017 by inserting it into the CD-ROM drive 3012. Alternatively, the program may be sent to the computer 301 via a network (not shown) and stored in the hard disk 3017. The program is loaded into the RAM 3016 when executed. The program may also be directly loaded from the CD-ROM 3101 or the network.

[0335] The program may not necessarily include an operating system (OS) or a third-party program that enables the computer 301 to execute the functions of the distribution device 1 of the above-mentioned embodiment. As long as the program calls appropriate functions (modules) in a controlled form and only includes the command part that can obtain the desired result, it is sufficient. How the computer system 300 works is well known, and a detailed description is omitted.

[0336] Furthermore, in the above-mentioned program, in the step of sending information or the step of receiving information, etc., processing performed by hardware is not included, for example, processing performed by a modem or an interface card in the sending step (processing that can only be performed by hardware).

[0337] In addition, the computer that executes the above program may be a single computer or multiple computers, that is, centralized processing or distributed processing may be performed.

[0338] Furthermore, in each of the above-mentioned embodiments, it goes without saying that two or more communication means existing in one device can also be physically realized by one medium.

[0339] In addition, in each of the above-mentioned embodiments, each process may be implemented by a single device through centralized processing, or may be implemented by a plurality of devices through distributed processing.

[0340] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications can be made, and it goes without saying that these modifications are also included in the scope of the present invention. Industrial Applicability

[0341] As described above, the distribution device 1 according to the present invention has an effect of enabling a user to select and view content according to the user's preference, life rhythm, etc., and is useful as a server that distributes content.

Claims

1. A publishing device, characterized in that: The device comprises: a first receiving unit receiving, from a user terminal, a first instruction for publishing a first type of content transmitted from a content publisher terminal in a time zone specified by first publishing time information; a content receiving unit for receiving a first type of content transmitted from the publisher terminal in a time zone determined by the first publishing time information; a first distribution unit that distributes the first type of content received by the content receiving unit to the user terminal that has sent the first instruction in a time zone specified by the first distribution time information; a second receiving unit receiving, from the user terminal, a second instruction for publishing a second type of content to be published in a time zone specified by the second publishing time information; a second publishing unit that obtains the second content corresponding to the second instruction received by the second receiving unit at the time determined by the second publishing time information corresponding to the second content from a second storage unit corresponding to the second publishing time information and storing the second content to be published to the user terminal in the time band determined by the second publishing time information, and publishes the second content to the user terminal that has sent the second instruction; A third receiving unit receives, from the user terminal, a publishing instruction corresponding to a third type of content published on demand, that is, a third instruction; and a third publishing unit, which obtains the third type of content corresponding to the third instruction received by the third receiving unit from a third storage unit storing the third type of content to be published on demand, and publishes the third type of content to the user terminal that has sent the third instruction.

2. The publishing device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The first receiving unit receives the first instruction from two or more user terminals. The device further comprises a user image receiving unit for receiving user images from two or more user terminals during distribution of the first type of content. The first distribution unit distributes the user images of one or more other users and the first type of content in the user images received by the user image receiving unit to each of the two or more user terminals, The second receiving unit receives the second instruction from two or more of the user terminals. The second distribution unit does not distribute the user images of one or more other users to each of the two or more user terminals.

3. The publishing device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The second receiving unit receives the second instruction from two or more of the user terminals. The device further comprises a user image receiving unit for receiving the user image from two or more user terminals during distribution of the second type of content. The second distribution unit distributes the user images of one or more other users in the user images received by the user image receiving unit and the second type of content to each of the two or more user terminals.

4. The publishing device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The device further comprises: an input information receiving unit for receiving input information input by a user regarding the outputted content from each of the two or more user terminals that have outputted the first type of content, the second type of content, or the third type of content; and a statistical processing unit that performs statistical processing on the input information received by the input information receiving unit, obtains a statistical processing result, and outputs the statistical processing result.

5. The publishing device according to claim 4, characterized in that: the input information corresponds to a category identifier identifying a category of the content that has been output, The statistical processing unit obtains at least three statistical processing results for each of the type identifiers, and outputs the statistical processing results for each of the type identifiers.

6. The publishing device according to claim 4, characterized in that: The system further comprises: a first reservation receiving unit configured to receive, from the user terminal, a first reservation instruction for confirming a viewing reservation for the first type of content; and a second reservation receiving unit for receiving, from the user terminal, a second reservation instruction for confirming a viewing reservation for the second type of content, The statistical processing unit acquires the statistical processing result related to the viewing reservation of the content using the first reservation instruction and the second reservation instruction.

7. The publishing device according to claim 4, characterized in that: The method further comprises: a recommendation acquisition unit that uses the statistical processing result to acquire recommendation information about the content; and a recommendation sending unit, which sends the recommendation information to the user terminal.

8. The publishing device according to claim 7, characterized in that: The recommendation acquisition unit refers to a user management unit that stores one or more types of user information, including viewing history information about content that the user has viewed, reservation history information about content that the user has reserved to view, and input information that the user has input, in correspondence with the user identifier, and acquires the recommendation information related to the content that the user identified by the user identifier should view.

9. The distribution device according to claim 1, further comprising a communication unit that receives communication information from a user of the user terminal during distribution of the first type of content and transmits the communication information to the publisher terminal.

10. The publishing device according to claim 1, characterized in that: It also has a screen instruction receiving unit, a screen acquisition unit, a screen sending unit and a switching support unit. The screen instruction receiving unit receives an instruction corresponding to a content identifier identifying a content from the user terminal and outputs an instruction of a screen of a first size related to the content, that is, a screen instruction, The screen acquisition unit acquires the screen information for constituting a screen related to the one content corresponding to the screen indication from a screen storage unit storing information for constituting a screen of the first size, information for constituting a screen related to the one content, and information for constituting a screen having a user interface indicated for viewing and listening to the one content using a screen of a second size larger than the first size, i.e., screen information, The screen information transmitting unit transmits the screen information acquired by the screen acquiring unit to the user terminal. The switching support unit receives information corresponding to an instruction to the user interface from the user terminal, and outputs screen information constituting the screen of the second size corresponding to the information or access information for accessing the screen information.

11. A method for distributing content, which is implemented by a first receiving unit, a content receiving unit, a first distributing unit, a second receiving unit, a second distributing unit, a third receiving unit, and a third distributing unit, wherein: The method comprises: a first receiving step in which the first receiving unit receives, from a user terminal, a first instruction for publishing a first type of content sent from a content publisher terminal in a time zone specified by first publishing time information; a content receiving step, wherein the content receiving unit receives the first type of content transmitted from the publisher terminal in a time zone specified by the first publishing time information; a first distribution step, wherein the first distribution unit distributes the first type of content received in the content receiving step to the user terminal that has sent the first instruction in a time zone specified by the first distribution time information; a second receiving step, wherein the second receiving unit receives, from the user terminal, a second instruction for publishing a second type of content to be published in a time zone specified by second publishing time information; a second publishing step, wherein the second publishing unit obtains the second content corresponding to the second instruction received in the second receiving step from a second storage unit corresponding to the second publishing time information and stored in the second content to be published to the user terminal in the time band determined by the second publishing time information, and publishes the second content to the user terminal that has sent the second instruction; A third receiving step, wherein the third receiving unit receives a publishing instruction corresponding to a third type of content published on demand, that is, a third instruction, from the user terminal; And a third publishing step, the third publishing unit will obtain the third content corresponding to the third instruction received in the third receiving step from the third storage unit that stores the third content to be published on demand, and publish the third content to the user terminal that has sent the third instruction.

12. A storage medium, characterized in that: A program is recorded which causes a computer to function as a first receiving unit, a content receiving unit, a first distributing unit, a second receiving unit, a second distributing unit, a third receiving unit, and a third distributing unit. The first receiving unit receives, from the user terminal, a first instruction for publishing the first type of content sent from the content publisher terminal in a time zone specified by the first publishing time information, The content receiving unit receives the first type of content transmitted from the publisher terminal in a time zone specified by the first distribution time information, The first distribution unit distributes the first type of content received by the content receiving unit to the user terminal that has sent the first instruction in a time zone specified by the first distribution time information. The second receiving unit receives, from the user terminal, a second instruction that is an instruction to publish the second type of content to be published in a time zone specified by the second publishing time information, The second publishing unit obtains the second type of content corresponding to the second instruction received by the second receiving unit at the time determined by the second publishing time information from the second storage unit corresponding to the second type of content stored in the time band determined by the second publishing time information and published to the user terminal, and publishes the second type of content to the user terminal that has sent the second instruction. The third receiving unit receives a publishing instruction corresponding to a third type of content published on demand, that is, a third instruction, from the user terminal. The third distribution unit obtains the third content corresponding to the third instruction received by the third receiving unit from a third storage unit storing the third content to be distributed on demand, and distributes the third content to the user terminal that has sent the third instruction.

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