Content management system, content management method, content management program and user terminal

Abstract

To provide a content management system increasing convenience of a comment posted to video content.SOLUTION: A content management system includes at least one processor. The at least one processor: displays video content produced by a first terminal on at least one target terminal selected from a terminal group including the first terminal and a second terminal; while the video content is being displayed, displays a comment input into the first terminal or the second terminal, at a first position on the at least one target terminal along with the video content; and in response to a user operation on the comment received by the first terminal or the second terminal while the video content and the comment are being displayed, displays the comment at a second position different from the first position on at least one of the at least one target terminal.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] One aspect of the present disclosure relates to a content management system, a content management method, a content management program, and a user terminal. [Background technology]

[0002] There is known a technology for displaying comments posted while video content is being displayed together with the video content. Patent Document 1 describes a live distribution system that includes an image display unit that performs image processing to display comments on a live video based on comment data transmitted from a viewer terminal. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 7065545 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] It is desirable to improve the convenience of comments posted on video content. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] A content management system according to an aspect of the present disclosure includes at least one processor that displays video content generated by a first terminal on at least one target terminal selected from a terminal group including the first terminal and a second terminal, displays a comment input on the first terminal or the second terminal while the video content is being displayed together with the video content at a first position on the at least one target terminal, and displays the comment on at least one of the at least one target terminal at a second position different from the first position in response to a user operation on the comment received on the first terminal or the second terminal while the video content and the comment are being displayed.

[0006] In such an aspect, in response to a user operation received while the video content and the comment are being displayed, the comment is displayed at a different position, which can improve the convenience of the comment. Effect of the Invention

[0007] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, it is possible to improve the convenience of comments posted on video content. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 illustrates an example of an application of a content management system. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration related to a content management system. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a functional configuration related to a content management system. [Figure 4] FIG. 11 is a sequence diagram showing an example of an operation of the content management system. [Diagram 5] FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an example of a comment control operation. [Figure 6] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing another example of a comment control operation. [Figure 7]FIG. 13 is a diagram showing yet another example of a comment control operation. [Figure 8] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing yet another example of a comment control operation. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0009] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the description of the drawings, the same or equivalent elements are designated by the same reference numerals, and duplicated explanations will be omitted.

[0010] [System Overview] The content management system according to the present disclosure is a computer system that manages content to be distributed to users. Content refers to information provided by a computer or computer system and recognizable by humans. Electronic data indicating content is called content data. In one example, the content is video content expressed by video that may include audio. Video content may include video generated by an imaging device such as a camera, may include computer graphics (CG), or may include both. Content can be used for various types of information transmission or communication, and may be used in various situations or purposes such as news, education, medical care, games, chat, business transactions, lectures, seminars, training, concerts, and surveys. Content distribution refers to a process performed to provide content to a user, for example, a process of transmitting information to a user via a communication network.

[0011] The content management system provides video content to a user by transmitting content data indicating the video content to the user terminal. In one example, the video content is provided by a distributor. A distributor is a person who intends to provide information to a viewer through the content management system, and is a sender of the video content. A viewer is a person who intends to obtain information through the content management system, and is a user of the video content. The content management system transmits the content data provided from the distributor terminal to the viewer terminal. The viewer terminal processes the content data and displays the video content on a screen. In the present disclosure, the distributor and the viewer are sometimes collectively referred to as users, and the distributor terminal and the viewer terminal are sometimes collectively referred to as user terminals.

[0012] In one example, the content management system may perform real-time distribution. In this case, for example, the distributor terminal processes the captured video to generate content data and transmits the content data to the content management system in real time. The content management system receives the content data and transmits the content data to the viewer terminal in real time. This is one aspect of live Internet broadcasting. The content data may be generated in the content management system. That is, the content management system may process real-time video provided from the distributor terminal to generate content data and transmit the content data to the viewer terminal in real time. The content management system may be used for time shifting, which allows content to be viewed for a given period of time after real-time distribution.

[0013] The content management system may perform on-demand distribution, allowing viewers to view content at any time. In this case, for example, the content management system may store content data generated by processing previously captured video in a storage device such as a database. The content management system may transmit the stored content data to a viewer terminal in response to a viewer request.

[0014] The content management system displays video content generated by a first terminal on at least one target terminal selected from a terminal group including the first terminal and a second terminal. The first terminal is, for example, a distributor terminal, and the second terminal is, for example, a viewer terminal. The target terminal may be at least one of the distributor terminal and the viewer terminal. When there are multiple viewer terminals, the target terminal may be at least one of the multiple viewer terminals.

[0015] The content management system displays a comment inputted on the first terminal or the second terminal while the video content is being displayed, together with the video content, at a first position on at least one target terminal. That is, the content management system displays the posted comment together with the video content. The first position is a position where the comment is initially displayed. The comment refers to information inputted by a user and independent of the video content. Electronic data indicating the comment is called comment data. The comment may be generated by at least one of a comment text and an image, and may include, for example, at least one of characters (text), emoticons, still images (photos, illustrations, etc.), and moving images (video or animation). "Displaying the comment together with the video content" refers to a process of displaying both the comment and the video content on the same screen. The comment may be displayed without overlapping with the video content, or may be displayed so that at least a part of the comment overlaps with the video content.

[0016] The content management system displays the comment at a second position different from the first position on at least one of the at least one target terminal in response to a user operation on the comment received at the first terminal or the second terminal while the video content and the comment are being displayed. In one example, the content management system transmits comment control data for displaying the comment at the second position to the target terminal, and causes the target terminal to display the comment at the second position.

[0017] The content management system may set the first and second locations at various locations on the screen of the target device. For example, the content management system may set at least one of the first and second locations to overlap video content or not overlap video content. The content management system may set at least one of the first and second locations on a waste area, also known as a black band.

[0018] [System configuration] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an application of a content management system 1 according to an example. In this example, the content management system 1 includes a server 10. The server 10 is a computer that distributes content data. The server 10 is connected to one or more distributor terminals 20 (first terminals) and one or more viewer terminals 30 (second terminals) via a communication network N. The server 10 is also connected to a user database 40 via the communication network N. The communication network N may be configured to include the Internet or an intranet.

[0019] The distributor terminal 20 is a computer used by a distributor. In one example, the distributor terminal 20 has a function of generating video content and a function of accessing the content management system 1 and transmitting content data indicating the video content. The distributor terminal 20 may be a shooting system having functions of shooting, recording, and transmitting video. Alternatively, the distributor terminal 20 may be a portable terminal such as a high-performance mobile phone (smartphone), a tablet terminal, a wearable terminal (e.g., a head-mounted display (HMD), smart glasses, etc.), a laptop personal computer, or a mobile phone. Alternatively, the distributor terminal 20 may be a stationary terminal such as a desktop personal computer.

[0020] The viewer terminal 30 is a computer used by a viewer. In one example, the viewer terminal 30 has a function of accessing the content management system 1 to receive and display content data. The viewer terminal 30 may be a portable terminal such as a high-performance mobile phone (smartphone), a tablet terminal, a wearable terminal (e.g., a head-mounted display (HMD), smart glasses, etc.), a laptop personal computer, or a mobile phone. Alternatively, the viewer terminal 30 may be a stationary terminal such as a desktop personal computer.

[0021] A distributor operates the distributor terminal 20 to log in to the content management system 1, thereby enabling the viewer to provide video content to the viewer. A viewer operates the viewer terminal 30 to log in to the content management system 1, thereby enabling the viewer to view the content. In this disclosure, it is assumed that the viewer and distributor of the content management system 1 are already logged in. Viewers may be omitted from logging in to the content management system 1. In other words, the content management system 1 may transmit content data to the viewer terminal 30 of a general viewer who is not logged in. In this case, general viewers who are not logged in can also view the content.

[0022] The user database 40 is a non-transient storage device that stores user data related to users who use the content management system 1. In one example, each record of the user data includes a user ID that is an identifier that uniquely identifies an individual user, and attribute information that indicates the attributes of the user. The attributes of the user refer to information that indicates the characteristics or nature of the user. For example, the attribute information may include a name, age, sex, one or more content IDs that are identifiers of the content viewed by the user, or the number of times each content has been viewed. The attribute information may include an icon that the user can use. The icon of the user may be created by the user, may be provided to the user by another person as a gift, or may be able to be provided by the user to another person as a gift. The icon as a gift may have a special display mode different from a normal icon, or may have a function of giving a reward such as money to the recipient of the gift. The attribute information may be stored in an area other than the user database 40. For example, the attribute information may be stored in a cookie area of ​​the browser in the viewer terminal 30. The attribute information may include information indicating whether the user is logged in to the content management system 1.

[0023] User database 40 may be constructed as a single database or may be a collection of multiple databases. User database 40 may be a component of content management system 1, or may be provided in a computer system separate from content management system 1.

[0024] Fig. 2 is a diagram showing an example of a hardware configuration related to the content management system 1. Fig. 2 shows a server computer 100 functioning as the server 10, and a terminal computer 200 functioning as the distributor terminal 20 or the viewer terminal 30.

[0025] As an example, the server computer 100 includes a processor 101, a main memory unit 102, an auxiliary memory unit 103, and a communication unit 104 as hardware components. The processor 101 is a computing device that executes an operating system and application programs, and is, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit). The main memory unit 102 is a device that stores programs to be executed, calculation results, and the like, and is, for example, composed of a ROM (Read Only Memory) or a RAM (Random Access Memory). The auxiliary memory unit 103 is a device that can generally store a larger amount of data than the main memory unit 102, and is, for example, composed of a non-volatile storage medium such as a hard disk or a flash memory. The auxiliary memory unit 103 stores a server program P1 and various data for making the server computer 100 function as the server 10. The communication unit 104 is a device that executes data communication with other computers via a communication network N, and is, for example, composed of a network card or a wireless communication module.

[0026] In this embodiment, the content management program is implemented as a server program P1. Each functional element of the server 10 is realized by loading the server program P1 onto the processor 101 or the main memory unit 102 and having the processor 101 execute the program. The server program P1 includes code for realizing each functional element of the server 10. The processor 101 operates the communication unit 104 in accordance with the server program P1, and executes reading and writing of data in the main memory unit 102 or the auxiliary memory unit 103.

[0027] The server 10 may be composed of one or more computers. When multiple computers are used, these computers are connected to each other via a communication network N to logically configure one server 10.

[0028] As an example, the terminal computer 200 includes a processor 201, a main memory unit 202, an auxiliary memory unit 203, a communication unit 204, an input interface 205, an output interface 206, and an imaging unit 207 as hardware components. The processor 201 is a computing device that executes an operating system and an application program, and is, for example, a CPU or a GPU. The main memory unit 202 is a device that stores a program to be executed, a computation result, and the like, and is, for example, composed of a ROM or a RAM. The auxiliary memory unit 203 is a device that can generally store a larger amount of data than the main memory unit 202, and is, for example, composed of a non-volatile storage medium such as a hard disk or a flash memory. The auxiliary memory unit 203 stores a client program P2 and various data for causing the terminal computer 200 to function as the distributor terminal 20 or the viewer terminal 30. The communication unit 204 is a device that executes data communication with other computers via the communication network N, and is, for example, composed of a network card or a wireless communication module. The input interface 205 is a device that accepts data based on a user's operation or action, and is composed of at least one of a keyboard, an operation button, a pointing device, a touch panel, a microphone, a sensor, and a camera, for example. The output interface 206 is a device that outputs data processed by the terminal computer 200, and is composed of a display device such as a monitor, a touch panel, and an HMD, for example. The imaging unit 207 is a device that captures an image (video or photo) of the real world, and is, for example, a camera. The imaging unit 207 can also function as the input interface 205.

[0029] Each functional element of the distributor terminal 20 or the viewer terminal 30 is realized by loading a corresponding client program P2 into the processor 201 or the main memory unit 202 and having the processor 201 execute the program. The client program P2 includes code for realizing each functional element of the distributor terminal 20 or the viewer terminal 30. The processor 201 operates the communication unit 204, the input interface 205, the output interface 206, or the imaging unit 207 in accordance with the client program P2, and reads and writes data in the main memory unit 202 or the auxiliary memory unit 203.

[0030] At least one of the server program P1 and the client program P2 may be provided in a state of being non-temporarily recorded on a tangible recording medium such as a CD-ROM, a DVD-ROM, a semiconductor memory, etc. Alternatively, at least one of these programs may be provided as a data signal superimposed on a carrier wave via the communication network N. These programs may be provided separately or together.

[0031] 3 is a diagram showing an example of a functional configuration related to the content management system 1. The server 10 includes, as functional elements, a content transfer unit 11 and a comment control unit 12. The content transfer unit 11 is a functional element that receives content data transmitted from the distributor terminal 20 and transmits the content data to the viewer terminal 30. The comment control unit 12 is a functional element that controls comments inputted in the distributor terminal 20 or the viewer terminal 30.

[0032] The distributor terminal 20 includes functional elements including a content generating unit 21, a content display unit 22, a comment receiving unit 23, a comment display unit 24, and a position receiving unit 25. The content generating unit 21 is a functional element that generates video content and transmits content data indicating the video content to the server 10. The content display unit 22 is a functional element that displays the generated video content on the screen of the distributor terminal 20. The comment receiving unit 23 is a functional element that receives a comment input by the distributor and transmits comment data indicating the comment to the server 10. The comment display unit 24 is a functional element that receives comment data or comment control data from the server 10 and displays the comment on the screen based on the data. The position receiving unit 25 is a functional element that receives a user operation by the distributor on a comment displayed on the screen and transmits comment operation data indicating the user operation to the server 10.

[0033] The viewer terminal 30 includes a content display unit 31, a comment acceptance unit 32, a comment display unit 33, and a position acceptance unit 34. The content display unit 31 is a functional element that receives content data from the server 10 and displays video content based on the content data. The comment acceptance unit 32 is a functional element that accepts comments input by the viewer and transmits comment data indicating the comments to the server 10. The comment display unit 33 is a functional element that receives comment data or comment control data from the server 10 and displays the comments on the screen based on the data. The position acceptance unit 34 is a functional element that accepts a user operation by the viewer on a comment displayed on the screen and transmits comment operation data indicating the user operation to the server 10.

[0034] [System Operation] The operation of the content management system 1 and an example of a content management method will be described with reference to Fig. 4. Fig. 4 is a sequence diagram showing an example of the operation of the content management system 1 as a process flow S1.

[0035] In step S101, the content generating unit 21 of the distributor terminal 20 generates video content. In one example, the content generating unit 21 starts generating video content in response to a user operation by the distributor to start distribution. For example, the content generating unit 21 may generate video content including video captured by the imaging unit 207, or may generate video content based on content material stored in the auxiliary storage unit 203.

[0036] In step S102, the content generation unit 21 transmits content data indicating the video content to the server 10. In one example, the content generation unit 21 continuously transmits content data to the server 10 in response to generation of video content based on shooting of a video. In the server 10, the content transfer unit 11 receives the content data.

[0037] In step S103, the content transfer unit 11 transmits the content data to the viewer terminal 30. As an example, the content transfer unit 11 starts transmitting the content data to the viewer terminal 30 in response to a content request from the viewer terminal 30. The content request is a data signal for requesting the server 10 to play back video content. As an example, the content transfer unit 11 continuously transmits the content data to the viewer terminal 30. In the viewer terminal 30, the content display unit 31 receives the content data transmitted from the content transfer unit 11.

[0038] In step S104, the content display unit 22 of the distributor terminal 20 displays on the screen the video content generated by the content generation unit 21. If the video content includes audio, the content display unit 22 may output the audio included in the video content from a speaker.

[0039] In step S105, the content display unit 31 of the viewer terminal 30 processes the received content data and displays the video content on the screen. If the video content includes audio, the content display unit 31 may output the audio included in the video content from a speaker.

[0040] When the distributor inputs a comment while the video content is being displayed on the distributor terminal 20, steps S106 and S107 are executed.

[0041] In step S106, the comment receiving unit 23 receives a comment input by the distributor. The comment may be input by, for example, inputting characters via a keyboard or the like, or by converting a voice received by a microphone into text data. The comment receiving unit 23 may further receive an input for designating the distributor terminal 20 as the user terminal on which the input comment is to be displayed. This input is performed, for example, when the distributor wants to display the comment only on his / her own terminal for the purpose of taking notes or the like.

[0042] In step S107, the comment acceptance unit 23 transmits comment data indicating the comment to the server 10. For example, in response to a distributor performing a user operation to transmit a comment, the comment acceptance unit 23 generates comment data including the input comment and a comment ID that is an identifier that uniquely identifies the comment. The comment acceptance unit 23 may also generate comment data that further indicates the specified user terminal. The comment acceptance unit 23 transmits the generated comment data. In the server 10, the comment control unit 12 receives the comment data.

[0043] If the viewer inputs a comment while the video content is being displayed on the viewer terminal 30, steps S108 and S109 are executed.

[0044] In step S108, the comment receiving unit 32 receives a comment input by a viewer. As with the distributor terminal 20, the comment may be input by character input or by converting voice into text data. The comment receiving unit 32 may further receive an input for designating the viewer terminal 30 as the user terminal on which the input comment is to be displayed. This input is made, for example, when the viewer wants the comment to be displayed only on his / her own terminal for the purpose of taking notes or the like.

[0045] In step S109, the comment acceptance unit 32 transmits comment data indicating the comment to the server 10. For example, in response to a viewer performing a user operation to transmit a comment, the comment acceptance unit 32 generates comment data including the input comment and a comment ID identifying the comment. The comment acceptance unit 32 may also generate comment data further indicating the specified user terminal. The comment acceptance unit 32 transmits the generated comment data. In the server 10, the comment control unit 12 receives the comment data.

[0046] In step S110, the comment control unit 12 transmits the comment data received from the distributor terminal 20 or the viewer terminal 30 to the user terminal that is to display the comment. The comment control unit 12 may refer to the user database 40 to obtain the icon of the user corresponding to the comment data, i.e., the user who input the comment, and may add the icon to the comment data and transmit the processed comment data. If a user terminal is not specified, the comment control unit 12 may transmit the comment data to the distributor terminal 20 and each viewer terminal 30 that are displaying the video content. If a user terminal is specified, the comment control unit 12 transmits the content data to the user terminal. In the process flow S1, the comment control unit 12 transmits the comment data to the distributor terminal 20 and the viewer terminal 30.

[0047] In step S111, the comment display unit 24 of the broadcaster terminal 20 displays the comment at a first position on the screen based on the comment data received from the server 10. In one example, the comment display unit 24 displays the comment in a comment area that displays one or more comments in the order in which the comment data is received. The comment area can be said to be an area that includes the first position.

[0048] In step S112, the comment display unit 33 of the viewer terminal 30 displays the comment in a first position on the screen based on the comment data received from the server 10. In one example, the screen on the viewer terminal 30 also includes a comment area, similar to the broadcaster terminal 20, and the comment display unit 33 displays the comment in the comment area.

[0049] The first position used by the comment display units 24, 33 may be represented by a single coordinate, may be represented by an area defined by a plurality of coordinates, or may be represented by data other than coordinates.

[0050] When the distributor performs a user operation on a comment while the video content and the comment are being displayed on the distributor terminal 20, steps S113 and S114 are executed.

[0051] In step S113, the position acceptance unit 25 accepts a user operation for changing the display mode of the comment. The position acceptance unit 25 may accept, as the user operation, an operation including the designation of a second position where the comment is to be newly displayed. For example, the position acceptance unit 25 may accept a drag-and-drop as the operation, and in this case, the position or area corresponding to the drop corresponds to the second position. Alternatively, the position acceptance unit 25 may accept an operation that does not include the designation of the second position. For example, the position acceptance unit 25 may accept a simple tap or click on the comment. The position acceptance unit 25 may accept a user operation for changing other display modes of the comment in addition to or instead of the display position. For example, the position acceptance unit 25 may accept a user operation for changing at least one of the size, orientation, and color of the comment. Alternatively, the position acceptance unit 25 may accept a user operation for changing at least one of the presence or absence of an icon displayed together with the comment and the type of the icon. The position acceptance unit 25 may further accept an input for designating the distributor terminal 20 as the user terminal on which the input comment is controlled. This input is made, for example, when a distributor wants to control comments only on his / her own terminal.

[0052] In step S114, the position receiving unit 25 transmits comment operation data indicating the received user operation to the server 10. In one example, the position receiving unit 25 generates comment operation data including the comment ID and the second position of the operated comment based on drag and drop. In another example, the position receiving unit 25 generates comment operation data including the comment ID of the operated comment but not the second position based on tapping or clicking. The position receiving unit 25 may generate comment operation data including information for changing the display mode other than the display position. The position receiving unit 25 may generate comment operation data further indicating the specified user terminal.

[0053] When the viewer performs a user operation on a comment while the video content and the comment are being displayed on the viewer terminal 30, steps S115 and S116 are executed.

[0054] In step S115, the position acceptance unit 34 accepts a user operation for changing the display mode of the comment. As in the process in the distributor terminal 20, the position acceptance unit 34 may accept a user operation including a designation of a second position where the comment is to be newly displayed, or may accept a user operation not including a designation of the second position. Alternatively, the position acceptance unit 34 may accept a user operation for changing other display modes of the comment in addition to or instead of the display position. The position acceptance unit 34 may further accept an input for designating the viewer terminal 30 as the user terminal at which the input comment is to be controlled. This input is made, for example, when the viewer controls the comment only on his / her own terminal.

[0055] In step S116, the position receiving unit 34 transmits comment operation data indicating the received user operation to the server 10. In one example, the position receiving unit 34 generates comment operation data indicating the comment ID of the operated comment and the second position based on drag and drop. In another example, the position receiving unit 34 generates comment operation data including the comment ID of the operated comment and not including the second position based on tapping or clicking. The position receiving unit 34 may generate comment operation data including information for changing the display mode other than the display position. The position receiving unit 34 may generate comment operation data further indicating the specified user terminal.

[0056] In step S117, the comment control unit 12 controls the comments displayed on the distributor terminal 20 and the viewer terminal 30 based on the comment operation data received from the distributor terminal 20 or the viewer terminal 30. Based on the comment operation data, the comment control unit 12 generates comment control data for instructing the distributor terminal 20 and the viewer terminal 30 to change the display mode of the comments. The comment control unit 12 can generate comment control data including information for changing the display mode other than the display position based on the comment operation data.

[0057] For example, the comment control unit 12 generates comment control data including the comment ID and the second position indicated in the comment operation data. That is, the comment control unit 12 can generate comment control data including the second position specified by a user operation.

[0058] Alternatively, the comment control unit 12 determines a predetermined position that is set in advance by a distributor, a viewer, or an administrator of the content management system 1 and stored in the auxiliary storage unit 103 as the second position. The predetermined position may be a position within a content area that displays video content. Alternatively, the comment control unit 12 may dynamically determine the second position based on a predetermined rule. This rule may be, for example, to display the comment in a background area of ​​the video content, or to display the comment adjacent to another comment displayed in the content area. Therefore, the comment control unit 12 may determine a position within the background area or a position adjacent to another comment as the second position. The comment control unit 12 may determine a new position so that the comment to be controlled does not overlap with other comments. The comment control unit 12 generates comment control data including a comment ID indicated in the comment operation data and the determined second position.

[0059] In this way, the comment control unit 12 may set the second position indicated by the comment operation data as is, or may set a predetermined position or a second position determined by dynamic determination. The second position indicated by the comment control data may be represented by one absolute coordinate, or may be represented by an area defined by multiple absolute coordinates. Alternatively, the second position may be defined by a relative value, such as a position within a background area of ​​the video content, a position adjacent to another comment, etc.

[0060] In step S118, the comment control unit 12 transmits the comment control data to the user terminal that is to display the comment. If a user terminal is not specified, the comment control unit 12 may transmit the comment data to the distributor terminal 20 and each viewer terminal 30 that are displaying the comment. If a user terminal is specified, the comment control unit 12 transmits the comment control data to that user terminal. In process flow S1, the comment acceptance unit 23 transmits the comment data to the distributor terminal 20 and the viewer terminal 30.

[0061] In step S119, the comment display unit 24 of the broadcaster terminal 20 controls the displayed comment based on the comment control data. In one example, the comment display unit 24 displays a comment identified by the comment ID at a second position (i.e., a new position) based on the comment ID and the second position indicated in the comment control data. The comment display unit 24 may continue to display the identified comment at the first position, while also displaying the comment at the second position. Alternatively, the comment display unit 24 may erase the comment displayed at the first position, and display the comment at the second position. That is, the comment display unit 24 may change the display position of the comment from the first position to the second position. The comment display unit 24 may change the display mode other than the display position based on the comment control data.

[0062] In step S120, the comment display unit 33 of the viewer terminal 30 controls the displayed comments based on the comment control data. As with the distributor terminal 20, the comment display unit 33 displays a comment identified by a comment ID at a second position (new position) based on the comment control data. The comment display unit 33 may continue to display the identified comment at the first position, while also displaying the comment at the second position. Alternatively, the comment display unit 33 may erase the comment displayed at the first position, and display the comment at the second position. The comment display unit 33 may change the display mode other than the display position based on the comment control data.

[0063] In process flow S1, the server 10 transmits various data such as content data, comment data, and comment control data to a target terminal (distributor terminal 20 or viewer terminal 30) and causes the target terminal to control the display of video content and comments. Such control of the target terminal by the server 10 is an example of the server 10 (content management system 1) displaying video content and comments on the target terminal.

[0064] [Example of comment control] Various examples of comment control will be described with reference to Fig. 5 to Fig. 8. Fig. 5 to Fig. 8 are diagrams showing such examples. Although Fig. 5 to Fig. 8 show a smartphone used as the distributor terminal 20, it should be noted that the examples shown in these figures can also be executed in the viewer terminal 30 in the same manner.

[0065] 5, the distributor terminal 20 displays a screen 300 including a content area 301 for displaying video content and a comment area 302 for displaying one or more comments. Due to the aspect ratio between the screen 300 and the content area 301, the screen 300 further includes a surplus area 303.

[0066] In this example, the content area 301 displays a live broadcast of a game commentary by a player as video content 310. The comment area 302 displays a comment list 320 in which comments inputted at the distributor terminal 20 or the viewer terminal 30 are arranged in chronological order. An icon corresponding to the user who inputted the comment is displayed next to each comment. Newly posted comments are added to the bottom of the comment list 320. As new comments are added in sequence, existing comments move up in the comment area 302, and then disappear from the comment area 302 by moving out of the comment area 302. That is, the comment area 302 displays the comments so that the comments flow in a predetermined direction. The video content 310 and the comment list 320 are also distributed to one or more viewer terminals 30, and therefore the distributor and the viewer share this information simultaneously or almost simultaneously.

[0067] In this example, it is assumed that the distributor moves one comment 321 in the comment list 320 to position 331 in the content area 301 (i.e., position 331 on the video content 310) by dragging and dropping. Therefore, this user operation includes the specification of a second position. The position acceptance unit 25 of the distributor terminal 20 accepts the user operation (step S113). Then, the position acceptance unit 25 generates comment operation data including the comment ID and position 331 of the comment 321, and transmits the comment operation data to the server 10 (step S114). In the server 10, the comment control unit 12 generates comment control data including the comment ID and position 331, and transmits the comment control data to the distributor terminal 20 and the viewer terminal 30 (steps S117, S118). In the distributor terminal 20, the comment display unit 24 displays the comment 321 as a fixed comment 321' at position 331 (second position) based on the comment control data so that the comment 321 is fixed within the content area 301 (step S119).

[0068] FIG. 6 shows an example of comment control after the fixed comment 321' is displayed. In this example, it is assumed that the distributor taps one comment 322 in the comment list 320. The position acceptance unit 25 of the distributor terminal 20 accepts the user operation (step S113). Then, the position acceptance unit 25 generates comment operation data including the comment ID of the comment 322, and transmits the comment operation data to the server 10 (step S114). In the server 10, the comment control unit 12 dynamically determines a new position (second position) of the comment 322 based on a predetermined rule that the comment 322 is displayed adjacent to another comment (step S117). The comment control unit 12 generates comment control data including the comment ID of the comment 322 and the determined new position, and transmits the comment control data to the distributor terminal 20 and the viewer terminal 30 (steps S117, S118). In the distributor terminal 20, the comment display unit 24 displays the comment 322 as a fixed comment 322' based on the comment control data so that the comment 322 is fixed within the content area 301 (step S119). In the example of Fig. 6, the comment display unit 24 displays the fixed comment 322' at a position (second position) adjacent to the fixed comment 321'.

[0069] The comment display unit 24 may cause the display mode of the fixed comments 321', 322' to be different from that of the comments 321, 322. In the examples shown in Fig. 5 and Fig. 6, the comment display unit 24 displays the fixed comments 321', 322' such that the comments 321, 322 are displayed in speech bubbles. The comment display unit 24 may cause the icons of the original comments and the fixed comments to be different.

[0070] Comments 321, 322 in comment area 302 move up in response to the posting of a new comment. In contrast, pinned comments 321', 322' continue to be displayed in the second position. This type of comment control allows the broadcaster to, for example, pin comments that the broadcaster wants to keep from the list of comments that flow through comment area 302 on screen 300. For example, the broadcaster can keep comments that the broadcaster wants to draw viewers' attention to, comments to develop communication with viewers, and the like displayed on screen 300 as pinned comments.

[0071] 5 and 6, the comment display unit 24 keeps the comments 321, 322 displayed in the comment list 320 (i.e., in the first position), and displays the comments 321, 322 as fixed comments 321', 322' in the second position. As another example, the comment display unit 24 may delete the operated comments 321, 322 from the comment list 320 (first position), and display the comments 321, 322 as fixed comments 321', 322' in the second position. In other words, the comment display unit 24 may change the display positions of the comments 321, 322.

[0072] In the example of Fig. 6, a user operation (tap) on a comment does not specify the second position, but the comment control unit 12 dynamically determines the second position in response to the user operation. Therefore, the user can display a desired comment in another location without specifying the second position. For example, when comments are frequently posted by one or more users and comments flow through the comment area 302 at high speed, each user can pick out a desired comment from a large number of comments with a simple operation and keep the comment displayed in the content area 301.

[0073] The user may change the comment displayed at the second position to yet another position (third position) by dragging and dropping it. When such a user operation is performed on the distributor terminal 20, a series of processes consisting of steps S113, S114, and S117 to S120 is executed, and the comment is changed from the second position to the third position. Alternatively, the user may erase the comment displayed at the second position from the screen by dragging and dropping it. When such a user operation is performed on the distributor terminal 20, a series of processes consisting of steps S113, S114, and S117 to S120 is executed, and the comment is erased from the screen.

[0074] FIG. 7 shows an example of comment control after the fixed comment 322′ is displayed. In this example, it is assumed that the distributor moves the fixed comment 322′ to the position 332 on the surplus area 303 by dragging and dropping. The position acceptance unit 25 of the distributor terminal 20 accepts the user operation (step S113). Then, the position acceptance unit 25 generates comment operation data including the comment ID and the position 332 of the fixed comment 322′, and transmits the comment operation data to the server 10 (step S114). In the server 10, the comment control unit 12 generates comment control data including the comment ID and the position 332, and transmits the comment control data to the distributor terminal 20 and the viewer terminal 30 (steps S117, S118). In the distributor terminal 20, the comment display unit 24 changes the display position of the fixed comment 322′ from the current position (second position) to the position 332 (third position) based on the comment control data (step S119).

[0075] Assume that the distributor swipes the fixed comment 321' out of the screen 300 in order to delete the fixed comment 321' from the screen 300. The position acceptance unit 25 of the distributor terminal 20 accepts the user operation (step S113). Then, the position acceptance unit 25 generates comment operation data including the comment ID of the fixed comment 321' and a deletion flag indicating deletion, and transmits the comment operation data to the server 10 (step S114). In the server 10, the comment control unit 12 generates comment control data including the comment ID and the deletion flag, and transmits the comment control data to the distributor terminal 20 and the viewer terminal 30 (steps S117 and S118). In the distributor terminal 20, the comment display unit 24 erases the fixed comment 321' from the screen 300 based on the comment control data (step S119). That is, the content management system 1 may erase the comment in response to a further user operation for erasing the comment, which is accepted in the user terminal that displays the comment at the second position.

[0076] FIG. 8 shows another example of comment control after the fixed comment 322' is displayed. In this example, it is assumed that the display mode of the video content 310 of the distributor terminal 20 has changed from a horizontal screen display to a vertical screen display. The position acceptance unit 25 of the distributor terminal 20 accepts the change in the display mode (step S113). Then, the position acceptance unit 25 generates comment control data including the comment IDs of the fixed comments 321' and 322' and the display mode of the video content 310 and indicating the distributor terminal 20, and transmits the comment control data to the server 10 (step S114). In the server 10, the comment control unit 12 generates comment control data including the comment IDs and the display mode of the video content 310, and transmits the comment control data to the distributor terminal 20 (steps S117, S118). In the broadcaster terminal 20, the comment display unit 24 changes the display position of the fixed comment 321' from the current position (second position) to position 333 (third position) on the surplus area 303 based on the comment control data, and changes the display position of the fixed comment 322' from the current position (second position) to position 334 (third position) on the surplus area 303 (step S119).

[0077] As shown in the example of FIG. 8, when the display mode of the video content 310 changes in the distributor terminal 20, the position accepting unit 25 may automatically change the positional relationship between the video content 310 and the fixed comment according to a predetermined rule. Examples of changes in the display mode of the video content 310 include a change in the display mode due to switching between a horizontal screen and a vertical screen, and a change in the display mode due to switching between a full screen display and a reduced display. The position accepting unit 25 may automatically change the display position of the fixed comment so as to change the positional relationship between the video content and the fixed comment as shown in FIG. 8, or to maintain the positional relationship. When the display mode of the video content 310 changes in the viewer terminal 30, the position accepting unit 34 may automatically change the display position of the fixed comment by the same process as the position accepting unit 25.

[0078] [User device] A user terminal according to an aspect of the present disclosure is a user terminal that is connected to other terminals via a communication network and includes at least one processor. The at least one processor displays video content on a screen, displays comments inputted at the user terminal or other terminals while the video content is being displayed together with the video content at a first position on the screen, and displays the comments at a second position different from the first position in response to a user operation on the comments received at the user terminal or other terminals while the video content and the comments are being displayed. That is, the user terminal according to an aspect of the present disclosure includes a user terminal that can access the above-mentioned content management system. In this case, the user terminal and the other terminals may be either a first terminal (distributor terminal 20) or a second terminal (viewer terminal 30).

[0079] A user terminal according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes a user terminal manufactured to be capable of the above-mentioned operations, a user terminal having a program installed that enables the above-mentioned operations, or a user terminal to which hardware that enables the above-mentioned operations is connected.

[0080] [Variations] Various examples of the present disclosure have been described in detail above. However, the present disclosure is not limited to the above examples. Various modifications of the present disclosure are possible without departing from the spirit of the present disclosure.

[0081] The comment control unit 12 may dynamically control the comments or the comment list in the comment area without accepting a user operation. For example, the comment control unit 12 may identify a user who inputs (posts) a comment displayed in the second position, and may count the number of times the comment is displayed in the second position as the number of pick-ups for each user and store the number of pick-ups in a storage device such as the user database 40. Then, the comment control unit 12 may control the display of the comments in the comment area based on the number of pick-ups. For example, the comment control unit 12 may display a comment of a user who has a large number of pick-ups in the comment area for a longer time than comments of other users. Alternatively, the comment control unit 12 may display a comment posted as a gift or a comment to which another user has responded (e.g., "liked") in the comment area for a longer time than other comments. Alternatively, when a fixed comment is located in the comment area, the comment control unit 12 may display the comment list so that the comment list flows around the fixed comment.

[0082] In the above example, the content management system 1 includes the server 10, but the content management system may be applied to content distribution between user terminals without using a server. In this case, each functional element of the server 10 may be implemented in one of the user terminals, or may be implemented separately in multiple user terminals. In this regard, the content management program may be realized as a client program. The content management system may be configured using a server, or may be configured without using a server. That is, the content management system may be implemented by a client-server system, or may be implemented by P2P (Peer to Peer) or E2E (End to End) encryption, which is a client-client system. The client-client system improves the confidentiality of content distribution.

[0083] In the above examples, the distributor terminal 20 and the viewer terminal 30 are shown as user terminals, but other types of user terminals may have the same functional elements as the distributor terminal 20 or the viewer terminal 30. For example, a moderator terminal, which is a computer used by a moderator who manages video content, may have the functional elements.

[0084] In this disclosure, the expression "at least one processor executes a first process, executes a second process, ... executes an nth process" or a corresponding expression indicates a concept including a case where the executing entity (i.e., the processor) of n processes from the first process to the nth process changes midway. In other words, this expression indicates a concept including both a case where all n processes are executed by the same processor and a case where the processor changes among the n processes according to an arbitrary policy.

[0085] The processing procedure of the method executed by at least one processor is not limited to the example in the above embodiment. For example, some of the above steps may be omitted, or each step may be executed in a different order. In addition, any two or more of the above steps may be combined, or some of the steps may be modified or deleted. Alternatively, other steps may be executed in addition to the above steps.

[0086] In comparing the magnitude of two numerical values, either of the two criteria "greater than or equal to" or "greater than" may be used, or either of the two criteria "less than or equal to" or "less than".

[0087] Any part or all of the functional elements described in this specification may be realized by a program. The programs mentioned in this specification may be distributed in a non-temporary manner recorded on a computer-readable recording medium, distributed via a communication line (including wireless communication) such as the Internet, or distributed in a state in which they are installed on any terminal.

[0088] Based on the above description, a person skilled in the art may be able to conceive additional effects or various modifications of the present disclosure, but the aspects of the present disclosure are not limited to the individual embodiments described above. Various additions, modifications, and partial deletions are possible within the scope of the conceptual idea and intent of the present disclosure derived from the contents defined in the claims and their equivalents.

[0089] For example, a configuration described in this specification as one device (or component; the same applies below) (including a configuration depicted as one device in the drawings) may be realized by multiple devices. Alternatively, a configuration described in this specification as multiple devices (including a configuration depicted as multiple devices in the drawings) may be realized by one device. Alternatively, some or all of the means or functions included in a certain device (e.g., a server) may be included in another device (e.g., a user terminal).

[0090] Not all of the features described in this specification are essential. For example, features that are described in this specification but not in the claims may be considered optional additional features.

[0091] The applicant is merely aware of the known technology described in the "Prior Art Documents" column of this specification. It should also be noted that this disclosure is not necessarily intended to solve the problems in the known technology. The problems to be solved in this disclosure should be identified by taking into consideration the entire specification. For example, if there is a description in this specification that a specific configuration produces a certain effect, it can also be said that the problem corresponding to the certain effect is solved. However, the description of the effect does not necessarily intend that such a specific configuration is an essential requirement.

[0092] [Note] As can be seen from the various examples above, the present disclosure includes the following aspects. (Appendix 1) At least one processor; the at least one processor: Displaying the video content generated by the first terminal on at least one target terminal selected from a terminal group including the first terminal and the second terminal; displaying a comment input on the first terminal or the second terminal while the video content is being displayed, together with the video content, at a first position on the at least one target terminal; displaying the comment at a second position different from the first position on at least one of the at least one target terminal in response to a user operation on the comment that is accepted on the first terminal or the second terminal while the video content and the comment are being displayed; Content management system. (Appendix 2) Each of the at least one target terminal displays a screen including a content area for displaying the video content and a comment area for displaying the comment at the first position; the at least one processor: setting the second position within the content area; Displaying the comment at the set second position. 2. A content management system as described in claim 1. (Appendix 3) the comment area is an area for displaying a group of comments including the comment so that the group of comments flows in a predetermined direction, the at least one processor displays the comment at the configured second location such that the comment is anchored within the content area. 4. A content management system as described in Appendix 2. (Appendix 4) The user operation does not include designation of the second position; the at least one processor: determining a preset position as the second position in response to the user operation; displaying the comment at the determined second location; 4. A content management system according to any one of claims 1 to 3. (Appendix 5) The user operation does not include designation of the second position; the at least one processor: dynamically determining the second position based on a predetermined rule in response to the user operation; displaying the comment at the determined second location; 5. A content management system according to any one of claims 1 to 4. (Appendix 6) the predetermined rule indicates that the comment is to be displayed adjacent to another comment that is displayed within a content area that displays the video content; the at least one processor determines a position adjacent to the other comment as the second position; 6. The content management system according to claim 5. (Appendix 7) the user operation includes designating the second position; the at least one processor displays the comment at the second position designated by the user operation. 7. A content management system according to any one of appendixes 1 to 6. (Appendix 8) 1. A content management method performed by a content management system having at least one processor, comprising: displaying the video content generated by the first terminal on at least one target terminal selected from a terminal group including the first terminal and the second terminal; displaying a comment input on the first terminal or the second terminal while the video content is being displayed, together with the video content, at a first location on the at least one target terminal; displaying the comment at a second position different from the first position on at least one of the at least one target terminal in response to a user operation on the comment that is accepted on the first terminal or the second terminal while the video content and the comment are being displayed; Content management methods, including: (Appendix 9) displaying the video content generated by the first terminal on at least one target terminal selected from a terminal group including the first terminal and the second terminal; displaying a comment input on the first terminal or the second terminal while the video content is being displayed, together with the video content, at a first location on the at least one target terminal; displaying the comment at a second position different from the first position on at least one of the at least one target terminal in response to a user operation on the comment that is accepted on the first terminal or the second terminal while the video content and the comment are being displayed; A content management program that causes a computer to execute the above. (Appendix 10) A user terminal that connects to other terminals via a communication network, At least one processor; the at least one processor: Display video content on the screen displaying a comment inputted at the user terminal or the other terminal while the video content is being displayed at a first position on the screen together with the video content; displaying the comment at a second position different from the first position in response to a user operation on the comment that is accepted at the user terminal or the other terminal while the video content and the comment are being displayed; User terminal.

[0093] According to Supplementary Notes 1, 8 to 10, in response to a user operation received while the video content and the comment are being displayed, the comment at the first position is displayed at a different second position. This mechanism can improve the convenience of the comment.

[0094] According to Supplementary Note 2, since the comment is displayed in a content area separate from the comment area, the comment can be displayed distinct from other comments, thereby improving the visibility of the comment.

[0095] According to Supplementary Note 3, while comments in the comment area are displayed in a flowing manner, a specific comment displayed in the content area continues to be displayed independently of the flow. This display improves the visibility of the specific comment. In one example, a distributor of video content can select a specific comment that the distributor wants to keep from among the comments posted by viewers, and pin the comment to the content area. In another example, a viewer who starts watching the video content halfway through can easily understand the video content by looking at the pinned comment.

[0096] According to Supplementary Note 4, even if a user operation on a comment does not indicate the second position, the comment is displayed at a preset second position. Since the comment is displayed at a different position even if the user does not specify a new display position for the comment, the convenience of the comment is further improved.

[0097] According to Supplementary Note 5, even if a user operation on a comment does not indicate the second position, the comment is displayed at a second position dynamically determined based on a predetermined rule. Since the comment is displayed at a different position even if the user does not specify a new display position for the comment, the convenience of the comment is further improved.

[0098] According to Supplementary Note 6, since a comment is displayed adjacent to another comment, the multiple comments that have been operated on can be displayed in an orderly manner. As a result, the visibility of the multiple comments is improved.

[0099] According to Supplementary Note 7, the comment is displayed at the second position specified by a user operation. This configuration allows the user to more intuitively operate the comment display position, thus further improving the convenience of the comments. [Explanation of symbols]

[0100] 1...content management system, 10...server, 11...content transfer unit, 12...comment control unit, 20...distributor terminal, 21...content generation unit, 22...content display unit, 23...comment acceptance unit, 24...comment display unit, 25...position acceptance unit, 30...viewer terminal, 31...content display unit, 32...comment acceptance unit, 33...comment display unit, 34...position acceptance unit, 40...user database, 300...screen, 301...content area, 302...comment area, 303...surplus area, 310...video content, 320...comment list, 321,322...comments, 321',322'...fixed comments, P1...server program, P2...client program.

Claims

1. at least one processor; the at least one processor: Displaying the video content generated by the first terminal on at least one target terminal selected from a group of terminals including the first terminal and the second terminal; displaying a comment input on the first terminal or the second terminal while the video content is being displayed, together with the video content, at a first position on the at least one target terminal; In response to a user operation on the input comment, which is accepted at the first terminal or the second terminal while the video content and the input comment are being displayed, displaying the input comment at a second position different from the first position on at least one of the at least one target terminal; each of the at least one target terminal displays a screen including a content area for displaying the video content, a comment area for displaying a group of comments including the input comment displayed at the first position, and a surplus area that is an area separate from the content area and the comment area; the at least one processor: setting the second position in the surplus area; displaying the input comment at the set second position while keeping one or more other comments from the group of comments that are different from the input comment displayed in the comment area; Content management system.

2. the comment area is an area where a group of comments including the comment is displayed so that the group of comments flows in a predetermined direction, the at least one processor displays the comment at the set second position such that the comment is fixed within the excess area. The content management system of claim 1 .

3. the user operation does not include designation of the second position, the at least one processor: determining a preset position as the second position in response to the user operation; displaying the comment at the determined second location; 3. The content management system according to claim 1.

4. the user operation does not include designation of the second position, the at least one processor: dynamically determining the second position based on a predetermined rule in response to the user operation; displaying the comment at the determined second location; 3. The content management system according to claim 1.

5. the predetermined rule indicates that the comment is to be displayed adjacent to another comment displayed in the excess area; the at least one processor determines a position adjacent to the other comment as the second position; The content management system of claim 4 .

6. the user operation includes designating the second position; the at least one processor displays the comment at the second position designated by the user operation.

3. The content management system according to claim 1.

7. 1. A content management method performed by a content management system comprising at least one processor, comprising: displaying the video content generated by the first terminal on at least one target terminal selected from a group of terminals including the first terminal and the second terminal; displaying a comment input on the first terminal or the second terminal while the video content is being displayed, together with the video content, at a first location on the at least one target terminal; displaying the input comment at a second position different from the first position on at least one of the at least one target terminal in response to a user operation on the input comment, the operation being accepted at the first terminal or the second terminal while the video content and the input comment are being displayed; Including, each of the at least one target terminal displays a screen including a content area for displaying the video content, a comment area for displaying a group of comments including the input comment displayed at the first position, and a surplus area that is an area separate from the content area and the comment area; the step of displaying the input comment at the second location includes: setting the second position in the excess area; and displaying the input comment at the set second position while keeping one or more other comments from the group of comments that are different from the input comment displayed in the comment area. Content management methods.

8. displaying the video content generated by the first terminal on at least one target terminal selected from a group of terminals including the first terminal and the second terminal; displaying a comment input on the first terminal or the second terminal while the video content is being displayed, together with the video content, at a first location on the at least one target terminal; displaying the input comment at a second position different from the first position on at least one of the at least one target terminal in response to a user operation on the input comment, the operation being accepted at the first terminal or the second terminal while the video content and the input comment are being displayed; on the computer, each of the at least one target terminal displays a screen including a content area for displaying the video content, a comment area for displaying a group of comments including the input comment displayed at the first position, and a surplus area that is an area separate from the content area and the comment area; the step of displaying the input comment at the second location includes: setting the second position in the excess area; and displaying the input comment at the set second position while keeping one or more other comments from the group of comments that are different from the input comment displayed in the comment area. Content management program.

9. A user terminal that connects to other terminals via a communication network, at least one processor; the at least one processor: Display video content on the screen displaying a comment input at the user terminal or the other terminal while the video content is being displayed at a first position on the screen together with the video content; displaying the input comment at a second position different from the first position in response to a user operation on the input comment that is accepted at the user terminal or the other terminal while the video content and the input comment are being displayed; the screen includes a content area for displaying the video content, a comment area for displaying a group of comments including the input comment displayed at the first position, and a surplus area that is an area separate from the content area and the comment area, the at least one processor: setting the second position in the surplus area; displaying the input comment at the set second position while keeping one or more other comments from the group of comments that are different from the input comment displayed in the comment area; User terminal.

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