Computer program, information processing apparatus, and information processing method

Abstract

To provide a computer program, an information processing device, and an information processing method that, when a plurality of mutually related videos is being viewed, allows one of the videos to be arbitrarily switched, thereby improving operability in video selection.SOLUTION: In a video distribution system, a computer program causes an information processing terminal 10 to execute a video display control step, a switching operation receiving step, and a video switching control step, and in the video display control step S130, a first video and a video selected from a plurality of videos associated with the first video are displayed on a display unit as a second video. In the switching operation receiving step S140, a switching operation is received, and in the video switching control step S150, the video displayed on the display unit as the second video is switched to another video selected from the plurality of videos on the basis of the switching operation.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 7

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a computer program, an information processing device, and an information processing method. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a method and device for providing a multi-view streaming service including at least two or more screens. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 6427692 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, when multiple videos are being viewed, it is not possible to arbitrarily switch between one of the videos.

[0005] The present invention aims to provide a computer program, an information processing device, and an information processing method that, when watching multiple videos that are related to each other, enable the user to arbitrarily switch between any one of the videos, thereby improving the ease of video selection. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] A computer program according to one embodiment of the present invention is a computer program that causes a computer to execute a video display control step, a switching operation receiving step, and a video switching control step, wherein in the video display control step, a first video and a video selected from a plurality of videos associated with the first video are displayed on a display unit as a second video, in the switching operation receiving step, a switching operation is received, and in the video switching control step, based on the switching operation, the video displayed on the display unit as the second video is switched to another video selected from the plurality of videos.

[0007] According to one aspect of the present invention, when a user is watching multiple videos that are related to each other, the user can arbitrarily switch between any one of the videos, thereby improving the ease of video selection. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an overview of a video distribution system 1 according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 2] 1 is a block diagram showing a hardware configuration of an information processing terminal 10 according to a first embodiment. [Diagram 3] 2 is a block diagram showing a hardware configuration of the server 20 according to the first embodiment. FIG. [Figure 4] 1 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of an information processing terminal 10 according to a first embodiment. [Diagram 5] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing a state in which a first moving image 12 and a second moving image 14 are displayed on an information processing terminal 10 according to the first embodiment. [Figure 6] 1 is a schematic diagram showing a state in which a list of moving images selectable as a second moving image 14 is displayed on the information processing terminal 10 according to the first embodiment. [Figure 7] 2 is a diagram illustrating a processing flow of the video distribution system 1 according to the first embodiment. FIG. [Figure 8] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an overview of a video distribution system 2 according to a second embodiment. [Figure 9]FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of an information processing terminal 10 according to a second embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram showing a state in which a user icon is displayed together with a video on an information processing terminal 10 according to a second embodiment. [Figure 11] 13 is a schematic diagram showing a state in which a second moving image 14b is displayed in an area 19 on an information processing terminal 10 according to a second embodiment. FIG. [Figure 12] FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating a processing flow of the video distribution system 2 according to the second embodiment. [Figure 13] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an overview of a video distribution system 3 according to a third embodiment. [Figure 14] FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of an information processing terminal 10 according to a third embodiment. [Figure 15] FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating a similarity relationship between predictions of a user U1 and each of the participants in a video in predicting rankings in a bicycle race according to the third embodiment. [Figure 16] FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram showing a state in which a list of moving images selectable as a second moving image 14 is displayed on an information processing terminal 10 according to a third embodiment. [Figure 17] FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating a processing flow of the video distribution system 2 according to the third embodiment. [Figure 18] FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating the relationship between the selection of predictions by a user U1 with respect to each cast member of a video and weighting in predicting the rankings of a bicycle race according to the third embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0009] Hereinafter, several embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Various features shown in the following embodiments can be combined with each other. Also, each feature can be an invention independently.

[0010] <1. First embodiment> (1-1. Video distribution system 1) An information processing device according to an embodiment of the present invention constitutes a part of a moving image distribution system 1 as shown in Fig. 1. The moving image distribution system 1 includes an information processing terminal 10 and a server 20.

[0011] The information processing terminal 10 is configured to be able to communicate with the server 20 via a communication line 5. A user of the information processing terminal 10 can simultaneously watch multiple videos (first video 12 and second video 14) distributed from the server 20. Furthermore, by operating the information processing terminal 10, the user can switch the video displayed as the second video 14 to another video that can be selected as the second video 14 while still watching the first video 12. Each component will be described below.

[0012] (1-2. Hardware configuration of video distribution system 1) The hardware configuration of the video distribution system 1 will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0013] (1-2-1. Hardware configuration of information processing terminal 10) 2 is a block diagram showing a hardware configuration of the information processing terminal 10 according to this embodiment. The information processing terminal 10 is, for example, an information processing terminal such as a smartphone or a tablet terminal, and includes a touch panel display 45 capable of displaying images and receiving operations, a speaker 46 for outputting sound, a microphone 47 for inputting sound, and a camera 48 for capturing an image of a subject, as well as a control unit 41, a storage unit 42, a communication unit 44, and an operation button 49.

[0014] The control unit 41 is, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a microprocessor, or a DSP (Digital Signal Processor), and controls the overall operation of the information processing terminal 10.

[0015] A part of the storage unit 42 is composed of, for example, a RAM (Random Access Memory) or a DRAM (Dynamic Random Access Memory), and is used as a work area when the control unit 41 executes processes based on various programs. In addition, a part of the storage unit 42 is, for example, a non-volatile memory such as a ROM (Read Only Memory) or an HDD (Hard Disk Drive), and stores various data such as images and programs used for processing by the control unit 41.

[0016] The programs stored in the memory unit 42 include, for example, an OS (Operating System) for realizing the basic functions of the information processing terminal 10, drivers for controlling various hardware, programs for realizing e-mail, web browsing, video playback, and various other functions, and include the computer program related to this embodiment.

[0017] The communication unit 44 is, for example, a network interface controller (NIC), and has a function of connecting to the communication line 5. Note that the communication unit 44 may have, instead of or together with the NIC, a function of connecting to a wireless local area network (LAN), a function of connecting to a wireless wide area network (WAN), and a function of enabling short-distance wireless communication such as Bluetooth (registered trademark), infrared communication, and the like.

[0018] The operation buttons 49 are provided on the side surface of the information processing terminal 10, and include a power button for starting and stopping the information processing terminal 10, a volume adjustment button for the sound output by the speaker 46, and the like.

[0019] The control unit 41, memory unit 42, communication unit 44, touch panel display 45, speaker 46, microphone 47, camera 48, and operation buttons 49 are electrically connected to one another via a system bus 40. Therefore, the control unit 41 can access the memory unit 42, display images on the touch panel display 45, grasp the operation state of the touch panel display 45 and the operation buttons 49 by the user, input sound to the microphone 47, output sound from the speaker 46, control the camera 48, and access various communication networks and other information processing devices via the communication unit 44.

[0020] (1-2-2. Hardware configuration of server 20) 3 is a block diagram showing a hardware configuration of the server 20 according to this embodiment. The server 20 includes a control unit 51 that controls the overall operation of the server 20, and a storage unit 52 that is used as a work area when the control unit 51 executes various programs and in which various programs and various data are stored in advance. The following description will focus on the differences from the information processing terminal 10.

[0021] The server 20 is connected to other information processing devices such as the information processing terminal 10 via the communication line 5 and includes a communication unit 54 for transmitting and receiving various data to and from the other information processing devices. The server 20 may also include an operation input unit 55 configured with a keyboard, mouse, etc. for receiving input for various operations, and a monitor 56 such as a liquid crystal display device for displaying various images.

[0022] The control unit 51 , the storage unit 52 , the communication unit 54 , the operation input unit 55 , and the monitor 56 are electrically connected to each other via a system bus 57 .

[0023] (1-3. Functional configuration of information processing terminal 10) 4, the information processing terminal 10 includes a control unit 41, an operation receiving unit 32, and a display unit 39. The control unit 41 includes a display control unit 31. The display control unit 31 has a video display control unit 36 ​​and a video switching control unit 37.

[0024] The operation reception unit 32 receives a switching operation. The video switching control unit 37 included in the display control unit 31 switches the second video 14 displayed on the display unit 39 to another video selected from the multiple videos based on the switching operation. Details of each function will be described later.

[0025] The operation reception unit 32 is configured as a touch panel of the touch panel display 45 included in the information processing terminal 10, and is configured to be able to input operations for selecting a video, etc., by a user's operation.

[0026] The display unit 39 is configured with a touch panel display 45 provided in the information processing terminal 10, and displays various information such as videos.

[0027] The above-mentioned functional configuration may be realized by software (including so-called applications) appropriately installed in the information processing terminal 10, or may be realized by hardware. When realized by software, various functions can be realized by the control unit 41 executing a program constituting the software.

[0028] When the function is realized by executing a program, the program may be stored in a storage unit 42 built into the information processing terminal 10, or may be stored in a non-transitory computer-readable recording medium. The function may also be realized by reading out a program stored in an external storage device, so-called cloud computing. When the function is realized by hardware, it can be realized by various circuits such as ASIC, SOC, FPGA, or DRP. The above-mentioned functional configuration may be partially processed by the server 20 using software or hardware.

[0029] (1-4. Functions of the display control unit 31) The function of the display control unit 31 will be described with reference to Fig. 5 and Fig. 6. As shown in Fig. 5, the video display control unit 36 ​​causes the first video 12 and a video selected from a plurality of videos associated with the first video 12 to be displayed as the second video 14 on the display unit 39 (touch panel display 45).

[0030] The first video 12 is one of the videos distributed from the server 20, and is, for example, a video of a competition, a movie, a drama, etc. The competition related to the video of the competition is various sports, for example, a race using bicycles, cars, boats, or race horses, or a baseball or soccer game.

[0031] The second video 14 is one of the videos distributed from the server 20, is determined to be highly related to the first video 12, and is selected from the multiple videos associated with the first video 12. The determination of the relationship between the first video 12 and the multiple videos that are candidates for the second video 14 may be performed by an administrator of the video distribution system 1, or may be performed by the information processing terminal 10 or the server 20 according to predetermined conditions or analysis results using artificial intelligence or the like.

[0032] When the first video 12 is a competition video, multiple videos that are candidates for the second video 14 may be determined to be highly relevant to the first video 12 and may be associated with it, such as live footage of the competition, footage showing people watching the competition, footage of the competition from a different angle, and other footage displaying information about the competition.

[0033] In one display mode when multiple videos are associated with the first video 12, the video display control unit 36 ​​may display at least one of the multiple videos on the display unit 39 in conjunction with the playback of the first video 12 so that the videos are played simultaneously. In this way, when the second video 14 selected from the multiple videos is played in conjunction with the playback of the first video 12, the progress between the videos is linked, creating a sense of realism. Also, information related to the first video 12 can be obtained from the second video 14 in a timely manner.

[0034] The first video 12 and the second video 14 may be distributed by either live distribution or non-live distribution, but live distribution provides a sense of realism. In addition, the first video 12 and the second video 14 may be distributed by either streaming or download, but streaming distribution may be selected for live distribution.

[0035] Next, a switching operation of the second moving image will be described with reference to Fig. 5 and Fig. 6. The operation receiving unit 32 receives a switching operation by a user of the information processing terminal 10. The switching operation is various inputs by the user to the information processing terminal 10, and is mainly an operation on the touch panel of the touch panel display 45.

[0036] Based on the switching operation, the video switching control unit 37 switches the video displayed as the second video 14 on the display unit 39 to another video selected from the multiple videos. Here, the switching operation may include a selection operation on a list of one or more videos selectable as the second video 14, which is displayed in response to a predetermined operation on an area 15 on the touch panel corresponding to the second video 14.

[0037] As an example, as shown in FIG. 6, by pressing and holding (pressing and holding for a certain period of time or longer) an area 15 on the touch panel of touch panel display 45 corresponding to second video 14, an area 16 is displayed.

[0038] A list of the titles of selectable videos is displayed in area 16. For example, when videos A to E are present as a plurality of videos selectable as second video 14 and "video A" is being displayed as second video 14, videos B to E are displayed in the list. Instead of characters, the list may display reduced videos or still images of parts of the videos.

[0039] When the user selects one of the videos in area 16, for example "video B," area 16 becomes hidden and "video B" begins to play as second video 14. This configuration allows the user to select from the list and switch to another video, allowing the user to intuitively and easily select a video and select a desired video or a video that catches their interest in one go.

[0040] Moreover, one of the switching operations may be a swipe on an area 15 (FIG. 5) on the touch panel that corresponds to the second video 14. That is, by sliding a finger or the like that touches the touch panel up and down or left and right on the area 15 on the touch panel that corresponds to the second video 14, the video can be switched to another video. With this configuration, the user can intuitively and easily select a video.

[0041] Regarding switching by swiping, for example, when videos A to E are present as multiple videos selectable as second video 14 (managed in the order of A, B, C, D, and E), and video B is being displayed as second video 14, a right swipe may be used to display video A, and a left swipe may be used to display video C.

[0042] In this way, the display control unit 31 switches the second video 14 displayed on the display unit 39 to another video selected from the multiple videos based on the switching operation, so that the user of the information processing terminal 10 can arbitrarily switch the second video 14 by the switching operation, and can easily select and watch a video related to the first video 12.

[0043] (1-5. Flow of video viewing and video switching using video distribution system 1) The flow of video viewing and video switching in the video distribution system 1 will be described with reference to FIG.

[0044] Steps S110 and S210 are executed as a preliminary step for receiving and displaying moving images. In step S110, the information processing terminal 10 makes a moving image distribution request to the server 20. In step S210, the server 20 transmits a list of distributable moving images.

[0045] Next, a moving image display control step (S130) is executed. Step S130 includes steps S131, S133, and S134.

[0046] In step S131, a video to be displayed as the first video 12 on the information processing terminal 10 is selected from the list of distributable videos in accordance with a user operation or a predetermined condition. In step S133, a video to be displayed as the second video 14 on the information processing terminal 10 is selected from the multiple videos associated with the selected first video 12 in accordance with a user operation or a predetermined condition. Then, the selected content is transmitted to the server 20.

[0047] In step S230, the server 20 starts distributing the selected videos as a first video and a second video to the information processing terminal 10. In step S134, the first video 12 distributed from the server 20 via the communication line 5 and the second video 14 selected from the multiple videos associated with the first video 12 are received by the communication unit 44 of the information processing terminal 10, and the video display control unit 36 ​​of the control unit 41 causes the display unit 39 of the information processing terminal 10 to display them.

[0048] While a video is being viewed, a switching operation receiving step (S140) and a video switching control step (S150 and S160) are executed. In step S140, the operation receiving unit 32 receives a switching operation. In step S150, the video switching control unit 37 requests the server 20 to deliver another video to be displayed as the second video 14, based on the content selected by the switching operation.

[0049] In step S240, server 20 starts delivering the other video as second video 14 to information processing terminal 10 based on the request. In step S160, video switching control unit 37 causes display unit 39 to display the other video received from server 20 as second video 14.

[0050] <2. Second embodiment> (2-1. Video distribution system 2) 8, the moving image distribution system 2 includes a plurality of information processing terminals including an information processing terminal 10 and an information processing terminal 11, and a server 20.

[0051] In the second embodiment, the information processing terminal 10, the information processing terminal 11, and the server 20 share display information of videos, etc. Therefore, the user U1 can obtain information about another user U2 who is highly related to the video he is displaying and the videos, etc. displayed by the other user U2, and can easily watch those videos.

[0052] In the following description, for simplicity, among a plurality of information processing terminals including the information processing terminal 10 and the information processing terminal 11, the following description will be mainly focused on the information processing terminal 10 and the information processing terminal 11. Also, the same configurations and processes as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and descriptions of the same functions are omitted, and the descriptions thereof will not be repeated.

[0053] The information processing terminal 11 is configured similarly to the information processing terminal 10, but the information processing terminal 10 and the information processing terminal 10 may have the same specifications, such as size and performance, or may be different from each other. A user of the information processing terminal 10 (11) can simultaneously watch multiple videos (first video 12a and second video 14a, and first video 12b and second video 14b, respectively) distributed from the server 20. In addition, the user can switch the video displayed as the second video 14a (14b) to another video that can be selected as the second video 14a (14b) while watching the first video 12a (12b) by operating the information processing terminal 10 (11).

[0054] (2-2. Functional configuration of information processing terminal 10 and information processing terminal 11) 9, the information processing terminal 10 (11) includes a control unit 41, an operation receiving unit 32, and a display unit 39. The control unit 41 includes a display control unit 31, an information sharing unit 33, and a user relevance determination unit 34. The display control unit 31 has a video display control unit 36, a video switching control unit 37, and a user icon display control unit 38.

[0055] The information sharing unit 33 shares predetermined information with the server 20 or another information processing terminal 11 (10). The user icon display control unit 38 displays one or more user icons representing users U2 (U1) of the other information processing terminal 11 (10) on the display unit 39 of the information processing terminal 10 (11).

[0056] The inter-user relevance determination unit 34 calculates the priority of the user of the other information processing terminal 11(10) to be displayed on the display unit 39, based on the relevance between the user U1(U2) of the information processing terminal 10(11) and the user U2(U1) of the other information processing terminal 11(10). Details of each function will be described later.

[0057] (2-3. Functions of Information Sharing Unit 33) 8, the information sharing unit 33 shares predetermined information with the server 20 via the communication line 5. The information sharing unit 33 may share predetermined information between information processing terminals via the communication line 5.

[0058] Of the specific information that the information processing terminal 10 shares with the server 20 or other information processing terminals 11, the information provided by the information processing terminal 10 includes display information of the first video 12a and the second video 14b being played on the information processing terminal 10, information on the user U1 using the information processing terminal 10, etc.

[0059] Of the specific information that the information processing terminal 10 shares with the server 20 or other information processing terminals 11, the information received by the information processing terminal 10 includes display information of the first video 12b and the second video 14b being played on the information processing terminal 11, information on the user U2 using the information processing terminal 11, etc.

[0060] (2-4. Functions of the user icon display control unit 38) 10, the user icon display control unit 38 displays one or more user icons (e.g., user icons IA to IH) representing users of other information processing terminals on the display unit 39 of the information processing terminal 10. The user U2 of the information processing terminal 11 is displayed as, for example, the user icon IB. Note that the user U1 of the information processing terminal 10 may also be displayed on the display unit 39 of the information processing terminal 10, and is displayed as, for example, the user icon IA.

[0061] Furthermore, the user icon display control unit 38 displays a user icon, and the user to be displayed as the user icon is determined based on display information, one piece of display information taken into consideration in the determination is the display information of the first moving image.

[0062] For example, when "video X" is displayed as the first video 12a on the information processing terminal 10 and "video X" is displayed as the first video 12b on the information processing terminal 11 of the user U2 at the same time, the user icon of the user U2 may be displayed on the display unit 39 of the information processing terminal 10. When there are multiple information processing terminals displaying the same first video, the user to be displayed may be determined randomly, but may also be determined by further considering display information such as display information of the second video, user information, and the like.

[0063] Furthermore, the operation receiving unit 32 receives a predetermined operation on the user icon. The video switching control unit 37 switches the video displayed as the second video 14a on the display unit 39 of the information processing terminal 10 to another video (second video 14b) that is selected from the multiple videos as the second video and is displayed on the information processing terminal 11 of the user U2 corresponding to the user icon that has been operated on, based on the switching operation.

[0064] An example of a switching operation will be described below with reference to Fig. 11. As shown in Fig. 11, when a user U1 performs an operation such as touching on an area 18 corresponding to a user icon IB, an area 19 is displayed. In the area 19, the second video 14b displayed on the information processing terminal 11 of a user U2 is displayed in a reduced size.

[0065] Then, by performing an operation such as touching on area 19, video switching control unit 37 of information processing terminal 10 starts displaying the video displayed as second video 14b as second video 14a. Note that information related to second video 14b displayed in area 19 may be characters representing the video, or a still image of a part of the video, etc. Furthermore, when multiple videos are displayed as second videos on information processing terminal 11, information related to the multiple videos may also be displayed in area 19 so that a selection can be made from among them.

[0066] With this configuration, the user can obtain information about other users who are highly relevant to the video being displayed and videos being displayed by other users. In addition, by operating the user icon, it is possible to easily switch to videos being displayed by other users, and highly relevant videos can be efficiently selected.

[0067] (2-5. Functions of the user relevance determination unit 34) 9 again, the function of the user relevance determination unit 34 will be described. The user relevance determination unit 34 calculates the priority of the user of the other information processing terminal 11 to be displayed, based on the relevance between the user U1 of the information processing terminal 10 and the user U2 of the other information processing terminal 11. When displaying a user icon, the user icon display control unit 38 can take into consideration the priority of the user U2 to be displayed by the user relevance determination unit 34.

[0068] The user icon display control unit 38 can determine a user to be displayed as a user icon based on the fact that the same first video as that of the information processing terminal 10 is displayed and on the basis of priority. With this configuration, the user can obtain information on videos displayed by other users who are highly related to the user and other users. In addition, by operating the user icon, it is possible to easily switch to videos displayed by other users, and highly related videos can be efficiently selected.

[0069] When the priority is taken into consideration, users who are users of information processing terminals displaying the same first moving image and who are to be displayed as user icons in the order of highest priority may be determined. For example, when users UA to UZ are users of information processing terminals displaying the same first moving image as a certain user, and the priority is highest in the order of A to Z, and the number of user icons that can be displayed is limited to 8, user icons IA to IH corresponding to users UA to UH may be selected and displayed on the display unit.

[0070] The predetermined information shared by the information sharing unit 33 includes user information on the user U2 of the other information processing terminal 11. The user information is, for example, information on the friendship between the user U1 and the user U2 (hereinafter, also referred to as "friend information"). The friend information is an index of interactions inside and outside the service that provides the video distribution system 2. In other words, the priority of the user U2 to be displayed can be said to be the degree of interaction between the user U1 and the user U2 (or the depth of the friendship, the degree of intimacy, etc.).

[0071] Examples of interactions within the service include conversations in chats or the like where opinions can be exchanged regarding the sport distributed as the first video, or exchanging accounts or IDs in the service and being connected so that contact can be made, etc. Examples of interactions outside the service include some kind of contact (so-called "likes," "follows," "adding friends," etc.) on a social networking service (SNS).

[0072] (2-6. Flow of video viewing, user icon display, and video switching using video distribution system 2) The flow of video viewing user icon display and video switching by the video distribution system 2 will be described with reference to Fig. 12. Note that a description of the same processes as those in the first embodiment will be omitted.

[0073] In steps S130 and S330, the first moving image 12a (12b) and the second moving image 14a (14b) are displayed on the display units 39 of the information processing terminals 10 and 11. Then, information sharing steps (S135 and S335) are executed. In steps S135 and S335, the information processing terminals 10 and 11 share predetermined information including display information of each other's moving images.

[0074] The information sharing step may be performed multiple times, and the order of execution of steps S130, S330, S135, and S335 is appropriately determined depending on whether or not distribution to each of information processing terminals 10 and 11 starts.

[0075] Regarding sharing of display information, the information may be transmitted from the information processing terminal 11 to the server 20 or the information processing terminal 10 at the timing of information sharing, but it may also be realized by transmitting information held by the server 20 to the information processing terminal 10 from the server 20 based on the distribution status of the video.

[0076] Next, a user icon display step (S180) is executed. In step S180, a user icon representing a user U2 of the other information processing terminal 11 is displayed on the display unit 39 of the information processing terminal 10 based on the display information in the information processing terminal 11.

[0077] Step S180 may include a user relevance determination step (S185). In step S185, a priority of user U2 of the information processing terminal 11 to be displayed is calculated based on the relevance between user U1 of the information processing terminal 10 and user U2 of another information processing terminal 11. In step S180, a user icon to be displayed is determined based on the priority of user U2 and users of other information processing terminals.

[0078] Next, a switching operation receiving step (S140) and a video switching control step (S150 and S160) are executed. In step S140, the operation receiving unit 32 receives the switching operation. In step S150, the video switching control unit 37 requests the server 20 to distribute another video to be displayed as the second video, based on the content selected by the switching operation. In step S240, the server 20 starts distributing the other video as the second video to the information processing terminal 10 based on the request. In step S160, the video switching control unit 37 causes the display unit 39 to display the other video received from the server 20 as the second video.

[0079] Here, the switching operation may be a predetermined operation on an area on the touch panel corresponding to the second video, or may be an operation on an area on the touch panel corresponding to a user icon. If the operation is on an area on the touch panel corresponding to a user icon, in step S150, the video displayed as the second video 14a on the display unit 39 is switched to the video displayed as the second video 14b on the information processing terminal 11 of the user U2 based on the switching operation.

[0080] <3. Third embodiment> (3-1. Video distribution system 3) The video distribution system 3 according to the third embodiment of the present invention will be described below. The video distribution system 3 includes an information processing terminal 10 and a server 20. The information processing terminal 10 and the server 20 share information about a first video 12, allowing a user U1 to view a second video 14 that is highly relevant to the user U1. Each component will be described below.

[0081] In the following description, the same configurations and processes as those in the first and second embodiments are denoted by the same reference numerals, and descriptions of the same functions are omitted, and the descriptions thereof will not be repeated.

[0082] (3-2. Functional configuration of information processing terminal 10) 14, the information processing terminal 10 includes a control unit 41, an operation receiving unit 32, and a display unit 39. The control unit 41 includes a display control unit 31, an information sharing unit 33, and a video user relevance determination unit 35. The display control unit 31 has a video display control unit 36 ​​and a video switching control unit 37.

[0083] The information sharing unit 33 shares predetermined information with the server 20. The video user relevance determination unit 35 determines the relevance between the user U1 of the information processing terminal 10 and each of the multiple videos, based on information about the multiple videos associated with the first video 12 and information about the behavior of the user U1 of the information processing terminal 10. Details of each function will be described later.

[0084] (3-3. Functions of Information Sharing Unit 33) 13, the information sharing unit 33 shares predetermined information with the server 20 via the communication line 5. The predetermined information includes information on the first video 12 and a plurality of videos associated with the first video 12 that can be selected as the second video 14. The predetermined information may also include information on the behavior of the user U1.

[0085] The information regarding the multiple videos is stored, for example, in the memory unit 52 of the server 20. It may also be configured to be stored on a server different from the server 20 and acquired by the server 20 as appropriate. The information regarding the multiple videos is, for example, information on the content of the videos, or information linked to the videos before or during video distribution. The information linked to the videos is, for example, predictions regarding the development of the content of the first video 12. The information regarding the multiple videos may include multiple predictions regarding the development.

[0086] When the first video 12 is a video of a competition, the multiple videos that are candidates for the second video 14 are, for example, a live video of the competition, a video showing a person watching the competition, etc. A prediction regarding the development of the content of the first video 12, which is information linked to the video, is, for example, a prediction of the development of the competition by a person doing the live commentary, or a prediction of the development of the competition by a person watching the competition.

[0087] Here, a prediction of the development of a competition is, for example, a prediction of the outcome of the competition, a prediction of the finishing order if the competition is a race, and a prediction of the final outcome or score if the competition is a match. A prediction of the finishing order is a prediction of the first place athlete, a prediction of the combination of the first and second place athletes, or a prediction of the combination of the athletes ranked third or higher, etc.

[0088] The information on the behavior of the user U1 is information on the behavior of the user U1 before or during the video distribution, such as a prediction regarding the development of the content of the first video 12. The information on the behavior of the user U1 may include multiple predictions regarding the development.

[0089] The information on the behavior of the user U1 is stored, for example, in either the storage unit 42 of the information processing terminal 10 or the storage unit 52 of the server 20. In addition, the information may be stored in a server or the like different from the server 20, and may be configured so that the information processing terminal 10 or the server 20 appropriately acquires the information.

[0090] (3-4. Functions of the video user relevance determination unit 35) The video user relevance determination unit 35 determines the video user relevance, which is the relevance between the user U1 of the information processing terminal 10 and each of the multiple videos, based on information about the multiple videos and information about the behavior of the user U1 of the information processing terminal 10. The video display control unit 36 ​​selects the second video 14 from the multiple videos based on the video user relevance. With this configuration, the user can watch a video that is highly relevant to his or her own behavior.

[0091] The inter-video user relevance is determined based on, for example, whether predictions regarding developments contained in the information linked to the video and the information regarding the behavior of user U1 are similar to each other.

[0092] Determining whether predictions are similar to each other will be described with reference to Fig. 15. In the example shown in Fig. 15, a bicycle race in which competitors R1 to R6 participate is distributed as a first video 12. Videos A to C are also distributed as multiple videos associated with the first video 12 (i.e., videos that are candidates for the second video 14).

[0093] Here, suppose that user U1 predicts that in the bicycle race, competitor R2 will come in first, competitor R4 will come in second, and competitor R1 will come in third, i.e., "(R)2-(R)4-(R)1," as shown in the lower part of Fig. 15. Meanwhile, suppose that performer TA in video A predicts "1-2-3," performer TB in video B predicts "1-2-4," and performer TC in video C predicts "2-4-1."

[0094] In this case, the video user relevance determination unit 35 determines that user U1's prediction regarding the development of video C is closest to the prediction regarding the development of the performers in video C. This is because the order of the athletes in 1st to 3rd place is the same. It also determines that it is next closest to the prediction regarding the development of the performers in video B. This is because the order of the athletes in 1st to 3rd place is different but the combinations are the same. It may then determine that it is third closest to the prediction regarding the development of the performers in video A. This is because the combinations of the athletes in 1st to 3rd place are different. Note that these criteria for determination are merely examples, and similarity may be determined based on different criteria.

[0095] In the above example, the video user relevance determination unit 35 determines that video C is closest to the prediction of the performers' development and that video C is highly relevant among the multiple videos to the user U1 of the information processing terminal 10. Then, the video display control unit 36 ​​displays the bicycle race video as the first video 12, and selects and displays video C from videos A to C as the second video 14 based on the video user relevance.

[0096] Furthermore, when a swipe is performed on the area 15 corresponding to the second video 14 on the touch panel of the touch panel display 45 as a switching operation (see FIG. 5), the video display control unit 36 ​​can be configured to select a video to be displayed as the second video 14 from among multiple videos in order of video-user relevance. With this configuration, the user can switch between videos related to his / her own behavior in order of relevance by swiping.

[0097] For example, in the bicycle race example above, when video C is displayed as the second video 14, swiping left allows the second video 14 to be switched to video B, which has the next highest relevance (prediction of how the story will play out is close). With video B displayed as the second video 14, swiping further left allows the second video 14 to be switched to video C, which has the next highest relevance. With video C displayed as the second video 14, swiping right allows the second video 14 to be switched to video B, which has the next highest relevance.

[0098] Furthermore, when a predetermined operation is performed as a switching operation on an area 15 on the touch panel of the touch panel display 45 that corresponds to the second video 14, the video display control unit 36 ​​can be configured to display a list of multiple videos selectable as the second video 14 in order of the video user relevance. By configuring in this way, the user can display videos related to his / her own behavior in a list in order of relevance by performing an operation such as a long press, and select from the list.

[0099] For example, as shown in Fig. 16, in the bicycle race example, when video C is displayed as second video 14, pressing and holding area 15 displays area 16. Area 16 displays a list of the titles of selectable videos, with video B, video A, and so on, displayed from the top in order of relevance (closeness of prediction regarding the development).

[0100] (3-5. Flow of video viewing and video switching using video distribution system 3) The flow of video viewing and video switching in the video distribution system 3 will be described with reference to FIG.

[0101] As a preliminary step for receiving and displaying a moving image, for example, steps S110, S115, and step S210 are executed. In step S110, the information processing terminal 10 makes a moving image distribution request to the server 20. In step S210, the server 20 transmits a list of distributable moving images.

[0102] Next, an information sharing step (S115) is executed. In step S115, predetermined information is shared with the server 20.

[0103] Next, a video display control step (S130) is executed. Step S130 includes steps S131, S133, and S134. In addition, during step S130, a video user relevance determination step (S132) is executed.

[0104] In step S131, a video that can be displayed as the first video 12 on the information processing terminal 10 in accordance with a user operation or a predetermined condition is selected from a list of videos that can be distributed. In S132, based on information on the multiple videos and information on the behavior of the user U1 of the information processing terminal 10, a video user association, which is an association between the user U1 of the information processing terminal 10 and each of the multiple videos, is determined.

[0105] In step S133, a video to be displayed as the second video 14 on the information processing terminal 10 is selected from the multiple videos associated with the selected first video 12, based on the video-user relevance. Then, the selection of the first video 12 and the second video 14 is transmitted to the server 20.

[0106] In step S230, the server 20 starts distributing the selected videos as the first video and the second video to the information processing terminal 10. In step S134, the first video 12 and the second video 14 distributed from the server 20 via the communication line 5 are received by the communication unit 44 of the information processing terminal 10, and the video display control unit 36 ​​of the control unit 41 causes the display unit 39 of the information processing terminal 10 to display them.

[0107] Next, a switching operation receiving step (S140) and a video switching control step (S150 and S160) are executed. In step S140, the operation receiving unit 32 receives the switching operation. In step S150, the video switching control unit 37 requests the server 20 to deliver another video to be displayed as the second video 14, based on the content selected by the switching operation.

[0108] In step S240, server 20 starts delivering the other video as second video 14 to information processing terminal 10 based on the request. In step S160, video switching control unit 37 causes display unit 39 to display the other video received from server 20 as second video 14.

[0109] Note that the information sharing step (S116) may be performed again between step S134 and step S140. Information sharing may be performed at any time other than these timings as necessary. Also, the video user relevance determination step (S132) may be performed before the video display control step (S130).

[0110] (3-6. Modifications) As information regarding the behavior of user U1, we have described predictions regarding the development of the content of the first video 12, but user U1 may also select his or her own predictions from predictions regarding the development of the content of the first video 12, which is information linked to the video.

[0111] In one example, the user U1 can select the prediction of the performer TC for the bicycle race and make it his / her own prediction. In this case, the prediction of the user U1 and the prediction of the performer TC match, so the similarity is high, and the video C is selected as the video with high relevance and is displayed as the second video 14.

[0112] Furthermore, user U1 may select, as his / her own prediction, multiple predictions regarding the development of the contents of first video 12, which is information linked to the video. In one example, for the bicycle race, the user U1 may select predictions of multiple performers and set them as his / her own predictions. As shown in FIG. 18, assume that the predictions of performers TB and TC are selected. Since the predictions of user U1 and the predictions of performers TB and TC match, the similarity between the predictions is the same, and either video B or video C is selected as a highly related video and may be displayed as second video 14. At this time, which of video B and video C is selected is determined based on predetermined conditions, etc.

[0113] Furthermore, user U1 may select multiple predictions regarding the development of the contents of first video 12, which is information linked to the video, as his / her own predictions, and may assign points or the like to each prediction and weight it. The weighting may also be taken into consideration when selecting second video 14. Note that points may be coins or the like that can be used within the service that provides video distribution system 3, or may be real or virtual currency that can be used outside the service.

[0114] For example, assume that the predictions of performer TB and performer TC are selected, 50 points are awarded to the prediction of performer TB, and 100 points are awarded to the prediction of performer TC, as shown in Fig. 18. Since the prediction of user U1 matches the predictions of performer TB and performer TC, the similarity between the predictions is the same, but since the points awarded to the prediction of performer TC are greater, video C is selected and displayed as the second video 14.

[0115] <4. Other embodiments> Although the embodiment of the present invention and its modified examples have been described above, the application of the present disclosure is not limited to the above. For example, in the above embodiment, the information processing terminal 10 etc. has been described as a terminal having a touch panel display 45 such as a smartphone, but the present disclosure is not limited to this example. The information processing terminal 10 may be realized by installing software on a home PC or the like, and may be configured to accept operations such as a mouse.

[0116] In each embodiment, the first video 12 and the second video 14 may be displayed side by side or overlapped. When overlapping, the second video 14 may be displayed in a size smaller than the first video 12 within the display area of ​​the first video 12. When overlapping at different sizes, it is easy for the user to determine which video is the main one. The sizes of the first video 12 and the second video 14 may be arbitrarily changed by the user's operation. Also, multiple second videos 14 may be displayed simultaneously with the first video 12.

[0117] Furthermore, when the first video 12 is switched, the second video 14 is selected from a plurality of videos associated with the first video 12, and therefore the second video 14 is also switched in conjunction with the first video 12. By simply switching the first video 12, the user can display a video related to the newly selected first video 12 for the second video 14.

[0118] In addition, the sharing of specific information via communication line 5 is mainly performed via a WAN such as the Internet, but between information processing terminals, communication may also be performed only via short-range wireless communication such as Bluetooth (registered trademark) and infrared communication without using a WAN.

[0119] In the above embodiment, the functions are mainly provided in the information processing terminal 10, etc., but if permitted by their nature, some of the functions may be provided in the server 20, etc., or provided in both the information processing terminal 10, etc. and the server 20, etc. For example, the user relevance determination unit 34 and the video user relevance determination unit 35 may be provided in the server 20.

[0120] Furthermore, each step described in the above embodiment as being executed by the information processing terminal 10 or the like may also be executed by the server 20 or the like if permitted by its nature.

[0121] Furthermore, the present invention can also be realized as a computer-readable non-transitory recording medium storing the above-mentioned program.

[0122] <5. Features of the embodiment> The features of the embodiments of the present invention are summarized below.

[0123] A computer program according to one embodiment of the present invention is a computer program that causes a computer (information processing terminal 10) to execute a video display control step S130, a switching operation receiving step S140, and video switching control steps S150 and S160, in which the video display control step S130 causes a first video 12 and a video selected from a plurality of videos associated with the first video 12 to be displayed on the display unit 39 as a second video 14, the switching operation receiving step S140 receives the switching operation, and the video switching control steps S150 and S160 switch the video displayed as the second video on the display unit 39 to another video selected from the plurality of videos based on the switching operation.

[0124] With this configuration, when a plurality of mutually related moving images are being viewed, it is possible to arbitrarily switch to one of the moving images, thereby improving the operability of moving image selection.

[0125] In the moving image display control step S130, at least one of the multiple moving images associated with the first moving image 12 is displayed so as to be played back simultaneously in conjunction with the playback of the first moving image 12.

[0126] With this configuration, the progress of the videos is linked, providing a sense of realism. Also, information about the first video 12 can be obtained from the second video 14 in a timely manner.

[0127] Display unit 39 has a touch panel, and one of the switching operations is a swipe on area 15 corresponding to second video 14 on the touch panel.

[0128] Such a configuration allows the user to perform intuitive and simple operations.

[0129] Display unit 39 has a touch panel, and the switching operation includes a selection operation on a list of one or more moving images selectable as second moving image 14, which is displayed in response to a predetermined operation on an area 15 of the touch panel corresponding to second moving image 14.

[0130] With this configuration, users can select from the list and switch to other videos, allowing them to intuitively and easily select videos, and they can select the video they are looking for or that catches their interest in one go.

[0131] The computer program according to an aspect of the present invention further causes the computer (information processing terminal 10) to execute an information sharing step S135, in which predetermined information is shared with the server 20 or another computer (information processing terminal 11).

[0132] A computer program according to one embodiment of the present invention further causes the computer (information processing terminal 10) to execute a user icon display step S180, where the specified information includes display information of the first video 12b and the second video 14b displayed on another computer (information processing terminal 11). In the user icon display step S180, based on the display information, one or more user icons IB representing a user U2 of the other computer (information processing terminal 11) are displayed on a display unit 39 of the computer (information processing terminal 10). One of the switching operations is a specified operation on the user icons IB. In the video switching control steps S150-S160, based on the switching operation, the video displayed on the display unit 39 as the second video 14a is switched to another video selected from the multiple videos and displayed on the computer (information processing terminal 11) of the user U2 corresponding to the user icon IB.

[0133] With this configuration, the user can obtain information about videos displayed by other users who are highly relevant to the video being displayed, and other users. In addition, the user can easily switch to the video by operating the user icon, and can efficiently select a highly relevant video.

[0134] The user icon display step S180 includes a user relevance determination step S185, and the specified information includes user information related to a user U2 of another computer (information processing terminal 11). In the user relevance determination step S185, the priority of the user U2 of the other computer (information processing terminal 11) to be displayed is calculated based on the relevance between the user U1 of the computer (information processing terminal 10) and the user U2 of the other computer (information processing terminal 11). In the user icon display step S180, the user icon to be displayed is determined based on the priority of the user U2.

[0135] With this configuration, users can obtain information about other users who are highly related to the user and videos displayed by other users. In addition, users can easily switch to the videos by operating the user icon, and can efficiently select videos that are highly related to the user.

[0136] A computer program according to one embodiment of the present invention further causes the computer (information processing terminal 10) to execute a video user relevance determination step S132, in which the specified information includes information regarding a plurality of videos, and in the video user relevance determination step S132, video user relevance, which is the relevance between user U1 of the computer (information processing terminal 10) and each of the plurality of videos, is determined based on the information regarding the plurality of videos and information regarding the behavior of user U1 of the computer (information processing terminal 10), and in the video display control step S130, a video to be displayed as the second video 14 is selected from the plurality of videos based on the video user relevance.

[0137] With this configuration, the user can view videos that are highly relevant to his / her own actions.

[0138] The display unit 39 has a touch panel, and when a swipe is performed on an area 15 on the touch panel corresponding to the second video 14 as a switching operation, in a video display control step S130, a video to be displayed as the second video 14 is selected from multiple videos in order of video user relevance.

[0139] With this configuration, the user can switch between videos related to his / her own actions in order of relevance by swiping.

[0140] The display unit 39 has a touch panel, and when a specified operation is performed on an area 15 on the touch panel corresponding to the second video 14 as a switching operation, in a video display control step S130, a list of multiple videos that can be selected as the second video 14 is displayed in order of video user relevance.

[0141] With this configuration, the user can display videos related to his / her own actions in a list arranged in order of relevance by performing an operation such as long press, and can select from the list.

[0142] An information processing device (information processing terminal 10) according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a display control unit 31 and an operation receiving unit 32, the display control unit 31 causes a first video 12 and a video selected from a plurality of videos associated with the first video 12 to be displayed on the display unit as a second video 14, the operation receiving unit 32 receives a switching operation, and the display control unit 31 switches the video displayed on the display unit 39 as the second video 14 to another video selected from the plurality of videos based on the switching operation.

[0143] An information processing method according to one embodiment of the present invention includes display control steps (S130, S150, S160) and an operation reception step (S140). In the display control step, a first video 12 and a video selected from a plurality of videos associated with the first video 14 are displayed on the display unit 39 as a second video 14. In the operation reception step, a switching operation is received. In the display control step, based on the switching operation, the video displayed as the second video 14 on the display unit 39 is switched to another video selected from the plurality of videos.

[0144] Although various embodiments of the present invention have been described, these are presented as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. The novel embodiments can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. The embodiments and their modifications are included in the scope and spirit of the invention, and are included in the scope of the invention and its equivalents described in the claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0145] 1,2,3:Video distribution system 5: Communication lines 10, 11: Information processing terminal 12, 12a, 12b: First video 14, 14a, 14b: Second video 15,16,18,19: area 20: Server 31: Display control section 32: Operation reception section 33: Information sharing department 34: User relevance determination unit 35: Video user relevance determination unit 36: Video display control section 37: Video switching control section 38: User icon display control unit 39: Display section 40: System bus 41: Control section 42: Storage section 44: Communications Department 45: Touch panel display 46: Speaker 47: Mike 48: Camera 49: Operation button 51: Control section 52: Storage section 54: Communications Department 55: Operation input section 56: Monitor 57: System bus A-E: Video IA~IH: User icon R1~R6: Competitor TA~TC: Performer U1~U2: User

Claims

[Claim 1] A computer program for causing a computer to execute a video display control step, a switching operation receiving step, and a video switching control step, In the moving image display control step, a first moving image and a moving image selected from a plurality of moving images associated with the first moving image are displayed on a display unit as a second moving image; In the switching operation receiving step, a switching operation is received, The video switching control step switches the video displayed as the second video on the display unit to another video selected from the plurality of videos based on the switching operation.

Images