System and information processing apparatus

Abstract

To restrict viewing of information when an accumulated viewing time exceeds a restriction viewing time even in the midst of the viewing.SOLUTION: A system includes a first information processing apparatus, a second information processing apparatus, and a server. A first control unit of the first information processing apparatus uses user information registered in advance and user information acquired by a user information acquisition unit of the first information processing apparatus to perform user authentication, controls a first display unit of the first information processing apparatus to display content information, and measures a viewing time of the content information displayed on the first display unit. Accumulated viewing time information based on the viewing time is transmitted to the second information processing apparatus via the server. A first communication unit of the first information processing apparatus receives viewing restriction time information via the server from the second information processing apparatus. When the first control unit determines that the viewing time in measurement is equal to or longer than a viewing restriction time set in the first information processing apparatus, the first control unit issues a notification.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 18

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a system and an information processing apparatus.

Background Art

[0002] In recent years, with the spread of smartphones, tablet PCs, etc., it has become possible to easily view videos etc. distributed on the Internet etc. both indoors and outdoors. Also, many users own multiple information devices such as smartphones, personal computers, and televisions, and the time spent looking at displays has unknowingly become longer.

[0003] For this reason, the burden on the eyes has been increasing, and there are concerns about vision decline and stiff shoulders etc. caused by looking at a display for a long time. In particular, in order to suppress the influence on children in the growth period, it is preferable to limit the time spent looking at a display within a certain time. Also, for example, depending on the family's education policy, parents may want to limit the time their children spend watching a display.

[0004] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a viewing restriction system including a STB (Set - Top Box) as a viewing device, a monitor that reproduces contents such as videos and still images received by this STB, a user terminal that remotely operates the STB by wireless communication, and an administrator terminal that sets a viewing time limit value for each user terminal in the STB. According to Patent Document 1, in the STB, the viewing history (viewing time) and the viewing time limit value are managed for each terminal ID unique to the user terminal. When a viewing request is received from the user terminal, the viewing time and the limit value are compared based on that terminal ID, and as long as the viewing time is below the limit value, viewing of the content is permitted, and otherwise it is described that the viewing request is rejected.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0005]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0006] In the viewing restriction system of Patent Document 1, whether viewing is permitted is determined before the start of viewing of the content, but whether viewing is permitted is not determined during the viewing of the content. For this reason, even if the cumulative viewing time elapses the viewing restriction time while viewing information such as content, it has not been possible to restrict the viewing of information such as content.

[0007] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide an information processing apparatus capable of restricting viewing even when the cumulative viewing time elapses the viewing restriction time during the viewing of information.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0008] Among the inventions disclosed in the present application, the outline of typical ones will be briefly described as follows.

[0009] A system according to a representative embodiment of the present invention includes a first information processing device, a second information processing device, and a server connected to the first information processing device and the second information processing device, the first information processing device having a user information acquisition unit that acquires user information, a first display unit, a first communication unit, and a first control unit, the second information processing device having a second control unit that registers information about a user of the first information processing device and sets a viewing restriction time of the first information processing device, and a second communication unit that transmits viewing restriction time information about the viewing restriction time to the first information processing device, the first control unit performing user authentication using the user information registered in advance and the user information acquired by the user information acquisition unit, and then transmitting content information to the first information processing device. the first control unit controls the first display unit to display the content information displayed on the first display unit, measures a viewing time of the content information displayed on the first display unit, and controls the first communication unit to transmit cumulative viewing time information based on the viewing time to the second information processing device via the server, the first communication unit receives viewing restriction time information regarding a viewing restriction time from the second information processing device via the server, and when the first control unit determines that the viewing time being measured is equal to or longer than the viewing restriction time set by the second information processing device, the first control unit controls the content information displayed on the first display unit to be hidden and viewing restricted, and the first control unit controls the content information to be hidden and the viewing restriction lifted when a desired time has elapsed after the content information is hidden. Effect of the Invention

[0010] The effects obtained by the representative inventions among those disclosed in this application will be briefly described as follows.

[0011] In other words, according to a representative embodiment of the present invention, it is possible to provide an information processing device that is capable of restricting viewing even if the cumulative viewing time exceeds the viewing restriction time while viewing information. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0012]

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[0013] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In all the drawings for explaining the embodiments, the same parts are generally denoted by the same reference numerals, and the repeated explanations thereof are omitted. In addition, hatching may be added even to a plan view in order to make the drawings easier to understand.

[0014] Furthermore, in the following embodiments, for convenience, when necessary, they will be divided into a plurality of sections or embodiments for explanation, but unless otherwise specified, they are not unrelated to each other, and one is a modification, detail, supplementary explanation, etc. of a part or all of the other.

[0015] In addition, in the following embodiments, when referring to the number of elements, etc. (including the number, numerical value, amount, range, etc.), unless otherwise specified and unless it is clearly limited to a specific number in principle, it is not limited to that specific number, and it may be more than or less than the specific number.

[0016] In addition, in the following embodiments, it goes without saying that the components (including element steps, etc.) are not necessarily essential unless otherwise specified and unless they are clearly considered essential in principle.

[0017] In addition, in the following embodiments, when referring to components or the like as "comprising A", "consisting of A", "having A", or "including A", it goes without saying that other components are not excluded, except in cases where it is explicitly stated that only that element is involved. Similarly, in the following embodiments, when referring to the shape, positional relationship, etc. of components or the like, it is assumed to include those that are substantially approximate or similar to the shape, etc., except in cases where it is explicitly stated and cases where it is clearly not so in principle. This also applies to the above numerical values and ranges.

[0018] (Embodiment 1) FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration diagram of the information processing apparatus according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a plan view illustrating one form of the information processing apparatus according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of the usage state of the information processing apparatus according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

[0019] The information processing apparatus 100 in the present embodiment is, for example, a smartphone, a mobile phone, a tablet terminal, a personal computer, or the like. As shown in FIG. 1, the information processing apparatus 100 includes a user information acquisition unit 116, a display unit 117, a viewing time measurement unit 170, and a control unit 114. In addition to these, the information processing apparatus 100 also includes an information storage unit 125, a tuner / demodulation unit 122, a signal separation unit 121, a memory 132, an acceleration sensor unit 133, a geomagnetic sensor unit 134, a communication I / F 113, a mobile communication I / F 131, an information input unit 115, a GPS reception unit 135, a gyro sensor unit 136, an imaging unit 140, a switch input unit 150, an audio input / output unit 160, and the like. These components are connected to each other via a bus 101. A button 151 is connected to the switch input unit 150. A microphone 161 and a speaker 162 are connected to the audio input / output unit 160.

[0020] The user information acquisition unit 116 is provided, for example, in the peripheral part of the display unit 117 as shown in FIG. 2. The user information acquisition unit 116 acquires user information for identifying a user. The user information acquisition unit 116 is composed of, for example, a biological sensor that reads biological information, and acquires biological information such as a fingerprint or a finger vein pattern as user information via the biological sensor. Also, when acquiring a password input by the user as user information, the information input unit 115 described later may also function as a user information acquisition unit. Further, a touch panel in which the information input unit 115 and the display unit 117 described later are integrally configured may also function as a user information acquisition unit. Also, when acquiring face information extracted from a user image captured by the imaging unit 140 described later as user information, the imaging unit 140 may also function as a user information acquisition unit. The user information acquisition unit 116 may acquire, for example, operation information regarding operations such as turning on and off the display of the display unit 117 by a user's operation.

[0021] The display unit 117 is composed of, for example, a liquid crystal panel, an organic EL (electroluminescence) panel, or the like. The display unit 117 may be integrally configured with the information input unit 115 as a touch panel, for example. The display unit 117 displays, for example, content information such as images and videos stored in the information storage unit 125, content information received by the tuner demodulation unit 122, the communication I / F 113, and the mobile communication I / F 131, content information such as images and videos captured by a registered user, and content information such as images and videos generated by an application program. The display unit 117 displays, for example, a user interface (UI) such as an input screen for a password required for logging on to the information processing apparatus 100.

[0022] The display unit 117 displays an image or the like warning the registered user to restrict viewing of content information or the like as described later.

[0023] The viewing time measurement unit 170 measures the viewing time and the like of the content information and the like displayed on the display unit 117 by the registered user. For example, in the control unit 114 described later, when it is determined that the user who attempts to use the information processing apparatus 100 is a registered user and the registered user logs on to the information processing apparatus 100, the viewing time measurement unit 170 measures the time when the content information is displayed on the display unit 117 as the viewing time of the registered user. The viewing time measurement unit 170 measures the viewing time, for example, by setting the time when the registered user logs on to the information processing apparatus 100 as the viewing start time and measuring the elapsed time from the viewing start time.

[0024] The viewing time measurement unit 170 may, for example, have a clock function and use the time information inside the viewing time measurement unit 170. Further, the viewing time measurement unit 170 may acquire time information from a server 1050 connected to the external network 1040 via the communication I / F 113 and the wireless router shown in FIG. 3. Further, the viewing time measurement unit 170 may acquire time information from the server 1040 via the mobile communication I / F 131 and the base station 1010. Further, the viewing time measurement unit 170 may acquire time information from the GPS signal received by the GPS reception unit 135. Further, the information processing apparatus 100 may acquire time information from the TV signal received by the tuner / demodulation unit 122. The viewing time measurement unit 170 measures the viewing time, for example, by calculating the difference from the viewing start time based on the time information acquired by these methods.

[0025] Further, the viewing time measurement unit 170 may measure the viewing time, for example, by driving a timer in the information processing apparatus 100 from the viewing start time. Alternatively, the viewing time measurement unit 170 may drive a counter in the information processing apparatus 100 from the viewing start time and measure the viewing time by replacing the count value with the viewing time.

[0026] The viewing time measurement unit 170 may be configured by hardware or by software. Further, the viewing time measurement unit 170 may be configured integrally with hardware such as control 114, for example, or may be incorporated into another program.

[0027] The information storage unit 125 stores content information regarding the information processing apparatus 100, viewing information of registered users described later, and the like. The information storage unit 125 stores various program information such as a basic program for operating the information processing apparatus 100 and application programs for realizing various functions in the information processing apparatus 100, for example. The information storage unit 125 stores, for example, various setting information of the information processing apparatus 100, information created by an application program, content information to be displayed on the display unit 117, registered user information for identifying registered users registered in the information processing apparatus 100, and viewing information of registered users such as the cumulative viewing time of registered users and the viewing restriction time which is the upper limit of the cumulative viewing time, which are related to the determination for restricting the viewing of registered users.

[0028] The registered user information is, for example, a password, biometric information such as a fingerprint or a finger vein pattern, and face information which are required when a registered user logs on to the information processing apparatus 100. In addition to these types of information, the information storage unit 125 stores various contents such as video and audio streams received from the tuner demodulation unit 122, the communication I / F 113, and the mobile communication I / F 131, for example.

[0029] The application program may be stored in the information storage unit 125 in advance before the information processing apparatus 100 is shipped, for example. Alternatively, the application program stored in a medium such as an optical medium like a CD (Compact Disk) or a DVD (Digital Versatile Disk), or a semiconductor memory, etc., may be installed in the information processing apparatus 100 via a medium connection unit (not shown), for example. Further, the application program may be downloaded and installed from an external network (not shown) via the communication I / F 113 and a wireless router (not shown). Furthermore, the application program may be downloaded and installed from a distribution source via the mobile communication I / F 131 and a base station (not shown). Additionally, the information processing apparatus 100 may be connected to a personal computer (PC) that has acquired the application program via an external network, via an external device connection I / F (not shown), and the application program may be installed by being moved or copied from the PC to the information processing apparatus 100. Also, the application program may be implemented by the above-described software, or may be implemented by hardware having, for example, equivalent functions. When the application program is implemented by hardware, the hardware mainly realizes each function.

[0030] Note that the information storage unit 125 may be built in the information processing apparatus 100, or may be configured to be detachable from the information processing apparatus 100.

[0031] The tuner demodulation unit 122 receives, for example, a TV signal transmitted from the broadcast station 1020 shown in FIG. 3 and demodulates the received TV signal. The signal separation unit 121 separates the TV signal demodulated by the tuner demodulation unit 122 into various signals such as TV signals for each channel and an electronic program guide (EPG), for example.

[0032] In the memory 132, for example, the basic program, application program, etc. read from the information storage unit 125 are expanded. By the control unit 114 executing the program expanded in the memory 132, various functions provided by each program are realized.

[0033] The acceleration sensor unit 133 measures the magnitude and direction of the acceleration (e.g., gravitational acceleration) applied to the information processing apparatus 100. The acceleration sensor unit 133 outputs the measured values of the magnitude and direction of the acceleration to the control unit 114 as, for example, acceleration information. Also, the acceleration information may be stored in the information storage unit 125.

[0034] The geomagnetic sensor unit 134 measures the magnitude and direction of the geomagnetism applied to the information processing apparatus 100. The geomagnetic sensor 134 may be composed of, for example, a plurality of magnetic sensors, and the geomagnetism may be measured by the plurality of magnetic sensors. The geomagnetic sensor 134 outputs the measured values of the magnitude and direction of the geomagnetism to the control unit 114 as, for example, geomagnetic information. Also, the geomagnetic information may be stored in the information storage unit 125.

[0035] The communication I / F 113 is connected to the wireless router 1030 shown in FIG. 3 via, for example, a wireless LAN or the like, and is connected to the external network 1040 via the wireless router 1030.

[0036] The communication I / F 113 performs transmission and reception of content information, viewing information of registered users, etc. with, for example, the server 1050 on the external network 1040.

[0037] In addition to, or instead of, the communication function with the wireless router 1030, the communication I / F 113 may directly communicate with the server 1050 via a wireless LAN such as Wi-Fi (registered trademark) without going through the wireless router 1030. Hardware for realizing these communication functions may be respectively installed in the communication I / F 113, or these communication functions may be realized by one piece of hardware. The connection with the external network 1040 by the communication I / F 113 may be prioritized over the communication network connection by the mobile communication I / F 131.

[0038] The mobile communication I / F 131 is connected to the external network 1040 via the base station 1010 shown in FIG. 3 by using a third-generation mobile communication system (hereinafter referred to as "3G") such as the GSM (registered trademark) (Global System for Mobile Communications) system, the W-CDMA (Wideband Code Division Multiple Access) system, the CDMA2000 system, or the UMTS (Universal Mobile Telecommunications System) system, or a mobile communication network such as the LTE (Long Term Evolution) system. The mobile communication I / F 131 may be composed of one or more pieces of hardware corresponding to these communication systems.

[0039] The communication I / F 113 transmits and receives, for example, content information, viewing information of registered users, etc. to and from the server 1050 on the external network 1040.

[0040] The information input unit 115 receives an operation from the user to the information processing apparatus 100 and acquires operation information. The information input unit 115 may be, for example, buttons that realize various operations according to the state of the information processing apparatus 100, or may be composed of one or more buttons corresponding to numbers, symbols, etc., or may be, for example, a touch panel integrally formed with the display unit 117. Further, the information input unit 115 may receive a signal transmitted by infrared communication or the like from a terminal such as a remote controller and acquire operation information from the received signal.

[0041] Examples of the operation information include information regarding the power-on / off operation of the information processing apparatus 100, information regarding the on / off operation of the display unit 117, and the like.

[0042] For example, when the information input unit 115 receives the input of a password as user information, it may also function as a user information acquisition unit.

[0043] When the information input unit 115 is a touch panel integrated with the display unit 117, the user can move an arbitrary object (icon) or the like displayed on the touch panel by moving it while touching it with a finger (drag operation), or by moving a finger on the touch panel as if flicking it (flick operation). Also, the user can activate an object or the like or switch to another screen by tapping an object or the like once with a finger (tap operation) or tapping it twice (double-tap operation).

[0044] The GPS reception unit 135 receives GPS signals transmitted from a plurality of satellites using GPS (Global Positioning System). The GPS reception unit 135 outputs, for example, the received GPS signals to the control unit 114. Also, the received GPS signals may be stored in the information storage unit 125.

[0045] The gyro sensor unit 136 measures the angular velocity of the information processing apparatus 100 that occurs when the user moves the information processing apparatus 100. The gyro sensor unit 136 outputs, for example, the measured angular velocity to the control unit 114 as angular velocity information. Also, the angular velocity information may be stored in the information storage unit 125.

[0046] The imaging unit 140 includes, for example, an optical system such as a lens, an image sensor, a signal processing circuit, and the like. Exposure control, focus control, acquisition image pixel number (e.g., resolution) control, compression control, storage control of the captured image, etc. in the imaging unit 140 are performed, for example, in the control unit 114. These controls are performed, for example, according to a program for camera control. Specifically, the program for camera control stored in the information storage unit 125 is expanded in the memory 132, and the control unit 114 executes the expanded program, whereby these controls are performed. The imaging unit 140 may be provided, for example, on the user side (display unit 117 side) of the information terminal device 100 as shown in FIG. 2, or may be provided on the side opposite to the user (opposite to the display unit 117) not shown. Further, the imaging unit 140 may be provided on each of both sides thereof.

[0047] As shown in FIG. 1, the switch input unit 150 is connected to one or more buttons 151. The switch input unit 150 receives the input of switch information from the button 151 and outputs the input switch information to the control unit 114. Based on the switch information, the control unit 114 performs controls such as turning on / off the information processing device 100, starting and stopping application programs, and adjusting the volume (volume up / down) using two buttons.

[0048] As shown in FIG. 1, for example, the audio input / output unit 160 is connected to a microphone 161 as an audio input unit and a speaker 162 as an audio output unit. The audio input / output unit 160 receives the input of the user's audio information via the microphone 161, for example. The audio input / output unit 160 outputs the audio information via the speaker 162, for example. The audio input / output unit 160 adjusts the volume based on the operation of the button 151 described above, for example.

[0049] Bus 101 is an internal bus that connects the components of the information processing apparatus 100 to each other. Each component performs input / output of various information via bus 101. Also, the components may be directly connected without going through bus 101. For example, when handling a large amount of information, information may be directly input and output between the input side and the output side. By doing so, the load on bus 101 is reduced.

[0050] The control unit 114 controls each component that makes up the information processing apparatus 100. The control unit 114 executes various programs based on, for example, operation information from the user acquired by the information input unit 115 or switch information acquired by the switch input unit 150, and controls components such as the signal separation unit 121, the display unit 117, and the communication I / F 113.

[0051] The control unit 114 acquires various information such as content information and viewing information of registered users from the server 1050 on the connected external network 1040 via, for example, the communication I / F 113 and the wireless router 1030. The control unit 114 acquires various information such as content information and viewing information of registered users from the server 1050 on the connected external network 1040 via, for example, the mobile communication I / F 131 and the base station 1010.

[0052] The control unit 114, for example, based on operation information, switch information, etc., turns the power of the information processing apparatus 100 on and off, turns the display unit 117 on and off, adjusts the volume, etc. Also, the control unit 114 may turn off the display unit 117, for example, when operation information, switch information, etc. are not input for a certain period of time or more.

[0053] The control unit 114 calculates, for example, the acceleration (such as gravitational acceleration) applied to the information processing apparatus 100 based on the acceleration information output from the acceleration sensor unit 133. Based on the calculated acceleration, the control unit 114 detects which part of the information processing apparatus 100 is upward, that is, the posture of the information processing apparatus 100. For example, the control unit 114 causes the display unit 117 to display a screen such that the upper part of the screen to be displayed coincides with the upper part measured by the acceleration sensor unit 133. Thereby, the control unit 114 causes the display unit 117 to display a screen that matches the way the user holds the information processing apparatus 100. The control unit 114 calculates the position information of the information processing apparatus 100 based on the GPS signal output from the GPS reception unit 135. The control unit 114 detects the movement of the information processing apparatus 100 based on the angular velocity information output from the gyro sensor unit 136.

[0054] For example, when turning on the display unit 117, the control unit 114 identifies the user. Specifically, the control unit 114 determines whether the user who intends to use the information processing apparatus 100 is a registered user registered in advance. For example, the control unit 114 compares the user ID and code, password, biometric information, face information, and other registered user information regarding the registered user stored in the information storage unit 125 in advance with the user information acquired by the user information acquisition unit 116 to determine whether the user is a registered user.

[0055] When the user is a registered user, the control unit 114 compares the cumulative viewing time, which is the cumulative viewing time within a predetermined time, with the viewing limit time, which is the upper limit of the preset cumulative viewing time. Note that the predetermined time is the period for calculating the cumulative viewing time, and when the predetermined time elapses, the cumulative viewing time is reset. The reset time for resetting the cumulative viewing time may be set at, for example, 3:00 am, and 24 hours from 3:00 am to 3:00 am the next day may be set as the predetermined time. Also, the reset time may be set at other times, the predetermined time may be shorter than 24 hours, or may be longer than 24 hours. Also, the reset time and the predetermined time may be set in the information processing apparatus 100 by default, or may be freely set by the user.

[0056] When the cumulative viewing time is equal to or more than the viewing limit time, the control unit 114 warns the registered user. For example, the control unit 114 causes the display unit 117 to display a warning image warning the registered user that the cumulative viewing time has exceeded the viewing limit time. Alternatively, the control unit 114 generates a warning sound from the speaker 162.

[0057] The wireless router 1030 has a wireless LAN function such as Wi-Fi, for example, and is connected to the external network 1040 shown in FIG. 3 via a communication line. Also, the wireless router 1030 is connected to the information processing apparatus 100 and the external network 11. Note that Wi-Fi is a standard specification of a wireless LAN (Local Area Network) established by the standard "IEEE 802.11a / IEEE 802.11b" of the IEEE (Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, USA).

[0058] The wireless router 1030 is equipped with two interfaces, one on the LAN side and the other on the WAN (Wide Area Network) side, and different IP addresses are assigned to these interfaces. Specifically, a global IP address that can be identified on the Internet is assigned to the WAN-side interface, and a private IP address that can be used within a closed network is assigned to the LAN-side interface. In addition, the wireless router 1030 has a firewall function for restricting access from the external network 1040 side, and a NAPT (Network Address Port Translation) function for converting a private address to a global address or converting a global address to a private address.

[0059] The information processing apparatus 100 can transmit and receive various types of information and content between the server 1050 connected to the external network 1040 via the communication I / F 113 and the wireless router 1030, or via the mobile communication I / F 131 and the base station 1010.

[0060] Next, a method for recording viewing information of a registered user in the information processing apparatus 100 will be described. In the present embodiment, a case where the information processing apparatus 100 is assumed to be used by a specific individual for whom one user is registered will be described. Hereinafter, various functions may be realized by hardware, or each application program may be expanded in the memory 132 and realized by the control unit 114 executing each application program.

[0061] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a flowchart relating to a method for recording viewing information in Embodiment 1 of the present invention. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of a UI image displayed at the time of user authentication in Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

[0062] In step S1001, the user who intends to use the information processing apparatus 100 is identified. That is, step S1001 is a step of performing user authentication to determine whether the user who intends to use the information processing apparatus 100 is a registered user who has been registered in advance as a user of the information processing apparatus 100.

[0063] Note that the registered user information regarding the registered user is stored in the information storage unit 125 of the information processing apparatus 100 or in the server 1050 on the network 1040 in association with the terminal information of the information processing apparatus 100 by a registration operation performed in advance by the user who intends to receive the registration. Also, for example, the viewing information regarding the registered user, such as the viewing restriction time and the reset time, may be stored in the information storage unit 125 in advance by the administrator user or the registered user himself / herself, or may be stored in the server 1050 in association with the terminal information of the information processing apparatus 100.

[0064] The administrator user determines whether there is a right to set the viewing information of the registered user. For example, based on the determination of the administrator user, it is determined whether only the administrator user can set the viewing information or whether the registered user himself / herself can also set the viewing information. Also, the administrator user may be a registered user or a user other than the registered user.

[0065] The control unit 114 determines whether the user is a registered user based on the user information and the registered user information that identifies the registered user. First, when the information processing apparatus 100 detects that the button 151 of the switch input unit 150, the information input unit 115, the user information acquisition unit 116, etc. have been pressed, the control unit 114 turns on the display unit 117 and displays, for example, a UI image that requests the input of user information. For example, the control unit 114 displays a password input screen 201 that requests the input of a password, as shown in FIG. 5, for example. On the password input screen 201, a software keyboard corresponding to each digit from "0" to "9" as shown in FIG. 5, for example, may be displayed, or alternatively, a software keyboard that combines numbers and symbols, for example, may be displayed.

[0066] Then, the information processing apparatus 100 acquires the password input by the user as user information. The acquired password is output to the control unit 114. The control unit 114 compares the acquired password with the password registered in advance as the registered user information, and determines whether the user who attempts to use the information processing apparatus 100 is a registered user. That is, if the input password and the registered password match, the control unit 114 determines that the user is a registered user. In this case, it is determined that the user touches the displayed keyboard in the same order as the registered password. Then, the registered user can log on to the information processing apparatus 100, and, for example, the initial screen after logging on to the information processing apparatus 100, content information, etc. are displayed on the display unit 117.

[0067] On the other hand, if the input password does not match the registered password, the control unit 114 determines that the user is not a registered user. In this case, it is determined that the user is touching the displayed keyboard in an order different from the registered password. And the user cannot log on to the information processing apparatus 100. However, in this case, an image or the like notifying that the input password is different from the registered password may be displayed on the display unit 117, or a password input screen 201 prompting re - input of the password may be displayed.

[0068] Note that, as described above, the control unit 114 may use the registered user information stored in the information storage unit 125, or for example, may use the registered user information stored in the server 1050. Also, in the above example, the case where the password consists of numbers and symbols has been described, but in addition to this, selection of characters or images, or the touch trajectory etc. may also be used as user information.

[0069] Also, in the above description, the case where the display unit 117 is a touch panel integrally configured with the information input unit 115 has been described, but in addition to this, the information input unit 115 may consist of, for example, buttons corresponding to the above - mentioned software keyboard, and the password may be input from the buttons.

[0070] Also, biometric information such as fingerprints or finger vein patterns may be used as registered user information. In this case, the user inputs user information, for example, by having a user information acquisition unit 116 equipped with a biometric sensor read biometric information such as fingerprints or finger vein patterns. The user information acquisition unit 116 acquires the biometric information as user information and outputs the acquired biometric information to the control unit 114. The control unit 114 determines whether the user is a registered user by comparing the acquired biometric information with the biometric information registered as registered user information.

[0071] In addition, for example, face information may be used as registered user information. In this case, the imaging unit 140 captures the user, and the face information extracted from the user image is input as user information. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of an image of the user created by the imaging unit. The imaging unit 140 captures the user and creates a user image 301 as shown in FIG. 6, for example. The imaging unit 140 extracts the face information 311 of the user from the user image 301 and outputs the extracted face information 311 to the control unit 114 as the face information of the user. Alternatively, the imaging unit 140 may output the user image 301 to the control unit 114, and the control unit 114 may extract the face information 311 from the user image 301. Note that when the information processing apparatus 100 detects that a button 151 or the like of the switch input unit 150 has been pressed, the imaging unit 140 may automatically start imaging the user and perform a log-on process without depending on the user's operation.

[0072] The control unit 114 determines whether the user is a registered user by comparing the acquired face information with the face information of the registered user.

[0073] Although the method for identifying the user in the information processing apparatus 100 has been described, the information processing apparatus 100 only needs to be able to identify the user by any of the above-described methods, and it is not always necessary to implement all of these methods. Thus, when it is determined that the user attempting to use the information processing apparatus 100 is a registered user, the process proceeds to step S1002.

[0074] In step S1002, the viewing time measurement unit 170 starts measuring the viewing time of the registered user viewing content information or the like displayed on the display unit 117. For example, the control unit 114 outputs a viewing time measurement start signal for starting the measurement of the viewing time for the registered user to the viewing time measurement unit 170, and the viewing time measurement unit 170 starts measuring the viewing time of the registered user based on the input viewing time measurement start signal.

[0075] The control unit 114 may, for example, use the time when the registered user logs on to the information processing apparatus 100 and starts viewing content information as the viewing start time, or may use the time when the display unit 117 is turned on as the viewing start time. The viewing time measurement unit 170 may measure the elapsed time by calculating the difference from the viewing start time, or may measure the viewing time by measuring the elapsed time from the viewing start time using a timer or the like. The viewing time measurement unit 170 outputs, for example, the measured viewing time to the control unit 114. The viewing time measurement unit 170 may output information regarding the measured viewing time, for example, at a predetermined period, or may output it in response to a request from the control unit 114, for example. Alternatively, the viewing time measurement unit 170 may output viewing information regarding the viewing time to the information storage unit 125, and the viewing information regarding the viewing time may be recorded in the information storage unit 125. Further, the viewing information regarding the viewing time may be transmitted to a server 1050 provided on the external network 1040 via the communication I / F 113 or the mobile communication I / F 131 and recorded as viewing information in the server 1050. When the measurement of the viewing time of the registered user is started in this way, the process proceeds to step S1004. Note that the viewing time measurement unit 170 measures the viewing time of the registered user in parallel with the other steps S1004 to S1008 until the measurement is stopped in step S1009 described later.

[0076] In step S1004, the control unit 114 calculates the cumulative viewing time, which is the cumulative viewing time within a predetermined time. Specifically, when the registered user views information a plurality of times within a predetermined time, the control unit 114 calculates, for example, the cumulative viewing time by adding up the viewing times of each previous viewing excluding the current viewing and the current viewing time, or may calculate the cumulative viewing time by adding up the viewing times of each viewing up to the current time. The viewing information regarding the calculated cumulative viewing time is recorded, for example, in the information storage unit 125 or the server 1050.

[0077] In this way, when the cumulative viewing time of the registered user is calculated, the process proceeds to step S1005. Note that the control unit 114 calculates the cumulative viewing time of the registered user in parallel with other steps S1002 to S1008 until the measurement is stopped in step S1009 described later.

[0078] In step S1005, the control unit 114 compares the cumulative viewing time calculated in step S1004 with the viewing restriction time. When the control unit 114 determines that the cumulative viewing time is less than the viewing restriction time (NO), the process proceeds to step S1008.

[0079] On the other hand, when the control unit 114 determines that the cumulative viewing time is equal to or more than the viewing restriction time (YES), the process proceeds to step S1006. In step S1006, the control unit 114 warns the registered user. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of a warning image for the registered user according to the first embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 7, for example, a warning image 401 warning the registered user that the viewing restriction time has been exceeded is displayed overlaid on the content information displayed on the display unit 117. Information regarding such a notification image 401 is stored, for example, in the information storage unit 125 and the server 1050.

[0080] For example, when the purpose is to notify that the viewing restriction time has been exceeded, the warning image may be displayed at a position and size that do not significantly affect the viewing. Also, for example, when it is desired to stop the viewing by the registered user, the notification screen 401 may be displayed in front of the content information as shown in FIG. 7, for example. Further, the size of the notification image may be appropriately changed according to the excess time from the viewing restriction time. Specifically, when it is immediately after the viewing restriction time has been reached, a small notification image may be displayed, and as the excess time increases, a larger notification image may be displayed.

[0081] At this time, as shown in FIG. 7 for example, the control unit 114 may cause the warning image 401 to display the cumulative viewing time up to the present, or may display the viewing restriction time together with the viewing time. Further, the warning to the registered user may be performed, for example, in addition to the above-described warning image 401, by generating a warning sound from the speaker 162, turning off the display of the content information, or the like.

[0082] In addition, the control unit 114 may notify the administrator user that the cumulative viewing time of the registered user has exceeded the viewing restriction time. FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of a notification image to the administrator user according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. For example, the control unit 114 transmits viewing restriction time exceeded information indicating that the cumulative viewing time of the registered user has exceeded the viewing restriction time to the information processing apparatus used by the administrator user. The information processing apparatus of the administrator user displays a notification image 701 notifying that the registered user has exceeded the viewing restriction time, as shown in FIG. 8 for example, based on the received viewing restriction time exceeded information. Then, the process proceeds to step S1008.

[0083] In step S1008, it is determined whether to continue measuring the viewing time for the registered user. Specifically, when the control unit 114 determines that the registered user is logged on to the information processing apparatus 100 and information is being displayed on the display unit 117 (YES), the process returns to step S1004. Then, the control unit 114 performs steps S1004 to S1008 described above again, and continues to measure the viewing time of the registered user.

[0084] On the other hand, when the control unit 114 determines that the registered user has logged off from the information processing apparatus 100 or that no information is being displayed on the display unit 117 (NO), the process proceeds to step S1009.

[0085] In step S1009, the viewing time measurement unit 170 stops measuring the viewing time of the registered user. For example, the control unit 114 outputs a viewing time measurement stop signal to the viewing time measurement unit 170 to stop measuring the viewing time for the registered user. The viewing time measurement unit 170 stops measuring the viewing time of the registered user based on the input viewing time measurement stop signal. At this time, the viewing time measurement unit 170 may output viewing information regarding the measured viewing time to the information storage unit 125 so that the viewing time is recorded in the information storage unit 125. Accordingly, the control unit 114 stops calculating the cumulative viewing time of the registered user. Then, the process proceeds to step S1010.

[0086] In step S1010, the warning for the registered user is cancelled. For example, in step S1006, when the warning image 401 is displayed on the display unit 117, the control unit 114 cancels the warning for the registered user by erasing the warning image 401. Also, for example, when a warning sound is generated, the control unit 114 cancels the warning by stopping the warning sound. In this way, when the warning to the registered user is cancelled, the process proceeds to step S1011.

[0087] In step S1011, the control unit 114 determines whether the registered user has logged off from the information processing apparatus 100. If the control unit 114 determines that the registered user has logged off from the information processing apparatus 100 (YES), it ends the series of processes regarding the recording method of the viewing information of the registered user.

[0088] On the other hand, if the control unit 114 determines that the registered user has not logged off from the information processing apparatus 100 (NO), the process proceeds to step S1012.

[0089] In step S1012, the control unit 114 determines whether information is being displayed on the display unit 117. If the control unit 114 determines that content information is being displayed on the display unit 117 (YES), the process proceeds to step S1002. Then, the control unit 114 resumes measuring the viewing time of the registered user.

[0090] On the other hand, if it is determined that no information is being displayed on the display unit 117 (NO), the process proceeds to step S1011, and the control unit determines again whether the registered user has logged off from the information processing apparatus 100.

[0091] By performing these steps S1001 to S1012, the viewing information of the registered user is recorded in the information processing apparatus 100. Note that the recorded viewing information is not limited to the above, and for example, authentication information, detailed logs of device usage, etc. may be recorded as viewing information.

[0092] According to the present embodiment, the viewing time measurement unit 170 measures the viewing time of the registered user, the control unit 114 calculates the cumulative viewing time of the registered user within a predetermined time, compares the cumulative viewing time with the viewing limit time which is the upper limit of the cumulative viewing time, and warns the registered user if the cumulative viewing time is equal to or more than the viewing limit time.

[0093] With this configuration, the registered user can recognize, from the warning notified by the information processing apparatus 100, that the cumulative viewing time within a predetermined time has reached the viewing limit time. Therefore, even if the cumulative viewing time elapses the viewing limit time while the user is viewing information, the viewing by the registered user can be suppressed. Also, thereby, the viewing information such as the cumulative viewing time of the registered user can be appropriately recorded.

[0094] Also, according to this embodiment, the control unit 114 warns the registered user by means of a warning image 401 displayed on the display unit 117. According to this configuration, since the warning image 401 is displayed together with the content information, the registered user can promptly stop viewing the content information. Also, thereby, the cumulative viewing time of the registered user can be appropriately recorded.

[0095] Also, according to this embodiment, the control unit 114 warns the registered user by means of a warning sound via the speaker 162. According to this configuration, since the registered user can recognize the warning by voice, the registered user can promptly stop viewing the content information even when the line of sight is away from the information processing apparatus 100. Also, thereby, the cumulative viewing time of the registered user can be appropriately recorded.

[0096] Also, according to this embodiment, viewing information regarding registered user information, cumulative viewing time, viewing restriction time, etc. is recorded in the information storage unit 125. According to this configuration, since the viewing information is recorded within the information processing apparatus 100, the control unit 114 can promptly record the viewing information of the registered user. Also, since there is no need to use the external network 1040, the load on the network is reduced.

[0097] Also, according to this embodiment, the password input from the information input unit 115 is acquired as user information. According to this configuration, since the registered user can log on to the information processing apparatus 100 by a simple method, the information processing apparatus 100 that achieves both security and convenience is provided.

[0098] Also, according to this embodiment, the user information acquisition unit 106 includes a biometric sensor and acquires biometric information such as the fingerprint or finger vein pattern of the user as user information. According to this configuration, since the user information acquisition unit 116 can acquire more accurate user information for identifying the user, user authentication can be performed more accurately. Thereby, the information processing apparatus 100 with further improved security is provided.

[0099] Further, according to the present embodiment, face information is extracted from the user image created by the imaging unit 140, and the information processing apparatus 100 acquires the face information as user information. According to this configuration, the user can acquire face information only by having the imaging unit 140 image himself / herself, so the work load of the user at the time of user authentication is reduced. Further, since the face information is used as user information, an information processing apparatus 100 with improved security can be provided.

[0100] Also, according to the present embodiment, when the cumulative viewing time of the registered user exceeds the viewing limit time, the information processing apparatus used by the administrator user is notified to that effect. According to this configuration, the administrator user can recognize that the registered user is viewing the content information beyond the viewing limit time.

[0101] Also, according to the present embodiment, the information processing apparatus 100 is a smartphone. According to this configuration, since many users own smartphones, the viewing information of the registered users can be appropriately recorded.

[0102] (Embodiment 2) In the present embodiment, the case where a plurality of users are registered in the information processing apparatus 100 will be described. The information processing apparatus 100 in the present embodiment is, for example, a smartphone, a mobile phone, a tablet terminal, a personal computer, or the like.

[0103] Note that the registered user information regarding multiple registered users is stored in the information storage unit 125 of the information processing apparatus 100 or in the server 1050 on the network 1040 in association with the terminal information of the information processing apparatus 100 by a registration operation performed in advance by the user who intends to receive the registration. Also, for example, the viewing information regarding the registered users, such as the viewing restriction time and reset time, may be recorded in advance in the information storage unit 125 by the administrator user or the registered user himself / herself, or may be recorded in the server 1050 in association with the terminal information of the information processing apparatus 100. Further, the administrator user may be any of the registered users or a user other than the registered users.

[0104] Here, a method of recording the viewing information of registered users when a plurality of users are registered will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 4. In the following description, the description of the parts overlapping with the content of Embodiment 1 will be omitted in principle.

[0105] FIGS. 9 and 10 are diagrams showing an example of an image displayed at the time of user authentication according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention. FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of a method of recording the viewing information of registered users according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention.

[0106] In step S1001, it is determined whether the user who intends to use the information processing apparatus 100 is any one of a plurality of registered users who have been registered in advance as users of the information processing apparatus 100. The control unit 114 causes the display unit 117 to display a user selection screen 501 for selecting a registered user, such as that shown in FIG. 9, for the user who intends to use the information processing apparatus 100. As shown in FIG. 9, the user selection screen 501 displays, for example, registered user names, icons with face information associated with the registered user names, and the like. When the user taps an icon associated with, for example, himself / herself, the registered user associated with the tapped icon is selected. Next, the control unit 114 requests the user to input user information. Specifically, the control unit 114 causes the display unit 117 to display a password input screen 601, such as that shown in FIG. 10.

[0107] As shown in FIG. 10, the password input screen 601 displays, for example, the selected registered user name, face information, a software keyboard for password input, and the like. When a password is input from the password input screen 601, the information processing apparatus 100 acquires the password as user information. The control unit 114 determines whether the user who intends to use the information processing apparatus 100 is the selected registered user by comparing the input password with the password of the selected registered user.

[0108] In step S1004, the control unit 114 calculates the cumulative viewing time of the selected registered user (the logged-in registered user) within a predetermined time. That is, the control unit 114 calculates the cumulative viewing time for each registered user.

[0109] In the information storage unit 125 and the server 1050, viewing information such as cumulative viewing time and viewing restriction time is recorded for each registered user. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 11, viewing information such as user ID, administrator information, viewing restriction time, reset time, cumulative viewing time, and viewing start time is recorded in a table for each registered user. The administrator information is information for identifying whether the registered user is an administrator user. In FIG. 11, the user with the user ID "001" is an administrator user. Note that in FIG. 11, the viewing restriction time differs for each registered user, but the reset time and the like may also differ for each registered user.

[0110] In step S1005, the control unit 114 compares the cumulative viewing time and the viewing restriction time for each registered user. Then, when the control unit 114 determines that the cumulative viewing time of the registered user who has logged on and is viewing the content information is equal to or more than the viewing restriction time, the process proceeds to step S1006. On the other hand, when the control unit 114 determines that the cumulative viewing time of the registered user who has logged on is less than the viewing restriction time, the process proceeds to step S1008.

[0111] In step S1006, the control unit 114 warns the registered user who has logged on. The control unit 114 causes the display unit 117 to display a warning image 401 for warning that the cumulative viewing time of the registered user who has logged on has become equal to or more than the viewing restriction time, as shown in FIG. 7 for example. In other words, even if the cumulative viewing time of another registered user is equal to or more than the viewing restriction time, when the cumulative viewing time of the registered user who has logged on is less than the viewing restriction time, the warning image 401 is not displayed. For example, in FIG. 11, the cumulative viewing time of the registered user with the user ID "003" exceeds the viewing restriction time. When the registered user with the user ID "003" uses the information processing apparatus 100, the warning image 401 is displayed, but when another registered user uses the information processing apparatus 100, the warning image 401 is not displayed.

[0112] According to this embodiment, the information processing apparatus 100 records the viewing information of a plurality of registered users. Then, the control unit 114 issues a warning only when the cumulative viewing time of the logged-in registered user is equal to or longer than the viewing limit time. According to this configuration, only the viewing of content information by the registered user who is the target of the warning is restricted, so other registered users can use the information processing apparatus 100 without their content viewing being restricted.

[0113] (Embodiment 3) In this embodiment, a case where a warning is issued even when a registered user is continuously viewing information for a predetermined period of time will be described. The information processing apparatus 100 in this embodiment is, for example, a smartphone, a mobile phone, a tablet terminal, a personal computer, or the like.

[0114] Note that, for example, viewing information regarding registered users such as the continuous viewing limit time which is the upper limit of the preset continuous viewing time, a predetermined break time, the viewing limit time, the reset time, etc. may be recorded in advance in the information storage unit 125 by the administrator user or the registered user himself / herself, or may be recorded in the server 1050 in association with the terminal information of the information processing apparatus 100. Also, the administrator user may be any registered user or a user other than the registered user.

[0115] Here, a method of recording the viewing information of registered users when a plurality of users are registered will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 4. In the following description, descriptions of portions overlapping with those of Embodiment 1 will be omitted in principle.

[0116] FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an example of a method of recording the viewing information of registered users according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a warning image for a registered user according to the third embodiment of the present invention.

[0117] In step S1002, the viewing time measurement unit 170 starts measuring the viewing time of the content information and the like displayed on the display unit 117 by the registered user. Here, the viewing time measured by the viewing time measurement unit 170 is also the continuous viewing time during which the registered user continuously views the information. Therefore, by starting the measurement of the viewing time, the viewing time measurement unit 170 starts the measurement of the continuous viewing time.

[0118] The viewing time measurement unit 170 outputs, for example, the measured continuous viewing time to the control unit 114. The viewing time measurement unit 170 may output information regarding the measured continuous viewing time, for example, at a predetermined cycle, or may output it in response to a request from the control unit 114. Alternatively, the viewing time measurement unit 170 may output viewing information regarding the continuous viewing time to the information storage unit 125, and the viewing information regarding the continuous viewing time may be recorded in the information storage unit 125. Further, the viewing information regarding the continuous viewing time may be transmitted to a server 1050 provided on the external network 1040 via the communication I / F 113 or the mobile communication I / F 131 and recorded in the server 1050.

[0119] In the information storage unit 125 and the server 1050, viewing information regarding continuous viewing and viewing information regarding cumulative viewing are recorded for each registered user. Specifically, the viewing information regarding cumulative viewing is recorded in a table as shown in FIG. 11, for example, and the viewing information regarding continuous viewing is recorded in a table as shown in FIG. 12, for example. In FIG. 12, viewing information such as user ID, administrator information, viewing restriction time, continuous viewing restriction time, break time, break end time, etc. is recorded for each registered user. Note that the continuous viewing time may be calculated, for example, from the viewing start time recorded in the table of FIG. 11, or the continuous viewing time (viewing time) may be recorded in the tables of FIGS. 11 and 12.

[0120] In step S1005, the control unit 114 makes determinations regarding the cumulative viewing time and the continuous viewing time respectively. That is, when the control unit 114 determines that the cumulative viewing time is less than the viewing limit time and the continuous viewing time is less than the continuous viewing limit time (NO), it proceeds to step S1008.

[0121] If the determination by the control unit 114 is otherwise, it proceeds to step S1006. In step S1006, the control unit 114 gives a warning to the registered user. First, when the cumulative viewing time is greater than or equal to the viewing limit time and the continuous viewing time is less than the continuous viewing limit time, the control unit 114 performs the same control as in the above-described Embodiments 1 to 2. Second, even when the cumulative viewing time is greater than or equal to the viewing limit time and the continuous viewing time is greater than or equal to the continuous viewing limit time, the control unit 114 performs the same control as in the above-described Embodiments 1 to 2.

[0122] Third, when the cumulative viewing time is less than the viewing limit time and the continuous viewing time is greater than or equal to the continuous viewing limit time, the control unit 114 warns the registered user who is logged on to take a predetermined break time. Further, the control unit 114 outputs the break end time of the registered user who has received the warning to the information storage unit 125, and the information storage unit 125 records the viewing information regarding the input break end time in a table. Also, the viewing time measurement unit 170 starts measuring the break time of the registered user who has received the warning. For example, the control unit 114 outputs a break time measurement start signal for starting the measurement of the break time for the registered user to the viewing time measurement unit 170, and the viewing time measurement unit 170 starts measuring the break time of the registered user based on the input break time measurement start signal.

[0123] The viewing time measurement unit 170 measures the break time with the time when the continuous viewing time of the registered user reaches the continuous viewing limit time as the break start time. The viewing time measurement unit 170 may output information regarding the measured break time, for example, at a predetermined cycle, or may output it in response to a request from the control unit 114. Alternatively, the viewing time measurement unit 170 may output viewing information or the like regarding the measured break time to the information storage unit 125, and the viewing information regarding the break time may be recorded in the information storage unit 125. Also, viewing information or the like regarding the break time of the registered user may be transmitted to a server 1050 provided on the external network 1040 via the communication I / F 113 or the mobile communication I / F 131 and recorded in the server 1050.

[0124] Also, for example, the control unit 114 causes a warning image 801 that warns the registered user to take a break, as shown in FIG. 13, to be displayed. At that time, the control unit 114 may display, for example, the remaining break time in the warning image 801.

[0125] The warning image 801 is displayed when the continuous viewing time of the logged-on registered user becomes equal to or longer than the continuous viewing limit time. In other words, even if the continuous viewing time of another registered user is equal to or longer than the continuous viewing limit time, if the cumulative viewing time of the logged-on registered user is less than the viewing limit time, the warning image 801 is not displayed.

[0126] In the example combining FIGS. 11 and 12, since the cumulative viewing time of the registered user with the user ID “002” does not exceed the viewing limit time, if the continuous viewing time of the registered user with the user ID “002” exceeds the continuous viewing limit time, the warning image 801 shown in FIG. 13 is displayed. On the other hand, since the cumulative viewing time of the registered user with the user ID “003” exceeds the viewing limit time, even if the continuous viewing time of the registered user with the user ID “002” exceeds the continuous viewing limit time, the warning image 801 shown in FIG. 13 is not displayed.

[0127] When the specified break time elapses, the control unit 114 causes the warning image 801 to be erased. Further, the control unit 114 outputs a break time measurement stop signal to the viewing time measurement unit 170 to stop the measurement of the break time, and the viewing time measurement unit 170 stops the measurement of the registered user's break time based on the input break time measurement stop signal.

[0128] In addition, the control unit 114 causes the continuous viewing time (viewing time) to be reset. Specifically, the control unit 114 outputs a continuous viewing time reset signal to the viewing time measurement unit 170 to reset the continuous viewing time, and the viewing time measurement unit 170 resets the continuous viewing time measured based on the input continuous viewing time reset signal.

[0129] In step S1009, the viewing time measurement unit 170 stops measuring the continuous viewing time (viewing time) of the registered user. Also, when the break time is being measured, the viewing time measurement unit 170 also stops measuring the break time.

[0130] In step S1010, if the registered user is in the break time, the control unit 114 causes the warning image 801 to be erased.

[0131] According to the present embodiment, when the cumulative viewing time of the registered user is less than the viewing limit time and the continuous viewing time of the registered user is equal to or more than the continuous viewing limit time, the control unit 114 warns the registered user to take a predetermined break time.

[0132] According to this configuration, the viewing of content information for the registered user can also be restricted by the continuous viewing time, so that the viewing information of the registered user can be recorded more appropriately.

[0133] Also, according to this embodiment, when a plurality of users are registered in the information processing apparatus 100, only the registered users logged on to the information processing apparatus 100 are warned to take a predetermined break time. According to this configuration, since only the viewing by the registered users using the information processing apparatus 100 is restricted, the viewing times of a plurality of registered users are recorded more appropriately.

[0134] Also, according to this embodiment, the information processing apparatus 100 records viewing information of a plurality of registered users. Then, the control unit 114 issues a warning only when the continuous viewing time of the registered user logged on is equal to or longer than the continuous viewing restriction time. According to this configuration, since only the viewing of content information by the registered users targeted by the warning is restricted, other registered users can use the information processing apparatus 100 without the viewing of the content being restricted.

[0135] (Embodiment 4) In this embodiment, a method for recording viewing information when a user views the information processing apparatus 100 without performing a log-on operation will be described. This embodiment is applicable not only when a user uses it personally but also when a plurality of users view it simultaneously. Therefore, the information processing apparatus 100 in this embodiment is, for example, a smartphone, a mobile phone, a tablet terminal, a personal computer, a television receiver, or the like.

[0136] FIG. 14 is a diagram showing an example of a flowchart regarding a method for recording viewing information in Embodiment 4 of the present invention. FIG. 15 is a diagram showing an example of a situation where a plurality of users are viewing an information processing apparatus. FIG. 16 is a diagram showing an example of the acquired face information of a user.

[0137] Here, a method for recording viewing information of a registered user in this embodiment will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 14. In the following description, the description of the portions overlapping with the contents of the above-described Embodiments 1 to 3 will be omitted in principle.

[0138] In step S3001, imaging of the user viewing the information processing apparatus 100 is started. Specifically, when the power switch of the apparatus main body or the power button of the remote control or the like is operated and content information or the like is displayed on the display unit 117 of the information processing apparatus 100, the imaging unit 140 starts imaging of the user viewing the information processing apparatus 100. FIG. 15 shows, for example, a case where a plurality of users 931 to 933 are viewing the content information displayed on the information processing apparatus 100. The imaging unit 140 images these users 931 to 933 and creates a user image 901 as shown in FIG. 16, for example. When the imaging unit 140 starts imaging of the users 931 to 933, the process proceeds to step S3002.

[0139] In step S3002, the information processing apparatus 100 acquires viewing information of the registered user. Here, the viewing information includes various types of information regarding the registered user, such as, for example, registered user information, cumulative viewing time, viewing limit time, continuous viewing time, continuous viewing limit time, predetermined rest time, and the like. Also, the registered user information here is, for example, the face information of the registered user.

[0140] When the viewing information regarding the registered user is recorded in the information storage unit 125, the control unit 114 acquires various types of information regarding the registered user from the information storage unit 125. When the viewing information of the registered user is recorded in, for example, the server 1050 on the external network 1040, the control unit 114 acquires the viewing information of the registered user from the server 1050 on the external network 1040 via, for example, the communication I / F 113 and the mobile communication I / F 131. Note that the control unit 114 acquires the viewing information of all the registered users registered in the information processing apparatus 100. Note that the process of step S3002 may be performed prior to the process of step S3001. Then, the process proceeds to step S3003.

[0141] In step S3003, the imaging unit 140 detects a registered user from the image captured by the imaging unit 140. Specifically, the imaging unit 140 extracts face information 941-943 of each user as user information from the user image 901. The imaging unit 140 outputs the extracted face information 941-943 to the control unit 114. Alternatively, the imaging unit 140 may output the user image 901 to the control unit 114, and the control unit 114 may extract the face information 941-943. Note that when extracting the face information 941-943, the control unit 114 and the imaging unit 140 may detect the orientation of the face and the orientation of the line of sight of the registered user.

[0142] Then, the control unit 114 determines whether the user is a registered user based on the user information and the registered user information. Specifically, the control unit 114 compares the face information 941-943 as user information (face information) with the registered user information obtained in step S3002. The control unit 114 determines that a user whose face information 941-943 matches the registered user information is a registered user, and determines that a user whose face information 941-943 does not match the registered user information is a user other than the registered user. In this way, the control unit 114 detects the registered user.

[0143] Also, while the information processing apparatus 100 is activated, the imaging unit 140 captures images of the user viewing the content information displayed on the display unit 117 a plurality of times, for example, continuously. Each time the imaging unit 140 captures an image of a user, the control unit 114 determines whether the user viewing the content information is a registered user, and detects the registered user. Such detection of the registered user is performed while the information processing apparatus 100 is activated. In this way, when the registered user is detected, the process proceeds to step S3004.

[0144] In step S3004, measurement of the viewing time of the registered user detected in step S3003 is started. Specifically, the viewing time measurement unit 170 measures, as the viewing time, the time during which it is determined in step S3003 that the user is a registered user. At this time, if a plurality of registered users are detected, the viewing time measurement unit 170 measures the viewing time of each registered user in parallel.

[0145] Note that the viewing time measurement unit 170 may measure the viewing time according to the face orientation of the registered user detected in step S3003. For example, the viewing time measurement unit 170 measures the viewing time when the face of the registered user faces the direction of the information processing apparatus 100, and may not measure the viewing time when the face of the registered user does not face the direction of the information processing apparatus 100.

[0146] Also, the viewing time measurement unit 170 may measure the viewing time according to the line-of-sight direction of the registered user detected in step S3003. For example, the viewing time measurement unit 170 measures the viewing time when the line of sight of the registered user faces the direction of the information processing apparatus 100, and may not measure the viewing time when the line of sight of the registered user does not face the direction of the information processing apparatus 100.

[0147] Note that if the registered user detected by the information processing apparatus 100 is not detected only for a short time less than a predetermined time and is detected again later, the viewing time measurement unit 170 may measure these times including the undetected time as the viewing time (continuous viewing time). Thus, when starting the measurement of the viewing time of the registered user, the process proceeds to step S3005.

[0148] In step S3005, if there is a registered user who has disappeared during the measurement of the viewing time, the viewing time measurement unit 170 stops the measurement of the viewing time of the corresponding registered user. Also, the viewing time measurement unit 170 continues to measure the viewing time of other registered users. Thus, when stopping the measurement of the viewing time of the disappeared registered user, the process proceeds to step S3006.

[0149] In step S3006, the control unit 114 calculates the cumulative viewing time of the detected registered user. For example, the control unit 114 calculates the cumulative viewing time up to this time by adding up the cumulative viewing time obtained by summing up the viewing times of each previous viewing excluding the current viewing and the viewing time of the current viewing. The calculation of the cumulative viewing time of the registered user for whom detection has ceased is stopped. Then, the process proceeds to step S3007.

[0150] In step S3007, the control unit 114 performs the same control as in step S1005 of FIG. 4. The control unit 114 compares the cumulative viewing time and the viewing restriction time for each registered user. If the control unit 114 determines that the cumulative viewing time is less than the viewing restriction time (NO), the process proceeds to step S3009. Alternatively, if a plurality of registered users are detected and the control unit 114 determines that the cumulative viewing time of all the detected registered users is less than the viewing restriction time (NO), the process proceeds to step S3009.

[0151] On the other hand, if the control unit 114 determines that the cumulative viewing time is equal to or more than the viewing restriction time (YES), the process proceeds to step S3008. Alternatively, if a plurality of registered users are detected and the control unit 114 determines that the cumulative viewing time of any one of the detected registered users is equal to or more than the viewing restriction time (NO), the process proceeds to step S3008.

[0152] In step S3008, the control unit 114 performs the same control as in step S1006 of FIG. 4. The control unit 114 warns a registered user whose cumulative viewing time has reached or exceeded the viewing limit time. Also, when the cumulative viewing time of a registered user who has been detected again after disappearing has reached or exceeded the viewing limit time, the control unit 114 issues a warning to restrict the viewing of content information for this registered user. At this time, so as not to interfere with the viewing of other users, the control unit 114 may, for example, display a warning image at the periphery of the display unit 117, or emit a warning sound with the volume suppressed. If the registered user being warned then disappears from detection, the control unit 114 stops warning this registered user. In this way, when a warning notification is made to the registered user, the process proceeds to step S3009.

[0153] In step S3009, the control unit 114 determines whether content information and the like are being displayed on the display unit 117. For example, if the control unit 114 determines that content information is being displayed on the display unit 117 (YES), the process returns to step S3003. Then, the above-described steps S3003 to S3009 are performed again, the viewing information measurement unit 117 continues to measure the viewing time of the detected registered user, and the control unit 114 continues to calculate the cumulative viewing time of the detected registered user.

[0154] On the other hand, for example, if the control unit 114 determines that content information and the like are not being displayed on the display unit 117 (NO), the process proceeds to step S3010.

[0155] In step S3010, the same control as in step S1009 of FIG. 4 is performed. The viewing time measurement unit 170 stops measuring the viewing time of the detected registered user, and the control unit 114 stops calculating the cumulative viewing time of the detected registered user.

[0156] Then, the process proceeds to step S3011. In step S3011, the imaging unit 140 stops imaging the user.

[0157] By performing these steps S3001 to S3011, even when the user views the information processing apparatus 100 without performing a log-on operation, the viewing information of the registered user is recorded.

[0158] Also, in this embodiment, the continuous viewing time may be recorded as viewing information. For example, in step S3004, the viewing time measurement unit 170 measures the viewing time as the continuous viewing time. Then, in step S3007, the control unit 114 compares the continuous viewing time with the continuous viewing limit time. In step S3008, the control unit 114 warns the registered user whose continuous viewing time is equal to or longer than the continuous viewing limit time to take a break.

[0159] According to this embodiment, during the operation of the information processing apparatus 100, the imaging unit 140 automatically images the user, and face information is extracted from the user image created by the imaging unit 140. The control unit 114 detects the registered user from the extracted face information and the user registration information.

[0160] According to this configuration, since the registered user is detected without the user performing a log-on operation, even when a plurality of users are viewing the content information, the viewing information of the registered user can be appropriately recorded.

[0161] Also, according to this embodiment, the imaging unit 140 images the user viewing the content information a plurality of times, and the control unit 114 detects the registered user each time the imaging unit 140 images the user. Also, the viewing time measurement unit 170 measures the viewing time only while the registered user is detected.

[0162] According to this configuration, the viewing time is measured only while the registered user is viewing the content information. That is, the viewing time of the registered user is measured without the registered user logging off from the information processing apparatus 100 or turning off the display of the information processing apparatus 100. Thereby, the viewing time measurement unit 170 can measure the accurate viewing time of the registered user. Further, thereby, the cumulative viewing time of the registered user can be calculated more accurately, and the viewing information of the registered user can be recorded more appropriately.

[0163] Also, according to the present embodiment, the imaging unit 140 continuously images the user of the information processing apparatus 100. According to this configuration, since the control unit 140 continuously detects the registered user, the viewing time measurement unit 170 can measure the viewing time of the detected registered user more accurately. Thereby, the control unit 140 can calculate the cumulative viewing time of the detected registered user more accurately. Further, thereby, the viewing information of the registered user can be recorded more accurately.

[0164] Also, in the present embodiment, the continuous viewing time may be recorded as the viewing information of the registered user. According to this configuration, since the viewing of the content information for the registered user can also be restricted by the continuous viewing time, the viewing information of the registered user can be recorded more appropriately.

[0165] Also, according to the present embodiment, when a plurality of users are registered in the information processing apparatus 100, the viewing information regarding cumulative viewing and the viewing information regarding continuous viewing are recorded for each registered user. Then, when the registered user who is the target of the warning is detected, the control unit 114 warns the target registered user. Then, the control unit 114 warns the target registered user by displaying a warning image at the peripheral portion of the screen or emitting a warning sound with the volume suppressed. According to this configuration, the viewing of the registered user who is the warning target can be restricted without disturbing the viewing of the content information of other users.

[0166] (Embodiment 5) So far, in each individual information processing apparatus, the case where the viewing information of a registered user is recorded has been described. However, recently, many users own a plurality of information processing apparatuses such as, for example, smartphones, mobile phones, personal computers, tablet terminals, television receivers, and the like. For this reason, if the viewing information of the registered user is recorded for each information processing apparatus, the viewing information of the registered user cannot be appropriately recorded. Therefore, in this embodiment, a viewing information management system that collectively records the viewing information of a registered user in a plurality of information processing apparatuses will be described.

[0167] FIG. 17 is a diagram showing an example of a viewing information management system according to Embodiment 5 of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 18, for example, the viewing information management system includes information processing apparatuses 100 (100A to 100E), a base station 1010, a broadcasting station 1020, a wireless router 1030, an external network 1040, a server 1050, and the like.

[0168] In this embodiment, a registered user is registered in a plurality of information processing apparatuses 100 (100A to 100E). The information processing apparatuses 100A to 100C are, for example, smartphones, mobile phones, personal computers, tablet terminals, and the like. The information processing apparatuses 100A to 100C are connected to a server 1050 provided in an external network 1040 via a mobile communication I / F 131 as an information communication unit and a base station 1010. Further, the information processing apparatuses 100A to 100C are connected to a server 1050 provided in an external network via a communication I / F 113 as an information communication unit and a wireless router 1030. Thereby, the information processing apparatuses 100A to 100C transmit and receive viewing information, content information, and the like of the registered user to and from the server 1050.

[0169] The information processing device 100D is a variety of devices connected to the server 1050 via, for example, the communication I / F 113 as the information communication unit and the wireless router 1030. The information processing device 100D is a device connected to the server 1050 provided in the external network 1040 via the communication I / F 113 as the information communication unit and the wireless router 1030. Thereby, the information processing device 100D transmits and receives viewing information, content information, etc. of registered users to and from the server 1050.

[0170] The information processing device 100E is, for example, a television receiver that receives radio waves (TV signals) transmitted from the broadcasting station 1020 and displays television broadcasts. The information processing device 100E is connected to the server 1050 via the communication I / F 113 as the information communication unit and the wireless router 1030. Thereby, the information processing device 100D transmits and receives viewing information, content information, etc. of registered users to and from the server 1050.

[0171] The information processing devices 100A to 100E are connected to the wireless router 1030 by a wired LAN or a wireless LAN. For example, in FIG. 17, the information processing devices 100A to 100D are connected to the wireless router 1030 by a wireless LAN, and the information processing device 100E is connected to the wireless router 1030 by a wired LAN. And the information processing devices 100A to 100E are connected to each other via the wireless router 1030.

[0172] In the present embodiment, for convenience of explanation, among the plurality of information processing apparatuses 100A to 100E, the information processing apparatus (the first information processing apparatus) 100A is used as the viewing information management apparatus. The information processing apparatuses 100B to 100E transmit viewing information regarding, for example, the cumulative viewing time of registered users to the information processing apparatus 100A. The information processing apparatus 100A records, for example, the cumulative viewing time among the plurality of information processing apparatuses 100A to 100E obtained by summing up the cumulative viewing time of the registered users in the plurality of information processing apparatuses 100A to 100E based on the viewing information regarding the cumulative viewing time of the registered users received from the information processing apparatuses 100B to 100E. In this way, the information processing apparatus 100A collectively records the viewing information of the registered users in the information processing apparatuses 100A to 100E. Note that the information processing apparatus 100A may be, for example, a device used personally by an administrator user.

[0173] Note that the viewing information management system is not necessarily limited to such a configuration and can be freely changed. For example, the information processing apparatuses 100D and 100E may be connected to the base station 1010, or the information processing apparatuses 100A to 100D may receive the radio waves of the broadcasting station 1020. Further, the viewing information management system may include six or more information processing apparatuses 100, or may include four or fewer information processing apparatuses 100.

[0174] [Method for Recording Viewing Time in an Information Processing Apparatus Requiring a Logon Operation] Next, a method for recording the viewing information of registered users in the present embodiment will be described. First, a method for recording the viewing time in an information processing apparatus that requires a logon operation by the user will be described. FIG. 18 is a diagram showing an example of a flowchart regarding the method for recording viewing information according to Embodiment 5 of the present invention. FIG. 19 is a diagram showing an example of the method for recording viewing information according to Embodiment 5 of the present invention. In the following description, the description of the parts overlapping with the contents of the above-described Embodiments 1 to 4 will be omitted as a rule.

[0175] Note that the registered user information regarding a plurality of registered users is recorded in, for example, the information storage unit 125 of the information processing apparatus 100A by a registration operation performed in advance by the user who intends to receive the registration. Further, for example, the viewing information regarding the registered users, such as the viewing restriction time, the continuous viewing restriction time, and the reset time, is recorded in advance in the information storage unit 125 of the information processing apparatus 100A by the administrator user or the registered user himself / herself.

[0176] In step S1001, it is determined whether the user who intends to use the information processing apparatus 100 is any one of a plurality of registered users who have been registered in advance as users of the information processing apparatus 100. If the information processing apparatus 100 on which the user is attempting to log on has not acquired the registered user information such as the password of the registered user, the registered user information is acquired in advance from the information processing apparatus 100A or the server 1050.

[0177] In step S1002, when the viewing time measurement unit 170 of the information processing apparatus 100 on which the registered user has logged on starts measuring the viewing time of the logged-on registered user, the process proceeds to step S4003.

[0178] In step S4003, the information processing apparatus 100 transmits viewing start information to the information processing apparatus 100A, which consists of, for example, the identification information of the registered user who logged on (e.g., registered user information), viewing information regarding the viewing start time of the content, and device identification information for identifying the information processing apparatus 100 used by the registered user. The information processing apparatus 100A determines, for example, based on the device identification information of the received viewing start information, whether the information processing apparatus 100 that transmitted the viewing start information is a device registered in the viewing information management system. If it is determined that the information processing apparatus 100 that transmitted the viewing start information is a device registered in the viewing information management system, the information processing apparatus 100A records, as viewing information, the viewing start time of the logged-on registered user, etc. in a table based on the received viewing start information. For example, as shown in FIG. 19, the information processing apparatus 100A records in the table the ID of the information processing apparatus 100 currently in use in the device ID column in the currently used device field, and viewing information regarding the viewing start time, etc. in the information processing apparatus 100 in the viewing start time field. Then, the information processing apparatus 100A transmits information notifying that it has received the viewing start information to the information processing apparatus 100 that transmitted the viewing start information.

[0179] In addition, the information processing apparatus 100 requests the information processing apparatus 100A to transmit viewing information such as the cumulative viewing time among multiple devices up to the previous time, which is the sum of the cumulative viewing times in the multiple information processing apparatuses 100 registered by the logged-on registered user, or the information processing apparatuses 100 (e.g., 100A to 100E) registered in the viewing information management system, and the viewing limit time. The information processing apparatus 100A transmits the viewing information of the logged-on registered user to the information processing apparatus 100. Then, it proceeds to step S1004.

[0180] In step S1004, the current viewing time measured in step S1002 is added to the cumulative viewing time among multiple devices up to the previous time received from the information processing apparatus 100A in step S4003 to calculate the cumulative viewing time among multiple devices up to the current time of the logged-on registered user. Then, it proceeds to step S1005.

[0181] In step S1005, the control unit 114 of the information processing apparatus 100 where the registered user is logged on (watching content) compares the cumulative viewing time among a plurality of devices up to now with the viewing restriction time. When the control unit 114 of the information processing apparatus 100 where the registered user is logged on determines that the cumulative viewing time among a plurality of devices up to now is equal to or more than the viewing restriction time, the process proceeds to step S1006.

[0182] In step S1006, the control unit 114 of the information processing apparatus 100 where the registered user is logged on gives a warning to the registered user. Then, the process proceeds to step S4007.

[0183] In step S4007, the information processing apparatus 100 where the registered user is logged on transmits viewing time exceeded information (for example, the cumulative viewing time among a plurality of devices) indicating that the registered user has exceeded the viewing restriction time to the information processing apparatus 100A. The information processing apparatus 100A records the received viewing time exceeded information in a table. Then, the process proceeds to step S1008.

[0184] In step S1009, the viewing time measurement unit 170 of the information processing apparatus 100 where the registered user is logged on stops measuring the viewing time of the registered user. Also, the information processing apparatus 100 where the registered user is logged on transmits viewing stop information indicating that the registered user has stopped watching content information, and viewing information such as the cumulative viewing time among a plurality of devices up to now to the information processing apparatus 100A. The information processing apparatus 100A records the received viewing stop information and viewing information regarding the cumulative viewing time among a plurality of devices, etc., and updates the viewing information of the registered user who has stopped viewing. For example, the information processing apparatus 100A deletes the viewing information regarding the ID information of the information processing apparatus 100 recorded in the device ID column, the viewing start time information, etc. from the table, and records the viewing information regarding the cumulative viewing time among a plurality of devices up to now in the table.

[0185] Also, the continuous viewing time may be recorded as the viewing information of the registered user. For example, in step S4007 of FIG. 18, the information processing apparatus 100 in which the registered user is logged on transmits continuous viewing time exceeded information (for example, the end time of the break) indicating that the registered user has exceeded the continuous viewing limit time to the information processing apparatus 100A. The information processing apparatus 100A records the received continuous viewing time exceeded information in a table.

[0186] [Recording of viewing time in an information processing apparatus that does not require a log-on operation] Next, a method for recording the viewing time in an information processing apparatus that does not require a log-on operation by the user will be described. FIG. 20 is a diagram showing an example of a flowchart of a method for recording viewing information according to Embodiment 5 of the present invention. FIG. 21 is a diagram showing an example of a method for recording viewing information according to Embodiment 5 of the present invention.

[0187] In step S3002, the information processing apparatus 100 transmits device identification information for identifying its own information processing apparatus 100 to the information processing apparatus 100A and requests transmission of viewing information such as the viewing information of the registered user. The information processing apparatus 100A determines whether the information processing apparatus 100 is a device registered in the viewing information management system based on the received device identification information. If it is determined that the information processing apparatus 100 that transmitted the viewing start information is a device registered in the viewing information management system, viewing information such as the cumulative viewing time between a plurality of devices up to the previous time of the registered user and the viewing limit time is transmitted to the information processing apparatus 100. Then, the process proceeds to step S3003.

[0188] In step S3004, the information processing apparatus 100 transmits viewing start information, which consists of, for example, the identification information of the detected registered user (e.g., registered user information), viewing information regarding the viewing start time, and apparatus identification information for identifying the information processing apparatus 100, to the information processing apparatus 100A. The information processing apparatus 100A records the received viewing start information in a table. For example, as shown in FIG. 21, the information processing apparatus 100A records in the table the ID of the information processing apparatus 100, the viewing start time at the information processing apparatus 100, and viewing information such as face information. Further, the information processing apparatus 100A may transmit information notifying the information processing apparatus 100 that transmitted the viewing start information that the viewing start information has been received, for example.

[0189] In step S3005, if there is a registered user who has disappeared during the measurement of the viewing time, the information processing apparatus 100 transmits viewing stop information indicating that the registered user has stopped viewing the content information, the cumulative viewing time among a plurality of apparatuses up to now, etc. to the information processing apparatus 100A. The information processing apparatus 100A records the received viewing stop information and viewing information regarding the cumulative viewing time among a plurality of apparatuses up to now in a table, and updates the viewing information of the registered user who has stopped viewing. If it is determined that the information processing apparatus 100 that transmitted the viewing stop information, the cumulative viewing time among a plurality of apparatuses up to now, etc. is a device registered in the viewing information management system, for example, the information processing apparatus 100A deletes from the table the viewing information regarding the ID information of the information processing apparatus 100, the viewing start time information, etc. recorded in the device ID column, and records the viewing information regarding the cumulative viewing time among a plurality of apparatuses up to now in the table. Further, the information processing apparatus 100A may transmit information notifying the information processing apparatus 100 that the viewing stop information, the cumulative viewing time among a plurality of apparatuses up to now, etc. have been received.

[0190] In step S3006, the current viewing time measured in step S3004 and the cumulative viewing time among multiple devices up to the previous time received from the information processing device 100A in step S3002 are added together to calculate the cumulative viewing time among multiple devices up to the current time for the detected registered user. Also, the control unit 114 stops calculating the cumulative viewing time among multiple devices up to the current time for the registered user for whom detection has ceased.

[0191] Also, in the present embodiment, the continuous viewing time may be recorded as viewing information of the registered user. For example, in step S4007 of FIG. 18, the information processing device 100 transmits continuous viewing time excess information (for example, the rest end time) indicating that the registered user has exceeded the continuous viewing limit time to the information processing device 100A. Based on the received continuous viewing time excess information, the information processing device 100A records, for example, viewing information regarding the rest end time of the registered user in a table.

[0192] Also, for example, in step S3004 of FIG. 20, the viewing time measurement unit 170 measures the viewing time as the continuous viewing time. Then, in step S3007 of FIG. 20, the control unit 114 compares the continuous viewing time with the continuous viewing limit time. In step S3008 of FIG. 20, the control unit 114 warns the registered user whose continuous viewing time is equal to or more than the continuous viewing limit time to take a break. Then, in step S3010 of FIG. 20, the viewing time measurement unit 170 stops measuring the viewing time of the detected registered user, and the control unit 114 stops calculating the cumulative viewing time of the detected registered user. Also, the information processing device 100 transmits viewing stop information indicating that the registered user has stopped viewing the content information, the cumulative viewing time among multiple devices up to the current time, etc. to the information processing device 100A.

[0193] According to the present embodiment, even if the registered user views content information or the like on a plurality of information processing devices 100, the viewing information in each information processing device 100 is collectively recorded in the information processing device 100A as the viewing information management device.

[0194] According to this configuration, since the total cumulative viewing time in each information processing apparatus 100 is recorded as the cumulative viewing time among multiple apparatuses, the viewing information of the registered user is recorded more appropriately.

[0195] Also, according to the present embodiment, after receiving the cumulative viewing time among multiple apparatuses up to the previous time from the information processing apparatus 100A as the viewing information management apparatus, in each information processing apparatus 100, the cumulative viewing time among multiple apparatuses up to this time is calculated. Further, in each information processing apparatus 100, the cumulative viewing time among multiple apparatuses and the viewing restriction time are compared.

[0196] According to this configuration, since the number of times the information processing apparatus 100 accesses the information processing apparatus 100A can be reduced, the load on the information processing apparatus 100A can be reduced. Also, even when the information processing apparatus 100 is in a state where it cannot access the information processing apparatus 100A, a warning can be given to the registered user.

[0197] Also, according to the present embodiment, when the continuous viewing time of the registered user exceeds the continuous viewing restriction time, the viewing information regarding the rest start time is recorded in the table. According to this configuration, even if the registered user tries to use another information processing apparatus 100 during the rest time, the viewing of content information etc. is restricted, so that the viewing information of the registered user can be recorded more appropriately.

[0198] Also, according to the present embodiment, the viewing information is recorded via the external Internet 1040. According to this configuration, since the viewing of the registered user is restricted even when the administrator user and the registered user are separated from each other, the viewing information is recorded appropriately.

[0199] (Embodiment 6) In the present embodiment, the case where the viewing information is recorded in the server 1050 as the viewing information management apparatus will be described.

[0200] [Method for Recording Viewing Time in an Information Processing Apparatus Requiring a Logon Operation] A method for recording viewing time in an information processing apparatus that requires a log-on operation will be described with reference to FIG. 18. In the following description, the parts that overlap with the contents of the above-described Embodiments 1 to 5 will be omitted in principle.

[0201] Note that the registered user information regarding a plurality of registered users is stored in, for example, the server 1050 by a registration operation performed in advance by the user who intends to register. Also, for example, viewing information regarding registered users such as viewing restriction time, continuous viewing restriction time, reset time, etc. is stored in the server 1050 in advance by the administrator user or the registered user himself / herself.

[0202] In step S4003, the information processing apparatus 100 transmits viewing start information to the server 1050 on the external network 1040, which consists of, for example, the identification information (e.g., registered user information) of the logged-on registered user, viewing information regarding the viewing start time, and device identification information for identifying the information processing apparatus 100 used by the registered user. The server 1050 determines, for example, based on the device identification information of the received viewing start information, whether the information processing apparatus 100 that transmitted the viewing start information is a device registered in the viewing information management system. If it is determined that the information processing apparatus 100 is a device registered in the viewing information management system, the server 1050 records the viewing information regarding the received viewing start information in a table. For example, as shown in FIG. 19, the server 1050 records viewing information such as the ID of the information processing apparatus 100 and the viewing start time in a table. Then, the server 1050 transmits information notifying the information processing apparatus 100 that it has received the viewing start information.

[0203] Also, the information processing apparatus 100 requests the server 1050 to transmit viewing information such as the cumulative viewing time between a plurality of devices up to the previous time and the viewing restriction time regarding the registered user who is logged on and viewing content information. The server 1050 transmits the viewing information of the logged-on registered user to the information processing apparatus 100.

[0204] In step S4007, the information processing apparatus 100 transmits viewing time exceeded information (for example, the cumulative viewing time among a plurality of devices up to now) indicating that the registered user has exceeded the viewing restriction time to the server 1050. The server 1050 records the received viewing time exceeded information in a table.

[0205] In step S1009, the information processing apparatus 100 transmits viewing stop information indicating that the registered user has stopped viewing the content information, and viewing information such as the cumulative viewing time among a plurality of devices up to now to the server 1050. The server 1050 records the received viewing stop information and viewing information regarding the cumulative viewing time among a plurality of devices up to now in a table, and updates the viewing information of the registered user who has stopped viewing. For example, the server 1050 deletes the ID information of the information processing apparatus 100, viewing start time information, etc. from the table, and records the viewing information regarding the cumulative viewing time among a plurality of devices up to now in the table.

[0206] [Recording of viewing time in an information processing apparatus that does not require a log-on operation] Next, a method for recording the viewing time in an information processing apparatus that does not require a log-on operation by the user will be described with reference to FIG. 20.

[0207] In step S3002, the information processing apparatus 100 transmits device identification information for identifying its own information processing apparatus 100 to the server 1050, and requests transmission of viewing information such as the viewing information of the registered user. The server 1050 determines whether the information processing apparatus 100 is a device registered in the viewing information management system based on the received device identification information. If it is determined that the information processing apparatus 100 is a device registered in the viewing information management system, viewing information such as the cumulative viewing time among a plurality of devices up to the previous time and the viewing restriction time of the registered user is transmitted to the information processing apparatus 100.

[0208] In step S3004, the information processing apparatus 100 transmits viewing start information including, for example, the identification information of the detected registered user (e.g., registered user information), viewing information regarding the viewing start time, and apparatus identification information for identifying the information processing apparatus 100 to the server 1050. The server 1050 records the received viewing start information in a table. For example, as shown in FIG. 21, the server 1050 records in the table viewing information regarding the ID of the information processing apparatus 100, the viewing start time at the information processing apparatus 100, face information, and the like. Further, the server 1050 may transmit, for example, information notifying the information processing apparatus 100 that the viewing start information has been received.

[0209] In step S3005, if there is a registered user who has disappeared during the measurement of the viewing time, the information processing apparatus 100 transmits viewing stop information indicating that the registered user has stopped viewing the content information, the cumulative viewing time among a plurality of apparatuses up to now, and the like to the server 1050. The server 1050 records in the table viewing information regarding the viewing stop information, the cumulative viewing time among a plurality of apparatuses up to now, and the like, and updates the viewing information of the registered user who has stopped viewing. For example, the server 1050 deletes from the table the viewing information regarding the ID information of the information processing apparatus 100 recorded in the device ID column, the viewing start time information, and the like, and records in the table the viewing information regarding the cumulative viewing time among a plurality of apparatuses up to now.

[0210] Also, in the present embodiment, the continuous viewing time may be recorded as viewing information of the registered user. For example, in step S4007 of FIG. 18, the information processing apparatus 100 transmits continuous viewing time excess information (e.g., break end time) indicating that the registered user has exceeded the continuous viewing limit time to the server 1050. The server 1050 records in the table the viewing information regarding the received continuous viewing time excess information.

[0211] According to the present embodiment, even if a registered user views content information or the like on a plurality of information processing apparatuses 100, the viewing information in each information processing apparatus 100 is collectively recorded in the server 1050 as a viewing information management apparatus.

[0212] According to this configuration, since the total cumulative viewing time in each information processing apparatus 100 is recorded as the cumulative viewing time among a plurality of apparatuses, the viewing information of the registered user is recorded more appropriately. Further, according to this configuration, since it is not necessary to record the viewing information of the registered user in the viewing processing apparatus 100, the load on the information processing apparatus 100 is reduced.

[0213] Also, according to the present embodiment, when the continuous viewing time of the registered user exceeds the continuous viewing limit time, the viewing information regarding the rest start time is recorded in the table. According to this configuration, even if the registered user attempts to use another information processing apparatus 100 during the rest time, the viewing of content information and the like is restricted, so that the viewing information of the registered user can be recorded more appropriately.

[0214] Also, according to the present embodiment, the viewing information is recorded via the external Internet 1040. According to this configuration, even if the administrator user and the registered user are separated from each other, the viewing information of the registered user is appropriately recorded.

[0215] (Embodiment 7) In the above-described Embodiments 5 to 6, the case where the cumulative viewing time among a plurality of apparatuses up to now is calculated in each information processing apparatus 100 has been described. In the present embodiment, the case where the cumulative viewing time among a plurality of apparatuses up to now is calculated in the information processing apparatus 100A and the server 1050 as the viewing information management apparatus will be described. In the following description, the description of the portions overlapping with the contents of the above-described Embodiments 1 to 6 will be omitted in principle.

[0216] [Method of Recording Viewing Time in an Information Processing Apparatus Requiring a Log-On Operation] A method for recording viewing time in an information processing apparatus that requires a log-on operation will be described with reference to FIG. 18. When the information processing apparatus 100A and the server 1050 receive, for example, identification information of a registered user who has logged on and viewing information regarding the viewing start time of content information transmitted from the information processing apparatus 100 in step S4003 of FIG. 18, they start measuring the viewing time of the registered user this time. Also, the information processing apparatus 100A and the server 1050 add up the viewing time of the registered user this time and the cumulative viewing time among multiple devices up to the previous time, and calculate the cumulative viewing time among multiple devices up to this time. Then, the information processing apparatus 100A and the server 1050 compare the cumulative viewing time among multiple devices up to this time with the viewing limit time. When the information processing apparatus 100A and the server 1050 determine that the cumulative viewing time among multiple devices of the registered user up to this time is equal to or greater than the viewing limit time, they instruct the information processing apparatus 100 where the registered user is viewing the content to warn the registered user, and the information processing apparatus 100 warns the registered user based on the instruction from the information processing apparatus 100A and the server 1050. For example, the information processing apparatus 100A and the server 1050 transmit viewing limit time exceeded information indicating that the cumulative viewing time among multiple devices up to this time is equal to or greater than the viewing limit time to the information processing apparatus 100. Then, the information processing apparatus 100 warns the registered user by performing the control in step S1006 of FIG. 18 based on the received viewing limit time exceeded information.

[0217] When the information processing apparatus 100A and the server 1050 receive the viewing stop information of the registered user transmitted from the information processing apparatus 100 in step S1009 of FIG. 18, they stop measuring the viewing time of the registered user. Also, the information processing apparatus 100A and the server 1050 stop calculating the cumulative viewing time among multiple devices of the registered user up to this time, and record the viewing information regarding the cumulative viewing time among multiple devices up to this time in a table.

[0218] [Recording of viewing time in an information processing apparatus that does not require a log-on operation] Next, a method for recording viewing time in an information processing apparatus that does not require a user log-on operation will be described with reference to FIG. 20. Also in this case, the information processing apparatus 100A and the server 1050 perform substantially the same control as in the case where the above-described log-on operation is required. Therefore, differences from the control in the case where the log-on operation is required will be described here.

[0219] When the information processing apparatus 100A and the server 1050 receive, for example, the detected identification information of the registered user, viewing information regarding the viewing start time, etc., transmitted from the information processing apparatus 100 in step S3004 of FIG. 20, they start measuring the viewing time of the detected registered user this time. Also, the information processing apparatus 100A and the server 1050 add up the viewing time of the registered user this time and the cumulative viewing time among multiple devices up to the previous time to calculate the cumulative viewing time among multiple devices up to this time. Then, when it is determined that the cumulative viewing time among multiple devices up to this time is equal to or longer than the viewing limit time, the information processing apparatus 100A and the server 1050 cause the information processing apparatus 100 to warn the registered user. The information processing apparatus 100 warns the registered user by performing the control of step S3008 in FIG. 20 based on the received viewing limit time exceeded information. When it is determined that the cumulative viewing time among multiple devices of the registered user up to this time is equal to or longer than the viewing limit time, the information processing apparatus 100A and the server 1050 instruct the information processing apparatus 100 where the registered user is viewing the content to warn the registered user, and the information processing apparatus 100 warns the registered user based on the instruction from the information processing apparatus 100A and the server 1050. For example, the information processing apparatus 100A and the server 1050 transmit viewing limit time exceeded information indicating that the cumulative viewing time among multiple devices up to this time is equal to or longer than the viewing limit time to the information processing apparatus 100. Then, the information processing apparatus 100 warns the registered user by performing the control of step S3008 in FIG. 20 based on the received viewing limit time exceeded information.

[0220] When the information processing apparatus 100A and the server 1050 receive the viewing stop information of the registered user transmitted from the information processing apparatus 100 in step S3005 of FIG. 20, they stop measuring the viewing time of the registered user.

[0221] Also, the information processing apparatus 100A and the server 1050 may measure the continuous viewing time of the registered user. The information processing apparatus 100A and the server 1050 measure the continuous viewing time of the registered user, and compare the continuous viewing time with the continuous viewing limit time. When the information processing apparatus 100A and the server 1050 determine that the continuous viewing time of the registered user is equal to or longer than the continuous viewing limit time, they cause the information processing apparatus 100 to warn the registered user. For example, the information processing apparatus 100A and the server 1050 transmit continuous viewing limit time exceeded information indicating that the continuous viewing time is equal to or longer than the continuous viewing limit time to the information processing apparatus 100. The information processing apparatus 100 warns the registered user by performing the control of step S1006 in FIG. 18 or step 3008 in FIG. 20 based on the received continuous viewing limit time exceeded information.

[0222] Also, when the information processing apparatus 100A and the server 1050 receive the viewing stop information of the registered user transmitted from the information processing apparatus 100 in step S1009 of FIG. 18 or step S3005 of FIG. 20, they stop measuring the continuous viewing time of the registered user.

[0223] According to the present embodiment, the cumulative viewing time and the continuous viewing time among a plurality of devices are calculated in the information processing apparatus 100A and the server 1050 as the viewing information management devices. According to this configuration, each information processing apparatus 100 does not have to calculate the cumulative viewing time and the continuous viewing time among a plurality of devices, so the load on the information processing apparatus 100 is reduced.

[0224] Also, according to this embodiment, the information processing device 100A and the server 1050 compare the cumulative viewing time among a plurality of devices up to now with the viewing restriction time. When it is determined that the cumulative viewing time among a plurality of devices up to now exceeds the viewing restriction time, an instruction is given to warn the registered user with respect to the information processing device 100. According to this configuration, the information processing device 100 gives a warning based on the instruction from the information processing device 100A and the server 1050, whereby the viewing of content information by the registered user is restricted. As a result, the viewing information of the registered user is appropriately recorded.

[0225] Also, according to this embodiment, the information processing device 100A and the server 1050 compare the continuous viewing time with the continuous viewing restriction time. When the continuous viewing time exceeds the continuous viewing restriction time, the information processing device 100 is warned to take a predetermined break time. According to this configuration, the information processing device 100 gives a warning based on the instruction from the information processing device 100A and the server 1050, whereby the registered user can be made to take an appropriate break. As a result, the viewing information of the registered user is more appropriately recorded.

[0226] (Other embodiments) The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments. For example, a storage may be provided in the wireless router 1030, and the viewing information of the registered user may be recorded in the storage. In this case, compared with the case where the information processing device 100 is a viewing information management device, power is stably supplied to the wireless router 1030. Also, since the network connection between the information processing device 100 (for example, 100A to 100E) and the wireless router 1030 is stable, an immediate response can be made to a transmission request for viewing information from the information processing device 100.

[0227] As described above, the invention made by the present inventor has been specifically described based on the embodiments of the invention. However, it goes without saying that the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments of the invention, and various modifications can be made without departing from the gist thereof.

[0228] Note that the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and includes various modifications. For example, the above-described embodiments have been described in detail for easy understanding of the present invention, and are not necessarily limited to those having all the configurations described.

[0229] Also, a part of the configuration of one embodiment can be replaced with the configuration of another embodiment, and it is also possible to add the configuration of another embodiment to the configuration of one embodiment. Further, for a part of the configuration of each embodiment, it is possible to add, delete, or replace with other configurations. Note that each member and the relative size shown in the drawings are simplified and idealized for easy understanding of the present invention, and may have a more complex shape in actual implementation.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0230] 100, 100A, 100B, 100C, 100D, 100E... Information processing device, 114... Control unit, 115... Information input unit, 116... User information acquisition unit, 117... Display unit, 125... Information storage unit, 140... Imaging unit, 1010... Base station, 1020... Broadcasting station, 1030... Wireless router, 1040... External network, 1050... Server

Claims

[Claim 1] 1. A system comprising: A first information processing device; A second information processing device; a server connected to the first information processing device and the second information processing device; Equipped with The first information processing device, A user information acquisition unit that acquires user information; A first display unit; A first communications department; A first control unit, The second information processing device, a second control unit that registers information about a user of the first information processing device and sets a viewing limit time of the first information processing device; a second communication unit for transmitting viewing restriction time information regarding a viewing restriction time to the first information processing device, the first control unit performs user authentication using preregistered user information and the user information acquired by the user information acquisition unit, thereafter controls the first display unit to display content information, measures a viewing time of the content information displayed on the first display unit, and controls the first communication unit to transmit cumulative viewing time information based on the viewing time to the second information processing device via the server; the first communication unit receives viewing restriction time information on a viewing restriction time from the second information processing device via the server, and when the first control unit determines that the viewing time being measured is equal to or longer than the viewing restriction time set by the second information processing device, the first control unit controls the first display unit to hide the content information displayed on the first display unit to restrict viewing; the first control unit controls to release the viewing restriction when a given time has elapsed after the content information is hidden, system.

Images