Information processing method, program, and information processing device

Abstract

To provide a new mechanism that smoothly performs a series of work among users in generating content by using a plurality of contents.SOLUTION: An information processing method executes: acquiring a generation request for a first content that uses a plurality of contents from a first processing device used by a first user; outputting a generation request for a second content to be used to generate the first content to respective second processing devices used by respective second users on the basis of the generation request; acquiring the second content from the first processing device or the respective second processing devices; acquiring contact address information from at least one or more second users among the respective second users; associating information on the first content with the contact address information of the at least one or more second users; generating the first content by using the acquired respective second contents; and outputting the first content to contact addresses specified by the contact address information of the at least one or more second users.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 15

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The disclosed technology relates to an information processing method, a program, and an information processing apparatus.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, there has been a technology for acquiring images from a plurality of users and generating one image by combining these images. For example, a collage image creation system that can create a collage image in a relatively short time regardless of the number of users participating in the creation of the collage image is known (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, in the prior art, although contents (for example, images) acquired by each user are combined to generate contents, there is room for improvement in a series of operations between the host user and the participating users.

[0005] Therefore, an object of the disclosed technology is to provide a new mechanism for smoothly performing a series of operations between users when contents are generated using a plurality of contents.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] In one aspect of the disclosure, an information processing method includes: an information processing apparatus obtaining, from a first processing apparatus used by a first user, a generation request for first content that uses a plurality of contents; based on the generation request, outputting, to each second processing apparatus used by each second user, a generation request for second content that is used to generate the first content; obtaining the second content from the first processing apparatus or each second processing apparatus; obtaining contact information from at least one second user among the each second users; associating information regarding the first content with the contact information of the at least one second user; generating the first content using each obtained second content; and outputting the first content to a contact specified by the contact information of the at least one second user.

Advantages of the Invention

[0007] According to the disclosed technology, when content is generated using a plurality of contents, it is possible to provide a new mechanism for smoothly performing a series of operations among users.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0008]

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Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0009] With reference to the accompanying drawings, preferred embodiments of the present disclosure will be described. In each figure, those denoted by the same reference numerals have the same or similar configurations.

[0010] [Embodiment] <System Configuration> FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of an information processing system 1 according to an embodiment of the disclosure. As shown in FIG. 1, the information processing system 1 includes a server 10 and processing devices 20A, 20B, and 20C of one or more users. Hereinafter, when the processing devices are not distinguished, they are denoted as the processing device 20. The server 10 and the processing device 20 can transmit and receive data to and from each other via a network N. The server 10 may be configured by a plurality of processing devices. The number of processing devices 20 may be arbitrary.

[0011] The information processing system 1 is used by a user who wants to collect contents from each user and generate contents (also referred to as a "host user") and a user who receives an invitation from the host user and provides contents (also referred to as a "participating user"). Note that a user who newly receives an invitation from an existing participating user and provides contents can also be a participating user. The contents include at least one data among images such as still images and moving images, sounds, animations, and the like.

[0012] The information processing system 1 acquires a generation request for first contents including a plurality of contents from a first processing device used by a host user (first user), and based on this generation request, sets at least one instruction from a plurality of instructions for second contents used for generating the first contents. The first contents are, for example, contents generated using a plurality of contents, and the second contents are, for example, contents provided by a host user or a participating user.

[0013] The instruction includes instruction contents such that the contents become contents corresponding to the generation purpose of the first contents when the contents are generated. In order to correspond to the generation purpose of the contents and the like, a plurality of different instructions are preset or generated by the user.

[0014] In addition, the information processing system 1 outputs a generation request for second content including at least one instruction to a first processing device used by a host user (first user) and each second processing device used by each participating user (second user), and acquires the second content generated based on the instruction from the first processing device or each second processing device.

[0015] Further, the information processing system 1 generates first content using each acquired second content and outputs the generated first content. The generated first content may be output to the host user or a participating user for pre-check, or may be output to another user (third user). The other users include, for example, a person getting married, a person being seen off, a person being welcomed, etc.

[0016] According to the above information processing system 1, each content is generated based on an appropriately set instruction, and at least one content is generated using these contents, so that it becomes possible to easily generate content with a sense of unity. As a result, compared with the prior art in which content without a sense of unity or content whose intention is difficult to convey is generated as a whole, in order to give a sense of unity or clarify the intention according to the purpose of content generation, complicated editing of the content becomes unnecessary, and the work burden on the user can be reduced. In addition, it becomes possible to create communication between users through browsing, confirmation, etc., and to provide a mechanism for smoothing a series of operations between users. Hereinafter, the server 10 and the processing device 20 provided in the information processing system 1 will be described.

[0017] [First Embodiment] For example, server 10 acquires the content generated by each user and generates at least one piece of content. Server 10 can acquire content that suits the generation purpose or the like by providing instructions to each user that can be appropriately changed according to the content generation purpose or the like. As a result, on the server 10 side, the processing load due to editing can be reduced, and the editing burden on the user can be reduced.

[0018] The processing device 20 is an information processing device used by users such as the host user and participating users, and is, for example, a personal computer, a mobile phone such as a smartphone, a tablet terminal, or the like. The processing device 20 generates content according to the instructions transmitted from the server 10 and transmits the generated content to the server 10. Further, the processing device 20 may transmit the content already stored in the storage unit to the server 10. As a result, each user can easily generate content without burden.

[0019] Further, the processing device 20 may use a web browser to access a website (or web page) provided by the server 10 and receive the present service related to content generation provided on this website.

[0020] Further, an application program (app) for using the present service provided by the server 10 may be installed in the processing device 20. This app causes the processing device 20 to execute at least a part of the processing related to content generation disclosed in the following embodiments in the present service provided by the server 10. When this app is executed, the processing device 20 accesses the server 10 and transmits and receives information used for the execution of the app. Hereinafter, each configuration and the like of the information processing system 1 that enables the execution of the present service related to content generation will be described in detail.

[0021] <Configuration of Server> FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the server 10 according to the first embodiment of the disclosure. The server 10 includes one or more processors (e.g., CPUs) 110, one or more network communication interfaces 140, a storage device (storage unit) 130, and one or more communication buses 170 for interconnecting these components.

[0022] The server 10 may optionally include a user interface 150, which may include a display and an input device (such as a keyboard and / or a mouse, or some other pointing device, etc.).

[0023] The storage device 130 is, for example, a high-speed random access memory (main storage device) such as DRAM, SRAM, or other random access solid-state storage devices. The storage device 130 may also be a non-volatile memory (auxiliary storage device) such as one or more magnetic disk storage devices, optical disk storage devices, flash memory devices, or other non-volatile solid-state storage devices. The storage device 130 may also be a computer-readable non-transitory recording medium storing programs and the like. The storage device 130 may be either a main storage device (memory) or an auxiliary storage device (storage), or may include both.

[0024] The storage device 130 stores data, programs, etc. used by the information processing system 1. For example, the storage device 130 stores user information (e.g., FIG. 3), content request information (e.g., FIG. 4), content information (e.g., FIG. 5), etc.

[0025] As another example of the storage device 130, it may be one or more storage devices installed remotely from the processor 110. In an embodiment, the storage device 130 stores programs, modules, and data structures executed by the processor 110, or subsets thereof.

[0026] The processor 110 constitutes, for example, a service control unit 111, an acquisition unit 112, a setting unit 113, an output unit 114, a generation unit 115, a charging unit 116, an editing unit 117, and a browsing control unit 118 by executing a program stored in the storage device 130.

[0027] The service control unit 111 controls the present service disclosed in the embodiment. For example, the service control unit 111 acquires a predetermined request from each processing device 20, outputs an instruction regarding content generation, acquires content, or generates at least one content from a plurality of contents.

[0028] Also, the service control unit 111 has an acquisition unit 112, a setting unit 113, an output unit 114, a generation unit 115, a charging unit 116, an editing unit 117, and a browsing control unit 118 in order to control the execution of the present service disclosed in the embodiment. Hereinafter, each process that can be provided by the service control unit 111 will be described.

[0029] 《Processing related to user registration》 The acquisition unit 112 acquires a registration request together with user information from the processing device 20 used by the host user (first user). The user information is, for example, an email address and a password, and may include a user name or the like. The acquired user information is stored as user information in the storage device 130. Also, although user registration of the participating user (second user) is not essential, the number of operations that can be performed regarding content generation may be increased by performing user registration.

[0030] 《Processing related to generation of the first content》 The acquisition unit 112 acquires a generation request for a first content that uses a plurality of contents from a first processing device used by the host user. The first content includes, for example, either one of continuous content that concatenates a plurality of contents and continuously displays them in one display area and aggregated content that collectively displays a plurality of contents in one display area, two contents of continuous content and aggregated content, or combined content of continuous content and aggregated content. Note that the first content is not limited to the above-described examples, and any content generated using a plurality of contents may be used.

[0031] In addition, the host user can set the configuration of the content. For example, when making a generation request for the first content, the host user may set, as the content configuration, only continuous content, only aggregated content, a combination of continuous content and aggregated content, or the like.

[0032] In addition, the acquisition unit 112 may acquire the title of the content included in the generation request and the deadline of the content. Note that the title of the content may be freely input by the host user or selected from a plurality of candidate titles (e.g., ○○ birthday, ○○ wedding, etc.).

[0033] In addition, the generation request may include the type of the content included in the first content. For example, the generation request may include the type of continuous content or aggregated content. The type of aggregated content may include types such as common content in which each user performs the same movement and individual content in which each user performs different movements using the content of each user.

[0034] The common content includes motion content such as waving hands or shouting "Banzai!", and item content such as holding the same item at a predetermined position. In addition, individual content includes character content that forms characters or sentences, shape content that forms shapes such as hearts, and sound content that connects individual voices in sequence to form a meaningful sentence. The type of content may be freely set by the host user or selected from a plurality of candidate types. Each type of content set or generated by the host user may be included in the request generation as part of the content configuration.

[0035] Based on the acquired generation request, the setting unit 113 sets at least one instruction from among a plurality of instructions for the second content used for generating the first content. The plurality of instructions are, for example, those that instruct each user regarding the generation of content generated by each user, or those that are automatically set for the camera's shooting function, and may include instructions of various categories. The instruction may be changed according to, for example, the type of content, and specifically, the content of the instruction may be changed according to the common content or the individual content.

[0036] In addition, an instruction of one category may include a plurality of sub-instructions. For example, when the instruction is the type of content (e.g., common content), the sub-instruction includes the content of the content (motion, item, etc.).

[0037] The output unit 114 outputs a generation request for second content including at least one instruction set by the setting unit 113 to each second processing device used by each participating user. For example, as the generation request, the output unit 114 issues an address (e.g., an invitation URL) for accessing a website capable of executing content generation processing (e.g., shooting processing) or content output processing (e.g., upload processing), and outputs this address to the first processing device or each second processing device.

[0038] When the address (e.g., the invitation URL) for accessing the above-described website is output to the first processing device, the invitation URL may be transmitted to each second processing device via the first processing device. For example, the host user may transmit the invitation URL to each participating user using an SNS.

[0039] Thereby, each participating user can operate each second processing device, access the issued address, and generate content or output it to the server 10 based on the instructions included in the generation request.

[0040] Note that the output unit 114 may issue a password for permitting access to the issued address and output the password to each second processing device together with the address. For example, each participating user may access the issued address and input the password in a password input screen displayed on the display to be able to access a content generation management screen.

[0041] The host user can select participating users, and the output unit 114 may output a generation request for second content to each second processing device of each selected participating user. Also, the participating users may be allowed to be added by the host user.

[0042] In addition, the participating user may be allowed to invite new users to participate. For example, the participating user may send the obtained address and password to other users. Also, even if the participating user himself / herself has not uploaded the second content, he / she may be allowed to invite other users. That is, there may be no restriction on the transfer of the address and password.

[0043] Further, the output unit 114 may be configured not to output a generation request for the second content to a specific user. For example, for a user whose transmission is disabled by the host user, the output unit 114 may prevent the user from receiving the transmission. As a specific example, when the user to be transmitted to has information that matches the user identification information such as the email address or user ID of the user with the transmission disabled setting, the output unit 114 does not send the address and password of this service to this user.

[0044] This can reduce the risk of inviting a user who wants to provide the first content before the content is created and having the content of the first content being grasped.

[0045] The acquisition unit 112 acquires the second content from the first processing device of the host user or each second processing device of each participating user. For example, the acquisition unit 112 acquires the content uploaded on the website accessed by the host user or each participating user as the second content. As a specific example, the acquisition unit 112 may acquire the video taken and uploaded when the host user or each participating user accesses the website as the second content.

[0046] Note that the method of outputting the generation request for the second content and the method of acquiring the second content are not limited to the methods described above. For example, the output unit 114 may send a message including a link for uploading the content together with the set instructions to each second processing device, and the acquisition unit 112 may acquire the content uploaded to a predetermined link destination.

[0047] The generation unit 115 generates the first content by using each second content acquired by the acquisition unit 112. For example, the generation unit 115 generates the first content by using the second content acquired in order according to a preset method. As a specific example, when generating continuous content, the generation unit 115 combines the second content acquired in order and generates the first content so that the acquisition order becomes the display order. Also, when generating aggregated content, the generation unit 115 arranges the second content acquired in order at each position to form one aggregated content, and generates this aggregated content as the first content. Note that, as will be described later, the first content and the second content may be editable.

[0048] The output unit 114 outputs the first content generated by the generation unit 115. For example, the output unit 114 outputs the first content to the first processing device used by the host user or the second processing devices used by each participating user for pre-check. Also, the output unit 114 may output the first content to the processing device of the user who provides the first content as a gift.

[0049] As a specific example, the output unit 114 may transmit the first content to the first processing device or the second processing device based on a first content transmission request from the host user or a participating user. Thereby, the host user or a participating user can transmit the first content itself to other users. Also, the output unit 114 may transmit the URL (download link) of the website where the first content can be downloaded to the first processing device or the second processing device based on a first content transmission request from the host user or a participating user. Thereby, since the host user or a participating user only needs to transmit the URL to other users, it is possible to reduce the communication load.

[0050] Through the above processing, when the information processing system 1 generates content using a plurality of contents, it can easily generate content with a sense of unity or the like. Since each participating user can generate content according to the instructions, the second content can be easily generated. On the system side, since the second content is generated and transmitted in accordance with the wishes of the host user, the first content with a sense of unity or the like can be generated only by combining the second content. As a result, it is possible to reduce the number of times of editing the first content by the host user or the like, and the processing load of the system can be reduced.

[0051] ≪Example of Instructions≫ Next, instructions applicable in one embodiment of the disclosure will be described. For example, in addition to the above-described instructions, the setting unit 113 may include changing the content of at least one instruction according to the second processing device to be output.

[0052] For example, the setting unit 113 may change the content of the instruction according to the output order to the second processing device. As a specific example, the setting unit 113 may change the characters specified by the instruction, change the shape of the guide representing the posture of the participating user, or change the content spoken by the participating user according to the output order of the second processing device.

[0053] Through the above processing, it becomes possible to change the instructions for each participating user, and it becomes possible to increase the variations in the sense of unity of the first content. Also, according to the instructions for each participating user, it is possible to issue an instruction intended by the host user, and it becomes possible to reduce the editing load after the generation of the first content. Note that the output order may be set by the host user or may be set automatically.

[0054] In addition, the instruction may include the aspect ratio of the content, the shooting time of the content, or the type of unity to be created in the first content. For example, when the host user sets or selects the following instructions using the first processing device, the first processing device transmits each piece of information in the instruction to the server 10. Content of the instruction · Title of the content (which may be included in the instruction) · Type of the content · Instructions regarding the second content to be posted by each participating user (for example, instructions on what to do at what timing) · Time specification of the content (for example, shoot a 5 - second video and wave your hand 2 seconds after the start) · Shooting size of the content (image, video) (the aspect ratio of the content (16:9, 4:3, 4:2, square, etc.) may be set based on the image of the collective content).

[0055] Through the above - mentioned processing, by specifically setting the instructions regarding the generation of the second content, each participating user can generate the second content intended by the host user. In particular, the aspect ratio of the content is an item used when generating continuous content or collective content. When the aspect ratios of each content are unified, it is easier to create a sense of unity when the first content is generated, and the generation unit 115 can more easily generate the first content.

[0056] In addition, when the aspect ratio of the content is included in the instruction, the output unit 114 may output a generation request including a command for performing shooting in the aspect ratio. For example, the output unit 114 may output a generation request including a command for instructing the OS (Operating System) of the processing device of each user (host user or participating user) to perform camera shooting in the aspect ratio set by the setting unit 113. As a result, each user can generate content in the specified aspect ratio without setting the aspect ratio by themselves.

[0057] Through the above processing, each user can generate the second content in the aspect ratio desired by the host user only by performing camera shooting according to the instruction. As a result, the server 10 can omit the size adjustment for each second content and reduce the processing load.

[0058] In addition, when the aspect ratio of the content is included in the instruction and the content stored in the storage unit of each second processing device is output, the output unit 114 may output a generation request including a command for editing and outputting the content in the aspect ratio. For example, when the saved image already stored in the storage unit of the second processing device is not in the aspect ratio set by the setting unit 113, the output unit 114 may output a generation request including a command for trimming the saved image to the desired aspect ratio. Trimming may be performed, for example, by aligning the center position of the saved image with the center position of the size to be trimmed.

[0059] Through the above processing, when each user outputs the saved content according to the instruction, the second content can be edited and output in the aspect ratio desired by the host user. As a result, the server 10 can omit the size adjustment for each second content and reduce the processing load.

[0060] 《Content Editing》 Next, the editing of the first content or the second content will be described. Regarding the editing of the content, when the editing unit 117 generates the first content by arranging each second content at each position, it may include adjusting the display time of the other second contents according to the second content with the longest display time among the second contents to be arranged. For example, the editing unit 117 identifies the second content A with a long display time among the second contents used for the first content. The editing unit 117 may extend the display time of the other second contents so as to be the display time of the second content A. In this case, the second content is preferably video data having a playback time, for example.

[0061] By the above processing, in the first content including a plurality of contents, it becomes possible to end the contents at the same time and give the viewer a sense of unity of the contents.

[0062] In addition, when the editing unit 117 generates the first content by arranging each second content at each position, it may include generating the first content in which at least one of the arranged second contents is repeatedly displayed. For example, when there is a second content B with a display time shorter than the display time of the first content, the second content B may be repeatedly displayed until the display time of the first content ends. In the case of the second display and subsequent displays of the second content B, it may end halfway.

[0063] By the above processing, in the first content including a plurality of contents, it is possible to prevent at least one content from ending earlier while other contents are being displayed. Also, when the display of the first content ends, it can be made to appear that the displays of the second contents end at the same time, and it becomes possible to give the viewer a sense of unity of the contents.

[0064] In addition, when the editing unit 117 generates the first content by arranging a predetermined number of second contents at each position, after the display of the arranged second content ends, the editing unit 117 may generate the first content in which the unarranged second content is displayed. For example, when there is a second content B with a display time shorter than the display time of the first content, after the display of the second content B ends, the unarranged second content C may be displayed. As a specific example, the generation unit 115 may assign an order to the unarranged second content and sequentially assign the unarranged second content to the arranged content whose display has ended so as to be displayed. Also, the content that has been arranged and displayed once may be assigned an order so as to be at the end of the unarranged second content.

[0065] Through the above processing, in the first content including a plurality of contents, it is possible to prevent at least one content from ending earlier while other contents are being displayed. Also, until the display of the first content ends, each second content can be displayed one after another, making it possible to give the viewer a sense of unity of the content.

[0066] In addition, the editing unit 117 may allow the host user or participating users to edit the content output by itself or the content output by other users regarding the editing of the content. This makes it possible to reduce the workload of the host user. Note that the host user may set editing permissions for a predetermined user when making a generation request for the first content.

[0067] In addition, the editing unit 117 may accept the addition of the following items from the first content or the second content. · Add subtitles (automatically or manually), add effects, BGM, cover, add stamps, add end rolls, add effects for the present page, select sound sources, upload sound sources, names of participating users, etc. On the end roll, the names of the users who registered (uploaded) the second content are displayed on the end roll. The cover page includes the title of the first content. The present page includes a URL page for downloading (DL) the first content. The names of the participating users (which may be nicknames, etc.) may be set at the bottom of the second content or may be added by the participating users when uploading the second content.

[0068] In addition, the editing department 117 may rearrange or delete the display time and display position of the second content in the first content. For example, when the generation department 115 creates continuous content in the acquisition order of the second content or generates aggregated content by arranging it at each position (e.g., in the order from the upper left to the lower right), the editing department 117 may edit the display order and display position. Note that the display order of the continuous content (e.g., displayed first or last) and the display position of the aggregated content (e.g., arranged in the center) may be assigned by the host user or the participating users.

[0069] As a specific example, the editing department 117 may display an editing screen on the user's processing device and implement operations such as specifying and rearranging the second content by drag & drop. Also, when both continuous content and aggregated content are generated, if the arrangement order of one of the second contents is rearranged, the arrangement order may also be reflected in the other content. In this case, if the aggregated content has meaning in terms of the arrangement order (forms a shape as a whole, the text of the message is disrupted, etc.), even if the arrangement order of the continuous content is changed, it is not reflected in the arrangement order of the aggregated content. For example, by storing in the storage device 130 the type of aggregated content that does not reflect the changes in the continuous content as aggregated content with change restrictions, the editing department 117 can prevent the changes in the continuous content from being reflected in the aggregated content in the case of aggregated content with change restrictions.

[0070] In addition, the editing department 117 may change the order according to the intimacy between the user who receives the first content (e.g., a user getting married) and the user who posts the second content. For example, when the editing department 117 can obtain information regarding intimacy via the API (Application Programming Interface) of another SNS (Social Networking Service), it may display in descending order of this intimacy or place it in the center. For example, the intimacy may be data specified by whether there is a friendship relationship (e.g., whether friend registration has been done) in the SNS, the number of common friends, the number of comments, the number of message exchanges, etc.

[0071] Also, the host user or participating user may delete the second content of each user. Also, when edited from the first content generated by the generation unit 115, the editing department 117 may be able to save it under a different name and enable version comparison of the first content. Also, the editing department 117 may have a function to resolve conflicts so that each user can edit simultaneously.

[0072] In the collective content, when the display of some of the second content ends first, the editing department 117 may display a predetermined background for that content part. As a result, when the display of all the second content ends, a predetermined background is displayed. The predetermined background may be preset by the host user or participating user.

[0073] 《Processing Regarding Billing》 Next, the processing regarding billing will be described. The billing department 116 receives billing from the first processing device of the host user or the second processing device of the participating user. When billing is received by the billing department 116, the editing department 117 may include changing the editing content for the first content as described above according to the billing. For example, when billing is performed, the editing department 117 may increase the editing menu for the first content. As a specific example, the editing department 117 may increase the items of editable items for the first content as the billing amount increases.

[0074] In addition, when the billing department 116 accepts the billing, the editing department 117 may unlock the editing function. That is, the editing department 117 may make the editing function itself available according to the billing. In addition, the billing may be performed by the host user or the participating user, and if at least one person performs the billing, the editing department 117 may permit editing for the host user or the participating user.

[0075] In addition, when the host user or the participating user makes a payment, the following editing items of the editing department 117 may be unlocked. · Download of high-quality content, size and image quality, editing of the first content, extension of the retention period of the management page of the first content, editing function (described above) In addition, the billing department 116 may use electronic payment or credit payment to split the billing amount among all the host users and participating users and execute the payment for all. In this case, the editing department 117 may unlock the editing after the payment of all is completed. Note that the billing department 116 may be able to display to the host user etc. the progress of whether the payment for each user is completed or not.

[0076] 《Processing related to the output of the first content》 The output unit 114 may allow anyone to download the first content at any time. For example, when there is a download request from the host user or the participating user, the output unit 114 outputs the first content at that time to the processing device that made the download request. In addition, the output unit 114 may leave a download history. For example, the download history includes the download date and time and the user who downloaded. In addition, the output unit 114 may limit the number of downloads, and when increasing the upper limit of the number of downloads, it may require billing by the billing department 116.

[0077] 《Processing related to the confirmation of the first content》 The editing department 117 may determine the first content based on predetermined conditions. For example, when the editing department 117 obtains a determination request from the host user, it may determine the first content. Also, the editing department 117 may obtain approvals from each participating user who has uploaded the second content, and determine the first content when a predetermined percentage or more of the users have approved it.

[0078] 《Processing Regarding the Revival of the First Content》 Basically, when the storage period (expiration date) of the first content has passed, the editing department 117 prohibits editing and downloading. However, when the editing department 117 satisfies predetermined conditions regarding the revival of the content, it may permit processing for the first content or the second content.

[0079] For example, when the charging department 116 has performed charging, the editing department 117 may extend the expiration date of the first content whose expiration date has passed, or may permit editing processing and viewing processing regarding the first content again.

[0080] 《Processing Regarding Viewing Restrictions》 The acquisition unit 112 may obtain a viewing request for the first content or the second content from the first processing device of the host user or the second processing device of the participating user. In this case, the viewing control unit 118 determines whether the viewing request satisfies the viewing conditions. For example, when the viewing request does not satisfy the viewing conditions, the viewing control unit 118 outputs a notice of rejection of viewing to the first processing device or the second processing device that output the viewing request, and when the viewing request satisfies the viewing conditions, enables viewing of the first content or the second content at that time.

[0081] The viewing conditions include, for example, any of the following conditions. · Is the user who made the viewing request the host user? · Is the user who made the viewing request a preset user? · Is the user who made the viewing request a participating user and is it the second or subsequent access?

[0082] The browsing control unit 118 may control who can view the acquisition status of the second content for each user (e.g., inviting 10 people, 8 users have uploaded, etc.). For example, when a predetermined condition is satisfied, the browsing control unit 118 may enable the acquisition status to be displayed to the user. The predetermined condition includes, for example, any of the following. · Is the user who made the browsing request the host user? · Is the user who made the browsing request a user who has completed the output (upload) of the second content? · Has the second content been uploaded by a predetermined ratio (e.g., 20%, 50%, or 80%, etc.) or more? · Has a charge been made? (Only users who have been charged, or if at least one user has been charged, all users can view.)

[0083] (Examples of each data) Next, examples of each data stored in the storage device 130 of the server 10 will be described with reference to FIGS. 3 to 5. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of user information according to the first embodiment. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of content request information according to the first embodiment. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of content information according to the first embodiment.

[0084] The user information shown in FIG. 3 includes each data / information such as the user's ID, contact information, password, etc. The ID includes, for example, identification information for identifying the user. The contact information includes, for example, at least one of the user's email address, SNS ID, and phone number. The password includes, for example, a password set by the user or a password set by the system. The user information may also include other data / information related to the user, such as the user name that can be displayed in the first content.

[0085] The content request information shown in FIG. 4 includes information such as content name, creator, type, invited users, instructions, and billing. The content name includes, for example, the name of the content set by the user of the creator. The content name may be selected from presets. The creator is, for example, also the requester who requested the creation of the content, and may be identified by the user ID, etc.

[0086] The type indicates, for example, the type of the above-described content, and includes types such as continuous content and set content that are selected or set by the user of the creator, or set by default. The invited users indicate, for example, participating users, and include the user name set corresponding to the second content, etc.

[0087] The instructions include, for example, the above-described instructions, and include instructions set by the user or preset. Note that the instructions may include a plurality of instructions. For example, a plurality of instructions for each type of content such as instructions for continuous content and instructions for set content, or a plurality of sub-instructions for the same type (e.g., set content) may be included.

[0088] The billing includes, for example, the presence or absence of billing by the user, the amount, etc. The content request information may also include other data / information such as the expiration date of the first content, conditions regarding editing permission, and conditions for viewing restrictions.

[0089] The content information shown in FIG. 5 includes a content name, a first content, and a second content. The content name is, for example, the content name shown in FIG. 4 and can be used to identify the content. The first content includes, for example, the first content generated by the generation unit 115 or edited by the editing unit 117. The second content includes, for example, the second content acquired by the acquisition unit 112 or edited by the editing unit 117. The content information may further include, among other things, the version history of the first content and the first content and each second content at each version. Also, each second content information may include a user name associated with each second user.

[0090] <Configuration of the processing device> FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of a processing device 20 according to the first embodiment of the disclosure. For example, the processing device 20 is a device used by a user. The processing device 20 includes one or more processors (e.g., CPU) 210, one or more network communication interfaces 220, a storage device (storage unit) 230, a user interface 250, and one or more communication buses 270 for interconnecting these components.

[0091] The user interface 250 includes a display 251 and an input device (keyboard and / or mouse, or some other pointing device, etc.) 252.

[0092] The storage device 230 is, for example, a high-speed random access memory (main storage device) such as DRAM, SRAM, or other random access solid-state storage devices. Also, the storage device 230 may be a non-volatile memory (auxiliary storage device) such as one or more magnetic disk storage devices, optical disk storage devices, flash memory devices, or other non-volatile solid-state storage devices. Also, the storage device 230 may be a computer-readable non-transitory recording medium. Also, the storage device 230 may be either a main storage device (memory) or an auxiliary storage device (storage), or may include both.

[0093] The memory device 230 stores data and programs used by the information processing system 1. For example, the memory device 230 stores application programs for the processing device 20 in the information processing system 1 and the like.

[0094] The processor 210 constitutes the service processing unit 211 by executing the programs stored in the memory device 230. The service processing unit 211 includes, for example, a web browser, a mail application, and the like. The web browser enables browsing of websites provided by the server 10. Also, by executing the installed application for the user terminal, it becomes possible to browse the websites where the above-described services are provided. The service processing unit 211 has a communication control unit 212, a display control unit 213, and an operation control unit 214 in order to receive service provision.

[0095] When it is the host user, the communication control unit 212 acquires the user registration screen, the instruction setting or selection screen, the invitation URL display screen, the content generation screen, the content output screen, the management screen, etc. transmitted from the server 10. Also, when it is a participating user, the communication control unit 212 acquires the website screen of the present service, the instruction screen, the content generation screen, the content output screen, etc. transmitted from the server 10.

[0096] Also, the communication control unit 212 outputs to the server 10 the information selected and set using each screen, a predetermined request, work information regarding the present service, and the like.

[0097] Based on each screen information acquired by the communication control unit 212, the display control unit 213 controls to display each of the above-described screens regarding the present service on the display 251.

[0098] The operation control unit 214 receives the user's operations on the UI components displayed on each screen, processes the operation information, and transmits it to the applications of the processing device 20 or outputs it to the server 10. For example, the operation control unit 214 outputs information such as the user registration information and instruction information of this service to the server 10.

[0099] 《Processing Regarding Generation of Second Content》 Here, the processing regarding the generation of the second content will be described. Based on the user's operations, the operation control unit 214 causes each participating user to generate the second content according to the instructions regarding the generation of the second content and uploads it to the server 10. Note that the host user may also generate the second content.

[0100] For example, each processing device 20 may, according to the instructions, photograph the content to be used in the continuous content, then photograph the content to be used in the collective content, and output these contents together as the second content to the server 10 in one file or another file.

[0101] For example, when a participating user participates in content generation (accesses the URL of this service and presses the shooting start button, etc.), the operation control unit 214 may issue a shooting instruction to the OS of the processing device 20, activate the camera function of the OS, and start shooting.

[0102] The service processing unit 211 may verify the generated second content and determine whether it follows the instructions. If it does not follow the instructions, the service processing unit 211 may instruct to regenerate the second content. Regarding the verification of the second content, for example, object recognition is performed from the second content, and it is determined whether the movement of the object follows the content of the instructions. The content of the instructions can be specified by character recognition. Note that the verification of the second content may be executed by the service control unit 111 on the server 10 side or the like when the present service is executed by a web browser, or may be executed on the processing device 20 side when executed by an application.

[0103] 《Processing Regarding Invitation》 The service processing unit 211 may generate a message including an invitation URL through cooperation with an external service (such as various SNSs) and send the message to each related user. For example, the service processing unit 211 may select a user from the friend list obtained from the external service via an API and notify the selected user of the message. Also, the service processing unit 211 may send a reminder to each user about whether the second content has been uploaded when a predetermined period has elapsed after the message is sent.

[0104] <Operation Explanation> Next, each operation of the information processing system 1 will be described. FIG. 7 is a sequence diagram showing an example of processing related to the present service according to the first embodiment. In the example shown in FIG. 7, it is an example in which each processing device 20 used by each user and the server 10 providing the present service cooperate to perform processing.

[0105] In step S102, the operation control unit 214 of the processing device 20A used by the host user receives an operation in response to a generation request for the first content from the host user, and the communication control unit 212 outputs the generation request for the first content to the server 10. The generation request for the first content includes the title and deadline date and time of the first content, and may also include instructions, viewing conditions, and the like.

[0106] In step S104, the acquisition unit 112 of the server 10 performs instruction setting according to the generation request for the first content from the processing device 20A. The instruction may be included in the generation request for the first content as the instruction set by the host user, or may be appropriately set by the server 10 based on the title of the first content. For example, if the title contains the character "wedding", the setting unit 113 may set it to one of the preset instructions for weddings, and if the title contains the character "farewell party", the setting unit 113 may set it to one of the preset instructions for farewell parties.

[0107] In step S106, the generation unit 115 of the server 10 generates invitation information based on the generation request for the first content. The invitation information includes, for example, an address (invitation URL) for accessing the website for generating the first content, and may also include a password.

[0108] In step S108, the output unit 114 of the server 10 outputs the invitation information to the processing device 20A. As a specific example, the output unit 114 outputs invitation information including the website address and password to the processing device 20A.

[0109] In step S110, when the operation control unit 214 of the processing device 20A receives the designation of each participating user by the host user, the communication control unit 212 outputs the invitation information to the processing devices 20B of the designated participating users.

[0110] In step S112, the operation control unit 214 of the processing device 20B receives a user operation on the invitation URL included in the invitation information, and the communication control unit 212 accesses the website indicated by the invitation URL. Note that the operation control unit 214 may receive an input of a password and transmit an access request to the website indicated by the invitation URL to the server 10 together with the password.

[0111] In step S114, the output unit 114 of the server 10 outputs a generation request for the second content in response to the acquisition of the access request. When a password is transmitted together with the access request, the service control unit 111 performs authentication of the password and controls to output a generation request for the second content to the user for whom the authentication has succeeded. The generation request for the second content may include, for example, information on the website of the present service.

[0112] In step S116, the display control unit 213 of the processing device 20B displays a generation screen for the second content (a website screen or a screen transitioned from the website screen) on the display 251 in response to the generation request for the second content, and the operation control unit 214 generates the second content based on instructions for generating the second content. For example, the service processing unit 211 activates a camera or a microphone based on the instructions, acquires video and audio, and generates the second content. For example, if the camera and the microphone are activated, a video may be generated.

[0113] In step S118, the communication control unit 212 of the processing device 20B outputs the generated second content to the server 10. For example, the communication control unit 212 uploads or posts the second content on the website. Here, each process from step S112 to S118 may be executed each time an access is received from a participating user.

[0114] In step S120, the generation unit 115 of the server 10 generates the first content using each second content acquired from each participating user.

[0115] In step S122, when the operation control unit 214 of the processing device 20A used by the host user receives a viewing operation on the first content or the second content, the communication control unit 212 transmits a viewing request to the server 10.

[0116] In step S124, when the viewing control unit 118 of the server 10 determines viewing conditions in response to the acquisition of the viewing request, if the viewing is OK, the output unit 114 outputs the content targeted by the request to the processing device 20A. The content targeted by the request includes the first content or the second content.

[0117] In step S126, when the operation control unit 214 of the processing device 20B used by the participating user receives a viewing operation on the first content or the second content, the communication control unit 212 transmits a viewing request to the server 10.

[0118] In step S128, when the viewing control unit 118 of the server 10 determines viewing conditions in response to the acquisition of the viewing request, if the viewing is OK, the output unit 114 outputs the content targeted by the request to the processing device 20B. Different viewing conditions may be set for the host user and the participating user respectively.

[0119] The processing in each step shown in FIG. 7 may be reordered, deleted, or other processing may be inserted without departing from the content of the disclosed technology.

[0120] According to the above information processing system 1, when content is generated using a plurality of contents, content with a sense of unity or the like can be easily generated.

[0121] <Example screen> Next, an example of each screen displayed on the information processing system 1 will be described. FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of a home screen according to the first embodiment. The home screen D20 shown in FIG. 8 is a screen that is displayed by accessing the invitation URL when the participating user clicks on the invitation URL. Hereinafter, the description will be about what the participating user shoots, but the host user may shoot a video from the invitation URL.

[0122] On the home screen D20, it is instructed to shoot two videos (second content) used for the first content. Also, on the home screen D20, as an instruction, in the individual scene (continuous content), a scene that conveys a message for 10 seconds is to be shot, and in the group scene (group content), a scene of waving hands for 5 seconds is to be shot.

[0123] The UI component B20 shown in FIG. 8 is a button for starting the camera, and it is possible to move directly to shooting. At this time, in the instruction, if the image size is specified, the service processing unit 211 will specify the image size when starting the camera. Thereby, the participating user can easily shoot a video without much trouble.

[0124] The UI component B22 shown in FIG. 8 is a button for viewing samples of the individual scene and the group scene. These samples may display each scene pre-shot by the service provider of this service, or at least one of the videos already uploaded by other participating users may be selected and displayed. Thereby, the participating user can have an image of what kind of video should be shot, can reduce reshooting, and can improve the processing efficiency of the processing device 20.

[0125] When a participating user operates "For those who have already taken pictures, click here" shown in FIG. 8, the participating user should be able to select an individual scene or a collective scene from the videos stored in the processing device 20. The selected video is transmitted to the server 10 by the communication control unit 212. Here, when "Proceed to shooting" of the UI component B20 shown in FIG. 8 is selected by the participating user, the screen shown in FIG. 9 is transitioned to.

[0126] FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of a shooting screen for an individual scene according to the first embodiment. In the shooting screen D40 shown in FIG. 9, an instruction for the individual scene "First, convey the message in 10 seconds" is displayed. In FIGS. 9 to 11, when the aspect ratio "16:9" is selected in the instruction, shooting with the processing device 20 placed horizontally is recommended, and an example where the processing device 20 is placed horizontally by the participating user is shown. Depending on the aspect ratio (e.g., square), shooting with the processing device 20 placed vertically may be recommended.

[0127] The shooting frame W40 shown in FIG. 9 indicates the aspect ratio "16:9" and indicates that the inside of the shooting frame W40 is used as the second content. The face frame W42 is a frame that guides the size of the face of the participating user. The participating user can easily grasp the sense of distance between the processing device 20 and himself / herself by adjusting his / her face to the size of the face frame W42 for shooting.

[0128] The UI component B40 shown in FIG. 9 indicates a button for starting shooting. When the UI component B40 is operated, shooting is started. The UI component B42 is a button for switching between the front camera and the rear camera. The UI component B44 is a button for aborting shooting. When the UI component B44 is operated, for example, the home screen D20 may be returned to. Here, when the UI component B40 is operated by the participating user, the screen D42 is transitioned to.

[0129] The screen D42 shown in FIG. 9 shows an example of a shooting screen for an individual scene. On the screen D42, a countdown of the shooting time (for example, "5 seconds left") is displayed. Also, a UI component B46 that allows reshooting during the shooting of the message video is displayed. Although not shown, when the shooting time ends, a completion button is displayed to the immediate right of the UI component B46, and operating this completion button may cause a transition to a screen for shooting the next group scene.

[0130] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a shooting screen for a group scene according to the first embodiment. In the shooting screen D60 shown in FIG. 10, an instruction for the group scene, "Write a large 'go' on the drawing paper and hold it in front of your chest," is displayed. This instruction may vary for each participating user. For example, the characters of the instruction may be changed in the order of "go," "congratulations," "marriage," "congratulations," "bride," "to," "and," "you" in the order in which the participating users access the invitation URL.

[0131] The shooting frame W40, face frame W42, and UI components B40 to B44 shown in FIG. 10 are the same as those shown in FIG. 9. Here, when the UI component B40 is operated by the participating user, a transition to the screen D62 occurs.

[0132] The screen D62 shown in FIG. 10 shows an example of a shooting screen for a group scene. On the screen D62, a countdown of the shooting time (for example, "5 seconds left") is displayed. Also, the screen D62 shows an example where the participating user is writing "go" on the drawing paper and shooting. On the screen D62, a UI component B46 that allows reshooting during the shooting of the video is displayed. Although not shown, when the shooting time ends, a completion button is displayed to the immediate right of the UI component B46, and operating this completion button may cause a transition to a confirmation screen for each of the shot videos. When approval of uploading is operated on the confirmation screen, each video is uploaded to a predetermined storage area of the server 10.

[0133] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing another example of a shooting screen for a group scene according to the first embodiment. In the shooting screen D60 shown in FIG. 11, an instruction "Let's take a picture while shouting 'Hurrah' and following the guide" for the group scene is displayed. This instruction may vary for each participating user. For example, the position of the guide W64 is different depending on the order in which the participating users access the invitation URL. The guide W64 may display guides W62 of different shapes in each video so as to form a heart shape with 8 videos.

[0134] The shooting frame W40 and the UI components B40 to B44 shown in FIG. 11 are the same as those shown in FIG. 9. Here, when the UI component B40 is operated by the participating user, the screen transitions to D66.

[0135] The screen D66 shown in FIG. 11 shows an example of a shooting screen for a group scene. In the screen D66, a countdown of the shooting time (for example, "3 seconds left") is displayed. Also, the screen D66 is an example where the participating user is posing according to the guide and taking a picture. In the screen D66, a UI component B46 that allows retaking during video shooting is displayed. Also, although not shown, when the shooting time ends, a completion button is displayed to the immediate right of the UI component B46, and operating this completion button may cause a transition to a confirmation screen for each of the videos taken. When approval for uploading is operated on the confirmation screen, each video is uploaded to a predetermined storage area of the server 10. Note that the instruction may also be to instruct multiple participating users to take pictures. For example, the instruction may guide two participating users to take pictures by instructing their respective poses.

[0136] FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an example of aggregated content according to the first embodiment. A screen D80 on which the aggregated content shown in FIG. 12 is displayed shows an example of content generated according to the instruction shown in FIG. 10. The content C80 shows, for example, a video shot in the example shown in FIG. 10, and is an example arranged in the upper right of the aggregated content. In the aggregated content displayed on the screen D80, when the characters written on each sheet are combined, it becomes "Congratulations on your marriage", which has a sense of unity and meaningful content is generated.

[0137] A screen D82 shown in FIG. 12 shows an example of content generated according to the instruction shown in FIG. 11. The content C82 shows, for example, a video shot in the example shown in FIG. 11, and is an example arranged in the lower center of the aggregated content. In the aggregated content displayed on the screen D82, when the poses of each participating user are combined, it becomes a heart shape, which has a sense of unity and meaningful content is generated.

[0138] The above-described screen transition examples include not only direct transitions by the user's operation but also transitions via other screens. Further, the operation control unit 214 of the processing device 20 receives the user's operation, the display control unit 213 configures a screen based on the user's operation, and controls to display this screen on the display 251. Also, the information used for configuring the screen may be acquired from the server 10 when the user's operation information is transmitted to the server 10.

[0139] [Second Embodiment] Next, a second embodiment that can make a series of operations among users smoother when generating one content by aggregating a plurality of contents will be described. The system configuration of the second embodiment is the same as the system configuration shown in FIG. 1. Here, the processing device 20C is a third processing device used by a third user who is the gift recipient of the first content.

[0140] [Configuration of Server] FIG. 13 is a block diagram showing an example of the server 10A according to the second embodiment of the disclosure. The server 10A shown in FIG. 13 is given the same reference numerals as the configuration of the first embodiment shown in FIG. 2, and hereinafter, the configuration that performs processes different from those of the first embodiment will be mainly described.

[0141] The processor 110A of the server 10A has a service control unit 111A that executes each process described in the second embodiment. The service control unit 111A has a function for smoothing a series of operations among users.

[0142] The acquisition unit 112A acquires a generation request for the first content that uses a plurality of contents from the processing device 20A used by the host user (first user). For example, the acquisition unit 112A acquires the generation request described above in the first embodiment.

[0143] Based on the generation request acquired by the acquisition unit 112A, the output unit 114A outputs a generation request for the second content used for generating the first content to each processing device 20B used by each participating user (second user). The generation request may include the instructions described above in the first embodiment.

[0144] The acquisition unit 112A acquires each second content from the processing device 20A of the host user or each processing device 20B of each participating user. The method of acquiring the second content is, for example, as described above in the first embodiment.

[0145] Here, the present system 1 provides a mechanism for distributing the completed first content to the participating users who want to view or own the completed first content. With this mechanism, when the second user outputs the second content to the server 10A and wants to acquire the completed first content, the second user can register his / her contact information.

[0146] At this time, the acquisition unit 112A acquires contact information registered from at least one or more participating users among the respective participating users. For example, the acquisition unit 112A acquires a mail address as the contact information of each participating user.

[0147] The association unit 119A associates information regarding the first content with the contact information of at least one or more participating users who wish to acquire the first content. For example, the association unit 119A associates the identification information (for example, content ID) of the first content with the mail address of each participating user (see, for example, FIG. 14).

[0148] The generation unit 115A generates the first content using each second content acquired from each processing device 20. The method for generating the first content is the same as that in the first embodiment.

[0149] The output unit 114A outputs the first content to the contact specified by the contact information of at least one or more participating users who wish to acquire the first content. For example, when the server 10A acquires a transmission instruction of the first content from the host user, the output unit 114A outputs the first content to the contacts of each participating user.

[0150] By the above processing, a series of operations among users regarding the generation of the first content can be made smoother. For the participating users, the second content can be output, but since the completed first content is basically output to the third user, it is not easy to grasp when and how it was completed, and actions such as asking the host user may occur. However, according to the second embodiment described above, it becomes possible to output the first content at the timing of completion to the users who wish to acquire the first content, and the participating users can easily grasp when and what kind of first content was completed.

[0151] Furthermore, according to the second embodiment, since the contact information of the second user is directly associated with the information regarding the first content, participating users do not need to perform user registration. Instead, they only need to register their contact information when the second content is output, and then they can obtain the first content. This can reduce the workload of user registration for participating users and increase the benefits for participating users in that they can obtain the completed first content.

[0152] The output unit 114A outputs the first content to the contact information of the third user specified by the participating user, as described above in the first embodiment. For example, the output unit 114A outputs a message with a URL enabling the acquisition of the first content to the email address of the third user set by the host user. As a result, the third user can obtain the first content as a present, similar to the first embodiment.

[0153] Also, the setting unit 113A may set at least one instruction from among a plurality of instructions for the second content used to generate the first content based on the generation request for the first content, as described above in the first embodiment. At this time, the output unit 114A may output the generation request for the second content including at least one instruction to each processing device 20B used by each participating user. This makes it possible to generate the first content with a sense of unity, similar to the first embodiment.

[0154] Also, at least one of the above-described instructions may be set by the host user. For example, the host user may select and set a desired instruction from among the plurality of instructions, or may freely set an instruction by inputting it. This makes it possible to generate the first content desired by the host.

[0155] In addition, when the generation unit 115A has an editing function for the first content (editing function by the editing unit 117A), the editing function may be permitted upon charging the host user or participating users. For example, by default, the editing function by the editing unit 117A is in a locked state, but when a charging process (charging process by the charging unit 116A) is performed by the host user or participating users, the editing function is unlocked (permitted), enabling the editing unit 117A to edit the first content. Editing includes, for example, rearranging the content, inserting music, adding comments, and the like.

[0156] In addition, the generation unit 115A may change the content of the editing function according to the amount of charge. For example, the higher the amount of charge, the more high - function editing the generation unit 115A enables. The charging process is performed by any known settlement process such as bank transfer or electronic money settlement.

[0157] The reception unit 120A receives the third content from the third processing device. For example, when a third user who has been presented with the first content wants to send content (third content) as a return gift to the host user or participating users, the server 10A provides a function to send the return content. As a specific example, a UI component for sending content is provided on the Web page where the third user browses and downloads the first content, enabling the third content to be uploaded. The reception unit 120A acquires the third content uploaded here.

[0158] For example, when a video for a baby - birth celebration (first content) is presented to a third user, the third user outputs a photo or video of the child from the processing device 20C to the server 10A as return content (third content). The reception unit 120A of the server 10A receives the third content of the photo or video of the child.

[0159] In addition, the output unit 114A outputs the third content generated by the third user to the contact specified by the contact information of the host user or at least one participating user. As a result, the host user or the participating user can receive the reply content.

[0160] In addition, the reception unit 120A may include changing the reception period of the third content according to the generation purpose of the first content. For example, when the first content is a birth celebration, the reception unit 120A sets the reception period of the third content to the first period, and when the first content is a farewell party, the reception unit 120A sets the reception period of the third content to the second period. For example, the first period is set longer than the second period. In addition, the reception unit 120A may extend the reception period of the third content by a charging process from the third user (charging process by the charging unit 116A). The reception period may be changed according to the amount of the charge.

[0161] By the above processing, it becomes possible to flexibly set the reception period of the reply content according to the convenience of the third user who acquires the first content. For example, in the case of the first content for a birth celebration, since the third user may be a mother after childbirth, the reception period can be lengthened.

[0162] (Example of data) Each data in the second embodiment is the same as that in the first embodiment, except that the contact information of each participating user is added to the content information as shown in FIG. 14. FIG. 14 is a diagram showing an example of content information according to the second embodiment. As shown in FIG. 14, for each first content, content name, one or more second contents, and each data or information of the contact are associated.

[0163] The contact information includes the contact information registered by the participating user who wishes to obtain the first content. For example, the contact information includes information such as an email address, an SNS account, etc., which can be used to contact, send, or notify the participating user. Also, the contact information of each participating user only needs to be associated with the information regarding the first content, and the information regarding the first content includes any one of the content name, the identification information of the first content (e.g., content ID), and the storage location (e.g., URL, etc.) where the first content is stored.

[0164] In the above-described data storage form, the participating user does not need to perform user registration to obtain the first content, and only needs to register the contact destination to which the first content is to be sent. As a result, the participating user can easily participate in the above-described content creation service and can also obtain the work product.

[0165] <Configuration of the processing device> The configuration of the processing device 20 in the second embodiment is the same as the configuration shown in FIG. 6 in the first embodiment. The different processes between the first embodiment and the second embodiment will be described below.

[0166] When the processing device 20B of the participating user obtains the contact information at the time of generating the second content from the participating user, it outputs this contact information to the server 10A. The input of the contact information is optional, and the participating user who does not wish to obtain the first content does not need to register the contact destination. The second content and the contact information may be transmitted at the same timing or at different timings.

[0167] When the processing device 20A of the host user completes the first content, it sends a request to the server 10A to output the first content to the participating users according to an instruction from the host user. The host user may select whether to allow the participating users to obtain the first content. Note that it may be notified how many participating users are waiting to obtain the first content. For example, the server 10A can grasp how many participating users are waiting for the first content by counting the number of contact information items associated with the information on the first content.

[0168] When the processing device 20C of the third user obtains the first content, it can generate reply content and send it to the server 10A. For example, the third user sets the content already stored in the processing device 20C or the content newly generated by shooting or the like as the third content and gives an instruction to output it to the server 10A.

[0169] <Operation Explanation> FIG. 15 is a sequence diagram showing an example of the processing related to the present service according to the second embodiment. In the example shown in FIG. 15, up to step S116 is the same as the processing of step S116 shown in FIG. 7, and steps S102 to S110 are omitted. Note that in the second embodiment, step S104 is omitted, and for S116, the second user may freely generate content.

[0170] In step S202, the communication control unit 212 of the processing device 20C outputs the contact information set by receiving the operation of the participating user to the server 10A. At this time, the communication control unit 212 may output the generated or acquired second content to the server 10A together with the contact information.

[0171] In step S204, the generation unit 115A of the server 10A generates the first content by using each second content acquired from among the host user and each participating user. The generation of the first content is as described in the first embodiment.

[0172] In step S206, the association unit 119A of the server 10A associates the contact information acquired from each processing device 20B with the information regarding the first content being generated.

[0173] In step S208, the communication control unit 212 of the processing device 20A outputs an instruction to transmit the first content to the server 10A according to an operation by the host user.

[0174] In step S210, the output unit 114A of the server 10A transmits the completed first content to the host's processing device 20A. The output unit 114A may use any transmission method. For example, it may send a message including a download link by email.

[0175] In step S212, the output unit 114A of the server 10A notifies the contact (e.g., email address) indicated by the contact information of the URL for downloading the first content for the completed first content. The processing device 20B that accesses this URL acquires the first content from the server 10A.

[0176] In step S214, the communication control unit 212 of the processing device 20C used by the third user who receives the first content outputs the third content to the server 10A according to the operation of the third user. The third content is, for example, content with a meaning of gratitude.

[0177] In step S210, the output unit 114A of the server 10A transmits the third content from the third user to the host's processing device 20A. The output unit 114A may use any transmission method. For example, it may send a message including a download link by email.

[0178] In step S212, the output unit 114A of the server 10A notifies the contact (e.g., email address) indicated by the contact information of the third user of the third content and a URL for downloading the third content. The processing device 20B that accesses this URL acquires the third content from the server 10A.

[0179] By performing the above processing, when generating one content by summarizing a plurality of contents, it becomes possible to make a series of operations among users smoother, and the user who provided the content can easily acquire the completed content. In addition, it is possible to provide a service that allows each user to acquire the content in return to the user (the third user) who received the first content.

[0180] <Example Screen> Next, an example of each screen according to the second embodiment will be described. FIG. 16 is a diagram showing an example of a contact registration screen according to the second embodiment. In the example shown in FIG. 16, it is a screen D100 displayed after the participating user creates content, and it is possible to register an email address as a contact in the input field B100. In addition, a nickname can also be registered.

[0181] The contact information registered on the screen shown in FIG. 16 is associated by the server 10A with the information regarding the first content.

[0182] FIG. 17 is a diagram showing an example of screen transition after the completion of the first content according to the second embodiment. The screen D110 shown in FIG. 17 is an example of a screen where the payment for using the service by the host user is completed. The screen D110 includes a button (completion notification button) B110 for notifying the user who wishes to acquire the completed first content of the completion.

[0183] Below the completion notification button B110, it is displayed as "XX people are waiting for the notification!". This indicates the number of contact information associated with the information regarding the first content, that is, it indicates the number of participating users, representing that this number of participating users are waiting for the acquisition of the first content. When the host user presses the completion notification button B110, the screen D110 transitions to the screen D120.

[0184] The screen D120 shown in FIG. 17 is a screen for sending the first content to the participating users who wish to acquire the first content. The screen D120 includes the first content transmission button B120. When the host user presses the first content transmission button B110, for example, a message with the URL for downloading the first content is sent to the email address registered by the participating users.

[0185] FIG. 18 is a diagram showing an example of a message acquired by a participating user according to the second embodiment. The screen D130 shown in FIG. 18 includes the download link and password of the first content. The participating user can press the download link and enter the password, so that the processing device 20B of the participating user can acquire the first content.

[0186] FIG. 19 is a diagram showing an example of the download screen of the first content according to the second embodiment. The screen D140 shown in FIG. 19 is a screen displayed on the processing device 20C used by the third user. The third user can press the download button displayed on the screen D140, so that the processing device 20C can acquire the first content. Also, the third user can create return content (third content) as a courtesy for the first content.

[0187] For example, the creation button B140 of the reply video is pressed by the third user. At this time, the third user may select to activate the imaging device of the processing device 20C to generate a video or select the content stored in the storage or the like of the processing device 20C. When the third content is transmitted to the server 10A, the third content is transmitted to the host user and / or the participating users.

[0188] Also, at the bottommost part of the screen D140, the download expiration date of the page is displayed. A charging process may be performed by the third user to extend this expiration date.

[0189] As described above, the embodiments and each example are illustrations for explaining the disclosed technology, and are not intended to limit the disclosed technology only to those embodiments and each example. The disclosed technology can be variously modified without departing from its gist. Also, each process on the server side and the user's processing device side may be appropriately integrated, the process may be transferred to the other device, or the process may be transferred to another device. Further, the contact registration function and the reply content transmission function described in the second embodiment are processes that can be added to the first embodiment, but any process described in the first embodiment may be omitted according to the purpose or the like.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0190] 1... Information processing system, 10, 10A... Servers, 20... Processing device, 110, 110A... Processors, 130... Storage device, 111, 111A... Service control unit, 112, 112A... Acquisition unit, 113, 113A... Setting unit, 114, 114A... Output unit, 115, 115A... Generation unit, 116, 116A... Billing unit, 117, 117A... Editing unit, 118... Browsing control unit, 119A... Association unit, 120A... Reception unit, 210... Processor, 211... Service processing unit, 212... Communication control unit, 213... Display control unit, 214... Operation control unit, 230... Storage device, 251... Display

Claims

1. An information processing apparatus: obtains a generation request for first content that uses a plurality of contents from a first processing apparatus used by a first user; based on the generation request, outputs a generation request for second content used for generating the first content to each second processing apparatus used by each second user; obtains the second content from the first processing apparatus or each second processing apparatus; obtains contact information from at least one second user among the second users; associates information regarding the first content with the contact information of the at least one second user; generates the first content using each obtained second content; outputs the first content to a contact specified by the contact information of the at least one second user; An information processing method for performing the above.

2. The outputting of the first content: includes outputting the first content to a contact of a third user designated by the first user, in the information processing method according to Claim 1.

3. Based on the generation request, sets at least one instruction from a plurality of instructions for the second content used for generating the first content; The information processing apparatus further performs: outputting a generation request for the second content including the at least one instruction to each second processing apparatus used by each second user, in the information processing method according to Claim 1.

4. The at least one instruction is set by the first user, in the information processing method according to Claim 3.

5. The generating of the first content: when there is an editing function for the first content, permits the editing function by charging the first user or the second user, in the information processing method according to Claim 1.

6. The information processing method according to Claim 1 further performs: receiving third content from a third processing apparatus used by a third user different from both the first user and the second user.

7. The outputting: includes outputting the third content to a contact of the first user or a contact specified by the contact information of the at least one second user, in the information processing method according to Claim 6.

8. The receiving includes changing the reception period of the third content according to the generation purpose of the first content, the information processing method according to claim 6.

9. In an information processing apparatus, obtaining a generation request for first content that uses a plurality of contents from a first processing apparatus used by a first user, outputting a generation request for second content used for generating the first content to each second processing apparatus used by each second user based on the generation request, obtaining the second content from the first processing apparatus or each of the second processing apparatuses, obtaining contact information from at least one or more of the second users among the second users, associating information about the first content with the contact information of the at least one or more second users, generating the first content using each obtained second content, outputting the first content to a contact specified by the contact information of the at least one or more second users, A program for causing the above to be executed.

10. An information processing apparatus including a processor, wherein the processor obtains a generation request for first content that uses a plurality of contents from a first processing apparatus used by a first user, outputs a generation request for second content used for generating the first content to each second processing apparatus used by each second user based on the generation request, obtains the second content from the first processing apparatus or each of the second processing apparatuses, obtains contact information from at least one or more of the second users among the second users, associates information about the first content with the contact information of the at least one or more second users, generates the first content using each obtained second content, outputs the first content to a contact specified by the contact information of the at least one or more second users, An information processing apparatus that executes the above.

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