Information processing terminal and program

Abstract

To provide a technique for enabling a user to continuously view high-quality content for a desired period of time without placing an unnecessary burden on the user.SOLUTION: An information processing terminal uses a contracted communication line to view content stored in an external server. The information processing terminal includes a communication data volume management unit for managing the volume of data communicated using a high-speed line of the communication line, and a display control unit for controlling display. When the volume of data required for viewing the content is likely to exceed a remaining data volume, which is a remaining volume of data in a contracted data volume, the communication data volume management unit calculates an amount required for additionally purchasing a specified volume of data of the high-speed line under predetermined conditions as a purchase amount. The display control unit displays the calculated purchase amount.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a technology for managing communication capacity. In particular, the present invention relates to a technology for managing communication capacity when viewing content. Regarding. [Background technology]

[0002] For mobile communication terminals such as smartphones, high-speed communication data is used for each contract unit period (e.g., one month). A communication service provided under a contract with a telecommunications carrier that limits the amount of data In such contracts, when the data volume reaches the limit, the contract You will be required to use a low-speed line until the end of the unit period.

[0003] If you reach your data limit while watching high definition content, you may be unable to watch on a slower connection. The content you are watching will be switched to unwatchable or will be switched to low quality. In order to purchase additional data for a high-speed line, you will need to apply for additional data from your carrier. Generally, content providers and carriers are different entities, so Users have to switch to the carrier's app / web page, which reduces user convenience.

[0004] When communicating via wireless communication lines with data volume restrictions, There is a communication capacity management device that can resolve a data volume or balance deficiency without requiring a user to make a payment. For example, in Patent Document 1, "a method for managing communication capacity of a wireless communication line with a limited communication capacity is described. In the communication capacity management device, an additional purchase processing unit processes additional purchase of communication capacity with a usage limit. The remaining data volume management unit processes the additional communication volume with a limited usage period that has been purchased. The purchase content specification unit manages the remaining amount of communication capacity, including the additional purchase communication capacity, which is the amount of additional communication capacity. Specify the additional purchased communication capacity. The purchase condition determination unit determines whether the condition for purchasing the additional purchased communication capacity is satisfied. And when it is determined that the condition for purchasing the additional purchased communication capacity is satisfied, the additional purchase processing unit performs the purchase processing of the additional purchased communication capacity (abstract excerpt) A communication capacity management device is disclosed. Prior Art Documents Patent Documents

[0005] Patent Document 1 Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2016-40673 Summary of the Invention Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0006] However, in the technology described in Patent Document 1, only the remaining amount of the contracted data volume is considered. That is, the data volume and playback state of the content are not considered. For example, even when most of the content has been played back and the data volume required for playing back the remaining content is small, if the remaining amount of the contracted data volume satisfies the predetermined purchase condition, additional purchase may be made, which may impose an unnecessary burden on the user.

[0007] The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object thereof is to provide a technology that can continuously view high-quality content for a desired period without imposing an unnecessary burden on the user. Means for Solving the Problems

[0008] The present invention is an information processing terminal that views content stored in an external server using a contracted communication line, and uses the high-speed line of the communication line to communicate the data volume ​​​​​​​​​A communication data volume management unit for management and a display control unit for controlling display, wherein the communication data volume management unit, when there is a possibility that the data volume required for viewing the content exceeds the remaining data volume of the contracted data volume, obtains necessary information, which is information required when purchasing an additional predetermined data volume of the high-speed line, under predetermined conditions, and the display control unit is characterized by displaying the necessary information.

Advantages of the Invention

[0009] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a technology that allows continuous viewing of high-quality content for a desired period without increasing the burden on the user. Problems, configurations, and effects other than those described above will be clarified by the description of the following embodiments.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0010]

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Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0011] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that components denoted by the same reference numerals in the drawings indicate the same functions and processes. Components denoted by the same reference numerals indicate the same functions and processes.

[0012] <<First Embodiment>> In this embodiment, it is determined whether the data volume that can be transmitted over the contracted high-speed line is insufficient as a restriction on the communication line side according to the data volume required for viewing the content scheduled to be viewed. And if it is insufficient, additional purchase is made. Hereinafter, the data volume transmitted (communicated) using the high-speed line of the communication line is simply referred to as the data volume of the high-speed line. For example, a user of an information processing terminal concludes a line contract with a communication carrier (carrier) that provides a communication service, which has a limit on the data volume of the high-speed line on a monthly basis, and uses the communication service. In this embodiment, the total data volume of the high-quality content provided by the content provider (hereinafter referred to as the "content provider") is compared with the remaining data volume (remaining data volume) of the contracted high-speed line at that time. If the remaining data volume of the high-speed line is less than the required data volume of the content, the insufficient data volume of the high-speed line, which is the difference between the two, and the insufficient data volume are used. Hereinafter, the data volume transmitted (communicated) using the high-speed line of the communication line is simply referred to as the data volume of the high-speed line.

[0013] For example, a user of an information processing terminal concludes a line contract with a communication carrier (carrier) that provides a communication service, which has a limit on the data volume of the high-speed line on a monthly basis, and uses the communication service. In this embodiment, the content provider (hereinafter referred to as the "content provider") provides high-quality content. Call) is compared with the remaining data volume (remaining data volume) of the contracted high-speed line at that time. If the remaining data volume of the high-speed line is less than the required data volume of the content, the insufficient data volume of the high-speed line, which is the difference between the two, and the insufficient data volume are used. Obtain the necessary information, for example, calculate the purchase amount, and present the calculated necessary information. Hereinafter, in the present embodiment, a case where the purchase amount is calculated as the necessary information will be described as an example.

[0014] First, an overview of the overall configuration of the communication system of the present embodiment will be described. FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an overview of the communication system 900 of the present embodiment.

[0015] The communication system 900 of the present embodiment includes an information processing terminal 100, a carrier-side device 300 , a content server 400, and a base station 510. The base station 510, the carrier-side device 300, and the content server 400 are connected to the network 500, and can transmit and receive data to and from each other via the network 500. Here, the information processing terminal 100, the carrier-side device 300, the content server 400, and the base station 510 are each illustrated as one case, but the number of each is not limited.

[0016] The carrier-side device 300 is an information processing device managed by the carrier. As a configuration related to the processing of the present embodiment, for example, it includes a communication route billing management device 310, a communication route data volume management device 320, a communication route control device 330, and a contract information management device 340.

[0017] The contract information management device 340 manages information of users who have contracted for communication services. The information to be managed is, for example, information for identifying a user (user ID), identification information of a line (line number), contract details, etc.

[0018] The communication route control device 330 controls the communication route. From the information processing terminal 100 to the base station 51 The data transmitted to 0 is transferred from the base station 510 to the communication path control device 3 of the carrier-side device 3 330. If within the scope of the contract, the communication path control device 330 outputs the data to the network 500 at a predetermined speed (high-speed line). Also, if the data input from the network 500 is within the scope of the contract, the data is transferred to the information processing terminal 100 at high speed via the base station 510. If it exceeds the contract scope, the communication speed is reduced and the data is transferred.

[0019] The communication path data volume management device 320 manages the remaining volume of the high-speed line capacity for each user. It acquires the transfer volume of the data transferred by the communication path control device 330 and manages the remaining data volume for each user with reference to the contract information management device 340.

[0020] The communication path billing management device 310 manages the billing for each user. The communication path data volume management device 320 realizes this management with reference to the contract information management device 340 based on the information from the communication path data volume management device 320 and the communication path control device 330.

[0021] The content server 400 is a server managed by the content provider and manages the content provided to the user. As a configuration according to this embodiment, it includes a content library 41 0, a content billing management device 420, and a content transmission management device 430.

[0022] The content library 410 stores the available content. Each content is managed in association with its attribute data. The attribute data includes, for example, the total data volume, viewing fee, etc. The content billing management device 420 manages the billing for each user. The content transmission management device 430...​​​​​​​​​ In response to a request from a user, the message management device 430 provides the user with the content to be managed.

[0023] When the content server 400 receives a purchase request from the information processing terminal 100 described later, it transmits the content attribute information 271 stored in the content library 410 in association with the content specified by the purchase request to the information processing terminal 100 that is the request source. The content attribute information 271 includes the total data volume of the content. Then, the transmission of the content is started.

[0024] The network 500 is, for example, a WAN (Wide Area Network), the Internet, or the like.

[0025] [Hardware Configuration of Information Processing Terminal] First, the hardware configuration of the information processing terminal 100 according to the present embodiment will be described. The information processing terminal 100 according to the present embodiment is an information processing device capable of viewing the content provided by the content provider using a communication line provided by the carrier, and is, for example, a smartphone, a PC (Personal Computer), a tablet, an HMD (Head Mount Display), or the like.

[0026] FIG. 2 is a hardware configuration diagram of the information processing terminal 100 according to the present embodiment. As shown in this figure, the information processing terminal 100 according to the present embodiment includes a main processor 101, a system bus 102, a storage device 110, an operation reception device 120, an image processing device 130, an audio processing device 140, a sensor 150, a communication device 160, an expansion interface (I / F) unit 170, and a timer 180. ​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

[0027] The main processor 101 is a main control unit that controls the entire information processing terminal 100 according to a predetermined program. The main processor 101 is realized by a CPU (Central Processor Unit) or a microprocessor unit (MPU). The main processor 101 performs processing according to the clock signal measured and output by the timer 180.

[0028] The system bus 102 is a data communication path for data transmission and reception between the main processor 101 and each part within the information processing terminal 100.

[0029] The storage device 110 includes a RAM 103 and a storage device 104.

[0030] The RAM 103 is a program area when executing a basic operation program and other application programs. Also, the RAM 103 is a temporary storage area that temporarily holds data as needed when executing various application programs. The RAM 103 may be integrated with the main processor 101.

[0031] The storage device 104 stores each operation setting value of the information processing terminal 100 and information of the user of the information processing terminal 100. The storage device 104 may store still image data, moving image data, etc. photographed by the information processing terminal 100. Also, the information processing terminal 100 can be functionally expanded by downloading a new application program from an application server via the Internet. At this time, the newly downloaded application program is stored in the storage device 104. The main pro ​​​​​​​​​The sensor 101 expands and executes a new application program stored in the storage device 104, enabling the information processing terminal 100 to realize various functions. By expanding and executing the new application program stored in the storage device 104 in the RAM 103, the information processing terminal 100 can realize various functions. It can be done.

[0032] The storage device 104 needs to retain the information stored even when the information processing terminal 100 is not powered on. Therefore, devices such as flash ROM, SSD (Solid State Drive), and HDD (Hard Disc Drive) are used for the storage device 104. For example, devices such as flash ROM, SSD (Solid State Drive), and HDD (Hard Disc Drive) are used for the storage device 104. For example, devices such as flash ROM, SSD (Solid State Drive), and HDD (Hard Disc Drive) are used for the storage device 104. rd Disc Drive) etc. are used.

[0033] The operation reception device 120 receives the input of operation instructions for the information processing terminal 100. In this embodiment, it is provided with operation keys 121 such as a power key, volume keys, and a home key. Also, when the information processing terminal 100 is a touch panel-based information processing terminal 100, it is provided with a touch sensor 122 that receives operation instructions via the touch panel. Further, when the information processing terminal 100 is a smartphone 100S (to be described later), it is provided with a touch panel 123 disposed on top of the display 131. Note that the information processing terminal 100 of this embodiment does not necessarily need to be provided with all of these operation reception devices 120. In this embodiment, it is provided with operation keys 121 such as a power key, volume keys, and a home key. Also, when the information processing terminal 100 is a touch panel-based information processing terminal 100, it is provided with a touch sensor 122 that receives operation instructions via the touch panel. Further, when the information processing terminal 100 is a smartphone 100S (to be described later), it is provided with a touch panel 123 disposed on top of the display 131. Note that the information processing terminal 100 of this embodiment does not necessarily need to be provided with all of these operation reception devices 120. When the information processing terminal 100 is a touch panel-based information processing terminal 100, it is provided with a touch sensor 122 that receives operation instructions via the touch panel. When the information processing terminal 100 is a smartphone 100S (to be described later), it is provided with a touch panel 123 disposed on top of the display 131. When the information processing terminal 100 is a smartphone 100S (to be described later), it is provided with a touch panel 123 disposed on top of the display 131. Note that the information processing terminal 100 of this embodiment does not necessarily need to be provided with all of these operation reception devices 120. Note that the information processing terminal 100 of this embodiment does not necessarily need to be provided with all of these operation reception devices 120.

[0034] Note that in the case of the smartphone 100S, it may receive input instructions via a keyboard or the like connected to the expansion interface unit 170 described later. Also, it may receive operations of the information processing terminal 100 via a separate information processing terminal device connected by wired communication or wireless communication. Note that in the case of the smartphone 100S, it may receive input instructions via a keyboard or the like connected to the expansion interface unit 170 described later. Also, it may receive operations of the information processing terminal 100 via a separate information processing terminal device connected by wired communication or wireless communication. Note that in the case of the smartphone 100S, it may receive input instructions via a keyboard or the like connected to the expansion interface unit 170 described later. Also, it may receive operations of the information processing terminal 100 via a separate information processing terminal device connected by wired communication or wireless communication. It may also receive operations of the information processing terminal 100 via a separate information processing terminal device connected by wired communication or wireless communication.

[0035] The image processing device 130 is an image (video) processor and is connected to the display 131. , an image signal processing unit 132, a first image acquisition unit 133, and a second image acquisition unit 134 .

[0036] The display 131 is a display device (display) such as a liquid crystal panel, for example, and presents the image data processed by the image signal processing unit 132 described later to the user of the information processing terminal 100. When the information processing terminal 100 is the information processing terminal 100, the display 131 may be a transmissive display.

[0037] The image signal processing unit 132 is an image (video) signal processor that processes the images input from the first image acquisition unit 133 and the second image acquisition unit 134. Also, the image signal processing unit 132 superimposes an object created by the main processor 101 or the like on the input image and outputs it to the display 131.

[0038] The first image acquisition unit 133 acquires an image around the information processing terminal 100. If the information processing terminal is 100, it is an external camera. If it is a smartphone 100S, it is a rear camera (outdoor camera).

[0039] The second image acquisition unit 134 acquires an image of a region different from that of the first image acquisition unit 133. For example, it photographs the user's eyes. If the information processing terminal is 100, it is an internal camera (a camera for detecting the line of sight), and if it is a smartphone 100S, it is a front camera (in-camera). In addition, in this embodiment, the second image acquisition unit 134 functions as a line-of-sight detection sensor together with the line-of-sight specifying unit described later.

[0040] The audio processing device 140 is an audio processor that processes audio. The audio output unit 14 It includes an audio output unit 141, an audio signal processing unit 142, and an audio input unit 143. The audio output unit 141 is a speaker and outputs the audio signal processed by the audio signal processing unit 142 to the outside. The audio signal processing unit 142 is an audio signal processor. The audio input unit 143 is a microphone and converts the user's voice or the like into audio data for input.

[0041] The sensor 150 is a group of sensors for detecting the state of the information processing terminal 100. In this embodiment form, it includes a GPS (Global Positioning System) receiver 15 1, a gyro sensor 152, a geomagnetic sensor 153, an acceleration sensor 154, and a distance sensor 15 5. These sensor groups detect the position, movement, tilt angle, azimuth, etc. of the information processing terminal 100. The distance sensor 155 is a depth sensor and obtains the distance information from the information processing terminal 1 00 to the object. Additionally, other sensors may be further provided.

[0042] The communication device 160 is a communication processor that performs communication processing. It includes a LAN (L ocal Area Network) communication unit 161, a telephone network communication unit 162, and a BT (B luetooth (registered trademark)) communication unit 163. The LAN communication unit 161 connects to the wireless communication access point of the Internet via wireless communication to perform data transmission and reception . The telephone network communication unit 162 performs telephone communication (call) and data transmission and reception via wireless communication with the base station of the mobile phone communication network. The BT communication unit 163 is an interface for communicating with an external device according to the Bluetooth standard. The LAN communication unit 161, the telephone network communication unit 162, and the BT communication unit 163 each include an encoding circuit, a decoding circuit, an antenna, etc. ​​​​ The communication device 160 may further include an infrared communication unit or the like.

[0043] The expansion interface unit 170 is a group of interfaces for expanding the functions of the information processing terminal 100. In this embodiment, it includes a charging terminal, a video / audio interface, a USB (Universal Serial Bus) interface, a memory interface, etc. The video / audio interface performs operations such as input of video signals / audio signals from external video / audio output devices and output of video signals / audio signals to external video / audio input devices. The USB interface connects a keyboard and other USB devices. The memory interface connects a memory card and other memory media to perform data transmission and reception. and so on. It should be noted that the configuration example of the information processing terminal 100 shown in FIG. 2 includes many configurations that are not essential for this embodiment. However, even if these configurations are not provided, the effects of this embodiment will not be impaired.

[0044]

[0045] [External View] The appearance of the information processing terminal 100 when it is a smartphone 100S is described. FIG. 3(a) is a front (front) view of the smartphone 100S, and FIG. 3(b) is a rear view. The arrangement of the components described in the above hardware configuration diagram is explained.

[0046] The smartphone 100S includes a case 109S that houses each part of the smartphone 100S. In the following description, the up-down direction and the left-right direction are as shown in the figure.

[0047] The display 131 is arranged at the center of the front of the case 109S. In the case of the 100S, a touch screen 127 that also serves as the display 131 and the touch panel 123 is arranged.

[0048] The first image acquisition unit 133 (rear camera / out camera) is arranged on the back of the case 109S. The second image acquisition unit 134 (front camera / in camera) is arranged on the front of the case 109S. The second image acquisition unit 134 is arranged above the front display 131.

[0049] Also, the audio output unit 141 is arranged, for example, at the upper center of the front of the case 109S in front of the display 131 and at the lower back. The audio output unit 141M arranged at the upper front of the case 109S is a monaural speaker and is used during voice calls. The audio output unit 141S arranged at the lower back of the case 109S is a stereo speaker and is used during video playback and the like. Further, the audio input unit 143 is arranged, for example, on the lower surface of the case 109S.

[0050] Also, the distance sensor 155 is arranged on the back of the case 109S, for example, beside the first image acquisition unit 133.

[0051] In addition, as the operation key 121, for example, a power switch 121P is arranged on the upper surface of the case 109S. Also, as the expansion interface unit 170, a USB terminal 170U is arranged on the lower surface of the case 109S. Further, it may be provided with a fingerprint sensor 124 arranged on the back of the case 109S, an LED 125 arranged above the display 131 on the front of the case 109S, etc.

[0052] [Functional Configuration of the Information Processing Terminal] ​​​​​​​​​​​Next, the functional configuration of the information processing terminal 100 of the present embodiment will be described. Here, only the configuration related to the present embodiment will be extracted and described.

[0053] As shown in FIG. 4(a), the information processing terminal 100 of the present embodiment includes a content management unit 21 0, a communication data volume management unit 220, and a display control unit 230. Further, it includes a content attribute information database (DB) 270 and a communication contract database (DB) 280. It has.

[0054] The content attribute information database 270 stores content attribute information 271 associated with the content viewed by the user. The content attribute information 271 is transmitted from the content server 400 prior to the transmission of the content. The content attribute information 271 For example, as shown in FIG. 4(b), includes a content ID 27 2 that is information for identifying the content, a total data volume 273 indicating the total data volume of the content, and a required transmission speed ( required bandwidth) 274 of the content. In addition, it may include a title 275 of the content, a type (video, still image) 276 of the content, and the like.

[0055] The content management unit 210 manages the content. For example, it manages the purchase and playback of the content. When purchasing the content, according to the instruction from the user, it transmits a purchase request, which is a request to purchase the content from the content provider. In response to the purchase request, it acquires the total data volume of the content from the content attribute information 271 received prior to the content. Then, it notifies the communication data volume management unit 220 as the required data volume.

[0056] ​​​​​​​The communication data volume management unit 220 manages the data volume transmitted using the high-speed line of the communication line contracted with the carrier. In this embodiment, it manages the remaining data volume at the current time. Further, when it acquires the required data volume from the content management unit 210, it compares it with the remaining data volume. If the remaining data volume is less than the required data volume and there is a shortage in the remaining data volume, it calculates the purchase amount for the shortage. In this embodiment, the communication data volume management unit 220 manages the line contract information 281 that the user contracts with the carrier. The communication contract database 280 manages the line contract information 281 that the user contracts with the carrier. The managed line contract information 281 includes, for example, as shown in FIG. 4(c), a terminal ID 282 that identifies the information processing terminal 100 used by the user, and a contracted data volume 283. Note that a low-speed band 284 and an additional purchase amount 285 may be further managed. The low-speed band 284 is the transmission speed of the low-speed line that is shifted to when the contracted data volume 283 is exceeded within the contract unit period. Also, the additional purchase amount 285 is the amount per unit data volume when additionally purchasing a high-speed line, that is, the additional purchase unit price. Further, if the carrier offers a contract in which the amount per unit data volume varies depending on the additionally purchased data volume, a plurality of additional purchase amounts 285 may be managed. Regarding the remaining data volume, the communication data volume management unit 220 monitors the usage status (data transmission volume) of the high-speed line and updates the remaining data volume each time it is used. Also, regarding the purchase amount, if the additional purchase amount 285 is not managed in the line contract information 281, it is on the carrier side

[0057]

[0058] The information is obtained by making an inquiry to the communication path accounting management device 310 of the device 300 .

[0059] The display control unit 230 controls the display on the display 131 of the information processing terminal 100 . In this embodiment, the input screen for content, menu, content purchase request, additional purchase It displays information such as an instruction reception screen and accepts instructions as necessary.

[0060] [Data volume management process] Next, a flow of a communication data amount management process performed by the information processing terminal 100 of this embodiment will be described. FIG. 5 is a process flow of the communication data amount management process of this embodiment. It begins when an instruction to purchase content is received from.

[0061] The content management unit 210 purchases the content (step S1101). The content management unit 210 transmits the purchase request to the content server 400, which returns the request. Content attribute information 271 is received.

[0062] At this time, a display example displayed on the display 131 by the display control unit 230 is shown in FIG. The display area of the display 131 is a content display area 610. , a playback amount display area 620, and a other display area 630.

[0063] At this point, the content display area 610 is not accepting a display start instruction from the user. A start instruction display 611 is displayed in the playback amount display area 620, and a playback position slide bar 621 is displayed in the playback amount display area 620. , at least it will be displayed.

[0064] The content management unit 210 calculates the total data amount 2 of the content in the content attribute information 271. Obtain 73 (step S1102). Then, notify the communication data volume management unit 220 of the required data volume.

[0065] Next, when the communication data volume management unit 220 obtains the information on the required data volume of the content from the content management unit 210, it obtains the remaining data volume of the high-speed line at the current time (step S11 03).

[0066] Then, the communication data volume management unit 220 compares the required data volume with the remaining data volume and determines whether the required data volume is larger than the remaining data volume (step S1104).

[0067] If the required data volume is less than or equal to the remaining data volume (S1104; No), the process ends as it is.

[0068] On the other hand, if the required data volume is larger than the remaining data volume (S1104; Yes), the communication data volume management unit 220 calculates the purchase amount for the insufficient data volume (step S1105). Here, first, the communication data volume management unit 220 calculates the insufficient data volume. The insufficient data volume is the difference between the required data volume and the remaining data volume. Then, it inquires about the purchase amount of the insufficient data volume from the communication route charging management device 310 of the carrier device 300. When receiving the purchase amount information in response to the inquiry, the communication data volume management unit 220 notifies the display control unit 230.

[0069] In addition, if the additional purchase unit of the high-speed line is predetermined, the purchase data volume is set to the minimum unit data volume exceeding the insufficient data volume, and the purchase amount is calculated. For example, if the insufficient data volume is 1 80 MB and the minimum purchase unit is 100 MB, the purchase data volume is 200 MB.

[0070] ​​​​​​​​​​ The display control unit 230 displays the purchase amount of the insufficient data volume (step S1106). Display The control unit 230 uses the purchase amount information and the data stored in the storage device 110 in advance to create a message and display it.

[0071] At this time, a display example displayed on the display 131 is shown in FIG. 6(b). As shown in this figure a message created in the other display area 630 is displayed. The message includes information indicating the purchase amount. At this time, the display control unit 230 also displays buttons for receiving the intention of whether to purchase or not and waits for the user's selection (step S1107 ). In this figure, for example, a "Yes" button 63 1 is displayed as a button for receiving the intention to purchase, and a "No" button 632 is displayed as a button for receiving the intention not to purchase . The message may further include the playback time corresponding to the insufficient data volume . Also, the message does not necessarily have to include the purchase amount. Also, even if the purchase amount of the insufficient data volume is calculated, information regarding the amount may not be displayed .

[0072] When the communication data volume management unit 220 receives the intention to purchase from the user (S1107; Yes), it performs an additional purchase process (step S1108) and ends the process

[0073] In the additional purchase process, the communication data volume management unit 220 sends an additional purchase request to the carrier-side device 300 . On the carrier-side device 300 side, regarding the communication line used by the source information processing terminal 100, the communication path data volume management device 320 makes a high-speed circuit for the new purchase available , and the communication path control device 330 controls the communication path. Also, the communication path billing management device ​ The setting unit 310 additionally records the charging for new purchases for the registered users of the communication line.

[0074] On the other hand, when receiving the intention of not purchasing from the user (S1107; No), the display control unit 230 performs a warning display (step S1111). The warning display notifies the user that the remaining data volume of the high-speed line is small and that after using up to the limit volume, viewing will be performed using the low-speed line. For example, data such as a message used for the warning display is stored in the storage device 110 in advance.

[0075] Thereafter, the communication data volume management unit 220 continues to monitor the usage status of the high-speed line. When detecting that the full volume has been used (step S1112), it notifies the display control unit 230. For example, it outputs a full volume usage signal indicating that the usage has been exhausted to the display control unit 230.

[0076] When receiving the full volume usage signal, the display control unit 230 performs a reduced image quality display (step S1 113) and ends the process. The reduced image quality display indicates that subsequent displays will be of low image quality. Data, messages, etc. necessary for this display are stored in the storage device 110 in advance.

[0077] As described above, the information processing terminal 100 of the present embodiment uses the contracted communication line to view the content stored in the content server 400 which is an external server. It is the information processing terminal 100 that manages the data volume communicated using the high-speed line of the communication line, and includes a communication data volume management unit 220 and a display control unit 230 that controls the display. The communication data volume management unit 220 determines that the data volume required for viewing the content is the remaining contracted data volume. If there is a possibility of exceeding the remaining data amount which is the data amount of [unclear text], under predetermined conditions, the shortage amount The amount of money when purchasing an additional predetermined data amount of a high-speed line is calculated as the purchase amount, and the display control unit 2 30 displays the calculated purchase amount.

[0078] Also, the information processing terminal 100 of the present embodiment further includes a content management unit 210 that acquires and plays back content When requesting content from a content server 400 which is an external server, prior to the start of distribution of the content, the content management unit 210 acquires content attribute information 271 including data amount data indicating the total data amount of the content, and extracts the total data amount 273 therein as the required data amount. Also, when the remaining data amount of the high-speed line is less than the required data amount, the communication data amount management unit 22 0 calculates the difference data amount between the required data amount and the remaining data amount as the shortage data amount, and calculates the amount of money when purchasing the calculated shortage data amount as the purchase amount. 0 calculates the difference data amount between the required data amount and the remaining data amount as the shortage data amount, and calculates the amount of money when purchasing the calculated shortage data amount as the purchase amount. When the remaining data amount of the high-speed line is less than the required data amount, the difference data amount between the required data amount and the remaining data amount is calculated as the shortage data amount, and the amount of money when purchasing the calculated shortage data amount is calculated as the purchase amount.

[0079] Thus, according to the information processing terminal 100 of the present embodiment, it is determined whether the contracted line is insufficient according to the required data amount of the content. If it is insufficient, additional purchase is prompted Moreover, the additional purchase can be performed on the information processing terminal 1 00 before the start of viewing the content when the user attempts to view the content. Therefore, the additional purchase of the data amount of the high-speed line can be minimized according to the content to be viewed. Also, there is no need to specifically start an application for line purchase . Therefore, high-quality content can be continuously viewed for a desired period without increasing the burden on the user.

[0080] <Modification Example 1> ​​​​​​In the above-described embodiment, when obtaining the purchase amount of the shortage data volume of the high-speed line, the carrier side inquires of the device 300. However, the method is not limited to this.

[0081] For example, when the additional purchase amount 285 is included in the line contract information 281, the communication data volume management unit 220 calculates the purchase amount of the shortage data volume using this additional purchase amount 285.

[0082] Thereby, the process can be performed without using the communication line for the inquiry.

[0083] <Modification Example 2> Further, in the above-described embodiment, the communication data volume management unit 220 monitors the usage amount of the high-speed line and calculates the remaining data volume by comparing it with the limit amount of the high-speed line held in advance. However, the acquisition of the remaining data volume is not limited to this.

[0084] For example, you may inquire of the carrier-side device 300 to obtain the remaining data volume. That is, obtain the remaining data volume of the contracted line at that time from the communication path data volume management device 320. By this method, the remaining data volume can be obtained with higher accuracy. For example, when a contract is made such that a plurality of people such as family members share the contracted data volume, this method is used.

[0085] <Modification Example 3> Further, when it is determined that the data volume of the contracted high-speed line is insufficient, the process may be changed according to the required transmission speed of the content scheduled to be viewed. That is, when the required transmission speed is lower than the transmission speed of the low-speed line, it may not be recommended to newly purchase the data volume of the high-speed line.

[0086] ​The flow of the communication data volume management process in this case is shown in FIG. 7. The flow of the process of this modified example is basically the same as the flow of the communication data volume management process of the first embodiment. Here, the description will focus on different processes. Basically, it is the same as the flow of the communication data volume management process of the first embodiment. Here, the description will focus on different processes. will be described.

[0087] In this case, when it is determined in step S1104 that the required data volume is larger than the remaining data volume (S1104; Yes), before calculating the purchase amount of the shortage data volume (S1105), the required transmission speed of the content scheduled to be viewed is compared with the transmission speed of the low-speed line. When it is determined that the required data volume is larger than the remaining data volume (S1104; Yes), before calculating the purchase amount of the shortage data volume (S1105), the required transmission speed of the content scheduled to be viewed is compared with the transmission speed of the low-speed line. Specifically, first, the content management unit 210 refers to the content attribute information 271 to obtain the required bandwidth of the content (step S1201).

[0088] Specifically, first, the content management unit 210 refers to the content attribute information 271 to obtain the required bandwidth of the content (step S1201). Next, the communication data volume management unit 220 obtains the transmission speed (low-speed bandwidth) of the low-speed line (step S1202). If the low-speed bandwidth is managed in the line contract information 281, it is obtained from the line contract information 281. If it is not managed, it is obtained by inquiring the carrier-side device 300.

[0089] Next, the communication data volume management unit 220 obtains the transmission speed (low-speed bandwidth) of the low-speed line (step S1202). If the low-speed bandwidth is managed in the line contract information 281, it is obtained from the line contract information 281. If it is not managed, it is obtained by inquiring the carrier-side device 300. Next, the communication data volume management unit 220 obtains the transmission speed (low-speed bandwidth) of the low-speed line (step S1202). If the low-speed bandwidth is managed in the line contract information 281, it is obtained from the line contract information 281. If it is not managed, it is obtained by inquiring the carrier-side device 300. Next, the communication data volume management unit 220 obtains the transmission speed (low-speed bandwidth) of the low-speed line (step S1202). If the low-speed bandwidth is managed in the line contract information 281, it is obtained from the line contract information 281. If it is not managed, it is obtained by inquiring the carrier-side device 300. Then, the communication data volume management unit 220 compares the required transmission speed of the content with the transmission speed of the low-speed line, and determines whether the required transmission speed is greater than the transmission speed of the low-speed line (step S1203).

[0090] Then, the communication data volume management unit 220 compares the required transmission speed of the content with the transmission speed of the low-speed line, and determines whether the required transmission speed is greater than the transmission speed of the low-speed line (step S1203). Then, the communication data volume management unit 220 compares the required transmission speed of the content with the transmission speed of the low-speed line, and determines whether the required transmission speed is greater than the transmission speed of the low-speed line (step S1203). If the required bandwidth is less than or equal to the low-speed bandwidth (S1203; Yes), the process ends as it is.

[0091] If the required bandwidth is less than or equal to the low-speed bandwidth (S1203; Yes), the process ends as it is.

[0092] On the other hand, if the required bandwidth is greater than the low-speed bandwidth (S1203; No), the process proceeds to step S11 05. The subsequent processing is the same as that of the above embodiment.

[0093] Thus, according to this modification example, when the communication data volume management unit 220 determines that the required bandwidth is equal to or less than the bandwidth of the contracted low-speed line even in a situation where there is a shortage of high-speed lines, it does not calculate the purchase amount for the shortage. As a result, even for a low-speed line, it is possible to avoid unnecessarily causing the user to purchase additional data volume of the high-speed line for sufficient content playback. That is, it is possible to propose to the user to purchase additional data volume of the high-speed line only when necessary, and thus provide a more user-friendly communication capacity management technology. Specifically, the communication data volume management unit 220 of the present modification example determines whether all the content can be viewed in the same manner as in the first embodiment after the remaining data volume of the contracted high-speed line becomes equal to or less than a predetermined value.

[0094] <<Second Embodiment>> Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described. In this embodiment, during content viewing, the reduction in the data volume of the communication line due to the use of other application programs that use the communication line is also considered. The configuration of the communication system 900 in this embodiment is the same as that in the first embodiment. Also, the configurations of the carrier-side device 300 and the content server 400 are the same as those in the first embodiment. The hardware configuration and functional blocks of the information processing terminal 100 are also basically the same as those in the first embodiment. However, the functions of the content management unit 210 and the communication data volume management unit 220 are partially different.

[0095]

[0096] Hereinafter, this embodiment will be described with a focus on the differences from the first embodiment.

[0097] The communication data volume management unit 220 in this embodiment determines whether all the content can be viewed in the same manner as in the first embodiment after the remaining data volume of the contracted high-speed line becomes equal to or less than a predetermined value.

[0098] Specifically, the communication data volume management unit 220 of the present embodiment checks the remaining data volume of the contracted high-speed line at predetermined time intervals.​​​​​​​​​​ Obtain the remaining data volume of the express line. And each time it is obtained, the remaining data volume is compared with a preset threshold value of the remaining data volume (remaining volume threshold Trc). And when the remaining data volume becomes equal to or less than the remaining volume threshold Trc, it is compared with the data volume of the unplayed part of the content (unplayed data volume). The communication data volume management unit 220 outputs an unplayed data volume confirmation signal to the content management unit 2 10 to confirm the unplayed data volume.

[0099] When the content management unit 210 receives the unplayed data volume confirmation signal from the communication data volume management unit 220, it obtains the unplayed data volume of the content at that time as the required data volume and notifies the communication data volume management unit 220.

[0100] Specifically, the content management unit 210 monitors the playback of the content and obtains the played data volume at a predetermined interval. And each time it is obtained, it divides by the total data volume 273 of the content attribute information 271 obtained first to calculate the unplayed data volume. Note that the predetermined interval is not limited to time. It may be the received data volume or the like.

[0101] Hereinafter, the flow of the communication data volume management process by the information processing terminal 100 of the present embodiment will be described. FIG. 8 is a processing flow of the communication data volume management process of the present embodiment. This process also starts when the user receives an instruction to purchase content.

[0102] The content management unit 210 purchases the content (step S2101). Similar to the first embodiment, the content management unit 210 sends a purchase request to the content server 400 and repeatedly receives the content attribute information 271. And in this embodiment, the information processing terminal ​ 100 starts playing the content. Note that the content attribute information 271 may be transmitted simultaneously with the content transmission or during the content transmission.

[0103] At this time, a display example displayed on the display 131 by the display control unit 230 is shown in FIG. 9(a). In this embodiment, at this point, since the playback of the content has started, the content is displayed in the content display area 610.

[0104] The communication data volume management unit 220 acquires the remaining data volume of the high-speed line at a predetermined time interval (step S2102). Then, it compares the acquired remaining data volume with a predetermined remaining volume threshold Trc and determines whether the remaining data volume is less than or equal to the remaining volume threshold Trc (step S21 03).

[0105] If the remaining data volume is greater than the remaining volume threshold Trc (S2103; No), it returns to step S21 02 and repeats the process.

[0106] On the other hand, if the remaining data volume is less than or equal to the remaining volume threshold Trc (S2103; Yes), it notifies the content management unit 210 to acquire the unplayed data volume of the content, and outputs an unplayed data volume acquisition signal. In response to this, the content management unit 210 acquires the unplayed data volume at that time as the required data volume (step S2104). The subsequent processing is the same as S1104~S1108, S1111~S1113 of the first embodiment.

[0107] However, in this embodiment, when the required data volume is less than or equal to the remaining data volume in S1104 it is the same.

[0108] However, in this embodiment, when the required data volume is less than or equal to the remaining data volume in S1104 (S1104; No), return to step S2102. In this embodiment, as described above, In this embodiment, while the content is being viewed, other application programs that use the communication line also consider the operation of the RAM. Therefore, between now and the next confirmation timing, when the data volume of the high-speed line is used in other applications, the remaining data volume changes. Also, the playback of the content progresses, and the required data volume also changes. In view of these, at the next confirmation timing, this is for comparing with these latest values.

[0109] Also, even after the additional purchase (S1108), unless the viewing ends (step S2105), return to step S2102 and repeat the process. Even if a new additional purchase is made, when the data volume of the high-speed line is used in other applications, it is because there may be a need for a data volume greater than the insufficient data volume calculated in step S1105.

[0110] In this embodiment, in step S1106, while the display control unit 230 is displaying the purchase amount of the insufficient data volume, the content management unit 210 may temporarily pause the playback of the content. And when a purchase is received, or after receiving an instruction not to purchase and displaying a warning, it may be configured to automatically resume the playback of the content.

[0111] In step S1106, an example of the display shown on the display 131 is shown in FIG. 9(b). In addition to displaying the message created in the other display area 630, a button for accepting the intention of whether to purchase or not is also displayed, and waiting for the user's selection is the same as in the first embodiment.

[0112] However, in this embodiment, the displayed message is different from that in the first embodiment. In this embodiment, the message includes information corresponding to the playback time for the unplayed data amount along with the information indicating the purchase amount.

[0113] Also, in this embodiment, since the playback of the content has already started, the content is displayed in the content display area 610. Further, the playback position slide bar 621 is displayed in a manner where the played amount can be grasped.

[0114] As described above, in the information processing terminal 100 of this embodiment, the communication data amount management unit 220 acquires the remaining data amount of the contracted high-speed line at predetermined time intervals, and when the remaining data amount is equal to or less than a predetermined remaining amount threshold Trc, outputs an unplayed data amount acquisition signal for acquiring the unplayed data amount of the content to the content management unit 210. Upon receiving this, the content management unit 210 calculates the unplayed data amount of the content being viewed as the required data amount. Then, when the latest remaining data amount of the high-speed line is less than the required data amount, the communication data amount management unit 220 calculates the shortage

[0115] data amount of the high-speed line and calculates the amount of money for purchasing the shortage data amount as the purchase amount. In this way, according to the information processing terminal 100 of this embodiment, similar to the first embodiment, it is determined whether the contracted line is insufficient according to the

[0116] unplayed data amount of the content, and if it is insufficient, additional purchase is encouraged. At this This allows you to calculate the amount of data required for your high-speed connection, so you can continue watching high-definition content. This further reduces the burden on the user.

[0117] This embodiment may be combined with Modifications 1 to 3.

[0118] <<Third embodiment>> Next, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described. On the other hand, in this embodiment, the total data amount of a content is unknown. For example, the end time of a live sports broadcast is not fixed. The contents are

[0119] The configuration of the communication system 900 of this embodiment is the same as that of the first embodiment. The configurations of the access side device 300 and the content server 400 are the same as those in the first embodiment. The hardware configuration and functional blocks of the terminal 100 are basically the same as those of the first embodiment. However, the functions of the content management unit 210 and communication data volume management unit 220 are partially different.

[0120] In this embodiment, similarly to the second embodiment, the communication data amount management unit 220 performs The remaining data volume of the high-speed line is checked. However, in this embodiment, the remaining data volume is equal to or larger than the remaining volume threshold. If the transmission rate is equal to or less than Trc, the content management unit 210 calculates the average transmission rate of the content. Give instructions to do so.

[0121] In addition, the communication data volume management unit 220 of this embodiment uses the average transmission rate of the content. , the subsequent purchase amount is calculated and presented to the user. The purchase price may be calculated and presented under different conditions. They are different viewing times and the like.

[0122] The content management unit 210 calculates the average transmission rate of the content up to that point. For example, it is obtained by dividing the amount of viewing data up to that point by the viewing period. And The calculated average transmission rate is output to the communication data volume management unit 220.

[0123] Hereinafter, the flow of the communication data volume management process by the information processing terminal 100 of the present embodiment will be described. . FIG. 10 is a processing flow of the communication data volume management process of the present embodiment. This process also starts when the user receives an instruction to purchase content.

[0124] Hereinafter, the flow of the communication data volume management process of the present embodiment will be described with a focus on the processes different from those of the second embodiment. .

[0125] The content management unit 210 purchases content (step S2101).

[0126] The communication data volume management unit 220 acquires the remaining data volume of the high-speed line at a predetermined time interval (step S2102). Then, the acquired remaining data volume is compared with a predetermined remaining volume threshold Trc to determine whether the remaining data volume is less than or equal to the remaining volume threshold Trc (step S21 03).

[0127] When the remaining data volume is greater than the remaining volume threshold Trc (S2103; No), the process returns to step S21 02 and the process is repeated.

[0128] On the other hand, when the remaining data volume is less than or equal to the remaining volume threshold Trc (S2103; Yes), a calculation instruction notification is sent to the content management unit 210 to calculate the average transmission rate of the content. ​Upon receiving the indication notice, the Content Management Department 210 calculates the average transmission rate up to that point in time and obtains the average transmission rate AA of the content (step S3101), and outputs it to the Communication Data Volume Management Department 220.

[0129] Using the average transmission rate AA, the Communication Data Volume Management Department 220 calculates the purchase amount for each predetermined viewing condition (step S3102). In this embodiment, for example, for a plurality of viewing times the respective purchase amounts are calculated. For example, if the purchase unit price per unit time is BB, then for viewing for T 1 hour, the purchase amount can be calculated as AA × T1 × BB.

[0130] The Display Control Unit 230 displays the calculated purchase amount (step S3103). The subsequent processing is the same as that of the second embodiment. Note that the additional purchase in step S1108 is a purchase under the conditions selected in step S1107.

[0131] In step S3103, a display example to be displayed on the display 131 is shown in FIG. 11. The display is basically the same as that of the second embodiment. However, in this embodiment, the message to be displayed in the other display area 630 and the intention reception button are different. Also, since the total data volume of the content being viewed is unknown, the Display Control Unit 230 displays, in the playback volume display area 620, information that enables the viewing volume up to that point in time to be grasped, for example, the viewing time. Here, an example is shown in which the purchase amounts for three types of viewing conditions (viewing times) of 10 minutes, 20 minutes, and 60 minutes are calculated. Each condition and the intention not to purchase are displayed in a selectable manner. On the button 633 for selecting each condition, the condition (viewing time) and its purchase amount are displayed.

[0132] ​

[0133] Also in this embodiment, in step S3103, while the display control unit 230 is displaying the purchase amount for each condition, similar to the second embodiment, the content management unit 210 may temporarily suspend the reproduction of the content. Then, when a purchase is received, or after receiving an instruction not to purchase and performing a warning display, the reproduction of the content may be automatically resumed. As described above, in the information processing terminal 100 of this embodiment, the communication data volume management unit 220 acquires the remaining data volume of the high-speed line at a predetermined time interval. When the remaining data volume is equal to or less than a predetermined remaining volume threshold, it outputs a calculation instruction notification to the content management unit 210, and the content management unit 210 receives it and calculates the average transmission rate of the content being viewed. After that, the communication data volume management unit 220 uses the average transmission rate to calculate the amount of money for purchasing the required data volume of the high-speed line for each predetermined condition as the purchase amount, respectively, and the display control unit displays the purchase amount in association with each condition. In this way, according to the information processing terminal 100 of this embodiment, even when viewing content with an unknown total data volume, when the subscribed line is likely to be insufficient, additional purchases are encouraged. At this time, multiple conditions, for example, the additional purchase amount can be selected for each viewing time. Therefore, according to this embodiment, similar to the first and second embodiments, the additional purchase of the data volume of the high-speed line can be minimized according to the content to be viewed. Also, there is no need to specifically start an application for line purchase. Therefore, the burden on the user is reduced.

[0134] As described above, in the information processing terminal 100 of this embodiment, the communication data volume management unit 220 acquires the remaining data volume of the high-speed line at a predetermined time interval. When the remaining data volume is equal to or less than a predetermined remaining volume threshold, it outputs a calculation instruction notification to the content management unit 210, and the content management unit 210 receives it and calculates the average transmission rate of the content being viewed. After that, the communication data volume management unit 220 uses the average transmission rate to calculate the amount of money for purchasing the required data volume of the high-speed line for each predetermined condition as the purchase amount, respectively, and the display control unit displays the purchase amount in association with each condition. As described above, in the information processing terminal 100 of this embodiment, the communication data volume management unit 220 acquires the remaining data volume of the high-speed line at a predetermined time interval. When the remaining data volume is equal to or less than a predetermined remaining volume threshold, it outputs a calculation instruction notification to the content management unit 210, and the content management unit 210 receives it and calculates the average transmission rate of the content being viewed. After that, the communication data volume management unit 220 uses the average transmission rate to calculate the amount of money for purchasing the required data volume of the high-speed line for each predetermined condition as the purchase amount, respectively, and the display control unit displays the purchase amount in association with each condition. After that, the communication data volume management unit 220 uses the average transmission rate to calculate the amount of money for purchasing the required data volume of the high-speed line for each predetermined condition as the purchase amount, respectively, and the display control unit displays the purchase amount in association with each condition. As described above, in the information processing terminal 100 of this embodiment, the communication data volume management unit 220 acquires the remaining data volume of the high-speed line at a predetermined time interval. When the remaining data volume is equal to or less than a predetermined remaining volume threshold, it outputs a calculation instruction notification to the content management unit 210, and the content management unit 210 receives it and calculates the average transmission rate of the content being viewed. After that, the communication data volume management unit 220 uses the average transmission rate to calculate the amount of money for purchasing the required data volume of the high-speed line for each predetermined condition as the purchase amount, respectively, and the display control unit displays the purchase amount in association with each condition.

[0135] In this way, according to the information processing terminal 100 of this embodiment, even when viewing content with an unknown total data volume, when the subscribed line is likely to be insufficient, additional purchases are encouraged. At this time, multiple conditions, for example, the additional purchase amount can be selected for each viewing time. Therefore, according to this embodiment, similar to the first and second embodiments, the additional purchase of the data volume of the high-speed line can be minimized according to the content to be viewed. Also, there is no need to specifically start an application for line purchase. Therefore, the burden on the user is reduced. In this way, according to the information processing terminal 100 of this embodiment, even when viewing content with an unknown total data volume, when the subscribed line is likely to be insufficient, additional purchases are encouraged. At this time, multiple conditions, for example, the additional purchase amount can be selected for each viewing time. Therefore, according to this embodiment, similar to the first and second embodiments, the additional purchase of the data volume of the high-speed line can be minimized according to the content to be viewed. Also, there is no need to specifically start an application for line purchase. Therefore, the burden on the user is reduced. In this way, according to the information processing terminal 100 of this embodiment, even when viewing content with an unknown total data volume, when the subscribed line is likely to be insufficient, additional purchases are encouraged. At this time, multiple conditions, for example, the additional purchase amount can be selected for each viewing time. Therefore, according to this embodiment, similar to the first and second embodiments, the additional purchase of the data volume of the high-speed line can be minimized according to the content to be viewed. Also, there is no need to specifically start an application for line purchase. Therefore, the burden on the user is reduced. Therefore, according to this embodiment, similar to the first and second embodiments, the additional purchase of the data volume of the high-speed line can be minimized according to the content to be viewed. Also, there is no need to specifically start an application for line purchase. Therefore, the burden on the user is reduced. Therefore, according to this embodiment, similar to the first and second embodiments, the additional purchase of the data volume of the high-speed line can be minimized according to the content to be viewed. Also, there is no need to specifically start an application for line purchase. Therefore, the burden on the user is reduced. Therefore, according to this embodiment, similar to the first and second embodiments, the additional purchase of the data volume of the high-speed line can be minimized according to the content to be viewed. Also, there is no need to specifically start an application for line purchase. Therefore, the burden on the user is reduced. ​It becomes possible to continuously view high-quality content for a desired period without increasing it.

[0136] Note that this embodiment may be combined with Modification Example 1 to Modification Example 3.

[0137] <Modification Example 4> In each of the above embodiments, after asking whether to purchase and receiving a non-purchase intention, the processes of Steps S1111 to S1113 are performed to give a warning or the like. However, these processes may not be performed. Only a warning display or only a reduced image quality display may be used.

[0138] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments and modification examples, and includes various modification examples. For example, the above-described embodiments and modification examples have been described in detail for easy understanding of the present invention and are not necessarily limited to those having all the configurations described. Also, a part of the configuration of a certain embodiment or modification example can be replaced with the configuration of another embodiment or modification example. Also, the configuration of another embodiment or modification example can be added to the configuration of a certain embodiment or modification example. Furthermore, it is possible to add, delete, or replace a part of the configuration of each embodiment or modification example with another configuration.

[0139] In addition, each of the above configurations, functions, processing units, processing means, etc. may be realized in hardware, for example, by designing a part or all of them with an integrated circuit. Also, each of the above configurations, functions, etc. may be realized in software by a processor interpreting and executing a program that realizes each function. Information such as a program, table, file, etc. that realizes each function is stored in a memory unit, a hard disk, an SSD (Solid State Drive ) It can be placed in a recording device such as this, or in a recording medium such as an IC card, SD card, DVD, etc. It is possible.

[0140] Also, the control lines and information lines show those considered necessary for explanation, and not necessarily all the control lines and information lines are shown on the product. In fact, it may be considered that almost all components are interconnected. It is not always the case that all control lines and information lines are shown. In fact, it may be considered that almost all components are interconnected. It is possible to think so.

Explanation of symbols

[0141] 100: Information processing terminal, 100S: Smartphone, 101: Main processor, 10 2: System bus, 103: RAM, 104: Storage device, 109S: Case, 11 0: Storage device, 120: Operation reception device, 121: Operation key, 121P: Power switch, 1 22: Touch sensor, 123: Touch panel, 124: Fingerprint sensor, 125: LED, 1 27: Touch screen, 130: Image processing device, 131: Display, 132: Image Signal processing unit, 133: First image acquisition unit, 134: Second image acquisition unit, 140: Audio processing device 、141: Audio output unit, 141M: Audio output unit, 141S: Audio output unit, 142: Audio signal Processing unit, 143: Audio input unit, 150: Sensor, 151: Receiver, 152: Gyro sensor 、153: Geomagnetic sensor, 154: Acceleration sensor, 155: Distance sensor, 160: Communication Device, 161: LAN communication unit, 162: Telephone network communication unit, 163: BT communication unit, 170: Expansion interface unit, 170U: USB terminal, 180: Timer, 210: Content management unit, 220: Communication data volume management unit, 230: Display control unit, 27 0: Content attribute information database, 271: Content attribute information, 272: Content ID, 273: Total data volume, 274: Required bandwidth, 275: Title, 276: Type, 2 80: Communication contract database, 281: Line contract information, 282: Terminal ID, 283: Contract Data volume, 284: Low-speed band, 285: Additional purchase amount, 300: Carrier-side device, 310: Communication path billing management device, 320: Communication path data volume Management device, 330: Communication path control device, 340: Contract information management device, 400: Content server, 410: Content library, 420: Content billing Management device, 430: Content transmission management device, 500: Network, 510: Base station, 610: Content display area, 611: Start instruction display, 620: Playback volume display area, 62 1: Playback position slider, 630: Other display area, 631: "Yes" button, 632: " No" button, 633: Selection button, 900: Communication system, Trc: Remaining amount threshold

Claims

1. An information processing terminal for viewing content stored in an external server using a contracted communication line, comprising: a communication data volume management unit that manages the data volume communicated using the high-speed line of the communication line; and 、 a display control unit that controls display, wherein when there is a possibility that the data volume required for viewing the content exceeds the remaining data volume of the contracted data volume, the communication data volume management unit obtains necessary information, which is information required when purchasing an additional predetermined data volume of the high-speed line, under predetermined conditions, and the display control unit displays the necessary information. An information processing terminal characterized by the above.

2. The information processing terminal according to claim 1, further comprising a content management unit that acquires and plays back the content, wherein when requesting the content from the external server, the content management unit acquires the entire data volume of the content as the required data volume prior to the start of distribution of the content, and when the remaining data volume is less than the required data volume, the communication data volume management unit calculates the data volume of the difference between the required data volume and the remaining data volume as the shortage data volume, and sets the information required when purchasing the shortage data volume as the necessary information. An information processing terminal characterized by the above.

3. The information processing terminal according to claim 1, further comprising a content management unit that acquires and plays back the content, wherein the communication data volume management unit acquires the remaining data volume at a predetermined interval, and when the remaining data volume is equal to or less than a predetermined remaining volume threshold, outputs an unplayed data volume acquisition signal for acquiring the data volume of the unplayed portion of the content, and when receiving the unplayed data volume acquisition signal, the content management unit calculates the data volume of the unplayed portion of the content being viewed as the required data volume, and when the latest remaining data volume is less than the required data volume, the communication data volume management unit calculates the data volume of the difference between the required data volume and the remaining data volume as the shortage data volume, and sets the information required when purchasing the shortage data volume as the necessary information. An information processing terminal characterized by the above.

4. The information processing terminal according to claim 1, further comprising a content management unit that acquires and plays back the content, wherein the communication data volume management unit acquires the remaining data volume at a predetermined interval, and when the remaining data volume is equal to or less than a predetermined remaining volume threshold, outputs a calculation instruction notification to the content management unit. ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ When the content management unit receives the calculation instruction notification, it calculates the average transmission rate of the content being viewed, and the communication data volume management unit uses the average transmission rate to obtain, as the necessary information, the information required for additional purchase of a predetermined data volume of the high-speed line for each predetermined condition, and the display control unit displays the necessary information in association with the conditions, respectively. An information processing terminal characterized by the above.

5. The information processing terminal according to claim 4, wherein the predetermined condition is the viewing time, and the communication data volume management unit calculates, using the average transmission rate, the data volume of the high-speed line required for viewing for each viewing time, and obtains, as the necessary information, the information required for additional purchase of the data volume. An information processing terminal characterized by the above.

6. The information processing terminal according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the information required for additional purchase is the amount of money, and the necessary information is the purchase amount. An information processing terminal characterized by the above.

7. The information processing terminal according to claim 6, wherein the communication data volume management unit inquires of the device of the operator who manages the communication line about the additional purchase unit price of the data volume of the high-speed line, and calculates the purchase amount based on the answer. An information processing terminal characterized by the above.

8. The information processing terminal according to claim 6, wherein the additional purchase unit price of the data volume of the high-speed line is held in advance as a communication contract database, and the communication data volume management unit refers to the communication contract database and calculates the purchase amount. An information processing terminal characterized by the above.

9. The information processing terminal according to claim 1, wherein the display control unit displays a reception button for receiving the intention to purchase together with the display of the necessary information, and when the communication data volume management unit receives the intention to purchase via the reception button, it transmits a request for additional purchase to the operator who manages the communication line. An information processing terminal characterized by the above.

10. The information processing terminal according to claim 1, wherein the display control unit displays a reception button for receiving the intention to purchase together with the display of the necessary information, and when the display control unit receives the intention not to purchase via the reception button, it performs a warning display. An information processing terminal characterized by the above.

11. The information processing terminal according to claim 10, ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ After the warning display is made, the communication data volume management unit monitors the usage status of the data volume of the high-speed line. When the contracted data volume is used up, it outputs a full volume usage signal indicating that it has been used up to the display control unit. When the display control unit receives the full volume usage signal, it outputs a message indicating that the contracted data volume has been used up. An information processing terminal characterized by the above.

12. The information processing terminal according to Claim 1, further comprising a content management unit that acquires and plays back the content. When the content management unit requests content from the external server, prior to the start of distribution of the content, it acquires the necessary bandwidth indicating the bandwidth required for playback of the content. Even when there is a possibility that the data volume required for viewing the content exceeds the remaining data volume, if the necessary bandwidth is equal to or less than the bandwidth of the low-speed line after the contracted data volume has been used up, the communication data volume management unit does not acquire the necessary information. An information processing terminal characterized by the above.

13. The information processing terminal according to Claim 4 or 5, wherein the content management unit stops the playback of the content while the display control unit is displaying the necessary information. An information processing terminal characterized by the above.

14. A program for causing an information processing terminal that views content stored in an external server using a contracted communication line to execute a procedure for acquiring necessary information, which is information necessary when purchasing an additional predetermined data volume of the high-speed line under predetermined conditions, when there is a possibility that the data volume required for viewing the content exceeds the data volume communicated using the high-speed line of the communication line and exceeds the contracted data volume, and a procedure for displaying the acquired information. ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​

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