Information processing device, program, and information processing method

Abstract

To provide an information processing device that allows a user to mutually view and control a shared video when a predetermined condition is satisfied.SOLUTION: An information processing device according to the present invention includes a viewing authority setting unit, a shared video registration unit, and a video distribution management unit, and the viewing authority setting unit grants the user viewing authority to view a video when the user satisfies a predetermined condition, and the shared video registration unit registers the video to which the viewing authority is granted as a shared video which is a video shared in a group to which a plurality of users including the user belongs in response to an instruction of the user, and the video distribution management unit controls the shared video registered by another user in the group such that the user can view the video if the shared video is registered.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses an information processing device that distributes group video data indicating videos that cannot be viewed unless registered as a group to mobile terminals registered as a group. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Patent Publication No. 2019-36785 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, although it has been possible for a single video to be shared by multiple users, it has not been possible for multiple users to share a video with each other.

[0005] The present invention provides an information processing device, a program, and an information processing method that can control shared videos so that users can mutually view them when a predetermined condition is met. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] An information processing device according to one embodiment of the present invention is an information processing device comprising a viewing authority setting unit, a shared video registration unit, and a video distribution management unit, wherein the viewing authority setting unit grants a user viewing authority to view a video when the user satisfies certain conditions, the shared video registration unit registers the video to which the viewing authority has been granted as a shared video that is a video shared in a group to which multiple users including the user belong, at the user's instruction, and the video distribution management unit controls the shared video registered by other users in the group so that the user can view it, on the condition that the shared video has been registered.

[0007] According to one aspect of the present invention, when a predetermined condition is met, it is possible to control whether or not users can mutually view shared videos. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram showing an overview of a video sharing system 1 according to a first embodiment. [Figure 2] 1 is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of a server 10 according to a first embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of a user terminal 20 according to the first embodiment. [Figure 4] 2 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the server 10 according to the first embodiment. FIG. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating the function of a shared video registration unit 11b according to the first embodiment based on the relationship between two users. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating the function of the shared video registration unit 11b according to the first embodiment based on the relationship among three users (video M3 not yet registered). [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating the function of the shared video registration unit 11b according to the first embodiment based on the relationship among three users (status of registration of video M3). [Figure 8] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of the content of a moving image according to the first embodiment. [Figure 9]FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a display mode (three videos) on the user terminal 20a in video sharing according to the first embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a display mode (four videos) on the user terminal 20a in video sharing according to the first embodiment. [Figure 11] 1 is a diagram showing a processing flow by the video sharing system 1 according to the first embodiment. [Figure 12] FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an example of the value of a moving image according to the fifth modification of the first embodiment. [Figure 13] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of the degree of rarity of a video according to the sixth modification of the first embodiment. [Figure 14] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a state in which user U3 belongs to two groups in another embodiment. [Figure 15] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a state in which user U3 belongs to two groups (when double registration is not permitted) in another embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

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

[0010] 1. First Embodiment (1-1. Video sharing system 1) An information processing device according to one embodiment of the present invention is a server 10 that constitutes a part of a video sharing system 1 as shown in Fig. 1. The video sharing system 1 includes the server 10 and user terminals 20 (user terminal 20a and user terminal 20b). The video sharing system 1 may further include a video distribution server (not shown) that distributes videos to the user terminals 20.

[0011] The server 10 is configured to be able to communicate with the user terminal 20 via a communication line 5. The server 10 grants viewing authority for videos M1 and M2 to users U1 and U2 who belong to the same group, respectively. The server 10 registers videos M1 and M2 as videos to be shared in the group, and controls the shared videos so that users in the group can mutually view them. This configuration enables users to mutually view shared videos. Each configuration will be explained below.

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

[0013] (1-2-1. Hardware configuration of Server 10) 2 is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of server 10 according to this embodiment. Server 10 includes a control unit 11, a storage unit 12, and a communication unit 13. Server 10 may also include an operation input unit 14 configured with a keyboard, a mouse, etc., for accepting input of various operations, and a monitor 15, such as a liquid crystal display device, for displaying various images.

[0014] The control unit 11 is, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a microprocessor, a DSP (Digital Signal Processor), or the like, and controls the overall operation of the server 10.

[0015] A part of the storage unit 12 is configured with, for example, RAM (Random Access Memory) or DRAM (Dynamic Random Access Memory), and is used as a work area when the control unit 11 executes processes based on various programs. In addition, a part of the storage unit 12 is, for example, a non-volatile memory such as ROM (Read Only Memory) or an HDD (Hard Disk Drive), and stores various data and programs used in the processing of the control unit 11.

[0016] The programs stored in the memory unit 12 include, for example, an OS (Operating System) for realizing the basic functions of the server 10, drivers for controlling various hardware, programs for realizing various functions, etc., and include the computer program related to this embodiment.

[0017] The communication unit 13 is, for example, a NIC (Network Interface Controller) and has a function of connecting to the communication line 5. Note that the communication unit 13 may have, instead of or together with the NIC, a function of connecting to a wireless LAN (Local Area Network), a function of connecting to a wireless WAN (Wide Area Network), a function of enabling short-range wireless communication such as Bluetooth (registered trademark), infrared communication, etc. The server 10 is connected to other information processing devices such as user terminals 20 via the communication line 5, and can transmit and receive various data to and from the other information processing devices, etc.

[0018] The control unit 11, storage unit 12, communication unit 13, operation input unit 14, and monitor 15 are electrically connected to one another via a system bus 16. Therefore, the control unit 11 can access the storage unit 12, display images on the monitor 15, grasp the operation status of the operation input unit 14 by the user, and access various communication networks and other information processing devices via the communication unit 13.

[0019] The video distribution server includes a control unit, a storage unit, and a communication unit, similar to the server 10, and may further include an operation input unit, a monitor, etc. The function of the video distribution server may also be provided by the server 10.

[0020] (1-2-2. Hardware Configuration of User Terminal 20) 3 is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of a user terminal 20 according to this embodiment. The user terminal 20 is, for example, an information processing terminal such as a smartphone or tablet terminal, and includes a control unit 21, a storage unit 22, and a communication unit 23. The user terminal 20 may also include a display unit 24 such as a touch panel display that can display images and receive operations, a speaker 25 that outputs sound, a microphone 26 that inputs sound, a camera 27 that captures an image of a subject, and operation buttons 28. The following description will focus on the differences from the server 10.

[0021] The operation buttons 28 are provided on the side of the user terminal 20, and include a power button for starting or stopping the user terminal 20, a button for adjusting the volume of the sound output by the speaker 25, and the like.

[0022] The control unit 21, memory unit 22, communication unit 23, display unit 24, speaker 25, microphone 26, camera 27, and operation buttons 28 are electrically connected to one another via a system bus 29. Therefore, the control unit 21 can access the memory unit 22, display images on the display unit 24, grasp the operation state of the touch panel display (display unit 24) and operation buttons 28 by the user, input sound to the microphone 26, output sound from the speaker 25, control the camera 27, and access various communication networks and other information processing devices via the communication unit 23.

[0023] (1-3. Functional configuration of server 10) As shown in FIG. 4, the control unit 11 of the server 10 includes a viewing authority setting unit 11a, a shared video registration unit 11b, and a video distribution management unit 11c.

[0024] The viewing authority setting unit 11a grants user U1 the viewing authority to view video M1 when user U1 meets predetermined conditions. The shared video registration unit 11b registers the video M1, for which viewing authority has been granted, as a shared video, which is a video shared in a group to which multiple users including user U1 belong, in response to an instruction from user U1. The video distribution management unit 11c controls the shared video M1 so that user U1 can view the shared video (video M2 in FIG. 1) registered by another user U2 who belongs to the group, on the condition that the shared video has been registered. Details of each function will be described later.

[0025] The above-described functional configuration may be realized by software (including so-called applications) appropriately installed on the server 10, or may be realized by hardware. When realized by software, the control unit 11 can realize various functions by executing programs that constitute the software.

[0026] When the functions are realized by executing a program, the program may be stored in the memory unit 12 built into the server 10, or may be stored in a non-transitory computer-readable recording medium. Alternatively, the functions may be realized by reading out a program stored in an external storage device, using so-called cloud computing. Alternatively, when the functions are realized by hardware, they may be realized by various circuits such as ASIC, SOC, FPGA, or DRP. Furthermore, some of the above-described functional configurations may be processed by software or hardware in the user terminal 20, etc.

[0027] (1-4. Functions of the viewing authority setting unit 11a) The functions of the control unit 11 will be described in detail with reference to Figures 5 to 7. The viewing authority setting unit 11a is configured to grant user U1 viewing authority to view video M1 when user U1 satisfies a predetermined condition. User U1 who has been granted viewing authority to view video M1 can receive video M1 distributed from the video distribution server to the user terminal 20a.

[0028] A predetermined condition for granting viewing authority is, for example, purchase of viewing authority for video M1 by user U1. The viewing authority setting unit 11a may be configured to grant viewing authority based on information that user U1 has purchased viewing authority for video M1. Furthermore, the control unit 11 of the server 10 may further include a video purchase processing unit. The video purchase processing unit accepts a purchase request for user U1's video M1 from the user terminal 20a and also accepts payment of the purchase price. The video purchase processing unit records the purchase information in the storage unit 12, etc.

[0029] (1-5. Functions of the shared video registration unit 11b) The shared video registration unit 11b is configured to register, in response to an instruction from the user U1, a video M1 for which the user U1 has been granted viewing authority as a shared video that is a video shared in a group G1 to which a plurality of users including the user U1 belong. In Fig. 5, the user U1 and the user U2 belong to the group G1.

[0030] Here, the instruction from user U1 is a request transmitted from user terminal 20a to server 10 to register video M1 as a shared video in group G1. Shared video registration unit 11b accepts the request and registers video M1 as a shared video by recording it in storage unit 12 or the like.

[0031] Furthermore, group G1 is formed based on the association between multiple users. In one aspect, the association between users is an association that arises when a user belonging to group G1 requests the formation of a group. The formed group may be temporary or long-term. For example, the group may form a chat room or the like where conversations can be held to exchange opinions about videos.

[0032] In one aspect, the relevance between predetermined users may be determined based on various other information about the users. The user information is, for example, information about the friendship between user U1 and user U2 (hereinafter also referred to as "friend information"). The friend information is an index of interactions within and outside the services related to the video sharing system 1. A group may be formed by, for example, a group setting unit of the control unit 11 at the request of a user. Alternatively, the group may be automatically formed by the group setting unit based on the degree of interaction between users (for example, the depth, intimacy, frequency, etc. of the friendship) without a user request.

[0033] Examples of interactions within the service include conversations in the chat rooms, etc., or exchanging accounts or IDs for the service and being connected so that contact can be made. Examples of interactions outside the service include some kind of contact (such as "liking," "following," or "adding as a friend") on a specific social networking service (SNS).

[0034] (1-6. Functions of the video distribution management unit 11c) The video distribution management unit 11c is configured to control the shared videos registered by user U2 of group G1 so that user U1 can view the shared videos registered by user U2 of group G1, provided that the user has registered the shared videos. With this configuration, even if a user does not have the authority to view all of the videos, by simply sharing at least one video for which the user has the authority to view, the user in the group can control the shared videos so that all of the shared videos can be viewed. In other words, when multiple videos are shared, a user can view the multiple shared videos by simply sharing at least one video for which the user has the authority to view. In other words, a user can view videos shared by others, provided that the user provides the video.

[0035] 5, user U1 has registered video M1, which he has viewing authority over, as a shared video in group G1. User U2 has also registered video M2, which he has viewing authority over, as a shared video in group G1. That is, videos M1 and M2 are registered as shared videos in group G1.

[0036] Here, user U1 can naturally view video M1, for which he has viewing authority, regardless of whether video M1 has been registered as a shared video. Because user U1 has registered video M1 as a shared video, user U1 can also view video M2, which user U2 has registered as a shared video. In other words, user U1 can receive video M1 and video M2 delivered to user terminal 20a from the video delivery server.

[0037] It can also be said that user U1 does not satisfy the predetermined conditions, such as purchase, required to be granted viewing authority for video M2, but is permitted to view video M2 based on user U2's viewing authority for video M2. When another user U2 unregisters video M2 that was registered as a shared video, the video distribution management unit 11c may be configured to make the unregistered video M2 unviewable. However, if user U1 has viewing authority for the same video M2 or if another user in group G1 has registered the same video M2 as a shared video, user U1 can view video M2.

[0038] Here, the video distribution method may be either live distribution or non-live distribution, but live distribution allows for a more realistic experience. Also, either streaming or downloading may be used, but streaming distribution may be selected for live distribution.

[0039] In addition, the video distribution server may be server 10, but if the video distribution server is a server independent of server 10, the shared video registration unit 11b and the video distribution management unit 11c may be configured to share viewing rights and the sharing status of the video with the video distribution server.

[0040] 6 and 7 illustrate an example in which user U3 also belongs to group G1. In Fig. 6, user U3 has not registered the videos for which he has viewing authority as shared videos in group G1. Therefore, user U3 cannot view videos M1 and M2 registered as shared videos by other users U1 and U2 in group G1 unless he has viewing authority for these videos.

[0041] 7, user U3 has registered video M3, for which he has viewing authority, as a shared video in group G1. Therefore, user U3 can view videos M1 and M2 that other users U1 and U2 in group G1 have registered as shared videos, even though user U3 does not have viewing authority for these videos.

[0042] (1-7. An example of a video sharing system 1) Next, the video sharing system 1 will be described more specifically with reference to the example of FIG.

[0043] 8, a concert by a singer group consisting of singers A1 to A3 is filmed by multiple cameras (cameras C1 to C6). The footage from each camera is then live-streamed as videos M1 to M6 via a video distribution server.

[0044] Cameras C1, C2, and C3 film singer A1 from different angles. Camera C4 films singer A2. Camera C5 films singer A3. And camera C6 films the entire stage.

[0045] Here, users U1, U2, and U3 are particularly fans of singer A1 and wish to watch videos of singer A1 from multiple angles, i.e., they wish to watch video M1, video M2, and video M3.

[0046] In such a case, first, users U1, U2, and U3 form group G1 as shown in Figure 7. Next, user U1 purchases video M1, user U2 purchases video M2, and user U3 purchases video M3, and gains viewing authority. Then, each user registers the video for which they have viewing authority as a shared video in group G1, allowing all users U1, U2, and U3 to view video M1, video M2, and video M3. In other words, by simply purchasing and sharing one video, users can watch videos of singer A1 from multiple angles.

[0047] 9, the user terminal 20a of the user U1 may be configured to display videos M1 to M3 distributed from a video distribution server side by side on the display unit 24. In FIG. 9, as an example, video M1 is displayed large, and videos M2 and M3 are displayed small. The user terminal 20a may switch the display in accordance with an operation by the user U1 or a predetermined condition. For example, video M2 is displayed large, and video M1 is displayed small.

[0048] Furthermore, if any of users U1 to U3 further registers video M6 as a shared video in group G1, user terminal 20a can also display video M6, as shown in Fig. 10. User terminal 20a may also determine the number of videos that can be displayed on display unit 24 at one time (for example, four videos). User terminal 20a may be configured to allow user U1 to select a video to display when the number of videos that user U1 can view exceeds the number of videos that can be displayed.

[0049] (1-8. Processing flow by video sharing system 1) The flow of processing by the video hosting system 1 will be described with reference to FIG.

[0050] First, as shown in Fig. 11, S210 and viewing authority setting step S110 are executed. In S210, the user U1 operates the user terminal 20a to purchase the video M1, and the server 10 acquires information about the purchase. In S110, the viewing authority setting unit 11a grants the user U1 viewing authority to view the video M1 when it determines that a predetermined condition is met based on the purchase information, etc.

[0051] Next, S220 and shared video registration step S120 are executed. In S220, based on an instruction from user U1, a request to register video M1 as a shared video that is a video shared in group G1 to which user U1 belongs is transmitted from user terminal 20a to server 10. In S120, shared video registration unit 11b registers video M1 as a shared video that is a video shared in group G1 to which user U1 belongs.

[0052] Next, a video distribution management step S130 is executed. In S130, the video distribution management unit 11c controls the shared video registered by the user U2 of the group G1 so that the user U1 can view the shared video registered by the user U2 of the group G1, on the condition that the shared video has been registered.

[0053] S130 may include S132, S134, and S136. In S132, the video distribution management unit 11c records the user U1 in the storage unit 12 or the like as a user who can view the shared video registered by the users of group G1, on the condition that the user U1 has registered the shared video.

[0054] In S134, the video distribution management unit 11c accepts the video distribution request (S234) sent from the user terminal 20a. In S136, the video distribution management unit 11c transmits a video distribution command to the video distribution server based on the accepted video distribution request.

[0055] Next, S340 and S250 are executed. In S340, the video distribution server distributes the corresponding video to the user terminal 20a based on the received video distribution command. In S250, the user terminal 20a displays the distributed video on the display unit 24.

[0056] <2. Modifications> Various modifications of the video sharing system 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described below.

[0057] (2-1. Variation 1) The shared video registration unit 11b may be configured to register the video M1, to which viewing authority has been granted, as a shared video when a sharing condition, which is a condition for sharing a video, is satisfied in response to an instruction from the user U1.

[0058] The sharing conditions may include a condition that the video to be registered has a predetermined relationship with videos included in the shared videos already registered at the time of registration. With this configuration, even if a user does not have viewing authority for all videos that are related to the user's interest, by simply sharing viewing authority for at least one related video, all shared videos can be controlled so that any user in the group can view them.

[0059] In the example of FIG. 7, it is assumed that in group G1, user U1 first registers video M1 as a shared video, then user U2 registers video M2 as a shared video, and finally user U3 registers video M3 as a shared video.

[0060] In this case, in one aspect, since no videos are registered as shared videos in the group G1 for the user U1, the user U1 can register the video M1 without being restricted by the relevance between the videos. That is, the shared video registration unit 11b does not determine whether the sharing conditions are met, or can consider the sharing conditions to be met when a video is registered as a shared video for the first time in the group.

[0061] Next, when user U2 registers video M2, video M2 must have a predetermined relationship with video M1, which has already been registered as a shared video. Here, the predetermined relationship means, for example, that the videos are related to footage of the same concert or sporting event. In the example of FIG. 8, any of videos M1 to M6 can be said to have the predetermined relationship. Note that by controlling the viewing of shared videos having a predetermined relationship in this way, users can view videos that are related to the video they purchased, that is, videos of their interest.

[0062] The predetermined relevance may be videos of the same singer at the same concert, or videos of the same athlete at the same competition, etc. In the example of Fig. 8, any of videos M1 to M3 that are videos of the same singer A1 may be considered to have the predetermined relevance.

[0063] Next, when user U3 registers video M3, video M3 must have a predetermined relationship with video M1 and / or video M2, which are already registered as shared videos. In one aspect, video M3 must have a predetermined relationship with only one of video M1 and video M2. In another aspect, video M3 must have a predetermined relationship with both video M1 and video M2. By requiring a relationship with both video M1 and video M2, it is possible to prevent the scope of what can be shared from expanding indefinitely.

[0064] The predetermined relevance may be determined based on the videos registered as shared videos, or may be determined based on criteria for videos previously registered in the group when or after the group is formed. In this way, when criteria for videos are previously set in the group, the predetermined relevance will also be taken into consideration when the above-mentioned user U1 registers video M1 as the first shared video in group G1.

[0065] (2-2. Variation 2) Although the required sharing conditions are different in variant example 2, similar to variant example 1, the shared video registration unit 11b may be configured to register a video M1 that has been granted viewing rights as a shared video when the sharing conditions, which are the conditions for sharing a video, are met at the instruction of user U1.

[0066] The sharing conditions in Variation 2 include the condition that the video to be registered must not be identical to any of the videos included in the shared videos already registered at the time of registration. With this configuration, even if a user does not have viewing rights to all videos of interest to them, by simply sharing viewing rights to at least one video that has not yet been shared within the group, any user in the group can view all of the shared videos. Sharing videos that are not identical also has the advantage of allowing a wide variety of videos to be shared.

[0067] As in variant example 1, in the example of Figure 7, in group G1, user U1 first registers video M1 as a shared video, then user U2 registers video M2 as a shared video, and finally user U3 registers video M3 as a shared video.

[0068] In this case, since no videos have been registered as shared videos by user U1 in group G1, user U1 can register video M1 without being restricted by the identity of the videos already registered. That is, the shared video registration unit 11b does not determine whether the sharing conditions are met, or can consider the sharing conditions to be met if the video is registered as a shared video for the first time in the group.

[0069] Next, when user U2 registers video M2, video M2 must be different from video M1, which has already been registered as a shared video. In the example of Figure 8, videos M1 to M6 are videos of footage from the same concert, but can be considered different videos because they are shot from different angles, etc.

[0070] Next, when user U3 registers video M3, video M3 must be different from either video M1 or video M2 that has already been registered as a shared video.

[0071] (2-3. Variation 3) In the third modification, the viewing authority setting unit 11a is configured to set the number of users to whom the video can be distributed in the viewing authority. In such a case, the video distribution management unit 11c is configured to control the shared video so that a predetermined number of users or less can view the shared video based on the viewing authority. With this configuration, the number of users who can share the video based on one viewing authority can be limited. In other words, it is possible to prevent the number of users who can view the video based on one viewing authority from increasing without limit.

[0072] 7, if the number of users to whom video M1 can be distributed set in the viewing authority for video M1 is 2, only two of users U1 to U3 can view the video. In other words, when video M1 is distributed to users U1 and U2, video distribution management unit 11c can control video M1 so that it is not distributed to user U3 beyond the number of users to whom video M1 can be distributed.

[0073] In addition, if the number of users belonging to a group exceeds the number of users to whom the video is to be distributed set in the viewing authority of the video to be registered, the shared video registration unit 11b may perform control so that the video cannot be registered as a shared video of the group. In one aspect, the sharing conditions may include that the number of users to whom the video is to be registered and set in the viewing authority of the video to be registered does not exceed the number of users belonging to the group to be registered as a shared video.

[0074] In addition, the group setting unit or the like may control the number of users belonging to the group so that the minimum number of users to whom the shared video can be distributed, which is set in the viewing authority of the shared video registered in the group, does not exceed the number of users.

[0075] (2-4. Variation 4) In the fourth modification, the video distribution management unit 11c is configured to control the number of videos registered as shared videos by each user to be within a predetermined range so that the user can view the shared videos registered by other users in the group. With this configuration, when the number of videos to be shared by the users differs significantly, distribution can be restricted and sharing can be controlled under fair conditions.

[0076] Here, "the number of videos registered by the user as shared videos is within a predetermined range" means, for example, that the number of videos registered by the user as shared videos is equal to or greater than a predetermined number, or equal to or greater than a first predetermined number and equal to or less than a second predetermined number, etc. The predetermined number, including the first predetermined number and the second predetermined number, may be a specific number (e.g., 2) determined in advance by a group setting unit or the like in accordance with an operation by user U1 or a predetermined condition.

[0077] The predetermined number may also be determined based on the number of shared videos registered by each user belonging to the group. For example, the group setting unit or the like can set "a predetermined number or more" to "a number equal to or greater than the average number of shared videos registered by each user belonging to the group minus 1." In other words, if the "average number of shared videos registered by each user belonging to the group" is 3, a user who has registered only one video as a shared video cannot receive distribution of videos other than those for which they have viewing rights.

[0078] Furthermore, if there is a user in the group who cannot receive such distribution, the video distribution management unit 11c may control the video registered by the user who cannot receive the distribution so that other users cannot view the video. By adopting such a configuration, it is possible to ensure fairness among users.

[0079] (2-5. Variation 5) In the fifth modification, the video distribution management unit 11c is configured to control the shared videos registered by other users in the group so that the user can view the shared videos registered by other users in the group when the total value of one or more videos registered by each user as shared videos is within a predetermined range. With this configuration, when the value of the shared videos differs greatly between users, distribution can be restricted and sharing can be controlled under fair conditions.

[0080] Here, "the total value of one or more videos registered by the user as shared videos is within a predetermined range" means, for example, that the total value of one or more videos registered by the user as shared videos is equal to or greater than a predetermined value, or equal to or greater than a first predetermined value and equal to or less than a second predetermined value, etc. The predetermined value, including the first predetermined value and the second predetermined value, may be a specific value (e.g., 500 yen) determined in advance by a group setting unit or the like in accordance with an operation by user U1 or a predetermined condition.

[0081] The predetermined value may also be determined based on the total value of the shared videos registered by each user belonging to the group. For example, the group setting unit or the like can set "above a predetermined value" to "above a number obtained by subtracting 200 yen from the average total value of the shared videos registered by each user belonging to the group and above 500 yen." In other words, if the "average total value of the shared videos registered by each user belonging to the group" is 800 yen, a user who has registered one or more videos with a total value of 500 yen as a shared video cannot receive distribution of videos other than those for which they have viewing rights.

[0082] Furthermore, the "value of a video" can be configured to be determined for each video by the video distribution management unit 11c, etc. The value of a video may be a fixed value, or may be a value that varies depending on the purchase situation, etc. Even if it is a variable value, when considering the "value of one or more videos registered by a user as shared videos," the price at the time of purchase by the user of the video may be considered to be the value of the video.

[0083] The value of a video is determined based on various criteria, and may be determined, for example, as shown in Figure 12. In this example, video M1 is set at 2,000 yen, videos M2 and M3 at 1,500 yen, video M4 at 1,000 yen, video M5 at 500 yen, and video M6 at 200 yen. These values may be determined taking into consideration the popularity of each singer, the distance from the camera, the angle, etc.

[0084] (2-6. Variation 6) In the sixth modification, the video distribution management unit 11c is configured to control the shared videos registered by other users in the group so that the user can view them when the rarity of at least one video included in one or more videos registered by the user as shared videos is within a predetermined range. By configuring in this way, when the rarity of the videos to be shared differs greatly between users, distribution can be restricted and control can be performed so that sharing is performed under fair conditions.

[0085] Here, "degree of rarity" is an index based on the ease of obtaining viewing rights for the target video. The degree of rarity may be determined, for example, as shown in FIG. 13. In this example, the degree of rarity of video M1 is set to 5, the degree of rarity of videos M2 and M3 to 4, the degree of rarity of video M4 to 3, the degree of rarity of video M5 to 2, and the degree of rarity of video M6 to 1. The ease of obtaining viewing rights for a video is, for example, the ease of purchasing the video, and can be determined based on the number of videos sold, the popularity of the video, the length of the sales period, or a combination of these.

[0086] Here, "the degree of rarity of at least one video included in one or more videos registered by the user as a shared video is within a predetermined range" means, for example, that the degree of rarity of at least one video included in one or more videos registered by the user as a shared video is equal to or greater than a predetermined degree, or equal to or greater than a first predetermined degree and equal to or less than a second predetermined degree, etc. The predetermined degrees, including the first predetermined degree and the second predetermined degree, may be specific degrees determined in advance by a group setting unit or the like in accordance with an operation by user U1 or predetermined conditions.

[0087] The predetermined degree may also be determined based on the degree of rarity of the shared videos registered by each user belonging to the group. For example, the group setting unit or the like can set "above a predetermined degree" to "a number equal to or greater than the average degree of rarity of the shared videos registered by each user belonging to the group minus 1 and equal to or greater than 2." In other words, if the "average degree of rarity of the shared videos registered by each user belonging to the group" is 4.3, a user whose videos included in one or more videos registered as shared videos have a maximum degree of rarity of 2 cannot receive distribution of videos other than those for which they have viewing rights.

[0088] <3. Other embodiments> Although the embodiment and its modifications of the present invention have been described above, the application of the present disclosure is not limited to the above-described contents.

[0089] (Functional configuration, etc.) For example, in the above embodiment, the server 10 is mainly responsible for each function, but some functions may be provided by the user terminal 20, or may be provided by both the server 10 and the user terminal 20.

[0090] Furthermore, an information processing device such as the server 10 may not only be a device that is physically composed of a single device, but may also include multiple devices that are connected to each other via wired or wireless communication and function essentially as a single information processing device.

[0091] Furthermore, each step described in the above embodiment as being executed by the server 10 can also be executed by the user terminal 20.

[0092] (Belonging to multiple groups) A user may belong to multiple groups. For example, Fig. 14 shows a state in which user U3 belongs to group G2, which also includes user U4, in addition to group G1.

[0093] The shared video registration unit 11b may be configured to register a video M3 that user U3 has been granted viewing rights to as a shared video that is a video to be shared in group G1, at the instruction of user U3, and to further register the same video M3 as a shared video that is a video to be shared in another group G2.

[0094] In this configuration, a user can register a video as a shared video in multiple groups, allowing them to watch the shared video in those groups. That is, by registering video M3 as a shared video in group G1, user U3 can watch videos M1 and M2. At the same time, by registering video M3 as a shared video in group G2, user U3 can watch video M4.

[0095] On the other hand, as shown in Figure 15, when the shared video registration unit 11b registers a video M3, for which user U3 has been granted viewing rights, as a shared video that is a video to be shared in group G1 at the instruction of user U3, the shared video registration unit 11b may be configured so that the same video M3 cannot be further registered as a shared video that is a video to be shared in another group G2.

[0096] In this configuration, a user cannot register a video as a shared video in multiple groups, and can only view the shared video in the one group to which the video is registered. That is, by registering video M3 as a shared video in group G1, user U3 can view videos M1 and M2. However, since user U3 cannot register video M3 as a shared video in group G2, user U3 cannot view video M4.

[0097] (Another aspect of the present invention) According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided an information processing device comprising a viewing authority setting unit and a video distribution management unit, wherein the viewing authority setting unit grants a first viewing authority, which is the authority to view a first video, to a first user and grants a second viewing authority, which is the authority to view a second video, to a second user, and the video distribution management unit controls the first video to be distributed to the information processing terminal of the first user and / or the second user based on the first viewing authority when mutual sharing conditions, which are conditions for different users to share videos with each other, are satisfied, and controls the second video to be distributed to the information processing terminal of the first user and / or the second user based on the second viewing authority.

[0098] With this configuration, even if each user does not have the authority to view all of the videos, users can view each other's videos by only having the authority to view some of the videos. Note that, even in such an information processing device based on a different perspective, the various concepts and definitions in the first embodiment and the like may be applied to the extent possible.

[0099] The mutual sharing conditions may include the following: the first user and the second user have a predetermined relationship; the first video and the second video have a predetermined association; or the first video and the second video are different videos. For example, the first user and the second user having a predetermined relationship means that the first user and the second user belong to the same group. For example, similar to the above example, the first video and the second video have a predetermined association means that the videos are videos of the same concert or competition, videos of the same singer at the same concert, or videos of the same athlete at the same competition.

[0100] The viewing permission setting unit may set the number of users to which the first viewing permission and the second viewing permission can be distributed, and the video distribution management unit may control the number of users to which each viewing permission can be distributed based on the first viewing permission and the second viewing permission.

[0101] The mutual sharing conditions may include a condition that the difference between the number of videos including the first video that the first user shares with the second user and the number of videos including the second video that the second user shares with the first user is within a specified range.

[0102] The mutual sharing conditions may include a condition that the difference between the total value of one or more videos, including a first video, that a first user shares with a second user and the total value of one or more videos, including a second video, that a second user shares with the first user is within a specified range.

[0103] The mutual sharing conditions may include a condition that the difference between the degree of rarity of at least one video included in one or more videos, including a first video, that a first user shares with a second user and the degree of rarity of at least one video included in one or more videos, including the second video, that a second user shares with the first user is within a predetermined range.

[0104] The mutual sharing conditions may further include a condition that the first video is a video that the second user cannot view based on an authority other than the first viewing authority, and the second video is a video that the first user cannot view based on an authority other than the second viewing authority.

[0105] Various embodiments of the present invention have been described above, but these are presented as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. The novel embodiments may be embodied in various other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications may be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. Such embodiments and modifications are included within the scope and spirit of the invention, and are also included in the scope of the invention and its equivalents as defined in the claims.

[0106] <4. Features of the embodiment> The features of the embodiments of the present invention are summarized below.

[0107] A server 10 according to one embodiment of the present invention is an information processing device that includes a viewing authority setting unit 11a, a shared video registration unit 11b, and a video distribution management unit 11c, in which the viewing authority setting unit 11a grants a user viewing authority to view a video when the user satisfies predetermined conditions, the shared video registration unit 11b registers the video to which the viewing authority has been granted as a shared video that is a video shared in a group to which multiple users including the user belong, at the user's instruction, and the video distribution management unit 11c controls the shared video registered by other users in the group so that the user can view the shared video registered by other users in the group, on the condition that the shared video has been registered.

[0108] With this configuration, by simply sharing at least one video that the user has viewing authority for, all of the shared videos can be controlled to be viewable by any user in the group.

[0109] The shared video registration unit 11b may be configured to register the video to which the viewing authority has been granted as the shared video when sharing conditions, which are conditions for sharing a video, are met in response to an instruction from the user, and the sharing conditions may include that the video to be registered has a predetermined relationship with videos included in the shared videos already registered at the time of registration. With this configuration, for related videos in which a user is interested, simply by sharing viewing authority for at least one related video, all shared videos can be controlled so that any user in the group can view them.

[0110] The shared video registration unit 11b may be configured to register the video to which the viewing authority has been granted as the shared video when sharing conditions, which are conditions for sharing a video, are met in response to an instruction from the user, and the sharing conditions may include that the video to be registered is not identical to any of the videos included in the shared videos already registered at the time of registration. With this configuration, by simply sharing the viewing authority for at least one video that a user is interested in that has not yet been shared within the group, all shared videos can be controlled so that any user in the group can view them.

[0111] The viewing authority setting unit 11a may be configured to set the number of users to whom the video can be distributed in the viewing authority, and the video distribution management unit 11c may be configured to control the shared video so that only a set number of users can view the shared video based on the viewing authority. By using such a configuration, the number of users who can share the video based on one viewing authority can be limited.

[0112] The video distribution management unit 11c may be configured to control the shared videos registered by other users in the group so that the user can view the shared videos registered by the other users in the group when the number of videos registered by the user as the shared videos is within a predetermined range. By configuring in this way, when the number of videos shared by the users differs significantly, distribution can be restricted and sharing can be controlled under fair conditions.

[0113] The video distribution management unit 11c may be configured to control the shared videos registered by other users in the group so that the user can view them when the total value of one or more videos registered by the user as the shared videos is within a predetermined range. By configuring in this way, when the value of the videos to be shared differs greatly between users, distribution can be restricted and sharing can be controlled under fair conditions.

[0114] The video distribution management unit 11c may be configured to control the shared videos registered by other users in the group so that the user can view them when the rarity of at least one video included in the one or more videos registered by the user as the shared video is within a predetermined range. By configuring in this way, when the rarity of the videos to be shared differs greatly between users, distribution can be restricted and sharing can be controlled under fair conditions.

[0115] A computer program according to one aspect of the present invention is a computer program that causes a computer to execute a viewing authority setting step, a shared video registration step, and a video distribution management step, wherein in the viewing authority setting step, viewing authority to watch a video is granted to the user when the user satisfies certain conditions, in the shared video registration step, at the user's instruction, the video to which the viewing authority has been granted is registered as a shared video that is a video shared in a group to which multiple users including the user belong, and in the video distribution management step, on the condition that the shared video has been registered, the program controls so that the user can view the shared videos registered by other users in the group.

[0116] An information processing method according to one aspect of the present invention is an information processing method comprising a viewing authority setting step, a shared video registration step, and a video distribution management step, in which, in the viewing authority setting step, a computer grants a user viewing authority to view a video when the user satisfies certain conditions, in the shared video registration step, the computer, at the user's instruction, registers the video to which the viewing authority has been granted as a shared video that is a video shared in a group to which multiple users including the user belong, and in the video distribution management step, the computer controls the user to be able to view the shared videos registered by other users in the group, on the condition that the computer has registered the shared video. [Explanation of symbols]

[0117] 1: Video sharing system, 5: Communication line, 10: Server, 11: Control unit, 11a: Viewing authority setting unit, 11b: Shared video registration unit, 11c: Video distribution management unit, 12: Memory unit, 13: Communication unit, 14: Operation input unit, 15: Monitor, 16: System bus, 20, 20a, 20b: User terminal, 21: Control unit, 22: Memory unit, 23: Communication unit, 24: Display unit, 25: Speaker, 26: Microphone, 27: Camera, 28: Operation button, 29: System bus, A1 to A3: Singer, C1 to C6: Camera, G1 to G2: Group, M1 to M6: Video, U1 to U4: User

Claims

1. An information processing device, The system includes a viewing authority setting unit, a shared video registration unit, and a video distribution management unit, the viewing authority setting unit grants the user a viewing authority to view a video when the user satisfies a predetermined condition; the shared video registration unit, in response to an instruction from the user, registers the video to which the viewing authority has been granted as a shared video that is a video shared in a group to which a plurality of users including the user belong; the video distribution management unit controls the shared video registered by other users of the group to be viewable by the user on condition that the user has registered the shared video; Information processing device.

2. 2. The information processing device according to claim 1, the shared video registration unit registers the video to which the viewing authority is granted as the shared video when a sharing condition, which is a condition for sharing a video, is satisfied in accordance with an instruction from the user; The sharing conditions include that the video to be registered has a predetermined relationship with a video included in the shared video already registered at the time of registration. Information processing device.

3. 3. The information processing device according to claim 1, the shared video registration unit registers the video to which the viewing authority is granted as the shared video when a sharing condition, which is a condition for sharing a video, is satisfied in accordance with an instruction from the user; The sharing conditions include that the video to be registered is not identical to any of the videos included in the shared videos already registered at the time of registration. Information processing device.

4. The information processing device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, the viewing authority setting unit sets the number of users to whom the content can be distributed in the viewing authority; the video distribution management unit controls the shared video so that a predetermined number of users or less can view the shared video based on the viewing authority; Information processing device.

5. The information processing device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, the video distribution management unit controls the shared videos registered by other users in the group so that the user can view the shared videos when the number of videos registered by the user as the shared videos is within a predetermined range; Information processing device.

6. The information processing device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, the video distribution management unit controls the shared videos registered by other users in the group so that the user can view the shared videos when the total value of the one or more videos registered by the user as the shared videos is within a predetermined range; Information processing device.

7. The information processing device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, The video distribution management unit controls the shared videos registered by other users in the group so that the user can view them when the degree of rarity of at least one video included in the one or more videos registered by the user as the shared video is within a predetermined range. Information processing device.

8. A computer program causing a computer to execute a viewing authority setting step, a shared video registration step, and a video distribution management step, In the viewing authority setting step, a viewing authority for viewing a video is granted to the user when the user satisfies a predetermined condition; In the shared video registration step, the video to which the viewing authority is granted is registered as a shared video that is a video to be shared in a group to which a plurality of users including the user belong, in accordance with an instruction from the user; In the video distribution management step, the user is allowed to view the shared video registered by other users of the group on condition that the user has registered the shared video. program.

9. An information processing method, comprising: It has a viewing authority setting step, a shared video registration step, and a video distribution management step. In the viewing authority setting step, the computer grants the user a viewing authority to view the video when the user satisfies a predetermined condition; In the shared video registration step, the computer registers the video to which the viewing authority is granted as a shared video that is a video shared in a group to which a plurality of users including the user belong, in accordance with an instruction from the user; In the video distribution management step, the computer controls the shared video registered by another user in the group so that the user can view the shared video registered by the other user on condition that the user has registered the shared video. Information processing methods.

Images