Information processing device, information processing method, and program

Abstract

To enable acquisition of information regarding the usage status of a display device to control the display device.SOLUTION: An information processing device disclosed herein is configured to execute processes of acquiring identification information including identification information of a display device or a user, obtaining a history of content types on the display device, and storing the identification information in association with the history information indicative of the history of content types on the display device in a storage unit, and is capable of outputting the identification information and the history information stored in the storage unit.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] Conventionally, there are known methods for remotely managing devices used by users. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a management system that manages the operating status of a projector. The management system described in Patent Document 1 acquires information about the installation location of the projector and manages changes to the projector's location. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2012-15832 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In recent years, as display devices have become widely used in educational settings and among general consumers, there is a need for detailed management of display devices. For example, management related to the maintenance of the display device's light source and display panel can be considered, but in order to perform such management, it is necessary to obtain information on the usage status of the display device. However, until now, there has been no means of obtaining information on the usage status of the display device. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] One aspect of the present disclosure is an information processing device that performs the following operations: acquires specific information including identification information of a display device or identification information of a user; acquires a history of content types on the display device; and stores the specific information in a memory unit in association with history information indicating the history of content types on the display device; and is capable of outputting the specific information and the history information stored in the memory unit.

[0006] Another aspect of the present disclosure is an information processing method executed by an information processing device and a display device, wherein the display device transmits specific information including identification information of the display device or identification information of a user and a history of content types on the display device to the information processing device, the information processing device acquires the specific information transmitted by the display device and the history of content types on the display device, associates the specific information with history information indicating the history of content types on the display device and stores them in a memory unit, and outputs the specific information and the history information stored in the memory unit.

[0007] One aspect of the present disclosure is a program executed by a processor possessed by an information processing device, which causes the processor to acquire specific information including identification information of a display device or identification information of a user, acquire a history of content types on the display device, associate the specific information with history information indicating the history of content types on the display device and store them in a memory unit, and output the specific information and the history information stored in the memory unit. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the configuration of an information processing system. [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a projector. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a terminal device. [Figure 4] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of an information processing device. [Figure 5] 10 is a flowchart showing a first operation example of the information processing system. [Figure 6] 10 is a flowchart showing a first operation example of the information processing system. [Figure 7] 10 is a flowchart showing a second operation example of the information processing system. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a sequence diagram showing a third operation example of the information processing system. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of information output by an information processing apparatus. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0010] [1. Information Processing System Configuration] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the configuration of an information processing system 100. As shown in FIG. The information processing system 100 includes an information processing device 1. The information processing device 1 is communicably connected to a plurality of projectors 2 and a plurality of terminal devices 3 via a communication network NW. The information processing device 1 communicates with at least one of the projectors 2 and the terminal devices 3, and processes information relating to the playback history of content displayed by the projector 2.

[0011] 1 illustrates multiple projectors 2A, 2B, and 2C connected to an information processing device 1, and when there is no need to distinguish between them, they are referred to as projectors 2. A terminal device 3 and a playback device 4 can be connected to each projector 2. For example, a terminal device 3A and a playback device 4A can be connected to projector 2A, and a terminal device 3B and a playback device 4B can be connected to projector 2B. A terminal device 3C and a playback device 4C can be connected to projector 2C.

[0012] The projector 2 can operate in a state where the terminal device 3 is not connected. The projector 2 can also operate in a state where the terminal device 3 is connected but the playback device 4 is not connected, or in a state where the playback device 4 is connected but the terminal device 3 is not connected. Furthermore, if the projector 2 has an interface that can simultaneously connect to the terminal device 3 and the playback device 4, the projector 2 can also operate in a state where both the terminal device 3 and the playback device 4 are connected. In this case, the projector 2 selects either the terminal device 3 or the playback device 4 as the content supplier.

[0013] The projector 2 displays an image on the projection surface by projecting image light onto the projection surface. The projection surface may be a curtain-like screen, or may be the wall surface of a building or the surface of an installed object. Projecting an image or video onto the projection surface by the projector 2 will be referred to as display below. The projector 2 corresponds to an example of a display device.

[0014] The terminal devices 3A, 3B, and 3C are smartphones, tablet PCs (Personal Computers), notebook PCs, streaming devices, or other computers, and will be referred to as terminal devices 3 when no distinction is made between them.

[0015] The playback devices 4A, 4B, and 4C are devices that can play back recording media on which content data is recorded and supply the content data to the projector 2. Examples of recording media include optical discs such as DVDs (Digital Versatile Discs), magneto-optical discs, and recording devices equipped with semiconductor memory elements, but other data recording media may also be used. Hereinafter, when there is no need to distinguish between the playback devices 4A, 4B, and 4C, they will be referred to as playback device 4.

[0016] There is no limit to the number of projectors 2, terminal devices 3, and playback devices 4 that make up the information processing device 1, and it is not necessary to provide terminal devices 3 and playback devices 4 corresponding to all projectors 2.

[0017] The communication network NW may be a LAN (Local Area Network), or a global network including a dedicated line, a public line network, the Internet, etc. In this embodiment, an example is shown in which the communication network NW is configured as a LAN. The communication network NW may also be a wireless communication network such as Wi-Fi. Wi-Fi is a registered trademark.

[0018] An output terminal 5 can be connected to the information processing device 1 via a communication network NW. The output terminal 5 requests the information processing device 1 to output information. The information processing device 1 outputs the information requested by the output terminal 5 to the output terminal 5. The output terminal 5 may be a notebook PC, a desktop PC, a tablet PC, or a smartphone.

[0019] [2. Projector configuration] 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the projector 2. The projectors 2 included in the information processing system 100 have the same basic configuration.

[0020] The projector 2 includes a second control unit 21. The second control unit 21 includes a second processor 210 configured with a CPU (Central Processing Unit), an MPU (Micro-processing unit), etc., and a second storage unit 220. The second control unit 21 controls each unit of the projector 2 by causing the second processor 210 to execute a program.

[0021] The second storage unit 220 is a non-volatile storage device configured with semiconductor memory elements such as flash memory. The second storage unit 220 stores programs executed by the second processor 210, data processed by the second processor 210, and the like. The second storage unit 220 includes a volatile storage area, and may constitute a work area for temporarily storing programs to be executed by the second processor 210 and data to be processed.

[0022] The second storage unit 220 stores, for example, a control program 221, content data 222, a display device ID 223, and authentication information 224.

[0023] The second processor 210 executes various processes through cooperation between hardware and software by reading and executing a control program 221 stored in the second storage unit 220. For example, the second processor 210 includes a projection control unit 211, an information acquisition unit 212, a content playback unit 213, and an information transmission unit 214. Each of these functional units is configured by the second processor 210 executing the control program 221.

[0024] The control program 221 is a program executed by the second processor 210. The control program 221 causes the second processor 210 to execute functions for controlling each unit of the projector 2.

[0025] The content data 222 is data of content that can be reproduced by the projector 2. The content data 222 includes, for example, data of at least one of video and still images that can be displayed by the projector 2. The video or still images of the content data 222 may be content that accompanies audio. In this case, the content data 222 includes audio data, or the audio data is attached to the content data 222. The file format and other specifications of the content data 222 are not limited. In this embodiment, an example is described in which one piece of content data 222 is data related to one piece of content, but one piece of content data 222 may include data related to video, still images, and audio of multiple pieces of content. Furthermore, there is no limit to the number of multiple pieces of content data 222 that the second storage unit 220 can store.

[0026] The display device ID 223 is identification information unique to the projector 2. For example, the projectors 2A, 2B, and 2C shown in FIG.

[0027] The authentication information 224 is information for authenticating a user who uses the projector 2. The authentication information 224 includes, for example, a user ID and an authentication record 225 that associates the user ID with authentication information. The authentication information is, for example, a password. The user ID is identification information unique to each user who is authorized to use the projector 2. When using the projector 2, the user inputs the user ID and authentication information using the remote control 6 or the operation panel 26 (described later). The second processor 210 permits the user to use the projector 2 if the information input by the user matches the authentication record 225. The authentication information 224 may include multiple authentication records 225. In this case, the projector 2 can perform authentication for multiple users. The projector 2 can also be configured not to perform user authentication, in which case the second storage unit 220 does not store the authentication information 224. The authentication information 224 can be set for each individual projector 2. For example, the projectors 2A, 2B, and 2C may each have different authentication information 224.

[0028] The projector 2 includes a projection unit 20 that projects image light onto a projection surface. The projection unit 20 is connected to a second control unit 21 via a bus 29. The projection unit 20 includes, for example, a light source, a light modulation device, and a projection optical system. The light source is turned on under the control of the second control unit 21 and emits light toward the light modulation device. The specific configuration of the light source is not limited. For example, the light source may be a lamp such as a halogen lamp, a xenon lamp, or an ultra-high pressure mercury lamp, or a solid-state light source such as an LED or laser light source. The light modulation device modulates the light emitted from the light source. The specific configuration of the light modulation device is not limited. For example, the light modulation device may be a transmissive liquid crystal panel, a reflective liquid crystal panel, or a digital micromirror device. The projection optical system included in the projection unit 20 includes a lens, a mirror, a prism, etc. that focuses the image light modulated by the light modulation device onto the projection surface.

[0029] The projection unit 20 may include a light source drive circuit that supplies power to the light source and a drive circuit that causes the light modulation device to perform drawing. The projection unit 20 may also include a zoom mechanism, a focus adjustment mechanism that adjusts the focus, etc.

[0030] The projector 2 includes a second communication unit 23, an image I / F 24, a remote control light receiving unit 25, an operation panel 26, an audio processing unit 27, and an image processing unit 28. Each of these units is connected to the second control unit 21 via a bus 29.

[0031] The second communication unit 23 is a communication device that is connected to the communication network NW and communicates with the information processing device 1 via the communication network NW. The second communication unit 23 includes, for example, a connector for connecting an Ethernet cable and a communication circuit for transmitting and receiving signals. Ethernet is a registered trademark. The second communication unit 23 may also be a wireless communication device that performs wireless communication such as Wi-Fi.

[0032] The image I / F (interface) 24 is connected to a device serving as a video source. For example, the image I / F 24 includes communication hardware such as a connector and an interface circuit that conforms to a predetermined communication standard. Specifically, the image I / F 24 is a digital interface such as HDMI (High-Definition Multimedia Interface), HDBaseT, or USB (Universal Serial Bus). HDMI is a registered trademark. HDBaseT is a registered trademark. The image I / F 24 may include an analog video terminal such as an RCA terminal, a VGA terminal, an S terminal, or a D terminal, and may be configured to receive an analog video signal. In this embodiment, a terminal device 3 and a playback device 4 can be connected to the image I / F 24. When the terminal device 3 is connected to the image I / F 24, the terminal device 3 inputs content data to the projector 2 via the image I / F 24. When the playback device 4 is connected to the image I / F 24, the playback device 4 inputs content data to the projector 2 via the image I / F 24.

[0033] The remote control light receiving unit 25 receives a radio signal transmitted by the remote control 6. The remote control light receiving unit 25 generates an operation signal by decoding the received signal and outputs the operation signal to the second control unit 21. The radio signal received by the remote control light receiving unit 25 may be, for example, an infrared signal, but may be any other signal.

[0034] The operation panel 26 is provided on the housing of the projector 2 and includes various switches that can be operated by the user. The operation panel 26 outputs an operation signal to the second control unit 21 in response to the operation of a switch. The audio processing unit 27 is connected to a speaker (not shown) and outputs sound from the speaker under the control of the second control unit 21.

[0035] The image processing unit 28, under the control of the second control unit 21, performs image processing on video data received by the projector 2 via the second communication unit 23 and video data input to the projector 2 from the terminal device 3. Examples of image processing performed by the image processing unit 28 include resolution conversion, resizing, geometric correction, digital zoom, brightness adjustment, and projection position correction. Furthermore, for example, when multiple projectors 2 are arranged side by side and tiling projection is performed, the image processing unit 28 performs edge blending. The type of image processing performed by the image processing unit 28 is specified by the second control unit 21. Furthermore, parameters and calculation data used by the image processing unit 28 for image processing are input to the image processing unit 28 from the second control unit 21. The image processing unit 28 generates a display signal for displaying the image after image processing, and outputs the display signal to the light modulation device of the projection unit 20. The second control unit 21 sets the parameters and calculation data for the image processing performed by the image processing unit 28.

[0036] The image processing unit 28 may be configured, for example, by an integrated circuit. This type of integrated circuit includes an LSI, an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), a PLD (Programmable Logic Device), an FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array), an SoC (System-on-a-chip), etc. An analog circuit may be included as part of the integrated circuit configuration, or the integrated circuit may be configured as an integrated unit of the second control unit 21.

[0037] The projection control unit 211 executes overall control of the projector 2 and control related to projection by the projector 2. The projection control unit 211 accepts input operations from the user via the remote control 6 or the operation panel 26. The projection control unit 211 causes the projection unit 20 to project an image in response to the input operations from the user. For example, the projection control unit 211 controls the image processing unit 28 to perform image processing on the image data, and controls the light source and light modulation device of the projection unit 20 to project the image processed by the image processing unit 28 onto the projection surface. The projection control unit 211 also controls the audio processing unit 27 to output audio from a speaker (not shown).

[0038] Furthermore, the projection control unit 211 may execute authentication processing when use of the projector 2 is started. If the user ID and authentication information entered by the user match the authentication record 225, the projection control unit 211 permits the user to use the projector 2. Furthermore, if the information entered by the user does not match the authentication record 225, the projection control unit 211 restricts use of the projector 2.

[0039] The content playback unit 213 plays back content data. The content data played back by the content playback unit 213 is either the content data 222 or content data input to the image I / F 24.

[0040] The content playback unit 213 can play back the content data 222 stored in the second storage unit 220. The content playback unit 213 can also play back content data input from the terminal device 3 to the image I / F 24, and content data input from the playback device 4 to the image I / F 24.

[0041] The content playback unit 213 selects content data to be played back in accordance with the operation of the remote control 6 or the operation panel 26. Specifically, the content playback unit 213 selects, as a content supplier, one of the content data 222, the terminal device 3 connected to the image I / F 24, and the playback device 4 connected to the image I / F 24. Furthermore, the content playback unit 213 selects one of the contents that can be supplied by the selected supplier. For example, the content playback unit 213 selects one of the content data 222 stored in the second storage unit 220.

[0042] The content playback unit 213 acquires data of the selected content, and projects video or still images based on the acquired data using the projection control unit 211. Furthermore, if the selected content includes audio, the content playback unit 213 causes the projection control unit 211 to control the audio processing unit 27 to output audio based on the audio data.

[0043] Playing content by the projector 2 means that video or still images are displayed on the projection unit 20 based on the content data under the control of the content playback unit 213 and the projection control unit 211. When the projector 2 plays back content, it does not matter whether audio is output or not.

[0044] The information acquisition unit 212 acquires information related to the content displayed by the projector 2. The information acquisition unit 212 acquires playback time information related to the time the content has been played by the content playback unit 213. Specifically, the playback time information includes at least one of the start date and time when the content playback unit 213 started playing the content, the end date and time when the playback ended, and the playback time indicating the length of time the content has been played. The information acquisition unit 212 generates content information indicating the type of content played by the content playback unit 213. The content information includes, for example, at least one of the genre and name of the content played by the content playback unit 213, or other information that can identify the content.

[0045] When the content playback unit 213 plays back the content data 222, the information acquisition unit 212 extracts information that is attached to the content data 222 or information that is included in the content data 222, thereby acquiring the content information.

[0046] When the content playback unit 213 plays back content data input from the terminal device 3 to the image I / F 24, the information acquisition unit 212 extracts information that accompanies the content data and is input from the terminal device 3. The information acquisition unit 212 acquires content information from the extracted information. In this case, the information acquisition unit 212 may request information indicating the type of content from the terminal device 3, and generate content information based on information transmitted by the terminal device 3 in response to this request.

[0047] When the content playback unit 213 plays back content data input from the playback device 4 to the image I / F 24, the information acquisition unit 212 extracts information that accompanies the content data and is input from the playback device 4 to the image I / F 24. The information acquisition unit 212 generates content information based on the extracted information. The information acquisition unit 212 may also generate data indicating the type of content by analyzing the content data input from the playback device 4.

[0048] When the information acquisition unit 212 cannot acquire information indicating the type of content, it generates content information indicating that the information indicating the type of content cannot be acquired. Specifically, when the information indicating the type of content cannot be acquired, this corresponds to a case where the content data input from the terminal device 3 or the playback device 4 does not include information indicating the type of content. This also corresponds to a case where the terminal device 3 or the playback device 4 does not transmit information indicating the type of content.

[0049] The information transmitting unit 214 generates playback history information based on the information acquired by the information acquiring unit 212, and transmits the generated playback history information to the information processing device 1 via the second communication unit 23. The playback history information includes content information and playback time information. The playback history information also includes identification information. The identification information includes the user ID of the user using the projector 2 or the display device ID 223. The user ID is, for example, the user ID entered by the user in the authentication process. The information transmitting unit 214 causes the information acquiring unit 212 to acquire the identification information, and generates playback history information based on the identification information acquired by the information acquiring unit 212.

[0050] [3. Terminal Device Configuration] FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the terminal device 3. As shown in FIG. The terminal device 3 includes a third control unit 31, a third input unit 35, a third display unit 36, a third communication unit 37, and a third communication unit 38, and these units are connected to each other by a bus 39.

[0051] The third control unit 31 includes a third processor 310 and a third storage unit 320. The third processor 310 is configured by a processor such as a CPU or an MPU.

[0052] The third storage unit 320 is a storage device that stores data in a non-volatile manner using a flash memory, a magnetic recording medium, an optical recording medium, or the like. The third storage unit 320 stores programs executed by the third processor 310, data processed by the third processor 310, and the like. The third storage unit 320 stores, for example, a control program 321, an app 322, a terminal ID 323, and content data 324. The control program 321 is basic control software that controls the terminal device 3, and is, for example, an OS (Operating System). The control program 321 provides a platform on which the app 322 is executed. "App" is an abbreviation for "application program."

[0053] The third processor 310 reads and executes a control program 321 stored in the third storage unit 320, thereby executing various processes through cooperation between hardware and software and controlling each unit of the terminal device 3. For example, the third processor 310 includes an information acquisition unit 311, an application execution unit 312, and an information transmission unit 313. These functional units are configured by the third processor 310 executing the control program 321.

[0054] The application 322 is a program executed on a platform configured by the third processor 310 executing the control program 321. The application 322 causes the third processor 310 to execute functions for a specific purpose of the terminal device 3. There are no restrictions on the functions or uses of the application 322. For example, the application 322 causes the terminal device 3 to operate as a client of a content distribution service, receive content data via the communication network NW, and output and display the content data to the projector 2. In this case, the terminal device 3 outputs content data received from the content distribution service to the image I / F 24 of the projector 2.

[0055] There are no restrictions on the number of applications 322 stored in the third storage unit 320, the number of applications 322 executed by the third processor 310, or the timing at which the applications 322 are executed. The terminal ID 323 is unique identification information assigned to the terminal device 3 .

[0056] The content data 324 is data of content that the terminal device 3 has downloaded from a content distribution service or that has been stored in the terminal device 3 by other means. The terminal device 3 can output the content data 324 to the projector 2 using the function of the application execution unit 312.

[0057] The third input unit 35 includes an input device operated by a user of the terminal device 3, or is connected to an input device. The input device of the third input unit 35 is, for example, a touch sensor that is placed over the screen of the third display unit 36 and detects touch operations by the user. The input device of the third input unit 35 may also be a switch panel having operation switches, a touch panel, a mouse, a keyboard, or the like. The third input unit 35 detects user operations on the input device and outputs the detection result to the third control unit 31.

[0058] The third display unit 36 is configured to include an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) panel. Alternatively, the third display unit 36 may be configured to include a display panel such as an LED (Light Emitting Diode) panel or an OLED (Organic LED) panel. The third display unit 36 displays images and videos under the control of the third control unit 31. The third display unit 36 may be a display device connected to the outside of the terminal device 3.

[0059] The terminal device 3 may include a touch panel in which a touch screen constituting the third input unit 35 and a panel of the third display unit 36 are superimposed on each other.

[0060] The third communication unit 37 is a communication device that communicates using a predetermined communication standard. The third communication unit 37 is a communication device that is connected to a communication network NW and communicates with the information processing device 1 via the communication network NW. The third communication unit 37 includes, for example, a connector for connecting an Ethernet cable and a communication circuit for transmitting and receiving signals. The third communication unit 37 may be a wireless communication device that performs wireless communication such as Wi-Fi.

[0061] The I / F 38 is an interface connected to a device other than the terminal device 3. The I / F 38 includes communication hardware such as a connector and an interface circuit that conforms to a predetermined communication standard. Specifically, the I / F 38 is a digital interface such as HDMI, HDBaseT, or USB. The image I / F 24 may include an analog video terminal such as an RCA terminal, a VGA terminal, an S terminal, or a D terminal, and may be configured to be able to receive analog video signals. In this embodiment, the terminal device 3 is connected to the image I / F 24. The third control unit 31 inputs and outputs digital data to and from external devices through the I / F 38. In this embodiment, the image I / F 24 of the projector 2 is connected to the I / F 38. The third control unit 31 outputs video data from the I / F 38 to the projector 2. The third control unit 31 also communicates with the projector 2 through the I / F 38, transmitting and receiving data related to the control of the projector 2 and the terminal device 3.

[0062] The information acquisition unit 311 acquires information related to the content displayed by the projector 2. The information acquisition unit 311 acquires playback time information related to the time the projector 2 played back the content. The playback time information acquired by the information acquisition unit 311 may be playback time information related to the time the content playback unit 213 played back the content, similar to the information acquisition unit 212. The playback time information acquired by the information acquisition unit 311 may include at least any of the start date and time when the terminal device 3 started outputting content data to the projector 2, the end date and time when the output ended, and the playback time indicating the length of time the content was played back.

[0063] The information acquisition unit 311 generates content information of the content played back by the projector 2, i.e., the content output by the terminal device 3 to the projector 2. The information acquisition unit 311 extracts information indicating the type of content from, for example, information received by the terminal device 3 along with the content data or information included in the content data, and acquires the content information from the extracted information.

[0064] The information acquisition unit 311 also acquires specific information of the projector 2. The specific information of the projector 2 includes at least one of the display device ID 223 of the projector 2 and the user ID of the user who uses the projector 2. The information acquisition unit 311 requests the display device ID 223 or the user ID from the projector 2, and acquires the specific information sent by the projector 2 in response to this request.

[0065] The application execution unit 312 executes the application 322 stored in the third storage unit 320. The application execution unit 312 reads and executes the application 322 specified by, for example, operating the remote control 6 or the operation panel 26. The application execution unit 312 terminates the running application when the application completes a predetermined operation or when an instruction to terminate the application is given by operating the remote control 6 or the operation panel 26.

[0066] The information transmitting unit 313 generates playback history information including the information acquired by the information acquiring unit 311. The playback history information includes content information and playback time information. The playback history information also includes identification information. The information transmitting unit 313 transmits the generated playback history information to the information processing device 1 via the third communication unit 37.

[0067] [4. Configuration of information processing device] FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the information processing device 1. The information processing device 1 is a computer that is communicably connected to the projector 2 and the terminal device 3 via a communication network NW and provides information processing functions. For example, the information processing device 1 may be configured as a single computer, or may be configured as multiple computers, or may be a cloud computer. In the following, the information processing device 1 will be described as a single server computer, but this is just one example.

[0068] The information processing device 1 shown in FIG. 4 includes a first control unit 11, a first input unit 15, and a first communication unit 16, and these units are connected to each other by a bus 17.

[0069] The first control unit 11 includes a first processor 110 and a first storage unit 120. The first processor 110 is configured by a processor such as a CPU or an MPU.

[0070] The first processor 110 reads and executes the control program 121 stored in the first storage unit 120, thereby executing various processes through cooperation between hardware and software and controlling the information processing device 1. For example, the first processor 110 includes an acquisition unit 111, a processing unit 112, and an output unit 113. Each of these functional units is configured by the first processor 110 executing the control program 121. The first processor 110 corresponds to an example of a processor, and the control program 121 corresponds to an example of a program.

[0071] The first storage unit 120 is a storage device that stores data in a non-volatile manner using a flash memory, a magnetic recording medium, an optical recording medium, or the like. The first storage unit 120 stores a control program 121 executed by the first processor 110, data processed by the first processor 110, and the like. The first storage unit 120 stores, for example, a history DB (database) 122. The history DB 122 stores information related to the playback history of content in the projector 2. The first storage unit 120 corresponds to an example of a storage unit.

[0072] 4, for example. Each record 123 is information related to the playback history of content. Each record 123 includes specific information about the projector 2 that played the content, content information about the played content, and playback time information.

[0073] 4 shows records 123a, 123b, and 123c as specific examples of record 123. Record 123a includes a display device ID as identification information for projector 2, and includes content information and playback time information associated with the display device ID. Record 123b includes content information and playback time information associated with a user ID as identification information for projector 2. Record 123c includes a display device ID and a user ID as identification information for projector 2, and includes content information and playback time information associated with these.

[0074] There is no limit to the number of records 123 stored in history DB 122. There is also no limit to the manner in which records 123 are stored in history DB 122. For example, history DB 122 may be divided into multiple databases. In this case, records 123 may be stored in different databases for each user ID or each display device ID.

[0075] The first input unit 15 includes an input device operated by a user of the information processing device 1, or is connected to an input device. The input device is a switch panel having operation switches, a touch panel, a mouse, a keyboard, etc. The first input unit 15 detects user operations on the input device and outputs the detection result to the first control unit 11.

[0076] The first communication unit 16 is a communication device that communicates using a predetermined communication standard. The first communication unit 16 is a communication device that is connected to a communication network NW and communicates with the projector 2, the terminal device 3, and the output terminal 5 via the communication network NW. The first communication unit 16 includes, for example, a connector for connecting an Ethernet cable and a communication circuit for transmitting and receiving signals. The first communication unit 16 may be a wireless communication device that performs wireless communication such as Wi-Fi. The first communication unit 16 corresponds to an example of a communication unit.

[0077] The acquisition unit 111 acquires the playback history information from the projector 2 or the terminal device 3. The processing unit 112 generates a record 123 based on the playback history information acquired by the acquisition unit 111 and stores the record in the history DB 122 .

[0078] The output unit 113 outputs information stored in the history DB 122. Examples of information output by the output unit 113 include transmitting information to a device different from the information processing device 1 and outputting information by an output device included in the information processing device 1. Examples of the output device included in the information processing device 1 include a display device and a printing device connected to the information processing device 1. When the information processing device 1 is a PC or a smartphone and includes a display device, the output unit 113 displays the information stored in the history DB 122 on the display device. In this embodiment, the output unit 113 outputs information by transmitting it to the output terminal 5.

[0079] That is, the output unit 113 of this embodiment accepts a request for information output from the output terminal 5 and acquires the requested information from the history DB 122. The output unit 113 transmits the information acquired from the history DB 122 to the output terminal 5. There are no limitations on the means by which the output unit 113 transmits information to the output terminal 5. For example, the output unit 113 may generate web page data in which the information acquired from the history DB 122 is written in XML (Extensible Markup Language) or HTML (HyperText Markup Language), and transmit the generated data to the output terminal 5. Furthermore, for example, the output unit 113 may transmit a message including the information acquired from the history DB 122 to the output terminal 5.

[0080] [5. Operation of information processing system] [5-1. First operation example of information processing system] 5 and 6 are flowcharts showing a first operation example of the information processing system 100, in which FIG. 5 shows the operation of the projector 2 and FIG. 6 shows the operation of the information processing device 1. In FIG. 5 are executed by the projection control unit 211, and steps SA14 and SA15 are executed by the content playback unit 213. Steps SA16 to SA20 are executed by the information acquisition unit 212, and steps SA23 and SA24 are executed by the information transmission unit 214.

[0081] 5 is an example of a case where content data 222 stored in the projector 2 is played back, and a case where content data input from the terminal device 3 to the projector 2 is played back, and the projector 2 transmits playback history information. As an example, an example where the projector 2 executes the operation of FIG. 5 will be described below.

[0082] The projector 2 starts up the projector 2 in response to an operation on the remote control 6 or the operation panel 26 (step SA11), and executes user authentication processing (step SA12). If the authentication processing is successful, the projector 2 temporarily stores the authentication result, including the user ID entered in the authentication processing, in the second storage unit 220 (step SA13). Note that if the authentication in step SA12 is not successful, the projector 2 ends this processing. Also, the projector 2 may be usable without performing the authentication processing, in which case steps SA12 and SA13 are omitted.

[0083] After the projector 2 starts operating, the projector 2 can play back content. The projector 2 plays back content in response to a user operation (step SA14) and ends the playback (step SA15). Steps SA14 and SA15 indicate that either the projector 2 or the terminal device 3 operates in response to a user operation.

[0084] When the playback of the content ends, the projector 2 determines whether or not information indicating the type of content can be acquired (step SA16). If information indicating the type of content can be acquired (step SA16: YES), the projector 2 generates content information (step SA17) and proceeds to step SA19.

[0085] On the other hand, if the information indicating the type of content cannot be acquired (step SA16: NO), the projector 2 generates content information indicating that the information indicating the type of content cannot be acquired (step SA18), and proceeds to step SA19.

[0086] In step SA19, the projector 2 generates playback time information based on the date and time when playback of the content started in step SA14 and the date and time when playback of the content ended in step SA15 (step SA19).

[0087] The projector 2 generates playback history information including the content information and playback time information generated in steps SA17 to S19, and temporarily stores it in the second storage unit 220 (step SA20).

[0088] The projector 2 determines whether or not to play back other content (step SA21). If other content is to be played back (step SA21: YES), the projector 2 returns to step SA14.

[0089] If no other content is being played back (step SA21: NO), the projector 2 ends the operation related to the content playback (step SA22). The projector 2 determines whether or not the playback history information is stored in the second storage unit 220 (step SA23). If the playback history information is stored in the second storage unit 220 (step SA23: YES), the terminal device 3 transmits the playback history information to the information processing device 1 (step SA24) and ends this process. If the playback history information is not stored in the second storage unit 220 (step SA23: NO), the projector 2 ends this process.

[0090] 5 may be executed by the terminal device 3. For example, steps SA16 to SA20 are executed by the information acquisition unit 311 and the information transmission unit 313. In this case, the playback history information generated by the information transmission unit 313 may be temporarily stored in the third storage unit 320, or may be stored in the second storage unit 220.

[0091] The operation in Fig. 6 is executed corresponding to the operation of the projector 2 shown in Fig. 5. Steps SB11 to SB13 are executed by the acquisition unit 111, step SB14 is executed by the processing unit 112, and steps SB15 and SB16 are executed by the output unit 113.

[0092] The information processing device 1 detects the projectors 2 and terminal devices 3 with which it can communicate using the first communication unit 16 (step SB11). The information processing device 1 determines whether or not there are any devices from which it can acquire playback history information among the detected projectors 2 and terminal devices 3 (step SB12).

[0093] If there is no device from which playback history information can be acquired (step SB12: NO), the information processing device 1 proceeds to step SB15, which will be described later. If there is a device from which playback history information can be acquired (step SB12: YES), the information processing device 1 acquires playback history information from the corresponding device (step SB13).

[0094] The information processing device 1 generates a record 123 based on the information acquired in step SB13, stores the record 123 in the history DB 122 (step SB14), and proceeds to step SB15. Through the above operations, record 123 is stored in first storage unit 120. Record 123 includes content information, identification information, and playback time information of the content played back by projector 2. If projector 2 cannot acquire information indicating the type of content, information processing device 1 generates record 123 including content information indicating that the type of content is unknown.

[0095] In step SB15, the information processing device 1 determines whether or not an information output request has been received (step SB15). If an information output request has not been received (step SB15: NO), the information processing device 1 ends this process. If an information output request has been received (step SB15: YES), the information processing device 1 outputs the requested information (step SB16). In detail, the information processing device 1 extracts record 123 including the requested information from history DB 122, and transmits the information included in the extracted record 123 to the device that made the request.

[0096] The operation of FIG. 6 is repeatedly executed at predetermined time intervals while the information processing device 1 is in operation.

[0097] [5-2. Second operation example of information processing system] FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a second operation example of the information processing system 100, and shows the operations of the projector 2 and the terminal device 3.

[0098] The second operation example shown in FIG. 7 is an example in which the projector 2 plays back content data input from the terminal device 3 to the projector 2, and the terminal device 3 generates and transmits playback history information.

[0099] 7 are executed by the projection control unit 211, and steps SA32 and SA33 are executed by the content playback unit 213. Step SA31 is executed by the application execution unit 312, SA34 and SA35 are executed by the information acquisition unit 311, and step SA36 is executed by the information transmission unit 313. In FIG. 7, the same step numbers are assigned to processes that are common to the first operation example in FIG. 5, and descriptions thereof will be omitted.

[0100] When the projector 2 has completed the authentication process and is ready to display the content, the terminal device 3 starts an operation of outputting content data to the projector 2 (step SA31). The projector 2 plays the content based on the content data input from the terminal device 3 (step SA32). When the projector 2 has completed playing the content (step SA33), the terminal device 3 generates content information (step SA34). In step SA34, the terminal device 3 acquires information indicating the type of the content data 324 output to the projector 2 and generates the content information.

[0101] The terminal device 3 generates playback time information (step SA35). As described above, the playback time information generated in step SA35 may be information based on the date and time when the projector 2 executed playback of the content. Alternatively, the playback time information may be information based on the date and time when the terminal device 3 executed output of content data to the projector 2.

[0102] The terminal device 3 generates playback history information based on the content information and playback time information, and transmits it to the information processing device 1 via the third communication unit 37 (step SA37). Thereafter, the projector 2 determines whether or not to play back other content (step SA37). If other content is to be played back (step SA37: YES), the operation of the information processing system 100 returns to step SA31. If other content is not to be played back (step SA37: NO), the projector 2 ends the operation related to the content playback (step SA38).

[0103] The operation of the information processing device 1 when the projector 2 and the terminal device 3 operate in the second operation example is the same as the first operation example in FIG.

[0104] [5-3. Third operation example of information processing system] 8 is a sequence diagram showing a third operation example of the information processing system 100. Fig. 8(a) shows the operations of the projector 2 and the terminal device 3, and Fig. 8(b) shows the operation of the information processing device 1.

[0105] The third operation example shown in FIG. 8 is an example in which the projector 2 plays back content data input to the projector 2 from the playback device 4, and the projector 2 generates and transmits playback history information. 8(a) shows some operations of the projector 2 and the terminal device 3. Operations other than step SA25 are the same as those in the first operation example of FIG. 5, and therefore will not be illustrated or described again. Steps SA41 to SA42 are executed by the information transmission unit 214 of the projector 2. In FIG. 8(b), steps SB21 to SB24 and SB27 are executed by the acquisition unit 111, and steps SB25 and SB26 are executed by the processing unit 112.

[0106] When the projector 2 plays back content data input from the playback device 4 to the projector 2, it may be unable to acquire information indicating the type of content. The playback device 4 may be a device that is at least capable of outputting content data to the image I / F 24. For this reason, there may be cases where the projector 2 is unable to execute a procedure in which the projector 2 requests information indicating the type of content from the playback device 4 and the playback device 4 transmits information to the projector 2 in response to this request. In such cases, the projector 2 determines in step SA16 that it is unable to acquire information indicating the type of content. Then, in step SA18, the projector 2 generates content information indicating that it is unable to acquire information indicating the type of content. Therefore, the playback history information transmitted by the projector 2 in step SA25 includes content information indicating that it is unable to acquire information indicating the type of content.

[0107] When the projector 2 transmits the playback history information (step SA25), the information processing device 1 acquires the playback history information (step SB21). The information processing device 1 determines whether the playback history information includes content information indicating that information indicating the type of content cannot be acquired (step SB22).

[0108] If content information indicating that information indicating the type of content cannot be acquired is not included (step SB22: NO), the information processing device 1 proceeds to step SB26, which will be described later.

[0109] If the content information indicating that information indicating the type of content cannot be acquired is included (step SB22: YES), the information processing device 1 requests content feature information from the projector 2 (step SB23). The content feature information is information indicating the features of a video or image of the content. For example, the content feature information is an image cut out of a part of a video or still image of the content. Also, for example, the content feature information is an image feature amount of an image cut out from a video or still image of the content. Also, for example, the content feature information is text data obtained by converting characters included in a still image cut out from a video or still image of the content. In the above, an image cut out from the content is a video or still image cut out from a predetermined part of the content, for example, a video of a predetermined length at the beginning or end of the content, or an image at the beginning or end of the content.

[0110] When the information processing device 1 requests content feature information, the projector 2 generates the content feature information in response to this request (step SA41) and transmits the content feature information to the information processing device 1 (step SA42).

[0111] The information processing device 1 acquires the content feature information transmitted by the projector 2 (step SB24), and generates content information by analyzing the acquired content feature information (step SB25). For example, the information processing device 1 analyzes the content feature information to identify the name, genre, or other type of content, and generates content information indicating the identified type of content.

[0112] In step SB26, the information processing device 1 generates a record 123 based on at least one of the playback history information acquired in step SB21 and the content information generated in step SB25, and stores the record 123 in the history DB 122 (step SB26).

[0113] By the above process, when the projector 2 cannot acquire information indicating the type of content, it can identify the type of content by analyzing the content. Thereafter, the information processing device 1 waits until a predetermined time has elapsed (step SB27), and when the predetermined time has elapsed, returns to step SB23 to request content feature information.

[0114] That is, if the projector 2 cannot acquire information indicating the type of content, the information processing device 1 requests content feature information from the projector 2 at predetermined time intervals. This allows the information processing device 1 to identify the type of content being played back by the projector 2 at any time, even if the content being played back by the projector 2 is changed to another content.

[0115] [5-4. Example of information output] 9 is a diagram showing one form of information output by the information processing device 1, and is a screen 51 displayed on the display of the output terminal 5 based on the information output by the information processing device 1. The screen 51 is one form of output information output by the information processing device 1.

[0116] The screen 51 includes a device information display unit 52, a user information display unit 53, and a history display unit 54. The device information display unit 52 and the user information display unit 53 display the identification information of the projector 2 or information generated from the identification information. For example, the device information display unit 52 displays the model of the projector 2 and the display device ID 223 of the projector 2. In this example, the projector 2 transmits information indicating the model of the projector 2 together with the display device ID 223 as identification information to the information processing device 1, and the information processing device 1 stores the information by including it in the record 123. The device information display unit 52 may display only the display device ID 223. Furthermore, if the record 123 includes a user ID, the information processing device 1 outputs the data of the screen 51 including the user information display unit 53 to the output terminal 5.

[0117] The history display unit 54 is displayed based on the content information and playback time information included in the records 123. The history display unit 54 may be, for example, a list listing the content information and playback time information of a plurality of records 123. The history display unit 54 may also be a graph or other chart that aggregates the playback time information, as shown in FIG. 9. The history display unit 54 in FIG. 9 aggregates the length of playback time included in the playback time information for each genre of content extracted from the content information, and displays the proportion of playback time for each genre in a pie chart. The process of aggregating the records 123 can be executed by, for example, the processing unit 112 of the information processing device 1.

[0118] The screen 51 may also include a maintenance information display section 55. The maintenance information display section 55 includes information relating to maintenance of the projector 2 and information relating to a replacement projector for the projector 2, as shown in FIG.

[0119] For example, when transmitting the playback history information, the projector 2 adds information about the operating status of the projector 2 to the playback history information or includes the information in the playback history information and transmits it to the information processing device 1. Information about the operating status of the projector 2 is, for example, the accumulated lighting time of the light source of the projection unit 20, the accumulated usage time and number of operating days of the projector 2, the scheduled maintenance period for the projector 2, etc. In this case, when the information processing device 1 acquires the playback history information, the information processing device 1 stores the identification information and the information relating to the operating status of the projector 2 in association with each other as a record 123 in the first storage unit 120.

[0120] When the information processing device 1 receives an information output request from the output terminal 5, it outputs information including information about the operating status of the projector 2 in the form of, for example, the screen 51 in response to the output request. The maintenance information display unit 55 shown in FIG. 9 displays the scheduled maintenance time for the projector 2. The maintenance information display unit 55 also displays the model name of a loaner device that can be lent out during maintenance. The model name of the loaner device can be generated by the information processing device 1 based on the content information included in the record 123. Specifically, the information processing device 1 identifies the resolution, light output, or other specifications that a loaner device for the projector 2 should preferably have based on the content information. The information processing device 1 identifies the model name corresponding to the identified specifications and displays it on the maintenance information display unit 55. The maintenance time information displayed on the maintenance information display unit 55 does not need to be transmitted by the projector 2. For example, the projector 2 transmits information about the operating status of the projector 2, such as the accumulated lighting time of the light source of the projection unit 20, the accumulated usage time and number of operating days of the projector 2, etc., to the information processing device 1. In this case, the information processing device 1 may determine the maintenance time based on the information transmitted by the projector 2 and display the determined time on the maintenance information display unit 55.

[0121] In this example, the information processing device 1 can manage information related to the operating status of the projector 2, as well as the usage status related to content playback on the projector 2. By utilizing the management of the operating status of the projector 2, as in the maintenance information display unit 55 shown in Fig. 9, it is possible to realize services such as generating and outputting information related to loaner machines that can be provided to users.

[0122] [6. Effects, etc.] As described above, the information processing device 1 of the present disclosure acquires specification information including identification information of the projector 2 or identification information of the user, and acquires the history of content types on the projector 2. The information processing device 1 stores a record 123 in the first storage unit 120. The record 123 is information that associates specification information with history information that indicates the history of content types on the projector 2. The information processing device 1 is capable of outputting the specification information and history information stored in the first storage unit 120.

[0123] This allows information about the content displayed by the projector 2 to be stored in the information processing device 1 in association with identification information that can identify the projector 2. Therefore, detailed information about the usage status of the projector 2 can be obtained for managing the projector 2.

[0124] By utilizing the information accumulated by the information processing device 1, for example, when a replacement projector 2 is needed due to a breakdown, malfunction, or inspection of the projector 2, a replacement projector can be selected taking into consideration the usage status of the projector 2. In this case, if the performance and specifications of the selected replacement projector are not suitable for the intended use of the projector 2, there is a possibility that usability will be reduced, such as the user feeling uncomfortable when content is played back on the replacement projector or the image quality not reaching the required level. By utilizing the information output by the information processing device 1 of the present disclosure, a projector having performance and specifications suitable for the intended use of the projector 2 can be selected as a replacement projector for the projector 2.

[0125] In the information processing device 1, the history information includes content information indicating the content displayed on the projector 2 and playback time information indicating the time when the content was displayed on the projector 2. That is, the record 123 includes the identification information, the content information, and the playback time information in association with each other.

[0126] This allows reproduction time information relating to the time when the projector 2 reproduced the content to be stored in the first storage unit 120 in association with the identification information. This makes it possible to collect and use more detailed information relating to the usage state of the projector 2.

[0127] The information processing device 1 includes a first communication unit 16 that communicates with the projector 2. The information processing device 1 acquires the specific information and the history of the content type in the projector 2 from the projector 2 via the first communication unit 16.

[0128] This makes it possible to efficiently collect detailed information about the usage status of the projector 2. Furthermore, since information about the usage status of the projector 2 can be obtained without any special operation by the user, usability can be improved.

[0129] The information processing device 1 is connected to the projector 2 and includes a first communication unit 16 that communicates with a terminal device 3 that supplies content to the projector 2. The information processing device 1 acquires, from the terminal device 3 via the first communication unit 16, a history of the types of content that the terminal device 3 has supplied to the projector 2.

[0130] As a result, when the terminal device 3 supplies content data to the projector 2, the information processing device 1 can acquire, from the terminal device 3, information relating to the playback of the content supplied by the terminal device 3. This makes it possible to efficiently collect detailed information relating to the usage status of the projector 2. Furthermore, since the information relating to the usage status of the projector 2 can be acquired without any special operation by the user, usability can be improved.

[0131] The information processing device 1 acquires the history of the content type in the projector 2 via the first communication unit 16 after the projector 2 has finished displaying the content.

[0132] This allows the information processing device 1 to acquire information about the type of content without causing delays in the operations of the projector 2 and the terminal device 3.

[0133] When the information processing device 1 acquires, via the first communication unit 16, information indicating that the history of the content type cannot be acquired, the information indicating that the content type is unknown is associated with the identification information and stored in the first storage unit 120. That is, the information processing device 1 stores in the first storage unit 120 a record 123 including content information indicating that the content type is unknown.

[0134] As a result, when the record 123 does not include information about the type of content, it is possible to identify from the information stored in the information processing device 1 whether the content was not played back or the content information could not be acquired.

[0135] When the information processing device 1 acquires, via the first communication unit 16, information indicating that the history of the content type cannot be acquired, it requests content feature information including at least a part of the content displayed by the projector 2 or the features of the content from the projector 2. Then, the information processing device 1 acquires, via the first communication unit 16, the content feature information transmitted by the projector 2, identifies the type of content based on the content feature information, and stores the identified content type in the first storage unit 120 in association with the identification information.

[0136] As a result, when the projector 2 cannot acquire information indicating the type of content, the information processing device 1 identifies the type of content based on the content feature information. Therefore, even when information indicating the type of content cannot be acquired, detailed information regarding the usage status of the projector 2 can be accumulated.

[0137] When the information processing device 1 acquires information related to the operating status of the projector 2 together with the identification information, the information processing device 1 stores the information related to the operating status of the projector 2 in association with the identification information in the first storage unit 120. The information processing device 1 acquires the information related to the operating status of the projector 2 by acquiring playback history information, generates a record 123 including the acquired information, and stores the record 123 in the first storage unit 120. Furthermore, when the information processing device 1 receives an output request for information from the output terminal 5, it outputs the record 123 including the information related to the operating status of the projector 2 in response to the output request.

[0138] This makes it possible to manage the operating status of projector 2 as well as the usage status regarding content playback on projector 2. By utilizing this management, it is possible to realize services such as generating information about alternative projectors that can be provided to the user of projector 2 and outputting the specific information and information about the alternative projector 2, for example.

[0139] The information processing device 1 requests the projector 2 for content feature information after a predetermined time has elapsed since the information processing device 1 requested the projector 2 for content feature information.

[0140] This allows information about the content to be acquired without waiting for the operation of the projector 2 when there is a possibility that the content being played back by the projector 2 has been changed.

[0141] In the information processing method executed by the information processing device 1 and the projector 2, the projector 2 transmits, to the information processing device 1, specific information including the identification information of the projector 2 or the identification information of the user, and a history of the types of content on the projector 2. Then, the information processing device 1 acquires the specific information transmitted by the projector 2 and the history of the types of content on the projector 2. Then, the information processing device 1 associates the specific information with history information indicating the history of the types of content on the projector 2 and stores them in the first storage unit 120, and outputs the specific information and history information stored in the first storage unit 120.

[0142] This allows information about the content displayed by the projector 2 to be stored in the information processing device 1 in association with identification information that can identify the projector 2. Therefore, detailed information about the usage status of the projector 2 can be obtained for managing the projector 2.

[0143] The control program 121 is a program executed by the first processor 110 included in the information processing device 1. The control program 121 causes the first processor 110 to acquire specific information including identification information of the projector 2 or identification information of the user, and to acquire a history of content types in the projector 2. The control program 121 also causes the first processor 110 to associate the specific information with history information indicating the history of content types in the projector 2 and store them in the first storage unit 120, and to output the specific information and history information stored in the first storage unit 120.

[0144] This allows information about the content displayed by the projector 2 to be stored in the information processing device 1 in association with identification information that can identify the projector 2. Therefore, detailed information about the usage status of the projector 2 can be obtained for managing the projector 2.

[0145] 7. Other Embodiments The above-described embodiment is a preferred embodiment of the present invention, but the present invention is not limited to this and various modifications are possible within the scope of the gist of the present invention.

[0146] For example, in the above embodiment, a configuration has been described in which the projector 2 and the terminal device 3 are each connected to the communication network NW, but this is just one example. The projector 2 and the terminal device 3 may be capable of communicating with the information processing device 1, and for example, the configuration may be such that the projector 2 is connected to the communication network NW, and the terminal device 3 communicates with the information processing device 1 via the projector 2. Alternatively, the configuration may be such that the terminal device 3 is connected to the communication network NW, and the projector 2 communicates with the information processing device 1 via the terminal device 3. Furthermore, the configuration may be such that the communication between the projector 2 and the information processing device 1 and the communication between the terminal device 3 and the information processing device 1 are via different communication lines.

[0147] In the third operation example described in the above embodiment, the analysis of the content feature information is performed by the information processing device 1, but it is also possible to configure the analysis of the content feature information to be performed by the projector 2. In this case, when the projector 2 cannot acquire information indicating the type of content (step SA16: NO), it can generate content information by analyzing the content feature information.

[0148] In the above embodiment, the information processing system 100 employing the projector 2 as an example of a display device has been described, but the display device to which the present disclosure is applicable is not limited to the projector 2. For example, the display device may be a liquid crystal display that displays images on a liquid crystal display panel. It may also be a display device that displays images on a plasma display panel or an organic EL (Electro Luminescence) panel. In this case, the liquid crystal display panel, the plasma display panel, and the organic EL panel correspond to examples of a display unit.

[0149] Furthermore, there is no limitation on the configuration of the first control unit 11, the second control unit 21, and the third control unit 31, and they may be realized by a plurality of processors or a plurality of semiconductor devices.

[0150] Each functional unit of the projector 2 shown in FIG. 2 represents a functional configuration, and the specific implementation form is not particularly limited. Similarly, the functional units of the terminal device 3 shown in FIG. 3 and the functional units of the information processing device 1 shown in FIG. 4 represent functional configurations, and the specific implementation form is not particularly limited. Specifically, it is not necessary to implement hardware individually corresponding to each functional unit shown in each of the above figures, and it is of course possible to configure the system so that one processor executes a program to realize the functions of multiple functional units. Furthermore, some of the functions realized by software in each of the above embodiments may be realized by hardware, and some of the functions realized by hardware may be realized by software.

[0151] 5 to 8 are divided into processing units according to the main processing content in order to facilitate understanding of the processing of the first control unit 11, the second control unit 21, and the third control unit 31. The present invention is not limited by the manner in which the processing units of these flowcharts are divided or the names of the processing units. These processes can be divided into more processing units according to the processing content, or one processing unit can be divided so as to include more processes. Furthermore, the processing order of the above flowcharts is not limited to the example shown in the drawings.

[0152] The control program 121 of the information processing device 1 can be recorded, for example, on a recording medium that is readable by the information processing device 1. The recording medium can be a magnetic or optical recording medium or a semiconductor memory device. Specific examples include portable or fixed recording media such as flexible disks, optical disks, magneto-optical disks, flash memories, and card-type recording media. The above-described control method can also be implemented by storing the program in a server device or the like and downloading the control program from the server device. The same can be applied to the control program 221 of the projector 2 and the control program 321 of the terminal device 3.

[0153] [8. Notes] A summary of this disclosure is provided below. (Appendix 1) An information processing device that performs the following operations: acquiring specific information including identification information of a display device or identification information of a user; acquiring a history of content types on the display device; and storing the specific information and history information indicating the history of content types on the display device in a memory unit in association with each other; and is capable of outputting the specific information and the history information stored in the memory unit. This allows information about the content displayed by the display device to be stored in the information processing device in association with specific information that can identify the display device, thereby providing detailed information about the usage status of the display device for use in managing the display device.

[0154] (Appendix 2) 2. The information processing device according to claim 1, wherein the history information includes information indicating the content displayed on the display device and time information indicating the time when the content was displayed on the display device. This allows the display device to store playback time information relating to the time it has played back the content in the storage unit in association with the specific information, thereby enabling more detailed information relating to the usage status of the display device to be collected and used.

[0155] (Appendix 3) 3. The information processing device according to claim 1, further comprising a communication unit that communicates with the display device, and that acquires the specific information and a history of content types on the display device from the display device via the communication unit. This allows for efficient collection of detailed information on the usage status of the display device. Furthermore, since the information on the usage status of the display device can be obtained without any special operation by the user, usability can be improved.

[0156] (Appendix 4) An information processing device according to any one of Supplementary Note 1 to Supplementary Note 3, comprising a communication unit connected to the display device and communicating with an external device that supplies content to the display device, and wherein the communication unit acquires from the external device a history of the types of content that the external device has supplied to the display device. As a result, when an external device supplies content data to the display device, the information processing device 1 can acquire information related to the playback of the content supplied by the external device from the external device. This allows for efficient collection of detailed information related to the usage status of the display device. Furthermore, since information related to the usage status of the display device can be acquired without any special operation by the user, usability can be improved.

[0157] (Appendix 5) 5. The information processing device according to claim 3, wherein after the display device has finished displaying the content, the communication unit acquires a history of the type of content on the display device. This allows the information processing device 1 to acquire information about the type of content without causing delays in the operation of the display device or external devices.

[0158] (Appendix 6) An information processing device as described in Appendix 3 or Appendix 4, wherein, when the communication unit acquires information indicating that the history of the content type cannot be acquired, the information indicating that the content type is unknown is associated with the specific information and stored in the memory unit. This makes it possible to identify whether the display device did not play back the content or was unable to acquire the content information, based on the information stored in the information processing device.

[0159] (Appendix 7) An information processing device as described in Appendix 3 or Appendix 4, wherein, when the communication unit acquires information indicating that the history of the content type cannot be acquired, the information processing device requests content feature information from the display device including at least a portion of the content or features of the content displayed by the display device, acquires the content feature information transmitted by the display device by the communication unit, identifies the type of content based on the content feature information, and stores the identified content type in the memory unit in association with the identification information. As a result, when the display device cannot acquire information indicating the type of content, the information processing device identifies the type of content based on the content feature information, and therefore, even when the display device cannot acquire information indicating the type of content, detailed information regarding the usage status of the display device can be accumulated.

[0160] (Appendix 8) The information processing device according to claim 7, wherein the information processing device requests the content feature information from the display device after a predetermined time has elapsed since the request for the content feature information was made to the display device. This makes it possible to obtain information about the content without waiting for the display device to operate, when there is a possibility that the content being played back by the display device has been changed.

[0161] (Appendix 9) An information processing device according to any one of Supplementary Note 1 to Supplementary Note 8, which, when acquiring information relating to the operating status of the display device together with the identification information, stores the information relating to the operating status of the display device in the memory unit in correspondence with the identification information, generates information relating to an alternative display device that can be provided based on the information relating to the operating status of the display device, and outputs the identification information and the information relating to the alternative display device. This makes it possible to manage the operating status of the display device as well as the usage status regarding content playback on the display device.

[0162] (Appendix 10) An information processing method executed by an information processing device and a display device, the information processing method comprising the steps of: transmitting, by the display device, specific information including identification information of the display device or identification information of a user, and a history of content types on the display device to the information processing device; acquiring, by the information processing device, the specific information transmitted by the display device and the history of content types on the display device; storing, in a memory unit, the specific information and history information indicating the history of content types on the display device in association with each other; and outputting, in the memory unit, the specific information and the history information. As a result, the same effects as those of the information processing device described in Supplementary Note 1 can be obtained.

[0163] (Appendix 11) A program executed by a processor of an information processing device, causing the processor to acquire specific information including identification information of a display device or identification information of a user, acquire a history of content types on the display device, associate the specific information with history information indicating the history of content types on the display device and store them in a memory unit, and output the specific information and history information stored in the memory unit. As a result, the same effects as those of the information processing device described in Supplementary Note 1 can be obtained. [Explanation of symbols]

[0164] 1...information processing device, 2, 2A, 2B, 2C...projector (display device), 3, 3A, 3B, 3C...terminal device (external device), 4, 4A, 4B, 4C...playback device, 5...output terminal, 11...first control unit, 15...first input unit, 16...first communication unit (communication unit), 17...bus, 20...projection unit, 21...second control unit, 23...second communication unit, 24...image I / F, 25...remote control light receiving unit, 26...operation panel, 27...audio processing unit, 28...image processing unit, 29...bus, 31...third control unit, 35...third input unit, 36...third display unit, 37...third communication unit, 38...I / F, 39...bus, 51...screen, 100...information processing system, 110...first processor (processor), 111...acquisition unit, 112...processing unit, 113 ...output unit, 120...first memory unit (memory unit), 121...control program (program), 122...history DB, 123, 123a, 123b, 123c...records, 210...second processor, 211...projection control unit, 212...information acquisition unit, 213...content playback unit, 214...information transmission unit, 220...second memory unit, 221...control program, 222...content data, 223...display device ID, 224...authentication information, 225...authentication record, 310...third processor, 311...information acquisition unit, 312...application execution unit, 313...information transmission unit, 320...third memory unit, 321...control program, 322...application, 323...terminal ID, 324...content data, NW...communication network.

Claims

1. An information processing device, obtaining identification information including identification information of the display device or identification information of the user; acquiring a history of content types on the display device; and storing the specific information and history information indicating a history of the type of content on the display device in a storage unit in association with each other; An information processing device capable of outputting the specific information and the history information stored in the storage unit.

2. The information processing device according to claim 1 , wherein the history information includes information indicating the content displayed on the display device and time information indicating the time when the content was displayed on the display device.

3. a communication unit that communicates with the display device, The information processing device according to claim 1 , wherein the specific information and a history of the type of content on the display device are acquired from the display device by the communication unit.

4. a communication unit connected to the display device and communicating with an external device that supplies content to the display device; The information processing apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the communication unit acquires from the external device a history of the types of content that the external device has supplied to the display device.

5. The information processing device according to claim 3 , wherein the communication unit acquires a history of the types of content on the display device after the display device has finished displaying the content.

6. 5. The information processing device according to claim 3, wherein when the communication unit acquires information indicating that the history of the content type cannot be acquired, the information indicating that the content type is unknown is associated with the specific information and stored in the memory unit.

7. When the communication unit acquires information indicating that a history of the type of content cannot be acquired, the communication unit requests the display device to provide content feature information including at least a part of the content displayed by the display device or features of the content; acquiring the content feature information transmitted by the display device by the communication unit; Identifying a type of content based on the content feature information; 5. The information processing apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the identified type of content is stored in the storage unit in association with the identification information.

8. The information processing device according to claim 7 , wherein the content feature information is requested from the display device after a predetermined time has elapsed since the content feature information was requested from the display device.

9. When information regarding an operating status of the display device is acquired together with the identification information, the information regarding the operating status of the display device is stored in the storage unit in association with the identification information; The information processing device according to claim 1 , further comprising: generating information about an alternative display device that can be provided based on information about an operating status of the display device; and outputting the identification information and the information about the alternative display device.

10. An information processing method executed by an information processing device and a display device, The display device transmitting specific information including identification information of the display device or identification information of the user and a history of the type of content on the display device to the information processing device; By the information processing device, acquiring the specific information transmitted by the display device and a history of the type of content on the display device; storing the specific information and history information indicating a history of the type of content on the display device in a storage unit in association with each other; and outputting the specific information and the history information stored in the storage unit.

11. A program executed by a processor included in an information processing device, the processor, obtaining identification information including identification information of the display device or identification information of the user; acquiring a history of content types on the display device; storing the specific information and history information indicating a history of the type of content on the display device in a storage unit in association with each other; and outputting the specific information and the history information stored in the storage unit.

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