Information processing device, information processing method, and program

Abstract

To prevent flickering of a video by making it possible to prevent a user's operation to switch the video to be distributed from appearing in the video to be distributed.SOLUTION: An information processing device includes acquisition means for acquiring a plurality of videos, and setting means for setting a video among the plurality of videos that includes a first video as a distribution target when a predetermined application is running in the background, and setting a video among the plurality of videos that does not include the first video as a distribution target when the predetermined application is not running in the background.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 6

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 is a technology for multi-angle streaming that allows video streaming from multiple viewpoints by connecting multiple imaging devices and switching between them. While switching is typically performed by a dedicated operator, in recent years there have been cases where individual users themselves operate the video streaming, becoming both the subject and the operator. In such cases, it is not easy to operate the video streaming while also being the subject. Therefore, there is a technology that allows you to set the video and images to be displayed in advance and switch at any time.

[0003] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a technology in which, when a first terminal and a second terminal are communicating via a server, an application running on the first terminal goes into background mode, the application notifies the second terminal via the server, and when the second terminal receives the background mode notification, it displays pre-prepared content. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 6437137 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] As such, there is a demand for technology that enables individual users to efficiently switch between multiple imaging devices and technology that allows them to switch displayed content. In recent years, there have also been cases where live streaming is performed using a single imaging control device, and the video displayed on the imaging control device is distributed. In such cases, during distribution, the video received from the imaging device may be switched to the video displayed on the imaging control device, but the user's switching operation is broadcast, causing the broadcast video to flicker. The present invention addresses the problem of when an individual user switches the video to be distributed using the imaging control device, the operation of switching between the video received from the imaging device and the video displayed on the imaging control device is broadcast in the broadcast video.

[0006] In Patent Document 1, when an application running on a first terminal notifies a second terminal that it has entered background mode, it is necessary to prepare in advance the content to be displayed on the application on the second terminal. There is no mention of a configuration for transmitting content such as video or images from the first terminal to the second terminal when the first terminal enters background mode.

[0007] In view of the above, the present invention aims to prevent flickering of an image when switching images during video distribution due to the switching operation being distributed. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] In order to achieve the above goal, the information processing device of the present invention is characterized by comprising an acquisition means for acquiring multiple images, and a setting means for setting an image from among the multiple images that includes a first image as the target for distribution when a specified application is running in the background, and for setting an image from among the multiple images that does not include the first image as the target for distribution when the specified application is not running in the background. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] In the present invention, by making it possible for a user's operation to switch the video to be distributed not to be reflected in the video to be distributed, it is possible to prevent the video from flickering. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of the connection relationship between a plurality of imaging devices and an imaging control device according to the present embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of an imaging control device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of an imaging apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] 1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration in which an imaging control device receives images from a plurality of imaging devices and transmits the images to a distribution server in this embodiment. [Figure 5] 3A and 3B are diagrams illustrating examples of screens displayed on the imaging control device according to the present embodiment. [Figure 6] 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating an example of a user's operation to switch from a video distribution application to a game application by operating the imaging control device in this embodiment. [Figure 7] 10 is a flowchart showing processing performed by a video distribution application in the present embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of a screen of a video distribution application in the embodiment. [Figure 9] 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating an example of a user's operation for switching from a streaming video application to a game application in this embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0011] Preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Note that the embodiments described below are examples for realizing the present invention, and should be appropriately modified or changed depending on the configuration of the device to which the present invention is applied and various conditions. The present invention is not limited to the following embodiments. Furthermore, parts of the embodiments described below may be appropriately combined.

[0012] (First embodiment) In the first embodiment, a video distribution application running on an imaging control device transmits video received from an imaging device to a distribution server as a first video. When a user subsequently switches from the video distribution application running on the imaging control device to a game application, the video distribution application transmits the video displayed on the LCD screen of the imaging control device to the distribution server as a second video. When a user subsequently operates the imaging control device to switch from the game application to the video distribution application, the video distribution application switches to video received from the imaging device and transmits the video to the distribution server. This section describes a process in which the video distribution application subsequently switches to video received from the imaging device and transmits the video to the distribution server.

[0013] <Explanation of the connection relationship between the imaging device and the imaging control device> FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the connection relationship between a plurality of imaging devices and an imaging control device in this embodiment.

[0014] A plurality of imaging devices 300A, 300B are connected to the imaging control device 200 via wired or wireless connections. In the case of wireless connections, the imaging devices and the imaging control device 200 are directly connected by P2P or a connection is established via an IP network. Video data is transmitted from the imaging devices 300 to the imaging control device 200. The video data includes audio data in addition to moving images and still images, and may also include audio analysis data and subtitle data. The imaging control device 200 is an example of an information processing device.

[0015] The distribution server 101 is a service or system that transmits video data to multiple viewers simultaneously. A variety of content is provided for distribution, and there are content for various purposes and uses, such as entertainment, promotion, and training.

[0016] For the purpose of explaining this embodiment, the video distribution application 200A indicates a video distribution application that runs on the imaging control device 200, which will be described later.

[0017] The imaging control device 200 receives video data via a video distribution application 200A running on the imaging control device 200, converts the data into a data format suitable for distribution, or applies image processing to the data, and transmits the data to the distribution server 101. The imaging control device 200 also has the role of determining which of the multiple connected imaging devices the video data of which should be transmitted to the distribution server.

[0018] The game application 200B is given as an example of an application that runs on the imaging control device 200 in order to explain this embodiment.

[0019] <Configuration of the Imaging Control Device 200> 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of an imaging control device 200 according to this embodiment. For example, the imaging control device 200 is a smartphone or tablet with a wireless function, or a personal computer.

[0020] The control unit 201 controls each unit of the imaging control device 200 in accordance with input signals and programs described below. Note that instead of the control unit 201 controlling the entire device, the entire device may be controlled by having multiple pieces of hardware share the processing.

[0021] The image capturing unit 202 converts the subject light imaged by the lens included in the image capturing unit 202 into an electrical signal, performs noise reduction processing, etc., and outputs the digital data as image data. The captured image data is stored in a buffer memory, and then a predetermined calculation is performed by the control unit 201.

[0022] The nonvolatile memory 203 is an electrically erasable and recordable nonvolatile memory. The nonvolatile memory 203 stores an OS (operating system), which is basic software executed by the control unit 201, and applications that work with the OS to realize applied functions. In this embodiment, the nonvolatile memory 203 also stores applications for communicating with the imaging device 300 and the distribution server 101.

[0023] The work memory 204 is used as an image display memory for the display unit 206, a work area for the control unit 201, and the like.

[0024] The operation unit 205 is used to receive instructions from the user for the imaging control device 200. The operation unit 205 includes, for example, operation members such as a power button that the user uses to instruct the imaging control device 200 to turn on / off the power, and a touch panel formed on the display unit 206.

[0025] The display unit 206 displays image data, characters for interactive operation, etc. The display unit 206 does not necessarily have to be included in the imaging control device 200. The imaging control device 200 only needs to be able to connect to the display unit 206 and have at least a display control function for controlling the display on the display unit 206.

[0026] The recording medium 207 can record image data output from the imaging unit 202. The recording medium 207 may be configured to be detachable from the imaging control device 200, or may be built into the imaging control device 200. In other words, the imaging control device 200 only needs to have at least a means for accessing the recording medium 207.

[0027] A timer 208 is a timekeeping unit that measures the time used for various controls and the time of a built-in clock.

[0028] The communication unit 209 includes one or more communication circuits or communication modules and is a communication interface for connecting to the image capture device 300 and the distribution server. The communication unit 209 in this embodiment performs wireless communication in accordance with the IEEE802.11x (x is b, a, g, n, ac, ax, etc.) standard under the control of the control unit 201. In this embodiment, the connection unit 209 is used for communication with the image capture device 300 and the distribution server 101.

[0029] The short-range communication unit 210 is composed of, for example, an antenna for wireless communication, a modulation / demodulation circuit for processing wireless signals, and a communication controller. The short-range communication unit 210 outputs modulated wireless signals from the antenna and demodulates wireless signals received by the antenna, thereby achieving short-range wireless communication in accordance with the IEEE802.15 standard (so-called Bluetooth (registered trademark)). The short-range communication unit 210 can control the establishment and termination of communication by treating communication using the Bluetooth (registered trademark) Low Energy communication method and communication using the Bluetooth (registered trademark) Classic communication method as separate communications. Both Bluetooth (registered trademark) Low Energy communication and Bluetooth (registered trademark) Classic communication use the 2.4 GHz frequency band.

[0030] The public network communication unit 211 is an interface used when performing public wireless communication. The imaging control device 200 can communicate with other devices via the public network communication unit 211. In this embodiment, the public network communication unit 211 is an antenna, and the control unit 201 can connect to the public network via the antenna. Note that a single antenna can be used as both the communication unit 209 and the public network communication unit 211.

[0031] An example of the configuration of the imaging control device 200 has been described above.

[0032] <Description of the Configuration of the Imaging Device 300> 3 is a block diagram showing the configuration of an image capturing device 300 according to this embodiment. For example, the image capturing device 300 is a swivel camera, a single-lens reflex camera, or an omnidirectional camera.

[0033] The control unit 301 has hardware (for example, a processor) for executing programs stored in the non-volatile memory 303. The control unit 301 controls the imaging device 300 by executing the programs recorded in the non-volatile memory 303. Note that instead of the control unit 301 controlling the entire device, the entire device may be controlled by a plurality of hardware components sharing the processing.

[0034] The imaging unit 302 includes, for example, a lens unit, an imaging element for converting the optical image of the subject formed on the imaging surface via the lens unit into an electrical signal, and an image processing unit for generating still image data or video data from the electrical signal generated by the imaging element. The imaging element is generally a CMOS (Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor).

[0035] The non-volatile memory 303 is a non-volatile memory that stores programs and the like to be executed by the control unit 301. The control unit 301 can also store moving image data and still image data in the non-volatile memory 303.

[0036] The working memory 304 is used as a buffer memory for temporarily storing still image data and video data captured by the imaging unit 302, as a working area for the control unit 301, and the like.

[0037] The operation unit 305 is a user interface (UI) for receiving instructions from the user for the imaging device 300. The operation unit 305 can include, for example, a power switch for the user to instruct the imaging device 300 to power on / off, a release switch for instructing shooting, a playback button for instructing playback of still image data, etc. The operation unit 305 can also include a touch panel formed on the display unit 306.

[0038] The display unit 306 displays a through image during shooting, captured still image data, and text for interactive operation. The display unit 306 is, for example, a liquid crystal display or an LED display. The display unit 306 does not necessarily have to be built into the imaging device 300, but may be configured to be externally connected to the imaging device 300. In other words, the imaging device 300 can be connected to an internal or external display unit 306, and it is sufficient that the display unit 306 has at least a display control function for controlling the display of the display unit 306. The external display unit 306 is, for example, a viewfinder that can be connected to the imaging device 300.

[0039] The recording medium 307 can record image data output from the imaging unit 302. The recording medium 307 may be configured to be detachable from the imaging device 300, or may be built into the imaging device 300. In other words, the imaging device 300 only needs to have a means for accessing the recording medium 307.

[0040] The communication unit 308 includes one or more communication circuits or communication modules and is a communication interface for connecting to the imaging control device. The communication unit 308 of this embodiment performs wireless communication in accordance with, for example, the IEEE802.11x (x is b, a, g, n, ac, ax, etc.) standard under the control of the control unit 301. In this embodiment, the connection unit 308 is used for communication with the imaging control device 200.

[0041] The short-range communication unit 309 is composed of, for example, an antenna for wireless communication, a modulation / demodulation circuit for processing wireless signals, and a communication controller. The short-range communication unit 309 outputs modulated wireless signals from the antenna and demodulates wireless signals received by the antenna to achieve short-range wireless communication in accordance with the IEEE802.15 standard (so-called Bluetooth (registered trademark)). The short-range communication unit 210 can control the establishment and termination of communication by treating communication using the Bluetooth (registered trademark) Low Energy communication method and communication using the Bluetooth (registered trademark) Classic communication method as separate communications. Both Bluetooth (registered trademark) Low Energy communication and Bluetooth (registered trademark) Classic communication use the 2.4 GHz frequency band. An example of the configuration of the imaging device 300 has been described above.

[0042] <Description of the configuration when the imaging control device 200 receives video from the imaging device 300 and the display unit 206 and transmits it to the distribution server 101> FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of a data flow when the imaging control device 200 receives images from the multiple imaging devices 300 and the display unit 206 and transmits them to the distribution server 101 in this embodiment.

[0043] The video data receiving unit 401 is an example of an acquisition unit, and is a receiving unit that receives video data from the imaging device 300 connected to the imaging control device 200. In this embodiment, the imaging control device 200 receives video data from the imaging device 300A at the video data receiving unit 401A, and receives video data from the imaging device 300B at the video data receiving unit 401B.

[0044] The video data synthesis unit 402 is a synthesis unit that synthesizes video data received from the imaging device 300 or the display unit 206 in accordance with instructions from the video data synthesis instruction unit 403. The video used for synthesis at this time is not limited to the video data received by the video data receiving unit 401 or the display unit 206. For example, it may be video data being captured by the imaging unit 202, or video data already recorded in the non-volatile memory 203 or the recording medium 207.

[0045] The video data synthesis instruction unit 403 is a synthesis instruction unit that receives instructions for the imaging control device 200 from the user via the operation unit 205 and issues instructions to the video data synthesis unit 402. At this time, the instructions issued by the video data synthesis instruction unit 403 include arrangement instructions that determine the arrangement of video data and superimposition instructions that determine the superimposition of video data. Based on these arrangement instructions and superimposition instructions, the video data synthesis unit 402 performs synthesis processing such as PIP (Picture In Picture) and PBP (Picture By Picture).

[0046] Video data transmission unit 404 is a transmission unit that transmits the video data synthesized by video data synthesis unit 402 to distribution server 101. The video transmitted at this time is not limited to the video synthesized by video data synthesis unit 402. For example, the video received by video data reception unit 401 or the video on display unit 206 may be transmitted directly via video data synthesis unit 402.

[0047] An example of the configuration in which the imaging control device 200 receives images from the imaging device 300 and the display unit 206 and transmits them to the distribution server 101 has been described above.

[0048] <Explanation of Screens Displayed on the Imaging Control Device 200> FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of an application screen displayed on the display unit 206 of the imaging control device 200 according to this embodiment.

[0049] Reference numeral 500 denotes an example of a display screen of the display unit 206 of the imaging control device 200, and indicates a screen displayed by a video distribution application.

[0050] Reference numerals 501, 502, and 503 denote display areas in which images received from the imaging device 300 are displayed. In addition to images received from the imaging device 300, images (captured images) displayed on the display unit 206 of the imaging control device 200 and images of other applications can also be displayed. In this embodiment, images (captured images) displayed on the display unit 206 of the imaging control device 200 are used as an example, and specific images to be displayed will be described later with reference to FIG. 6.

[0051] Reference numeral 504 denotes a display area for the video transmitted from the imaging control device 200 to the distribution server 101. The video data received by the video data receiving unit 401 and the video data on the display unit 206 are displayed therein.

[0052] Reference numeral 505 denotes a display area for the main video among the videos transmitted from the imaging control device 200 to the distribution server 101. Any one of the videos displayed in 501 to 503 is displayed here.

[0053] Reference numeral 506 denotes a display of a sub-video among the videos transmitted by the imaging control device 200 to the distribution server 101. One or more of the videos displayed in 501 to 503 are selected and displayed. In this embodiment, the sub-video is displayed in PIP, but this is not limiting.

[0054] Reference numeral 507 denotes a frame for setting video data to be distributed when video distribution application 200A goes into the background. The user selects one of 501 to 503, and a frame is displayed on the selected one. Note that, although 507 is expressed as a frame in this embodiment, this is an example for indicating to the user that the video data is to be distributed when video distribution application 200A goes into the background, and the method of expression is not limited to this.

[0055] Reference numeral 508 denotes a frame for setting video data to be distributed when video distribution application 200A is no longer in the background state. As with 507, the user selects one of 501 to 503, and a frame is displayed for the selected one. Note that, although 508 is expressed as a frame in this embodiment, this is an example for indicating to the user that the video data is to be distributed when video distribution application 200A is no longer in the background state, and the method of expression is not limited to this. For example, it is desirable for the display to be emphasized to the extent that it is possible to indicate to the user that the video data is to be distributed when video distribution application 200A is no longer in the background state.

[0056] An example of the screen displayed on the imaging control device 200 has been described above.

[0057] <Description of the process in which video distribution application 200A switches the video to be distributed based on the background state and transmits the video data to distribution server 101> Next, with reference to FIGS. 6 and 7, a process in which video distribution application 200A in this embodiment transmits to distribution server 101 based on video data received from imaging device 300 will be described.

[0058] 6 shows an operation of switching from game app 200B to video distribution app 200A after a user switches from video distribution app 200A running on imaging control device 200 to game app 200B. Note that while game app 200B is used as an example in this embodiment, the application may be any application other than game app or video distribution app 200A.

[0059] Fig. 6(a) shows the video distribution application 200A when the video data of the user captured by the imaging device 300 is set as the main screen. In Fig. 6(a), the video distribution application 200A is not in the background state, so the video in Fig. 6(f) is being sent to the distribution server 101.

[0060] Fig. 6(b) shows that, while the video distribution application 200A is being distributed as shown in Fig. 6(a), the user is operating the imaging control device 200 to switch from the video distribution application 200A to the game application 200B. In Fig. 6(b), the video distribution application 200A is not in the background state, so the video shown in Fig. 6(f) is being transmitted to the distribution server 101.

[0061] Figure 6(c) shows that the operation performed in Figure 6(b) causes video distribution application 200A to enter background mode and switch to game application 200B. When the state shown in Figure 6(c) is reached, the process shown in Figure 7 (described later) is performed, and control unit 201 performs process 703 to switch the video to be distributed to the video that was distributed when video distribution application 200A entered background mode. Therefore, in Figure 6(c), the video shown in Figure 6(g) is transmitted to distribution server 101.

[0062] In this embodiment, the video data (captured video) displayed on display unit 206 is switched to, and the video of game application 200B that has entered the foreground state is transmitted. However, by setting game application 200B as the video to be distributed in 606 (described later), it may be possible to switch only to game application 200B.

[0063] FIG. 6(d) shows that the user is operating the imaging control device 200 to switch from game application 200B to video distribution application 200A. In FIG. 6(d), the video distribution application 200A is not in the background state, so the video in FIG. 6(f) is transmitted to the distribution server 101. When the state shown in FIG. 6(d) is reached, the processing shown in FIG. 7, which will be described later, is performed, and the control unit 201 performs processing 704 to switch the video to be distributed to the video that is distributed when the video distribution application 200A is not in the background state. Therefore, in FIG. 6(d), the video in FIG. 6(f) is transmitted to the distribution server 101.

[0064] FIG. 6(e) shows that the operation performed in FIG. 6(d) has caused the video distribution application 200A to enter a state other than the background state, and has switched to the video distribution application 200A.

[0065] Reference numeral 601 denotes video data that video distribution application 200A transmits to distribution server 101 in response to an instruction from control unit 201, and indicates the main video.

[0066] Reference numeral 602 denotes video data that video distribution application 200A transmits to distribution server 101 in response to an instruction from control unit 201, and indicates a sub-video.

[0067] 603 is one of the video data received by the imaging control device 200 from the imaging device 300, and is set as the sub video in the above-mentioned 602.

[0068] Reference numeral 604 denotes a frame showing the video to be transmitted to delivery server 101. In this embodiment, frame 604 shows the video to be transmitted to delivery server 101 when video delivery application 200A is not in the background state.

[0069] Reference numeral 605 denotes video data in which the user is captured, out of the video data received by the imaging control device 200 from the imaging device 300 .

[0070] Reference numeral 606 denotes a frame showing the video to be transmitted to the distribution server 101. In this embodiment, the frame 606 shows the video to be transmitted to the distribution server 101 when the video distribution application 200A is in the background state. In this embodiment, the video data (captured video) displayed on the display unit 206 is given as an example, but by specifying another application, the video of that application may also be set.

[0071] Reference numeral 607 denotes the video data displayed on the display unit 206 of the imaging control device 200 .

[0072] FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a process in which the control unit 201 in this embodiment switches the main video based on the background state of the video distribution application 200A.

[0073] 701 indicates that the control unit 201 has started the process of switching the main video.

[0074] Reference numeral 702 indicates that the control unit 201 performs processing to determine the background state of the video distribution application 200A in order to set the main video of the above-mentioned reference numeral 601. Note that the background state determination may be performed on the video distribution application 200A side or on the OS (Operating System) side.

[0075] 703 shows the processing when the video distribution application 200A is in the background state based on the determination result of 702. When the video distribution application 200A is in the background state, the control unit 201 sets the video 607 set in the above-mentioned 606 as the video to be distributed, and switches to the video to be distributed.

[0076] 704 shows the processing when the video distribution application 200A is not in the background state according to the determination result of 702. When the video distribution application 200A is not in the background state, the control unit 201 sets the video 605 set in 604 as the video to be distributed, and switches to the video to be distributed.

[0077] 705 indicates that the control unit 201 displays the video set for the main screen on the main screen after the above-described processes of 703 and 704 have been performed.

[0078] If the screen has not been switched, the process of steps 702 to 705 is not performed, and the video of the main screen is sent to distribution server 101.

[0079] 706 indicates the end of the switching determination.

[0080] In this embodiment, the processes of 701 to 706 are executed in a loop from the start of distribution to the end of distribution.

[0081] In this embodiment, the video to be distributed is switched based on the background state and non-background state determination. However, the non-background state may also include a state in which the app is being switched, as shown in FIG. 6(b). In other words, a non-background state includes a state in which the video distribution app 200 is being switched from either the foreground or background to the other.

[0082] <Description of the process for changing the main video switching setting in the video distribution application 200A settings> FIG. 8 shows that the process of switching the video to be distributed by video distribution application 200A depending on the background state can be turned on or off by setting video distribution application 200A.

[0083] FIG. 8(a) shows the video distribution application 200A in a state where the process of switching the main video is turned off.

[0084] FIG. 8(b) shows the video distribution application 200A in a state where the main video switching process is on.

[0085] Reference numeral 801 indicates that a setting menu that can change whether or not (enable / disable) the process of switching the main video of video distribution application 200A is turned off (disabled) by control unit 201. When the setting menu is turned off, even if video distribution application 200A goes into background mode during distribution, the video to be distributed is not switched, and the video that was being distributed before going into background mode is distributed.

[0086] Reference numeral 802 indicates that a setting menu for video distribution application 200A, which allows for the on / off of the process of switching the main video, is on (enabled). When the setting menu is on, if video distribution application 200A goes into the background during distribution, control unit 201 switches to the video to be distributed when video distribution application 200A goes into the background, and transmits the video data to distribution server 101.

[0087] Reference numeral 803 denotes a frame for setting the main video when video distribution application 200A is not in the background. 803 is displayed when the setting menu of 802 described above is on, and is not displayed when it is off.

[0088] Reference numeral 804 denotes a frame for setting the video to be distributed when video distribution application 200A is in the background state. 804 is displayed when the setting menu of 802 described above is on, and is not displayed when it is off.

[0089] <Description of the process of switching the video data on the display unit 206 of the imaging control device 200 to the main video and then starting distribution in the video distribution application 200A> FIG. 9 is a diagram showing that when the video distribution application 200A starts distribution, the video data on the display unit 206 of the imaging control device 200 is switched to the main video before distribution is started.

[0090] Reference numeral 901 denotes a setting menu that the video distribution application 200A displays on the display unit 206 of the imaging control device 200. In the setting menu, it is possible to set whether or not distribution is to start when the video distribution application 200A enters the background state.

[0091] Reference numeral 902 denotes a frame for setting the video to be distributed when video distribution application 200A is not in the background state.

[0092] Reference numeral 903 denotes a frame for setting the video to be distributed when video distribution application 200A is in the background.

[0093] 9(a) shows the video distribution application 200A before distribution starts. In the state shown in FIG. 9(a), the user can set whether or not distribution starts when the video distribution application 200A goes into the background.

[0094] 9(b) shows an operation in which, after setting in FIG. 9(a) to start distribution when the device goes into background mode, the user operates the imaging control device 200 to switch the app from video distribution app 200A to game app 200B. In FIG. 9(b), the imaging control device 200 has not yet transmitted video data to the distribution server 101, so the operation to switch the app is not distributed.

[0095] 9(c) shows that the application is switched from the state of FIG. 9(b) to game application 200B, and video distribution application 200A goes into the background state. When control unit 201 of imaging control device 200 detects that the application has gone into the background state in FIG. 9(c), it starts distribution and transmits the video data set in 903 to distribution server 101.

[0096] According to this embodiment, when a user operates the imaging control device 200 to switch from a video distribution application to another application, it is possible to switch the main video without the switching operation being displayed on the distributed video.

[0097] (Other embodiments) The present invention can also be realized by executing the following process: software (program) that realizes the functions of the above-described embodiments is supplied to a system or device via a network or various storage media, and the computer (or control unit, MPU, etc.) of the system or device reads and executes the program code. In this case, the program and the storage medium storing the program constitute the present invention.

[0098] Although the present invention has been described in detail above based on preferred embodiments thereof, the present invention is not limited to these specific embodiments, and various forms within the scope of the gist of the present invention are also included in the present invention. Parts of the above-described embodiments may be combined as appropriate.

[0099] Note that each functional unit in each of the above embodiments (variations) may or may not be individual hardware. The functions of two or more functional units may be realized by common hardware. Each of multiple functions of one functional unit may be realized by individual hardware. Two or more functions of one functional unit may be realized by common hardware. Furthermore, each functional unit may or may not be realized by hardware such as an ASIC, FPGA, or DSP. For example, an apparatus may have a processor and a memory (storage medium) in which a control program is stored. Then, the functions of at least some of the functional units of the apparatus may be realized by the processor reading and executing the control program from the memory.

[0100] The present invention can also be realized by supplying a program that realizes one or more functions of the above-described embodiments to a system or device via a network or a storage medium, and having one or more processors in the computer of the system or device read and execute the program. It can also be realized by a circuit (e.g., ASIC) that realizes one or more functions.

[0101] [Configuration 1] an acquisition means for acquiring a plurality of images; a setting means for setting, when a predetermined application is running in the background, a video including a first video among the plurality of videos as a distribution target, and for setting, when the predetermined application is not running in the background, a video not including the first video among the plurality of videos as a distribution target; An information processing device comprising:

[0102] [Configuration 2] a transmitting means for transmitting the video set as the distribution target to a distribution device; 2. The information processing device according to configuration 1, further comprising:

[0103] [Configuration 3] If the predetermined application is not running in the background, The predetermined application is running in the foreground, or the predetermined application is in the process of switching from either the foreground or the background to the other. 3. The information processing device according to configuration 2.

[0104] [Configuration 4] The display means is further provided, The display means When the predetermined application is running in the foreground, an application screen including the plurality of images is displayed. 4. The information processing device according to configuration 3, further comprising:

[0105] [Configuration 5] the application screen includes the plurality of images acquired by the acquisition means; 5. The information processing device according to configuration 4.

[0106] [Configuration 6] The display means On the application screen, the video set as the distribution target is displayed in an emphasized manner when the predetermined application is not running in the background. 6. The information processing device according to configuration 4 or 5.

[0107] [Configuration 7] The display means On the application screen, the video set as the distribution target is displayed in an emphasized manner when the predetermined application is running in the background. 7. The information processing device according to any one of configurations 4 to 6.

[0108] [Configuration 8] the application screen includes a setting menu that can be changed to enable or disable the video switching process; When the setting menu is enabled, if the predetermined application is running in the background, the setting means sets an image including a first image among the plurality of images as an object to be distributed, and if the predetermined application is not running in the background, sets an image not including the first image among the plurality of images as an object to be distributed. 8. The information processing device according to any one of configurations 4 to 7.

[0109] [Configuration 9] The transmitting means If the setting is configured to start distribution when the predetermined application enters a background state, information instructing the start of the distribution is transmitted to the distribution device when the predetermined application switches from the foreground to the background. 9. The information processing device according to any one of configurations 4 to 8.

[0110] [Configuration 10] The video including the first video and the video not including the first video are designated by a user. 10. The information processing device according to any one of configurations 1 to 9.

[0111] [Configuration 11] The setting means When the predetermined application is running in the background, an image further including a second image different from the first image among the plurality of images is set as an image to be distributed. 11. The information processing device according to any one of configurations 4 to 10.

[0112] [Configuration 12] The device further includes a determination unit for determining whether a predetermined application is running in the background. 12. The information processing device according to any one of configurations 4 to 11.

[0113] [Configuration 13] The first image is an image displayed on the display means. 13. The information processing device according to any one of configurations 4 to 12.

[0114] [Configuration 14] acquiring a plurality of images; When a predetermined application is running in the background, setting a video including a first video among the plurality of videos as a distribution target, and when the predetermined application is not running in the background, setting a video not including the first video among the plurality of videos as a distribution target; 2. A computer-implemented information processing method, comprising:

[0115] [Configuration 15] Computer, an acquisition means for acquiring a plurality of images; a setting means for setting, when a predetermined application is running in the background, an image including a first image among the plurality of images as an image to be distributed, and for setting, when the predetermined application is not running in the background, an image not including the first image among the plurality of images as an image to be distributed; an information processing device comprising: A program that functions as a

Claims

1. an acquisition means for acquiring a plurality of images; a setting means for setting, when a predetermined application is running in the background, a video including a first video among the plurality of videos as a distribution target, and for setting, when the predetermined application is not running in the background, a video not including the first video among the plurality of videos as a distribution target; An information processing device comprising:

2. a transmitting means for transmitting the video set as the distribution target to a distribution device; The information processing device according to claim 1 , further comprising:

3. If the predetermined application is not running in the background, The predetermined application is running in the foreground, or the predetermined application is in the process of switching from either the foreground or the background to the other. The information processing device according to claim 2 .

4. Further comprising a display means, The display means When the predetermined application is running in the foreground, an application screen including the plurality of images is displayed. The information processing device according to claim 3 , further comprising:

5. the application screen includes the plurality of images acquired by the acquisition means; The information processing device according to claim 4 .

6. The display means On the application screen, the video set as the distribution target is displayed in an emphasized manner when the predetermined application is not running in the background. The information processing device according to claim 4 .

7. The display means On the application screen, the video set as the distribution target is displayed in an emphasized manner when the predetermined application is running in the background. The information processing device according to claim 4 .

8. the application screen includes a setting menu that can be changed to enable or disable the video switching process; When the setting menu is enabled, if the predetermined application is running in the background, the setting means sets an image including a first image among the plurality of images as an object to be distributed, and if the predetermined application is not running in the background, sets an image not including the first image among the plurality of images as an object to be distributed. The information processing device according to claim 4 .

9. The transmitting means If the setting is configured to start distribution when the predetermined application enters a background state, information instructing the start of the distribution is transmitted to the distribution device when the predetermined application switches from the foreground to the background. The information processing device according to claim 4 .

10. The video including the first video and the video not including the first video are designated by a user. The information processing device according to claim 4 .

11. The setting means When the predetermined application is running in the background, an image further including a second image different from the first image among the plurality of images is set as an image to be distributed. The information processing device according to claim 4 .

12. The device further includes a determination unit for determining whether a predetermined application is running in the background. The information processing device according to claim 4 .

13. the first image is an image displayed on the display means; The information processing device according to any one of claims 4 to 12.

14. acquiring a plurality of images; When a predetermined application is running in the background, a video including a first video among the plurality of videos is set as a video to be distributed, and when the predetermined application is not running in the background, a video not including the first video among the plurality of videos is set as a video to be distributed; 2. A computer-implemented information processing method, comprising:

15. Computer, an acquisition means for acquiring a plurality of images; a setting means for setting, when a predetermined application is running in the background, a video including a first video among the plurality of videos as a distribution target, and for setting, when the predetermined application is not running in the background, a video not including the first video among the plurality of videos as a distribution target; an information processing device comprising: A program that functions as a

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