Viewing support device, viewing support method, and program

Abstract

To support viewing such as preventing a performance timing from being missed.SOLUTION: A viewing support device comprises: a person image identification unit which identifies an image of a person designated by a user; a broadcast program data receiving unit which receives broadcast program data; an authentication control unit which checks an image of a performer appearing in the broadcast program data against the identified image of the person; and a control unit which when a performer matching with the image of the person identified by the user is found as a result of the check, executes a predetermined operation for supporting viewing by the user.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a viewing support device, a viewing support method, and a program. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a technique for identifying the appearance timing of performers using face recognition technology in order to create metadata for television broadcast program data. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2024-008646 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] Even if a user wants to see a scene in which a performer (such as a player) appears in a broadcast program (such as a baseball game), they have no idea when the performer will appear and have to wait in front of the TV. Also, if a user uses a smartphone, computer, watches another program, cooks, or does other work while a broadcast program is playing on the TV, they may miss the appearance of the performer they want to see.

[0005] The present disclosure has been made to solve such problems, and aims to provide a viewing support device or the like that can support viewing by preventing the timing of an appearance from being missed, etc. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The viewing assistance device of the present disclosure includes a person image identification unit that identifies an image of a person specified by a user, a broadcast program data receiving unit that receives broadcast program data, an authentication control unit that compares images of performers in the broadcast program data with images of the identified person, and a control unit that executes a predetermined operation to assist the user in viewing if, as a result of the comparison, a performer is found that matches the image of the person specified by the user.

[0007] The viewing assistance method according to the present disclosure identifies an image of a person designated by a user, receives broadcast program data, compares images of performers in the broadcast program data with images of the identified person, and, if the comparison reveals a performer that matches the image of the person designated by the user, executes a predetermined operation to assist the user in viewing.

[0008] The program of the present disclosure causes a computer to perform the following processes: identifying an image of a person specified by a user; receiving broadcast program data; comparing images of performers in the broadcast program data with images of the identified person; and, if the comparison results in a performer being found that matches the image of the person specified by the user, performing a predetermined operation to assist the user in watching the program. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to support viewing by preventing viewers from missing the timing of an appearance, for example. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a viewing support device according to some embodiments. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a flowchart illustrating a viewing assistance method according to some embodiments. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a viewing assistance system according to some embodiments. [Figure 4]FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a viewing support device according to some embodiments. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the authentication device. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the face information registration process. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the face authentication process performed by the authentication device. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating a viewing support method involving a channel switching process according to another embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a viewing support device according to another embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a viewing support device. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0011] Hereinafter, specific embodiments to which the present invention is applied will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to the following embodiments. In addition, the following description and drawings have been simplified as appropriate for clarity of explanation.

[0012] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an example configuration of a viewing support device according to some embodiments. The viewing support device 10 is a computer that is installed in a viewing terminal that receives broadcast program data such as television broadcast data and that a user uses to view the program, or that is connected via a network. The viewing support device 10 supports the user's viewing using person image authentication technology. The viewing support device 10 includes a person image identification unit 101, a broadcast program data receiving unit 102, an authentication control unit 103, and a control unit 105. Some of these components may be realized by another computer.

[0013] The person image specification unit 101 specifies an image of a person specified by the user. For example, when the user inputs the name of a person the user wants to view, the image of the person the user wants to view may be specified from a data source of pre-created person images. Alternatively, the user may register an image (for example, a face image) of the person the user wants to view.

[0014] The broadcast program data receiving unit 102 receives broadcast program data. This disclosure covers not only regular television broadcasts that receive terrestrial waves, but also services that distribute video and audio via the Internet (also called Internet broadcasts). Internet broadcasts can be streaming-type broadcasts in which the broadcast times of programs are set, just like television broadcasts.

[0015] The authentication control unit 103 compares the images of the performers in the broadcast program data with the image of the identified person. The authentication control unit 103 can use various person image authentication technologies. If higher accuracy of authentication is required, face authentication technology may be used.

[0016] If the control unit 105 finds a performer matching the image of the person specified by the user as a result of the comparison, it executes a predetermined operation to support the user's viewing. The predetermined operation to support the user's viewing here includes, but is not limited to, sending a notification, changing the volume, issuing a notification sound / warning sound, changing the channel, starting recording, etc.

[0017] FIG. 2 is a flowchart illustrating a viewing assistance method according to some embodiments. The viewing support device 10 identifies an image of a person specified by the user (S11). The viewing support device 10 receives broadcast program data (S12). The viewing support device 10 compares images of performers in the broadcast program data with images of the identified person (S13). If, as a result of the comparison, the viewing support device 10 finds a performer that matches the image of the person specified by the user, the viewing support device 10 executes a predetermined operation to support the user's viewing (S14).

[0018] According to the viewing support device and method described above, by specifying the person you want to watch in advance and identifying an image of that person, viewing can be supported by authenticating that image with images of the performers in the broadcast program data, preventing you from missing their appearance.

[0019] FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a viewing assistance system according to some embodiments. The viewing support system 1 includes a viewing terminal 100, a user terminal 20a, and a user terminal 20b. A user 2 may watch a broadcast program (e.g., a baseball game broadcast) via the viewing terminal 100 in a living room or the like. The viewing terminal 100 is typically a television (i.e., a television receiver), but may also be another device such as a personal computer. The present disclosure includes a service (online distribution) that simultaneously distributes the same content as the broadcast content via a communication network (such as the Internet).

[0020] On the other hand, User 2 may view app games or social networking sites via the user terminal 20a, which is a smartphone. Alternatively, User 2 may perform tasks such as writing emails or texts via the user terminal 20b, which is a laptop computer. The user terminal 20 may be a device such as a smartphone, tablet computer, or computer. Alternatively, User 2 may leave the viewing terminal 100 (i.e., the living room) and perform other tasks such as cooking (for example, in the dining room).

[0021] The viewing support system 1 supports the user in viewing a broadcast program (for example, a baseball broadcast) so that the user does not miss a scene in which a performer (for example, a specific baseball player) appears. Specifically, in the viewing support system 1, a user 2 designates a specific performer (for example, a specific baseball player) in advance, identifies a face image of the performer, performs face authentication on the performer in the broadcast program data using the identified face image, and if face authentication is successful, executes a predetermined operation to support the user's viewing.

[0022] FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a viewing support device according to some embodiments. The viewing support device 10a may be a computer including a processor, a memory, etc. The viewing support device 10a may be integrally mounted on the viewing terminal 100, or may be a separate device connected to the viewing terminal 100 via a wired or wireless network.

[0023] User 2 registers usable user terminals 20a, 20b, etc. in association with the viewing terminal 100 in the viewing support device 10a. User 2 registers his / her favorite performers in the viewing support device 10a. User 2 may also register personal information such as age, gender, address, and hobbies in the viewing support device 10a.

[0024] The viewing support device 10a includes a person image identification unit 101a, a broadcast program data receiving unit 102a, an authentication control unit 103a, and a control unit 105a. The control unit 105a further includes a notification unit 1051, an audio control unit 1052, a recording unit 1053, and a channel (CH) switching unit 1054.

[0025] The person image identification unit 101a specifies a person (performer) and identifies an image of that person through user operation of the viewing terminal 100, user terminal 20a, 20b, etc. The person image identification unit 101 is connected via a network to a face information DB 510 (details of which will be described later) that stores issued performer IDs 511 and facial feature information 512 extracted from registered images in association with each other.

[0026] The broadcast program data receiving unit 102a receives broadcast program data (i.e., broadcast signals) from a broadcast station. The broadcast signals include video information and audio information.

[0027] The authentication control unit 103a compares the image of the specified person with the facial images of the performers in the broadcast program data. Specifically, the authentication control unit 103 cooperates with the authentication device 500 (described later) to verify whether the facial image of the specified person matches the facial images of the performers in the broadcast program data.

[0028] When the control unit 105a finds a performer that matches the image of a person specified by the user, the control unit 105a executes a predetermined operation to assist the user in viewing. Specifically, when the control unit 105 finds a performer that matches the image of a person specified by the user, the notification unit 1051 of the control unit 105 notifies the viewing terminal 100 of a predetermined display 110 along with a sound indicating that the performer has been found. The notification unit 1051 of the control unit 105 can notify the user terminals 20a and 20b owned by the user 2 (e.g., 21 in FIG. 3) and generate sounds (e.g., 210 and 211 in FIG. 3) to notify the user 2.

[0029] In this way, even if User 2 is away from the viewing terminal 100 and doing another task, he or she can prevent missing a scene in which a performer appears by seeing the notification on the user terminal and returning to the viewing terminal 100.

[0030] When the audio control unit 1052 of the control unit 105a finds a performer who matches the image of the person specified by the user, it can increase the volume of the viewing terminal 100 or generate a warning sound or notification sound (120 in FIG. 3) on the viewing terminal. This allows a user who is working away from the viewing terminal 100 to avoid missing a scene in which the performer appears by returning to the viewing terminal 100 due to the change in the audio of the viewing terminal 100.

[0031] Furthermore, if the notification unit 1051 of the control unit 105a notifies the user terminals 20a and 20b owned by the user 2, but the user is unable to return to the viewing terminal 100, the user can operate the user terminals 20a and 20b to activate the recording unit 1053 of the viewing support device 10a to record the broadcast program data. In this case, if the facial image of the performer (for example, a baseball player) cannot be found by face recognition for a predetermined period of time (i.e., the performer has disappeared), the recording unit 1053 of the viewing support device 10a may stop recording the broadcast program data.

[0032] When the channel switching unit 1054 of the control unit 105a finds a performer who matches the image of the person specified by the user in the broadcast program data specified by the user (for example, a baseball broadcast), it switches the other broadcast program data (for example, a drama) displayed on the viewing terminal 100 to the broadcast program data specified by the user (for example, a baseball broadcast). In other words, even if the user is watching another broadcast program (for example, a drama) on the viewing terminal 100, it is possible to prevent the user from missing a scene in which a specific performer (for example, a baseball player) appears in a broadcast program being broadcast at the same time (for example, a baseball broadcast).

[0033] In another embodiment, the control unit 105a may turn on the power of the display when a performer matching the image of a person specified by the user is found in broadcast program data specified by the user (for example, a baseball game broadcast).Also, if the performer cannot be found for a predetermined period of time as a result of face authentication, the control unit 105a may turn off the power of the display.

[0034] In some embodiments, by registering personal information such as a viewer's age, gender, address, and hobbies, the registered information can be used to learn trends in the popularity of performers. Television stations can use this information (e.g., who is popular among which age group) in their talent recruitment strategies. Registered information such as address and hobbies can be used in the recommendation function to viewers. In the case of address registration, programs featuring businesses near the viewer's home may be recommended as recommended programs. In the case of hobbies registration, programs tailored to the viewer's hobbies may be selected and recommended as recommended programs. The recommendation function also presents information about reruns and distribution information (such as TVer (registered trademark)) for the program. Viewers will not miss out on discounts / services exclusive to viewers of the program or special application campaigns within the program. This allows users to watch performers without missing them, even when it is unclear when a person they want to watch will appear on a music program, for example. Television stations can learn trends in the performers that viewers want to watch and use this information in their talent recruitment strategies. It is also possible to present personalized recommendations for each viewer.

[0035] 5 is a block diagram showing the configuration of an authentication device. The authentication device 500 includes a face information database (DB) 510, a face detection unit 520, a feature point extraction unit 530, a registration unit 540, and an authentication unit 550. The face information DB 510 stores performer IDs 511 and facial feature information 512 for the performer IDs in association with each other. The facial feature information 512 is a collection of feature points extracted from a facial image. The authentication device 500 may delete facial feature information 512 from the facial feature DB 510 in response to a request from a registered user of the facial feature information 512. Alternatively, the authentication device 500 may delete the facial feature information 512 after a certain period of time has elapsed since the registration of the facial feature information 512.

[0036] The face detection unit 520 detects a face area included in a registration image for registering face information, and outputs the detected face area to the feature point extraction unit 530. The feature point extraction unit 530 extracts feature points from the face area detected by the face detection unit 520, and outputs face feature information to the registration unit 540. The feature point extraction unit 530 also extracts feature points included in a face image received from the authentication control device (viewing support device 10a), and outputs the face feature information to the authentication unit 550.

[0037] When registering the facial feature information, the registration unit 540 issues a new performer ID 511. The registration unit 540 associates the issued performer ID 511 with facial feature information 512 extracted from the registered image and registers the associated information in the facial information DB 510. The authentication unit 550 performs facial authentication using the facial feature information 512. Specifically, the authentication unit 550 compares the facial feature information extracted from the facial image with the facial feature information 512 in the facial information DB 510. The authentication unit 550 returns a notification of whether or not the facial feature information matches to the authentication control device (viewing support device 10a). The presence or absence of a match in the facial feature information corresponds to the success or failure of authentication. Note that the facial feature information matches (matches) when the degree of match is equal to or greater than a predetermined value.

[0038] 6 is a flowchart showing the face information registration process. Here, an information registration terminal (not shown) photographs the body, including the face, of each performer, and transmits a face information registration request including the photographed image (registration image) to authentication device 500 via network N. The information registration terminal is, for example, an information processing device such as a personal computer, a smartphone, or a tablet terminal.

[0039] First, authentication device 500 acquires a registration image included in a facial information registration request (S21). For example, authentication device 500 receives a facial information registration request from an information registration terminal via network N. Next, face detection unit 520 detects a facial area included in the registration image (S22). Next, feature point extraction unit 530 extracts feature points from the facial area detected in step S22 and outputs facial feature information to registration unit 540 (S23). Finally, registration unit 540 issues a performer ID 511 and associates the performer ID 511 with facial feature information 512, and registers the associated information in facial information DB 510 (S24). Note that authentication device 500 may receive facial feature information 512 from the information registration terminal and register the associated information in facial information DB 510.

[0040] FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the facial authentication process performed by the authentication device 500. First, the feature point extraction unit 530 acquires a facial image for authentication included in a facial authentication request (S31). For example, the authentication device 500 receives a facial authentication request from the authentication control device (viewing support device 10a) via network N and extracts facial feature information from the facial image of the performer included in the facial authentication request, as in steps S21 to S23. Alternatively, the authentication device 500 may receive the facial feature information from the authentication control device (viewing support device 10a). Next, the authentication unit 550 compares the acquired facial feature information with facial feature information 512 in the facial information DB 510 (S32). If the facial feature information matches, that is, if the degree of match between the facial feature information is equal to or greater than a predetermined value (Yes in S33), the authentication unit 550 identifies the performer ID 511 of the performer whose facial feature information matches (S34) and returns a message indicating that facial authentication was successful and the identified performer ID 511 to the authentication control device (viewing support device 10a) (S35). If there is no matching facial feature information (No in S33), the authentication unit 550 returns a message to the authentication control device (viewing support device 10a) indicating that face authentication has failed (S36).

[0041] As described above, the authentication control unit 103 of the viewing support device 10 can work in cooperation with the authentication device 500 to authenticate whether the facial image of a specified person matches the facial image of a performer in the broadcast program data.

[0042] Furthermore, if the face image of the designated person matches the face image of a performer in the broadcast program data, the viewing support device 10a can execute a predetermined operation to support the user's viewing.

[0043] 8 is a diagram illustrating a viewing support method involving channel switching processing according to another embodiment. In this embodiment, when face authentication is successful, multiple broadcast program data are automatically switched. As shown in the upper diagram of Fig. 8, the viewing support device 10b displays music program data, which is a broadcast program, on the viewing terminal 100, and if face authentication of a baseball player in a baseball broadcast that is being broadcast on another channel is successful, switches the channel so that the baseball broadcast is displayed on the viewing terminal 100. Thereafter, the viewing terminal 100 continues to display the baseball broadcast, and if face authentication of the baseball player fails for a predetermined period of time (i.e., the baseball player does not appear for a predetermined period of time), switches the channel so that the original music program data is displayed on the viewing terminal 100.

[0044] In another example, the viewing support device 10b may perform face authentication on multiple performers for multiple broadcast program data and switch to broadcast program data of performers according to the priority of each performer. For example, a certain baseball player may have the highest priority, followed by a certain singer. If face authentication of the baseball player in certain broadcast program data is successful and face authentication of the singer in a competing program is also successful, the viewing support device 10b can display program data in which the baseball player with the highest priority appears. If face authentication of the baseball player subsequently fails for a predetermined period of time, the viewing support device 10b can display broadcast program data in which the singer with the second highest priority appears and for whom face authentication was successful.

[0045] FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a viewing support device according to another embodiment. The viewing support device 10b includes a multiple person image specifying unit 101b, a priority setting unit 111b, a multiple broadcast program data receiving unit 102b, an authentication control unit 103b, and a control unit 105b. The control unit 105b also includes a channel (CH) switching unit 1054b.

[0046] The multiple person image identification unit 101b specifies multiple people and identifies images of those people through user operations of the viewing terminal 100, user terminals 20a, 20b, etc. The multiple person image identification unit 101b is connected via a network to a face information DB 510 that stores issued performer IDs 511 and facial feature information 512 extracted from registered images in association with each other.

[0047] The priority setting unit 111b sets priorities of the specified people. For example, in the example of Fig. 8, the priority of a baseball player in a baseball broadcast is set to be the highest, and the priority of a singer in a music program is set to be the second highest.

[0048] The multiple broadcast program data receiving unit 102b receives multiple broadcast program data (i.e., multiple broadcast signals) from multiple broadcast stations. The broadcast signals include video information and audio information. For example, in the example of FIG. 8, the multiple broadcast program data includes baseball broadcast data and music program data.

[0049] The authentication control unit 103 compares the facial image of a specified person (for example, a baseball player) from among the performers of certain broadcast program data. At the same time, the authentication control unit 103 compares the image of another specified person (for example, a singer) from among the performers of another broadcast program data that is a counterprogram. Specifically, the authentication control unit 103 cooperates with the above-mentioned authentication device 500 to verify whether the facial image of the specified person matches the facial image of the performer in the broadcast program data.

[0050] When the control unit 105b finds multiple performers that match the image of a person specified by the user, the control unit 105b executes a predetermined operation to support the user's viewing, in accordance with the priority order. Specifically, when the channel switching unit 1054b of the control unit 105b finds multiple performers (e.g., a baseball player and a singer) that match the images of the multiple people specified by the user in multiple broadcast program data specified by the user (e.g., a baseball broadcast and a music program), the channel switching unit 1054b switches the broadcast program data displayed on the viewing terminal 100, in accordance with the priority order. In other words, even if the user is watching another broadcast program (e.g., a drama) on the viewing terminal 100, it is possible to prevent the user from missing a scene in which a specific performer (e.g., a baseball player) appears in a broadcast program that is being broadcast at the same time (e.g., a baseball broadcast). Furthermore, if the facial recognition result does not find a specific performer (e.g., a baseball player) in a broadcast program (e.g., a baseball game broadcast) currently being aired at the same time, but finds a specific performer (e.g., a singer) in another broadcast program (e.g., a music program) currently being aired at the same time, the user can be prevented from missing a scene in which the singer in the music program appears, even if the user is watching (zapping through) another broadcast program (e.g., a drama) on the viewing terminal 100.

[0051] FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing an example configuration of a viewing support device 10, 10a, or 10b (hereinafter, referred to as the viewing support device 10, etc.). Referring to FIG. 10, the viewing support device 10, etc. includes a network interface 1201, a processor 1202, and a memory 1203. The network interface 1201 is used to communicate with other network node devices constituting a communication system. The network interface 1201 may be used for wireless communication. For example, the network interface 1201 may be used for wireless LAN communication defined in the IEEE 802.11 series or mobile communication defined in 3GPP (registered trademark) (3rd Generation Partnership Project). Alternatively, the network interface 1201 may include, for example, a network interface card (NIC) conforming to the IEEE 802.3 series.

[0052] The processor 1202 reads and executes software (computer programs) from the memory 1203 to perform the processing of the viewing assistance device 10 and the like described using flowcharts or sequences in the above-described embodiments. The processor 1202 may be, for example, a microprocessor, an MPU (Micro Processing Unit), a CPU (Central Processing Unit), or a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit). The processor 1202 may include multiple processors.

[0053] The memory 1203 is configured by a combination of volatile memory and non-volatile memory. The memory 1203 may include storage located remotely from the processor 1202. In this case, the processor 1202 may access the memory 1203 via an I / O interface (not shown).

[0054] 10, the memory 1203 is used to store a group of software modules. The processor 1202 reads and executes these software modules from the memory 1203, thereby performing the processing of the viewing assistance device 10 and the like described in the above-described embodiment.

[0055] As explained using FIG. 10, each of the processors included in the viewing assistance device 10 or the like executes one or more programs including a group of instructions for causing a computer to perform the algorithm explained using the drawings.

[0056] Although the present disclosure has been described above with reference to the embodiments, the present disclosure is not limited to the above-described embodiments. Various modifications that can be understood by those skilled in the art can be made to the configuration and details of the present disclosure within the scope of the present disclosure. Furthermore, each embodiment can be combined with other embodiments as appropriate.

[0057] Each drawing is merely an example for describing one or more embodiments. Each drawing may relate not only to one particular embodiment, but also to one or more other embodiments. As will be understood by those skilled in the art, various features or steps described with reference to any one drawing can be combined with features or steps shown in one or more other drawings to create, for example, an embodiment not explicitly shown or described. Not all features or steps shown in any one drawing are necessary to describe an exemplary embodiment, and some features or steps may be omitted. The order of steps described in any drawing may be changed as appropriate.

[0058] In the above examples, the program includes instructions (or software code) that, when loaded into a computer, cause the computer to perform one or more functions described in the embodiments. The program may be stored on a non-transitory computer-readable medium or a tangible storage medium. By way of example and not limitation, computer-readable medium or tangible storage medium includes random-access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), flash memory, solid-state drive (SSD) or other memory technology, CD-ROM, digital versatile disc (DVD), Blu-ray® disc or other optical disk storage, magnetic cassette, magnetic tape, magnetic disk storage or other magnetic storage device. The program may also be transmitted on a transitory computer-readable medium or communication medium. By way of example and not limitation, transitory computer-readable medium or communication medium includes electrical, optical, acoustic, or other forms of propagated signals.

[0059] A part or all of the above-described embodiments can be described as, but not limited to, the following supplementary notes. (Appendix 1) a person image identification unit that identifies an image of a person designated by a user; a broadcast program data receiving unit that receives broadcast program data; an authentication control unit that compares an image of the performer in the broadcast program data with an image of the identified person; and a control unit that, when the collation results in the discovery of a performer that matches the image of the person specified by the user, executes a predetermined operation to assist the user in viewing the content. Viewing assistance device. (Appendix 2) The viewing support device according to claim 1, wherein the control unit transmits a notification to a viewing terminal for viewing broadcast program data or a user terminal different from the viewing terminal. (Appendix 3) The viewing support device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the control unit increases the volume of a viewing terminal for viewing the broadcast program data. (Appendix 4) The viewing support device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the control unit generates a notification sound on a viewing terminal for viewing the broadcast program data. (Appendix 5) The control unit of the viewing support device described in Appendix 1 or 2 switches the channel of the broadcast program data in which the performer matching the image of the person appears on the viewing terminal that is currently viewing another broadcast program data. (Appendix 6) the person image specifying unit specifying images of a plurality of different people designated by a user; a priority setting unit that sets priorities for the plurality of people; the broadcast signal receiving unit receiving broadcast signals of a plurality of broadcast program data broadcast at the same time, The viewing support device described in Appendix 1 or 2, wherein when the control unit finds multiple different performers from the multiple broadcast program data that match images of the multiple different people identified by the user, it switches the channel of the viewing terminal on which the broadcast program data can be viewed based on the set priority. (Appendix 7) the control unit transmits a notification to a user terminal different from the viewing terminal, The viewing assistance device according to claim 2, wherein the user terminal, upon receiving the notification, instructs the control unit to record the broadcast program data. (Appendix 8) 3. The viewing support device according to claim 1, wherein the authentication control unit compares a facial image of a performer in the broadcast program data with a facial image of the identified person through facial authentication. (Appendix 9) Identifying an image of a person specified by the user; Receives broadcast program data, Matching the images of the performers in the broadcast program data with the images of the identified person; If the collation finds that the performer matches the image of the person specified by the user, the viewing assistance method executes a predetermined operation to assist the user in viewing. (Appendix 10) Identifying an image of a person specified by a user; A process of receiving broadcast program data; A process of matching an image of the performer of the broadcast program data with an image of the identified person; A program that causes a computer to execute a process of performing a predetermined operation to assist the user in viewing if, as a result of the comparison, a performer is found that matches the image of the person specified by the user.

[0060] Some or all of the elements (e.g., configurations and functions) described in Supplementary Notes 2 to 8 that are dependent on Supplementary Note 1 may also be dependent on Supplementary Notes 9 and 10 in the same dependency relationship as Supplementary Notes 2 to 8. Some or all of the elements described in any Supplementary Note may be applied to various hardware, software, recording means for recording software, systems, and methods. [Explanation of symbols]

[0061] 1. Viewing support system 2 users 10, 10a, 10b Viewing assistance device 20, 20a, 20b User terminal 100 viewing devices 101 Person image identification unit 101a Person image identification section 101b Multiple person image identification unit 102, 102a Broadcast program data receiving unit 102b Multiple broadcast program data receiving unit 103, 103a, 103b authentication control unit 105, 105a, 105b control units 110 displays 111b Priority setting part 500 Authentication Device 512 facial feature information 520 Face detection unit 530 Feature Point Extraction Unit 540 Registration Department 550 Authentication Department 1051 Notification Department 1052 Audio control section 1053 Recording Department 1054, 1054b channel switching section

Claims

1. a person image identification unit that identifies an image of a person designated by a user; a broadcast program data receiving unit that receives broadcast program data; an authentication control unit that compares an image of the performer in the broadcast program data with an image of the identified person; and a control unit that, when the collation results in the discovery of a performer that matches the image of the person specified by the user, executes a predetermined operation to assist the user in viewing the content. Viewing assistance device.

2. The viewing support device according to claim 1 , wherein the control unit transmits a notification to a viewing terminal for viewing the broadcast program data or a user terminal different from the viewing terminal.

3. The viewing support device according to claim 1 , wherein the control unit increases the volume of a viewing terminal for viewing the broadcast program data.

4. The viewing support device according to claim 1 , wherein the control unit generates a notification sound on a viewing terminal for viewing the broadcast program data.

5. 3. The viewing support device according to claim 1, wherein the control unit switches a channel of broadcast program data in which the performer matching the image of the person appears on the viewing terminal currently viewing another broadcast program data.

6. the person image specifying unit specifying images of a plurality of different people designated by a user; a priority setting unit that sets priorities for the plurality of people; The broadcast program data receiving unit receives broadcast signals of a plurality of broadcast program data broadcast at the same time, The viewing support device of claim 1 or 2, wherein when the control unit finds multiple different performers from the multiple broadcast program data that match images of the multiple different people identified by the user, it switches the channel of the viewing terminal on which the broadcast program data can be viewed based on the set priority.

7. the control unit transmits a notification to a user terminal different from the viewing terminal, The viewing support device according to claim 2 , wherein the user terminal, upon receiving the notification, instructs the control unit to record the broadcast program data.

8. The viewing support device according to claim 1 , wherein the authentication control unit compares a face image of a performer in the broadcast program data with a face image of the identified person by face authentication.

9. Identifying an image of a person specified by the user; Receives broadcast program data, Matching the images of the performers in the broadcast program data with the images of the identified person; If the collation finds that the performer matches the image of the person specified by the user, the viewing assistance method executes a predetermined operation to assist the user in viewing.

10. Identifying an image of a person specified by a user; A process of receiving broadcast program data; A process of matching an image of the performer of the broadcast program data with an image of the identified person; A program that causes a computer to execute a process of performing a predetermined operation to assist the user in viewing if, as a result of the comparison, a performer is found that matches the image of the person specified by the user.

Images