Information processing apparatus, video distribution method, and video distribution program

Abstract

To encourage users to view a video while communicating with each other.SOLUTION: Group viewing video distribution processing distributes, to portable terminals registered in a group, video data for a group showing a video that cannot be viewed unless a portable terminal is registered in the group. This requires a plurality of users to register their portable terminals in the group and view the video played with the video data for a group at close range in order to view the video; therefore, the group viewing video distribution processing can encourage the users to view the video while communicating with each other.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 8

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] In recent years, an increasing number of users are watching videos such as movies, dramas, and animations using portable information processing devices such as smartphones and tablet devices. As a result, technological developments are underway to enable users to enjoy watching videos more.

[0003] Patent Document 1 discloses a video playback control method that aims to share video in a community consisting of multiple users who are far apart, and to realize a sense of unity as if all the users were gathered in one place and watching the same video together. The video playback control method described in Patent Document 1 preferentially executes playback control commands sent by users with high favorability ratings in the community, based on comment evaluation information given by other users to comments entered by the user. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2003-163911 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] The video playback control method described in Patent Document 1 is intended for a community consisting of multiple users who are far apart, and is not intended for a community in which all users are gathered in close proximity to watch the same video together.

[0006] In other words, there is a need for technological development that allows users to enjoy watching videos more even when they are all gathered in close proximity and watching the same video together.One of the concepts behind this technological development is the new need for users who are gathered in close proximity to be able to watch videos while communicating with each other.

[0007] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above circumstances, and aims to provide an information processing device, a video distribution method, and a video distribution program that can encourage users to watch videos while communicating with each other. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] In order to solve the above problems, the information processing device, video distribution method, and video distribution program of the present invention employ the following means.

[0009] In order to solve the above problem, one aspect of the present invention, an "information processing device," is an information processing device that distributes video data to a plurality of information processing terminals, and is equipped with a group registration means that accepts registration of a group consisting of a plurality of information processing terminals located in close proximity, and a video data distribution means that distributes the video data to the plurality of information processing terminals registered as the group, and the video data distribution means distributes group video data indicating videos that cannot be viewed unless registered as the group to the information processing terminals registered as the group.

[0010] In order to solve the above problem, one aspect of the present invention, a "video distribution method," is a video distribution method for distributing video data to a plurality of information processing terminals, and includes a first step of accepting registration of a group consisting of a plurality of information processing terminals located in close proximity, and a second step of distributing the video data to the plurality of information processing terminals registered as the group, wherein the second step distributes group video data indicating videos that cannot be viewed unless registered as the group to the information processing terminals registered as the group.

[0011] In order to solve the above problem, one aspect of the present invention, a "video distribution program," causes a computer to function as a group registration means that accepts registration of a group consisting of multiple information processing terminals located in close proximity, and a video data distribution means that distributes video data indicating videos that cannot be viewed unless registered as part of the group to the information processing terminals registered as part of the group.

[0012] Various technical limitations may be imposed on the above-mentioned "information processing device," as exemplified below. Furthermore, technical limitations of the same nature may be imposed on the processing steps executed by the "video distribution method" or the functions of the "video distribution program."

[0013] The moving image data distribution means distributes the group moving image data that is to be played back simultaneously on the plurality of information processing terminals registered as the group to form one moving image.

[0014] The moving image data distribution means distributes the group moving image data, which is a single moving image when a user views the group moving image data by arranging the plurality of information processing terminals in a plane or a three-dimensional manner.

[0015] The moving image data distribution means distributes the group moving image data so that at least one of images and sounds reproduced is different in at least some of the information processing terminals registered as the group.

[0016] The video data distribution means distributes the group video data distributed to some of the information processing terminals to the other information processing terminals thereafter.

[0017] The video data distribution means distributes the group video data, which includes elements that cannot be viewed on the information processing terminals that are not registered as part of the group, to the information processing terminals that are registered as part of the group.

[0018] The element is at least one of an image and a sound to be reproduced.

[0019] The video data distribution means distributes the group video data when the viewing environment of the information processing terminal satisfies a predetermined condition.

[0020] The audio-visual environment is at least one of brightness and sound detected by the information processing terminal.

[0021] The group registration means acquires location information of the information processing terminal via the information processing terminal, and registers a plurality of the information processing terminals within a predetermined range as the close distance as a group. [Effects of the Invention]

[0022] According to the present invention, it is possible to encourage users to watch videos while communicating with each other. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0023] [Figure 1] 1 is a configuration diagram of a video distribution system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of a server according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] 2 is a functional block diagram relating to a video distribution function of the server according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a video displayed on a mobile terminal registered in a group according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing the arrangement of a plurality of mobile terminals when watching a group viewing video according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a video displayed on a mobile terminal registered in a group according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a video displayed on a mobile terminal registered in a group according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8] 10 is a flowchart showing the flow of group viewing video distribution processing according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a video displayed on a mobile terminal registered in a group according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 10] FIG. 11 is a functional block diagram relating to a video distribution function of a server according to a third embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 11] 13 is a flowchart showing the flow of group viewing video distribution processing according to the third embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0024] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS An information processing device, a video distribution method, and a video distribution program according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0025] [1. First embodiment] A first embodiment of the present invention will be described below.

[0026] [1-1. Video distribution system configuration] 1 is a schematic diagram of a video distribution system 1 according to this embodiment. The video distribution system 1 includes a communication line 2, a plurality of mobile terminals 3, and a server 4.

[0027] The communication line 2 forms a computer network, and is, for example, a wide area communication line provided by an electric utility company.

[0028] The mobile terminal 3 is, for example, an information processing terminal such as a smartphone, tablet terminal, or laptop computer. The mobile terminal 3 is equipped with a touch panel display 3a for displaying images, a speaker 3b for outputting sound, a microphone 3c for inputting sound, and a camera 3d for capturing images of a subject. In order to play video data distributed from the server 4, for example, dedicated application software is installed on the mobile terminal 3.

[0029] The server 4 is an information processing device that distributes video data to multiple mobile terminals 3 via the communication line 2. The video data represents video that has a story, such as an anime or drama, and progresses along the story. The server 4 distributes the video data to the mobile terminals 3, for example, by non-live streaming rather than live streaming. The mobile terminals 3 that receive the video data play the video data and display it on the touch panel display 3a, and output sound from the speakers 3b.

[0030] A plurality of mobile terminals 3 to which video data is distributed are located in close proximity and are registered in the server 4 as a group 5 (hereinafter referred to as "group registration"). That is, the plurality of mobile terminals 3 registered in the group display video based on the video data distributed from the server 4 at the same time, in other words, in synchronization, on their touch panel displays 3a. Then, each user of the mobile terminals 3 registered in the group will watch the video at the same time.

[0031] 1, group 5 is made up of four mobile terminals 3, but this is just an example, and there is no limit to the number of mobile terminals 3 in group 5 as long as group 5 is made up of multiple mobile terminals 3. There is also no limit to the types of mobile terminals 3 that make up group 5, and a mixture of smartphones, tablet terminals, laptop computers, etc. may be present.

[0032] [1-2. Server configuration] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of the server 4 according to this embodiment.

[0033] The server 4 according to this embodiment comprises a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 20, which is the main control unit that controls the operation of the entire server 4, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 22 in which various programs and various data are pre-stored, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 24 that is used as a work area when the CPU 20 executes various programs, and an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) 26 as a storage means for storing various programs and various data.

[0034] The HDD 26 stores information about the registered group 5 and video data to be distributed to the mobile terminal 3. Note that the storage means is not limited to the HDD 26, and may be, for example, another storage medium such as a semiconductor memory, such as a flash memory.

[0035] Furthermore, the server 4 is equipped with an operation input unit 28 consisting of a keyboard, mouse, etc., which accepts input of various operations, a monitor 30 such as a liquid crystal display device which displays various images, and an external interface 32 which is connected to other information processing devices such as a mobile terminal 3 via the communication line 2 and sends and receives various data to and from the other information processing devices.

[0036] The CPU 20, ROM 22, RAM 24, HDD 26, operation input unit 28, monitor 30, and external interface 32 are electrically connected to one another via a system bus 34. Therefore, the CPU 20 can access the ROM 22, RAM 24, and HDD 26, grasp the operation status of the operation input unit 28, display images on the monitor 30, and transmit and receive various data to and from other information processing devices, etc. via the external interface 32.

[0037] [1-3. Video distribution function of the server according to this embodiment] FIG. 3 is a functional block diagram relating to the video distribution function of the server 4 according to this embodiment.

[0038] The CPU 20 of the server 4 includes a group registration unit 40, a video data distribution unit 42, and a distribution video selection unit 44. Each function of the CPU 20 is realized by a program stored in the HDD .

[0039] The group registration unit 40 accepts registration of a group 5 made up of a plurality of mobile terminals 3 located in close proximity.

[0040] The group registration unit 40, for example, acquires location information of the mobile terminal 3 via the mobile terminal 3, and registers a plurality of mobile terminals 3 that are within a predetermined range as a close distance (for example, within 10 m, hereinafter referred to as a "close distance range") as a group 5. Note that a user ID (identification) is also acquired together with the location information of the mobile terminal 3. The user ID is used as an ID to be entered into a login screen when the user receives a video distribution service.

[0041] Whether or not there is a mobile terminal 3 within the close range can be determined by, for example, a single mobile terminal 3 designated as a host. (hereinafter referred to as the "host terminal") is located within a diameter of 10 m, and this is determined based on whether or not the mobile terminals 3 located within the close distance range are within the close distance range. More specifically, the host mobile terminal 3 first logs in to the video distribution service, which initiates the registration of the group 5, and the other mobile terminals 3 then apply for permission to join the registered group 5. The host terminal determines whether or not to grant the permission request from the other mobile terminals 3, and the group registration unit 40 determines whether or not the distance between the host terminal and the other mobile terminals 3 is within the close distance range.

[0042] Only when the group registration unit 40 determines that the other portable terminal 3 is within the close distance range, does the group registration unit 40 permit the other portable terminal 3 to be registered in the group 5, following the permission of the host terminal. On the other hand, when it determines that the other portable terminal 3 is not within the close distance range, the group registration unit 40 does not permit the other portable terminal 3 to be registered in the group 5, even if the host terminal gives permission.

[0043] The group registration unit 40 may register the group 5 only by registering the user ID without acquiring the location information of the portable terminal 3. In this case, whether or not permission is granted to the application for permission from the other portable terminal 3 is determined only by the host terminal.

[0044] The video data distribution unit 42 distributes video data to a plurality of mobile terminals 3 registered in a group. As an example, the video data distribution unit 42 distributes video data to all of the mobile terminals 3 registered in the group. Note that the distribution of video data is performed by streaming playback, as an example.

[0045] The video data distribution unit 42 according to this embodiment can distribute video data to mobile terminals 3 that are not registered in a group. On the other hand, for mobile terminals 3 that are registered in a group, the video data distribution unit 42 can distribute video data indicating videos that cannot be viewed unless the mobile terminals 3 are registered in a group. (hereinafter referred to as "group video data") will be distributed.

[0046] In the following description, video data distributed to mobile terminals 3 that are not registered in a group will be referred to as normal video data. In the video distribution system 1 according to this embodiment, videos that can be viewed by playing back normal video data are complete, and users can understand the progress of the video by only playing back the normal video data.

[0047] The process of distributing group video data is called group viewing video distribution process. As an example, the group viewing video distribution process according to this embodiment switches from normal video data to group video data as the video progresses and distributes it to mobile terminals 3 registered in a group.

[0048] The timing at which the video progress switches from normal video data to group video data is called a group viewing branch. For mobile terminals 3 that are not registered in a group, the distribution of normal video data continues even when the group viewing branch is reached, without switching from normal video data to group video data.

[0049] The distribution video selection unit 44 selects video data to be distributed by the video data distribution unit 42 and reads it from the HDD 26. That is, for a mobile terminal 3 registered in a group, if the progression of the video reaches a group viewing branch, the distribution video selection unit 44 selects group video data, reads it from the HDD 26, and distributes it to the video data distribution unit 42. On the other hand, if the progression of the video does not reach a group viewing branch, the distribution video selection unit 44 selects normal video data, reads it from the HDD 26, and distributes it to the video data distribution unit 42.

[0050] [1-4. Details of group viewing video distribution processing according to this embodiment] The group viewing video distribution process according to this embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0051] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a video 50 displayed on the mobile terminals 3A to 3D registered in a group in the group viewing branch.

[0052] The group viewing video distribution process described with reference to Fig. 4 distributes group video data that is made into one video 50 by being played simultaneously on multiple mobile terminals 3A to 3D registered in a group, and the video played back is different on all of the mobile terminals 3. Note that in the example of Fig. 4, it is assumed that when the progress of the video reaches a group viewing branch, the user will view the video by arranging multiple mobile terminals 3A to 3D in a plane.

[0053] Video 50A1 displayed on mobile terminal 3D is video 50 that is displayed by playing normal video data, that is, video 50 that is displayed on mobile terminals 3 that are not registered in a group. On the other hand, videos 50B1-1 to 50B1-3 displayed on mobile terminals 3A to 3C are videos 50 that are displayed by playing group video data. Therefore, videos 50B1-1 to 50B1-3 are videos that cannot be viewed on mobile terminals 3 that are not registered in a group.

[0054] 4, moving images 50B1-1 to 50B1-3 display the background of moving image 50A1, and by combining moving images 50B1-1 to 50B1-3 with moving image 50A1, a moving image with a wider angle of view is formed compared to when only moving image A1 is played. Then, by viewing moving images 50B1-1 to 50B1-3 simultaneously with moving image 50A1, the user can understand them as a single moving image.

[0055] In this way, the group viewing video distribution process described using Figure 4 allows users to view videos by arranging multiple mobile terminals 3 registered in a group, thereby encouraging users to watch videos while communicating with each other.

[0056] The mobile terminal 3 to which the group video data is delivered is determined randomly by the video data delivery unit 42, for example.

[0057] Also, in the example of Figure 4, the number of mobile terminals 3 registered in the group matches the number of mobile terminals 3 required to create one video 50 (hereinafter referred to as the "required number of terminals"), but there are cases where the number of mobile terminals 3 registered in the group does not match the required number of terminals.

[0058] If the number of mobile terminals 3 registered in a group is greater than the required number of terminals, for example, one mobile terminal 3 may be used to play each group video data, and two or more mobile terminals 3 may be used to play normal video data. Also, if the number of mobile terminals 3 registered in a group is less than the required number of terminals, at least one mobile terminal 3 may be used to play normal video data, and some of the group video data may be played on other mobile terminals 3.

[0059] 4, a configuration in which a plurality of mobile terminals 3 registered as a group are arranged in a plane (two-dimensionally) has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this, and a configuration in which a plurality of mobile terminals 3 registered as a group are arranged in a three-dimensional manner (three-dimensionally) may also be used, as shown in Fig. 5. In the example of Fig. 5, two mobile terminals 3 are arranged so that the long axis direction of the other two mobile terminals 3 is approximately perpendicular, but the three-dimensional arrangement is not limited to this.

[0060] By arranging a plurality of mobile terminals 3 in a three-dimensional manner, it is possible to provide a user with a three-dimensional field of view in a video set in a dungeon such as a cave or labyrinth, for example.

[0061] FIG. 6 shows a case where different images are played back on at least some of the mobile terminals 3A to 3D registered in a group.

[0062] Video 50A2 displayed on mobile terminals 3A, 3C, and 3D is video 50 that is displayed by playing normal video data, i.e., video 50 that is displayed even on mobile terminals 3 that are not registered in a group. On the other hand, video 50B2 played on mobile terminal 3B is video 50 that is displayed by playing group video data. In other words, video 50B2 displayed on mobile terminal 3B is video that cannot be viewed on mobile terminals 3 that are not registered in a group.

[0063] 6, video 50B2 also displays a person who is conversing with the person displayed in video 50A2, in other words, video 50B2 is a video with a different camera angle than video 50A2. A user watching video 50A2 can then clearly see who the person in video 50A2 is conversing with by simultaneously watching video 50B2.

[0064] Group viewing branching with different camera angles, as shown in Figure 6, is called angle branching. Examples of angle branching include a close-up of the main character in the same scene on some of the mobile devices 3, a foreshadowing event being displayed on some of the mobile devices 3, and a scene in which multiple characters individually respond to a call and one character is displayed on each mobile device 3.

[0065] In angle branching, it is not necessary to arrange a plurality of mobile terminals 3 side by side as shown in Fig. 4. Each user of a mobile terminal 3 may only watch the video played on his / her own mobile terminal 3.

[0066] FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a form in which group video data distributed to some mobile terminals 3 is subsequently distributed to other mobile terminals 3 in angle branching.

[0067] Fig. 7(A) shows a state of video display on mobile terminal 3B where group video data is being played. In the example of Fig. 7(A), a notification image 52 such as "original screen displaying" is displayed so that the user can recognize that the video displayed on mobile terminal 3B is an original video 50B3 different from that displayed on other mobile terminals 3A, 3C, and 3D. In addition, a share button 54 for sharing the video is displayed on mobile terminal 3B.

[0068] If a user notices that the video displayed on their own mobile terminal 3B is not displayed on the other mobile terminals 3A, 3C, and 3D, they can tap the share button 54 to display the same video as their own on the other mobile terminals 3A, 3C, and 3D.

[0069] That is, when the share button 54 is tapped, the server 4 also distributes the group video data to the other mobile terminals 3A, 3C, and 3D. As an example, as shown in FIG. 7(B), the other mobile terminals 3A, 3C, and 3D to which the new group video data has been distributed may display a video 50B3 in which the group video data has been played back superimposed on a video 50A3 in which the normal video data has been played back using a wipe 56, or may switch from playing the normal video data to playing the group video data.

[0070] The group viewing video distribution process shown in FIGS. 6 and 7 distributes group video data to some of the mobile terminals 3B registered in the group, so that users of the other mobile terminals 3A, 3C, and 3D need to communicate with the user of mobile terminal 3B to watch video 50B3 reproduced from the group video data. Therefore, the group viewing video distribution process can encourage users to watch videos while communicating with each other. Furthermore, users of the other mobile terminals 3A, 3C, and 3D may not be able to watch the video reproduced from the group video data in a single video viewing session. Therefore, it is expected that users will want to view the video a second time by lining up multiple mobile terminals 3A to 3D. Therefore, the group viewing video distribution process can encourage users to watch videos while communicating with each other.

[0071] Furthermore, the group viewing video distribution process may distribute group video data so that at least one of the images and sounds played back is different. That is, the sounds output by some mobile terminals 3 may be different from the sounds output by other mobile terminals 3. Furthermore, the images and sounds played back by some mobile terminals 3 may be different from those played back by other mobile terminals 3.

[0072] For example, a scream of one of the characters in a video is output from some of the mobile terminals 3 that are not registered in a group, and then a video in which the other characters turn around is played on all of the mobile terminals 3. Note that, because the scream is not output to the mobile terminals 3 that are not registered in a group, even if a video in which the other characters turn around is then played, the users watching the video will not immediately understand what has happened.

[0073] If the audio from some of the mobile terminals 3 is different from the audio from other mobile terminals 3, the users of the other mobile terminals 3 will inevitably know this because they are in close proximity. Therefore, the users of the other mobile terminals 3 will communicate with the users of some of the mobile terminals 3 to find out what the audio is. Furthermore, since it is expected that users will want to view a second video on multiple mobile terminals 3 side by side, the group viewing video distribution process can encourage users to watch videos while communicating with each other.

[0074] [1-5. Group viewing video distribution processing flow according to this embodiment] 8 is a flowchart showing the flow of the group viewing video distribution process according to this embodiment, which is executed by CPU 20 of server 4. A program for executing the group viewing video distribution process is pre-stored in a predetermined area of ​​HDD 26. The group viewing video distribution process starts when distribution of regular video data starts.

[0075] First, in step 100, the distribution moving image selection unit 44 determines whether the progress of the moving image has reached a group viewing branch. If the determination is affirmative, the process proceeds to step 102; if the determination is negative, the process proceeds to step 110.

[0076] In step 102, the distribution moving image selection unit 44 determines whether or not the mobile terminal 3 is registered in a group. If the determination is affirmative, the process proceeds to step 104, and if the determination is negative, the process proceeds to step .

[0077] In step 104, the distribution video selection unit 44 selects group video data and normal video data according to the group viewing branch, and the process proceeds to step 108. The selected group video data and normal video data are distributed by the video data distribution unit 42 to the mobile terminals 3 registered in the group.

[0078] In step 106, the distribution moving image selection unit 44 selects only normal moving image data, and the process proceeds to step 108. The selected normal moving image data is distributed by the moving image data distribution unit 42 to mobile terminals 3 that are not registered in the group.

[0079] In step 108, the video data delivery unit 42 delivers the video data selected in step 104 or step 106 to the mobile terminal 3.

[0080] In the next step 110, the distribution moving image selection unit 44 determines whether or not the distribution of the moving image has ended. If the determination is negative, the process returns to step 100, and if the determination is positive, the group viewing moving image distribution process ends.

[0081] As described above, the group viewing video distribution process according to this embodiment distributes group video data indicating videos that cannot be viewed without group registration to group-registered mobile devices 3. Therefore, in order to view videos played using group video data, it becomes necessary to group-register the mobile devices 3 of multiple users and for the users to view the videos in close proximity to each other, and therefore the group viewing video distribution process can encourage users to watch videos while communicating with each other.

[0082] [2. Second Embodiment] A second embodiment of the present invention will now be described.

[0083] The configurations of the video distribution system 1 and the server 4 according to this embodiment are the same as those of the video distribution system 1 and the server 4 according to the first embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, and therefore a description thereof will be omitted.

[0084] In addition, the video data distribution unit 42 in this embodiment distributes group video data including elements (hereinafter referred to as "group viewing elements") that cannot be viewed on mobile terminals 3 that are not registered in the group to mobile terminals 3 that are registered in the group.

[0085] [2-1. Details of the group viewing video distribution process according to this embodiment] The group viewing video distribution process according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Figure 9. In the example shown in Figure 9, the group viewing element is an image. In the group viewing video distribution process according to this embodiment, as an example, the same video data is distributed to all mobile terminals 3 registered in the group at the group viewing branch, and the same video is played. In other words, in the group viewing video distribution process according to this embodiment, the group viewing element is viewable on all mobile terminals 3 registered in the group, but this is not limiting, and the group viewing element may be viewable only on some mobile terminals 3 registered in the group.

[0086] Figure 9(A) shows video 50A4 displayed on a mobile terminal 3 that is not registered in a group, and Figures 9(B) and (C) show videos 50B4-1 and 50B4-2 displayed on a mobile terminal 3 that is registered in a group.

[0087] In FIG. 9(B), image 70 included in video 50B4-1 is a group viewing element, and users cannot view image 70 on mobile terminals 3 that are not registered in the group.

[0088] In the group viewing video distribution process according to this embodiment, when a group viewing branch is reached, group video data in which the group viewing elements can be viewed is distributed to all mobile terminals 3 registered in the group, while normal video data in which the group viewing elements cannot be viewed is distributed to mobile terminals 3 that are not registered in the group.

[0089] Alternatively, the group video data may be subjected to image processing on the group viewing element, and the image processing may be made cancelable on the mobile device 3. That is, when the progression of the video reaches a group viewing branch, the mobile device 3 not registered in the group plays the video without canceling the image processing on the group video data, while the mobile device 3 registered in the group plays the video after canceling the image processing on the group video data. Note that the image processing may be any image processing that indicates the presence of a group viewing element, such as mosaic processing or filling in with a predetermined color. This allows the user to recognize that they are watching a video that has been image processed when playing the group video data on a mobile device 3 not registered in the group. Such image processing can prompt the user to register the mobile device 3 as a group.

[0090] 9(C), the group viewing element is the range (hereinafter referred to as the "enlarged image range") 72 indicated by the dashed line in video 50B4-2, which has an enlarged angle of view compared to video 50A4. In other words, users of mobile terminals 3 that are not registered in a group cannot view enlarged image range 72.

[0091] In the group viewing video distribution process according to this embodiment, the viewability of group viewing elements may be controlled by changing the playback size of the group video data. That is, when the progression of the video reaches a group viewing branch, mobile devices 3 that are not registered in the group will play the video by enlarging the playback size (vertical and horizontal dimensions) of the group video data so that the enlarged image area 72 cannot be viewed. On the other hand, mobile devices 3 that are registered in the group will play the video without enlarging it so that the enlarged image area 72 can be viewed.

[0092] The group viewing element may be a sound played from group video data. In this case, when the sound that is the group viewing element is played on a mobile terminal 3 that is not registered in the group, a restriction sound (a beep) is superimposed on it so that the user cannot hear it.

[0093] Furthermore, when the progress of a video being played on a mobile terminal 3 that is not registered in a group reaches a group viewing branch, a notification may be given, such as by displaying a message indicating that the group viewing element cannot be viewed.

[0094] As described above, the group viewing video distribution process according to this embodiment distributes group video data including elements that cannot be viewed on mobile devices 3 that are not registered in the group to group-registered mobile devices. Therefore, in order to view a video played using group video data, it becomes necessary to register the mobile devices 3 of multiple users in a group and for the users to view the video in close proximity to each other, and therefore the group viewing video distribution process can encourage users to view the video while communicating with each other.

[0095] 3. Third Embodiment A third embodiment of the present invention will now be described.

[0096] The configurations of the video distribution system 1 and the server 4 according to this embodiment are the same as those of the video distribution system 1 and the server 4 according to the first embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, and therefore a description thereof will be omitted.

[0097] [3-1. Video distribution function of the server according to this embodiment] FIG. 10 is a functional block diagram relating to the video distribution function of the server 4 according to this embodiment.

[0098] The CPU 20 of the server 4 includes a group registration unit 40, a video data distribution unit 42, a distribution video selection unit 44, and a viewing environment determination unit 80.

[0099] The viewing environment determination unit 80 determines whether or not the viewing environment of the mobile terminal 3 satisfies a predetermined condition (hereinafter referred to as a "group viewing condition") The group viewing condition is determined according to the group viewing branch.

[0100] The viewing environment is information detected by the mobile terminal 3, such as brightness and sound. Brightness is detected by a camera 3d provided in the mobile terminal 3, and sound is detected by a microphone 3c provided in the mobile terminal 3. That is, the mobile terminal 3 transmits brightness information and sound information indicating the viewing environment to the server 4. The mobile terminal 3 that detects the viewing environment is, for example, a host terminal. Note that the viewing environment may be the time of day or the weather in addition to brightness and sound.

[0101] Furthermore, the viewing environment may include the user's operation state on the mobile terminal 3. The user's operation state is, for example, a touch operation on the touch panel display 3a of the mobile terminal 3, a shake operation on the mobile terminal 3 (an operation of shaking the mobile terminal 3), etc. The user's operation state on the mobile terminal 3 is detected by the touch panel display 3a, an acceleration sensor, etc., and the strength and number of touch operations and shake operations are also detected. Note that the strength and number of touch operations and shake operations may be values ​​for each mobile terminal 3 registered in a group, or may be a combined value for multiple mobile terminals 3. Furthermore, the number of mobile terminals 3 that simultaneously performed a touch operation or a shake operation may be included in the group viewing conditions. In this way, detecting sound, touch operations, and shake operations as the viewing environment means detecting the excitement level of users watching a video.

[0102] It should be noted that there is a possibility that the sound of the video being played may also be input to the microphone 3c. Therefore, the mobile terminal 3 may cancel the video sound from the sound information acquired by the microphone 3c by superimposing sound information that is in the opposite phase to the video sound on the sound information acquired by the microphone 3c. Furthermore, the mobile terminal 3 may cancel not only the video sound but also noise around the mobile terminal 3. Examples of noise include the sound of cars running and trains.

[0103] When the viewing environment of mobile terminal 3 satisfies the group viewing conditions, distribution moving image selection unit 44 selects group moving image data to be distributed by moving image data distribution unit 42 and reads it from HDD 26. In other words, when the viewing environment of mobile terminal 3 satisfies the group viewing conditions, moving image data distribution unit 42 distributes group moving image data.

[0104] [3-2. Group viewing conditions] Examples of group viewing conditions are described below.

[0105] For example, if the group viewing condition is set to brightness equal to or greater than a first threshold, and the progress of the video reaches a group viewing branch and the brightness detected by mobile terminal 3 is equal to or greater than the first threshold, the dark video will become brighter and group video data in which previously invisible images become visible will be distributed. This group viewing condition is applied, for example, to a cave scene.

[0106] Furthermore, if the group viewing condition is set to a brightness equal to or less than a second threshold, and the progress of the video reaches a group viewing branch and the brightness detected by mobile terminal 3 is equal to or less than the second threshold, the bright video becomes dark and group video data in which previously invisible images become visible is distributed. This group viewing condition is applied, for example, to scenes in which ghosts appear.

[0107] Furthermore, the group viewing condition is set to a sound (user voice) equal to or greater than a third threshold, and if the progress of the video reaches a group viewing branch and the sound detected by the mobile terminal 3 is equal to or greater than the third threshold, group video data in which previously inaudible sound can be heard is distributed. This group viewing condition is applied, for example, to concert scenes.

[0108] Furthermore, if the group viewing condition is set to sound (user voice) equal to or less than a fourth threshold, and the progress of the video reaches a group viewing branch and the sound detected on the mobile terminal 3 is equal to or less than the fourth threshold, group video data in which previously inaudible sound can be heard is distributed. This group viewing condition is applied, for example, to a scene in which bird sounds are output.

[0109] Before reaching the group viewing branch, a notification such as a display of group viewing conditions may be given to the mobile terminals 3 registered in the group.

[0110] [3-3. Group viewing video distribution process flow according to this embodiment] Fig. 11 is a flowchart showing the flow of group viewing video distribution processing according to this embodiment, which is executed by CPU 20 provided in server 4. Note that the same steps in Fig. 11 as those in Fig. 8 are given the same reference numerals as those in Fig. 8, and their explanation will be omitted in part or in whole.

[0111] In step 102, the distribution moving image selection unit 44 determines whether the mobile terminal 3 is registered in a group, and if the determination is affirmative, the process proceeds to step 200, and if the determination is negative, the process proceeds to step .

[0112] In step 200, the viewing environment determination unit 80 determines whether the viewing environment satisfies the group viewing condition according to the group viewing branch. If the determination is affirmative, the process proceeds to step 202, and if the determination is negative, the process proceeds to step .

[0113] In step 202, the distribution moving image selection unit 44 selects group moving image data according to the group viewing branch, and the process proceeds to step .

[0114] As described above, the group viewing video distribution process according to this embodiment distributes group video data when the viewing environment of the mobile terminal 3 satisfies the group viewing conditions. Therefore, since users need to communicate with each other to satisfy the group viewing conditions, the group viewing video distribution process can encourage users to watch videos while communicating with each other.

[0115] 4. Other Embodiments Although the present invention has been described above using the above-mentioned embodiments, the technical scope of the present invention is not limited to the scope described in the above-mentioned embodiments. Various modifications or improvements can be made to the above-mentioned embodiments without departing from the gist of the invention, and such modifications or improvements are also included in the technical scope of the present invention. Furthermore, the above-mentioned embodiments may be combined as appropriate.

[0116] Furthermore, a part of the processing performed by the server 4 in each of the above embodiments may be performed by the mobile terminal 3 to which the video 50 is distributed.

[0117] Furthermore, the various processing flows described in each flow explained in each of the above embodiments are also examples, and unnecessary steps may be deleted, new steps may be added, or the processing order may be rearranged within the scope of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0118] 3. Mobile terminals (information processing terminals) 4 Server (information processing device) 5 groups 40 Group registration unit (group registration means) 42 Video data distribution unit (video data distribution means) 50 videos

Claims

1. An information processing device that distributes video data to a plurality of information processing terminals, a group registration means for accepting registration of a group made up of a plurality of information processing terminals located in close proximity; a video data distribution means for distributing the video data to the plurality of information processing terminals registered as the group, The video data distribution means distributes group video data indicating a video that cannot be viewed unless registered as the group to the information processing terminals registered as the group.

2. 2. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the moving image data distribution means distributes the group moving image data that is reproduced simultaneously on a plurality of the information processing terminals registered as the group to form a single moving image.

3. 3. The information processing device according to claim 1, wherein the video data distribution means distributes the group video data, which is a single video, when a plurality of the information processing terminals are arranged in a plane or a three-dimensional manner and viewed by a user.

4. 4. The information processing device according to claim 1, wherein the video data distribution means distributes the group video data so that at least one of the images and sounds played is different on at least some of the information processing terminals registered as the group.

5. 5. The information processing apparatus according to claim 4, wherein said moving image data distribution means distributes said group moving image data distributed to some of said information processing terminals to other said information processing terminals thereafter.

6. An information processing device as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the video data distribution means distributes the group video data, which includes elements that cannot be viewed on the information processing terminals that are not registered as the group, to the information processing terminals that are registered as the group.

7. 7. The information processing apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the element is at least one of an image and a sound to be reproduced.

8. 8. The information processing device according to claim 1, wherein the video data distribution means distributes the group video data when a viewing environment of the information processing terminal satisfies a predetermined condition.

9. 9. The information processing terminal according to claim 8, wherein the audio-visual environment is at least one of brightness and sound detected by the information processing terminal.

10. 10. The information processing device according to claim 1, wherein the group registration means acquires location information of the information processing terminal via the information processing terminal, and registers a plurality of the information processing terminals within a predetermined range as the close distance as a group.

11. A video distribution method for distributing video data to a plurality of information processing terminals, comprising: a first step of accepting registration of a group consisting of a plurality of information processing terminals located in close proximity; a second step of distributing the video data to the plurality of information processing terminals registered as the group, The second step is a video distribution method in which group video data indicating a video that cannot be viewed unless registered as the group is distributed to the information processing terminals registered as the group.

12. Computer, a group registration means for accepting registration of a group made up of a plurality of information processing terminals located in close proximity; A video distribution program for causing the information processing terminals registered as the group to function as a video data distribution means for distributing video data indicating videos that cannot be viewed unless registered as the group.

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