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

Abstract

The aim is to encourage users to watch videos while communicating with each other. [Solution] The video progression change processing changes the progress of the video displayed on the group-registered mobile terminals 3 in response to input from the group-registered mobile terminals 3. As a result, the progress of the video played on the user's own mobile terminal 3 may change in response to input from the mobile terminals 3 of other users registered in the group. Therefore, it is expected that users will be able to watch the video while actively communicating with each other. In this way, the video progression change processing can encourage users to watch the video while communicating with each other. In addition, the video includes objects that can be selected by the user. The video progression change processing changes the progress of the video when an object is selected by the user.

Description

Technical Field

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

Background Art

[0002] In recent years, the number of users who watch videos such as movies, dramas, and animations using portable information processing terminals such as smartphones and tablet terminals has been increasing. For this reason, technological development has been promoted to enable users to enjoy watching videos more.

[0003] Patent Document 1 discloses a video playback control method aimed at sharing videos in a community consisting of a plurality of users at a distance and realizing a sense of unity as if all users are gathered in one place and watching the same video together. The video playback control method described in Patent Document 1 preferentially executes a playback control command transmitted by a user with high popularity in the community based on comment evaluation information given by other users to the comment input by the user.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0007] This invention has been made in view of these 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] 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] To solve the above problems, an "information processing device" according to one aspect of the present invention is an information processing device that distributes video data to a plurality of information processing terminals, comprising: a group registration means for accepting registration of a group consisting 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; and a progress change means for changing the progress of the video to be displayed on the information processing terminals in response to input from the information processing terminals.

[0010] To solve the above problems, one aspect of the present invention, a "video distribution method," is a video distribution method for distributing video data to multiple information processing terminals, comprising: a first step of accepting registration of a group consisting of multiple information processing terminals located in close proximity; a second step of distributing the video data to the multiple information processing terminals registered as the group; and a third step of changing the progress of the video displayed on the information processing terminals in response to input from the information processing terminals.

[0011] To solve the above problems, a "video distribution program" in one aspect of the present invention functions as a group registration means for accepting registration of a group consisting of multiple information processing terminals located in close proximity, a video data distribution means for distributing video data to the multiple information processing terminals registered as the group, and a progress change means for changing the progress of the video displayed on the information processing terminals in response to input from the information processing terminals.

[0012] Various technical limitations may be added to the "information processing device" described above, as illustrated below. Furthermore, technical limitations of a similar nature may be added to the processing steps executed by the "video distribution method" and the functions of the "video distribution program."

[0013] The video includes an object that can be selected by the user, and the progression change means changes the progression of the video according to the user's selection of the object.

[0014] The progress change means causes the video to be displayed on the information processing terminal repeatedly for a predetermined period of time until the object is selected by the user.

[0015] The progress change means causes the information processing terminal to display a video on which the user is prompted to select an object, as the video that is repeatedly displayed.

[0016] The progress change means causes some of the information processing terminals registered as a group to display the video prompting the user to select the object.

[0017] The progress change means increases the number of information processing terminals that display the video prompting the user to select an object each time the number of repetitions of the video increases.

[0018] When the object is selected on at least one of the information processing terminals registered as the group, the progress change means changes the progress of the video according to the selection of the object.

[0019] When the object is selected on all of the information processing terminals registered as the group, the progress change means changes the progress of the video according to the selection of the object.

[0020] When a plurality of the objects are displayed, the progress change means changes the progress of the video according to the object selected by the most or least number of users within the group.

[0021] A plurality of options selectable by the user are displayed on the information processing terminal, and the progress change means changes the progress of the video according to the option selected by the user.

[0022] The progress change means changes the progress of the video according to the option selected by the most or least number of users within the group.

[0023] A plurality of options indicating correct and incorrect answers are displayed on some of the information processing terminals registered as the group, and hints for deriving the correct answer are displayed on other information processing terminals registered as the group. The progress change means changes the progress of the video according to the option selected by the user.

[0024] The hints are different for each information processing terminal on which they are displayed.

[0025] It includes a detection means for detecting the communication state of the user via the information processing terminal, and a state processing means for performing processing according to the communication state detected by the detection means.

[0026] The communication state is the sound of the viewing environment of the information processing terminal.

[0027] The state processing means changes the number of progressions selectable by the user according to the communication state.

[0028] The progress changing means changes the progress of the video according to information other than the input operation on the information processing terminal by the user.

[0029] The information other than the input operation is information indicating the environment in which the user views the video on the information processing terminal.

[0030] A game image for the user to play a game is displayed on the information processing terminal, and the progress changing means changes the progress of the video according to the result of the game performed by the user.

[0031] The progress changing means changes the progress of the video in the same manner for all of the information processing terminals registered as the group.

[0032] The progress changing means changes the video so that the progress is different for some of the information processing terminals registered as the group.

[0033] Even if the progress of the video differs halfway through for some of the information processing terminals, the progress changing means makes the endings of the video the same for all of the information processing terminals.

[0034] The group registration means acquires the position information of the information processing terminal via the information processing terminal, and registers a plurality of the information processing terminals within a range predetermined as the closest distance as a group.

Effect of the Invention

[0035] According to the present invention, there is an effect that it is possible to encourage users to watch a video while communicating with each other.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0036] [Figure 1] This is a configuration diagram of a video distribution system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] This is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of a server according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] This is a schematic diagram showing an example of how a video progresses according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] This is a functional block diagram relating to the video distribution function of a server according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] This figure shows a video including a hint object according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] This figure shows a video including an object suggestion image according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] This is a flowchart showing the flow of video progression change processing according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8] This figure shows a touch panel display of a mobile terminal displaying a selection form according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9] This is a flowchart showing the flow of video progression change processing according to the second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 10] This figure shows a touch panel display of a mobile terminal displaying a selection form or hint form according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 11] This is a functional block diagram relating to the video distribution function of a server according to the third embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 12] This is a flowchart showing the flow of communication state processing according to the third embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 13] This is a functional block diagram relating to the video distribution function of a server according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 14] This is a flowchart showing the flow of video progression change processing according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0037] Below, an embodiment of the information processing device, video distribution method, and video distribution program according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0038] [1. First Embodiment] The first embodiment of the present invention will be described below.

[0039] [1-1. Video Streaming System Configuration] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of the video distribution system 1 according to this embodiment. The video distribution system 1 consists of a communication line 2, a plurality of mobile terminals 3, and a server 4.

[0040] Communication line 2 forms a computer network and is, for example, a wide-area communication line provided by an electric power company.

[0041] The mobile terminal 3 is, for example, an information processing terminal such as a smartphone, tablet, 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 receiving sound input, and a camera 3d for capturing images of subjects. To play video data distributed from the server 4, the mobile terminal 3 is, for example, equipped with dedicated application software.

[0042] Server 4 is an information processing device that distributes video data to multiple mobile terminals 3 via communication line 2. The video data is, for example, a video with a story, such as an anime or drama, in which the narrative progresses according to the story. Server 4 distributes the video data to the mobile terminals 3, for example, via non-live streaming rather than live streaming. Upon receiving the video data, the mobile terminals 3 play the video data and display it on the touch panel display 3a, or output sound from the speaker 3b.

[0043] Multiple mobile devices 3 receiving video data are located in close proximity to each other and are registered with server 4 as a group 5 (hereinafter referred to as "group registration"). In other words, the multiple mobile devices 3 registered as a group display the video based on the video data distributed from server 4 on their touch panel displays 3a at the same time, or in other words, in sync. Each user of the group-registered mobile device 3 then watches the video simultaneously.

[0044] In Figure 1, Group 5 is shown as consisting of four mobile devices 3, but this is just an example; the number of mobile devices 3 in Group 5 is not limited as long as it is composed of multiple devices 3. Furthermore, the types of mobile devices 3 that make up Group 5 are not limited; smartphones, tablets, laptops, etc., may be mixed together.

[0045] [1-2. Server Configuration] Figure 2 is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of server 4 according to this embodiment.

[0046] The server 4 according to this embodiment includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 20, which is the main control unit that manages the operation of the entire server 4, and a ROM in which various programs and various data are pre-stored. It includes Read Only Memory (Read Only Memory) 22, Random Access Memory (RAM) 24 used as a work area when various programs are executed by the CPU 20, and a Hard Disk Drive (HDD) 26 as a storage means for storing various programs and data.

[0047] The HDD26 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 HDD26; other storage media such as semiconductor memory like flash memory may also be used.

[0048] Furthermore, the server 4 includes an input unit 28 consisting of a keyboard and mouse, etc., which accepts input for various operations; a monitor 30 such as a liquid crystal display device that displays various images; and an external interface 32 that is connected to other information processing devices such as a mobile terminal 3 via a communication line 2 and transmits and receives various data with other information processing devices.

[0049] The CPU 20, ROM 22, RAM 24, HDD 26, operation input unit 28, monitor 30, and external interface 32 are electrically connected to each other via the system bus 34. Therefore, the CPU 20 can access the ROM 22, RAM 24, and HDD 26, understand the operation status of the operation input unit 28, display images on the monitor 30, and send and receive various types of data with other information processing devices via the external interface 32.

[0050] [1-3. Changes in the video's progression] In this embodiment, the server 4 distributes video data to multiple mobile terminals 3 registered as a group, and performs video progression change processing to change the progress of the video displayed on the mobile terminals 3 in response to input from the mobile terminals 3.

[0051] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of how a video progresses and changes.

[0052] In the example in Figure 3, there are multiple branches (branching phases α, β1, β2, β3, γ) where the progression of the video changes. In the example in Figure 3, the video branches from progression A to progression B via branching phase α, from progression B to progression C via branching phases β1, β2, β3, and from progression C to progression D via branching phase γ.

[0053] Furthermore, the number (types) of changes in the progression resulting from a single branching is not limited. For example, when branching from progression A to progression B, there are four types of branches (progressions B1 to B4), and when progression B1 changes to progression C, there are three types of branches (progressions C1 to C3). In addition, while other progressions have a branching phase, there may be progressions that do not have a branching phase, such as progression B3 to progression C5. Moreover, even if the intermediate progressions are different, the subsequent progressions may be the same, such as when progressions B1 and B2 become progression C3, or when progressions C1 and C2 become progression D1.

[0054] Furthermore, the video progression change processing according to this embodiment will change the video progression similarly on all of the group-registered mobile terminals 3.

[0055] [1-4. Server video streaming function] Figure 4 is a functional block diagram relating to the video distribution function of server 4 according to this embodiment.

[0056] The CPU 20 of server 4 includes a group registration unit 40, a video data distribution unit 42, and a video progress change unit 44. Each function of the CPU 20 is implemented by a program stored in the HDD 26.

[0057] The group registration unit 40 accepts registrations for groups 5, which consist of multiple mobile terminals 3 located in close proximity to each other.

[0058] The group registration unit 40, for example, obtains location information of mobile terminal 3 via mobile terminal 3 and registers multiple mobile terminals 3 within a predetermined range as the nearest range (for example, within 10m, hereinafter referred to as the "near-range range") as a group 5. Along with the location information of the mobile terminals 3, the user ID (identification) is also obtained. The user ID is used as the ID that the user enters on the login screen when accessing the video streaming service.

[0059] Whether or not there is a mobile device 3 within close range can be determined, for example, by a single mobile device 3 designated as the host. The determination is made based on whether a mobile terminal 3 located within a 10m diameter from the host terminal (hereinafter referred to as the "host terminal") is within the immediate vicinity range. More specifically, first, when the host mobile terminal 3 logs in to the video distribution service for the first time, registration for group 5 is initiated, and other mobile terminals 3 apply for permission to join the registered group 5. The host terminal decides whether to approve or reject the permission application from the other mobile terminals 3, and the group registration unit 40 determines whether the distance between the host terminal and the other mobile terminals 3 is within the immediate vicinity range.

[0060] The group registration unit 40 allows the other mobile terminal 3 to be registered in group 5 only if it determines that the other mobile terminal 3 is within close range, following the host terminal's permission. On the other hand, if it determines that the other mobile terminal 3 is not within close range, the group registration unit 40 does not allow the other mobile terminal 3 to be registered in group 5, even if the host terminal gives permission.

[0061] Furthermore, the group registration unit 40 may register group 5 by registering only the user ID without acquiring the location information of the mobile terminal 3. In this case, permission requests from other mobile terminals 3 will be approved or rejected solely by the host terminal.

[0062] The video data distribution unit 42 distributes video data to multiple mobile devices 3 registered in the group. For example, the video data distribution unit 42 distributes video data to all of the mobile devices 3 registered in the group. The video data distribution is performed, for example, by streaming playback.

[0063] The video progression change unit 44 performs video progression change processing to change the progression of the video displayed on the mobile terminal 3 in response to input from the mobile terminal 3. More specifically, when the server 4 receives information related to the progression change of the video (progress change information) transmitted from the mobile terminal 3, the video progression change unit 44 reads video data corresponding to the progress change information from the HDD 26. The video progression change unit 44 then outputs a distribution instruction to the video data distribution unit 42 to distribute the read video data. For example, the progress change information may be sent to the server 4 by each mobile terminal 3 individually, or it may be sent to the server 4 via the host terminal by each mobile terminal 3 registered in a group.

[0064] [1-5. Video Progression Change Processing According to This Embodiment] The video progression change processing according to this embodiment changes the progress of the video displayed on the group-registered mobile terminals 3 in response to input (progress change information) from the group-registered mobile terminals 3. As a result, the progress of the video played on the user's own mobile terminal 3 may change in response to input from the mobile terminals 3 of other users registered in the group. Therefore, it is expected that users will be able to watch the video while actively communicating with each other. In this way, the video progression change processing according to this embodiment can encourage users to watch the video while communicating with each other.

[0065] Furthermore, the video according to this embodiment includes an object that can be selected by the user. In the video progression change processing according to this embodiment, the progression of the video is changed when an object is selected by the user. In other words, the object is a hint for changing the progression of the video, and will be referred to as a hint object in the following description.

[0066] The video progression change process may, for example, pause the video until the user selects a hint object, or it may vary the video's progression depending on whether or not the user has selected a hint object.

[0067] Figure 5 shows the hint object 50 included in the video according to this embodiment. Figure 5 is a part of the video displayed on the touch panel display 3a of the mobile terminal 3, where the painting 50A and the person 50B correspond to the hint object 50. The user selects the hint object 50 by manipulating (touching, swiping, etc.) the position corresponding to the hint object 50 on the touch panel display 3a. The video progression change processing according to this embodiment then changes the progression of the video according to the user's selection of the hint object 50. That is, the mobile terminal 3 transmits information indicating the hint object 50 selected by the user to the server 4 as progression change information.

[0068] Thus, the playback time period of the video containing the hint object 50 corresponds to the branching phase explained with reference to Figure 2. In Figure 5, multiple hint objects 50 are included in the branching phase, but the branching phase may contain only one hint object 50.

[0069] In this embodiment, the video progression change processing, as an example, pauses the video progression during the playback time of the branching phase at a point where the user can select the hint object 50. The user searches for and selects the hint object 50 while the video is paused. However, the video progression change processing is not limited to this example; it does not necessarily have to pause the video when the user is prompted to select the hint object 50. If the video progression is not paused, the user will search for and select the hint object 50 simultaneously with the video progression.

[0070] Furthermore, video data containing hint object 50 is, for example, created by superimposing a second layer for displaying hint object 50 onto a first layer for displaying the video. In other words, if the video does not contain any user-selectable hint object 50, the video data will not include the second layer.

[0071] The video progression change process, when multiple hint objects 50 are included in the same scene, will cause the video to progress differently depending on the selected hint object 50. However, it is not limited to this, and the video progression may remain the same even if the user selects different hint objects 50. For example, if there are three hint objects 50, the video progression will remain the same even if the user selects two different hint objects 50, but will change if the user selects the other hint object 50. Furthermore, when multiple hint objects 50 are included in the same scene, the video progression may change not only when one hint object 50 is selected, but when a predetermined number of hint objects 50 are selected.

[0072] Furthermore, the video progression change processing may also change the video progression in accordance with the selection of the hint object 50 when the hint object 50 is selected on at least one of the group-registered mobile terminals 3.

[0073] Thus, the video progression change processing according to this embodiment changes the video's progression in response to the user's selection of the hint object 50, thereby encouraging users to watch the video while communicating with each other.

[0074] [1-6. Loop Playback] Hint objects 50 are pre-set to be appropriate according to the progress of the video, but some users may not know which hint object 50 to select even when the video reaches a branching phase. As a result, the user may not select any hint object 50 by the end of the playback time period of the branching phase, and in the case of video playback that does not progress unless the user selects a hint object 50, the video will stop progressing.

[0075] In such cases, the video progression change process performs loop playback, repeatedly displaying a predetermined period of the video on the mobile terminal 3 until the hint object 50 is selected by the user. In this embodiment, the predetermined period is the playback time of the video corresponding to the branching phase. That is, the branching phase is looped until the hint object 50 is selected via the mobile terminal 3.

[0076] Furthermore, the video progression change processing displays a video (including images 52A and 52B) on the mobile terminal 3 as a looping video, prompting the user to select a hint object 50, as shown in Figure 6(A). Images 52A and 52B are object suggestion images 52 that indicate the operation method for the hint object 50 that the user can select.

[0077] Furthermore, the object suggestion image 52 may change as the number of loop playbacks increases. For example, as shown in Figure 6(B), the user's actions on the touch panel display 3a (for example, the direction of a swipe) may be displayed. For example, during the first loop playback, video data including the object suggestion image 52 shown in Figure 6(A) is delivered from the server 4 to the mobile terminal 3, and during the second loop playback, video data including the object suggestion image 52 shown in Figure 6(B) is delivered from the server 4 to the mobile terminal 3.

[0078] In this way, if the user does not select the hint object 50 and the video stops progressing, loop playback is performed, ensuring that the user can reliably select the hint object 50. Note that Figures 6(A) and (B) are examples, and the object suggestion image 52 does not have to be an arrow or text, and does not have to be direct as long as it suggests the hint object 50. In addition, the video progression change processing may play a sound (voice or sound effect) that suggests the hint object 50 in place of the object suggestion image 52, or together with the object suggestion image 52, on the mobile terminal 3 along with the video corresponding to the branching phase.

[0079] Furthermore, the video progression change processing may perform loop playback on some of the mobile devices 3 registered in the group. In this case, the video progression change processing may increase the number of mobile devices 3 that perform loop playback as the number of repetitions of the video increases. For example, in the first loop playback, the video shown in Figure 6(A) is displayed on one mobile device 3. Then, in the second loop playback, the video shown in Figure 6(A) or Figure 6(B) is displayed on two mobile devices 3.

[0080] On the other hand, for mobile device 3 where loop playback is not enabled, the video progress is stopped, so a message is displayed prompting the user to watch another user's mobile device 3 where loop playback is enabled. This allows the video progress change process to more strongly encourage users to watch the video while communicating with each other.

[0081] [1-7. Flowchart of video progression change processing according to this embodiment] Figure 7 is a flowchart showing the flow of the video progression change processing according to this embodiment, which is executed by the CPU 20 of the server 4. The program for executing the video progression change processing is stored in advance in a predetermined area of ​​the HDD 26. The video progression change processing is executed, for example, when the video reaches a branching phase.

[0082] First, in step 100, the video progression change unit 44 determines whether the video playback has reached a branching phase, and if the determination is positive, the process proceeds to step 102. Whether or not a branching phase has been reached is determined by whether or not the video data distribution unit 42 has transmitted video data corresponding to the branching phase to the mobile terminal 3.

[0083] In step 102, the video progression change unit 44 determines whether the hint object 50 was selected within the branching phase time. If the determination is positive, the process proceeds to step 106; otherwise, it proceeds to step 104. Whether the hint object 50 was selected is determined by whether the server 4 received progress change information from the mobile terminal 3.

[0084] In step 104, the video progression change unit 44 outputs a video data distribution instruction to the video data distribution unit 42 so that loop playback of the branching phase is performed on the mobile terminal 3, and the process returns to step 102. The video data distribution unit 42 sends video data corresponding to the number of loop playbacks to the mobile terminal 3.

[0085] In step 106, the video progress change unit 44 outputs a video data distribution instruction to the video data distribution unit 42 according to the hint object 50 selected by the user.

[0086] As described above, the video progression change processing according to this embodiment is registered as a group 5 consisting of multiple mobile terminals 3 located in close proximity, and video data is distributed to the multiple mobile terminals 3 registered as group 5. The video progression change processing then changes the progression of the video displayed on the mobile terminals 3 in response to input from the mobile terminals 3. As a result, the video progression change processing according to this embodiment can encourage users to watch videos while communicating with each other.

[0087] Furthermore, the video progression change processing according to this embodiment includes a user-selectable hint object 50 in the video, and changes the video's progression according to the user's selection of a hint object 50. Therefore, the video progression change processing according to this embodiment can encourage users to watch the video while communicating with each other in order to learn about the hint object 50 they have selected or to learn about the hint objects 50 selected by other users.

[0088] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the video progression change processing may change the video progression according to the selection of the hint object 50 when the hint object 50 is selected on all of the group-registered mobile terminals 3. This necessitates other users who have already selected the hint object 50 prompting users who have not yet selected it to make a selection. Therefore, the video progression change processing can encourage users to watch the video while communicating with each other.

[0089] Furthermore, in this embodiment, if multiple hint objects 50 are displayed in the branching phase, the video progression change process changes the video progression according to the hint object 50 selected first, for example. However, it is not limited to this, and the video progression may change according to the hint object 50 selected by the most or fewest users within group 5. In other words, the video progression may change based on a majority or minority vote on the selection of the hint object 50. This requires users to consider the selections of other users when deciding which hint object 50 corresponds to the branch they want to watch. Therefore, the video progression change process can encourage users to watch the video while communicating with each other.

[0090] Furthermore, if there are multiple hint objects 50 selected by the user, for example, the hint object 50 decided upon by the user through discussion may be sent to the server 4 via the host terminal, and the video progression change process may change the video progression according to the hint object 50 sent from the host terminal.

[0091] Furthermore, if there are multiple hint objects 50 selected by the user, the video progression change process may randomly select one hint object 50 from the multiple selected hint objects 50 and change the video progression according to the selected hint object 50.

[0092] Furthermore, the video progression change process may proceed with the video according to a predetermined branch without looping the branching phase, even if the user does not select hint object 50 before the branching phase ends, or it may proceed with the video by randomly determining the branch.

[0093] [2. Second Embodiment] A second embodiment of the present invention will be described below.

[0094] Note that the configuration of the video distribution system 1 and server 4 according to this embodiment is the same as the configuration of the video distribution system 1 and server 4 according to the first embodiment shown in Figures 1 to 3, so a description will be omitted.

[0095] [2-1. Video Progression Change Processing According to This Embodiment] As shown in Figure 8, in this embodiment, the group-registered mobile terminal 3 displays a selection form 62A on the touch panel display 3a that includes multiple options 60 that the user can select. The video progression change unit 44 of the server 4 changes the progression of the video according to the option 60 selected by the user via the selection form 62A.

[0096] In the video progress change processing according to this embodiment, when the video progress reaches a branching phase, for example, the video is stopped and a selection form 62A is displayed on all registered mobile terminals 3. The user then selects one of the options 60 available on the selection form 62A. The mobile terminal 3 sends information indicating the selected option 60 to the server 4 as progress change information.

[0097] When server 4 receives progress change information indicating the user's selected option 60 from all mobile terminals 3, the video progress change unit 44 according to this embodiment changes the video progress according to the option 60 selected by the most users in group 5. In other words, users bet on the option 60 they want to watch, and the video progress is determined by majority vote. As a result, users need to consider the selections of other users when deciding which option 60 they want to watch. Therefore, the video progress change processing according to this embodiment can encourage users to watch videos while communicating with each other.

[0098] Furthermore, the video progression change unit 44 may change the video progression according to the option 60 selected by the user with the fewest votes within group 5. In other words, the user will decide the video progression by minority vote.

[0099] The time during which the selection form 62A is displayed in the branching phase (hereinafter referred to as "form display time") may be predetermined, for example, 3 minutes. If a user's mobile device 3 does not select an option 60 within the form display time, it may send progress change information indicating a randomly selected option 60 to the server 4. However, the form display time may not be set, and the selection form 62A may be displayed until all users on mobile devices 3 have selected one of the options 60.

[0100] Furthermore, the user may be allowed to change option 60 until the form is displayed or until the last user makes a selection.

[0101] Furthermore, the user's selection process for the selection form 62A may be displayed on other users' mobile devices 3. For example, if a user selects option 60 "1", the selected option 60 number will be displayed on other users' mobile devices 3 along with the user ID. Also, if a user changes their selection from option 60 "1" to "2" after selecting option 60 "1", the other users' mobile devices 3 will display the user ID along with the fact that the selection of option 60 has been changed from "1" to "2".

[0102] Furthermore, the selection form may be displayed multiple times during the video. If the selection form is displayed multiple times, for example, the content of option 60 will be different each time the selection form is displayed.

[0103] Furthermore, Server 4 may aggregate the user-selected options 60 for each group 5. The aggregated results may then be made available to users via their mobile devices 3. For example, Server 4 could distribute statistics (popularity of options 60) of the selection results of Group 5, who have already finished watching the same video, and other users in Group 5 could view these selection results to understand which options 60 are popular or unpopular and reflect this in their own selections.

[0104] Furthermore, the video progression change processing may include a comment function for option 60, allowing users to input comments for option 60. This allows users in other groups 5 to refer to the comments and incorporate them into their own selections.

[0105] [2-2. Flowchart of video progression change processing according to this embodiment] Figure 9 is a flowchart showing the flow of the video progression change processing according to this embodiment, which is executed by the CPU 20 of the server 4. The program for executing the video progression change processing is stored in advance in a predetermined area of ​​the HDD 26. The video progression change processing is executed, for example, when the video reaches a branching phase.

[0106] First, in step 200, the video progression change unit 44 determines whether or not the video playback has reached a branching phase. If the determination is positive, the process proceeds to step 202.

[0107] In step 202, the video progression change unit 44 stops the video from progressing and displays the selection form 62A on the mobile terminal 3.

[0108] In step 204, the video progression change unit 44 determines whether it has received progression change information indicating the user's selected option 60 from all mobile terminals 3. If the determination is positive, the unit proceeds to step 206; otherwise, it waits until it receives progression change information from all mobile terminals 3.

[0109] In step 206, the video progression change unit 44 outputs a video data distribution instruction to the video data distribution unit 42 in order to advance the video according to the most frequently selected option 60.

[0110] As described above, the video progression change processing according to this embodiment displays a selection form 62A containing multiple options 60 on the mobile terminal 3, and changes the video progression according to the option 60 selected by the user. This requires the user to consider the selections of other users when deciding which option 60 they want to watch. As a result, the video progression change processing according to this embodiment can encourage users to watch videos while communicating with each other.

[0111] [2-3. Other Selection Forms] The following describes other forms of selection form 62A.

[0112] As shown in Figure 10, when the video playback reaches the branching phase, the video stops progressing, and a selection form 62B with multiple options 62 indicating correct and incorrect answers is displayed on some of the group-registered mobile terminals 3 (Figure 10(A)). Meanwhile, other mobile terminals 3 (Figure 10 (B) to (D)) display a hint form 66 showing hints 64 to help users arrive at the correct answer. In other words, the user selects an option 62 while referring to the hints 64 displayed on other users' mobile devices 3, as if in a quiz. This allows the video progression change processing according to this embodiment to encourage users to watch the video while communicating with each other.

[0113] The video progression change unit 44 then changes the progression of the video according to the option 62 selected by the user via the selection form 62B.

[0114] For example, the hint 64 displayed on other mobile devices 3 will differ for each mobile device 3. In other words, users of group-registered mobile devices 3 need to show each other the options 62 and hints 64 displayed on their respective mobile devices 3 and select the correct option 62.

[0115] It should be noted that the fact that Hint 64 differs for each mobile device 3 does not necessarily mean that Hint 64 is different for all mobile devices 3; it is acceptable for some mobile devices 3 to have the same Hint 64. For example, if three Hint 64s are provided and five mobile devices 3 are registered in a group, one mobile device 3 will display the selection form 62B, and four mobile devices 3 will display the Hint form 66, with two of these four displaying the same Hint 64. Alternatively, if three Hint 64s are provided and three mobile devices 3 are registered in a group, one of the two mobile devices 3 that display the Hint form 66 will display both Hint 64s.

[0116] Furthermore, even if three hints 64 are available, only two hints 64 may be displayed the first time, and three hints 64 may be displayed the second time after selecting an incorrect answer option 62. In this way, the number of hints 64 displayed on the mobile device 3 may increase each time an incorrect answer option 62 is selected.

[0117] Furthermore, if an incorrect answer option 62 is selected via the selection form 62B, the video progression unit 44 may change the progression to one corresponding to the selected option 62, even if it is incorrect, and then proceed to a branching phase where the selection form 62B and hint form 66 are displayed again. However, the video progression unit 44 may, if an incorrect answer option 62 is selected, display that it is incorrect on the selection form 62B and keep the video progression stopped until the user selects the correct answer option 62.

[0118] Furthermore, the video progression change unit 44 according to this embodiment may display the selection forms 62A, 62B and the hint form 66 on the mobile terminal 3 without stopping the video. In this configuration, the user will select options 60 and 62 while the video is playing.

[0119] [3. Third Embodiment] A third embodiment of the present invention will be described below.

[0120] Note that the configuration of the video distribution system 1 and server 4 according to this embodiment is the same as the configuration of the video distribution system 1 and server 4 according to the first embodiment shown in Figures 1 and 2, so a detailed explanation will be omitted.

[0121] [3-1. Server video streaming function] Figure 11 is a functional block diagram relating to the video distribution function of server 4 according to this embodiment. Note that components identical to those in Figure 4 are denoted by the same reference numerals as in Figure 4, and their descriptions are omitted.

[0122] In this embodiment, the CPU 20 of the server 4 includes a group registration unit 40, a video data distribution unit 42, and a video progress change unit 44, as well as a communication status detection unit 46 and a communication status processing unit 48.

[0123] The communication state detection unit 46 detects the user's communication state via the mobile terminal 3. The communication state is, for example, the sound of the listening environment of the mobile terminal 3. That is, the mobile terminal 3 transmits sound information indicating the sound of the listening environment input to the microphone 3c to the server 4. The mobile terminal 3 that detects the sound of the listening environment is, for example, a host terminal. In this embodiment, the communication state detection unit 46 detects the volume of the sound information as the communication state.

[0124] Furthermore, microphone 3c may also receive sound from the video being played. Therefore, mobile device 3 may cancel out the video sound from the sound information acquired by microphone 3c by superimposing sound information that is in the opposite phase to the video sound onto the sound information acquired by microphone 3c. In addition, mobile device 3 may cancel out not only the video sound but also ambient noise around mobile device 3. Noise includes, for example, the sound of cars driving or trains.

[0125] The communication state processing unit 48 performs processing according to the communication state detected by the communication state detection unit 46.

[0126] In this embodiment, the communication state processing unit 48, as an example, changes the number of selectable steps (hereinafter referred to as "selectable steps") depending on the communication state. For example, the communication state processing unit 48 sets a threshold in advance and changes the selectable steps depending on whether the value indicating the communication state is greater than or equal to this threshold. Specifically, the communication state processing unit 48 increases the selectable steps if the volume detected by the communication state detection unit 46 is greater than a first threshold, while decreasing the selectable steps if the volume is less than the first threshold (a second threshold).

[0127] For example, the number of selectable options is the hint objects 50 and the choices 60 mentioned above. When this embodiment is applied to the first embodiment, the number of hint objects 50 displayed on the mobile terminal 3 increases or decreases. When this embodiment is applied to the second embodiment, the number of choices 60 included in the selection form 62A increases or decreases. In addition, the number of quiz-style choices 62 included in the selection form 62B may decrease when the volume is greater than the first threshold and increase when the volume is less than the second threshold. Furthermore, the number of hints 64 displayed on the hint form 66 may increase or decrease.

[0128] In this embodiment, the video data distribution unit 42 distributes video data to the mobile terminal 3 in accordance with the change in the number of selectable progress determined by the communication state processing unit 48.

[0129] [3-2. Flow of communication status detection processing] Figure 12 is a flowchart showing the flow of the communication state detection process performed during video progression change processing. The program for performing the communication state detection process is pre-stored in a predetermined area of ​​the HDD26. As an example, the communication state detection process is executed when the video reaches a branching phase.

[0130] First, in step 300, the video progression change unit 44 determines whether or not the video playback has reached a branching phase. If the determination is positive, the process proceeds to step 302.

[0131] In step 302, the communication state detection unit 46 detects the volume of the listening environment as the communication state. The time for which the communication state detection unit 46 detects the volume is, for example, a predetermined time (e.g., 1 minute) after reaching the branching phase.

[0132] In the next step 304, the communication state processing unit 48 determines whether the detected volume is above the first threshold. If the determination is positive, the process proceeds to step 306; otherwise, the process proceeds to step 308.

[0133] In step 306, the communication status processing unit 48 increases or decreases the number of selectable progresses, and then terminates the communication status detection process.

[0134] In step 308, the communication state processing unit 48 determines whether the detected volume is below the second threshold. If the determination is positive, the process proceeds to step 310; otherwise, the communication state detection process ends.

[0135] In step 310, the communication status processing unit 48 increases or decreases the number of selectable processes, and then terminates the communication status detection process. If the number of selectable processes is increased in step 306, it is decreased in step 310. Conversely, if the number of selectable processes is decreased in step 306, it is increased in step 310.

[0136] If a negative result is obtained in steps 304 and 308, it means that the detected volume exceeds the second threshold but is less than the first threshold. In this case, the communication state detection process does not increase or decrease the number of selectable steps.

[0137] As described above, the video progression change unit 44 according to this embodiment detects the user's communication status via the mobile terminal 3 and performs processing according to the detected communication status, thereby encouraging users to watch videos while communicating with each other.

[0138] In this embodiment, the communication state detection unit 46 detects the volume of the listening environment, but it is not limited to this. The communication state detection unit 46 may also detect the number of people talking by receiving sound input from the microphone 3c of each mobile terminal 3, and define the number of people talking as the communication state.

[0139] Furthermore, if the volume is below the second threshold, the communication status processing unit 48 may provide notification (e.g., display a message) to the user encouraging them to actively communicate with other users. Also, if the volume is below the second threshold, the communication status processing unit 48 may display the selection results of other groups 5 on the user's mobile terminal 3.

[0140] [4. Fourth Embodiment] A fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described below.

[0141] The video progression change processing according to this embodiment changes the video progression in response to information other than user input operations on the mobile terminal 3 (hereinafter referred to as "terminal detection information"). In other words, the video progression change processing according to this embodiment does not change the video progression according to user selection, but automatically changes the video progression according to terminal detection information.

[0142] Note that the configuration of the video distribution system 1 and server 4 according to this embodiment is the same as the configuration of the video distribution system 1 and server 4 according to the first embodiment shown in Figures 1 and 2, so a detailed explanation will be omitted.

[0143] [4-1. Server video streaming function] Figure 13 is a functional block diagram relating to the video distribution function of server 4 according to this embodiment. Note that components in Figure 13 that are the same as those in Figure 4 are denoted by the same reference numerals as in Figure 4, and their descriptions are omitted.

[0144] In this embodiment, the CPU 20 of the server 4 includes a group registration unit 40, a video data distribution unit 42, and a video progress change unit 44, as well as a terminal detection information acquisition unit 49.

[0145] The terminal detection information acquisition unit 49 acquires terminal detection information transmitted from the mobile terminal 3 via the external interface 32.

[0146] Terminal detection information is information that indicates the environment in which the user is watching videos on the mobile terminal 3 (hereinafter referred to as the "viewing environment"). For example, this includes sensor information detected by various sensors on the mobile terminal 3, and time information indicating the time being measured by the mobile terminal 3. As an example, terminal detection information is transmitted from the host terminal to the server 4.

[0147] The sensor information may be, for example, location information acquired by a GPS (Global Positioning System) sensor, in other words, location information indicating the location where group 5 is located. Alternatively, the sensor information may be brightness information acquired by camera 3d, in other words, brightness information of the location where group 5 is located. Furthermore, the sensor information may also be attitude information of the mobile terminal 3 acquired by an accelerometer, sound information input to microphone 3c, etc.

[0148] Furthermore, the terminal detection information acquisition unit 49 may acquire other information based on the terminal detection information. For example, the terminal detection information acquisition unit 49 may acquire the sunrise time and sunset time at the location of the mobile terminal 3 from the location information, or acquire the weather at the location where the mobile terminal 3 is located.

[0149] The video progression change unit 44 changes the progression of the video displayed on the mobile terminal 3 according to terminal detection information. Specifically, the video progression change unit 44 changes the progression of the video according to location information and time (sunrise time and sunset time) when the video progression reaches a branching phase, or changes the progression of the video when the brightness information is above a predetermined brightness or below a predetermined brightness.

[0150] Thus, the video progression change unit 44 according to this embodiment changes the progression of the video in accordance with terminal detection information. More specifically, if the terminal detection information is within a predetermined value (a predetermined range), the video progression change unit 44 may change the progression of the video to one that can only be viewed in this case.

[0151] [4-2. Flowchart of video progression change processing according to this embodiment] Figure 14 is a flowchart showing the flow of the video progression change processing according to this embodiment, which is executed by the CPU 20 of the server 4. The program for executing the video progression change processing is stored in advance in a predetermined area of ​​the HDD 26. The video progression change processing is executed, for example, when the video reaches a branching phase.

[0152] First, in step 400, the video progression change unit 44 determines whether or not the video playback has reached a branching phase. If the determination is positive, the process proceeds to step 402.

[0153] In step 402, the terminal detection information acquisition unit 49 acquires terminal detection information transmitted from the mobile terminal 3 via the external interface 32. The terminal detection information acquired in step 402 is predetermined according to the branching phase.

[0154] In the next step 404, the video progression change unit 44 determines whether the terminal detection information acquired in step 402 is within a predetermined range. If the determination is positive, the process proceeds to step 406; if the determination is negative, the process proceeds to step 408.

[0155] In step 406, the video progression change unit 44 outputs a video data distribution instruction to the video data distribution unit 42 in order to advance the video according to the terminal detection information, and the video progression change process ends.

[0156] In step 408, the video progression change unit 44 outputs a video data distribution instruction to the video data distribution unit 42 in order to advance a predetermined video, and the video progression change process ends. The predetermined video is a video that can be viewed regardless of terminal detection information.

[0157] As described above, the video progression change unit 44 according to this embodiment changes the video progression in response to information other than the user's input operations to the mobile terminal 3. This allows the user to decide on the video viewing environment in consultation with other users. Therefore, the video progression change unit 44 according to this embodiment can encourage users to watch videos while communicating with each other.

[0158] In the above embodiment, a configuration was described in which the progress of the video is automatically changed according to terminal detection information. However, the invention is not limited to this, and the number of options 60 and 62 included in the selection forms 62A and 62B, or the number of hints 64 included in the hint form 66, may be increased or decreased according to terminal detection information.

[0159] [5. Other Embodiments] Although the present invention has been described above using the embodiments described above, the technical scope of the present invention is not limited to the scope described in the embodiments above. Various modifications or improvements can be made to the embodiments above without departing from the spirit of the invention, and such modified or improved forms are also included in the technical scope of the present invention. Furthermore, the embodiments above may be combined as appropriate.

[0160] For example, when the video progress reaches a branching phase, a game image for the user to play the game is displayed on the mobile device 3, and the video progress change unit 44 may change the progress of the video according to the result of the game played by the user.

[0161] As a result, the progress of the video played on the group-registered mobile device 3 will change depending on the game results of the user or other users. Therefore, the video progress change processing in this form can encourage users to watch the video while communicating with each other.

[0162] The mobile device 3 on which the game image is displayed may, for example, be only the host device, and only the user of the host device may play the game, or the game image may be displayed on all mobile devices 3, and all users may play the game. When the game image is displayed on all mobile devices 3, the video progression change unit 44 may, for example, change the video progression when the game result on any one mobile device 3 satisfies a predetermined condition, or change the video progression when the game results on all mobile devices 3 satisfy a predetermined condition, or change the video progression when the average value of the game results on all mobile devices 3 satisfies a predetermined condition.

[0163] Furthermore, the video's progression may change depending on the game's outcome. For example, if all users play the game, the video's progression could change based on the best result, the worst result, or the average result.

[0164] Furthermore, while the above embodiments describe a configuration in which the video progression change unit 44 changes the video progression similarly on all of the group-registered mobile terminals 3, the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the video progression change unit 44 may change the video so that the progression differs on some of the group-registered mobile terminals 3.

[0165] This allows users to watch the video playing on their own mobile device 3 while comparing it to the progress of the video playing on other users' mobile devices 3. Therefore, the video progress change processing in this form can encourage users to watch the video while communicating with each other.

[0166] Furthermore, the video progression change unit 44 ensures that even if the video progresses differently on some of the mobile devices 3, the ending of the video will be the same on all mobile devices 3.

[0167] This allows users to watch videos that have the same ending, comparing their progress with the progress of videos played on other users' mobile devices 3. Therefore, the video progress change processing in this form can encourage users to watch videos while communicating with each other.

[0168] Furthermore, in each of the above embodiments, some of the processing performed by the server 4 may be performed on the mobile terminal 3 to which the video is distributed.

[0169] Furthermore, the various processing flows described in each of the embodiments described above are merely examples, and unnecessary steps may be deleted, new steps added, or the processing order rearranged without departing from the spirit of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0170] 3. Mobile terminals (information processing terminals) 4. Server (Information Processing Device) 5 groups 40. Group Registration Section (Method of Group Registration) 42. Video Data Distribution Section (Video Data Distribution Method) 44. Video Progression Change Unit (Progression Change Means) 46 Communication status detection unit (status detection means) 48 Communication state processing unit (state processing means) 50 Hint Objects (Objects)

Claims

1. An information processing device that distributes video data to multiple information processing terminals, A group registration means that accepts registration of a group consisting of multiple information processing terminals located in close proximity, A video data distribution means for distributing the video data to multiple information processing terminals registered as the aforementioned group, An information processing apparatus comprising: progress change means for changing the progress of a video displayed on the information processing terminal in response to input from the information processing terminal.

2. The aforementioned video includes objects that can be selected by the user. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the progress change means changes the progress of the video in accordance with the user's selection of the object.

3. The information processing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the progress change means causes the video to be displayed on the information processing terminal repeatedly for a predetermined period until the object is selected by the user.

4. The information processing apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the progress change means displays a video prompting the user to select an object on the information processing terminal as the video that is repeatedly displayed.

5. The information processing apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the progress change means causes the information processing terminals to display the video prompting the user to select the object to some of the information processing terminals registered as a group.

6. The information processing apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the progress change means increases the number of information processing terminals that display the video prompting the user to select an object each time the number of repetitions of the video increases.

7. The information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 2 to 6, wherein the progression changing means changes the progression of the video in accordance with the selection of the object when the object is selected on at least one of the information processing terminals registered as the group.

8. The information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 2 to 6, wherein the progress change means changes the progress of the video in accordance with the selection of the object when the object is selected on all of the information processing terminals among the information processing terminals registered as a group.

9. The information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 2 to 8, wherein, when multiple objects are displayed, the progress changing means changes the progress of the video according to the object selected by the most or fewest users within the group.

10. The aforementioned information processing terminal displays multiple options that the user can select from. The information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the progress changing means changes the progress of the video according to the option selected by the user.

11. The information processing apparatus according to claim 10, wherein the progress changing means changes the progress of the video according to the option selected by the most or least most users in the group.

12. On some of the information processing terminals registered as the group, multiple options indicating correct and incorrect answers are displayed. A hint for deriving the correct answer is displayed on the other information processing terminals registered as part of the group. The information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the progress changing means changes the progress of the video according to the option selected by the user.

13. The information processing apparatus according to claim 12, wherein the hint is different for each information processing terminal on which it is displayed.

14. A detection means for detecting the user's communication status via the aforementioned information processing terminal, An information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 13, further comprising: a state processing means that performs processing according to the communication state detected by the detection means.

15. The information processing apparatus according to claim 14, wherein the communication state is the sound of the listening environment of the information processing terminal.

16. The information processing apparatus according to claim 14 or 15, wherein the state processing means changes the number of selectable progresses for the user according to the communication state.

17. The information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 16, wherein the progress change means changes the progress of the video in accordance with information other than input operations by the user to the information processing terminal.

18. The information processing apparatus according to claim 17, wherein the information other than the input operation is information indicating the environment in which the user watches the video on the information processing terminal.

19. The aforementioned information processing terminal displays game images for the user to play the game. The information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 18, wherein the progress changing means changes the progress of the video according to the result of the game played by the user.

20. The information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 19, wherein the progress change means similarly changes the progress of the video on all of the information processing terminals registered as a group.

21. The information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 20, wherein the progress changing means changes the video so that the progress differs in some of the information processing terminals registered as a group.

22. The information processing apparatus according to claim 21, wherein the progress change means ensures that even if the progress of the video differs at some of the information processing terminals, the ending of the video is the same at all of the information processing terminals.

23. The information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 22, 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 located within a predetermined range as the nearest distance as a group.

24. A video distribution method for distributing video data to multiple information processing terminals, The first step involves accepting registration for a group consisting of multiple information processing terminals located in close proximity, A second step involves distributing the video data to multiple information processing terminals registered as the aforementioned group, A video distribution method comprising a third step of changing the progress of a video displayed on the information processing terminal in response to input from the information processing terminal.

25. Computers, A group registration means that accepts registration of a group consisting of multiple information processing terminals located in close proximity, A video data distribution means for distributing video data to multiple information processing terminals registered as the aforementioned group, A means for changing the progress of a video displayed on the information processing terminal in response to input from the information processing terminal, and a program for causing it to function as such.

Images