Terminal, computer, video output method and program

Abstract

This allows users to view gameplay videos one after another, thereby reducing the processing load. [Solution] A terminal capable of viewing videos outputs a video, accepts an operation to switch to the next video for the outputted video, and when outputting the next video, prepares the first image of the next video as a still image in advance, and when the operation to switch to the next video is accepted, temporarily outputs the still image, switches to the video following the still image, and outputs the next video.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a technology effective when a user views a video.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, for games played on smartphones and the like, a user can play after going through steps of searching for a game, purchasing / downloading it, installing it, and executing it. Here, at the stage of searching for a game, there are problems such as the trouble of searching and the possibility of not finding a game that the user likes. At the stages of downloading and installing, it takes time for downloading and installation, and the user has to wait. Furthermore, when trying to play the installed game, it also takes time for loading when the game starts, and the user has to wait. Thus, until the user plays the game, there are barriers for the user, resulting in a gaming experience that makes the user feel reluctant. As a method for improving such a user's gaming experience, for example, in Patent Document 1, when there is a requirement to install a program such as an application, it is disclosed that an explanatory video of this application is transmitted together, the user is made to view the video, and installation is performed during this time. Thus, a technique is disclosed for preventing the user from getting bored during the installation time by making the user view a video related to the application to be installed.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, this is not a case where the user has already decided which application to install and is simply watching a video. Rather, there are cases where, like with games, the user wants to watch videos about various games and then install the game they ultimately want to play. In other words, there is a need to be able to watch videos about multiple games one after another, and then immediately play the selected game without having to think about installation. In addition, installing a game while simultaneously playing rapidly changing videos requires various processes to run in parallel, putting a strain on the device. Therefore, there is a need for technology that reduces the burden on the device. However, the technology described in Patent Document 1 was unable to reduce the burden on the terminal. Therefore, the inventor focused on a mechanism to reduce the burden on the device when a user plays a video or switches to another video.

[0005] In view of these problems, the present invention aims to provide a terminal, a computer, a video output method, and a program that enable the viewing of games as videos one after another, thereby reducing the processing load. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The present invention relates to a terminal that allows users to view videos, A video output unit that outputs video, A reception unit that accepts an operation to switch to the next video from the outputted video, Equipped with, The aforementioned video output unit is When outputting the following video, the first image of the following video is prepared in advance as a still image. When an operation to switch to the next video is received, the still image is temporarily output, the system switches to the video following the still image, and then outputs the next video. We will provide the terminal.

[0007] Furthermore, the present invention relates to a computer that allows users to view videos, A storage unit that stores multiple videos and a still image which is the first image of each of the said videos, A video output unit that sequentially outputs the aforementioned multiple videos to the terminal, A startup unit that outputs a video in the order of output from the aforementioned multiple videos, and at the same time stores a still image as the first image of each video in the order of the videos to be output next in the terminal, and when an operation to switch to the next video is received, temporarily outputs the still image, switches to the video following the still image, and outputs the next video, We provide a computer equipped with the following features.

[0008] According to the present invention, when a video switching operation is received, the first image of the next video is temporarily output as a still image, and then the system switches to the video following this still image and outputs the next video. As a result, it becomes possible to view games one after another as videos, thereby reducing the processing load.

[0009] Although this invention falls under the category of terminals and computers, similar functions and effects can be achieved with methods and programs. [Effects of the Invention]

[0010] According to the present invention, it is possible to view games one after another as videos, thereby reducing the processing load. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0011] [Figure 1] This is a diagram illustrating the overview of video output system 1. [Figure 2] This diagram shows the functional configuration of the video output system 1. [Figure 3] This diagram shows a flowchart of the video saving process performed by the video output system 1. [Figure 4] This diagram shows a flowchart of the terminal detection process performed by the video output system 1. [Figure 5]It is a diagram showing a flowchart of the video output process executed by the video output system 1. [Figure 6] It is a diagram schematically showing a state in which the information terminal 3 has arranged video playback objects. [Figure 7] It is a diagram showing a flowchart of the first switching process executed by the video output system 1. [Figure 8] It is a diagram schematically showing an example of the behavior of the information terminal 3. [Figure 9] It is a diagram showing a flowchart of the second switching process executed by the video output system 1. [Figure 10] It is a diagram schematically showing an example of the behavior of the information terminal 3. [Figure 11] It is a diagram schematically showing an example of the number of videos already output by the information terminal 3 and the number of videos to be read for output. [Figure 12] It is a diagram schematically showing an example of the behavior of the information terminal 3. [Figure 13] It is a diagram schematically showing an example of the behavior of the information terminal 3. [Figure 14] It is a diagram showing a flowchart of the video output process, the first switching process, and the second switching process executed by the video output system 1.

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0012] Hereinafter, embodiments for carrying out the present invention (hereinafter referred to as embodiments) will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the following figures, the same elements are denoted by the same numbers or symbols throughout the description of the embodiments.

[0013] [Overview of Video Output System 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram for explaining the overview of the video output system 1. Based on FIG. 1, the components of the video output system 1 will be described. The video output system 1 is a system including at least an information terminal 3 through which a user can view videos. In the present embodiment, the video output system 1 includes, in addition to the information terminal 3, a computer 10 having a server function.

[0014] Information terminal 3 is a terminal device used by the user and on which the user can view videos. Examples include mobile phones, smartphones, tablet devices, personal computers, laptop computers, and wearable devices such as smartwatches, smart glasses, and HMDs (Head Mounted Displays).

[0015] Computer 10 has server functionality and may be implemented using, for example, a single computer, or it may be implemented using multiple computers, like a cloud computer. In this specification, a cloud computer may be either a system that uses any computer in a scalable manner to perform a specific function, or a system that includes multiple functional modules to realize a certain system, and uses those functions in a freely combined manner.

[0016] In addition to the information terminal 3 and computer 10 described above, the video output system 1 may also include an external system to which one or more videos are registered, as well as other terminals and devices, and there are no particular limitations on the number, types, and functions of such systems, and they can be designed as appropriate.

[0017] This section outlines the processing steps that video output system 1 takes when it makes a video viewable to the user.

[0018] Information terminal 3 outputs a video (step S1). The information terminal 3 acquires multiple videos from the computer 10 and outputs the acquired videos sequentially according to a pre-set output order. Information terminal 3 displays a video on its display unit and outputs the video using a video playback object on which the video located in the output area is placed. The number of these video playback objects can be appropriately designed according to the terminal's processing power. For example, if the processing power is lower than a preset value, an upper limit is set on the number of video playback objects, and if the processing power is higher than a preset value, the number of video playback objects is set to be variable. Information terminal 3 may also keep the output videos placed on the video playback objects in a playable state, or it may pre-load videos scheduled for output placed on the video playback objects and start outputting the video according to the pre-loaded results when the corresponding video is to be output.

[0019] Information terminal 3 accepts an operation to switch to the next video for the outputted video (step S2). Information terminal 3 accepts switching operations from the user to switch to the next video (such as swiping up or down).

[0020] When information terminal 3 outputs the next video, it prepares the first image of the next video as a still image in advance (step S3). When the information terminal 3 outputs the next video in response to a switching operation, it prepares a still image in advance that is generated based on the first image of the next video, which was acquired from the computer 10 or the like along with the video.

[0021] When information terminal 3 receives an operation to switch to the next video, it temporarily outputs a still image, switches to the video following the still image, and outputs the next video (step S4). When information terminal 3 receives a switching operation, it outputs a still image of the next video in place of the current video until the switching operation is complete. When the switching operation is complete, information terminal 3 switches its output from a still image to a video and outputs the next video.

[0022] The above is an overview of video output system 1. This video output system 1 allows users to view gameplay videos one after another, thereby reducing the processing load.

[0023] [Device configuration] Figure 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the video output system 1. The device configuration of the video output system 1 will be described based on Figure 2. The video output system 1 is a system that allows users to view videos and consists of at least an information terminal 3. In this embodiment, as described above, the video output system 1 consists of a computer 10 in addition to the information terminal 3. The video output system 1 is a system in which an information terminal 3 and a computer 10 are connected via a network 8 such as a public telephone network, enabling data communication. Furthermore, the video output system 1 may include the external systems, other terminals and devices mentioned above, in addition to the information terminal 3 and computer 10, and the number, types, and functions of the external systems, other terminals and devices can be designed as appropriate.

[0024] Information terminal 3 is the aforementioned terminal device used by the user and on which the user can view videos. The information terminal 3 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit), GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), RAM (Random Access Memory), ROM (Read Only Memory), etc., as a terminal control unit, and a communication unit that includes devices for communicating with other terminals and devices. The information terminal 3 includes a data storage unit, such as a hard disk, semiconductor memory, recording medium, or memory card, as its storage unit. The information terminal 3 includes various devices as input / output units that perform tasks such as receiving predetermined inputs, inputting and outputting various types of data, and processing necessary for outputting videos. It also includes an output unit that outputs videos, and a reception unit that accepts operations to switch to the next video from the outputted video. When outputting the next video, the video output unit prepares the first image of the next video as a still image in advance. When it receives an operation to switch to the next video, it temporarily outputs the still image, switches to the video following the still image, and outputs the next video.

[0025] In information terminal 3, the control unit loads a predetermined program and, in cooperation with the communication unit, realizes the video acquisition module. Furthermore, in the information terminal 3, the control unit loads a predetermined program, which then works in cooperation with the memory unit to realize a memory module. Furthermore, in the information terminal 3, the control unit loads a predetermined program and, in cooperation with the input / output unit, realizes a processing capacity acquisition module, a processing capacity determination module, an object count setting module, a video placement module, an object placement module, a reading module, an output module, a switching determination module, a reception module, and a holding module.

[0026] Computer 10 has server functionality and may be implemented using, for example, a single computer, or it may be implemented using multiple computers, like a cloud computer. Computer 10 includes a control unit comprising a CPU, GPU, RAM, ROM, etc., and a communication unit comprising a device for communicating with other terminals and devices. It also includes a video output unit that sequentially outputs multiple videos to a terminal, and a startup unit that outputs the videos in the order of output from the multiple videos, and at the same time stores a still image as the first image of each video in the order of the videos to be output next in the information terminal 3, and when an operation to switch to the next video is received, temporarily outputs the still image, switches to the video following the still image, and outputs the next video. Computer 10 includes a data storage unit, such as a hard disk, semiconductor memory, recording medium, or memory card, as a storage unit for storing multiple videos and games associated with each of the multiple videos. Computer 10 includes various devices and other components as a processing unit that perform various processes.

[0027] In computer 10, the control unit loads a predetermined program and, in cooperation with the communication unit, realizes the acquisition module, output module, and startup module. Furthermore, in the computer 10, the control unit loads a predetermined program, which then works in cooperation with the memory unit to realize a memory module. Furthermore, in the computer 10, the control unit loads a predetermined program and, in cooperation with the processing unit, realizes a generation module, a linking module, and an output order setting module.

[0028] The following describes each process performed by the video output system 1, along with the processes performed by the modules mentioned above. In this specification, each module may perform its processing as a function of its own, or it may perform it through a predetermined application.

[0029] [Video saving process executed by video output system 1] Based on Figure 3, the video saving process performed by the video output system 1 will be described. This figure is a flowchart of the video saving process performed by the computer 10. The video saving process is a detailed description of the storage process that saves multiple videos and a still image that is the first image of each of the videos.

[0030] The acquisition module acquires multiple videos (step S10). The videos are, for example, live-action or animated footage related to the game, and are intended for purposes such as introduction, explanation, advertising, and marketing. The games described herein are implemented on a browser or other designated application using WebGL (Web Graphics Library), JavaScript, Python, etc. Therefore, when a user runs this game on the information terminal 3, the game can be made available without the user having to install it themselves. In practice, when a user plays this game on the information terminal 3, they will play the game running in a browser, for example. The videos are pre-associated with the game, allowing the user to view the videos and then actually play the game associated with those videos. The acquisition module retrieves multiple videos from external systems, etc. Simultaneously, the acquisition module retrieves the game associated with each video. The acquisition module receives multiple videos sent by external systems, etc., and the games associated with each of those videos, and acquires the multiple videos. Furthermore, the acquisition module does not necessarily need to acquire the game along with the video; the present invention is applicable even if the acquisition module acquires only the video. Furthermore, the method by which the acquisition module acquires multiple videos is not limited to the example described above; it may also acquire multiple videos stored on an external recording device, for example.

[0031] The generation module generates a still image representing the first image in each of the multiple videos (step S11). The generation module extracts an image from the start time of each acquired video and generates a still image. In the following explanation, this still image will also be referred to as a thumbnail.

[0032] The linking module links multiple videos with still images (step S12). The linking module links the generated thumbnail to the original video from which it was extracted.

[0033] The output order setting module sets the output order of multiple videos (step S13). The output order setting module sets the order in which the acquired videos are displayed on the information terminal 3 as the output order. This output order may be based on a pre-set output order, or it may be based on an output order input from the administrator of computer 10, or it may be based on the order of the videos from smallest to largest file size, or it may be based on other criteria, and can be designed as appropriate.

[0034] The memory module stores multiple videos (step S14). The memory module stores multiple acquired videos along with their output order. At the same time, the memory module also stores the thumbnails associated with the videos. Furthermore, the memory module also stores the games associated with the videos.

[0035] The video output system 1 uses the multiple videos saved by the video saving process to perform the process described later.

[0036] [Terminal detection process executed by video output system 1] Based on Figure 4, the terminal detection process performed by the video output system 1 will be explained. The same figure is a flowchart of the terminal detection process performed by the information terminal 3.

[0037] The processing power acquisition module acquires its own processing power (step S20). Processing capability refers to the information terminal 3's ability to process various types of data, and includes CPU performance (multi-core performance, number of cores, maximum clock speed), GPU performance (rendering performance, etc.), RAM / ROM performance (capacity, etc.), and display performance (refresh rate, etc.). The processing power acquisition module obtains its own processing power by referring to software information, hardware information, etc.

[0038] The processing capacity determination module determines whether its acquired processing capacity is higher than a pre-set processing capacity (step S21). The pre-set processing capacity is such that, for example, even if the information terminal 3 performs storage and loading of more than a predetermined number of videos, there will be no disruption to the output of the videos. In this specification, "retaining a video" means keeping the video in a playable state within the video playback object described later. Furthermore, in this specification, "loading a video" means that the information terminal 3 makes the video playable within the video playback object described later.

[0039] In step S21, if the processing capacity determination module determines that its acquired processing capacity is lower than a preset processing capacity (step S21 NO), the object count setting module sets an upper limit on the number of objects for video playback (step S22). The video playback object is an object on which the video output by the information terminal 3 is placed. In the processing described later, the information terminal 3 outputs the video placed on this video playback object. In this specification, setting an upper limit means limiting the total number of videos that have already been output (n1) and the number of videos that are scheduled to be output (m1). These values ​​for the number of videos to be output and the number of videos to be loaded can each be set to "0" or greater. The object count setting module, for example, sets the number of video playback objects to 2 in this case (0 for retention, 1 for reading, and 1 for output). While the number of video playback objects set by the object count setting module can be designed as needed, it is desirable that the number be such that it does not create a load that would hinder video output when the information terminal 3 itself outputs the video, as is evident from the low processing power of the information terminal 3.

[0040] The memory module stores the number of objects for video playback (step S23). If the information terminal 3's own processing power is lower than the pre-set processing power, it uses the number of video playback objects set in step S22 to execute the process described later.

[0041] On the other hand, in step S21, if the processing capacity determination module determines that its acquired processing capacity is higher than a preset processing capacity (step S21 YES), the object count setting module sets the number of objects for video playback to a variable value (step S24). In this specification, "variable setting" means that the number of output videos to be retained (n2) and the number of videos to be loaded for output (m2) can be freely set. These retained and loaded values ​​can each be set to "0" or greater. Furthermore, the retained and loaded values ​​may be the same or different. The object count setting module sets the number of video playback objects to 5 in this case, for example (2 for storage, 2 for reading, and 1 for output). While the number of video playback objects set by the object count setting module can be designed as needed, it is desirable that the number of objects does not create a load that would hinder video output, even though the information terminal 3 has high processing power.

[0042] The memory module stores the number of objects for video playback (step S25). If the information terminal 3's processing capacity is higher than the pre-set processing capacity, it uses the number of video playback objects set in step S24 to execute the process described later.

[0043] The above describes the terminal detection process.

[0044] [Video output processing performed by video output system 1] Based on Figure 5, the video output process performed by the video output system 1 will be described. This figure is a flowchart of the video output process performed by the information terminal 3. The video output process is a detailed description of the video output process (step S1) that outputs a video.

[0045] The video acquisition module acquires the video (step S30). The video acquisition module sends a request to computer 10 to transmit the video stored by computer 10. The video acquisition module receives the necessary input for this transmission request from the user, for example, via a predetermined application (such as a web browser), and sends the transmission request to computer 10 based on the received input. Based on this transmission request, computer 10 outputs the multiple videos saved by the processing in step S14, along with the output order set by the processing in step S13. At this time, computer 10 also outputs the thumbnail associated with each video, and if a game is associated with each video, it also outputs the game. The video acquisition module receives these multiple videos, thumbnails, and games, and acquires the videos. Information terminal 3 stores acquired videos, thumbnails, and games in its memory unit.

[0046] The video placement module places the videos in output order (step S31). The video placement module arranges the videos in the order of their output, according to the output order of each video acquired along with the video itself. In this process, the video placement module does not arrange the videos themselves, but rather arranges the thumbnails associated with each video in the order of their output, and then arranges the videos in the order of their output.

[0047] The loading module loads the video (step S32). The loading module loads the video associated with the thumbnail placed as the first output, according to the output order, and makes it available for output (allowing the user to play and view it).

[0048] The object placement module places video playback objects onto the video (step S33). The object placement module places video playback objects in the loaded video based on the number of video playback objects set by the terminal detection process described above. The object placement module places one video playback object for each video. When placing a video playback object, the object placement module places the video playback object on the thumbnail associated with that video. After the video is loaded, the object placement module places the video playback object in the video after a predetermined time has elapsed (the time required to prepare the target video for playback, such as 0.3 seconds). The object placement module places at least one video playback object within the output area, which is the area where the information terminal 3 outputs video (see Figure 6). The object placement module places a number of video playback objects corresponding to the number of retained videos (if there is one or more already output videos) on the thumbnails associated with those videos. Additionally, if there is one or more videos to be loaded for output, the object placement module places a number of video playback objects corresponding to the number of loaded videos on the thumbnails associated with those videos.

[0049] Referring to Figure 6, the state in which the object placement module has placed video playback objects will be explained. This figure schematically shows the state in which the object placement module has placed video playback objects. This figure is an example where the number of output videos held is 0 and the number of videos scheduled for output is 0. In other words, it is an example where the number of video playback objects is 1 (for output only). The object placement module places a video playback object 22 on the thumbnail 20a that is located within the output area 21, out of the video thumbnails 20 (20a, 20b) placed in step S31. Furthermore, if the number of video playback objects 22 to be loaded is 1 or more, the video playback objects 22 should be placed on the thumbnails 20b associated with the videos to be output that are located outside the output area 21. Also, if the number of video playback objects 22 to be held is 1 or more, the video playback objects 22 should be placed on the thumbnails (not shown) associated with the videos that have already been output that are located outside the output area 21. The information terminal 3 outputs a video associated with a thumbnail 20a on which a video playback object 22 located in the output area 21 is placed, through a process described later.

[0050] Returning to Figure 5, we will continue explaining the video output process. The output module outputs a video (step S34). The output module displays the loaded video on its own display unit via a predetermined UI (User Interface), and then outputs the video.

[0051] This section explains the video output by the output module. The videos are related to games (e.g., brief introductions to games, excerpts from the game itself, etc.). The videos are output in a vertical scrolling format. That is, when switching videos, the output module accepts input from the user, such as swiping up or down, on the currently outputting video, and switches the output content from the currently outputting video to either a previously outputted video (upward swipe) or the next video scheduled to be output (downward swipe) based on the set output order. There are no particular restrictions on the direction of input. The launch module receives input (such as tapping a designated icon) from the user who viewed the output video, and based on this input, it launches the game associated with the video.

[0052] The above describes the video output process.

[0053] [First switching process executed by video output system 1] Based on Figure 7, the first switching process performed by the video output system 1 will be described. The same figure is a flowchart of the first switching process performed by the information terminal 3. The first switching process is a detailed description of the process when an upper limit is set on the number of video playback objects, which includes: a reception process (step S2) that accepts an operation to switch to the next video for the outputted video; a video output process (step S3) that prepares the first image of the next video as a still image in advance when outputting the next video; and a video output process (step S4) that, when an operation to switch to the next video is accepted, temporarily outputs a still image, switches to the video following the still image, and outputs the next video.

[0054] The switching determination module determines whether or not it has received an operation to switch to the next video for the output video (step S40). The switching determination module performs this determination based on whether or not it has received a switching operation from the user to switch to the next video (such as swiping up or down) for the output video. The reception module accepts the operation to change the output content from the currently outputting video to the next video as a switching operation. When the reception module accepts this switching operation, the thumbnail associated with the next video may or may not be placed on the video playback object. If the switching determination module determines that it has not accepted this switching operation (step S40 NO), the information terminal 3 may continue outputting the currently outputting video, repeat this process until it accepts the switching operation, or terminate the process. In this embodiment, the process will be described as being terminated.

[0055] On the other hand, if the switching determination module determines that it has accepted this switching operation (step S40 YES), the output module stops playing the video that is currently being output (step S41).

[0056] The output module outputs a still image associated with the video being output (step S42). The output module switches the video placed on the video playback object to the thumbnail associated with that video, and outputs the thumbnail.

[0057] The loading module loads the following video (step S43). The loading module, based on the switching operation, loads the video associated with the thumbnail placed next to the currently outputting video and makes it playable.

[0058] The object placement module moves the object for video playback (step S44). The object placement module moves the video playback object to the thumbnail placed immediately after the currently outputting video when a switch operation is received. Furthermore, if a video playback object is already placed on a thumbnail associated with a video to be output, the object placement module does not need to move the video playback object to that thumbnail. In this case, the information terminal 3 may either keep the video currently being output within the video playback object when the switching operation is received, or it may move the video playback object to a thumbnail associated with a video to be output that does not already have a video playback object placed on it.

[0059] The output module deletes the still images associated with the next video (step S45). The output module switches from the thumbnail on which the video playback object is placed to the video associated with that thumbnail, and then deletes the thumbnail.

[0060] The output module outputs the following video (step S46). The output module displays the next loaded video on its own display unit via a designated UI, etc., and outputs the video.

[0061] When information terminal 3 receives a video switching operation, it temporarily displays thumbnails for both the currently outputting video and the next video. Once the switching is complete, it switches to the video following the thumbnail of the next video and outputs the next video.

[0062] An example of the behavior of information terminal 3 when it performs the first switching process will be explained with reference to Figure 8. This figure schematically shows an example of the behavior of information terminal 3. In the first switching process, the behavior of information terminal 3 transitions in the order of Figure 8(a), Figure 8(b), Figure 8(c), and Figure 8(d). In this figure, the number of video playback objects is set to a maximum of two.

[0063] The state shown in Figure 8(a) is the state in which the output module is outputting video 30 in the output area 32 as a result of the processing in step S34. At this time, video playback objects 33 (33a, 33b) are placed on the thumbnails 31a associated with the video 30 that is currently being output and the video that is scheduled to be output after video 30. For videos scheduled to be output after the video associated with thumbnail 31a, no video playback objects are placed, and thumbnails 31b, 31c associated with each video are placed in their respective output order. From the state shown in Figure 8(a), when the reception module receives a switching operation from user 35 (in the direction of arrow 36 in Figure 8(b)), the output module stops playback of the currently outputting video 30, switches its output content to the thumbnail 31d associated with this video 30, and outputs the thumbnail 31d (see Figure 8(b)). At the same time, the reading module reads the video 34 associated with the thumbnail 31a that moves to the output area 32 after the switching operation. When the reception module receives a switching operation from user 35 and the thumbnail 31a associated with the next video to be output 34 moves into the output area 32 (see Figure 8(c)), the object placement module moves the video playback object 33a that was placed on the thumbnail 31a that moved outside the output area 32 to the thumbnail 31b associated with the next video to be output after video 34, after a predetermined amount of time has elapsed (see Figure 8(d)). The output module switches the output content from thumbnail 31a to the loaded video 34 and outputs this video 34 (see Figure 8(d)).

[0064] The above is the first switching process. Note that in the first switching process, the maximum number of video playback objects is set to 2, but it is sufficient to set the maximum number of video playback objects to at least 1.

[0065] [Second switching process executed by video output system 1] Based on Figure 9, the second switching process performed by the video output system 1 will be explained. The same figure is a flowchart of the second switching process performed by the information terminal 3. The second switching process is a detailed explanation of the case where the number of video playback objects is set to be variable, and includes a reception process (step S2) that accepts an operation to switch to the next video for the outputted video, a video output process (step S3) that prepares the first image of the next video as a still image in advance when outputting the next video, and a video output process (step S4) that, when an operation to switch to the next video is accepted, temporarily outputs a still image, switches to the video following the still image, and outputs the next video.

[0066] The retention module retains the outputted video (step S50). The retention module stores videos equal to the number of output videos to be retained within the video playback object, which is the number of video playback objects to be retained. For example, if the retention count is 2, it will retain 2 output videos.

[0067] The reading module reads the video to be output when the video is output (step S51). The loading module loads the number of videos to be loaded next into the video playback object, which corresponds to the number of videos to be output. For example, if the number to be loaded is 2, it loads 2 videos to be output.

[0068] The switching determination module determines whether or not it has received an operation to switch to the next video for the output video (step S52). The process in step S52 is the same as the process in step S40. If the switching determination module determines that it has not accepted this switching operation (step S52 NO), the information terminal 3 may continue outputting the currently outputting video, repeat this process until it accepts the switching operation, or terminate the process. In this embodiment, the process will be described as being terminated.

[0069] On the other hand, if the switching determination module determines that it has accepted this switching operation (step S52 YES), the output module stops playing the video that is currently being output (step S53).

[0070] The output module outputs a still image associated with the video being output (step S54). The output module switches the video placed on the video playback object to the thumbnail associated with that video, and outputs the thumbnail.

[0071] The object placement module moves the object for video playback (step S55). When a switch operation is received, the object placement module moves the video playback object to the thumbnail that does not have a video playback object placed in the output order of the video that has finished loading. Alternatively, the object placement module may, instead of moving the video playback object to the thumbnail placed in the output order following the loaded video, use the retention module to newly retain the video placed on this video playback object as an output video. In this case, if the newly retained video exceeds the maximum number of retained videos, the retained videos should be released in order from the oldest retained video to the one exceeding the limit. Furthermore, if the object placement module does not have a video playback object placed in the thumbnail that is placed next to the currently outputting video when the switching operation is received, it will move the video playback object to this thumbnail. In this case, the information terminal 3 should perform the same processing as described in step S44 and later.

[0072] The output module deletes the still images associated with the next video (step S56). The output module switches from the thumbnail on which the video playback object is placed to the video associated with that thumbnail, and then deletes the thumbnail.

[0073] The output module outputs the following video (step S57). The output module displays the next loaded video on its own display unit via a designated UI, etc., and outputs the video.

[0074] When information terminal 3 receives a video switching operation, it temporarily displays thumbnails for both the currently outputting video and the next video. Once the switching is complete, it switches to the video following the thumbnail of the next video and outputs the next video.

[0075] An example of the behavior of information terminal 3 when it performs the second switching process will be explained with reference to Figure 10. This figure schematically shows an example of the behavior of information terminal 3. In the second switching process, the behavior of information terminal 3 transitions in the order of Figure 10(a), Figure 10(b), Figure 10(c), and Figure 10(d). In this figure, the video playback object is set to hold 2 output videos, load 2 videos scheduled for output, and output 1.

[0076] The state shown in Figure 10(a) is the state in which the output module is outputting video 40 in the output area 42 as a result of the processing in step S34. At this time, video playback objects 43 (43a, 43b, 43c, 43d, 43e) are placed on video 40 and thumbnails 41 (41a, 41b, 41c, 41d). Specifically, video playback object 43a is placed on thumbnail 41a associated with the video that was placed as output at the time before last. Video playback object 43b is placed on thumbnail 41b associated with the video that was placed as output at the time last. Video playback object 43c is placed on video 40 that is currently being output. Video playback object 43d is placed on thumbnail 41c associated with the video that is placed as the next video to be output after video 40. The video playback object 43e is placed on the thumbnail 41d associated with the video that is scheduled to be output after the video associated with thumbnail 41c. For videos scheduled to be output after the video associated with thumbnail 41d, no video playback object is placed, and the thumbnails 41e associated with the videos are placed in that output order. The holding module holds the videos associated with the thumbnails 41a and 41b, respectively, placed on the video playback objects 43a and 43b, in the video playback objects 43a and 43b. The loading module has loaded the videos associated with the thumbnails 41c and 41d, respectively, placed on the video playback objects 43d and 43e. When the reception module receives a switching operation from user 45 from the state shown in Figure 10(a) (in the direction of arrow 46 in Figure 10(b)), the output module stops playback of the currently outputting video 40, switches its output content to the thumbnail 41f associated with this video 40, and outputs the thumbnail 41f (see Figure 10(b)). When the reception module receives a switching operation from user 45, and the thumbnail 41c associated with the next video to be output 44 moves into the output area 42 (see Figure 10(c)), the object placement module moves the video playback object 43a that was placed on the thumbnail 41a that moved outside the output area 42 to the thumbnail 41e associated with the next video to be output after the thumbnail 41d associated with the last loaded video (see Figure 10(d)). The output module switches the output content from thumbnail 41c to the loaded video 44 and outputs this video 44 (see Figure 10(d)). The retention module adds the video 40 that received the switch operation to its storage as a newly added video. At this time, since the retention module is attempting to retain a third video, even though the maximum number of retained videos is two, it releases the retained state of the video associated with the older thumbnail 41a. The loading module also loads a video linked to a thumbnail 41e on which a video playback object 43a is placed.

[0077] The above is the second switching process. In the second switching process, the number of output videos to retain and the number of videos to be loaded for output are set to the same number, 2. However, the number of output videos to retain and the number of videos to be loaded for output may be different. For example, information terminal 3 may have 1 output video to retain and 3 videos to be loaded for output (see Figure 11(a)). Furthermore, in the second switching process, the number of videos already output and the number of videos scheduled for output may both be 0 (see Figure 11(b)), or only the number of videos already output may be 0 (see Figure 11(c)), or the number of videos scheduled for output may be 0 (see Figure 11(d)).

[0078] In the second switching process, the behavior of the information terminal 3 when the number of output videos held and the number of videos to be output loaded are 0 will be explained with reference to Figures 12 and 13. These figures schematically show examples of the behavior of the information terminal 3. In the case of Figure 12, the behavior of the information terminal 3 transitions in the order of Figure 12(a), Figure 12(b), Figure 12(c), and Figure 12(d). Similarly, in the case of Figure 13, the behavior of the information terminal 3 transitions in the order of Figure 13(a), Figure 13(b), Figure 13(c), and Figure 13(d).

[0079] First, let's explain Figure 12. The state shown in Figure 12(a) is the state in which the output module outputs video 50 in the output area 52 as a result of the processing in step S34. At this time, the video playback object 53 is placed on video 50. Thumbnails 51a and 51b associated with videos scheduled to be output after video 50 are placed in output order without video playback objects placed on them. Also, although the description of videos that have been output before video 50 is omitted, these videos also do not have video playback objects placed on them. From the state shown in Figure 12(a), when the reception module receives a switching operation from user 55 (in the direction of arrow 56 in Figure 12(b)), the output module stops playback of the currently outputting video 50, switches its output content to the thumbnail 51c associated with this video 50, and outputs the thumbnail 51c (see Figure 12(b)). At the same time, the reading module reads the video 54 associated with the thumbnail 51a that moves to the output area 52 after the switching operation. When the reception module receives a switching operation from user 55, and the thumbnail 51a associated with the next video to be output 54 moves into the output area 52 (see Figure 12(c)), the object placement module moves the video playback object 53 that was placed on the thumbnail 51c that moved outside the output area 52 to the thumbnail 51a associated with the next video to be output after video 54, after a predetermined amount of time has elapsed. The output module switches the output content from thumbnail 51a to the loaded video 54 and outputs this video 54 (see Figure 12(d)).

[0080] Next, Figure 13 will be explained. The state shown in Figure 13(a) is the state in which the output module outputs video 60 in the output area 62 as a result of the processing in step S34. At this time, the video playback object 63 is placed on video 60. Thumbnails 61a associated with previously output videos and thumbnails 61b associated with videos scheduled to be output after video 60 are placed in output order without video playback objects being placed on them. When the receiving module receives a switching operation from user 65 from the state shown in Figure 13(a) (in the direction of arrow 66 in Figure 13(b)), the output module stops playback of the currently outputting video 60, switches its output content to the thumbnail 61c associated with this video 60, and outputs the thumbnail 61c (see Figure 13(b)). At the same time, the reading module reads the video 64 associated with the thumbnail 61a that moves to the output area 62 after the switching operation. When the reception module receives a switching operation from user 65, and the thumbnail 61a associated with the next video to be output 64 moves into the output area 62 (see Figure 13(c)), the object placement module moves the video playback object 63 that was placed on the thumbnail 61c that moved outside the output area 62 to the thumbnail 61a associated with the next video to be output after video 64, after a predetermined amount of time has elapsed (see Figure 13(d)). The output module switches the output content from thumbnail 61a to the loaded video 64 and outputs this video 64 (see Figure 13(d)).

[0081] In the embodiments described above, the video output process, the first switching process, and the second switching process are explained assuming that the main entity is the information terminal 3. However, the present invention is also applicable when the main entity is a computer 10 instead of the information terminal 3. This case will be explained with reference to Figure 14.

[0082] Figure 14 is a flowchart showing the case where the computer 10 is the primary operator performing the video output process, the first switching process, and the second switching process described above.

[0083] The output module sequentially outputs multiple videos to the information terminal 3 (step S60). The output module, based on the video transmission request received from the information terminal 3, transmits multiple videos and still images associated with each video to the information terminal 3 according to the output order set by the processing in step S13. The output module also transmits a command to the information terminal 3 to switch the video displayed by the information terminal 3 according to the input content accepted by the information terminal 3. In response to this command, information terminal 3 outputs multiple videos sequentially.

[0084] In step S60, the output module is described as being configured to send all of the multiple videos to the information terminal based on the transmission request, but it may also be configured to send only a portion of them (such as a number specified by the information terminal 3) to the information terminal 3. In this case, the output module should send a number of videos and still images associated with each video to the information terminal 3, based on the output order set by the processing in step S13.

[0085] The startup module outputs the video in the order of output from among the multiple videos, and at the same time stores the still image of the first image of each video in the information terminal 3, in the order of the videos to be output next (step S61). The startup module displays the multiple transmitted videos on the information terminal 3 in the order they were output, and also sends a command to the information terminal 3 to store a still image associated with the next video after the currently outputting video. The information terminal 3 performs the same processing as the first and second switching processes according to the command. As a result, the computer 10 outputs the video in the output order from among the multiple videos, and at the same time stores the still image of the first image of each video in the information terminal 3, in the order of the videos to be output next.

[0086] When the output module receives an operation to switch to the next video, it temporarily outputs a still image (step S62). When the information terminal 3 receives a switching operation, the output module sends a command to temporarily output a still image associated with the next video, in accordance with the command for processing in step S61. The information terminal 3 performs the same processing as the first and second switching processes in response to the command, and as a result, when the computer 10 receives an operation to switch to the next video, it temporarily outputs a still image.

[0087] The output module switches to a video following a still image and outputs the next video (step S63). When the information terminal 3 receives a switching operation, the output module switches from the temporarily output still image to the video associated with that still image and sends a command to display the video on the information terminal 3, in accordance with the command in step S61. The information terminal 3 performs the same switching process as the first and second switching processes according to the command, and as a result, the computer 10 switches from a still image to a video and outputs the next video.

[0088] The above describes the video output process, the first switching process, and the second switching process, which are primarily executed by computer 10.

[0089] Although the processes described above are listed as separate processes, the information terminal 3 can also be configured to execute some or all of the above processes in combination. Furthermore, the information terminal 3 can be configured to execute each process at times other than those described. Furthermore, although the above-described processes are described as being primarily executed by either the information terminal 3 or the computer 10, it is also possible to configure the system so that some or all of these processes are executed collaboratively by the information terminal 3 and the computer 10.

[0090] The means and functions described above are realized by a computer (including the CPU, information processing unit, and various terminals) reading and executing a predetermined program. The program may be provided, for example, via a network from the computer (SaaS: Software as a Service) or as a cloud service. Alternatively, the program may be provided in a form recorded on a computer-readable recording medium. In this case, the computer reads the program from the recording medium, transfers it to an internal or external recording device, records it, and executes it. Alternatively, the program may be pre-recorded on a recording device (recording medium) and provided to the computer from that recording device via a communication line.

[0091] Although embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above. Furthermore, the effects described in the embodiments of the present invention are merely a list of the most preferred effects arising from the present invention, and the effects of the present invention are not limited to those described in the embodiments of the present invention.

[0092] A first aspect disclosed in this embodiment is a terminal on which a user can view videos, A video output unit that outputs video, A reception unit that accepts an operation to switch to the next video from the outputted video, Equipped with, The aforementioned video output unit, When outputting the following video, the first image of the following video is prepared in advance as a still image. When an operation to switch to the next video is received, the still image is temporarily output, the system switches to the video following the still image, and then outputs the next video. We will provide the terminal.

[0093] A second aspect disclosed in this embodiment is an output video holding unit that holds a predetermined number of output videos, The terminal described in the first embodiment is further provided.

[0094] A third aspect disclosed in this embodiment is that the receiving unit receives an operation to switch to the outputted video for the outputted video, If the aforementioned video output unit switches to a number of videos that exceeds a predetermined number, When outputting the previously outputted video again, the first image of the previously outputted video is prepared in advance as a still image. When an operation to switch to the previously outputted video is received, the still image is temporarily output, the system switches to the video following the still image, and then outputs the previously outputted video. The terminal described in the second embodiment is provided.

[0095] A fourth aspect disclosed in this embodiment is a video reading unit that reads the following videos a predetermined number of times when the videos are output. The present invention provides a terminal according to the first embodiment, further comprising the above.

[0096] A fifth aspect disclosed in this embodiment is a limit setting unit that sets an upper limit on the number of video playback objects when the processing capacity is lower than a preset value. The present invention provides a terminal according to the first embodiment, further comprising the above.

[0097] A sixth aspect disclosed in this embodiment is a variable setting unit that sets the number of video playback objects in a variable manner when the processing capacity is higher than a preset value. The present invention provides a terminal according to the first embodiment, further comprising the above.

[0098] A seventh aspect disclosed in this embodiment is a computer on which a user can view videos, A storage unit that stores multiple videos and a still image which is the first image of each of the said videos, A video output unit that sequentially outputs the aforementioned multiple videos to the terminal, A startup unit that outputs the video in the output order from the aforementioned multiple videos, and at the same time stores a still image as the first image of each video in the order of the videos to be output next in the terminal, and when an operation to switch to the next video is received, temporarily outputs the still image, switches to the video following the still image, and outputs the next video, We provide a computer equipped with the following features.

[0099] An eighth aspect disclosed in this embodiment is that the video output unit transmits a number of videos specified by the terminal to the terminal in response to the terminal's request and outputs them sequentially. The present invention provides a computer as described in the seventh aspect. [Explanation of symbols]

[0100] 1. Video Output System 3. Information terminals 8 Networks 10 Computers 20 thumbnails 21 Output area 22 Video playback objects 30 Videos 31 Thumbnails 32 Output area 33. Objects for video playback 34 Videos 35 users 36 Arrows 40 Videos 41 Thumbnails 42 Output area 43. Objects for video playback 44 Videos 45 users 46 Arrows 50 videos 51 Thumbnails 52 Output area 53 Video playback object 54 Videos 55 users 56 Arrows 60 videos 61 Thumbnails 62 Output Area 63 Video playback object 64 Videos 65 users 66 Arrows

Claims

1. A device on which the user can view videos, A video output unit that outputs video, A reception unit that accepts an operation to switch to the next video from the outputted video, Equipped with, The aforementioned video output unit is When outputting the following video, the first image of the following video is prepared in advance as a still image. When an operation to switch to the next video is received, the still image is temporarily output, the system switches to the video following the still image, and then outputs the next video. Terminal.

2. Output video storage unit that stores a predetermined number of the output videos, The terminal according to claim 1, further comprising:

3. The reception unit receives an operation to switch to the previously outputted video for the outputted video. The aforementioned video output unit, when it switches to a video exceeding a preset number, When outputting the previously outputted video again, the first image of the previously outputted video is prepared in advance as a still image. When an operation to switch to the previously outputted video is received, the still image is temporarily output, the system switches to the video following the still image, and then outputs the previously outputted video. The terminal according to claim 2.

4. The video reading unit, which is scheduled to read the following videos a predetermined number of times when outputting the videos, The terminal according to claim 1, further comprising:

5. If the processing power is lower than a preset value, the upper limit setting unit sets an upper limit on the number of objects for video playback. The terminal according to claim 1, further comprising:

6. If the processing power is higher than the preset value, a variable setting unit sets the number of video playback objects to a variable value. The terminal according to claim 1, further comprising:

7. A computer on which a user can view videos, A storage unit that stores multiple videos and a still image which is the first image of each of the said videos, A video output unit that sequentially outputs the aforementioned multiple videos to the terminal, A startup unit that outputs the video in the output order from the aforementioned multiple videos, and at the same time stores a still image as the first image of each video in the order of the videos to be output next in the terminal, and when an operation to switch to the next video is received, temporarily outputs the still image, switches to the video following the still image, and outputs the next video, A computer equipped with [a specific feature / equipment].

8. The video output unit transmits a number of videos specified by the terminal to the terminal in response to the terminal's request and outputs them sequentially. The computer according to claim 7.

9. A video output method performed by a device capable of viewing videos by a user, Steps to output the video, The steps include accepting an operation to switch to the next video for the output video, When outputting the following video, the step is to prepare the first image of the following video as a still image in advance, When an operation to switch to the next video is received, the still image is temporarily output, the system switches to the video following the still image, and the next video is output. A video output method that includes the following features.

10. On a device where the user can view the video, Steps to output video, A step of accepting an operation to switch to the next video from the output video, When outputting the following video, the first image of the following video is prepared in advance as a still image. When an operation to switch to the next video is received, the still image is temporarily output, the system switches to the video following the still image, and the next video is output. A computer-readable program for executing a command.

Images