Terminal device and animation delivery system

Abstract

To provide terminal devices and animation delivery systems with excellent usability. [Solution] The terminal device includes a display control unit that displays animation on the screen of a display device based on animation data provided from a server, a reception unit that accepts specific operations from the user via an input device to one or more locations on the screen while the animation is being displayed, and a determination unit that determines clip information regarding the start and end of a clip from which a part of the animation has been cut out, in response to the specific operation.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a terminal device and an animation providing system.

Background Art

[0002] Technologies that enable viewing content such as animations on terminal devices such as smartphones are known. Also, it is known that the terminal device can generate a clip in which a part of the animation is cut out according to the user's operation.

[0003] Patent Document 1 discloses a computer terminal capable of generating a clip by an operation in which a user presses and releases a clip button with a finger during content playback.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] However, if the clip button continues to be displayed on the screen, the clip button will interfere with the viewing of the animation. Therefore, there is a problem in that user-friendliness is lacking.

[0006] The present disclosure has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object thereof is to provide a terminal device and an animation providing system with excellent user-friendliness.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0007] To solve the above problems, a terminal device according to a preferred embodiment of the present disclosure includes: a display control unit that displays an animation on a screen of a display device based on animation data provided from a server; a reception unit that receives a specific operation by a user via an input device to any one or more locations on the screen while the animation is being displayed; and a determination unit that determines clip information relating to the start and end of a clip from which a part of the animation has been cut out, in response to the specific operation.

[0008] An animation provisioning system according to a preferred embodiment of the present disclosure comprises a terminal device and a server that can communicate with the terminal device via a communication network, wherein the terminal device includes a display control unit that causes animation to be displayed on the screen of a display device based on animation data provided by the server, a reception unit that receives a specific operation by a user via an input device to any one or more locations on the screen during the display of the animation, and a determination unit that determines clip information relating to the start and end of a clip from which a part of the animation has been cut out, in response to the specific operation. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] According to this disclosure, it is possible to provide terminal devices and animation provision systems that offer superior usability. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0010] [Figure 1] This is a diagram showing the animation provisioning system of the first embodiment. [Figure 2] This is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a terminal device in Figure 1. [Figure 3] Figure 2 shows an example of an animation displayed on the screen of the display device. [Figure 4] Figure 2 shows an example of a clip displayed on the screen of the display device. [Figure 5] Figure 2 shows an example of a position indicator bar displayed on the screen of the display device. [Figure 6] This is an illustration of a clip list displayed on the screen of the display device in FIG. 2. [Figure 7] This is an illustration of an edit bar displayed on the screen of the display device in FIG. 2. [Figure 8] This is a diagram for explaining a specific operation by a user during the display of a clip. [Figure 9] This is a diagram showing an example of the clip information shown in FIG. 2. [Figure 10] This is a block diagram showing a configuration example of the server in FIG. 1. [Figure 11] This is a diagram showing an example of an animation data file shown in FIG. 10. [Figure 12] This is a diagram showing an example of a clip list file shown in FIG. 10. [Figure 13] This is a diagram showing an example of a relationship information file shown in FIG. 10. [Figure 14] This is a flowchart showing an example of an operation related to clip processing. [Figure 15] This is a flowchart showing an example of an operation related to the display and editing of a clip. [Figure 16] This is a flowchart showing an example of an operation related to the display of a clip list. [Figure 17] This is a flowchart showing an example of an operation related to the display of the clip list of the first modification example. [Figure 18] This is a diagram showing a selection screen in the first modification example. [Figure 19] This is a diagram for explaining a specific operation by a user in the second modification example. [Figure 20] This is a flowchart showing an example of an operation related to clip processing in the third modification example. [Figure 21] This is an illustration of a tool for clip processing displayed on the screen.

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0011] Hereinafter, embodiments according to the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. The embodiments described below are preferred specific examples of the present disclosure. For this reason, various technically preferable limitations are imposed on the embodiments. However, the scope of the present disclosure is not limited to the embodiments shown below, unless there is a description to specifically limit the present disclosure in the following description.

[0012] 1. First Embodiment 1-1. Overall Configuration of the System FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an animation providing system according to the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, the animation providing system 100 includes a server 10 and terminal devices 30-1, 30-2,..., 30-K,..., 30-N. N is an integer greater than or equal to 1. K is an integer greater than or equal to 1 and less than or equal to N. The animation providing system 100 is a client-server system. The terminal device 30 corresponds to a client.

[0013] In the present embodiment, the plurality of terminal devices 30-1 to 30-N have the same configuration. However, terminal devices with different configurations may be included. Also, each of the plurality of terminal devices 30-1 to 30-N communicates with each other via a communication network 50 such as the Internet and the server 10. Hereinafter, when the plurality of terminal devices 30-1 to 30-N are not distinguished, they are denoted as the terminal device 30. Also, the owners of the terminal devices 30-1, 30-2,..., 30-K,..., 30-N are denoted as users U1, U2,..., UK,..., UN. Note that the owner of the terminal device 30 is denoted as the user U.

[0014] The server 10 provides animations to the plurality of terminal devices 30-1 to 30-N. Also, the server 10 provides clips in which a part of the animation is cut out to the plurality of terminal devices 30-1 to 30-N.

[0015] In the present embodiment, the user U views the animation by streaming in which the terminal device 30 receives and reproduces data simultaneously.

[0016] According to the animation provision system 100 of this embodiment, in addition to viewing the animation, it is possible to view clips, which are excerpts of parts of the animation, via the terminal device 30. The clips are parts of the animation and are also moving images, just like the animation. The length of the clips is not particularly limited, but for example, it is about 1 to 120 seconds. Furthermore, the animation provision system 100 can perform clip processing. Clip processing is the process of cutting out a part of the animation to generate a clip. Furthermore, the animation provision system 100 can perform clip editing. However, the animation provision system 100 does not necessarily have to be able to perform clip editing.

[0017] 1-1a. Terminal device 30 Figure 2 is a block diagram showing an example configuration of the terminal device 30 in Figure 1. The terminal device 30 has a viewer function for displaying animations. Examples of terminal devices 30 include smartphones, tablets and other portable information terminals, personal computers, and wearable devices.

[0018] The terminal device 30 comprises a processing unit 31, a storage device 32, a communication device 33, a display device 34, and an input device 35. Each element of the terminal device 30 is interconnected using one or more buses for communicating information.

[0019] The processing unit 31 is a processor that controls the entire terminal device 30. The processing unit 31 is configured using, for example, one or more chips. The processing unit 31 includes, for example, a central processing unit (CPU) including an arithmetic unit and registers. Some or all of the functions of the processing unit 31 may be implemented using hardware such as a DSP, ASIC, PLD, FPGA, etc. The processing unit 31 executes various processes in parallel or sequentially.

[0020] The storage device 32 is a recording medium that can be read from and written to by the processing device 31. The storage device 32 stores multiple programs executed by the processing device 31, as well as various data files. Specifically, the storage device 32 stores the executable program P1 and clip information D20. By executing the executable program P1, the processing device 31 performs the functions described later. As will be described later, the clip information D20 is metadata that includes the clip's start time, end time, and animation ID. Note that the clip information D20 only needs to be stored temporarily and does not need to be stored long-term.

[0021] The communication device 33 is hardware acting as a transmitting and receiving device for communicating with the server 10. The communication device 33 is also called, for example, a network device, a network controller, a network card, and a communication module. The communication device 33 may be equipped with a connector for wired connection and an interface circuit corresponding to the connector. The communication device 33 may also be equipped with a wireless communication interface. Examples of connectors and interface circuits for wired connection include products compliant with wired LAN, IEEE1394, and USB. Examples of wireless communication interfaces include products compliant with wireless LAN and Bluetooth®.

[0022] The display device 34 is a device that displays images and text information. The display device 34 displays various images under the control of the processing device 31. For example, various display panels such as liquid crystal display panels and organic EL (Electro-Luminescence) display panels are preferably used as the display device 34.

[0023] The input device 35 accepts input from the user U. For example, the input device 35 includes a keyboard, touchpad, touch panel, or pointing device such as a mouse.

[0024] In this embodiment, for example, the display device 34 includes a touch panel and also functions as an input device 35. Therefore, in the following description, it may be stated that the display device 34 accepts instructions from user U.

[0025] The aforementioned processing unit 31 reads the executable program P1 from the storage device 32 and executes it. As a result, the processing unit 31 functions as a display control unit 311, a reception unit 312, a decision unit 313, and a communication control unit 314.

[0026] The display control unit 311 controls the display on the display device 34. The display control unit 311 also starts an animation viewer. The animation viewer may be a browser viewer that allows viewing animations in a browser, or an application viewer that allows viewing animations in an application.

[0027] For example, the display control unit 311 displays animation A1 in Figure 3, based on animation data D10 provided by the server 10, on the display device 34. The display control unit 311 also displays clip A2 in Figure 4, based on clip data D2 provided by the server 10, on the display device 34. Furthermore, for example, the display control unit 311 displays the position indicator bar T1 in Figure 5, which indicates the position, i.e., time, of clip A2 in animation A1. For example, the display control unit 311 displays clip list A3 in Figure 6, based on clip list file F20 provided by the server 10, on the display device 34. Note that clip list A3 is a list of multiple clips A2. For example, the display control unit 311 displays the editing bar T4 in Figure 7 for editing clip A2.

[0028] Figure 3 is an example of animation A1 displayed on the screen SC of the display device 34 in Figure 2. Figure 4 is an example of clip A2 displayed on the screen SC of the display device 34 in Figure 2. As shown in Figures 3 and 4, the display device 34 has a screen SC for displaying various images. In Figure 3, animation A1 is displayed on the screen SC. In Figure 4, clip A2 is displayed on the screen SC. Note that an identification mark may be attached to either animation A1 or clip A2 so that the user U can instantly tell which is displayed on the screen SC.

[0029] Figure 5 is an example of a position indicator bar T1 displayed on the screen SC of the display device 34 in Figure 2. As shown in Figure 5, the display control unit 311 displays the position indicator bar T1 while animation A1 is being displayed. The position indicator bar T1 is a seek bar that indicates the position of clip A2. In addition to the bar body that indicates the time axis, the position indicator bar T1 has a playback point T11, two clip sections T12 and T13, and two clip display callouts T14 and T15. The playback point T11 indicates the current playback position of animation A1. In the example in Figure 5, two clips A2 are generated with respect to animation A1. Each of the clip sections T12 and T13 indicates the position, i.e., time, of the clip. A clip display callout T14 is provided corresponding to clip section T12. The clip display callout T14 shows the contents of clip section T12 as an image. For example, the clip display callout T14 shows the first scene of clip section T12 as an image. Similarly, a clip display bubble T15 is provided corresponding to the clip portion T13. The clip display bubble T15 displays the contents of the clip portion T13 as an image. For example, the clip display bubble T15 displays the first scene of the clip portion T13 as an image. Note that the clip display bubbles T14 and T15 do not have to be displayed at all times and may be displayed by user U's tap operation or other means.

[0030] Figure 6 is an example of a clip list A3 displayed on the screen SC of the display device 34 in Figure 2. The screen SC shown in Figure 6 displays a clip list A3, which is a list of multiple clips A2. The clip list A3 includes multiple clips A2 and a title corresponding to each clip A2. To the right of each clip A2, content such as a title arbitrarily specified by the user U is displayed, for example, to make it easier to identify each clip A2. For example, Figure 7 displays three clips A2 with titles "X1", "X2", and "X3". The title may be omitted. Also, for example, the clip list A3 is configured so that multiple clips A2 can be viewed by scrolling vertically.

[0031] Figure 7 shows an example of an editing bar T4 displayed on the screen SC of the display device 34 in Figure 2. As shown in Figure 7, the display control unit 311 displays the editing bar T4 along with the display of clip A2. The editing bar T4 is a GUI used by the user to edit clip A2. The editing bar T4 has a clip portion T41 that indicates the length of time of clip A2. The length of time of the clip portion T41 can be changed by the user U.

[0032] The reception unit 312 shown in Figure 2 receives instructions from user U via the input device 35 or the display device 34. For example, the reception unit 312 receives specific operations from user U for clipping during the period when animation A1 is displayed on the display device 34. A specific operation is a touch operation by user U to any one or more locations on the screen SC. A touch operation is an operation in which user U's finger Uf touches the screen SC. The reception unit 312 also receives instructions from user U for clip editing during the period when animation A1 is displayed on the display device 34.

[0033] Figure 8 illustrates a specific operation performed by user U while clip A2 is being displayed. When user U wants to perform a clipping operation, that is, when they want to cut out a part of animation A1 to create clip A2, they perform a specific operation on screen SC.

[0034] In the example in Figure 8, the specific operation performed by user U is a long press operation of user U's finger Uf on any location on the screen SC for a certain period of time. For example, the specific operation includes a start instruction to begin clipping in response to user U's operation on any one location on the screen SC, and an end instruction to end clipping in response to user U releasing the operation on that location. The start of contact by finger Uf is the start instruction to begin clipping, and the release of contact by finger Uf is the end instruction to end clipping. In other words, the duration of contact between finger Uf and screen SC corresponds to the length of time of clip A2.

[0035] The display device 34 detects, via a touch sensor, that a finger Uf is in contact with the screen SC and the position of the contact. The reception unit 312 then receives the start of contact, duration of contact, and position of the finger Uf and determines that it is a long press.

[0036] Furthermore, the aforementioned location on the screen SC can be any location within the screen SC. Therefore, it is not necessary to display buttons or other elements within the screen SC for clipping purposes. Note that the finger Uf includes the thumb. In addition, some component may be interposed between the finger Uf and the screen SC if it is possible to perform a specific operation. Furthermore, the specific operation may be performed by a part of the user U other than the finger Uf.

[0037] The determination unit 313 determines the clip time of animation A1 in response to a specific operation by user U received by the reception unit 312. The determination unit 313 generates the clip information D20 shown in Figure 9.

[0038] Figure 9 shows an example of clip information D20 shown in Figure 2. As shown in Figure 9, clip information D20 includes clip ID, animation ID, first position, second position, title, and terminal ID.

[0039] The clip ID is an identifier for clip information D20. The animation ID is an identifier used to identify animation A1 that is being played when the clip processing instruction is given. The terminal ID is an identifier used to identify the terminal device 30 on which the specific operation was performed. It is assumed that one user U may view clip A2 based on another user U's clip information D20. Therefore, the presence of the terminal ID makes it possible to identify which user U owns the terminal device 30 on which the clip information D20 was determined. The first position is the start time of the start instruction to begin clip processing, and specifically indicates the position of animation data D10 corresponding to that start time. The second position is the end time of the end instruction to end clip processing, and specifically indicates the position of animation data D10 corresponding to that end time. The title is content specified by user U to make clip A2 easily identifiable. Note that clip information D20 does not have to include all the requirements shown in Figure 9, and may include other requirements.

[0040] In the example in Figure 9, for example, clip information D20 includes information indicating the period of "352 seconds" and "441 seconds" in animation A1 with animation ID "an0001". This example in Figure 9 shows that a start instruction for a specific operation was given at 352 seconds of animation A1, and an end instruction for a specific operation was given at 441 seconds. In other words, contact of finger Uf with screen SC begins at 352 seconds of animation A1, and contact of finger Uf with screen SC is released at 441 seconds. Furthermore, the example in Figure 9 shows that clip information D20 is information generated by a specific operation performed on terminal device 30 with terminal ID "30-1".

[0041] The communication control unit 314 shown in Figure 2 causes the communication device 33 to send and receive various types of information. As a result, various types of information are transmitted to the server 10. The terminal device 30 also receives various types of information from the server 10. For example, the communication control unit 314 causes the communication device 33 to send clip information D20. Also, for example, the communication control unit 314 causes the communication device 33 to receive animation data D10, clip data D2, and clip list file F20.

[0042] 1-1b. Server 10 Figure 10 is a block diagram showing an example configuration of the server 10 in Figure 1. As shown in Figure 10, the server 10 comprises a processing unit 11, a storage device 12, a communication device 13, a display device 14, and an input device 15. Each element of the server 10 is interconnected using one or more buses for communicating information.

[0043] The processing unit 11 is a processor that controls the entire server 10. The processing unit 11 is configured using, for example, one or more chips. The processing unit 11 is configured using, for example, a central processing unit (CPU) including an arithmetic unit and registers. Some or all of the functions of the processing unit 11 may be implemented using hardware such as a DSP, ASIC, PLD, and FPGA. The processing unit 11 executes various processes in parallel or sequentially.

[0044] The storage device 12 is a recording medium that can be read from and written to by the processing device 11. The storage device 12 also stores multiple programs executed by the processing device 11, as well as various data files. Specifically, the storage device 12 stores the control program P2, animation data file F10, clip list file F20, clip data D2, and related information file F30. By executing the control program P2, the processing device 11 performs the functions described later. Note that the clip data D2 only needs to be stored temporarily and does not need to be stored long-term. Therefore, the clip data D2 does not need to be stored in the storage device 12 after its data transmission.

[0045] Figure 11 shows an example of the animation data file F10 shown in Figure 10. The animation data file F10 shown in Figure 10 contains multiple animation data D10-1, D10-2, D10-3, ... D10-β. When multiple animation data D10-1 to D10-β are not distinguished, they are referred to as animation data D10.

[0046] For example, if there are multiple episodes, animation data D10 will be created for each episode, such as episode 1, episode 2, etc.

[0047] Figure 12 shows an example of the clip list file F20 shown in Figure 10. The clip list file F20 in Figure 12 is a list file of clip information D20. The clip list file F20 is a collection of multiple clip information D20 provided by multiple terminal devices 30. As shown in Figure 12, the clip list file F20 contains multiple clip information D20-1, D20-2, D20-3, ... D20-γ. Note that when multiple clip information D20-1 to D20-γ are not distinguished, they are referred to as clip information D20.

[0048] Clip information D20 includes the clip ID, animation ID, first position, second position, title, and terminal ID. Note that clip information D20 does not necessarily have to include all the requirements shown in Figure 12, and may include other requirements.

[0049] Clip information D20-1 in the example in Figure 12 corresponds to clip information D20 in Figure 11 mentioned above. For example, clip information D20-1 includes information indicating that clip information with the title "X1" was generated for terminal ID "30-1". Clip information D20-1 includes information indicating the period of animation ID "an0001" with a start time of "352 seconds" and an end time of "441 seconds". Also, clip information D20-2 includes information indicating that clip information with the title "X2" was generated for terminal ID "30-1". Clip information D20-2 includes clip information for animation ID "an0001" with a start time of "722 seconds" and an end time of "851 seconds". Also, clip information D20-3 includes information indicating that clip information with the title "X3" was generated for terminal ID "30-1". Clip information D20-3 contains clip information for animation ID "an0002" with a start time of "458 seconds" and an end time of "529 seconds". Clip information D20-γ contains information indicating that clip information with the title "No.1" was generated for terminal ID "30-K". Clip information D20-K contains clip information for animation ID "an0001" with a start time of "442 seconds" and an end time of "518 seconds".

[0050] Furthermore, the clip data D2 shown in Figure 10 above is data generated by cutting out a portion of the animation data D10 based on the clip information D20.

[0051] Figure 13 shows an example of the relationship information file F30 shown in Figure 10. The relationship information file F30 in Figure 13 is a database that includes relationships with each terminal device 30. Specifically, the relationship information file F30 includes follow and follower relationships for each terminal device 30. Following means obtaining a connection that allows you to know the activities of other users U. A follower is a user U who is following you. For example, using the relationship information file F30, a user U can view clip A2 based on clip information D20 of another user U. For example, using the relationship information file F30, a user U can prioritize viewing clip A2 of users U they follow.

[0052] The relationship information file F30 includes, as an example, information indicating that terminal device 30-1 is followed by terminal device 30-2, and information indicating that terminal device 30-2 has no followers. It also includes, as an example, information indicating that terminal device 30-K is followed by terminal device 30-K, and information indicating that terminal device 30-1 is a follower of terminal device 30-2. Furthermore, as an example, it includes information indicating that terminal device 30-K is followed by terminal device 30-2, and information indicating that terminal devices 30-2 and 30-K are followers of terminal device 30-K.

[0053] The communication device 13 shown in Figure 10 is hardware that acts as a transmitting and receiving device for communicating with the terminal device 30. The communication device 13 is also called, for example, a network device, a network controller, a network card, and a communication module. The communication device 13 may be equipped with a connector for wired connection and an interface circuit corresponding to the connector. The communication device 13 may also be equipped with a wireless communication interface. Examples of connectors and interface circuits for wired connection include products compliant with wired LAN, IEEE1394, and USB. Examples of wireless communication interfaces include products compliant with wireless LAN and Bluetooth®.

[0054] The display device 14 is a device that displays images and text information. The display device 14 displays various images under the control of the processing unit 11. For example, various display panels such as liquid crystal display panels and organic EL (Electro-Luminescence) display panels are preferably used as the display device 14.

[0055] The input device 15 accepts operations from the administrator of the server 10. For example, the input device 15 may include a keyboard, touchpad, touch panel, or pointing device such as a mouse. If the display device 14 includes a touch panel, the display device 14 may also function as the input device 15.

[0056] The processing unit 11 reads the control program P2 from the storage device 12 and executes it. As a result, the processing unit 11 functions as a generation unit 111, a communication control unit 112, a relationship registration unit 113, a management unit 114, and a display control unit 115.

[0057] The generation unit 111 generates clip data D2, which is part of the animation data D10, based on the clip information D20 of the clip list file F20. For example, clip data D2 is generated each time in response to a request provided by the terminal device 30.

[0058] The communication control unit 112 causes the communication device 13 to send and receive various types of information with the terminal device 30. For example, the communication control unit 112 causes the communication device 13 to receive clip information D20. Also, for example, the communication control unit 112 causes the communication device 13 to transmit all or part of the animation data D10, clip data D2, and clip list file F20.

[0059] The relationship registration unit 113 links and registers two or more terminal devices 30 as follower and follower relationships. The relationship registration unit 113 generates the relationship information file F30 shown in Figure 13.

[0060] The management unit 114 stores various types of information in the storage device 12 and identifies specific information from among the various types of information stored in the storage device 12. For example, the management unit 114 registers clip information D20 provided by the terminal device 30 in the clip list file F20. Also, for example, the management unit 114 identifies a specific animation data D10 from among multiple animation data D10 in accordance with the instructions of the user U.

[0061] The display control unit 115 controls the display on the display device 14. The display control unit 115 may also control the display on the screen SC of the terminal device 30.

[0062] 1-2. Operations related to clipping Figure 14 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the operations involved in clipping. Referring to Figure 4, we will now explain the operations involved in clipping, that is, the creation of clip A2, which is a clipped portion of animation A1.

[0063] In step S101, the reception unit 312 receives a command from user U to start viewing animation A1 via the display device 34. At this time, the display control unit 311 starts the animation viewer. Before starting the animation viewer, the display control unit 311 may display buttons on the screen SC that allow user U to select whether to view the animation in a browser or in an app. For example, in response to user U's selection of these buttons, the display control unit 311 starts the animation viewer corresponding to that selection.

[0064] In step S102, the communication control unit 314 causes the communication device 33 to send a request to view animation A1.

[0065] In step S103, the communication control unit 112 of the server 10 causes the management unit 114 to send the animation data D10 identified in response to the viewing request to the communication device 13. The viewing request includes an animation ID, and the server 10 sends the animation data D10 corresponding to the animation ID to the terminal device 30. The communication control unit 314 causes the communication device 33 to receive the animation data D10.

[0066] In step S104, the display control unit 311 causes the animation A1 based on the animation data D10 to be displayed on the display device 34. For example, the animation A1 shown in Figure 3 is displayed on screen SC.

[0067] In step S100, the reception unit 312 accepts a specific operation while animation A1 is being displayed. Step S100 includes steps S105 and S106 in that order.

[0068] In step S105, the reception unit 312 receives an instruction to start the clipping process. As described above, for example, as shown in Figure 8, the reception unit 312 receives an instruction to start the clipping process by detecting the start of contact of a finger Uf to any one location on the screen SC. The time at which this start instruction is received corresponds to the first position described above.

[0069] In step S106, the reception unit 312 receives an instruction to terminate the clipping process. As described above, for example, the reception unit 312 receives the instruction to terminate the clipping process by detecting that contact between the finger Uf and any one point on the screen SC has been released. The time at which this termination instruction is received corresponds to the second position described above.

[0070] In step S107, the determination unit 313 determines clip information D20, which includes the time for the start instruction and the time for the end instruction of the clipping process. As described above, for example, the determination unit 313 generates the clip information D20 shown in Figure 9. The period during which user U has contact with any one location with finger Uf is the period from the first position to the second position, that is, the period of clip A2.

[0071] In step S108, the communication control unit 314 causes the communication device 33 to transmit clip information D20. In step S109, the management unit 114 of the server 10 saves the clip information D20 to the clip list file F20. Clip A2 is generated based on the clip information D20.

[0072] Through the above operations, clip information D20 for generating clip A2 from animation A1 is determined. As described above, in step S104, the display control unit 311 displays animation A1 on the screen SC of the display device 34 based on the animation data D1 provided by the server 10. In step S100, the reception unit 312 accepts a specific operation by user U on one or more locations on the screen SC while animation A1 is being displayed. In step S107, the determination unit 313 determines clip information D20 regarding the start and end of clip A2, which is a clipped portion of animation A1, in response to the specific operation.

[0073] Since the terminal device 30 has a display control unit 311, a reception unit 312, and a determination unit 313, as described above, it can determine clip information D20 for generating clip A2 from animation A1. Then, clip A2 can be generated using this clip information S20.

[0074] In particular, the reception unit 312 accepts specific operations from user U on one or more locations on the screen SC while animation A1 is being displayed. Therefore, if user U wants to generate clip A2, they can give instructions to the terminal device 30 to generate clip A2 without using the clip button. Consequently, the terminal device 30 does not need to display a clip button on the screen SC for giving instructions for clipping. User U can give instructions for clipping by simply touching any location on the screen SC with their finger Uf. Since the clip button is not displayed on the screen SC, it is possible to avoid the clip button interfering with viewing animation A1 by remaining displayed on the screen SC. For this reason, the terminal device 30 of this embodiment and the animation provision system 100 equipped therewith offer excellent usability for user U who wants to concentrate on animation A1.

[0075] Furthermore, the action of touching any desired area of ​​the screen SC with a finger Uf is an extremely simple operation. Therefore, it is unlikely to cause discomfort to users U of a wide range of age groups. Moreover, since a portion of animation A1 can be easily cut out with such a simple operation, the risk of interrupting the viewing of animation A1 in order to give instructions for clipping can be suppressed. For this reason, according to the terminal device 30 of this embodiment, a very large number of users U can easily generate clip A2 while comfortably viewing animation A1.

[0076] Furthermore, specific operations that instruct user U to generate clips can be performed while animation A1 is being displayed. In other words, user U can issue clip generation instructions while watching animation A1 as usual. Therefore, it is not necessary to stop animation A1 in order to generate clip A2. Thus, since viewing animation A1 and generating clip A2 can be done simultaneously, it offers excellent usability.

[0077] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the reception unit 312 receives instructions from the user U for clipping by receiving a specific operation on any one location on the screen SC. Specifically, the reception unit 312 receives a start instruction to begin clipping when the user U performs an operation on any one location on the screen SC, and an end instruction to end clipping when the user releases the operation on the aforementioned location. In other words, the reception unit 312 detects a long press on any one location on the screen SC and receives the duration of that long press.

[0078] User U can initiate clipping and specify the clipping period (A2) by long-pressing any point on the screen SC. Long-pressing is an extremely simple operation among operations that involve touching with a finger Uf. Since long-pressing allows for the instruction to initiate clipping and specify the clipping period (A2), user U does not need to remember complex operations for clipping. Therefore, it offers excellent usability.

[0079] 1-3. Operation related to displaying and editing clip A2 Figure 15 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation related to displaying and editing clip A2. Steps S201 to S208 show an example of the operation related to displaying clip A2, and steps S209 to S214 show an example of the operation related to editing clip A2.

[0080] In step S201, the display control unit 311 displays animation A1 based on animation data D10 on the display device 34. For example, animation A1 shown in Figure 3 is displayed on screen SC. Animation A1 is displayed on screen SC by the same operation as in steps S101 to S103 described above. In addition, the communication control unit 314 receives clip information D20 associated with animation data D10, in addition to animation data D10.

[0081] In step S202, the reception unit 312 receives an instruction to display a position indicator bar T1 showing the time on clip A2. For example, the reception unit 312 receives an instruction to display the position indicator bar T1 by detecting a tap operation in which a finger Uf lightly touches the screen SC. Note that this instruction is not limited to a tap operation, but may be other touch operations such as a double tap operation.

[0082] In step S203, the display control unit 311 displays the position indicator bar T1 on the screen SC of the display device 34. Also, for example, even if the position indicator bar T1 is displayed, the playback of animation A1 continues. If multiple clip information D20s are associated with a single animation data D10, the communication control unit 314 receives multiple clip information D20s.

[0083] For example, consider the case where two clips A2 are generated by the clipping process described above. In this case, the communication control unit 314 receives two clip information D20 for the two clips A2 associated with the animation data D10. Therefore, as shown in Figure 5, for example, the position display bar T1 displays clip portions T12 and T13, which represent the two clips A2 associated with animation A1.

[0084] In step S204, the reception unit 312 accepts the selection of a specific clip A2 for the position indicator bar T1. Specifically, for example, the user U selects a specific clip A2 by selecting either the clip portion T12 or the clip portion T13 shown in Figure 5. Alternatively, the user U may select a specific clip by selecting either of the two clip display balloons T14 and T15.

[0085] In step S205, the communication control unit 314 causes the communication device 33 to send a request to view clip A2. This request includes, for example, a clip ID indicating clip information D20 for generating clip A2, and the terminal ID of the terminal device 30.

[0086] In step S206, the generation unit 111 identifies clip information D20 in response to a viewing request for clip A2, and generates clip data D2 in which a portion of the animation data D10 is cut out based on the clip information D20. In this embodiment, clip data D2 is not stored in the storage device 12 after its transmission. However, if clip data D2 is stored in the storage device 12 for a long period of time, in step S206, the management unit 114 can identify clip data D2 based on the clip ID included in the viewing request for clip A2.

[0087] In step S207, the communication control unit 112 causes the communication device 13 to transmit the clip data D2. The communication control unit 314 causes the communication device 33 to receive the clip data D2.

[0088] In step S208, the display control unit 311 causes the display device 34 to display clip A2 based on clip data D2. For example, the clip A2 shown in Figure 4 is displayed on screen SC.

[0089] As a result of the actions in steps S201 to S208 described above, clip A2 will be displayed on screen SC.

[0090] In step S209, the reception unit 312 receives an instruction to display the editing bar T4 by detecting a double-tap operation in which the finger Uf lightly touches the screen SC twice. Note that this instruction is not limited to a double-tap operation, but may be any other touch operation.

[0091] In step S210, the display control unit 311 causes the display device 34 to display the editing bar T4. For example, the editing bar T4 shown in Figure 7 is displayed on the screen SC.

[0092] In step S211, the reception unit 312 receives a clip editing instruction by detecting a touch operation of finger Uf on the editing bar T4. For example, by operating the clip portion T41 of the editing bar T4 shown in Figure 7, user U gives an instruction to change the length of clip A2.

[0093] In step S212, the determination unit 313 generates new clip information D20 indicating a new clip A2. For example, if the determination unit 313 receives a touch operation indicating that user U has finished editing, or if there is no detection of finger Uf contact with the screen SC for a certain period of time, the determination unit 313 generates new clip information D20.

[0094] In step S213, the communication control unit 314 causes the communication device 33 to send new clip information D20. In step S214, the management unit 114 saves the new clip information D20 to the clip list file F20.

[0095] The editing of clip A2 is performed by the actions in steps S209 to S214 described above.

[0096] As described above, in step S205, the communication control unit 314 sends a request to view clip A2 to the server 10 via the communication device 33. In step S207, as a response to the request to view clip A2, the communication control unit 314 obtains clip data D2 from the server 10, which is a portion of the animation data D10 cut out based on the clip information D20. In step S208, the display control unit 311 displays clip A2 on the screen SC based on the clip data D2.

[0097] Thus, the terminal device 30 can display clip A2 based on clip information D20 generated by user U as instructed by the terminal device 30. Therefore, user A can not only generate clip A2 but also view that clip A2.

[0098] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the reception unit 312 receives a request from user U to view clip A2 while animation A1 is playing. Therefore, if user U wants to view clip A2 while viewing animation A1, they can switch from viewing animation A1 to viewing clip A2. This ability to switch from viewing animation A1 to viewing clip A2 provides excellent usability.

[0099] Furthermore, as described above, in step S202, the reception unit 312 receives an instruction from user U to display a position indicator bar T1 on the screen SC that shows the position of clip A2 based on clip information D20 while animation A1 is being displayed. In step S203, the display control unit 311 displays a position indicator bar T1 that shows the position of clip A2 on the screen SC while animation A1 is being displayed.

[0100] Since the position indicator bar T1 is displayed while animation A1 is playing, animation A1 will not be interrupted. While watching animation A1, you can refer to the position indicator bar T1 to find the desired clip A2, so watching animation A1 will not be interrupted.

[0101] Furthermore, for example, the location display bar T1 can include not only clip A2 associated with the terminal ID of the terminal device 30 itself, but also clip A2 associated with the terminal IDs of other terminal devices 30 with whom the user has a follow and follower relationship. Therefore, the location display bar T1 may have a clip portion that shows the location of clip A2 associated with the terminal ID of the terminal device 30 itself, and a clip portion that shows a part of clip A2 associated with the terminal ID of other terminal devices 30 with whom the user has a follow and follower relationship. For example, at the instruction of user U, in addition to clip A2 associated with the terminal ID of the terminal device 30 itself, clip A2 associated with the terminal ID of other terminal devices 30 with whom the user has a follow and follower relationship can be displayed on the location display bar T1. The server 10 refers to the relationship information file F40 and identifies clip information D20 associated with the terminal ID of other terminal devices 30 with whom the user has a follow and follower relationship. The server 10 then transmits the clip information D20 to the terminal device 30.

[0102] When clips A2 associated with the terminal IDs of other users' terminal devices 30 who are in a following and follower relationship are displayed on the location display bar T1, users can connect with others by viewing the clips A2 displayed on the location display bar T1. Furthermore, for example, the location display bar T1 may prioritize displaying clips A2 based on clip information D20 determined by the terminal device 30 of a user U who is being followed. Prioritizing the display makes it easier for a user U to form a community with other users they follow.

[0103] Furthermore, as mentioned above, in step S211, the reception unit 312 accepts editing of clip A2 in response to user U's operation on screen SC. Since only fine adjustments to the start and end positions of clip A2 are needed after its generation, instructions to generate clip A2 can be easily given when viewing the aforementioned animation A1.

[0104] 1-4. Operation related to the display of the clip list Figure 16 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation related to the display of the clip list A3.

[0105] In step S301 of Figure 16, the display control unit 311 causes the display device 34 to display animation A1 based on animation data D10. For example, animation A1 shown in Figure 3 is displayed on screen SC. Animation A1 is displayed on screen SC by the same operation as in steps S101 to S103 described above.

[0106] In step S302, the reception unit 312 receives a display instruction for clip list A3 by detecting a double-tap operation of finger Uf on the display device 34. Note that this display instruction is not limited to a double-tap operation, but may be any other touch operation.

[0107] In step S303, the communication control unit 314 causes the communication device 33 to send a request to display the clip list A3.

[0108] In step S304, the communication control unit 112 transmits part or all of the clip list file F20. The communication control unit 314 causes the communication device 33 to receive the data of the clip list A3. Specifically, the communication control unit 112 transmits the data of the clip list A3 from the clip list file F20, which includes one or more clip information D20 corresponding to the terminal ID of the terminal device 30 that requested the display of the clip list A3. In addition, for example, the communication control unit 112 may also transmit to the terminal device 30 that requested the display of the clip list A3 the data of the clip list A3, which includes one or more clip information D20 corresponding to the terminal IDs of other terminal devices 30 that have a follow and follower relationship.

[0109] In step S305, the display control unit 311 causes the display device 34 to display a clip list A3 based on part or all of the clip list file F20. For example, the clip list A3 shown in Figure 6 is displayed on screen SC. Note that the clip list A3 includes clip A2 based on the animation A1 that was being viewed in step S302. However, the clip list A3 may also include clip A2 based on other animations A1.

[0110] In step S306, the reception unit 304 receives a request to display a specific clip A2 by detecting a touch operation of finger Uf on that specific clip A2 in the clip list A3. In step S307, the communication control unit 314 transmits the request to display the specific clip A2.

[0111] In step S308, the generation unit 111 identifies clip information D20 in response to the display request for clip A2, and generates clip data D2 in which a portion of the animation data D10 is cut out based on the clip information D20. In this embodiment, clip data D2 is not stored in the storage device 12 after its transmission. However, if clip data D2 is stored in the storage device 12 for a long period of time, in step S308, the management unit 114 can identify clip data D2 based on the clip ID included in the viewing request for clip A2.

[0112] In step S309, the communication control unit 112 causes the communication device 13 to transmit clip data D2. The communication control unit 314 of the terminal device 30 causes the communication device 33 to receive clip data D2.

[0113] In step S310, the display control unit 311 causes the display device 34 to display clip A2 based on clip data D2.

[0114] After step S310, for example, it is possible to edit clip A2 from step S209 onwards as described above.

[0115] As described above, in step S302, the reception unit 312 receives an instruction from user U to display a clip list A3 containing multiple clips A2 on the screen SC. In step S303, the display control unit 311 displays the clip list A3 on the screen SC.

[0116] For example, displaying the clip list A3 is more effective than displaying the position indicator bar T1 mentioned above when there are multiple clips A2. When there are multiple clips A2, the position indicator bar T1 may make it difficult to see the positions of multiple clips A2 as they are mixed together. In contrast, the clip list A3 is configured to allow viewing of multiple clips A2 by scrolling vertically. Therefore, with the clip list A3, multiple clips A2 can be viewed without being mixed together. Also, since the playback of animation A1 can be stopped to view multiple clips A2, it is effective when you want to concentrate on the operation of selecting one clip A2 from multiple clips A2.

[0117] Furthermore, the clip list A3 may also include other clips A2 generated by other terminal devices 30. In this case, in step S302, the reception unit 312 receives an instruction from user U to display the clip list A3, which includes the other clips A2 generated by other terminal devices 30, on the screen SC. In step S303, the display control unit 311 displays the clip list A3 on the screen SC.

[0118] Thus, the clip list A3 can include not only clips A2 associated with the terminal ID of the user's own terminal device 30, but also clips A2 associated with the terminal IDs of other users' terminal devices 30 with whom the user has a following and follower relationship. By displaying clips A2 associated with the terminal IDs of other users' terminal devices 30 with whom the user has a following and follower relationship in the clip list A3, users can build a community with others by viewing the clips A2 displayed in the clip list A3. For example, the clip list A3 may prioritize displaying clips A2 based on clip information D20 determined by the terminal device 30 of a user U who is being followed. Prioritizing the display makes it easier for a user U to form a community with other users U whom they are following.

[0119] 2. Variations Preferred embodiments have been described above. These preferred embodiments can be modified in various ways. Specific examples of modifications that can be applied to the above-described preferred embodiments are given below.

[0120] 2-1. First variation Figure 17 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the operation related to the display of clip list A3 in the first modified example. Figure 17 is a modified version of Figure 16. In the first modified example, clip list A3 can be displayed not while animation A1 is being displayed, but at the end of animation A1.

[0121] In step S312 of Figure 17, the determination unit 313 detects the end of animation A1. In step S313, the display control unit 311 displays a selection screen A4 on the display device 34, which allows the user to select whether or not to edit clip A2 when animation A1 ends.

[0122] Figure 18 shows the selection screen A4 in the first modified example. The selection screen A4 shown in Figure 18 is configured to allow user U to choose whether or not to edit clip A2. For example, selection screen A4 has a button B41 labeled "Edit" and a button B42 labeled "Edit Later". If button B41 is selected, clip A2 can be edited immediately. If button B42 is selected, clip A2 will not be edited. However, it can be edited later.

[0123] In step S314 of Figure 17, the reception unit 312 receives instructions from user U regarding the selection screen A4. If, in step S314, the reception unit 312 receives instructions for button B41 on the selection screen A4, i.e., instructions to display the clip list A3, then in step S303, the communication control unit 314 sends a request to the server 10 regarding the display of the clip list A3.

[0124] In this modified version, as described above, in step S313, the display control unit 324 displays a selection screen A4 on the screen SC at the end of animation A1, allowing the user to choose whether or not to edit clip A2. In step S314, the reception unit 312 receives instructions from user U to edit clip A2 via the selection screen A4. With this modified version, the user can view the clip list A3 of clip A2 after they have finished watching animation A1. For example, after they have finished watching animation A1, they can slowly edit clip A2 related to animation A1. This satisfies the user U's desire to concentrate on watching animation A1, and therefore offers excellent usability.

[0125] 2-2. Second variation Figure 19 is a diagram illustrating the specific operation performed by user U in the second modified example. As shown in Figure 19, the specific operation by user U is performed by touching any two points on the screen SC.

[0126] In this modified example, in step S105 of Figure 14, the reception unit 312 receives a command to start the clipping process by detecting the start of contact between the finger Uf and any two locations on the screen SC. Also in this modified example, in step S106 of Figure 14, the reception unit 312 receives a command to end the clipping process by detecting the release of contact between the finger Uf and any two locations on the screen SC.

[0127] Thus, in this modified example, the reception unit 312 receives a start instruction to begin clipping processing in response to simultaneous operation by user U on any two locations on the screen SC, and an end instruction to end clipping processing in response to the release of simultaneous operation by user U on any two locations on the screen SC. For example, simultaneous contact of two locations on the screen SC is performed on both sides of the center of the screen SC. With simultaneous contact of two locations on the screen SC in this manner, user U is less likely to make mistakes compared to contact of only one location on the screen SC.

[0128] 2-3. Third Variation Figure 20 is a diagram illustrating a specific operation performed by user U in the third modified example. Figure 20 is a modified version of Figure 14. This modified example further includes steps S111, S112, S113 and S114 in addition to the steps in Figure 14.

[0129] In step S111 of Figure 20, the reception unit 312 receives a display instruction for tool T2 for clipping. For example, the reception unit 312 receives a display instruction for tool T2 by detecting a tap operation in which a finger Uf lightly touches the screen SC. Note that the method of display instruction may be a touch operation other than a light tap operation.

[0130] Figure 21 is an example of a clipping tool T2 displayed on screen SC. For example, the display control unit 311 displays tool T2 in Figure 21 to switch between accepting and not accepting a clipping start command from user U while animation A1 is being displayed.

[0131] As shown in Figure 21, the display control unit 311 displays a button, tool T2, while animation A1 is being displayed. Tool T2 is a button that switches between accepting and not accepting a clipping start command from user U while animation A1 is being displayed. Note that the position and shape of tool T2 are not limited to the example shown and are arbitrary. Also, tool T2 may be composed of a GUI (Graphical User Interface) other than a button.

[0132] In step S112, the display control unit 311 causes the display device 34 to display tool T2 for clipping. Also, for example, even if tool T2 is displayed, playback of animation A1 continues.

[0133] In step S113, the reception unit 312 detects the press on tool T2 and receives an instruction to switch from accepting the user U's instruction to start clipping to accepting it. In step S114, for example, the display control unit 311 displays a clipping screen on the display device 34 so that clipping is possible in animation A1. For example, the clipping screen is the same screen as animation A1. The difference between the clipping screen and the other screen is whether clipping is possible or not. Also, by pressing tool T2 again, the instruction to start clipping is switched from accepting to not accepting.

[0134] If tool T2 is pressed and clipping is possible, in step S100, the reception unit 312 accepts a specific operation from user U. If tool T2 is pressed and clipping is not possible, the reception unit 312 does not determine that a long press operation is a specific operation. In other words, it does not accept the instruction to generate clip A2.

[0135] The presence of tool T2, a button that toggles whether or not it can accept user U's instruction to start clipping, helps to prevent user U from unintentionally initiating the creation of clip A2 due to a user error.

[0136] 2-4. Other variations In the embodiment described above, user U views the manga via streaming, with the terminal device 30 receiving and simultaneously playing the data. However, the terminal device 30 may also download and play the animation data D10 and clip data D2 from the server 10. Furthermore, the clip data D2 may be generated by the terminal device 30.

[0137] Even if an account associated with one terminal device 30 is used with another terminal device 30, various information will remain linked to the account.

[0138] Furthermore, playback and editing instructions for clip A2 are not limited to instructions given by user U touching the screen SC, but may also be given by voice.

[0139] 3. Others (1) In the first embodiment and modified examples described above, the storage device 12 and storage device 32 are exemplified by ROM and RAM, but other suitable storage media include flexible disks, magneto-optical disks (e.g., compact disks, digital multipurpose disks, Blu-ray® disks), smart cards, flash memory devices (e.g., cards, sticks, key drives), CD-ROMs (Compact Disc-ROMs), registers, removable disks, hard disks, floppy® disks, magnetic strips, databases, servers, and other appropriate storage media.

[0140] (2) In the first embodiment and its modifications described above, the information, signals, etc. described may be represented using any of the various different techniques. For example, the data, instructions, commands, information, signals, bits, symbols, chips, etc. that may be referred to throughout the above description may be represented by voltage, current, electromagnetic waves, magnetic fields or magnetic particles, optical fields or photons, or any combination thereof.

[0141] (3) In the first embodiment and its modifications described above, the input and output information may be stored in a specific location (e.g., memory) or managed using a management table. The input and output information may be overwritten, updated, or appended to. The output information may be deleted. The input information may be transmitted to other devices.

[0142] (4) In the first embodiment and its modifications described above, the determination may be made by a value represented using 1 bit (0 or 1), by a boolean value (true or false), or by a numerical comparison (for example, a comparison with a predetermined value).

[0143] (5) The processing procedures, sequences, flowcharts, etc., exemplified in the first embodiment and modified examples described above may be rearranged in order, as long as they do not contradict each other. For example, the methods described in this disclosure present various step elements in an exemplary order and are not limited to the specific order presented.

[0144] (6) Each function illustrated in Figures 2 and 10 is implemented by any combination of at least one of hardware and software. Furthermore, the method of implementing each function block is not particularly limited. That is, each function block may be implemented using one device that is physically or logically coupled, or it may be implemented using two or more physically or logically separated devices that are directly or indirectly connected (for example, using wired or wireless connections). A function block may also be implemented by combining the one or more devices with software.

[0145] (7) The programs illustrated in the first embodiment and modifications described above should be broadly interpreted to mean instructions, instruction sets, code, code segments, program code, programs, subprograms, software modules, applications, software applications, software packages, routines, subroutines, objects, executable files, execution threads, procedures, functions, etc., whether they are called software, firmware, middleware, microcode, hardware description languages ​​or by other names.

[0146] Furthermore, software, instructions, information, etc., may be transmitted and received via a transmission medium. For example, if software is transmitted from a website, server, or other remote source using at least one of wired technology (such as coaxial cable, fiber optic cable, twisted pair, or digital subscriber line (DSL)) and wireless technology (such as infrared or microwave), then at least one of these wired and wireless technologies is included in the definition of a transmission medium.

[0147] (8) In the first embodiment and variations described above, the terms “system” and “network” are used interchangeably.

[0148] (9) The information, parameters, etc. described in this disclosure may be expressed using absolute values, relative values ​​from a given value, or other corresponding information.

[0149] (10) In the first embodiment and variations described above, the server 10 and terminal devices 30-1 to 30-N may be mobile stations (MS). A mobile station may also be referred to by those skilled in the art as a subscriber station, mobile unit, subscriber unit, wireless unit, remote unit, mobile device, wireless device, wireless communication device, remote device, mobile subscriber station, access terminal, mobile terminal, wireless terminal, remote terminal, handset, user agent, mobile client, client, or several other appropriate terms. In this disclosure, terms such as “mobile station,” “user terminal,” “user equipment (UE),” and “terminal” may be used interchangeably.

[0150] (11) In the first embodiment and modifications described above, the terms “connected,” “coupled,” or any variation thereof, mean any direct or indirect connection or coupling between two or more elements, and may include the presence of one or more intermediate elements between two elements that are “connected” or “coupled” with each other. The coupling or connection between elements may be a physical coupling or connection, a logical coupling or connection, or a combination thereof. For example, “connection” may be reinterpreted as “access.” As used in this disclosure, two elements may be considered to be “connected” or “coupled” with each other using at least one of one or more wires, cables and printed electrical connections, and, in some non-limiting and non-exclusive examples, electromagnetic energy having wavelengths in the radio frequency domain, microwave domain and optical (both visible and invisible) domain.

[0151] (12) In the first embodiment and modifications described above, the phrase "based on" does not mean "based solely on" unless otherwise specified. In other words, the phrase "based on" means both "based solely on" and "based at least on".

[0152] (13) The terms “determining” and “determining” as used in this disclosure may encompass a wide variety of actions. “Determining” may include, for example, judging, calculating, computing, processing, deriving, investigating, looking up, searching, inquiry (e.g., searching in a table, database or other data structure), and ascertaining. “Determining” may also include, for example, receiving (e.g., receiving information), transmitting (e.g., sending information), input, output, and accessing (e.g., accessing data in memory). Furthermore, "judgment" and "decision" can include considering something as having been "judged" or "decided" after resolving, selecting, choosing, establishing, comparing, etc. In other words, "judgment" and "decision" can include considering something as having been "judged" or "decided" after some action. Also, "judgment (decision)" can be reinterpreted as "assuming," "expecting," or "considering."

[0153] (14) Where the terms “include,” “including,” and variations thereof are used in the first embodiment and modifications described above, these terms are intended to be inclusive, as is the term “comprising.” Furthermore, the term “or” as used in this disclosure is not intended to be exclusive OR.

[0154] (15) In the present disclosure, if articles are added by translation, such as a, an, and the in English, the present disclosure may include the fact that the noun following these articles is plural.

[0155] (16) In this disclosure, the term “A and B are different” may mean “A and B are different from each other.” The term may also mean “A and B are each different from C.” Terms such as “separate” and “combine” may be interpreted in the same way as “different.”

[0156] (17) The first embodiments and modifications described herein may be used individually, in combination, or switched between as needed in practice. Furthermore, notification of the specified information (e.g., notification that "X is") is not limited to explicit notification, but may also be implicit (e.g., by not notifying the specified information).

[0157] Although the present disclosure has been described in detail above, it will be clear to those skilled in the art that the present disclosure is not limited to the embodiments described herein. The present disclosure can be implemented in modified and altered forms without departing from the intent and scope of the present disclosure as defined by the claims. Accordingly, the descriptions in the present disclosure are illustrative and not restrictive in any way.

[0158] It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that this disclosure is not limited to the first embodiments and modifications described herein. This disclosure can be implemented in modified and altered forms without departing from the spirit and scope of this disclosure as defined by the claims. Accordingly, the descriptions herein are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to be restrictive in any way. Furthermore, configurations selected from the first embodiments and modifications illustrated herein may be combined. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0159] 10...Server, 11...Processing device, 12...Storage device, 13...Communication device, 14...Display device, 15...Input device, 30...Terminal device, 31...Processing device, 32...Storage device, 33...Communication device, 34...Display device, 35...Input device, 50...Communication network, 100...Animation provision system, 111...Generation unit, 112...Communication control unit, 113...Relationship registration unit, 114...Management unit, 115...Display control unit, 304...Reception unit, 311...Display control unit, 312...Reception unit, 313...Decision unit, 314...Communication control unit, A1...Animation, A2...Clip, A3...Clip list, A4...Selection screen, D10...Animation data, D2...Clip data, D20...Clip information, F10...Animation data file, F20...Clip list file, F30...Relationship information file, SC...Screen, T1...Position display bar, T2...Tools, T4...Edit bar, U...User.

Claims

1. A display control unit that displays an animation on the screen of a display device based on animation data provided from a server, During the display of the aforementioned animation, a reception unit accepts specific operations from the user via an input device on one or more locations on the screen, A determination unit that determines clip information relating to the start and end of the clip from which a portion of the animation has been cut out, in response to the aforementioned specific operation, A terminal device characterized by being equipped with the following features.

2. The system further includes a communication control unit that transmits a request to view the aforementioned clip to the server via a communication device, The communication control unit, in response to a request to view the clip, obtains clip data from the server in which a portion of the animation data has been cut out based on the clip information. The display control unit displays the clip on the screen based on the clip data. The terminal device according to claim 1.

3. The reception unit accepts editing of the clip in response to the user's operation on the screen via the input device. The terminal device according to claim 2.

4. The receiving unit receives, as a specific operation, a start instruction to begin clipping processing when the user makes an operation on any one location on the screen, and a stop instruction to end clipping processing when the user releases the operation on any one location. The terminal device according to claim 1.

5. The receiving unit receives, as a specific operation, a start instruction to begin clipping processing in response to simultaneous operations by the user on any two locations on the screen, and a stop instruction to end clipping processing in response to the user releasing the simultaneous operations on any two locations on the screen. The terminal device according to claim 1.

6. The reception unit receives instructions from the user to display the position of the clip while the animation is being displayed. The display control unit causes a position indicator bar showing the position of the clip to be displayed on the screen during the display of the animation. The terminal device according to claim 1.

7. The display control unit displays a selection screen on the screen at the end of the animation, allowing the user to choose whether or not to edit the clip. The reception unit receives instructions from the user to edit the clip via the selection screen. The terminal device according to claim 1.

8. The reception unit receives instructions from the user to display a clip list of multiple clips, including the aforementioned clip, on the screen. The display control unit causes the clip list to be displayed on the screen. The terminal device according to claim 1.

9. The reception unit receives instructions from the user to display a clip list on the screen that includes other clips generated by other terminal devices. The display control unit causes the clip list to be displayed on the screen. The terminal device according to claim 1.

10. Terminal device and The system includes a server that can communicate with the aforementioned terminal device via a communication network, The terminal device includes a display control unit that displays an animation on the screen of a display device based on animation data provided from the server, During the display of the aforementioned animation, a reception unit receives a specific operation from the user via an input device to any one or more locations on the screen, A determination unit that determines clip information relating to the start and end of the clip from which a portion of the animation has been cut, in response to the aforementioned specific operation, An animation provisioning system characterized by comprising the following features.

Images