Terminal device and animation delivery system

Abstract

To provide terminal devices and animation delivery systems with excellent usability. [Solution] The terminal device comprises a display control unit that displays animation based on animation data provided from a server on the screen of a display device, a first receiving unit that receives user instructions via an input device to specify a particular character appearing in the animation, and a second receiving unit that receives user instructions to specify the manner in which the animation should be played for the scene in which the particular character appears.

Description

Technical Field

[0006] , ,

[0005] , , ,

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

Background Art

[0002] In recent years, it has become possible to easily view videos such as animations on a terminal device. In such a situation where animations can be easily viewed, there are users who want to focus on their favorite characters appearing in the animations and watch them.

[0003] Patent Document 1 discloses an information processing device that allows a user to easily know information on the positions where a specific person appears in an animation. Specifically, the information processing device can display video frames of the entire section of the animation on a display unit, and discloses a technique of color-coding and displaying video frames in which a specific person appears among the video frames of the entire section.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] With the technology of Patent Document 1, it is possible to know information on the positions where a specific person appears. However, this technology does not fully meet the demands of users who want to focus on a specific character and watch the animation, and has a problem of lacking in usability.

[0006] The present disclosure has been made in view of the above circumstances, and aims to solve the problem of providing a terminal device and an animation providing system with excellent usability. [Means for solving the problem]

[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 based on animation data provided from a server on a screen of a display device; a first receiving unit that receives instructions from a user via an input device to specify a particular character appearing in the animation; and a second receiving unit that receives instructions from the user to specify the manner in which the animation is played back for the scene in which the particular character appears.

[0008] An animation provision system according to a preferred embodiment of the present disclosure comprises a terminal device, a server that can communicate with the terminal device via a communication network, a display control unit that displays animations based on animation data provided by the server on a screen of a display device, a first receiving unit that receives user instructions via an input device to specify a particular character appearing in the animation, and a second receiving unit that receives user instructions to specify the manner in which the animation should be played for the scenes in which the particular character appears. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] According to this disclosure, it is possible to provide a terminal device and animation delivery system that offer superior usability in terms of users wanting to watch animations focusing on specific characters. [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] This is a diagram showing the first instruction for specifying a character. [Figure 5] This is an example of the operation correspondence table shown in FIG. 2. [Figure 6] This is a diagram showing an example where the second instruction is an instruction to fast-forward the playback mode of the character. [Figure 7] This is a diagram showing an example where the second instruction is an instruction to rewind the playback mode of the character. [Figure 8] This is a diagram showing an example where the second instruction is an instruction to skip forward the playback mode of the character. [Figure 9] This is a diagram showing an example where the second instruction is an instruction to skip back the playback mode of the character. [Figure 10] This is a diagram showing an example where the second instruction is an instruction to perform filtered playback of the playback mode of the character. [Figure 11] This is a diagram showing an example of a playback mode request. [Figure 12] This is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the server in FIG. 1. [Figure 13] This is a diagram showing an example of the animation data file shown in FIG. 12. [Figure 14] This is a diagram showing an example of the character appearance scene file shown in FIG. 12. [Figure 15] This is a diagram showing an example of the character data shown in FIG. 14. [Figure 16] This is a flowchart showing an example of an operation related to the playback mode of a specific character. [Figure 17] This is a flowchart showing an example of an operation related to the playback mode of a specific character in the first modification example. [Figure 18] This is an illustration of a tool for switching the acceptability of the first instruction displayed on the screen. [Figure 19] This is a flowchart showing an example of an operation related to the playback mode of a specific character in the second modification example. [Figure 20] This is an illustration of the appearance scene display bar displayed on the screen. [Figure 21]A diagram showing the animation after operating the playback point. [Figure 22] A diagram for explaining the automatic adjustment function of the playback point. [Figure 23] A diagram for explaining the automatic adjustment function of the playback point. [Figure 24] A diagram for explaining the fine adjustment instruction of the playback point. [Figure 25] A diagram for explaining the fine adjustment instruction of the playback point. [Figure 26] A diagram showing a modification example of the second instruction. [Figure 27] A diagram showing a modification example of the second instruction.

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 of 1 or more. K is an integer of 1 or more and N or less. The animation providing system 100 is a client-server system. The terminal device 30 corresponds to a client.

[0013] In this embodiment, the multiple terminal devices 30-1 to 30-N have the same configuration. However, terminal devices with different configurations may be included. Each of the multiple terminal devices 30-1 to 30-N communicates with each other via a communication network 50 such as the Internet and the server 10. Hereafter, if the multiple terminal devices 30-1 to 30-N are not distinguished, they will be referred to as terminal device 30. The owners of terminal devices 30-1, 30-2, ... 30-K, ... 30-N will be referred to as users U1, U2, ... UK, ... UN. The owner of terminal device 30 will be referred to as user U.

[0014] Server 10 provides animations to multiple terminal devices 30-1 to 30-N. In this embodiment, user U views the animations via streaming, with terminal device 30 receiving and simultaneously playing the data.

[0015] According to the animation provision system 100 of this embodiment, user U can view animations via terminal device 30. Furthermore, it is possible to focus on viewing a specific character among the multiple characters appearing in the animation. For example, it is possible to extract and view only the scenes in which a specific character appears. In addition, by specifying a specific character and performing an operation, the playback mode for that specific character can be specified. The playback mode refers to how the animation is played, and examples include fast forward, rewind, skip forward, skip back, and filtered playback. The playback modes will be described in detail later. Characters refer to living beings such as people, objects, and fictional beings that appear in the animation.

[0016] 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.

[0017] 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.

[0018] 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.

[0019] 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 execution program P1 and the operation correspondence table T1. By executing the execution program P1, the processing device 31 performs the functions described below.

[0020] The operation correspondence table T1 is a correspondence table that associates the type of touch operation performed by user U on a specific character with the corresponding playback mode for that touch operation. A touch operation is an action performed by user U by touching the screen of the display device 34. Alternatively, the operation correspondence table T1 may be a correspondence table that associates operations using the input device 35 with the corresponding playback mode for those operations.

[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 and executes the executable program P1 from the storage device 32. As a result, the processing unit 31 functions as a display control unit 311, a determination unit 312, a reception unit 310, and a communication control unit 315. The reception unit 310 also includes a first reception unit 313 and a second reception unit 314.

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

[0027] Figure 3 is an example of animation A1 displayed on the screen SC of the display device 34 shown in Figure 2. As shown in Figure 3, the display device 34 has a screen SC for displaying various images. In Figure 3, animation A1 is displayed on the screen SC. For example, animation A1 in Figure 3 displays character C1 and character C2. In this embodiment, an example of viewing with focus on character C1 will be described.

[0028] The determination unit 312 shown in Figure 2 determines a specific character C1 designated by user U and the mode of playback for that specific character C1. For example, the specific character C1 designated by user U is determined based on a first instruction received by the first reception unit 313, which will be described later. The mode of playback is determined based on a second instruction received by the second reception unit 314, which will be described later, and the operation correspondence table T1. The determination unit 312 also generates a playback mode request D5 shown in Figure 11, which will be described later.

[0029] The reception unit 310 shown in Figure 2 receives instructions from user U via the input device 35, or the display device 34 which also functions as the input device 35. As described above, the reception unit 310 has a first reception unit 313 and a second reception unit 314.

[0030] The first reception unit 313 receives a first instruction from user U via the input device 35, or the display device 34 which also serves as the input device 35, specifying a particular character C1 that appears in animation A1.

[0031] Figure 4 shows a first instruction that specifies character C1. Figure 4 shows an example in which the first instruction is given via a display device 34 which also serves as an input device 35. For example, the first instruction by user U is the user U's finger Uf touching character C1 on the screen SC. The start of finger Uf's contact with character C1 is the first instruction.

[0032] The display device 34 detects that a finger Uf is in contact with the screen SC using a touch sensor, and also detects the position of the contact. The first receiving unit 313 receives the start of contact by the finger Uf, the time of contact, and the position where the finger Uf is in contact. Based on the information received by the first receiving unit 313, the aforementioned determination unit 312 identifies character C1 by identifying the region or contour of character C1 using, for example, computer vision technology and T-planning.

[0033] Furthermore, the identification of character C1 may be performed by the server 10 rather than by the determination unit 312 of the terminal device 30, or it may be performed jointly by both the terminal device 30 and the server 10.

[0034] Furthermore, the user U's finger Uf includes the thumb. Additionally, some component may be interposed between the finger Uf and the screen SC, provided that it is possible to perform the first instruction. The first instruction may also be performed by a part of the user U other than the finger Uf.

[0035] As shown in Figure 2, the second receiving unit 314 receives a second instruction from user U specifying the mode of playback for animation A1 in a scene featuring a particular character C1. Once the second receiving unit 314 receives the second instruction, the determination unit 312 determines the mode of playback based on the information received by the second receiving unit 314 and the operation correspondence table T1.

[0036] Furthermore, the determination of the playback method may be made by the server 10 rather than by the determination unit 312 of the terminal device 30, or it may be done jointly by both the terminal device 30 and the server 10.

[0037] Figure 5 is an example of the operation correspondence table T1 shown in Figure 2. In the example shown in Figure 5, if the user U's touch operation is a right swipe operation, that is, an operation in which the finger Uf is in contact with the screen SC and moved to the right, the playback is associated with fast forwarding. Fast forwarding means playing forward at a speed faster than normal. In the case of input device 35, the right swipe operation can be replaced with, for example, a right drag operation.

[0038] If the user U performs a left swipe operation, that is, an operation in which the finger Uf is moved to the left while remaining in contact with the screen SC, the playback is associated with rewinding. Rewinding means playing in reverse at a faster speed than normal. In the case of input device 35, the left swipe operation is replaced with, for example, a left drag operation.

[0039] If the user U's touch operation is an upward swipe operation, that is, an operation in which the finger Uf is in contact with the screen SC and moved upwards, the playback is associated with skip forward. Skip forward means skipping to the next appearance scene of a specific character C1. In the case of input device 35, the upward swipe operation is replaced with, for example, an upward scroll operation.

[0040] If the user U's touch operation is a downward swipe operation, that is, an operation in which the finger Uf is in contact with the screen SC and moved downwards, the playback is associated with skipping back. Skipping back means skipping to the scene before a specific character C1 appears. In the case of input device 35, the downward swipe operation is replaced with, for example, a downward scroll operation.

[0041] If the user U performs a long press operation, that is, if the user Uf keeps their finger Uf in contact with the same spot on the screen SC for a certain period of time or longer, the playback is configured to use filtered playback. Filtered playback is a playback method that extracts and sequentially plays only the scenes in which a specific character C1 appears, skipping scenes in which character C1 does not appear.

[0042] Note that the operation correspondence table T1 shown in Figure 5 is just one example. The relationship between touch operation and playback mode may differ from the example shown in Figure 5.

[0043] Figure 6 shows an example where the second instruction is to fast-forward the playback mode of character C1. Figure 6 shows an example where user U gives a fast-forward instruction as the second instruction after the first instruction. User U touches a specific character C1 with finger Uf and then performs a right swipe operation. As shown in Figure 6, the right swipe operation is an operation in which finger Hf is moved in the direction of arrow X1. When the second reception unit 314 receives the right swipe operation, the determination unit 312 determines that the second instruction is fast-forward based on the operation correspondence table T1.

[0044] Figure 7 shows an example where the second instruction is to rewind the playback of character C1. Figure 7 shows an example where user U gives a rewind instruction as the second instruction after the first instruction. User U touches a specific character C1 with finger Uf and then performs a left swipe operation. As shown in Figure 7, the left swipe operation is an operation in which finger Hf is moved in the direction of arrow X2. When the second reception unit 314 receives the left swipe operation, the determination unit 312 determines that the second instruction is rewind based on the operation correspondence table T1.

[0045] Figure 8 shows an example where the second instruction is to skip forward the playback mode of character C1. Figure 8 shows an example where user U gives a skip forward instruction as the second instruction after the first instruction. User U touches a specific character C1 with finger Uf and then performs an upward swipe operation. As shown in Figure 8, the upward swipe operation is an operation in which finger Hf is moved in the direction of arrow X3. When the second receiving unit 314 receives the upward swipe operation, the determination unit 312 determines that the second instruction is skip forward based on the operation correspondence table T1.

[0046] Figure 9 shows an example where the second instruction is to skip back the playback mode of character C1. Figure 9 shows an example where user U gives a skip back instruction as the second instruction after the first instruction. User U touches a specific character C1 with finger Uf and then performs a downward swipe operation. As shown in Figure 9, the downward swipe operation is an operation in which finger Hf is moved in the direction of arrow X4. When the second reception unit 314 receives the downward swipe operation, the determination unit 312 determines that the second instruction is skip back based on the operation correspondence table T1.

[0047] Figure 10 shows an example where the second instruction is an instruction to change the playback mode of character C1 to filtered playback. Figure 10 shows an example where user U gives a filtered playback instruction as the second instruction after the first instruction. User U touches a specific character C1 with their finger Uf and then performs a long press operation. When the second reception unit 314 receives the long press operation, the determination unit 312 determines that the second instruction is filtered playback based on the operation correspondence table T1.

[0048] Figure 11 shows an example of a playback mode request D5. As shown in Figure 11, the playback mode request D5 includes a terminal ID, animation ID, character ID, specified time, and playback mode. The playback mode request D5 is generated by the determination unit 312 described above.

[0049] The terminal ID is an identifier used to identify the terminal device 30 on which a specific operation was performed. The terminal ID makes it possible to identify which user U owns the terminal device 30 from which the playback mode request D5 originated. The animation ID is an identifier used to identify the animation A1 that was being played when character C1 was specified. The character ID is an identifier used to identify the character. The specification time is the time when character C1 was specified. Therefore, the specification time is the time when the first receiving unit 313 received the first instruction and indicates the position of the animation data D10 at the time the first instruction was received. The playback mode is the playback mode determined by the determination unit 312 in response to the touch operation received by the second receiving unit 314.

[0050] In the example in Figure 11, for example, it is shown that at terminal device 30 with terminal ID "30-1", at "382 seconds" during the playback of animation A1 with animation ID "an0001", the first instruction specified character C1 with character ID "c0001". Furthermore, in the example in Figure 5, the second instruction indicates that the playback mode is "fast forward".

[0051] The communication control unit 315 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 315 causes the communication device 33 to send a playback mode request D5. Also, for example, the communication control unit 315 causes the communication device 33 to receive animation data D10 provided by the server 10.

[0052] 1-1b. Server 10 Figure 12 is a block diagram showing an example configuration of the server 10 in Figure 1. As shown in Figure 12, 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.

[0053] 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.

[0054] 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, the animation data file F10, and the character appearance scene file F20. By executing the control program P2, the processing device 11 performs the functions described below.

[0055] Figure 13 shows an example of the animation data file F10 shown in Figure 12. 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.

[0056] For example, if there are multiple episodes, animation data D10 will be created for each episode, such as episode 1, episode 2, etc.

[0057] Figure 14 shows an example of the character appearance scene file F20 shown in Figure 12. The character appearance scene file F20 in Figure 14 is a collection of multiple data showing the appearance scenes for each character. In the example shown, the character appearance scene file F20 includes data D20-1 for character C1, data D20-2 for character C2, data D20-3 for character C3, ... data D20-α for character Cα. Note that if the data D20-1 to D20-α for multiple characters are not distinguished, they are referred to as character data D20.

[0058] For example, character data D20 is created for each animation data D10. Therefore, for example, there is a character appearance scene file F20 for each animation data D10.

[0059] Figure 15 shows an example of data D20-1 for character C1 shown in Figure 14. Figure 15 is an example of data D20-1 for character C1, and for example, it is data related to animation A1 with animation ID "an0001".

[0060] In the example shown in Figure 15, the data for character C1 includes multiple interval data D21-1, D21-2, D21-3, ..., D21-γ. When multiple interval data D21-1 to D21-γ are not distinguished, they are referred to as interval data D21. Each interval data D21 includes the interval data ID, character ID, animation ID, appearance start position, and appearance end position. The character ID and animation ID may be omitted.

[0061] The section data ID is the identifier for section data D21. The appearance start position and appearance end position indicate the section of the scene in which character C1 appears. The appearance start position is the time when character C1 begins to appear, and the appearance end position is the time when character C1 finishes appearing.

[0062] In the example in Figure 15, interval data D21-1 indicates that character C1, corresponding to "c0001", appears in the interval from the start position "352 seconds" to the end position "441 seconds". Interval data D21-2 indicates that character C1, corresponding to "c0001", appears in the interval from the start position "481 seconds" to the end position "551 seconds". Interval data D21-3 indicates that character C1, corresponding to "c0001", appears in the interval from the start position "588 seconds" to the end position "629 seconds". Interval data D21-γ indicates that character C1, corresponding to "c0001", appears in the interval from the start position "822 seconds" to the end position "928 seconds".

[0063] The communication device 13 shown in Figure 12 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, IEEE 1394, and USB. Examples of wireless communication interfaces include products compliant with wireless LAN and Bluetooth®.

[0064] 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.

[0065] 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.

[0066] 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 management unit 111, a communication control unit 112, and a display control unit 113.

[0067] The management unit 111 stores various information in the storage device 12, identifies specific information from the various information stored in the storage device 12, and generates various data. For example, the management unit 111 segments the animation data D10 into specific sections so that it can be streamed on the terminal device 30. The management unit 111 also generates data by cutting out a part of the animation data D10 according to the aforementioned section data D21.

[0068] 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 a playback mode request D5. Also, for example, the communication control unit 112 causes the communication device 13 to send animation data D10.

[0069] The display control unit 113 controls the display on the display device 14. The display control unit 113 may also control the display on the screen SC of the terminal device 30.

[0070] 1-2. Actions related to the regeneration method of a specific character Figure 16 is a flowchart showing an example of the actions involved in the regeneration process of a specific character.

[0071] In step S101 of Figure 16, the reception unit 310 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.

[0072] In step S102, the communication control unit 315 causes the communication device 33 to send a request to view animation A1.

[0073] In step S103, the communication control unit 112 of the server 10 causes the management unit 111 to send the animation data D10 identified by the management unit 111 to the communication device 13 in response to the viewing request. 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 315 causes the communication device 33 to receive the animation data D10. In the case of streaming, the animation data D10 is segmented, and some of the segmented data is transmitted as needed.

[0074] 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.

[0075] In step S105, the first receiving unit 313 receives a first instruction from user U specifying a particular character C1 that appears in animation A1. For example, as shown in Figure 4, the first receiving unit 313 detects an operation in which a finger Uf is touched to a particular character C1 in animation A1 via the screen SC of the display device 34 while animation A1 is playing. This operation causes the first receiving unit 313 to receive the first instruction.

[0076] In step S106, the second receiving unit 314 receives a second instruction from user U via the screen SC of the input device 35, specifying the mode of playback of animation A1. For example, it detects one of the operations shown in Figures 6, 7, 8, 9, and 10. That is, the second receiving unit 314 receives the second instruction by detecting one of the following: a right swipe, a left swipe, an up swipe, a down swipe, or a long press.

[0077] In step S107, the determination unit 312 determines a specific character C1 based on the first instruction. Furthermore, the determination unit 312 determines the playback mode based on the second instruction and the operation correspondence table T1. Then, the determination unit 312 generates a playback mode request D5.

[0078] In step S108, the communication control unit 315 causes the communication device 33 to send a playback mode request D5. When the server 10 receives the playback mode request D5, the management unit 111 determines a portion of the animation A1 based on the section data D21 according to the playback mode of the playback mode request D5.

[0079] In step S109, the communication control unit 112 causes the communication device 13 to transmit a portion of the animation A1. The communication control unit 315 of the terminal device 30 receives the portion of the animation A1.

[0080] In step S110, the display control unit 311 causes the display device 34 to display animation A1 based on a part of animation A1 in the playback mode specified by user U.

[0081] As described above, in step S104, the display control unit 113 displays animation A1 based on animation data D10 provided by the server 10 on the screen SC of the display device 34. In step S105, the first reception unit 313 receives instructions from user U via the input device 35 to specify a particular character C1 that appears in animation A1. In step S106, the second reception unit 314 receives instructions from user U to specify the manner in which animation A1 is played for the scene in which the particular character C1 appears.

[0082] Since the terminal device 30 has a display control unit 311, a first reception unit 313, and a second reception unit 314, as described above, the user U can specify the mode of playback for a particular character C1 that character C1 appears in. The display control unit 311 then plays the character C1's appearance scene in the specified mode of playback. As a result, the user U can focus on viewing a specific character C1. Therefore, the terminal device 30 has excellent usability in that it allows for viewing focused on a specific character C1.

[0083] In particular, the first reception unit 313 accepts the designation of a specific character C1 included in animation A1 while the display control unit 311 is displaying animation A1 on the display device 34, that is, while animation A1 is being played. Therefore, for example, user U does not need to stop animation A1 and search for the scene in which character C1 appears. Also, for example, user U does not need to search for the scene in which character C1 appears by watching a preview of each chapter. For this reason, it is extremely user-friendly.

[0084] Furthermore, the first and second instructions may be given not only while animation A1 is playing, but also while it is stopped.

[0085] Furthermore, as mentioned above, in step S105, the first reception unit 313 accepts a designation for a specific character C1 by detecting contact with the screen SC for that specific character C1. Therefore, the user U can designate a specific character C1 with a simple operation of touching that character C1 on the screen SC. Thus, there is no need to remember any special operations, making it very convenient.

[0086] In step S105, the first reception unit 313 may accept the designation of a specific character C1 by a click operation on the screen SC via the input device 35 for that specific character C1. Even in this case, the user U can designate a specific character C1 with a simple click operation. Therefore, there is no need to learn any special operations, making it very convenient.

[0087] Furthermore, in step S106, the second reception unit 314 receives instructions for one of the following playback modes: fast forward, rewind, skip forward, skip back, and filtered playback of the scene in which a specific character C1 appears. Since such playback modes can be specified, user U can select a variety of playback modes for a specific character C1 according to their own preferences. As a result, user U can focus on viewing a specific character C1.

[0088] For example, in step S106, if the second reception unit 314 receives a swipe operation to the right, it receives an instruction to fast-forward the scene in which a specific character C1 appears. The swipe operation to the right causes the current section in which the specific character C1 appears to be played back in fast-forward. The second reception unit 314 receives the swipe operation to the right, and the determination unit 312 determines that it is an instruction to fast-forward based on the operation correspondence table T1. The server 10 provides a portion of the animation data D10 to the terminal device 30 at a speed corresponding to fast-forward.

[0089] This simple operation of swiping to the right allows for fast-forwarding, enabling user U to watch character C1 at double speed. Furthermore, user U easily recognizes that swiping to the right corresponds to forward playback. Therefore, the fact that swiping to the right corresponds to fast-forwarding in the forward direction is an easy operation for user U to remember.

[0090] For example, if the second reception unit 314 receives a drag operation to the right from the input device 35, it will receive an instruction to fast-forward the scene in which a specific character C1 appears, in the same manner as described above.

[0091] For example, in step S106, if the second reception unit 314 receives a swipe operation to the left, it receives an instruction to rewind the scene in which a specific character C1 appears. The swipe operation to the left causes the current section in which the specific character C1 appears to be played back in fast forward. The second reception unit 314 receives the swipe operation to the left, and the determination unit 312 determines that it is an instruction to rewind based on the operation correspondence table T1. The server 10 provides a portion of the animation data D10 to the terminal device 30 at a speed corresponding to the rewind. If a portion of the animation data D10 corresponding to the rewind period is still stored in the storage device 32 in the terminal device 30, steps S108 and S109 are omitted.

[0092] This simple leftward swipe allows user U to rewind, enabling them to rewatch the scene featuring character C1. Furthermore, user U easily recognizes that swiping left corresponds to reverse playback. Therefore, the leftward swipe is an easy operation for user U to remember, as it corresponds to rewinding in the forward direction.

[0093] For example, if the second reception unit 314 receives a drag operation to the left from the input device 35, it will receive an instruction to rewind the scene in which a specific character C1 appears, in the same manner as described above.

[0094] For example, in step S106, if the second reception unit 314 receives an upward swipe operation, it receives an instruction to skip forward from the scene in which a specific character C1 appears. The upward swipe operation skips from the current section in which a specific character C1 appears to the section in which the next character C1 appears. The second reception unit 314 receives the upward swipe operation, and the determination unit 312 determines, based on the operation correspondence table T1, that it is an instruction to skip forward. The server 10 provides the terminal device 30 with a portion of the animation data D10 corresponding to the section in which the next character C1 appears.

[0095] This simple upward swipe gesture allows users to skip forward, enabling them to quickly view the next scene in which character C1 appears. Since it allows users to skip scenes that do not feature a specific character C1, it offers superior usability for users who want to focus on watching scenes with a particular character C1.

[0096] For example, if the second reception unit 314 receives an upward scrolling operation from the input device 35, it will receive an instruction to skip forward to the scene in which a specific character C1 appears, similar to the above.

[0097] For example, in step S106, if the second reception unit 314 receives a downward swipe operation, it receives an instruction to skip back to the scene in which a specific character C1 appears. A downward swipe operation skips from the current section in which a specific character C1 appears to the section in which the previous character C1 appeared. The second reception unit 314 receives a downward swipe operation, and the determination unit 312 determines, based on the operation correspondence table T1, that it is an instruction to skip back. The server 10 provides the terminal device 30 with a portion of the animation data D10 corresponding to the section in which the previous character C1 appeared. If the terminal device 30 already has a portion of the animation data D10 corresponding to the section in which the previous character C1 appeared stored in the storage device 32, steps S108 and S109 are omitted.

[0098] This simple downward swipe gesture allows users to skip back, making it easy for user U to see what happened in the scene before character C1 appeared. Since it allows users to skip scenes that don't feature character C1, it offers excellent usability for users who want to focus on watching scenes with a specific character C1.

[0099] For example, if the second reception unit 314 receives a downward scrolling operation from the input device 35, it will receive an instruction to skip back to the scene in which a specific character C1 appears, similar to the above.

[0100] For example, in step S106, if the second reception unit 314 receives a long press operation on the screen SC, it performs filtered playback, extracting and sequentially displaying scenes in which a specific character C1 appears. That is, it sequentially displays only scenes in which a specific character C1 appears, and skips scenes in which the specific character C1 does not appear. The second reception unit 314 receives the long press operation, and the decision unit 312 determines, based on the operation correspondence table T1, that this is an instruction to perform filtered playback. The server 10 extracts a portion of the animation data D10 corresponding to the scenes in which character C1 appears and sequentially provides it to the terminal device 30.

[0101] This simple long-press operation allows users to watch only the scenes featuring a specific character, C1, making it extremely user-friendly for users who want to focus on watching only a specific user, U.

[0102] The long-press operation may be performed by keeping finger Uf in contact with screen SC for a certain period of time, or it may be performed via the input device 35.

[0103] As described above, because the terminal device 30 has a first reception unit 313 and a second reception unit 314, user U can use character C1 as a controller to specify the mode of playback of character C1. For this reason, when viewing with a focus on a specific character C1, the terminal device 30 and the animation provision system 100 are extremely user-friendly.

[0104] 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.

[0105] 2-1. First variation In this modified example, the tool T2 shown in Figure 18 is displayed for switching between being able to accept the first instruction and not being able to accept it, which is different from the first embodiment.

[0106] Figure 17 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation related to the mode of playback of a specific character in the first modified example. Figure 17 is a modified example of Figure 16. Figure 18 is an example of a tool T2 for switching whether or not to accept the first instruction displayed on screen SC.

[0107] In step S111 of Figure 17, the reception unit 310 receives a display instruction for tool T2 shown in Figure 18. For example, the reception unit 310 receives a display instruction for tool T2 by detecting a tap operation in which a finger Uf lightly touches the screen SC. As a result, for example, the state of screen SC shown in Figure 3 changes to the state of screen SC where tool T2 is displayed, as shown in Figure 18. Note that the method of instructing the display of tool T2 may be an operation other than a light tap operation.

[0108] In step S112, the display control unit 311 displays tool T2 on the display device 34. Tool T2, shown in Figure 18, is a button for switching between accepting and not accepting the first instruction. The position and shape of tool T2 are not limited to the illustrated example and are arbitrary. Tool T2 may also be composed of a GUI (Graphical User Interface) other than a button. Furthermore, for example, even when tool T2 is displayed, playback of animation A1 continues.

[0109] In step S113, the reception unit 310 detects a press on tool T2 and receives an instruction to switch from not accepting the first instruction to accepting it. In step S114, for example, the display control unit 311 displays a character selection screen on the display device 34 so that the first instruction can be performed in animation A1. The character selection screen is the same as the screen for animation A1. The difference between the character selection screen and the other screen is whether the first and second instructions can be performed. Also, by pressing tool T2 again, the instruction to start the first instruction switches from accepting to not accepting it.

[0110] If tool T2 is pressed and the first instruction is possible, in step S105 of Figure 17, the first reception unit 313 receives the first instruction from user U. However, if the first instruction is not possible, even if the first reception unit 313 detects contact with a character, it will not determine that it is the first designation. In other words, it will not accept an instruction to designate a specific character C1.

[0111] The presence of tool T2, a button for switching between accepting and not accepting such first instructions from user U, helps to prevent accidental changes in the selection of character C1 and even the playback mode due to user U's misoperation.

[0112] 2-2. Second variation Figure 19 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation related to the mode of playback of a specific character in the second modified example. Figure 19 is a modified example of Figure 16. Figure 20 is an example of the appearance scene display bar T3 displayed on screen SC.

[0113] In the second modified example, user U can determine the location of a scene in which a specific character C1 appears by visually checking the scene display bar T3. Furthermore, in this modified example, in step S106 of Figure 19, the second reception unit 314 receives a long press operation on the screen SC and performs filtered playback, extracting and sequentially displaying scenes in which a specific character C1 appears. Note that playback methods other than filtered playback may also be used.

[0114] In step S106 of Figure 19, when the second reception unit 314 receives a long press operation on the screen SC, in step S107, the determination unit 312 determines a specific character C1 based on the first instruction and decides to perform filtered playback as the playback mode.

[0115] In step S108, the communication control unit 315 causes the communication device 33 to send a playback mode request D5. In step S109, the server 10 extracts a portion of the animation data D10 corresponding to the scene in which character C1 appears and provides it sequentially to the terminal device 30.

[0116] In step S110, the display control unit 311 displays animation A1 corresponding to the next appearance scene of character C1, and in step S111, it displays the appearance scene display bar T3.

[0117] The appearance scene display bar T3 shown in Figure 20 has a bar body T30 that indicates the time axis, as well as a playback point T31 and appearance scene sections T32, T33, T34, and T35. The appearance scene display bar T3 is a seek bar that indicates the scene in which a specific character C1, received by the first reception unit 313, appears. The bar body T30 indicates the total duration of animation A1. The playback point T31 indicates the current playback position of animation A1. The playback point T31 can be moved by user U in the direction in which the bar body T30 extends, i.e., left and right in the figure. Moving the playback point T31 changes the playback position of animation A1. The appearance scene sections T32, T33, T34, and T35 each indicate the position of the scene in animation A1 in which a specific character C1 appears. In the example in Figure 20, character C1 appears in four sections of animation A1: appearance scene sections T32, T33, T34, and T35. In addition, in the example in Figure 20, the current playback position of animation A1 is within the scene T33 where the character appears.

[0118] For example, the playback point T31 is shown in black. The appearance scenes T32, T33, and T34 are shown in white, for example. Of the main bar T30, the parts other than the appearance scenes T32, T33, T34, and T35, which are the scenes in which a specific character C1 appears, are shown in gray, for example. Therefore, by looking at the appearance scene display bar T3, user U can understand which section of the entire animation A1 a specific character C1 appears in.

[0119] In step S112, the reception unit 310 receives the user U's operation on the playback point T31 of the appearance scene display bar T3.

[0120] Figure 21 shows animation A1 after operating the playback point T31. For example, Figure 21 shows an example where, in step S112, the playback point T31 is operated and an instruction is received to skip from the appearance scene portion T33 to the appearance scene portion T35. In this case, in step S113, the communication control unit 315 causes the communication device 33 to send a playback request corresponding to the appearance scene portion T35 operated by the playback point T31. In step S114, the server 10 provides a portion of the animation data D10 corresponding to the playback request. In step S115, the display control unit 311 displays animation A1 corresponding to the appearance scene portion T35.

[0121] By operating the playback point T31, the user U can play back the section of the character's appearance that they specify. Therefore, it is possible to skip sections of the character's appearance at will.

[0122] Furthermore, the terminal device 30 may have an automatic adjustment function that automatically moves the position of the playback point T31 so that the position of the playback point T31 can be finely adjusted. For example, let's explain the case where the playback moves from the scene section T33 to the scene section T35.

[0123] Figures 22 and 23 are diagrams illustrating the automatic adjustment function of the playback point T31. As shown in Figure 22, when user U moves the playback point T31 near the scene section T35, as shown in Figure 23, the terminal device 30 moves the playback point T31 to the starting point of the scene section T35 closest to the playback point T31, i.e., the beginning. Because the terminal device 30 has an automatic adjustment function that automatically moves the playback point T31, user U can select the scene section T35 without having to precisely align the playback point T31 with the starting point of the scene section T35. This improves the operability of the playback point T31 for user U. Note that the playback point T31 may be moved by the automatic adjustment function to any position within the scene section T35 closest to the playback point T31, not limited to the starting point.

[0124] Furthermore, for example, the gray section between any two adjacent scene segments may be divided by any point. For example, consider the case where the gray section between two scene segments T34 and T35 is divided into two regions by an arbitrary point. In this case, the location of the playback point T31 in either of these two regions determines whether the playback point T31 will automatically move to the earlier scene, scene segment T34, or the later scene, scene segment T35. For example, if the playback point T31 specified by user U is in the region of scene segment T34, the playback point T31 will automatically move to the beginning of scene segment T34. If the playback point T31 specified by user U is in the region of scene segment T35, the playback point T31 will automatically move to the beginning of scene segment T35.

[0125] Furthermore, for example, if playback point T31 is specified in the gray-colored section between any two adjacent scene segments, the destination of playback point T31 may be determined by whether the specification is performed in the forward or reverse playback direction. For example, consider the case where user U operates playback point T31 in the gray-colored section between two scene segments T34 and T35. In this case, if user U moves playback point T31 in the forward playback direction, playback point T31 moves to the beginning of the later scene, scene segment T35. If user U moves playback point T31 in the reverse playback direction, playback point T31 moves to the beginning of the earlier scene, scene segment T34.

[0126] Furthermore, the terminal device 30 may have a function for fine-tuning the playback position. For example, the terminal device 30 may receive instructions from the user U in a direction different from the direction in which the bar body T30 extends and fine-tune the playback position.

[0127] Specifically, the playback time for movement of the playback point T31 in a direction different from the direction in which the bar body T30 extends is shorter than the playback time for movement of the playback point T31 in the direction in which the bar body T30 extends. For example, a 1 mm movement of the playback point T31 in the direction in which the bar body T30 extends corresponds to a playback time of 30 seconds, while a 1 mm movement of the playback point T31 in a direction different from the direction in which the bar body T30 extends corresponds to a playback time of 5 seconds. Below, we will explain an example of fine-tuning the playback position by receiving an instruction to move the playback point T31 in a direction perpendicular to the direction in which the bar body T30 extends, i.e., in the vertical direction in the figure.

[0128] Figures 24 and 25 are diagrams illustrating the instruction for fine-tuning the playback point T31. In the terminal device 30, if user U wants to fine-tune the playback position in the introductory scene sections T32, T33, T34, and T35, the user U performs an operation to move the playback point T31 vertically in the diagram, i.e., gives a fine-tuning instruction. For example, Figures 24 and 25 illustrate the case of fine-tuning the playback position within the introductory scene section T35.

[0129] For example, as shown in Figure 24, if user U gives an instruction to move playback point T31 upward, i.e., in the direction of arrow X7, the reception unit 310 receives an instruction to advance time in the playback direction with finer time increments than movement to the right. Also, for example, as shown in Figure 25, if user U gives an instruction to move playback point T31 downward, i.e., in the direction of arrow X8, the reception unit 310 receives an instruction to rewind time in the reverse playback direction with finer time increments than movement to the left.

[0130] Thus, if user U wants to fine-tune the playback position, they can do so by manipulating the playback point T31 in a direction different from the direction in which the bar body T30 extends, thereby fine-tuning the playback position within the scene T32. This fine-tuning allows user U to accurately watch the scenes they want to see without missing anything. Furthermore, even if the terminal device 30 is small and operation on the screen SC is difficult, it is easy for user U to move the playback point T31 to the desired location.

[0131] 2-2. Other variations Figures 26 and 27 show variations of the second instruction. The second instruction is not limited to swipe operations in the left, right, up, or down directions. For example, as shown in Figure 26, the second instruction may be a rightward rotation of finger Uf in the direction of arrow X5. Alternatively, as shown in Figure 27, the second instruction may be a leftward rotation of finger Uf in the direction of arrow X6.

[0132] Furthermore, playback modes may include modes other than fast forward, rewind, skip forward, skip back, and filtered playback. Also, for example, it may be possible to set the speed for fast forward and rewind.

[0133] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, the correspondence between user U's operations and the playback modes is predetermined by the terminal device 30 or server 10, and the terminal device 30 stores the aforementioned operation correspondence table T1. However, for example, the correspondence between user U's operations and the playback modes may be arbitrarily set by user U via the terminal device 30. By allowing user U to set the correspondence, it becomes easier for user U to remember the relationship between touch operations and playback modes, thus making touch operations easier to perform.

[0134] In the embodiment described above, user U views animation A1 via streaming, where terminal device 30 receives and simultaneously plays the data. However, terminal device 30 may also download animation data D10 from server 10 and play it.

[0135] 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.

[0136] Furthermore, the first and second instructions are not limited to instructions given by user U touching the screen SC, but may also be given by voice.

[0137] 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.

[0138] (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.

[0139] (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.

[0140] (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).

[0141] (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.

[0142] (6) Each function illustrated in Figures 2 and 12 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.

[0143] (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.

[0144] 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.

[0145] (8) In the first embodiment and variations described above, the terms “system” and “network” are used interchangeably.

[0146] (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.

[0147] (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.

[0148] (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.

[0149] (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".

[0150] (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."

[0151] (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.

[0152] (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.

[0153] (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.”

[0154] (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).

[0155] 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.

[0156] 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]

[0157] 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...Management unit, 112...Communication control unit, 113...Display control unit, 310...Reception unit, 311...Display control unit, 312...Decision unit, 313...First reception unit, 314...Second reception unit, 315...Communication control unit, A1...Animation, C1...Character, D10...Animation data, D20...Character data, D21...Section data, D5...Playback mode request, F10...Animation data file, F20...Character appearance scene file, Hf...Finger, SC...Screen, T1...Operation correspondence table, T2...Tool, U...User, Uf...Finger.

Claims

1. A display control unit that displays an animation based on animation data provided from a server on the screen of a display device, A first reception unit that receives user instructions via an input device to specify a particular character appearing in the animation, A second reception unit receives user instructions specifying the manner in which the animation should be played for the scene in which the particular character appears. A terminal device characterized by being equipped with the following features.

2. The first receiving unit receives a designation of a specific character included in the animation while the animation is being displayed on the display device. The terminal device according to claim 1.

3. The display device has the function of the input device, The first reception unit accepts the designation of the specific character by detecting contact with the screen for the specific character. The terminal device according to claim 1.

4. The second reception unit receives instructions for one of the following playback modes: skip, fast forward, rewind, skip forward, skip back, and filtered playback of the scene in which the specific character appears. The terminal device according to claim 1.

5. The display control unit causes the screen to display the scene in which the specific character appears in the playback mode instructed by the user. The terminal device according to claim 1.

6. The display control unit displays the appearance scene of the specific character on the screen in the playback mode instructed by the user, and also displays an appearance scene display bar on the screen indicating the scene in which the specific character appears. The terminal device according to claim 1.

7. The system includes a reception unit that receives instructions from the user to the screen via the input device, The display control unit causes the appearance scene display bar to display a playback point indicating the playback position currently displayed on the screen, and at least one appearance scene portion indicating the scene in which the specific character appears. The reception unit receives the user's operation of the playback point. The terminal device according to claim 6.

8. The terminal device according to claim 7, wherein when the reception unit receives an operation of the playback point by the user, the display control unit displays on the screen the appearance scene of the specific character corresponding to the appearance scene portion closest to the playback point among the at least one appearance scene portion.

9. The reception unit is capable of receiving both the movement of the playback point in the direction in which the appearance scene display bar extends and the movement of the playback point in a direction different from the direction in which the appearance scene display bar extends. The playback time for the amount of movement of the playback point in a direction different from the direction in which the appearance scene display bar extends is shorter than the playback time for the amount of movement of the playback point in the direction in which the appearance scene display bar extends. The terminal device according to claim 7.

10. Terminal device and The system includes a server that can communicate with the aforementioned terminal device via a communication network, A display control unit that displays an animation based on animation data provided from a server on the screen of a display device, A first reception unit that receives user instructions via an input device to specify a particular character appearing in the animation, A second reception unit receives user instructions specifying the manner in which the animation should be played for the scene in which the particular character appears. An animation provisioning system characterized by comprising the following features.

Images