Content distribution service management system and its method

Abstract

For users who receive video streaming via the internet, it is desirable that immersive viewing experiences of the streamed content become more readily available. [Solution] A content distribution service management system including a content distribution system, a reservation management system, and a delivery management system, wherein the reservation management system and the content distribution system include receiving means for receiving information on reserved content from the reservation management system and distribution means for performing distribution control of content data corresponding to the information on the content, and when the user enters a reservation code using an application in the experiential content viewing room, experiential viewing using the content data, materials, and consumables is started.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a technology applied to a video distribution system for providing various video contents to subscribers.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, there are services that distribute videos via the Internet to subscribers' personal computers, smartphones, televisions, etc. Also, on the viewing side, head-mounted displays that can play 3D contents and Virtual Reality (VR) contents have been used.

[0003] In addition, in movie screenings, experiential screenings are held using in-theater facilities such as those called 4DX that allow viewers to experience wind, mist, etc. in synchronization with the video. A screening technology using special chairs related to such 4D experiences is described in Patent Document 1.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] Currently, contract users who receive video distribution via the Internet using their own terminals do not have facilities such as movie theaters and are capable of viewing special contents using a head-mounted display.

[0006] However, the content itself is the same as that screened in movie theaters, and it is considered desirable to enable experiential viewing.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0007] A content distribution service management system comprising a content distribution system, a reservation management system, and a delivery management system, wherein the reservation management system includes a search means that performs a search process for experiential content viewing rooms available to the user according to the usage date and geographical information specified by the user, and an issuing means that issues a reservation code for using the experiential content viewing room selected by the user based on the results of the search process; the delivery management system includes an execution means that performs a process for arranging the delivery of necessary goods and consumables for the experiential content viewing room subject to the new reservation, based on a new reservation received from the reservation management system; the content distribution system includes a receiving means that receives information on reserved content from the reservation management system, and a distribution means that performs distribution control of content data corresponding to the information on the content; and experiential viewing using the content data, goods, and consumables is started when the user's input of the reservation code using an application is confirmed in the experiential content viewing room. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a feasible system, such as reservation management for experiential content viewing rooms that enable experiential viewing. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0009] [Figure 1] Diagram showing an example of the overall system configuration. [Figure 2] This diagram shows an example of the hardware configuration of the information processing equipment that makes up the system. [Figure 3] This diagram illustrates an example of a modular configuration implemented by software within the system. [Figure 4] A diagram showing an example of a portal screen provided by a content distribution service. [Figure 5] Diagram showing an example of a reservation screen for an experiential content viewing room. [Figure 6]Diagram showing the sequence of processes for booking an experiential content viewing room. [Figure 7] A diagram showing the sequence of processes related to the use of an interactive content viewing room. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0010] The best mode for carrying out the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

[0011] Figure 1 shows the system configuration for realizing the content distribution service management system in this embodiment.

[0012] 101 is a contract management system that manages subscriber information. 102 is a system that delivers content such as video works to users managed as subscribers by the contract management system 101 via the network. For example, a subscriber can use their smartphone 111 at home or elsewhere to log in to the web service provided by the content delivery system 102 and receive and watch video works.

[0013] In this embodiment, the content distribution system 102 also supports the distribution of experiential viewing content prepared for each video work in order to provide experiential video viewing. Experiential viewing is a viewing method in which the user experiences the content with their whole body by providing at least one special effect, such as mist, vibration, scent, wind, or visual effects such as flashes, in addition to the video and sound, according to the scene of the content.

[0014] When a user uses the interactive content viewing rooms 121-123, the content distribution system 102 distributes the video content data and interactive viewing content to the computer systems installed in the interactive content viewing rooms 121-123. Here, the interactive viewing content includes data necessary for interactive viewing, which is prepared for each video work, such as the types of effects (wind, scent, mist, etc.), the conditions for generating those effects in the room, and the conditions for vibrating the special seats in the room.

[0015] 103 is a reservation management system that allows subscribers with a premium contract, which enables experiential video viewing, to select a video they want to watch and reserve an experiential content viewing room 121. Users can search for an experiential content viewing room located geographically close to them and make a reservation for a convenient date and time. The experiential content viewing rooms are for small groups, such as one or two people, and can be used more casually than movie theaters.

[0016] Unit 104 is a delivery management system that arranges the delivery of necessary supplies for experiential content viewing to each of the experiential content viewing rooms 121-123, based on the reservation status of the experiential content viewing rooms. Specifically, consumables such as those used to generate scents and special mist need to be delivered before the subscriber uses the room.

[0017] Experiential content viewing rooms 121-123 are equipped with a built-in computer system that controls effects such as wind, scent, mist, and vibration in response to the distribution of experiential content. They are also equipped with head-mounted displays for viewing the videos. Subscribers can also bring their own head-mounted displays and connect them to the computer system in the experiential content viewing rooms to view the videos.

[0018] FIG. 2 shows an example of the hardware configuration of each of the contract management system 101, the content distribution system 102, the reservation management system 103, the delivery management system 104, and the smartphone 111. The contract management system 101, the content distribution system 102, the reservation management system 103, and the delivery management system 104 can be realized by cloud computing technology. In that case, a plurality of information processing devices as shown in FIG. 2 can be prepared, and each system can be realized by using their hardware resources.

[0019] The CPU 201 executes the software program of the information processing device and controls the entire device. The ROM 202 is a read-only memory that stores a boot program, fixed parameters, and the like. The RAM 203 is a random access memory that is used for storing programs and temporary data when the CPU 201 controls the information processing device. The storage device 204 is composed of a hard disk drive or the like and stores system software, applications, and various data. The network I / F control unit 205 controls the transmission and reception of data with the network. The display control unit 206 controls the display on the display device 210 and controls the display of various information and the input of instructions from the user.

[0020] In the head-mounted displays used in the experiential content viewing rooms 121 to 123, in addition to the configuration shown in FIG. 2, in addition to a dedicated projection unit for projecting VR content and 3D content into the user's field of vision, a processor dedicated to video playback processing is additionally configured.

[0021] FIG. 3 is a drawing for explaining the module configuration realized by the software program included in the system and device included in the present embodiment. What is shown is an example of the module configuration according to the present embodiment, and a system or device including other modules may also be used.

[0022] The contract management system 101 has a customer management unit 301 and a contract management unit 302. The customer management unit 301 and the contract management unit 302 are examples of software module configurations realized by the CPU 201 of the contract management system 101 executing dedicated programs for managing customers and contracts. The customer management unit 301 is a module for managing personal information and contract information of customer users who have contracted for content distribution services. The contract management unit 302 manages contract data that defines two or more contracts prepared for the customer, as well as licensing data such as EULAs that should be provided to the customer.

[0023] The content distribution system 102 includes a content management unit 311, a distribution control unit 312, and a provision unit 313. The content management unit 311, the distribution control unit 312, and the provision unit 313 are examples of software module configurations realized by the CPU 201 of the content distribution system 102 executing a dedicated program for the content distribution service. The content management unit 311 is a module that manages content data such as movies and dramas provided by the content distribution service. The distribution control unit 312 is a module that performs control for the distribution of desired content data to customer users of the content distribution service. The provision unit 313 is a module for providing various screens related to the content distribution service, such as a portal screen described later, via a network such as the Internet.

[0024] The reservation management system 103 has a reservation management unit 321 and a room management unit 322. The reservation management unit 321 and the room management unit 322 are examples of software module configurations realized by the CPU 201 of the reservation management system 103 executing a dedicated program for managing reservations for using the content distribution service in the experiential content viewing rooms 121 to 123. The reservation management unit 321 is a module for managing reservations received from contract users using information on the experiential content viewing rooms and customer information. The reservation management unit 321 issues a reservation code when a reservation is completed by a premium member user. The room management unit 322 is a module for managing information for room management, such as the reservation status, geographical information, and the number of available users for the experiential content viewing rooms 121 to 123.

[0025] The delivery management system 104 includes a delivery control unit 331 and an inventory management unit 332. The delivery control unit 331 and the inventory management unit 332 are examples of software module configurations realized by the CPU 201 of the delivery management system 104 executing a dedicated program for managing and instructing the delivery of supplies, consumables, etc., necessary for using the content distribution service in the experiential content viewing rooms 121 to 123. The delivery control unit 331 is a module for arranging the delivery of supplies, consumables, etc., necessary according to the reservation status of the experiential content viewing rooms 121 to 123. The inventory management unit 332 is a module for managing the inventory status of supplies, consumables, etc., in the experiential content viewing rooms 121 to 123.

[0026] The smartphone 111 has a web browser 351 and a member-only application 352. This is an example of a software module configuration realized by running software programs corresponding to the web browser and the member-only application, respectively.

[0027] Each of the experiential content viewing rooms 121-123 has a terminal control unit 361, a room control unit 362, and a member-only application 363. The member-only application 363 is a module that runs on a terminal that displays content received from a content distribution service, such as a head-mounted display. The terminal control unit 361 and the room control unit 362 are examples of software module configurations realized by the CPU 201 of the dedicated computer in each of the experiential content viewing rooms 121-123 executing a dedicated program for managing entry into the room and controlling 4D effects such as smell, wind, and seat vibrations.

[0028] Figures 4 and 5 show the subscriber portal screen provided by the content distribution system 102's provisioning unit 313. This screen can be viewed by subscribers using a web browser 351 on a smartphone 111 or the like. This portal screen can also be displayed and operated using member-only applications 352 and 364.

[0029] Figure 4 shows the home screen 401 displayed on the portal screen for subscribers.

[0030] In Figure 4, when a subscriber is logged in, they can search for works, select their favorite works from new releases, and watch videos on this screen. Furthermore, by selecting the Premium Member Service 402, they can transition to a service screen available to premium members. Premium members are managed in the Customer Management Department 301 of the Contract Management System 101.

[0031] Figure 5 shows the service screen available to premium members. Here, users can reserve rooms for viewing experiential content. In Figure 5, the content distribution system 102's provision unit 313 works in conjunction with the reservation management system 103 to provide the screen based on information managed on the reservation management system 103.

[0032] Figure 5(a) shows the top screen of the reservation screen. On the reservation screen, users can set the date of use 501 and perform a search 502 for the experiential content viewing room they wish to use. They can also perform a search 503 for experiential content provided by the content distribution service.

[0033] Figure 5(b) shows the search screen for experiential content that appears when the user has set a date for use and has entered the instruction 502 to search for an experiential content viewing room. Depending on the content being distributed, the number of available experiential content viewing rooms may be limited, so the user is first asked to select the content they wish to experience. Two titles are displayed as recommendations on the screen, but by selecting the search button 511, it is possible to search for and select any content. The screen transitions during the search are omitted here.

[0034] Figure 5(c) shows a screen displaying a list of interactive content viewing rooms where the selected streaming content can be screened on the scheduled usage date 521. On this screen, users can select any interactive content viewing room at any time. Selecting the link for the room name ("Room A") in Table 522 allows users to check the room's specifications (whether head-mounted displays are allowed, capacity, etc.). The "〇" marks in Table 522 indicate available time slots, and users can make a reservation by selecting one of these slots.

[0035] Figure 5(d) shows the reservation completion screen. The date of use, the content to be viewed, the reserved experiential content viewing room, and the reserved time slot are displayed. The reservation code 531, which is required when using the experiential content viewing room, is also displayed.

[0036] Subscribers may bring their own head-mounted displays to the interactive content viewing rooms, in which case a dedicated application will need to be installed on the head-mounted display. By selecting link 532 in the dedicated application guide, subscribers can be directed to a site that provides detailed instructions for setting up the dedicated application for their head-mounted display.

[0037] Figure 6 shows the sequence of processes related to the reservation of the experiential content viewing room shown in Figure 5.

[0038] This sequence explains the processing flow performed by software modules, which are realized by executing the software programs included in the system and device illustrated in Figure 3.

[0039] In S601, the content management unit 311 of the content distribution system 102 receives the usage date entered via the reservation screen shown in Figure 5(a). This input is performed according to user operations via the web browser of the smartphone 111.

[0040] In S602, the content management unit 311 receives information about the selected content via the reservation screen shown in Figure 5(b). This input, like in S601, is performed according to user operations via the web browser of the smartphone 111. The content information includes identification information to identify the content data.

[0041] In S603, the content management unit 311 requests the contract management system 101 to obtain the customer information of the logged-in user. The customer information obtained here includes geographical information corresponding to the address of the customer registered as customer information. S603 is a process that assumes that "Search near registered address" has been selected via 502 on the reservation screen in Figure 5(a).

[0042] In S604, the content management unit 311 sends a search request for an experiential content viewing room, including the date of use, content information, and geographical information, to the reservation management system 103.

[0043] In S605, the reservation management unit 321 of the reservation management system 103 executes a search process for experiential content viewing rooms that match the conditions received in S606. In the search process, geographical information is used to have the room management unit 322 narrow down the search to experiential content viewing rooms near that geographical information. Furthermore, the room management unit 322 further narrows down the search to experiential content viewing rooms that have equipment capable of experiential viewing of content corresponding to the content information specified as a condition. Then, the reservation management unit 321 checks the reservation status of the narrowed experiential content viewing rooms for the usage date and identifies experiential content viewing rooms that have one or more available reservation time slots. In this case, there is a possibility that no available experiential content viewing rooms will be found.

[0044] In S606, the content management unit 311 receives the results of the search process based on the specified conditions from the reservation management unit 321. In this sequence, it is assumed that three experiential content viewing rooms, as shown in Figure 5(c), have been identified. Steps S607 onward describe the continuation of the processing sequence in this case.

[0045] If no reservable experiential content viewing rooms are found in S605, the content management unit 311 returns a value indicating that there are no room listings as a result of the search. The content management unit 311 then provides the message "No reservable rooms were found" to the web browser of the smartphone 111, and presents the reservation screen shown in Figure 5(a) again to prompt the user to re-enter their information.

[0046] In S607, the provision unit 313 provides the smartphone 111's web browser with a screen for selecting an experiential content viewing room, as shown in Figure 5(c). This screen displays a list of rooms included in the search results received in S606. In S608, the content management unit 311 receives the room information and time information selected by the user via the smartphone 111's web browser.

[0047] In S609, the content management unit 311 sends a reservation request specifying the room and time information received in S608 to the reservation management system 103. In S610, the content management unit 311 receives the reservation completion information and a reservation code issued by the reservation management system 103 from the reservation management system 103. In S611, the provision unit 313 provides the reservation completion screen, including the reservation code received in S610, as shown in Figure 5(d), to the web browser of the smartphone 111. This completes the user's reservation for the experiential content viewing room.

[0048] Figure 7 shows the sequence of processes that take place from the time a subscriber actually uses the experiential content viewing room.

[0049] This sequence explains the processing flow performed by software modules, which are realized by executing the software programs included in the system and device illustrated in Figure 3.

[0050] In S701, the delivery control unit 331 of the delivery management system 104 receives reservation status from the reservation management system 103. It is assumed that this will be notified each time a reservation is completed in the sequence shown in Figure 6.

[0051] In S702, the inventory management unit 322 checks the required supplies and consumables for the experiential content viewing room for the date of use for new reservations. Here, the supplies and consumables necessary for experiential viewing of the reserved content are identified. In S703, the delivery control unit 331 executes a delivery arrangement with the delivery center for the specified experiential content viewing room, delivering the identified supplies and consumables.

[0052] At the distribution center, supplies and consumables will be delivered to the designated experiential content viewing rooms according to the delivery arrangement information.

[0053] In S712, the distribution control unit 312 of the content distribution system 102 sends a reservation confirmation request to the reservation management system 103. This process is performed daily at a time scheduled before the reserved time slot. In S713, the distribution control unit 312 receives information on the content for each reserved experiential content viewing room from the reservation management system 103.

[0054] In S714, the distribution control unit 312 executes a process to distribute content data compatible with experiential viewing to the room control unit 362 of each experiential viewing room, according to the content information for each reserved experiential viewing room. With this process completed, the preparation work for experiential viewing in the experiential viewing room is finished.

[0055] Subsequently, when the reserved time slot arrives, S715 executes a login process using the member-only application 363 on the head-mounted display in the experiential content viewing room. After receiving this login request, the content management unit 311 further receives the reservation code entered by the user from the member-only application 363.

[0056] In S716, the content management unit 311 executes a reservation confirmation request to the reservation management system 103, specifying the reservation code. The reservation management system 103 checks the reservation status, confirms that the reservation corresponding to the reservation code is confirmed, and sends a response to the content management unit 311 indicating that the reservation has been confirmed.

[0057] In S717, the content management unit 311 sends an instruction to the room control unit 362 of the experiential content viewing room to start the experiential viewing. Upon receiving this instruction, the terminal control unit 361 and the room control unit 362 in the experiential content viewing room work in conjunction with the head-mounted display to start providing the experiential viewing to the user.

[0058] (Examples of application) In the search process for experiential content viewing rooms by the reservation management unit 321 of the reservation management system 103 at S605 in Figure 6, it is possible that the user may not be able to view the selected content in an experiential content viewing room near their registered address because the delivery of supplies and consumables may not be completed in time for the usage date. Such cases may occur when the user specifies the same day or the next day as the usage date.

[0059] Therefore, as mentioned above, in cases where no experiential content viewing rooms are found to be available for reservation on S605, the content management unit 311 provides the message "No rooms were available for reservation" to the web browser of the smartphone 111. As an example of application, the content management unit 311 can provide the web browser of the smartphone 111 with the option to "search for content available for viewing in an experiential content viewing room near the registered address on the same date of use."

[0060] If the user selects this option, the content management unit 311 sends a content search request to the reservation management system 103, including the date of use and geographical information. The reservation management system 103 identifies the experiential content viewing room based on the date of use and geographical information, and searches for content information that can be viewed experientially using the current room equipment, including supplies and consumables. The reservation management system 103 then sends these search results to the content management unit 311.

[0061] The content management unit 311 provides a list of content included in the search results to the web browser of the smartphone 111 and prompts the user to make a selection. If content is selected, a time slot reservation screen corresponding to Figure 5(c) is provided, including an experiential content viewing room where the content can be viewed experientially. Subsequent processing is the same as that performed in steps S608-611 of Figure 6.

[0062] According to the application examples, a system can be created that can immediately respond to user needs, such as when users want to enjoy an experiential viewing experience on a specific date, prioritizing the day of use.

[0063] (Other examples) The present invention also includes apparatuses, systems, and methods configured by appropriately combining the embodiments described above.

[0064] Here, the present invention is a device or system that is the main body for executing one or more software programs that realize the functions of the embodiments described above. Furthermore, a method for realizing the embodiments described above that are executed on that device or system is also part of the present invention. In addition, the program is supplied to the system or device via a network or various storage media, and the program is read into one or more memories by one or more computers (CPU, MPU, etc.) of the system or device and executed. In other words, as part of the present invention, the program itself or various storage media that can be read by the computer storing the program are also included. Furthermore, the present invention can also be realized by a circuit (e.g., ASIC) that realizes the functions of the embodiments described above. [Explanation of symbols]

[0065] 101 Contract Management System 102 Content Distribution System 103 Reservation Management System 104 Delivery Management System 111 Smartphone Rooms 121-123: Experiential Content Viewing Rooms

Claims

1. A content distribution service management system including a content distribution system, a reservation management system, and a delivery management system, The aforementioned reservation management system is A search means that performs a search process for available experiential content viewing rooms based on the usage date and geographical information specified by the user, The system includes an issuing means for issuing a reservation code for using an experiential content viewing room selected by the user based on the results of the search process, The aforementioned delivery management system is The system has an execution means that, based on a new reservation received from the aforementioned reservation management system, processes the delivery arrangements for the materials and consumables necessary for the experiential content viewing room that is the subject of the new reservation. The aforementioned content distribution system is A receiving means for receiving information on reserved content from the aforementioned reservation management system, The system includes distribution means for performing distribution control of content data corresponding to the information of the aforementioned content, When the user enters the reservation code using the application in the aforementioned experiential content viewing room, the experiential viewing using the content data, materials, and consumables begins. A content distribution service management system characterized by the following features.

2. The content distribution service management system according to claim 1 is characterized in that the search process is performed by narrowing down the experiential content viewing rooms corresponding to the geographical information and the experiential content viewing rooms that have equipment capable of experiential viewing of the content corresponding to the content information, based on the date of use and geographical information as well as information on the content that the user wants to view, and further by checking the reservation status of the dates of use of the narrowed experiential content viewing rooms and identifying experiential content viewing rooms that have one or more available reservation time slots.

3. A method in a content distribution service management system including a content distribution system, a reservation management system, and a delivery management system, The aforementioned reservation management system is A search step that performs a search process for available experiential content viewing rooms based on the usage date and geographic information specified by the user, The process includes an issuance step of issuing a reservation code for using the experiential content viewing room selected by the user based on the results of the search process, The aforementioned delivery management system is The execution step includes, based on a new reservation received from the aforementioned reservation management system, arranging for the delivery of necessary supplies and consumables for the experiential content viewing room that is the subject of the new reservation. The aforementioned content distribution system is A receiving step of receiving information on reserved content from the aforementioned reservation management system, The distribution step includes executing a distribution control for content data corresponding to the information of the aforementioned content, When the user enters the reservation code using the application in the aforementioned experiential content viewing room, the experiential viewing using the content data, materials, and consumables begins. A content distribution service management system characterized by the following features.

Images