Video distribution system, program, and video distribution server

Abstract

This invention provides a method for displaying a selection screen that allows users to select video content in a suitable manner. [Solution] The video distribution system 100 displays a video selection screen 700 on the client terminal. On the video selection screen 700, along with the title of the video content, the following pieces of information related to the video content are displayed: first information 702, second information 703, third information 704, fourth information 705, and fifth information 706. The first information 702 includes the cumulative viewing time over a predetermined period and the number of viewers currently watching. The second information 703 includes positive and negative evaluation information. The third information 704 includes information on the rate of increase in the number of viewers, the period during which the video content has maintained its ranking, and the discrepancy between that ranking and subsequent rankings. The fourth information 705 includes information on the country or region with the most viewers. The fifth information 706 includes information on the age group or gender with the most viewers.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a video distribution system, a program, and a video distribution server.

Background Art

[0002] A video distribution system for distributing video content to a mobile terminal such as a smartphone or a tablet terminal operated by a user is known. A user interface (UI) for playing video content is displayed on the display unit of the mobile terminal, and a list of titles of video content that are selection candidates, for example, is displayed on this UI (see Patent Document 1). The user selects a favorite video content from this list and plays the video content.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, in the technology of Patent Document 1 described above, only the titles of video content that are selection candidates are displayed on the UI, so there is room for improvement from the viewpoint of ease of selecting favorite video content.

[0005] An object of the present invention is to provide a method for displaying a selection screen that can preferably select video content.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] To achieve the above objective, the present invention provides a video distribution system that provides a service for distributing video content, and includes a control means for displaying a ranking-style selection screen on a mobile terminal's display device for allowing a user to select video content distributed by the video distribution system, wherein the control means displays, on the selection screen, the title of the video content along with at least one of the following pieces of information relating to the video content: the first piece of information includes the cumulative viewing time over a predetermined period and the number of viewers currently watching; the second piece of information includes positive and negative evaluations; the third piece of information includes the rate of increase in the number of viewers, the period during which the video content has maintained its ranking, and the discrepancy between that ranking and subsequent rankings; the fourth piece of information includes the country or region with the largest number of viewers; and the fifth piece of information includes the age group or gender with the largest number of viewers. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the present invention, video content can be suitably selected. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] This is a network configuration diagram showing an example of the network configuration of the video distribution system according to this embodiment. [Figure 2] Figure 1 is a block diagram that schematically shows the configuration of the video distribution server. [Figure 3] This figure shows an example of a viewer information management table stored in the storage shown in Figure 2. [Figure 4] Figure 2 shows an example of a video content management table stored in the storage shown. [Figure 5] Figure 1 is a block diagram that schematically shows the configuration of the mobile device. [Figure 6] Figure 1 is a sequence diagram showing the procedure for streaming distribution control processing performed by the video distribution server and mobile terminal. [Figure 7] This figure shows an example of the video selection screen displayed on the operation display unit in Figure 5. [Figure 8] This figure shows an example of the video playback screen displayed on the operation display unit in Figure 5. [Figure 9] This figure shows an example of the comment input screen displayed on the operation display unit in Figure 5. [Figure 10] Figure 6 is a flowchart showing the steps taken by the mobile device during the streaming distribution control process. [Figure 11] Figure 6 is a flowchart showing the processing steps of the video distribution server in the streaming distribution control process. [Figure 12] This figure shows an example of the settings screen displayed on the operation display unit in Figure 5. [Figure 13] This figure illustrates the display control of the video selection screen related to the recommendation function in this embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0009] The best mode for carrying out the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. Before describing the video distribution system according to this embodiment, the roles of the video distribution server and the client terminal that communicates with the video distribution server, which constitute the video distribution system, will be described. The video distribution server holds multiple video content and provides segment files in response to requests from client terminals. The video distribution server encodes the video content to generate segment files and provides these segment files at various bitrates, so that the client terminal can select the optimal bitrate according to the network conditions. Furthermore, the video distribution server receives feedback from the client terminal and optimizes the distribution. The client terminal is a terminal operated by a user who watches video content. The client terminal analyzes the manifest file, selects an appropriate bitrate, downloads the segment file, and plays the video content based on the downloaded segment file. The client terminal can change the playback position of the video content or switch the bitrate according to the user's operation.

[0010] Next, the configuration of the video distribution system 100 according to this embodiment will be described.

[0011] Figure 1 is a network configuration diagram showing an example of the network configuration of the video distribution system 100 according to this embodiment.

[0012] As shown in Figure 1, the video distribution system 100 communicates with multiple client terminals such as mobile terminal 103a and mobile terminal 103b via the network 102.

[0013] The video distribution system 100 provides a video distribution service for distributing video content including movies, TV programs, anime, dramas, etc. The video distribution system 100 is composed of a plurality of video distribution servers such as video distribution server 101a and video distribution server 101b, and these video distribution servers are distributed and arranged in different countries and regions. The video distribution system 100 encodes the video content and converts it into a video file in a format suitable for transfer, and uses a CDN (Content Delivery Network) to distribute this video file to video distribution servers around the world. The video distribution system 100 streams and distributes the segment file of the video content from the video distribution server located in the country or region to which this client terminal belongs to this client terminal according to the request received from the client terminal. Thereby, for example, users in different countries such as Japan, the United States, and India can watch the same video content in real time.

[0014] In streaming distribution, for example, protocols such as HTTP Live Streaming (HLS) and Dynamic Adaptive Streaming over HTTP (DASH) are used. These protocols divide the video content into small segment files. The client terminal downloads and plays the segment file as needed. HLS is a protocol developed by Apple and is particularly compatible with iOS devices. DASH is a protocol developed by the international standardization organization MPEG and has compatibility with a wider variety of devices. Both protocols support adaptive bitrate streaming and can dynamically change the bitrate according to the network situation.

[0015] The client terminals, mobile terminals 103a and 103b, are, for example, smartphones or tablet terminals. An application for using a video distribution service, the video viewing application 507 shown in FIG. 5 described later, is installed on each of the mobile terminals 103a and 103b. For example, when this video viewing application 507 is launched on the mobile terminal 103a, the mobile terminal 103a uses the web browser function of this video viewing application 507 to obtain display data for a screen (web page) that allows the user to select video content to be viewed from the video distribution server 101a located in the country or region to which the mobile terminal 103a belongs. The mobile terminal 103a obtains a segment file corresponding to the video content selected by the user on the screen displayed based on the obtained display data from the video distribution server 101a. The mobile terminal 103a causes the video content to be displayed on the operation display unit 502 shown in FIG. 5 described later based on the obtained segment file.

[0016] Next, the configurations of the video distribution servers 101a and 101b in the video distribution system 100 will be described. In the present embodiment, the video distribution servers 101a and 101b have the same configuration. Hereinafter, as an example, the configuration will be described using the video distribution server 101a.

[0017] FIG. 2 is a block diagram schematically showing the configuration of the video distribution server 101a in FIG. 1.

[0018] In FIG. 2, the video distribution server 101a includes a CPU 201, an I / O device I / F 202, a network I / F 203, a memory 204, and a storage 207. These are connected to each other via a bus 208.

[0019] The CPU 201 executes programs stored in the memory 204. The CPU 201 is composed of a single CPU, a multi-CPU, a single CPU having multiple processing cores, or the like.

[0020] For example, a keyboard, display device, and mouse are connected to the I / O device interface 202.

[0021] Network I / F203 is an interface that allows the video distribution server 101a to communicate with other communication devices via network 102.

[0022] Memory 204 consists of random access memory. Memory 204 includes, for example, a media server 205 as a software module.

[0023] The media server 205 includes a streaming control unit 206 and operates when the CPU 201 executes a control program for the media server 205. The streaming control unit 206 transmits display data for a screen that allows the user to select the video content to watch to the client terminal, in accordance with a request received from the client terminal, such as the mobile terminal 103a or mobile terminal 103b. When the streaming control unit 206 receives a request from the client terminal to play the video content selected by the user on this screen, it obtains a video file obtained by encoding the video content from the storage 207. The streaming control unit 206 transmits segment files, which are segments of the obtained video file, to the client terminal.

[0024] Storage 207 consists of non-volatile storage devices such as HDDs and SSDs. Storage 207 stores multiple video files obtained by encoding each video content managed by the video distribution server 101a. Storage 207 also stores the user information management table 300 shown in Figure 3 and the video content management table 400 shown in Figure 4.

[0025] Next, the user information management table 300 and the video content management table 400, managed by video distribution server 101a and video distribution server 101b respectively, will be described. In this embodiment, video distribution server 101a and video distribution server 101b each manage information about the country or region in which they are located. For example, video distribution server 101a manages information about users belonging to the country or region in which it is located based on the user information management table 300. In addition, video distribution server 101a manages information about video content viewed in the country or region in which it is located based on the video content management table 400.

[0026] Figure 3 shows an example of a user information management table 300 stored in storage 207 in Figure 2.

[0027] The user information management table 300 is a management table for managing information about users who have registered to use the video distribution service in the country or region where the video distribution server 101a is located.

[0028] As shown in Figure 3, the user information management table 300 consists of user ID, basic information, viewing history information, hobbies / preferences, and favorite registration information. Note that the configuration of the user information management table 300 is just an example, and it may include other items besides these.

[0029] The User ID is an identifier assigned to users who register for the video streaming service. Basic information includes the user's age and gender. Viewing history information includes information indicating the video content the user has watched on the video streaming service, the time spent watching that video content, and how the user rated that video content. Hobbies / preferences are information that the user has set in advance, and for example, information indicating the types of video content the user prefers. Favorite registration information indicates the video content that the user has registered as favorites.

[0030] In this embodiment, the video distribution server 101a creates and manages multiple user information management tables 300 corresponding to each user who has registered to use the video distribution service in the country or region where the video distribution server 101a is located. Similarly, the video distribution server 101b also creates and manages multiple user information management tables 300 corresponding to each user who has registered to use the video distribution service in the country or region where the video distribution server 101b is located. In this embodiment, a configuration in which each user is managed in a different user information management table 300 is described, but a configuration in which the information of all users who have registered to use the video distribution service is managed in a single management table is also possible.

[0031] Figure 4 shows an example of a video content management table 400 stored in storage 207 in Figure 2.

[0032] The video content management table 400 is a management table for managing information about video content viewed in the country or region where the video distribution server 101a is located.

[0033] As shown in Figure 4, the video content management table 400 consists of content ID, category, viewing time, cumulative number of viewers, current number of viewers, number of likes, number of dislikes, duration, rate of increase, deviation from subsequent rankings, country or region, age and gender, and number of comments. Note that the structure of the video content management table 400 is an example, and it may include other items besides these.

[0034] The Content ID is an identifier assigned to video content distributed on a video streaming service. The Category is information that indicates the category of this video content, such as "Movie," "TV Series," "English-language work," or "Non-English-language work."

[0035] The viewing time is the cumulative time spent by users belonging to the country or region where the video distribution server 101a is located to watch the video content. In this embodiment, the video distribution system 100 determines a ranking of popular video content based on this viewing time at predetermined intervals, for example, every week, and controls the display of a screen that allows the user to select the video content to watch based on the ranking.

[0036] Cumulative viewership is the cumulative number of users who have viewed this video content in the country or region where video distribution server 101a is located. Current viewership is the number of users currently viewing this video content in the country or region where video distribution server 101a is located. High ratings are the total number of high ratings given by users belonging to the country or region where video distribution server 101a is located who have viewed this video content. Low ratings are the total number of low ratings given by users belonging to the country or region where video distribution server 101a is located who have viewed this video content. Duration is the period during which this video content has maintained the same ranking. The rate of increase indicates the degree of improvement from the previous ranking; for video content whose ranking or viewing time has risen above a predetermined value from the previous ranking, the "Rapid Rise" indicator is set.

[0037] The discrepancy with subsequent rankings indicates the degree of difference between the viewing time of the video content ranked 1st and the viewing time of the video content ranked 2nd. If the difference between the viewing time of the video content ranked 1st and the viewing time of the video content ranked 2nd exceeds a threshold, the indicator "Dominant" is set to reflect this. The country or region indicates the country or region of the user who viewed this video content the most. The age and gender indicate the age and gender of the user who viewed this video content the most in the country or region where the video distribution server 101a is located. The number of comments is the total number of comments entered by users who viewed this video content in the country or region where the video distribution server 101a is located.

[0038] In this embodiment, the video distribution server 101a creates and manages a video content management table 400 that includes information about video content viewed in the country or region where the video distribution server 101a is located. Similarly, the video distribution server 101b also creates and manages a video content management table 400 that includes information about video content viewed in the country or region where the video distribution server 101b is located.

[0039] Next, the configuration of a client terminal that communicates with the video distribution system 100 will be described. In this embodiment, the configuration of a mobile terminal 103a, which is a smartphone, will be described as an example of a client terminal.

[0040] Figure 5 is a block diagram schematically showing the configuration of the mobile terminal 103a in Figure 1.

[0041] In Figure 5, the mobile terminal 103a comprises a CPU 501, an operation display unit 502 (display device), a network interface 503, memory 504, and storage 508. These are connected to each other via a bus 509.

[0042] CPU 501 executes the program stored in memory 504. CPU 501 can be composed of a single CPU, a multi-CPU, a single CPU with multiple processing cores, etc.

[0043] The operation display unit 502 is a touch panel display. The network interface 503 is an interface for the mobile terminal 103a to communicate with other communication devices via the network 102. For example, the network interface 503 receives segment files transmitted from the video distribution server 101a, etc.

[0044] Memory 504 consists of random access memory. Memory 504 includes, for example, a video viewing application 507 as a software module.

[0045] The video viewing application 507 is an application for using a video distribution service. The video viewing application 507 has a web browser function. On the mobile terminal 103a, the display of the screen based on display data provided from the video distribution server 101a, etc., is realized by the web browser function of the video viewing application 507.

[0046] Furthermore, the video viewing application 507 enables playback of video content based on encoded video files stored in the storage 508. For example, the video viewing application 507 is configured to play media streaming packages such as Adobe® Flash® files, Microsoft® Silverlight® packages, or HTML5 objects. The storage 508 stores segment files received from the video distribution server 101a, etc.

[0047] Next, a series of processes by which the video distribution system 100 streams video content to client terminals will be described. In this embodiment, as an example, the process by which the video distribution server 101a in the video distribution system 100 streams video content to a mobile terminal 103a, which is a client terminal, will be described. In this embodiment, other video distribution servers, such as the video distribution server 101b, perform similar processes to stream video content to client terminals.

[0048] Figure 6 is a sequence diagram showing the procedure for the streaming distribution control process performed by the video distribution server 101a and the mobile terminal 103a in Figure 1. In this streaming distribution control process, the processing of the video distribution server 101a is realized by the CPU 201 executing a program stored in memory 204, etc. In this streaming distribution control process, the processing of the mobile terminal 103a is realized by the CPU 501 executing a program stored in memory 504, etc. This streaming distribution control process is started when the mobile terminal 103a receives a command from the user to start the video viewing application 507.

[0049] In Figure 6, first, the mobile terminal 103a launches the video viewing application 507 in accordance with the user's instruction to launch the video viewing application 507 (S601). Subsequent processing by the mobile terminal 103a is controlled by the video viewing application 507.

[0050] Next, the mobile terminal 103a requests the video distribution server 101a to display the video selection screen (S602). This display request includes information identifying the user of the mobile terminal 103a, such as the user ID assigned to the user when they registered to use the video distribution service.

[0051] The video distribution server 101a generates display data for the video selection screen in accordance with this display request. For example, the video distribution server 101a determines the configuration of the video selection screen based on the video content management table 400. The video distribution server 101a also determines the configuration of the video selection screen based on the user information management table 300 corresponding to the user ID included in this display request. The configuration of the video selection screen will be described later. The video distribution server 101a sends the generated display data to the mobile terminal 103a (S603). One example of a control means is a configuration in which the video selection screen is displayed on the operation display unit 502 of the mobile terminal 103a by sending this display data to the mobile terminal 103a.

[0052] The mobile terminal 103a receives display data using the video viewing application 507. Based on the received display data, the mobile terminal 103a displays the video selection screen 700 shown in Figure 7 on the operation display unit 502 (S604).

[0053] The video selection screen 700 displays information in a ranking format for popular video content. Specifically, icons containing the titles of the video content are arranged horizontally from left to right on the video selection screen 700, according to the ranking of popular video content determined based on viewing time in the video content management table 400. The icon 701 for the number one ranked video content is displayed in a larger size than the icons for the other ranked video content.

[0054] Furthermore, the video selection screen 700 includes the following information about each video content: the first information 702, the second information 703, the third information 704, the fourth information 705, and the fifth information 706. The first information 702 is the cumulative viewing time over a predetermined period and the number of viewers currently watching, and is based on the viewing time and current number of viewers in the video content management table 400. The second information 703 is positive and negative evaluation information, and is based on the number of high and low ratings in the video content management table 400. The third information 704 is information about the rate of increase in the number of viewers, the period during which the video content has maintained its ranking, and the deviation between that ranking and subsequent rankings, and is based on the rate of increase, duration, and deviation from subsequent rankings in the video content management table 400. The fourth information 705 is information about the country or region with the most viewers, and is based on the country or region in the video content management table 400. The fifth piece of information, 706, is information about the age group or gender with the highest number of viewers, and is based on age and gender in the video content management table 400. When a user selects the comment mark 709, they can view comments entered by users who have watched the corresponding video content.

[0055] On the video selection screen 700, when the user performs a right-scroll operation (a predetermined operation to scroll towards information on the next ranked video content), the mobile terminal 103a retrieves new display data from the video distribution server 101a. Based on this display data, the video selection screen 700 displays icons for the next ranked video content and information about that video content. Also, on the video selection screen 700, when the user performs a downward-scroll operation (a predetermined operation to scroll vertically on the video selection screen 700), the mobile terminal 103a retrieves new display data from the video distribution server 101a. Based on this display data, the video selection screen 700 displays icons for video content in categories other than the popular video content ranking.

[0056] Furthermore, the video selection screen 700 includes a setting button 707 for setting a country or region. In this embodiment, the initial value of the setting button 707 is set to the country or region to which the user operating the mobile terminal 103a belongs. In this case, the ranking of popular video content, the first information 702, the second information 703, the third information 704, and the fifth information 706 are based on the video content management table 400 for the initial country or region. When the user operates the setting button 707 to specify a different country or region, the mobile terminal 103a sends an update request for the video selection screen 700 to the video distribution server 101a along with information indicating the specified country or region. The video distribution server 101a obtains display data generated based on the video content management table 400 managed by the video distribution server 101b, which manages the country or region indicated by the received information, for example, the video distribution server 101b. The video distribution server 101a sends this display data to the mobile terminal 103a. The mobile terminal 103a updates the video selection screen 700 based on the received display data. On the updated video selection screen 700, the icons of the video content are arranged horizontally according to their ranking in the popular video content ranking in the country or region that the user has changed. In addition, the information about each video content (first information 702, second information 703, third information 704, fourth information 705, fifth information 706) is based on the video content management table 400 for the country or region that the user has changed.

[0057] Furthermore, the video selection screen 700 includes an update button 708 for switching to a ranking display based on different criteria. When the user selects the update button 708, the mobile terminal 103a retrieves new display data from the video distribution server 101a. Based on this display data, the video selection screen 700 displays video content icons side by side according to the ranking order based on different criteria. For example, if the video selection screen 700 displays movie ranking information and the user selects the update button 708, the information will be updated to display ranking information for another category, such as TV series, English-language works, or non-English-language works.

[0058] Returning to Figure 6, when the user selects one icon from among multiple video content icons on the video selection screen 700 (S605), the process proceeds to S606.

[0059] In S606, the mobile terminal 103a requests the video distribution server 101a to display a video playback screen for playing the video content corresponding to this icon. This display request includes information indicating the video content selected by the user.

[0060] The video distribution server 101a generates display data for the video playback screen in accordance with this display request. The video distribution server 101a sends the generated display data to the mobile terminal 103a (S607).

[0061] The mobile terminal 103a receives display data using the video viewing application 507. Based on the received display data, the mobile terminal 103a displays the video playback screen 800 shown in Figure 8 on the operation display unit 502 (S608).

[0062] The video playback screen 800 includes a "Play from Beginning" button 801 to start playback from the beginning of the video content, and a "Play from Where You Left Off" button 802 to resume playback from where you left off. The video playback screen 800 also includes a rating button 803, a comment button 804, a "Rate Others" button 805, and a checkbox 806.

[0063] When the rating button 803 is selected, the video playback screen 800 displays the highest rating button 803a, the high rating button 803b, and the low rating button 803c, and the user can select one of these to rate the video content. When the comment button 804 is selected, the screen of the operation display unit 502 switches to the comment input screen 900 shown in Figure 9 later. When the other person's rating button 805 is selected, the user can see the ratings and comments that other users have entered for this video content. When the checkbox 806 is checked, this video content is removed from "Recommended for you" later.

[0064] Returning to Figure 6, when the video playback screen 800 receives a playback instruction for the video content (S609), the process proceeds to S610. In this embodiment, the user can initiate playback of the video content by pressing either the play button 801 from the beginning or the play button 802 from where you left off.

[0065] In S610, the mobile terminal 103a requests the video distribution server 101a to distribute the video content selected in S605. This distribution request includes information indicating the video content selected in S605.

[0066] Next, the video distribution server 101a streams the video content selected in S605 in accordance with this distribution request (S611). Specifically, the video distribution server 101a retrieves the encoded video file of this video content from the storage 207 and sends the segment file of this video file to the mobile terminal 103a.

[0067] Next, the mobile terminal 103a plays the video content based on the received segment file (S612). As a result, the video content is displayed on the operation display unit 502 of the mobile terminal 103a. When playback of the video content is complete, or when the user gives an instruction to stop playback of the video content, the video playback screen 800 is displayed on the operation display unit 502 of the mobile terminal 103a.

[0068] When the comment button 804 is selected by the user on the video playback screen 800 (S613), this process proceeds to S614.

[0069] In S614, the mobile terminal 103a requests the video distribution server 101a to display the comment input screen.

[0070] The video distribution server 101a generates display data for the comment input screen in accordance with this display request. The video distribution server 101a sends the generated display data to the mobile terminal 103a (S615).

[0071] The mobile terminal 103a receives display data using the video viewing application 507. Based on the received display data, the mobile terminal 103a displays the comment input screen 900 shown in Figure 9 on the operation display unit 502 (S616).

[0072] The comment input screen 900 includes a comment input field 901 where users can enter comments such as their impressions of the video content. The comment input screen 900 also includes a checkbox 902. Checkbox 902 is set by, for example, the administrator of the video streaming service, and cannot be changed by users viewing the video content. If checkbox 902 is checked, a process is performed to determine whether the comment entered in comment input field 901 contains spoilers. Details of this determination process will be described later.

[0073] When the mobile terminal 103a receives an operation from the user indicating completion of input into the comment input field 901, it sends evaluation comment information, including the comment entered in the comment input field 901, to the video distribution server 101a (S617). If the user has selected one of the highest rating buttons 803a, high rating button 803b, or low rating button 803c on the video playback screen 800, the evaluation comment information will also include the evaluation information indicated by the button selected by the user.

[0074] Next, the video distribution server 101a registers the received evaluation comment information in an evaluation comment information management table (not shown) (S618). In this embodiment, when the user selects the comment mark 709 on the video selection screen 700 or the other person's evaluation button 805 on the video playback screen 800, the evaluation and comments for the video content are displayed based on the information registered in this evaluation comment information management table. Once the process in S618 is completed, this process ends.

[0075] Figure 10 is a flowchart showing the processing steps of the mobile terminal 103a in the streaming distribution control process shown in Figure 6. The processing shown in Figure 10 is achieved by the CPU 501 executing a program stored in memory 504, etc. The processing shown in Figure 10 is started when the mobile terminal 103a receives a command from the user to launch the video viewing application 507.

[0076] In Figure 10, first, the CPU 501 executes the control program for the video viewing application 507 stored in memory 504 to start the video viewing application 507 (S1001) (see, for example, S601 described above). The subsequent processing in Figure 10 is achieved by the CPU 501 executing the control program for the video viewing application 507.

[0077] Next, the CPU 501 requests the video distribution server 101a to display the video selection screen (S1002) (see, for example, S602 described above).

[0078] Next, the CPU 501 displays the video selection screen 700 on the operation display unit 502 based on the display data received from the video distribution server 101a using the video viewing application 507 (S1003) (see, for example, S604 described above).

[0079] Next, the CPU 501 determines whether or not the user has requested to close the video selection screen 700 (S1004). If it is determined that the user has requested to close the video selection screen 700, this process ends. If it is determined that the user has not requested to close the video selection screen 700, this process proceeds to S1005.

[0080] In S1005, the CPU 501 determines whether the user has selected a video content icon on the video selection screen 700. The CPU 501 waits until the user has selected a video content icon on the video selection screen 700. If the user has selected a video content icon (YES in S1005) (see, for example, S605 above), the process proceeds to S1006.

[0081] In S1006, CPU 501 requests video distribution server 101a to display a video playback screen for playing the video content selected in S1005 (see, for example, S606 described above).

[0082] Next, the CPU 501 displays the video playback screen 800 on the operation display unit 502 based on the display data received from the video distribution server 101a using the video viewing application 507 (S1007) (see, for example, S608 described above).

[0083] Next, the CPU 501 determines whether or not the user has requested to close the video playback screen 800 (S1008). If it is determined that the user has requested to close the video playback screen 800, the process returns to S1002. If it is determined that the user has not requested to close the video playback screen 800, the process proceeds to S1009.

[0084] In S1009, the CPU 501 determines whether or not it has received a playback command for video content from the user on the video playback screen 800. The CPU 501 waits on the video playback screen 800 until it receives a playback command for video content from the user. If it receives this playback command from the user (YES in S1009) (see, for example, S609 above), the process proceeds to S1010.

[0085] In S1010, CPU 501 requests video distribution server 101a to distribute the video content selected in S1005 (see, for example, S610 described above).

[0086] Next, the CPU 501 plays the video content based on the segment file sent from the video distribution server 101a in accordance with this distribution request (S1011) (see, for example, S612 above). As a result, the operation display unit 502 of the mobile terminal 103a displays the video content selected in S1005. When playback of the video content is complete, or when the user gives an instruction to stop playback of the video content, the viewing video playback screen 800 is displayed on the operation display unit 502 of the mobile terminal 103a.

[0087] Next, the CPU 501 determines whether or not an evaluation has been entered (S1012). In this embodiment, the user can enter an evaluation of the video content by selecting the evaluation button 803 and then selecting one of the displayed buttons: the highest evaluation button 803a, the high evaluation button 803b, or the low evaluation button 803c. If it is determined that no evaluation has been entered, the process proceeds to S1014. If it is determined that an evaluation has been entered, the process proceeds to S1013.

[0088] In S1013, the CPU 501 temporarily stores evaluation information indicating the input evaluation in memory 504, etc. Next, the CPU 501 determines whether the comment button 804 has been selected by the user on the video playback screen 800 (S1014). If it is determined that the comment button 804 has not been selected by the user on the video playback screen 800, this process proceeds to S1018, which will be described later. If it is determined that the comment button 804 has been selected by the user on the video playback screen 800, this process proceeds to S1015.

[0089] In S1015, CPU 501 requests the video distribution server 101a to display the comment input screen (see, for example, S614 described above).

[0090] Next, the CPU 501 displays the comment input screen 900 on the operation display unit 502 based on the display data received from the video distribution server 101a using the video viewing application 507 (S1016) (see, for example, S616 described above).

[0091] When the CPU 501 receives an operation from the user indicating that input into the comment input field 901 has been completed, the CPU 501 temporarily stores the comment entered into the comment input field 901 in memory 504 or similar (S1017).

[0092] Next, the CPU 501 sends evaluation comment information, including the evaluation information held in S1013 and the comments held in S1017, to the video distribution server 101a (S1018) (see, for example, S617 described above). In this embodiment, the evaluation and comments entered by the user on the video playback screen 800 are sent to the video distribution server 101a. If the user does not enter both an evaluation and a comment on the video playback screen 800, evaluation comment information, which does not include the evaluation information and comments, may be sent to the video distribution server 101a in S1018. Alternatively, the system may be controlled not to send evaluation comment information to the video distribution server 101a. Once S1018 is completed, the process returns to S1006.

[0093] Figure 11 is a flowchart showing the processing steps of the video distribution server 101a in the streaming distribution control process shown in Figure 6. The processing shown in Figure 11 is achieved by the CPU 201 executing a program stored in memory 204 or the like.

[0094] In Figure 11, first, the CPU 201 determines whether or not it has received a request from the client terminal to display the video selection screen (S1101). The CPU 201 waits until it receives a request from the client terminal to display the video selection screen. For example, if it receives a request to display the video selection screen from the mobile terminal 103a, which is a client terminal (YES in S1101), the CPU 201 generates display data for the video selection screen according to this display request. For example, the CPU 201 determines the configuration of the video selection screen based on the video content management table 400. The CPU 201 also determines the configuration of the video selection screen based on the user information management table 300 corresponding to the user ID included in this display request. Next, the CPU 201 sends the generated display data to the mobile terminal 103a (S1102) (see, for example, S603 above).

[0095] Next, the CPU 201 determines whether or not it has received a request from the client terminal to display the video playback screen (S1103). The CPU 201 waits until it receives a request from the client terminal to display the video playback screen. For example, if it receives a request to display the video playback screen from the mobile terminal 103a, which is a client terminal (YES in S1103), the CPU 201 generates display data for the video playback screen according to this display request. Next, the CPU 201 sends the generated display data to the mobile terminal 103a (S1104) (see, for example, S607 above).

[0096] Next, the CPU 201 determines whether or not it has received a request for video content delivery from the client terminal (S1105). The CPU 201 waits until it receives a request for video content delivery from the client terminal. For example, if it receives a request for video content delivery from the mobile terminal 103a, which is a client terminal (YES in S1105), the CPU 201 performs streaming delivery of the video content corresponding to this delivery request (S1106) (see, for example, S611 above). Specifically, the CPU 201 retrieves the encoded video file of this video content from the storage 207 and sends the segment file of this video file to the mobile terminal 103a.

[0097] Next, CPU201 determines whether or not it has received evaluation comment information from the client terminal. If it is determined that no evaluation comment information has been received, this process terminates. If it is determined that evaluation comment information has been received from the client terminal, this process proceeds to S1108.

[0098] In S1108, the CPU 201 determines whether checkbox 902 is checked on the comment input screen 900 displayed on the client terminal that sent the evaluation comment information, for example, the mobile terminal 103a. For example, the determination in S1108 is made based on information obtained from the mobile terminal 103a that can identify the checked status of checkbox 902. If it is determined that checkbox 902 is checked on the comment input screen 900 displayed on the mobile terminal 103a, the process proceeds to S1109.

[0099] In S1109, the CPU 201 uses a generative AI trained on the stories of all video content available for distribution on the video distribution service to determine whether the comments included in the evaluation comment information obtained in S1107 contain spoilers. Alternatively, the video distribution server 101a may perform the determination in S1109 using a generative AI that operates by executing a program stored in storage 207 or the like. Or, the video distribution server 101a may request another device equipped with this generative AI to determine the evaluation comment information obtained in S1107, and perform the determination in S1109 based on the response to this request. If it is determined that the comments included in the evaluation comment information obtained in S1107 contain spoilers, this process proceeds to S1110.

[0100] In S1110, CPU201 registers the evaluation comment information obtained in S1107 into the evaluation comment information management table with a spoiler flag added. The spoiler flag indicates that the content contains spoilers. In this embodiment, when the user selects the comment mark 709 on the video selection screen 700 or the other person's evaluation button 805 on the video playback screen 800, only comments that are registered in the evaluation comment information management table for the corresponding video content and do not have a spoiler flag added are displayed. In this way, in this embodiment, comments containing spoilers are not displayed. After that, this process ends.

[0101] If, in S1109, it is determined that the comments included in the evaluation comment information obtained in S1107 do not contain spoilers, the process proceeds to S1111. Also, if, in S1108, it is determined that the checkbox 902 on the comment input screen 900 displayed on the mobile terminal 103a is not checked, the process proceeds to S1111.

[0102] In S1111, CPU201 registers the evaluation comment information obtained in S1107 into the evaluation comment information management table mentioned above. After that, this process terminates.

[0103] According to the embodiment described above, the video selection screen 700 displays the title of the video content along with the first information 702, second information 703, third information 704, fourth information 705, and fifth information 706, which are related to the video content. This makes it possible to provide a video selection screen 700 that includes information other than the title of the video content as a candidate for selection, thereby assisting the user in selecting video content.

[0104] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, on the video selection screen 700, the icon for the video content ranked 1st is displayed in a larger size than the icons for video content ranked in other positions. This allows the user to easily recognize the video content ranked 1st from the video selection screen 700.

[0105] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, the video selection screen 700 includes a settings button 707, allowing the user to select their preferred video content from information on popular rankings in countries or regions other than their own.

[0106] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, the video selection screen 700 includes an update button 708, allowing the user to select their preferred video content from information on popular rankings based on different criteria.

[0107] Furthermore, in the embodiment described above, the video distribution system 100 displays a comment input screen 900 on the operation display unit 502 of the client terminal. This allows for the collection of comments, such as impressions of each video content, as information to assist users in selecting video content.

[0108] Furthermore, in the embodiment described above, the video selection screen 700 displays the comments entered on the comment input screen 900. This allows the user to select their preferred video content based on the displayed comments.

[0109] Furthermore, in the embodiment described above, the video distribution system 100 does not display comments if they contain spoilers. This helps users select video content while preventing spoilers caused by the display of comments such as opinions on the video content.

[0110] In the embodiment described above, a spoiler flag was added to evaluation comment information containing spoilers and registered it in the evaluation comment information management table. However, the configuration is not limited to this. For example, it is possible to control the system so that evaluation comment information containing spoilers is not registered in the evaluation comment information management table.

[0111] Furthermore, while the above-described embodiment explains a configuration in which the video distribution server 101a determines whether or not a comment contains spoilers when it receives evaluation comment information from the client terminal, the configuration is not limited to this. For example, when the input of a comment into the comment input field 901 is completed, the mobile terminal 103a may use the above-described generation AI to determine whether or not this comment contains spoilers. For example, if it is determined that this comment contains spoilers, evaluation comment information that does not contain this comment is sent to the video distribution server 101a. This reliably prevents comments containing spoilers from being registered in the evaluation comment information management table, thereby preventing such comments from being displayed.

[0112] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, each video distribution server constituting the video distribution system may be configured to provide the settings screen 1200 shown in Figure 12 to the client terminal. The settings screen 1200 is a screen that allows configuration of which of the first information 702, second information 703, third information 704, fourth information 705, and fifth information 706 to display on the video selection screen 700. The settings screen 1200 includes checkboxes 1201a to 1201e corresponding to the first information 702, second information 703, third information 704, fourth information 705, and fifth information 706, respectively. Of the checkboxes 1201a to 1201e, the information corresponding to the checked item is displayed on the video selection screen 700. For example, in the settings shown in Figure 12, the video selection screen 700 displays the first information 702 and the fifth information 706 out of the first information 702, second information 703, third information 704, fourth information 705, and fifth information 706. This configuration makes it possible to provide information that makes it easier for users to select their preferred video content on client terminals such as smartphones, where the size of the operation display unit 502 is relatively small.

[0113] Next, we will explain the recommendation function provided by the video distribution system 100.

[0114] The video distribution system 100 is equipped with a recommendation function that suggests recommended video content to users of the video distribution service. The recommendation function suggests recommended video content to users of the video distribution service based on their viewing history information and information such as hobbies and preferences in the user information management table 300.

[0115] Specifically, on the aforementioned video selection screen 700, icons for recommended video content are arranged horizontally from left to right, under the heading "Recommended for you," according to a recommendation order determined based on viewing history information and hobbies / preferences. In this embodiment, as a user continues to watch videos, their viewing history information is added to the user information management table 300, and the recommendation function prioritizes recent viewing trends over past viewing trends. Icons for newly added recommended video content are marked with a symbol indicating this, such as "New."

[0116] However, even if recent viewing trends are emphasized in the recommendation function, video content that is not to the user's liking may still be displayed as a recommendation, so there is room for improvement in terms of how easy it is for users to select video content they like.

[0117] In contrast, this embodiment controls the system so that video content that has been set to be excluded from recommendations by the user is not displayed as a recommendation. Specifically, each video distribution server in the video distribution system 100 generates display data for the video selection screen 700 that excludes the icons of video content for which the checkbox 806 on the video playback screen 800 has been checked from "Recommended for you", and sends this display data to the client terminal. For example, if a user realizes that this video content is not to their liking based on other users' ratings of this video content before watching it, they check the checkbox 806 on the video playback screen 800 for this video content. This allows the system to suggest other video content excluding this video content as a recommendation on subsequent visits, increasing the likelihood that the user will be offered video content they like.

[0118] Furthermore, in this embodiment, it is also possible to control the system so that the icons of video content with the checkbox 806 checked, and the icons of video content with the same attributes as that video content, are not included in the "Recommended for You" section on the video selection screen 700. Here, attributes refer to categories classified based on common characteristics or themes, such as horror works or works containing violent scenes. This makes it possible to exclude video content of the same genre as the video content with the checkbox 806 checked from the recommendations, thereby increasing the likelihood that the user will be presented with video content they like.

[0119] Furthermore, in this embodiment, control may be implemented to remove icons of video content that have not been selected by the user for a certain period of time from the icons displayed in "Recommended for You" on the video selection screen 700. For example, suppose the video distribution server 101a generates display data for the video selection screen 1300 shown in Figure 13 in accordance with a request received from the mobile terminal 103a, and sends this display data to the mobile terminal 103a. Subsequently, for example, if only the icon for title Y has not been selected by the user for a certain period of time, the video distribution server 101a generates display data for the video selection screen 1301 shown in Figure 13, excluding the icon for title Y that has not been selected for a certain period of time since the display data was sent, and sends this display data to the mobile terminal 103a. By controlling in this way, it is possible to prevent video content that the user is not interested in from continuing to be displayed as a recommendation.

[0120] Furthermore, in this embodiment, control may be implemented to exclude icons of video content that the user has given a negative rating to from the "Recommended for You" section of the video selection screen 700. For example, suppose the video distribution server 101a generates display data for the video selection screen 1300 in accordance with a request received from the mobile terminal 103a and sends this display data to the mobile terminal 103a. Subsequently, for example, if the user selects the low rating button 803c on the video playback screen 800 for title Y, the video distribution server 101a generates display data for the video selection screen 1301 that excludes the icon for title Y from the "Recommended for You" section and sends this display data to the mobile terminal 103a. By controlling in this way, it is possible to prevent video content that the user has given a low rating to continue to be displayed as a recommendation.

[0121] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the icons displayed in "Recommended for you" that a user has selected may also display "Watched" as information indicating that the user has selected them. This allows the user to easily identify the icon they have selected from among the multiple video content icons displayed in "Recommended for you," thereby preventing situations where the user unintentionally selects the same video content multiple times.

[0122] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the video playback screen 800 may also include a checkbox for displaying "Watched." Among the icons displayed in "Recommended for you," "Watched" will be displayed on the icons of video content for which this checkbox is checked. This allows the user to easily keep track of the icons of video content displayed in "Recommended for you" that they have already viewed, thereby preventing the user from unintentionally selecting the same video content multiple times.

[0123] In this embodiment, icons that include "Watched" may retain the "New" label to indicate that they are newly added recommended video content, or they may be controlled to remove the "New" label.

[0124] The present invention can also be realized by supplying a program that implements one or more of the functions of the above-described embodiments to a system or device via a network or storage medium, and by having one or more processors in the computer of that system or device read and execute the program. It can also be realized by a circuit (e.g., an ASIC) that implements one or more functions.

[0125] Furthermore, the disclosure of this embodiment includes the following configurations and methods. (Configuration 1) A video distribution system that provides a service for distributing video content, comprising control means for displaying a ranking-style selection screen on a mobile terminal's display device for allowing a user to select video content distributed by the video distribution system, wherein the control means displays, on the selection screen, the title of the video content along with at least one of the following pieces of information relating to the video content: the first piece of information includes the cumulative viewing time over a predetermined period and the number of viewers currently watching; the second piece of information includes positive and negative evaluations; the third piece of information includes the rate of increase in the number of viewers, the period during which the video content has maintained its ranking, and the discrepancy between that ranking and subsequent rankings; the fourth piece of information includes the country or region with the largest number of viewers; and the fifth piece of information includes the age group or gender with the largest number of viewers. (Configuration 2) The video distribution system according to Configuration 1, characterized in that the control means displays the icon of the work title ranked 1st among the multiple work titles displayed on the selection screen in a larger size than the icons of the other work titles. (Configuration 3) The video distribution system according to Configuration 1 or 2, characterized in that the selection screen displays a setting button for further setting a country or region, and the first information, second information, third information, and fifth information are information relating to the country or region set by the setting button. (Configuration 4) The video distribution system according to any one of Configurations 1 to 3, characterized in that the selection screen displays an update button for switching to a ranking display based on different criteria. (Configuration 5) The video distribution system according to any one of Configurations 1 to 4, characterized in that the control means further displays an input screen on the display device of the mobile terminal for entering comments on the viewed video content. (Configuration 6) The video distribution system according to Configuration 5, characterized in that the selection screen displays the comments entered on the input screen. (Configuration 7) The video distribution system according to Configuration 6, characterized in that the control means does not display the comment on the display device of the mobile terminal if the comment entered on the input screen contains a comment relating to the content of the viewed video content. (Configuration 8) The video distribution system according to any one of Configurations 1 to 7, characterized in that the selection screen displays information about each video content in order of ranking, and when a predetermined operation is received on the selection screen to scroll to the information about the next ranked video content, the control means causes the selection screen displaying the information about the next ranked video content to be displayed on the display device of the mobile terminal. (Configuration 9) The video distribution system according to Configuration 8, characterized in that the ranking is determined based on the viewing time in a designated country or region during the predetermined period. (Configuration 10) The video distribution system according to any one of Configurations 1 to 9, wherein the control means further displays a setting screen on the display device of the mobile terminal for setting which of the first information, second information, third information, fourth information, and fifth information to display on the selection screen. (Configuration 11) A video distribution system according to any one of Configurations 1 to 10, characterized in that when a predetermined operation to scroll vertically on the selection screen is received, the control means causes the selection screen displaying the titles of works related to categories other than rankings on the display device of the mobile terminal. (Configuration 12) A video distribution system according to any one of Configurations 1 to 11, characterized in that the predetermined period is a week. (Configuration 13) A video distribution system according to any one of Configurations 1 to 12, characterized in that the video content is ranked 1st. (Configuration 14) A program for using a service that distributes video content, wherein the program causes a mobile terminal on which the program is installed to execute a control step of displaying a ranking-format selection screen on the display means of the mobile terminal for allowing a user to select video content distributed by the service, wherein the control step of displays at least one of the following pieces of information relating to the video content: the title of the video content, along with the title of the video content, the first piece of information includes the cumulative viewing time viewed over a predetermined period and the number of viewers currently viewing the video; the second piece of information includes positive and negative evaluations; the third piece of information includes the rate of increase in the number of viewers, the period during which the video content has maintained its ranking, and the discrepancy between that ranking and subsequent rankings; the fourth piece of information includes the country or region with the most viewers; and the fifth piece of information includes the age group or gender with the most viewers. (Configuration 15) A video distribution server that distributes video content, comprising control means for displaying a ranking-style selection screen on a mobile terminal's display device for allowing a user to select the video content, wherein the control means displays, on the selection screen, the title of the video content along with at least one of the following pieces of information relating to the video content: the first piece of information includes the cumulative viewing time over a predetermined period and the number of viewers currently watching; the second piece of information includes positive and negative evaluations; the third piece of information includes the rate of increase in the number of viewers, the period during which the video content has maintained its ranking, and the discrepancy between that ranking and subsequent rankings; the fourth piece of information includes the country or region with the most viewers; and the fifth piece of information includes the age group or gender with the most viewers. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0126] 100 Video Streaming Systems 101a, 101b Video Streaming Server 103a, 103b mobile devices 201 CPU 205 Media Server 206 Streaming Control Unit 502 Operation display section 700 Video Selection Screen Icon for the #1 ranked video content (701) 702 Information No. 1 703 Information No. 2 704 Third piece of information 705 Information No. 4 706 Fifth piece of information 707 Settings button 708 Update button 900 Comment Input Screen 1200 Settings screen

Claims

1. A video distribution system that provides a service for distributing video content, The system includes a control means for displaying a ranking-style selection screen on the display device of a mobile terminal, allowing the user to select video content distributed by the aforementioned video distribution system. The control means displays, on the selection screen, the title of the video content along with at least one of the first, second, third, fourth, and fifth pieces of information relating to the video content. The first piece of information includes the total viewing time over a predetermined period and the number of viewers currently watching. The second set of information includes positive and negative evaluation information. The third piece of information includes information regarding the rate of increase in viewership, the period during which the video content has maintained its ranking, and the discrepancy between that ranking and subsequent rankings. The fourth piece of information mentioned above includes information about the country or region with the largest number of viewers, The video distribution system is characterized in that the fifth piece of information includes information about the age group or gender with the largest number of viewers.

2. The video distribution system according to claim 1, characterized in that the control means displays the icon of the work title ranked 1st among the multiple work titles displayed on the selection screen in a larger size than the icons of the other work titles.

3. The aforementioned selection screen will also display a settings button to further specify a country or region. The video distribution system according to claim 1, characterized in that the first information, the second information, the third information, and the fifth information are information relating to a country or region set by the setting button.

4. The video distribution system according to claim 1, characterized in that the selection screen displays an update button for switching to a ranking display based on different criteria.

5. The video distribution system according to claim 1, further characterized in that the control means displays an input screen on the display device of the mobile terminal for entering comments on the viewed video content.

6. The video distribution system according to claim 5, characterized in that the selection screen displays the comments entered on the input screen.

7. The video distribution system according to claim 6, characterized in that the control means does not display the comment on the display device of the mobile terminal if the comment entered on the input screen contains a comment relating to the content of the viewed video content.

8. On the selection screen, information about each video content is displayed horizontally according to its ranking. The video distribution system according to claim 1, characterized in that, when a predetermined operation is received on the selection screen to scroll to the information of the next ranked video content, the control means causes the selection screen displaying the information of the next ranked video content to be displayed on the display device of the mobile terminal.

9. The video distribution system according to claim 8, characterized in that the ranking of the aforementioned ranking is determined based on the viewing time in a designated country or region during the predetermined period.

10. The video distribution system according to claim 1, further characterized in that the control means displays a setting screen on the display device of the mobile terminal for setting which of the first information, second information, third information, fourth information, and fifth information to display on the selection screen.

11. The video distribution system according to claim 1, characterized in that, when a predetermined operation to scroll the selection screen vertically is received, the control means causes the selection screen displaying the titles of works related to categories other than rankings to be displayed on the display device of the mobile terminal.

12. The video distribution system according to claim 1, characterized in that the predetermined period is a week.

13. The video distribution system according to claim 1, characterized in that the ranking of the aforementioned video content is 1st place.

14. A program for using a service that distributes video content, On a mobile device on which the aforementioned program is installed, The control process is executed to display a ranking-style selection screen on the display means of the mobile terminal for allowing the user to select video content distributed by the service, In the control step, the selection screen displays the title of the video content along with at least one of the first, second, third, fourth, and fifth pieces of information relating to the video content. The first piece of information includes the total viewing time over a predetermined period and the number of viewers currently watching. The second set of information includes positive and negative evaluation information. The third piece of information includes information regarding the rate of increase in viewership, the period during which the video content has maintained its ranking, and the discrepancy between that ranking and subsequent rankings. The fourth piece of information mentioned above includes information about the country or region with the largest number of viewers, The program is characterized in that the fifth piece of information includes information about the age group or gender with the largest number of viewers.

15. A video distribution server that distributes video content, The device has a control means for displaying a ranking-style selection screen on the display device of a mobile terminal, allowing the user to select the aforementioned video content. The control means displays, on the selection screen, the title of the video content along with at least one of the first, second, third, fourth, and fifth pieces of information relating to the video content. The first piece of information includes the total viewing time over a predetermined period and the number of viewers currently watching. The second set of information includes positive and negative evaluation information. The third piece of information includes information regarding the rate of increase in viewership, the period during which the video content has maintained its ranking, and the discrepancy between that ranking and subsequent rankings. The fourth piece of information mentioned above includes information about the country or region with the largest number of viewers, The video distribution server is characterized in that the fifth piece of information includes information about the age group or gender with the largest number of viewers.

Images