System and information processing device

Abstract

To restrict viewing of information when an accumulated viewing time exceeds a restriction viewing time even in the midst of the viewing.SOLUTION: A system includes a first information processing apparatus, a second information processing apparatus, and a server. A first control unit of the first information processing apparatus uses user information registered in advance and user information acquired by a user information acquisition unit of the first information processing apparatus to perform user authentication, controls a first display unit of the first information processing apparatus to display content information, and measures a viewing time of the content information displayed on the first display unit. Accumulated viewing time information based on the viewing time is transmitted to the second information processing apparatus via the server. A first communication unit of the first information processing apparatus receives viewing restriction time information via the server from the second information processing apparatus. When the first control unit determines that the viewing time in measurement is equal to or longer than a viewing restriction time set in the first information processing apparatus, the first control unit issues a notification.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 18

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a system and an information processing device. [Background technology]

[0002] In recent years, the widespread use of smartphones and tablet PCs has made it easy to watch videos and other content distributed over the Internet both at home and abroad. Many users own multiple information devices, such as smartphones, personal computers, and televisions, and spend more time looking at displays than they realize.

[0003] This puts a lot of strain on the eyes, and there are concerns that viewing a display for a long period of time can lead to a decline in eyesight and stiff shoulders. In particular, in order to reduce the impact on growing children, it is preferable to limit the time spent viewing a display to a certain amount of time. In addition, for example, parents may want to limit the amount of time their children spend viewing a display, depending on their family's educational policy.

[0004] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a viewing restriction system including an STB (Set Top Box) as a viewing device, a monitor that plays content such as moving images and still images received by the STB, a user terminal that remotely controls the STB via wireless communication, and an administrator terminal that sets a viewing time limit value in the STB for each user terminal. Patent Document 1 describes that the STB manages the viewing history (viewing time) and viewing time limit value for each terminal ID unique to the user terminal, and when a viewing request is received from a user terminal, it compares the viewing time with the limit value based on the terminal ID, and allows viewing of the content as long as the viewing time is below the limit value, and otherwise rejects the viewing request. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] JP 2010-93726 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] In the viewing restriction system of Patent Document 1, whether viewing is permitted or not is determined before viewing of the content starts, but whether viewing is permitted or not is not determined while the content is being viewed. Therefore, even if the cumulative viewing time while viewing information such as the content exceeds the viewing restriction time, viewing of the information such as the content cannot be restricted.

[0007] SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT DISCLOSURE An object of the present invention is to provide an information processing device capable of restricting viewing even when the cumulative viewing time exceeds the viewing restriction time while viewing information. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] Among the inventions disclosed in this application, a brief summary of representative inventions is as follows.

[0009] A system according to a representative embodiment of the present invention includes a first information processing device, a second information processing device, and a server connected to the first information processing device and the second information processing device, the first information processing device having a user information acquisition unit that acquires user information, a first display unit, a first communication unit, and a first control unit, the second information processing device having a second control unit that registers information about a user of the first information processing device and sets a viewing restriction time of the first information processing device, and a second communication unit that transmits viewing restriction time information about the viewing restriction time to the first information processing device, the first control unit performing user authentication using the user information registered in advance and the user information acquired by the user information acquisition unit, and then transmitting content information to the first information processing device. the first control unit controls the first display unit to display the content information displayed on the first display unit, measures a viewing time of the content information displayed on the first display unit, and controls the first communication unit to transmit cumulative viewing time information based on the viewing time to the second information processing device via the server, the first communication unit receives viewing restriction time information regarding a viewing restriction time from the second information processing device via the server, and when the first control unit determines that the viewing time being measured is equal to or longer than the viewing restriction time set by the second information processing device, the first control unit controls the content information displayed on the first display unit to be hidden and viewing restricted, and the first control unit controls the content information to be hidden and the viewing restriction lifted when a desired time has elapsed after the content information is hidden. Effect of the Invention

[0010] The effects obtained by the representative inventions among those disclosed in this application will be briefly described as follows.

[0011] In other words, according to a representative embodiment of the present invention, it is possible to provide an information processing device that is capable of restricting viewing even if the cumulative viewing time exceeds the viewing restriction time while viewing information. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0012] [Figure 1]FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an example of a configuration diagram of an information processing device according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 2] 1 is a plan view illustrating one form of an information processing device according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of a usage state of the information processing device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of a flowchart regarding a method for recording viewing information in the first embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 5] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a UI image displayed upon user authentication in the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of an image of a user created by an imaging unit. [Figure 7] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a warning image to a registered user in the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of a notification image to an administrator user in accordance with the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of an image displayed upon user authentication according to the second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 10] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of an image displayed upon user authentication according to the second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of a method for recording viewing information of a registered user in accordance with the second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 12] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of a method for managing viewing information of registered users in accordance with the third embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a warning image to a registered user in accordance with the third embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 14] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a flowchart regarding a method for recording viewing information in the fourth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 15] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a situation in which a plurality of users are viewing an information processing device. [Figure 16] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of acquired face information of a user. [Figure 17] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a viewing information management system according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 18] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a flowchart regarding a method for recording viewing information according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 19] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a method for recording viewing information according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 20] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a flowchart regarding a method for recording viewing information according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 21] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a method for recording viewing information according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0013] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In all drawings for explaining the embodiment, the same parts are generally given the same reference numerals, and the repeated explanations are omitted. In addition, hatching may be applied even to plan views in order to make the drawings easier to understand.

[0014] Furthermore, in the following embodiments, when necessary for convenience, they will be divided into multiple sections or embodiments and described; unless otherwise expressly stated, they are not unrelated to each other, and one may be a partial or complete variation, detail, supplementary explanation, etc. of the other.

[0015] In addition, in the following embodiments, when referring to the number of elements (including the number, numerical values, quantities, ranges, etc.), unless specifically stated or clearly limited to a specific number in principle, the number is not limited to that specific number and may be more than or less than the specific number.

[0016] Furthermore, it goes without saying that in the following embodiments, the components (including element steps, etc.) are not necessarily essential unless specifically stated otherwise or unless they are clearly considered to be essential in principle.

[0017] Furthermore, in the following embodiments, when a component is described as "consisting of A," "made of A," "having A," or "including A," it goes without saying that other elements are not excluded, unless it is specifically stated that only that element is included. Similarly, in the following embodiments, when the shape, positional relationship, etc. of a component is mentioned, it is intended to include those that are substantially similar or similar to that shape, etc., unless it is specifically stated or is considered in principle to be otherwise. The same applies to the above numerical values ​​and ranges, etc.

[0018] (Embodiment 1) Fig. 1 is a block diagram showing an example of a configuration diagram of an information processing device according to a first embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 2 is a plan view illustrating one form of the information processing device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 3 is a diagram showing an example of a usage state of the information processing device according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0019] The information processing device 100 in this embodiment is, for example, a smartphone, a mobile phone, a tablet terminal, a personal computer, etc. As shown in FIG. 1, the information processing device 100 includes a user information acquisition unit 116, a display unit 117, a viewing time measurement unit 170, and a control unit 114. In addition to these, the information processing device 100 also includes an information storage unit 125, a tuner / demodulation unit 122, a signal separation unit 121, a memory 132, an acceleration sensor unit 133, a geomagnetic sensor unit 134, a communication I / F 113, a mobile communication I / F 131, an information input unit 115, a GPS receiving unit 135, a gyro sensor unit 136, an imaging unit 140, a switch input unit 150, an audio input / output unit 160, etc. These components are connected to each other via a bus 101. A button 151 is connected to the switch input unit 150. A microphone 161 and a speaker 162 are connected to the audio input / output unit 160.

[0020] The user information acquisition unit 116 is provided in the periphery of the display unit 117, as shown in FIG. 2, for example. The user information acquisition unit 116 acquires user information for identifying a user. The user information acquisition unit 116 is, for example, composed of a biosensor for reading biosensor, and acquires biosensor information such as a fingerprint or a finger vein pattern as user information via the biosensor. When acquiring a password input by a user as user information, the information input unit 115 described later may also function as the user information acquisition unit. A touch panel in which the information input unit 115 and the display unit 117 described later are integrated may also function as the user information acquisition unit. When acquiring face information extracted from a user image captured by the imaging unit 140 described later as user information, the imaging unit 140 may also function as the user information acquisition unit. The user information acquisition unit 116 may acquire operation information related to an operation such as turning on and off the display of the display unit 117 by a user operation, for example.

[0021] The display unit 117 is configured with, for example, a liquid crystal panel or an organic EL (electroluminescence) panel. The display unit 117 may be configured as, for example, a touch panel integrally with the information input unit 115. The display unit 117 displays, for example, content information such as images and videos stored in the information storage unit 125, content information received by the tuner / demodulator unit 122, the communication I / F 113, and the mobile communication I / F 131, content information such as images and videos captured by registered users, content information such as images and videos generated by application programs, and the like. The display unit 117 displays, for example, a user interface (UI) such as a password input screen required for logging on to the information processing device 100.

[0022] The display unit 117 displays an image or the like that warns registered users that viewing of content information or the like is restricted, as described below.

[0023] The viewing time measurement unit 170 measures the viewing time, etc., during which a registered user views content information, etc., displayed on the display unit 117. For example, when the control unit 114 described below determines that a user who is attempting to use the information processing device 100 is a registered user and the registered user logs on to the information processing device 100, the viewing time measurement unit 170 measures the time during which the content information is displayed on the display unit 117 as the viewing time of the registered user. For example, the viewing time measurement unit 170 measures the viewing time by determining the time at which the registered user logs on to the information processing device 100 as the viewing start time and measuring the elapsed time from the viewing start time.

[0024] The viewing time measurement unit 170 may have, for example, a clock function and use time information inside the viewing time measurement unit 170. The viewing time measurement unit 170 may also acquire time information from a server 1050 connected to an external network 1040 via the communication I / F 113 and a wireless router shown in FIG. 3. The viewing time measurement unit 170 may also acquire time information from the server 1040 via the mobile communication I / F 131 and a base station 1010. The viewing time measurement unit 170 may also acquire time information from a GPS signal received by the GPS receiving unit 135. The information processing device 100 may also acquire time information from a television signal received by the tuner / demodulation unit 122. The viewing time measurement unit 170 measures the viewing time based on the time information acquired by these methods, for example, by calculating the difference from the viewing start time.

[0025] Furthermore, the viewing time measurement unit 170 may measure the viewing time by, for example, driving a timer in the information processing device 100 from the viewing start time. Alternatively, the viewing time measurement unit 170 may measure the viewing time by driving a counter in the information processing device 100 from the viewing start time and replacing the count number with the viewing time.

[0026] The viewing time measurement unit 170 may be configured as hardware or software. Also, the viewing time measurement unit 170 may be configured integrally with hardware such as the control unit 114, or may be incorporated into another program.

[0027] The information storage unit 125 stores content information related to the information processing device 100, viewing information of registered users described later, etc. The information storage unit 125 stores various program information such as a basic program for operating the information processing device 100 and an application program for realizing various functions in the information processing device 100. The information storage unit 125 records, for example, various setting information of the information processing device 100, information created by an application program, content information to be displayed on the display unit 117, registered user information for identifying registered users registered in the information processing device 100, the cumulative viewing time of registered users related to a determination for restricting viewing by registered users, a viewing restriction time which is an upper limit of the cumulative viewing time, and other viewing information of registered users.

[0028] The registered user information is, for example, a password, biometric information such as a fingerprint or a finger vein pattern, and face information that are required when a registered user logs on to the information processing device 100. In addition to this information, the information storage unit 125 stores various contents such as video and audio streams received from the tuner / demodulator unit 122, the communication I / F 113, and the mobile communication I / F 131.

[0029] The application program may be stored in the information storage unit 125 before the information processing device 100 is shipped, for example. Alternatively, the application program may be stored in a medium such as an optical medium such as a CD (Compact Disk) or a DVD (Digital Versatile Disk), or a semiconductor memory, and installed in the information processing device 100 via a medium connection unit (not shown). The application program may be downloaded from an external network (not shown) via the communication I / F 113 and a wireless router (not shown) and installed. Furthermore, the application program may be downloaded from a distribution source via the mobile communication I / F 131 and a base station (not shown) and installed. Furthermore, the information processing device 100 may be connected to a personal computer (PC) that has acquired the application program via an external network via an external device connection I / F (not shown), and the application program may be moved or copied from the PC to the information processing device 100, thereby installing the application program. The application program may be realized by the above-mentioned software, or may be realized by hardware having the same function, for example. When the application program is realized by hardware, each function is realized mainly by the hardware.

[0030] The information storage unit 125 may be built into the information processing device 100 or may be configured to be detachable from the information processing device 100 .

[0031] The tuner / demodulator 122 receives, for example, a television signal transmitted from a broadcast station 1020 shown in Fig. 3 and demodulates the received television signal. The signal separator 121 separates the television signal demodulated by the tuner / demodulator 122 into various signals, for example, television signals for each channel and an electronic program guide (EPG).

[0032] In the memory 132, for example, basic programs, application programs, etc. read from the information storage unit 125 are expanded. The control unit 114 executes the programs expanded in the memory 132, thereby realizing various functions of each program.

[0033] The acceleration sensor unit 133 measures the magnitude and direction of acceleration (e.g., gravitational acceleration) acting on the information processing device 100. The acceleration sensor unit 133 outputs the measured values ​​of the magnitude and direction of the acceleration to the control unit 114 as, for example, acceleration information. In addition, the acceleration information may be stored in the information storage unit 125.

[0034] The geomagnetic sensor unit 134 measures the magnitude and direction of the geomagnetism acting on the information processing device 100. The geomagnetic sensor 134 may be composed of, for example, a plurality of magnetic sensors, and the geomagnetism may be measured by the plurality of magnetic sensors. The geomagnetic sensor 134 outputs the measured magnitude and direction of the geomagnetism to the control unit 114, for example, as geomagnetic information. In addition, the geomagnetic information may be stored in the information storage unit 125.

[0035] The communication I / F 113 is connected to a wireless router 1030 shown in FIG. 3 via a wireless LAN or the like, and is connected to an external network 1040 via the wireless router 1030 .

[0036] The communication I / F 113 transmits and receives content information, viewing information of registered users, and the like to and from a server 1050 on an external network 1040, for example.

[0037] In addition to or instead of the communication function with the wireless router 1030, the communication I / F 113 may communicate directly with the server 1050 by a wireless LAN such as Wi-Fi (registered trademark) without going through the wireless router 1030. The communication I / F 113 may be provided with hardware for realizing these communication functions, or these communication functions may be realized by a single piece of hardware. The connection with the external network 1040 by the communication I / F 113 may be given priority over the communication network connection by the mobile communication I / F 131.

[0038] The mobile communication I / F 131 is connected to an external network 1040 via a base station 1010 shown in Fig. 3 by using a mobile communication network such as a third generation mobile communication system (hereinafter referred to as "3G") such as a Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM) (registered trademark), a Wideband Code Division Multiple Access (W-CDMA), a CDMA2000, or a Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS), or a Long Term Evolution (LTE) system. The mobile communication I / F 131 may be configured with one or more pieces of hardware compatible with these communication systems.

[0039] The communication I / F 113 transmits and receives content information, viewing information of registered users, and the like to and from a server 1050 on an external network 1040, for example.

[0040] The information input unit 115 accepts operations from the user to the information processing device 100 and acquires operation information. The information input unit 115 may be, for example, buttons that realize various operations depending on the state of the information processing device 100, or may be composed of one or more buttons corresponding to numbers, symbols, or the like, or may be, for example, a touch panel that is integrated with the display unit 117. The information input unit 115 may also receive a signal transmitted by infrared communication or the like from a terminal such as a remote controller, and acquire operation information from the received signal.

[0041] Examples of the operation information include information regarding the power on / off operation of the information processing device 100, information regarding the on / off operation of the display unit 117, and the like.

[0042] For example, when the information input unit 115 receives input of a password as user information, the information input unit 115 may also function as a user information acquisition unit.

[0043] In addition, when the information input unit 115 is a touch panel integrally formed with the display unit 117, the user can freely move any object (icon) displayed on the screen by touching it with a finger and moving it (drag operation), or by flicking the finger on the touch panel (flick operation). In addition, the user can activate the object or switch to another screen by tapping the object once (tap operation) or tapping twice (double tap operation) with a finger.

[0044] The GPS receiving unit 135 receives GPS signals transmitted from a plurality of satellites using a GPS (Global Positioning System). The GPS receiving unit 135 outputs the received GPS signals to the control unit 114, for example. The received GPS signals may be stored in the information storage unit 125.

[0045] The gyro sensor unit 136 measures an angular velocity of the information processing device 100 that occurs when the user moves the information processing device 100. The gyro sensor unit 136 outputs the measured angular velocity to the control unit 114 as angular velocity information, for example. The angular velocity information may be stored in the information storage unit 125.

[0046] The imaging unit 140 is composed of, for example, an optical system such as a lens, an image sensor, a signal processing circuit, and the like. Exposure control, focus control, control of the number of pixels of an acquired image (for example, resolution), control of compression, storage control of a captured image, and the like in the imaging unit 140 are performed, for example, by the control unit 114. These controls are performed, for example, according to a program for camera control. Specifically, the program for camera control stored in the information storage unit 125 is expanded in the memory 132, and the control unit 114 executes the expanded program, thereby performing these controls. The imaging unit 140 may be provided, for example, on the user side (display unit 117 side) of the information terminal device 100 as shown in FIG. 2, or on the opposite side to the user (opposite side to the display unit 117) not shown. The imaging unit 140 may also be provided on each of these two sides.

[0047] 1, the switch input unit 150 is connected to one or more buttons 151. The switch input unit 150 accepts input of switch information from the buttons 151, and outputs the input switch information to the control unit 114. Based on the switch information, the control unit 114 performs control of operations such as turning on and off the information processing device 100, starting and stopping application programs, and adjusting the volume using two buttons (volume up and down).

[0048] 1, a microphone 161 serving as a voice input unit and a speaker 162 serving as a voice output unit are connected to the voice input / output unit 160. The voice input / output unit 160 receives input of voice information from a user via the microphone 161, for example. The voice input / output unit 160 outputs the voice information via the speaker 162, for example. The voice input / output unit 160 adjusts the volume based on the operation of the button 151 described above, for example.

[0049] Bus 101 is an internal bus that connects each component of information processing device 100 to each other. Each component inputs and outputs various information via bus 101. Also, each component may be directly connected without going through bus 101. For example, when a large amount of information is handled, information may be directly input and output between the input side and the output side. In this way, the load on bus 101 is reduced.

[0050] The control unit 114 controls each of the components constituting the information processing device 100. The control unit 114 executes various programs based on, for example, operation information from a user acquired by the information input unit 115 or switch information acquired by the switch input unit 150, and controls each of the components such as the signal separation unit 121, the display unit 117, and the communication I / F 113.

[0051] The control unit 114 acquires various information such as content information, viewing information of registered users, etc. from a server 1050 on a connected external network 1040 via, for example, the communication I / F 113 and the wireless router 1030. The control unit 114 acquires various information such as content information, viewing information of registered users, etc. from a server 1050 on a connected external network 1040 via, for example, the mobile communication I / F 131 and the base station 1010.

[0052] The control unit 114 performs, for example, turning on and off the power of the information processing device 100, turning on and off the display unit 117, adjusting the volume, etc., based on operation information, switch information, etc. Furthermore, the control unit 114 may turn off the display unit 117, for example, when operation information, switch information, etc. is not input for a certain period of time or more.

[0053] The control unit 114 calculates the acceleration (for example, gravitational acceleration) acting on the information processing device 100 based on, for example, the acceleration information output from the acceleration sensor unit 133. The control unit 114 detects which part of the information processing device 100 is the upper side, that is, the attitude of the information processing device 100, based on the calculated acceleration. For example, the control unit 114 displays a screen so that the upper side of the screen to be displayed on the display unit 117 matches the upper side measured by the acceleration sensor unit 133. In this way, the control unit 114 displays a screen that matches the way the user holds the information processing device 100. The control unit 114 calculates the position information of the information processing device 100 based on the GPS signal output from the GPS receiving unit 135. The control unit 114 detects the movement of the information processing device 100 based on the angular velocity information output from the gyro sensor unit 136.

[0054] The control unit 114 identifies a user, for example, when the display unit 117 is turned on. Specifically, the control unit 114 determines whether a user who is going to use the information processing device 100 is a registered user who has been registered in advance. The control unit 114 determines whether the user is a registered user, for example, by comparing registered user information, such as a user ID, a code, a password, biometric information, and face information, related to the registered user and previously stored in the information storage unit 125, with the user information acquired by the user information acquisition unit 116.

[0055] If the user is a registered user, the control unit 114 compares the cumulative viewing time, which is the cumulative total of viewing times within a predetermined time, with the viewing limit time, which is a preset upper limit of the cumulative viewing time. The predetermined time is a period for calculating the cumulative viewing time, and the cumulative viewing time is reset when the predetermined time has elapsed. The reset time for resetting the cumulative viewing time may be set to, for example, 3:00 a.m., and the predetermined time may be set to 24 hours from 3:00 a.m. to 3:00 a.m. the next day. The reset time may be set to a time other than this, and the predetermined time may be shorter or longer than 24 hours. The reset time and the predetermined time may be set by default in the information processing device 100, or may be freely set by the user.

[0056] When the cumulative viewing time is equal to or exceeds the viewing limit time, the control unit 114 issues a warning to the registered user. For example, the control unit 114 causes the display unit 117 to display a warning image that warns the registered user that the cumulative viewing time has exceeded the viewing limit time. Alternatively, the control unit 114 causes the speaker 162 to generate a warning sound.

[0057] The wireless router 1030 has a wireless LAN function such as Wi-Fi, and is connected to an external network 1040 shown in Fig. 3 via a communication line. The wireless router 1030 is also connected to the information processing device 100 and the external network 11. Wi-Fi is a standard for wireless LAN (Local Area Network) established by the IEEE (Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers) standard "IEEE 802.11a / IEEE 802.11b".

[0058] The wireless router 1030 has two interfaces, one on the LAN side and one on the WAN (Wide Area Network) side, and each of these interfaces is assigned a different IP address. Specifically, the WAN side interface is assigned a global IP address that can be identified on the Internet, and the LAN side interface is assigned a private IP address that can be used within a closed network. The wireless router 1030 also has a firewall function that restricts access from the external network 1040 side, and a NAPT (Network Address Port Translation) function that converts private addresses to global addresses or converts global addresses to private addresses.

[0059] The information processing device 100 can send and receive various information and content between itself and a server 1050 connected to an external network 1040 via a communication I / F 113 and a wireless router 1030, or via a mobile communication I / F 131 and a base station 1010.

[0060] Next, a method for recording viewing information of a registered user in the information processing device 100 will be described. In this embodiment, a case will be described where the information processing device 100 is used by a specific individual who is registered as one user. Note that, in the following, various functions may be realized by hardware, or may be realized by developing each application program in the memory 132 and having the control unit 114 execute each application program.

[0061] Fig. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a flowchart relating to a method for recording viewing information in the first embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 5 is a diagram showing an example of a UI image displayed upon user authentication in the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0062] In step S1001, a user who is going to use the information processing device 100 is identified. That is, step S1001 is a step of performing user authentication to determine whether the user who is going to use the information processing device 100 is a registered user who has been registered in advance as a user of the information processing device 100.

[0063] The registered user information on the registered user is stored in the information storage unit 125 of the information processing device 100 or in the server 1050 on the network 1040 in association with the terminal information of the information processing device 100, by a registration operation performed in advance by the user who wishes to be registered. Also, viewing information on the registered user, such as viewing restriction time and reset time, may be stored in advance in the information storage unit 125 by an administrator user or the registered user himself / herself, or may be stored in the server 1050 in association with the terminal information of the information processing device 100.

[0064] The administrator user judges whether or not a registered user has the authority to set viewing information. For example, based on the judgment of the administrator user, it is determined whether only the administrator user can set viewing information, or whether the registered user himself or herself can set viewing information. Furthermore, the administrator user may be a registered user or a user other than a registered user.

[0065] The control unit 114 judges whether the user is a registered user based on the user information and the registered user information that identifies the registered user. First, when the information processing device 100 detects that the button 151 of the switch input unit 150, the information input unit 115, the user information acquisition unit 116, or the like is pressed, the control unit 114 turns on the display unit 117 to display, for example, a UI image that requests the input of user information. For example, the control unit 114 displays a password input screen 201 that requests the input of a password, as shown in FIG. 5. The password input screen 201 may display a software keyboard corresponding to each number from "0" to "9" as shown in FIG. 5, or may display, for example, a software keyboard that combines numbers and symbols.

[0066] Then, the information processing device 100 acquires the password input by the user as user information. The acquired password is output to the control unit 114. The control unit 114 compares the acquired password with a password registered in advance as registered user information, and judges whether the user who is going to use the information processing device 100 is a registered user. That is, if the input password and the registered password match, the control unit 114 judges that the user is a registered user. In this case, it is judged that the user touches the displayed keyboard in the same order as the registered password. Then, the registered user can log on to the information processing device 100, and the display unit 117 displays, for example, an initial screen after logging on to the information processing device 100, content information, and the like.

[0067] On the other hand, if the input password does not match the registered password, the control unit 114 determines that the user is not a registered user. In this case, it is determined that the user has touched the displayed keyboard in a different order from the registered password. The user cannot log on to the information processing device 100. However, in this case, the display unit 117 may display an image or the like notifying the user that the input password is different from the registered password, or may display a password input screen 201 that prompts the user to re-enter the password.

[0068] As described above, the control unit 114 may use the registered user information stored in the information storage unit 125, or may use, for example, the registered user information stored in the server 1050. In the above example, the password is composed of numbers and symbols, but other than these, the selection of characters or images, or the trajectory of a touch, etc. may be used as user information.

[0069] In addition, the above description has been given of the case where display unit 117 is a touch panel integrally formed with information input unit 115, but in addition to this, information input unit 115 may also be composed of, for example, buttons corresponding to the above-mentioned software keyboard, and a password may be input from the buttons.

[0070] Furthermore, biometric information such as a fingerprint or finger vein pattern may be used as the registered user information. In this case, the user inputs the user information by having the user information acquisition unit 116 equipped with a biometric sensor read the biometric information such as a fingerprint or finger vein pattern. The user information acquisition unit 116 acquires the biometric information as user information and outputs the acquired biometric information to the control unit 114. The control unit 114 determines whether the user is a registered user by comparing the acquired biometric information with biometric information registered as registered user information.

[0071] Also, for example, face information may be used as the registered user information. In this case, the image capturing unit 140 captures an image of the user, and face information extracted from the user image is input as the user information. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of an image of the user created by the image capturing unit. The image capturing unit 140 captures an image of the user, and creates a user image 301, for example, as shown in FIG. 6. The image capturing unit 140 extracts face information 311 of the user from the user image 301, and outputs the extracted face information 311 to the control unit 114 as face information of the user. Alternatively, the image capturing unit 140 may output the user image 301 to the control unit 114, and the control unit 114 may extract the face information 311 from the user image 301. Note that when the information processing device 100 detects that the button 151 or the like of the switch input unit 150 has been pressed, the image capturing unit 140 may automatically start capturing an image of the user and perform a log-on process without the user's operation.

[0072] The control unit 114 compares the acquired face information with face information of registered users to determine whether the user is a registered user.

[0073] Although the method of identifying a user in the information processing device 100 has been described, the information processing device 100 is only required to identify a user by any of the above-mentioned methods, and does not necessarily need to implement all of these methods. In this way, when it is determined that the user attempting to use the information processing device 100 is a registered user, the process proceeds to step S1002.

[0074] In step S1002, viewing time measurement unit 170 starts measuring the viewing time for which the registered user views the content information or the like displayed on display unit 117. For example, control unit 114 outputs a viewing time measurement start signal to viewing time measurement unit 170 to start measuring the viewing time for the registered user, and viewing time measurement unit 170 starts measuring the viewing time of the registered user based on the input viewing time measurement start signal.

[0075] The control unit 114 may determine, for example, the time when the registered user logs on to the information processing device 100 and starts viewing the content information as the viewing start time, or may determine the time when the display unit 117 is turned on as the viewing start time. The viewing time measurement unit 170 may measure the elapsed time by calculating the difference from the viewing start time, or may measure the viewing time by measuring the elapsed time from the viewing start time using a timer or the like. The viewing time measurement unit 170 outputs, for example, the measured viewing time to the control unit 114. The viewing time measurement unit 170 may output information on the measured viewing time, for example, at a predetermined cycle, or may output, for example, in response to a request from the control unit 114. Alternatively, the viewing time measurement unit 170 may output viewing information on the viewing time to the information storage unit 125, and the viewing information on the viewing time may be recorded in the information storage unit 125. Also, the viewing information on the viewing time may be transmitted to a server 1050 provided on the external network 1040 via the communication I / F 113 or the mobile communication I / F 131, and recorded in the server 1050 as viewing information. When measurement of the viewing time of the registered user starts in this way, the process proceeds to step S1004. Note that the viewing time measurement unit 170 measures the viewing time of the registered user in parallel with other steps S1004 to S1008 until measurement is stopped in step S1009 described later.

[0076] In step S1004, control unit 114 calculates the cumulative viewing time, which is the cumulative total of viewing times within a predetermined time. Specifically, when a registered user has viewed information multiple times within a predetermined time, control unit 114 calculates the cumulative viewing time up to this point by, for example, adding up the cumulative viewing time, which is the sum of the viewing times of each of the previous times excluding the current viewing, and the current viewing time. Alternatively, control unit 114 may calculate the cumulative viewing time by adding up the viewing times of each of the previous times. Viewing information relating to the calculated cumulative viewing time is recorded in information storage unit 125 or server 1050, for example.

[0077] Once the cumulative viewing time of the registered users is calculated in this way, the process proceeds to step S1005. Note that control unit 114 calculates the cumulative viewing time of the registered users in parallel with other steps S1002 to S1008 until measurement is stopped in step S1009, which will be described later.

[0078] In step S1005, the control unit 114 compares the cumulative viewing time calculated in step S1004 with the viewing limit time. If the control unit 114 determines that the cumulative viewing time is less than the viewing limit time (NO), the process proceeds to step S1008.

[0079] On the other hand, if control unit 114 determines that the cumulative viewing time is equal to or greater than the viewing limit time (YES), the process proceeds to step S1006. In step S1006, control unit 114 issues a warning to the registered user. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of a warning image for a registered user according to the first embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 7, for example, warning image 401 is displayed superimposed on content information displayed on display unit 117 to warn the registered user that the viewing limit time has been exceeded. Information related to such notification image 401 is stored in, for example, information storage unit 125 or server 1050.

[0080] For example, if the purpose is to inform a user that the viewing limit has been exceeded, a warning image may be displayed at a position and size that does not significantly affect viewing. Also, if it is desired to stop viewing by a registered user, for example, a notification screen 401 may be displayed before the content information, as shown in Fig. 7. Also, the size of the notification image may be changed as appropriate according to the time that has elapsed since the viewing limit. Specifically, if the viewing limit has just been reached, a small notification image may be displayed, and as the time that has elapsed increases, a larger notification image may be displayed.

[0081] At that time, the control unit 114 may display the cumulative viewing time up to the present on the warning image 401, or may display the viewing time limit together with the viewing time, as shown in Fig. 7. Furthermore, the warning to the registered user may be given by, for example, issuing a warning sound from the speaker 162, turning off the display of content information, or the like, in addition to the above-mentioned warning image 401.

[0082] Furthermore, the control unit 114 may notify the administrator user that the cumulative viewing time of the registered user has exceeded the viewing limit time. FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of a notification image for the administrator user according to the first embodiment of the present invention. For example, the control unit 114 transmits viewing limit time exceeded information indicating that the cumulative viewing time of the registered user has exceeded the viewing limit time to the information processing device used by the administrator user. Based on the received viewing limit time exceeded information, the information processing device of the administrator user displays a notification image 701, for example as shown in FIG. 8, notifying that the registered user has exceeded the viewing limit time. Then, the process proceeds to step S1008.

[0083] In step S1008, it is determined whether or not to continue measuring the viewing time for the registered user. In particular, if the control unit 114 determines that the registered user is logged on to the information processing device 100 and information is being displayed on the display unit 117 (YES), the process returns to step S1004. Then, the control unit 114 performs the above-mentioned steps S1004 to S1008 again to continue measuring the viewing time for the registered user.

[0084] On the other hand, if control unit 114 determines that a registered user has logged off from information processing device 100 or that no information is being displayed on display unit 117 (NO), the process proceeds to step S1009.

[0085] In step S1009, viewing time measurement unit 170 stops measuring the viewing time of the registered user. For example, control unit 114 outputs a viewing time measurement stop signal to viewing time measurement unit 170 to stop measuring the viewing time of the registered user. Based on the input viewing time measurement stop signal, viewing time measurement unit 170 stops measuring the viewing time of the registered user. At that time, viewing time measurement unit 170 may output viewing information related to the measured viewing time to information storage unit 125, and the viewing time may be recorded in information storage unit 125. Accordingly, control unit 114 stops calculating the cumulative viewing time of the registered user. Then, the process proceeds to step S1010.

[0086] In step S1010, the warning for the registered user is released. For example, if warning image 401 is displayed on display unit 117 in step S1006, control unit 114 releases the warning for the registered user by erasing warning image 401. Also, for example, if a warning sound is generated, control unit 114 releases the warning by stopping the warning sound. When the warning for the registered user is released in this manner, the process proceeds to step S1011.

[0087] In step S1011, the control unit 114 determines whether or not the registered user has logged off from the information processing device 100. When the control unit 114 determines that the registered user has logged off from the information processing device 100 (YES), the control unit 114 ends a series of processes related to the method of recording viewing information of the registered user.

[0088] On the other hand, if the control unit 114 determines that the registered user has not logged off from the information processing device 100 (NO), the process proceeds to step S1012.

[0089] In step S1012, control unit 114 determines whether information is displayed on display unit 117. If control unit 114 determines that content information is displayed on display unit 117 (YES), the process proceeds to step S1002. Then, control unit 114 restarts measuring the viewing time of registered users.

[0090] On the other hand, if it is determined that no information is being displayed on display unit 117 (NO), the process proceeds to step S1011, where it is determined again whether or not the registered user has logged off from information processing device 100.

[0091] By carrying out these steps S1001 to S1012, the viewing information of the registered user is recorded in the information processing device 100. Note that the recorded viewing information is not limited to the above, and for example, authentication information, detailed logs of device usage, and the like may be recorded as the viewing information.

[0092] According to this embodiment, the viewing time measurement unit 170 measures the viewing time of the registered user, and the control unit 114 calculates the accumulated viewing time of the registered user within a specified time period, compares the accumulated viewing time with the viewing limit time, which is the upper limit of the accumulated viewing time, and warns the registered user if the accumulated viewing time is equal to or exceeds the viewing limit time.

[0093] According to this configuration, the registered user can recognize that the cumulative viewing time within a predetermined time period has reached the viewing limit time by the warning notified by the information processing device 100, so that even if the cumulative viewing time exceeds the viewing limit time while the registered user is viewing information, the registered user can be restricted from viewing. This also makes it possible to appropriately record viewing information such as the cumulative viewing time of the registered user.

[0094] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, control unit 114 warns registered users by displaying warning image 401 on display unit 117. With this configuration, warning image 401 is displayed together with the content information, so that registered users can promptly stop viewing the content information. This also makes it possible to properly record the cumulative viewing time of registered users.

[0095] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the control unit 114 warns the registered user by an alarm sound via the speaker 162. With this configuration, the registered user can recognize the alarm by sound, and therefore can quickly stop viewing the content information even if he or she takes his or her eyes off the information processing device 100. This also makes it possible to properly record the cumulative viewing time of the registered user.

[0096] Moreover, according to this embodiment, viewing information related to registered user information, cumulative viewing time, viewing limit time, etc. is recorded in the information storage unit 125. With this configuration, viewing information is recorded within the information processing device 100, so the control unit 114 can quickly record the viewing information of registered users. Also, since there is no need to use the external network 1040, the load on the network is reduced.

[0097] Moreover, according to the present embodiment, the password input from the information input unit 115 is acquired as user information. According to this configuration, a registered user can log on to the information processing device 100 in a simple manner, and therefore, the information processing device 100 that is both safe and convenient is provided.

[0098] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the user information acquiring unit 106 includes a biometric sensor and acquires biometric information such as a user's fingerprint or finger vein pattern as user information. With this configuration, the user information acquiring unit 116 can acquire more accurate user information for identifying the user, and therefore can perform more accurate user authentication. This provides the information processing device 100 with improved security.

[0099] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, face information is extracted from a user image created by the imaging unit 140, and the information processing device 100 acquires the face information as user information. With this configuration, a user can acquire face information simply by having the imaging unit 140 capture an image of the user, thereby reducing the workload of the user during user authentication. Furthermore, since face information is used as user information, it is possible to provide an information processing device 100 with improved safety.

[0100] According to the present embodiment, when the cumulative viewing time of a registered user exceeds the viewing time limit, a notification to that effect is sent to the information processing device used by the administrator user. With this configuration, the administrator user can recognize that a registered user is viewing content information beyond the viewing time limit.

[0101] Moreover, according to the present embodiment, the information processing device 100 is a smartphone. With this configuration, since many users own smartphones, the viewing information of registered users can be appropriately recorded.

[0102] (Embodiment 2) In this embodiment, a case will be described in which a plurality of users are registered in the information processing device 100. The information processing device 100 in this embodiment is, for example, a smartphone, a mobile phone, a tablet terminal, a personal computer, or the like.

[0103] Note that registered user information on a plurality of registered users is stored in the information storage unit 125 of the information processing device 100 or in the server 1050 on the network 1040 in association with the terminal information of the information processing device 100, by a registration operation performed in advance by a user who wishes to be registered. Also, viewing information on registered users, such as viewing restriction time and reset time, may be recorded in advance in the information storage unit 125 by an administrator user or the registered user himself, or may be recorded in the server 1050 in association with the terminal information of the information processing device 100. Also, the administrator user may be any of the registered users, or may be a user other than the registered users.

[0104] Here, a method for recording viewing information of registered users when multiple users are registered will be described with reference to the flowchart in Fig. 4. In the following description, explanations of parts that overlap with the contents of the first embodiment will be omitted in principle.

[0105] 9 and 10 are diagrams showing examples of images displayed at the time of user authentication according to the second embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 11 is a diagram showing an example of a method of recording viewing information of a registered user according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

[0106] In step S1001, it is determined whether the user who is going to use the information processing device 100 is one of a plurality of registered users who are registered in advance as users of the information processing device 100. The control unit 114 causes the display unit 117 to display a user selection screen 501 for selecting a registered user, as shown in FIG. 9, for the user who is going to use the information processing device 100. As shown in FIG. 9, for example, the registered user name, an icon with face information associated with the registered user name, and the like are displayed on the user selection screen 501. When the user taps, for example, an icon associated with the user himself / herself, the registered user associated with the tapped icon is selected. Next, the control unit 114 requests the user to input user information. Specifically, the control unit 114 causes the display unit 117 to display a password input screen 601, as shown in FIG. 10, for example.

[0107] 10, the password entry screen 601 displays the selected registered user name, face information, a software keyboard for entering a password, and the like. When a password is entered from the password entry screen 601, the information processing device 100 acquires the password as user information. The control unit 114 compares the entered password with the password of the selected registered user to determine whether the user attempting to use the information processing device 100 is the selected registered user.

[0108] In step S1004, the control unit 114 calculates the cumulative viewing time of the selected registered users (registered users who are logged on) within a given time period. That is, the control unit 114 calculates the cumulative viewing time for each registered user.

[0109] In information storage unit 125 and server 1050, viewing information such as cumulative viewing time and viewing restriction time is recorded for each registered user. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 11, viewing information such as user ID, administrator information, viewing restriction time, reset time, cumulative viewing time, and viewing start time is recorded in a table for each registered user. Administrator information is information for identifying whether a registered user is an administrator user. In FIG. 11, the user with user ID "001" is the administrator user. Note that, although the viewing restriction time differs for each registered user in FIG. 11, the reset time and the like may also differ for each registered user.

[0110] In step S1005, the control unit 114 compares the cumulative viewing time with the viewing limit time for each registered user. If the control unit 114 determines that the cumulative viewing time of the registered user who is logged on and viewing the content information is equal to or greater than the viewing limit time, the process proceeds to step S1006. On the other hand, if the control unit 114 determines that the cumulative viewing time of the logged-on registered user is less than the viewing limit time, the process proceeds to step S1008.

[0111] In step S1006, the control unit 114 warns the logged-on registered user. The control unit 114 causes the display unit 117 to display a warning image 401, for example as shown in FIG. 7, which warns that the accumulated viewing time of the logged-on registered user has exceeded the viewing limit. In other words, even if the accumulated viewing time of other registered users is equal to or exceeds the viewing limit, the warning image 401 is not displayed when the accumulated viewing time of the logged-on registered user is less than the viewing limit. For example, in FIG. 11, the accumulated viewing time of the registered user with user ID "003" exceeds the viewing limit. When the registered user with user ID "003" uses the information processing device 100, the warning image 401 is displayed, but when a registered user other than this uses the information processing device 100, the warning image 401 is not displayed.

[0112] According to this embodiment, the information processing device 100 records viewing information of multiple registered users. Then, the control unit 114 issues a warning only when the cumulative viewing time of the logged-on registered user is equal to or longer than the viewing limit time. With this configuration, only the viewing of content information by the registered user who is the target of the warning is restricted, so other registered users can use the information processing device 100 without being restricted from viewing content.

[0113] (Embodiment 3) In this embodiment, a case will be described in which a warning is issued even when a registered user has been watching information continuously for a predetermined period of time. The information processing device 100 in this embodiment is, for example, a smartphone, a mobile phone, a tablet terminal, a personal computer, or the like.

[0114] Note that viewing information regarding registered users, such as continuous viewing limit time which is a preset upper limit of continuous viewing time, a predetermined break time, viewing limit time, reset time, etc., may be recorded in advance in information storage unit 125 by an administrator user or the registered user himself / herself, or may be recorded in server 1050 in association with terminal information of information processing device 100. Also, the administrator user may be any registered user, or may be a user other than the registered users.

[0115] Here, a method for recording viewing information of registered users when multiple users are registered will be described with reference to the flowchart in Fig. 4. In the following description, explanations of parts that overlap with the contents of the first embodiment will be omitted in principle.

[0116] Fig. 12 is a diagram showing an example of a method for recording viewing information of a registered user according to the third embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a warning image for a registered user according to the third embodiment of the present invention.

[0117] In step S1002, the viewing time measurement unit 170 starts measuring the viewing time during which the registered user views the content information, etc. displayed on the display unit 117. Here, the viewing time measured by the viewing time measurement unit 170 is also the continuous viewing time during which the registered user continuously views information. Therefore, by starting to measure the viewing time, the viewing time measurement unit 170 starts to measure the continuous viewing time.

[0118] The viewing time measurement unit 170 outputs the measured continuous viewing time to the control unit 114, for example. The viewing time measurement unit 170 may output information related to the measured continuous viewing time, for example at a predetermined cycle, or may output information related to the measured continuous viewing time in response to a request from the control unit 114. Alternatively, the viewing time measurement unit 170 may output viewing information related to the continuous viewing time to the information storage unit 125, and the viewing information related to the continuous viewing time may be recorded in the information storage unit 125. Furthermore, the viewing information related to the continuous viewing time may be transmitted to a server 1050 provided on the external network 1040 via the communication I / F 113 or the mobile communication I / F 131, and recorded in the server 1050.

[0119] In information storage unit 125 and server 1050, viewing information regarding continuous viewing and viewing information regarding cumulative viewing are recorded for each registered user. Specifically, viewing information regarding cumulative viewing is recorded in a table such as that shown in FIG. 11, and viewing information regarding continuous viewing is recorded in a table such as that shown in FIG. 12. In FIG. 12, viewing information such as user ID, administrator information, viewing time limit, continuous viewing time limit, break time, and break end time is recorded for each registered user. Note that the continuous viewing time may be calculated from the viewing start time recorded in the table in FIG. 11, or the continuous viewing time (viewing time) may be recorded in the tables in FIG. 11 and FIG. 12.

[0120] In step S1005, the control unit 114 judges each of the cumulative viewing time and the continuous viewing time. That is, when the control unit 114 judges that the cumulative viewing time is less than the viewing time limit and the continuous viewing time is less than the continuous viewing time limit (NO), the control unit 114 proceeds to step S1008.

[0121] If control unit 114 determines otherwise, the process proceeds to step S1006. In step S1006, control unit 114 issues a warning to the registered user. First, if the cumulative viewing time is equal to or greater than the viewing limit time and the continuous viewing time is less than the continuous viewing limit time, control unit 114 performs control similar to that of the above-mentioned embodiments 1 and 2. Second, if the cumulative viewing time is equal to or greater than the viewing limit time and the continuous viewing time is equal to or greater than the continuous viewing limit time, control unit 114 also performs control similar to that of the above-mentioned embodiments 1 and 2.

[0122] Third, if the cumulative viewing time is less than the viewing limit time and the continuous viewing time is equal to or greater than the continuous viewing limit time, the control unit 114 warns the logged-on registered user to take a predetermined break. The control unit 114 also outputs the break end time of the registered user who received the warning to the information storage unit 125, and the information storage unit 125 records the viewing information related to the input break end time in a table. The viewing time measurement unit 170 also starts measuring the break time of the registered user who received the warning. For example, the control unit 114 outputs a break time measurement start signal to the viewing time measurement unit 170 to start measuring the break time for the registered user, and the viewing time measurement unit 170 starts measuring the break time of the registered user based on the input break time measurement start signal.

[0123] The viewing time measurement unit 170 measures the break time, for example, by setting the time when the continuous viewing time of the registered user reaches the continuous viewing limit time as the break start time. The viewing time measurement unit 170 may output information on the measured break time, for example, at a predetermined cycle, or may output information in response to a request from the control unit 114. Alternatively, the viewing time measurement unit 170 may output viewing information and the like on the measured break time to the information storage unit 125, and the viewing information on the break time may be recorded in the information storage unit 125. Furthermore, the viewing information and the like on the break time of the registered user may be transmitted to a server 1050 provided on the external network 1040 via the communication I / F 113 or the mobile communication I / F 131, and may be recorded in the server 1050.

[0124] Also, for example, the control unit 114 displays a warning image 801, as shown in Fig. 13, which warns the registered user to take a break. At that time, the control unit 114 may display, for example, the remaining break time in the warning image 801.

[0125] The warning image 801 is displayed when the continuous viewing time of the logged-on registered user exceeds the continuous viewing time limit. In other words, even if the continuous viewing time of other registered users is equal to or exceeds the continuous viewing time limit, the warning image 801 is not displayed if the cumulative viewing time of the logged-on registered user is less than the viewing time limit.

[0126] In the example of combining Figures 11 and 12, the cumulative viewing time of the registered user with user ID "002" has not exceeded the viewing limit, so if the continuous viewing time of the registered user with user ID "002" exceeds the continuous viewing limit, warning image 801 shown in Figure 13 is displayed. In contrast, the cumulative viewing time of the registered user with user ID "003" has exceeded the viewing limit, so warning image 801 shown in Figure 13 is not displayed even if the continuous viewing time of the registered user with user ID "002" exceeds the continuous viewing limit.

[0127] When a predetermined break time has elapsed, the control unit 114 erases the warning image 801. Furthermore, the control unit 114 outputs a break time measurement stop signal to the viewing time measurement unit 170 to stop measuring the break time, and the viewing time measurement unit 170 stops measuring the break time of the registered user based on the input break time measurement stop signal.

[0128] Furthermore, control unit 114 resets the continuous viewing time (viewing time). Specifically, control unit 114 outputs a continuous viewing time reset signal for resetting the continuous viewing time to viewing time measurement unit 170, and viewing time measurement unit 170 resets the measured continuous viewing time based on the input continuous viewing time reset signal.

[0129] In step S1009, the viewing time measurement unit 170 stops measuring the continuous viewing time (viewing time) of the registered user. If a break time is being measured, the viewing time measurement unit 170 also stops measuring the break time.

[0130] In step S1010, if the registered user is in a break time, the control unit 114 erases the warning image 801.

[0131] According to this embodiment, when the cumulative viewing time of a registered user is less than the viewing limit time and the continuous viewing time of a registered user is equal to or greater than the continuous viewing limit time, control unit 114 warns the registered user to take a predetermined break.

[0132] According to this configuration, viewing of content information by registered users can be restricted also based on the continuous viewing time, so that viewing information of registered users can be recorded more appropriately.

[0133] Furthermore, according to the present embodiment, when multiple users are registered in information processing device 100, only the registered users who are logged on to information processing device 100 are warned to take a predetermined break. With this configuration, only the viewing of the registered users who are using information processing device 100 is restricted, so that the viewing time of the multiple registered users is more appropriately recorded.

[0134] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the information processing device 100 records viewing information of multiple registered users. Then, the control unit 114 issues a warning only when the continuous viewing time of the logged-on registered user is equal to or longer than the continuous viewing time limit. With this configuration, only the viewing of content information by the registered user who is the target of the warning is restricted, so other registered users can use the information processing device 100 without being restricted from viewing content.

[0135] (Embodiment 4) In this embodiment, a method for recording viewing information when a user views the information processing device 100 without performing a log-on operation will be described. This embodiment is applicable not only to a case where a user uses it for personal use, but also to a case where multiple users view it simultaneously. Therefore, the information processing device 100 in this embodiment is, for example, a smartphone, a mobile phone, a tablet terminal, a personal computer, a television receiver, etc.

[0136] Fig. 14 is a diagram showing an example of a flowchart relating to a method for recording viewing information in the fourth embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 15 is a diagram showing an example of a situation in which a plurality of users are viewing an information processing device. Fig. 16 is a diagram showing an example of acquired face information of users.

[0137] Here, a method for recording viewing information of registered users in this embodiment will be described with reference to the flowchart in Fig. 14. In the following description, as a rule, descriptions of parts that overlap with the contents of the above-mentioned embodiments 1 to 3 will be omitted.

[0138] In step S3001, imaging of the users viewing the information processing device 100 is started. Specifically, when the power switch of the device body or the power button of the remote control is operated and content information or the like is displayed on the display unit 117 of the information processing device 100, the imaging unit 140 starts imaging of the users viewing the information processing device 100. FIG. 15 shows, for example, a case in which a plurality of users 931 to 933 are viewing content information displayed on the information processing device 100. The imaging unit 140 images these users 931 to 933 and creates, for example, a user image 901 as shown in FIG. 16. When the imaging unit 140 starts imaging the users 931 to 933, the process proceeds to step S3002.

[0139] In step S3002, the information processing device 100 acquires viewing information of the registered user. Here, the viewing information includes various information related to the registered user, such as registered user information, cumulative viewing time, viewing limit time, continuous viewing time, continuous viewing limit time, and predetermined break time. In addition, the registered user information here is, for example, face information of the registered user.

[0140] When viewing information on a registered user is recorded in information storage unit 125, control unit 114 acquires various information on the registered user from information storage unit 125. When viewing information on a registered user is recorded, for example, in server 1050 on external network 1040, control unit 114 acquires viewing information on the registered user from server 1050 on external network 1040, for example, via communication I / F 113 and mobile communication I / F 131. Note that control unit 114 acquires viewing information on all registered users registered in information processing device 100. Note that prior to the process of step S3001, the process of step S3002 may be performed. Then, the process proceeds to step S3003.

[0141] In step S3003, registered users are detected from the image captured by the imaging unit 140. Specifically, the imaging unit 140 extracts face information 941-943 of each user as user information from the user image 901. The imaging unit 140 outputs the extracted face information 941-943 to the control unit 114. Alternatively, the imaging unit 140 may output the user image 901 to the control unit 114, and the control unit 114 may extract the face information 941-943. Note that the control unit 114 and the imaging unit 140 may detect the facial direction and the gaze direction of the registered user when extracting the face information 941-943.

[0142] Then, the control unit 114 judges whether the user is a registered user based on the user information and the registered user information. Specifically, the control unit 114 compares the face information 941-943 as the user information (face information) with the registered user information acquired in step S3002. The control unit 114 judges a user whose face information 941-943 matches the registered user information to be a registered user, and judges a user whose face information 941-943 does not match the registered user information to be a user other than a registered user. In this way, the control unit 114 detects registered users.

[0143] Furthermore, while the information processing device 100 is running, the imaging unit 140 captures an image of the user viewing the content information displayed on the display unit 117 multiple times, for example, continuously. Each time the imaging unit 140 captures an image of the user, the control unit 114 determines whether the user viewing the content information is a registered user and detects the registered user. Such detection of the registered user is performed while the information processing device 100 is running. When a registered user is detected in this way, the process proceeds to step S3004.

[0144] In step S3004, measurement of the viewing time of the registered user detected in step S3003 is started. Specifically, the viewing time measurement unit 170 measures the time during which the user is determined to be a registered user in step S3003 as the viewing time. In this case, if multiple registered users are detected, the viewing time measurement unit 170 measures the viewing time of each registered user in parallel.

[0145] The viewing time measurement unit 170 may measure the viewing time according to the direction of the face of the registered user detected in step S3003. For example, the viewing time measurement unit 170 may measure the viewing time when the face of the registered user is facing the direction of the information processing device 100, and may not measure the viewing time when the face of the registered user is not facing the direction of the information processing device 100.

[0146] Furthermore, the viewing time measurement unit 170 may measure the viewing time according to the direction of the gaze of the registered user detected in step S3003. For example, the viewing time measurement unit 170 may measure the viewing time when the gaze of the registered user is directed toward the information processing device 100, and may not need to measure the viewing time when the gaze of the registered user is not directed toward the information processing device 100.

[0147] If a registered user who was detected by the information processing device 100 is not detected for a short period of time that is less than a predetermined time, and is then detected again, the viewing time measurement unit 170 may measure the period including the undetected period as the viewing time (continuous viewing time). After starting measurement of the viewing time of the registered user in this manner, the process proceeds to step S3005.

[0148] In step S3005, if a registered user is no longer detected during the measurement of viewing time, the viewing time measurement unit 170 stops measuring the viewing time of the corresponding registered user. The viewing time measurement unit 170 also continues measuring the viewing time of the other registered users. After stopping the measurement of the viewing time of the registered user who is no longer detected, the process proceeds to step S3006.

[0149] In step S3006, the control unit 114 calculates the cumulative viewing time of the detected registered user. For example, the control unit 114 calculates the cumulative viewing time up to this point by adding up the cumulative viewing time obtained by adding up the viewing time of each previous viewing session excluding the current viewing session to the current viewing time. The calculation of the cumulative viewing time of the registered user who is no longer detected is stopped. Then, the process proceeds to step S3007.

[0150] In step S3007, control unit 114 performs the same control as step S1005 in Fig. 4. Control unit 114 compares the cumulative viewing time with the viewing limit time for each registered user. If control unit 114 determines that the cumulative viewing time is less than the viewing limit time (NO), the process proceeds to step S3009. Alternatively, if multiple registered users are detected, if control unit 114 determines that the cumulative viewing time of all detected registered users is less than the viewing limit time (NO), the process proceeds to step S3009.

[0151] On the other hand, if control unit 114 determines that the cumulative viewing time is equal to or greater than the viewing limit time (YES), the process proceeds to step S3008. Alternatively, if multiple registered users are detected, control unit 114 determines that the cumulative viewing time of any of the detected registered users is equal to or greater than the viewing limit time (NO), the process proceeds to step S3008.

[0152] In step S3008, the control unit 114 performs the same control as in step S1006 in FIG. 4. The control unit 114 issues a warning to a registered user whose cumulative viewing time has exceeded the viewing limit time. In addition, when a registered user is no longer detected and then detected again and the cumulative viewing time exceeds the viewing limit time, the control unit 114 issues a warning to restrict viewing of the content information to this registered user. At this time, in order not to disturb the viewing of other users, the control unit 114 may, for example, display a warning image on the periphery of the display unit 117 or may emit a warning sound with a reduced volume. When the registered user who has been warned is no longer detected, the control unit 114 stops warning this registered user. When the warning notice is issued to the registered user in this way, the process proceeds to step S3009.

[0153] In step S3009, control unit 114 determines whether content information, etc. is displayed on display unit 117. For example, if control unit 114 determines that content information is displayed on display unit 117 (YES), the process returns to step S3003. Then, the above-mentioned steps S3003 to S3009 are performed again, and viewing information measurement unit 117 continues to measure the viewing time of the detected registered user, and control unit 114 continues to calculate the cumulative viewing time of the detected registered user.

[0154] On the other hand, for example, if control unit 114 determines that content information or the like is not being displayed on display unit 117 (NO), the process proceeds to step S3010.

[0155] In step S3010, the same control as in step S1009 in Fig. 4 is performed. The viewing time measurement unit 170 stops measuring the viewing time of the detected registered user, and the control unit 114 stops calculating the cumulative viewing time of the detected registered user.

[0156] Then, the process proceeds to step S3011. In step S3011, the image capturing section 140 stops capturing an image of the user.

[0157] By carrying out these steps S3001 to S3011, the viewing information of the registered user is recorded even when the user views the information processing device 100 without performing a log-on operation.

[0158] Also in this embodiment, the continuous viewing time may be recorded as viewing information. For example, in step S3004, viewing time measurement unit 170 measures the viewing time as the continuous viewing time. Then, in step S3007, control unit 114 compares the continuous viewing time with the continuous viewing limit time. In step S3008, control unit 114 warns a registered user whose continuous viewing time has exceeded the continuous viewing limit time to take a break.

[0159] According to this embodiment, while the information processing device 100 is in operation, the imaging unit 140 automatically captures an image of the user, and face information is extracted from the user image created by the imaging unit 140. The control unit 114 detects a registered user from the extracted face information and user registration information.

[0160] According to this configuration, a registered user is detected without the user performing a log-on operation, so that even if a plurality of users are viewing content information, the viewing information of the registered users can be appropriately recorded.

[0161] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the imaging unit 140 captures an image of a user viewing content information multiple times, and the control unit 114 detects a registered user each time the imaging unit 140 captures an image of the user. Furthermore, the viewing time measurement unit 170 measures the viewing time only while the registered user is detected.

[0162] According to this configuration, the viewing time is measured only while the registered user is viewing the content information. That is, the viewing time of the registered user is measured without the registered user logging off from the information processing device 100 or turning off the display of the information processing device 100. This allows the viewing time measurement unit 170 to measure the accurate viewing time of the registered user. This also allows the cumulative viewing time of the registered user to be calculated more accurately, and the viewing information of the registered user to be recorded more appropriately.

[0163] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the imaging unit 140 continuously captures images of the user of the information processing device 100. With this configuration, the control unit 140 continuously detects registered users, so that the viewing time measurement unit 170 can more accurately measure the viewing time of the detected registered users. This allows the control unit 140 to more accurately calculate the cumulative viewing time of the detected registered users. This also allows the viewing information of the registered users to be more accurately recorded.

[0164] In addition, in the present embodiment, the continuous viewing time may be recorded as viewing information of the registered user. With this configuration, viewing of content information by the registered user can be restricted according to the continuous viewing time, so that the viewing information of the registered user can be more appropriately recorded.

[0165] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, when multiple users are registered in the information processing device 100, viewing information regarding cumulative viewing and viewing information regarding continuous viewing are recorded for each registered user. Then, when a registered user who is the target of a warning is detected, the control unit 114 warns the target registered user. Then, the control unit 114 warns the target registered user by displaying a warning image on the periphery of the screen or by emitting a warning sound with a reduced volume. With this configuration, viewing of the registered user who is the target of the warning can be restricted without interfering with viewing of content information by other users.

[0166] (Embodiment 5) So far, the case where viewing information of registered users is recorded in each information processing device has been described. However, recently, many users own multiple information processing devices, such as smartphones, mobile phones, personal computers, tablet terminals, and television sets. For this reason, if the viewing information of registered users is recorded for each information processing device, the viewing information of registered users cannot be appropriately recorded. Therefore, in this embodiment, a viewing information management system that collectively records the viewing information of registered users in multiple information processing devices will be described.

[0167] Fig. 17 is a diagram showing an example of a viewing information management system according to Embodiment 5 of the present invention. The viewing information management system includes, for example, as shown in Fig. 18, information processing devices 100 (100A to 100E), a base station 1010, a broadcast station 1020, a wireless router 1030, an external network 1040, a server 1050, and the like.

[0168] In this embodiment, a registered user is registered in a plurality of information processing devices 100 (100A to 100E). The information processing devices 100A to 100C are, for example, smartphones, mobile phones, personal computers, tablet terminals, etc. The information processing devices 100A to 100C are connected to a server 1050 provided in an external network 1040 via a mobile communication I / F 131 as an information communication unit and a base station 1010. The information processing devices 100A to 100C are also connected to the server 1050 provided in the external network via a communication I / F 113 as an information communication unit and a wireless router 1030. As a result, the information processing devices 100A to 100C transmit and receive viewing information, content information, etc. of the registered users to and from the server 1050.

[0169] The information processing device 100D is, for example, a device of various types connected to a server 1050 via a communication I / F 113 as an information communication unit and a wireless router 1030. The information processing device 100D is a device connected to a server 1050 provided in an external network 1040 via the communication I / F 113 as an information communication unit and the wireless router 1030. As a result, the information processing device 100D transmits and receives viewing information, content information, and the like of registered users to and from the server 1050.

[0170] The information processing device 100E is, for example, a television receiver that receives radio waves (television signals) transmitted from a broadcast station 1020 and displays a television broadcast. The information processing device 100E is connected to the server 1050 via a communication I / F 113 as an information communication unit and a wireless router 1030. As a result, the information processing device 100D transmits and receives viewing information and content information of registered users to and from the server 1050.

[0171] The information processing devices 100A to 100E are connected to the wireless router 1030 via a wired LAN or a wireless LAN. For example, in Fig. 17, the information processing devices 100A to 100D are connected to the wireless router 1030 via a wireless LAN, and the information processing device 100E is connected to the wireless router 1030 via a wired LAN. The information processing devices 100A to 100E are connected to each other via the wireless router 1030.

[0172] In this embodiment, for convenience of explanation, among the multiple information processing devices 100A to 100E, the information processing device (one information processing device) 100A is assumed to be a viewing information management device. The information processing devices 100B to 100E transmit viewing information related to, for example, the cumulative viewing time of registered users to the information processing device 100A. For example, the information processing device 100A records a cumulative viewing time across multiple devices obtained by adding up the cumulative viewing times of registered users in the multiple information processing devices 100A to 100E based on viewing information related to the cumulative viewing time of registered users received from the information processing devices 100B to 100E. In this way, the information processing device 100A collectively records the viewing information of registered users in the information processing devices 100A to 100E. Note that the information processing device 100A may be, for example, a device that is used personally by an administrator user.

[0173] The viewing information management system is not limited to such a configuration and can be freely modified. For example, the information processing devices 100D and 100E may be connected to a base station 1010, and the information processing devices 100A to 100D may receive radio waves from a broadcast station 1020. The viewing information management system may include six or more information processing devices 100, or four or less information processing devices 100.

[0174] [Method for recording viewing time in an information processing device that requires a log-on operation] Next, a method for recording viewing information of a registered user in this embodiment will be described. First, a method for recording viewing time in an information processing device that requires a user to perform a log-on operation will be described. FIG. 18 is a diagram showing an example of a flowchart regarding a method for recording viewing information according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 19 is a diagram showing an example of a method for recording viewing information according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention. In the following description, as a rule, descriptions of parts that overlap with the contents of the first to fourth embodiments will be omitted.

[0175] Note that registered user information on a plurality of registered users is recorded, for example, in the information storage unit 125 of the information processing device 100A by a registration operation performed in advance by a user who wishes to be registered. Also, viewing information on registered users, such as viewing limit time, continuous viewing limit time, and reset time, is recorded in advance in the information storage unit 125 of the information processing device 100A by an administrator user or the registered users themselves.

[0176] In step S1001, it is determined whether the user who is attempting to use the information processing device 100 is one of multiple registered users who have been registered in advance as users of the information processing device 100. If the information processing device 100 to which the user is attempting to log on has not acquired registered user information such as a password of the registered user, the information processing device 100A acquires the registered user information in advance from the information processing device 100A or the server 1050.

[0177] In step S1002, when the viewing time measurement unit 170 of the information-processing device 100 to which the registered user is logged on starts measuring the viewing time of the logged-on registered user, the process proceeds to step S4003.

[0178] In step S4003, the information processing device 100 transmits viewing start information to the information processing device 100A, which includes, for example, identification information (for example, registered user information) of the logged-on registered user, viewing information related to the viewing start time of the content, and device identification information for identifying the information processing device 100 used by the registered user. For example, the information processing device 100A determines whether the information processing device 100 that transmitted the viewing start information is a device registered in the viewing information management system based on the device identification information of the received viewing start information. If it is determined that the information processing device 100 that transmitted the viewing start information is a device registered in the viewing information management system, the information processing device 100A records the viewing start time of the logged-on registered user and the like as viewing information in a table based on the received viewing start information. For example, as shown in FIG. 19, the information processing device 100A records the ID of the currently used information processing device 100 in the device ID column of the currently used device column, and the viewing information related to the viewing start time on the information processing device 100 in the viewing start time column of the table. Then, the information processing device 100A transmits information notifying the information processing device 100 that transmitted the view start information that the view start information has been received.

[0179] Furthermore, the information processing device 100 requests the information processing device 100A to transmit viewing information such as the cumulative viewing time across multiple devices up to the last time, which is the sum of the cumulative viewing times across multiple information processing devices 100 in which the logged-on registered user is registered, or across information processing devices 100 (e.g., 100A to 100E) registered in the viewing information management system, and viewing time limit. The information processing device 100A transmits the viewing information of the logged-on registered user to the information processing device 100. Then, the process proceeds to step S1004.

[0180] In step S1004, the current viewing time measured in step S1002 is added to the cumulative viewing time across multiple devices up to the previous time received from information processing device 100A in step S4003 to calculate the cumulative viewing time across multiple devices up to the current time of the logged-on registered user. Then, the process proceeds to step S1005.

[0181] In step S1005, the control unit 114 of the information processing device 100 to which the registered user is logged on (viewing the content) compares the current cumulative viewing time across multiple devices with the viewing limit time. If the control unit 114 of the information processing device 100 to which the registered user is logged on determines that the current cumulative viewing time across multiple devices is equal to or greater than the viewing limit time, the process proceeds to step S1006.

[0182] In step S1006, control unit 114 of information processing device 100 to which the registered user is logged on issues a warning to the registered user, and then the process proceeds to step S4007.

[0183] In step S4007, the information processing device 100 to which the registered user is logged on transmits viewing time exceeding information (e.g., cumulative viewing time across multiple devices) indicating that the registered user has exceeded the viewing time limit to the information processing device 100A. The information processing device 100A records the received viewing time exceeding information in a table. Then, the process proceeds to step S1008.

[0184] In step S1009, the viewing time measurement unit 170 of the information processing device 100 to which the registered user is logged on stops measuring the viewing time of the registered user. Furthermore, the information processing device 100 to which the registered user is logged on transmits viewing stop information indicating that the registered user has stopped viewing the content information, and viewing information such as the cumulative viewing time across multiple devices up to this time to the information processing device 100A. The information processing device 100A records the received viewing stop information, viewing information related to the cumulative viewing time across multiple devices, etc., and updates the viewing information of the registered user who has stopped viewing. For example, the information processing device 100A deletes viewing information related to the ID information of the information processing device 100 recorded in the device ID column, viewing start time information, etc. from the table, and records viewing information related to the cumulative viewing time across multiple devices up to this time in the table.

[0185] Furthermore, the continuous viewing time may be recorded as viewing information of a registered user. For example, in step S4007 in Fig. 18, the information processing device 100 to which the registered user is logged on transmits continuous viewing time exceeding information (e.g., a break end time) indicating that the registered user has exceeded the continuous viewing time limit to the information processing device 100A. The information processing device 100A records the received continuous viewing time exceeding information in a table.

[0186] [Recording viewing time on an information processing device that does not require a log-on operation] Next, a method for recording viewing time in an information processing device that does not require a log-on operation by a user will be described. Fig. 20 is a diagram showing an example of a flowchart for a method for recording viewing information according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 21 is a diagram showing an example of a method for recording viewing information according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention.

[0187] In step S3002, the information processing device 100 transmits device identification information for identifying its own information processing device 100 to the information processing device 100A, and requests transmission of viewing information and the like of the registered user. The information processing device 100A determines whether the information processing device 100 is a device registered in the viewing information management system based on the received device identification information. If it is determined that the information processing device 100 that transmitted the viewing start information is a device registered in the viewing information management system, viewing information such as the registered user's cumulative viewing time across multiple devices up to the previous time, viewing limit time, and the like is transmitted to the information processing device 100. Then, the process proceeds to step S3003.

[0188] In step S3004, the information processing device 100 transmits viewing start information including, for example, identification information of the detected registered user (for example, registered user information), viewing information related to the viewing start time, device identification information for identifying the information processing device 100, and the like, to the information processing device 100A. The information processing device 100A records the received viewing start information in a table. For example, as shown in FIG. 21, the information processing device 100A records viewing information such as the ID of the information processing device 100, the viewing start time on the information processing device 100, and face information in a table. In addition, the information processing device 100A may transmit, for example, information notifying the information processing device 100 that transmitted the viewing start information that the viewing start information has been received.

[0189] In step S3005, if there is a registered user who is no longer detected during the measurement of the viewing time, the information processing device 100 transmits viewing stop information indicating that the registered user has stopped viewing the content information, the cumulative viewing time among multiple devices up to this time, and the like to the information processing device 100A. The information processing device 100A records the received viewing stop information, the viewing information related to the cumulative viewing time among multiple devices up to this time, and the like in a table, and updates the viewing information of the registered user who has stopped viewing. If it is determined that the information processing device 100 that has transmitted the viewing stop information, the cumulative viewing time among multiple devices up to this time, and the like is a device registered in the viewing information management system, for example, the information processing device 100A deletes the viewing information related to the ID information of the information processing device 100 recorded in the device ID field, the viewing start time information, and the like from the table, and records the viewing information related to the cumulative viewing time among multiple devices up to this time in the table. The information processing device 100A may also transmit information notifying the information processing device 100 that it has received the viewing stop information, the cumulative viewing time among multiple devices up to this time, and the like.

[0190] In step S3006, the current viewing time measured in step S3004 is added to the previous cumulative viewing time across multiple devices received from information processing device 100A in step S3002 to calculate the current cumulative viewing time across multiple devices for the detected registered user. Also, control unit 114 stops calculating the current cumulative viewing time across multiple devices for registered users who are no longer detected.

[0191] Also in this embodiment, the continuous viewing time may be recorded as viewing information of a registered user. For example, in step S4007 in Fig. 18, the information processing device 100 transmits continuous viewing time exceeding information (e.g., a break end time) indicating that the registered user has exceeded the continuous viewing time limit to the information processing device 100A. Based on the received continuous viewing time exceeding information, the information processing device 100A records viewing information relating to the break end time of the registered user, for example, in a table.

[0192] Also, for example, in step S3004 in FIG. 20, the viewing time measurement unit 170 measures the viewing time as the continuous viewing time. Then, in step S3007 in FIG. 20, the control unit 114 compares the continuous viewing time with the continuous viewing limit time. In step S3008 in FIG. 20, the control unit 114 warns the registered user whose continuous viewing time has exceeded the continuous viewing limit time to take a break. Then, in step S3010 in FIG. 20, the viewing time measurement unit 170 stops measuring the viewing time of the detected registered user, and the control unit 114 stops calculating the cumulative viewing time of the detected registered user. Also, the information processing device 100 transmits viewing stop information indicating that the registered user has stopped viewing the content information, the cumulative viewing time across multiple devices up to this time, and the like to the information processing device 100A.

[0193] According to this embodiment, even if a registered user views content information or the like on a plurality of information processing devices 100, the viewing information on each of the information processing devices 100 is collectively recorded in the information processing device 100A serving as a viewing information management device.

[0194] According to this configuration, the total of the cumulative viewing time in each information processing device 100 is recorded as the cumulative viewing time across a plurality of devices, so that the viewing information of registered users is recorded more appropriately.

[0195] Moreover, according to this embodiment, after receiving the inter-device cumulative viewing time up to the previous time from the information processing device 100A as the viewing information management device, the inter-device cumulative viewing time up to the current time is calculated in each information processing device 100. Moreover, each information processing device 100 compares the inter-device cumulative viewing time with the viewing restriction time.

[0196] According to this configuration, the number of times that the information processing device 100 accesses the information processing device 100A can be reduced, thereby reducing the load on the information processing device 100A. Furthermore, even if the information processing device 100 cannot access the information processing device 100A, it is possible to warn registered users.

[0197] Furthermore, according to the present embodiment, when the continuous viewing time of a registered user exceeds the continuous viewing time limit, viewing information regarding the break start time is recorded in the table. With this configuration, even if a registered user attempts to use another information processing device 100 during a break, viewing of content information, etc. is restricted, so that the viewing information of the registered user can be recorded more appropriately.

[0198] Moreover, according to the present embodiment, the viewing information is recorded via the external Internet 1040. According to this configuration, even if the administrator user and the registered user are apart from each other, the viewing of the registered user is restricted, so that the viewing information is appropriately recorded.

[0199] (Embodiment 6) In this embodiment, a case will be described in which viewing information is recorded in server 1050 serving as a viewing information management device.

[0200] [Method for recording viewing time in an information processing device that requires a log-on operation] A method for recording viewing time in an information processing device that requires a log-on operation will be described with reference to Fig. 18. In the following description, as a rule, descriptions of parts that overlap with the contents of the above-mentioned embodiments 1 to 5 will be omitted.

[0201] Note that registered user information on a plurality of registered users is stored, for example, in server 1050 by a registration operation performed in advance by a user who wishes to be registered. Also, viewing information on registered users, such as viewing limit time, continuous viewing limit time, and reset time, is stored in advance in server 1050 by an administrator user or the registered users themselves.

[0202] In step S4003, the information processing device 100 transmits viewing start information including, for example, identification information of the logged-on registered user (for example, registered user information), viewing information related to the viewing start time, and device identification information for identifying the information processing device 100 used by the registered user to the server 1050 on the external network 1040. The server 1050 determines, for example, based on the device identification information of the received viewing start information, whether the information processing device 100 that transmitted the viewing start information is a device registered in the viewing information management system. If it is determined that the information processing device 100 is a device registered in the viewing information management system, the server 1050 records the viewing information related to the received viewing start information in a table. For example, the server 1050 records the viewing information related to the ID of the information processing device 100, the viewing start time, and the like in a table, as shown in FIG. 19. Then, the server 1050 transmits information notifying the information processing device 100 that the viewing start information has been received.

[0203] Furthermore, the information processing device 100 requests the server 1050 to transmit viewing information, such as the cumulative viewing time across multiple devices up to the last time and viewing time limit, for registered users who have logged on and are viewing content information. The server 1050 transmits the viewing information of the logged-on registered users to the information processing device 100.

[0204] In step S4007, information processing device 100 transmits viewing time exceeding information (e.g., cumulative viewing time across multiple devices up to this point) indicating that the registered user has exceeded the viewing time limit to server 1050. Server 1050 records the received viewing time exceeding information in a table.

[0205] In step S1009, the information processing device 100 transmits viewing stop information indicating that the registered user has stopped viewing the content information, and viewing information such as the cumulative viewing time across multiple devices up to this point, to the server 1050. The server 1050 records the received viewing stop information and viewing information relating to the cumulative viewing time across multiple devices up to this point in a table, and updates the viewing information of the registered user who has stopped viewing. For example, the server 1050 deletes the ID information, viewing start time information, etc. of the information processing device 100 from the table, and records viewing information relating to the cumulative viewing time across multiple devices up to this point in the table.

[0206] [Recording viewing time on an information processing device that does not require a log-on operation] Next, a method for recording viewing time in an information processing device that does not require a log-on operation by a user will be described with reference to FIG.

[0207] In step S3002, the information processing device 100 transmits device identification information for identifying its own information processing device 100 to the server 1050, and requests the transmission of viewing information and the like of the registered user. The server 1050 determines whether the information processing device 100 is a device registered in the viewing information management system based on the received device identification information. If it is determined that the information processing device 100 is a device registered in the viewing information management system, it transmits viewing information such as the registered user's cumulative viewing time across multiple devices up to the previous time, viewing restriction time, and the like to the information processing device 100.

[0208] In step S3004, the information processing device 100 transmits to the server 1050 viewing start information including, for example, identification information of the detected registered user (for example, registered user information), viewing information related to the viewing start time, device identification information for identifying the information processing device 100, and the like. The server 1050 records the received viewing start information in a table. For example, as shown in FIG. 21, the server 1050 records in a table viewing information related to the ID of the information processing device 100, the viewing start time on the information processing device 100, face information, and the like. In addition, the server 1050 may transmit, for example, information notifying the information processing device 100 that the viewing start information has been received.

[0209] In step S3005, if there is a registered user who is no longer detected during the measurement of viewing time, the information processing device 100 transmits viewing stop information indicating that the registered user has stopped viewing the content information, the cumulative viewing time across multiple devices up to this point, etc. to the server 1050. The server 1050 records the viewing stop information, the viewing information relating to the cumulative viewing time across multiple devices up to this point, etc. in a table, and updates the viewing information of the registered user who has stopped viewing. For example, the server 1050 deletes the viewing information relating to the ID information of the information processing device 100 recorded in the device ID column, the viewing start time information, etc. from the table, and records the viewing information relating to the cumulative viewing time across multiple devices up to this point in the table.

[0210] Also in this embodiment, the continuous viewing time may be recorded as viewing information of a registered user. For example, in step S4007 in Fig. 18, the information processing device 100 transmits continuous viewing time exceeding information (e.g., a break end time) indicating that the registered user has exceeded the continuous viewing time limit to the server 1050. The server 1050 records the viewing information relating to the received continuous viewing time exceeding information in a table.

[0211] According to this embodiment, even if a registered user views content information or the like on a plurality of information processing devices 100, the viewing information on each of the information processing devices 100 is collectively recorded in the server 1050 serving as a viewing information management device.

[0212] According to this configuration, the viewing information of the registered user is more appropriately recorded because the total of the cumulative viewing time in each information processing device 100 is recorded as the cumulative viewing time among the multiple devices. Also, according to this configuration, the viewing information of the registered user does not need to be recorded in the viewing processing device 100, so the load on the information processing device 100 is reduced.

[0213] Furthermore, according to the present embodiment, when the continuous viewing time of a registered user exceeds the continuous viewing time limit, viewing information regarding the break start time is recorded in the table. With this configuration, even if a registered user attempts to use another information processing device 100 during a break, viewing of content information, etc. is restricted, so that the viewing information of the registered user can be recorded more appropriately.

[0214] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, viewing information is recorded via the external Internet 1040. With this configuration, even if the administrator user and the registered users are separated from each other, the viewing information of the registered users is appropriately recorded.

[0215] (Embodiment 7) In the above-mentioned fifth and sixth embodiments, the case where the cumulative viewing time among multiple devices up to the present is calculated in each information processing device 100 has been described, but in the present embodiment, the case where the cumulative viewing time among multiple devices up to the present is calculated in the information processing device 100A and the server 1050 as a viewing information management device will be described. In the following description, as a rule, descriptions of parts that overlap with the contents of the above-mentioned first to sixth embodiments will be omitted.

[0216] [Method for recording viewing time in an information processing device that requires a log-on operation] A method for recording viewing time in an information processing device that requires a log-on operation will be described with reference to FIG. 18. When the information processing device 100A and the server 1050 receive, for example, identification information of the logged-on registered user and viewing information related to the viewing start time of the content information transmitted from the information processing device 100 in step S4003 in FIG. 18, the information processing device 100A and the server 1050 start measuring the current viewing time of the registered user. In addition, the information processing device 100A and the server 1050 add up the current viewing time of the registered user and the cumulative viewing time among the multiple devices up to the previous time to calculate the cumulative viewing time among the multiple devices up to the current time. Then, the information processing device 100A and the server 1050 compare the cumulative viewing time among the multiple devices up to the current time with the viewing limit time. When the information processing device 100A and the server 1050 determine that the cumulative viewing time among the multiple devices up to the current time of the registered user is equal to or longer than the viewing limit time, they instruct the information processing device 100 on which the registered user is viewing the content to warn the registered user, and the information processing device 100 warns the registered user based on the instruction from the information processing device 100A and the server 1050. For example, the information processing device 100A and the server 1050 transmit viewing limit time exceeded information indicating that the cumulative viewing time across multiple devices up to this point is equal to or exceeds the viewing limit time to the information processing device 100. Then, the information processing device 100 performs control of step S1006 in Fig. 18 based on the received viewing limit time exceeded information to warn the registered user.

[0217] When the information processing device 100A and the server 1050 receive the viewing stop information of the registered user transmitted from the information processing device 100 in step S1009 in Fig. 18, they stop measuring the viewing time of the registered user. Furthermore, the information processing device 100A and the server 1050 stop calculating the cumulative viewing time across multiple devices up to this time for the registered user, and record viewing information relating to the cumulative viewing time across multiple devices up to this time in a table.

[0218] [Recording viewing time on an information processing device that does not require a log-on operation] Next, a method for recording viewing time in an information processing device that does not require a log-on operation by a user will be described with reference to Fig. 20. In this case, the information processing device 100A and the server 1050 perform almost the same control as in the case where a log-on operation is required. Therefore, here, differences from the control in the case where a log-on operation is required will be described.

[0219] When the information processing device 100A and the server 1050 receive, for example, the identification information of the detected registered user and the viewing information related to the viewing start time transmitted from the information processing device 100 in step S3004 in Fig. 20, they start measuring the current viewing time of the detected registered user. Furthermore, the information processing device 100A and the server 1050 add up the current viewing time of the registered user and the cumulative viewing time across multiple devices up to the previous time to calculate the cumulative viewing time across multiple devices up to the current time. Then, when the information processing device 100A and the server 1050 determine that the cumulative viewing time across multiple devices up to the current time is equal to or greater than the viewing limit time, they cause the information processing device 100 to warn the registered user. The information processing device 100 warns the registered user by controlling step S3008 in Fig. 20 based on the received viewing limit time expiration information. When the information processing device 100A and the server 1050 determine that the cumulative viewing time across multiple devices up to this time of the registered user is equal to or longer than the viewing limit time, they instruct the information processing device 100 on which the registered user is viewing the content to warn the registered user, and the information processing device 100 warns the registered user based on the instruction from the information processing device 100A and the server 1050. For example, the information processing device 100A and the server 1050 transmit to the information processing device 100 viewing limit time exceeded information indicating that the cumulative viewing time across multiple devices up to this time is equal to or longer than the viewing limit time. Then, the information processing device 100 warns the registered user by performing control of step S3008 in FIG. 20 based on the received viewing limit time exceeded information.

[0220] When the information processing device 100A and the server 1050 receive the viewing stop information of the registered user transmitted from the information processing device 100 in step S3005 in FIG. 20, they stop measuring the viewing time of the registered user.

[0221] Furthermore, the information processing device 100A and the server 1050 may measure the continuous viewing time of the registered user. The information processing device 100A and the server 1050 measure the continuous viewing time of the registered user and compare the continuous viewing time with the continuous viewing limit time. When the information processing device 100A and the server 1050 determine that the continuous viewing time of the registered user is equal to or longer than the continuous viewing limit time, they cause the information processing device 100 to warn the registered user. For example, the information processing device 100A and the server 1050 transmit continuous viewing limit time exceeding information to the information processing device 100 indicating that the continuous viewing time is equal to or longer than the continuous viewing limit time. The information processing device 100 warns the registered user by controlling step S1006 in FIG. 18 or step 3008 in FIG. 20 based on the received continuous viewing limit time exceeding information.

[0222] Furthermore, when the information processing device 100A and the server 1050 receive the viewing stop information of the registered user transmitted from the information processing device 100 in step S1009 in FIG. 18 or step S3005 in FIG. 20, they stop measuring the continuous viewing time of the registered user.

[0223] According to the present embodiment, the cumulative viewing time and continuous viewing time among multiple devices are calculated in the information processing device 100A as a viewing information management device, and in the server 1050. According to this configuration, each information processing device 100 does not need to calculate the cumulative viewing time and continuous viewing time among multiple devices, and therefore the load on the information processing device 100 is reduced.

[0224] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, information processing device 100A and server 1050 compare the current cumulative viewing time among multiple devices with the viewing limit time, and if it is determined that the current cumulative viewing time among multiple devices has exceeded the viewing limit time, they instruct information processing device 100 to warn the registered user. According to this configuration, information processing device 100 issues a warning based on instructions from information processing device 100A and server 1050, thereby restricting viewing of content information by registered users. This allows viewing information of registered users to be appropriately recorded.

[0225] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, information processing device 100A and server 1050 compare the continuous viewing time with the continuous viewing time limit, and when the continuous viewing time exceeds the continuous viewing time limit, cause information processing device 100 to issue a warning to take a predetermined break. According to this configuration, information processing device 100 can cause the registered user to take an appropriate break by issuing a warning based on an instruction from information processing device 100A and server 1050. This allows the viewing information of the registered user to be recorded more appropriately.

[0226] (Other embodiments) The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment. For example, a storage may be provided in the wireless router 1030, and the viewing information of registered users may be recorded in the storage. In this case, power is supplied to the wireless router 1030 more stably than when the information processing device 100 is used as a viewing information management device. In addition, since the network connection between the information processing device 100 (e.g., 100A to 100E) and the wireless router 1030 is stable, a response can be made immediately to a request to transmit viewing information from the information processing device 100.

[0227] The invention made by the present inventor has been specifically described above based on the embodiment of the invention. However, the present invention is not limited to the embodiment of the invention, and it goes without saying that various modifications can be made without departing from the gist of the invention.

[0228] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, but includes various modified examples. For example, the above-described embodiment has been described in detail to easily explain the present invention, and the present invention is not necessarily limited to the embodiment having all of the described configurations.

[0229] In addition, a part of the configuration of one embodiment can be replaced with a configuration of another embodiment, and a configuration of another embodiment can be added to a configuration of one embodiment. In addition, a part of the configuration of each embodiment can be added, deleted, or replaced with another configuration. Note that the components and relative sizes shown in the drawings are simplified and idealized to explain the present invention in an easy-to-understand manner, and the actual implementation may have a more complicated shape. [Explanation of symbols]

[0230] 100, 100A, 100B, 100C, 100D, 100E...information processing device, 114...control unit, 115...information input unit, 116...user information acquisition unit, 117...display unit, 125...information storage unit, 140...imaging unit, 1010...base station, 1020...broadcast station, 1030...wireless router, 1040...external network, 1050...server

Claims

1. 1. A system comprising: A first information processing device; A second information processing device; a server connected to the first information processing device and the second information processing device; Equipped with The first information processing device, A user information acquisition unit that acquires user information; A first display unit; A first communications department; A first control unit, The second information processing device, a second control unit that registers information about a user of the first information processing device and sets a viewing limit time of the first information processing device; a second communication unit for transmitting viewing restriction time information regarding a viewing restriction time to the first information processing device, the first control unit performs user authentication using preregistered user information and the user information acquired by the user information acquisition unit, thereafter controls the first display unit to display content information, measures a viewing time of the content information displayed on the first display unit, and controls the first communication unit to transmit cumulative viewing time information based on the viewing time to the second information processing device via the server; the first communication unit receives viewing restriction time information on a viewing restriction time from the second information processing device via the server, and when the first control unit determines that the viewing time being measured is equal to or longer than the viewing restriction time set by the second information processing device, the first control unit controls the first display unit to hide the content information displayed on the first display unit to restrict viewing; the first control unit controls to release the viewing restriction when a given time has elapsed after the content information is hidden, system.

2. 2. The system of claim 1, The user information acquisition unit acquires an input password as the user information. system.

3. 2. The system of claim 1, the user information acquisition unit has a biometric sensor and acquires biometric information as the user information; system.

4. 2. The system of claim 1, the user information acquisition unit has an image sensor, and acquires, as the user information, face information extracted from an image of the user captured and created by the image sensor; system.

5. 2. The system of claim 1, the viewing time is a time during which the content information created by the application program is displayed on the first display unit, or a time elapsed from a display start time of the content information created by the application program and displayed on the first display unit; system.

6. 2. The system of claim 1, the first information processing device has a clock function, The first control unit measures the viewing time based on time information by the clock function. system.

7. 2. The system of claim 1, the second communication unit receives the cumulative viewing time information based on the viewing time from the first information processing device via the server; system.

8. 2. The system of claim 1, the second communication unit receives information indicating that the viewing time being measured by the first information processing device is equal to or longer than the viewing limit time set by the first information processing device. system.

9. 1. A system comprising: A first information processing device; A second information processing device; a server connected to the first information processing device and the second information processing device; Equipped with The first information processing device, A user information acquisition unit that acquires user information; A first display unit; A first communications department; A first control unit, The second information processing device, a second control unit that registers information about a user of the first information processing device and sets a viewing limit time of the first information processing device; a second communication unit for transmitting viewing restriction time information regarding a viewing restriction time to the first information processing device, the first control unit performs user authentication using preregistered user information and the user information acquired by the user information acquisition unit, thereafter controls the first display unit to display content information, measures a viewing time of the content information displayed on the first display unit, and controls the first communication unit to transmit cumulative viewing time information based on the viewing time to the second information processing device via the server; the first communication unit receives viewing restriction time information on a viewing restriction time from the second information processing device via the server, and when the first control unit determines that the viewing time being measured is equal to or longer than the viewing restriction time set by the second information processing device, the first control unit controls the first display unit to hide the content information displayed on the first display unit to restrict viewing; the first control unit controls to release the viewing restriction at a predetermined time after the content information is hidden. system.

10. 10. The system of claim 9, The user information acquisition unit acquires an input password as the user information. system.

11. 10. The system of claim 9, the user information acquisition unit has a biometric sensor and acquires biometric information as the user information; system.

12. 10. The system of claim 9, the user information acquisition unit has an image sensor, and acquires, as the user information, face information extracted from an image of the user captured and created by the image sensor; system.

13. 10. The system of claim 9, the viewing time is a time during which the content information created by the application program is displayed on the first display unit, or a time elapsed from a display start time of the content information created by the application program and displayed on the first display unit; system.

14. 10. The system of claim 9, the first information processing device has a clock function, The first control unit measures the viewing time based on time information by the clock function. system.

15. 10. The system of claim 9, the second communication unit receives the cumulative viewing time information based on the viewing time from the first information processing device via the server; system.

16. 10. The system of claim 9, the second communication unit receives information indicating that the viewing time being measured by the first information processing device is equal to or longer than the viewing limit time set by the first information processing device. system.

17. An information processing device, a user information acquisition unit for acquiring user information; A display unit; A communication unit capable of communicating with an external information processing device via a server; A control unit, the control unit performs user authentication using user information of a first user registered in advance and the user information acquired by the user information acquisition unit, thereafter controls the display unit to display content information, measures a viewing time of the content information displayed on the display unit, and controls the communication unit to transmit cumulative viewing time information based on the viewing time to the external information processing device via the server; the communication unit receives viewing restriction time information regarding a viewing restriction time set for the registered first user from the external information processing device via the server, and when the control unit determines that the viewing time being measured is equal to or longer than the viewing restriction time set for the registered first user, the control unit controls the content information displayed on the display unit to be hidden to restrict viewing; the control unit controls to release the viewing restriction when a given time has elapsed after the content information is hidden. Information processing device.

18. 18. The information processing device according to claim 17, The user information acquisition unit acquires an input password as the user information. Information processing device.

19. 18. The information processing device according to claim 17, the user information acquisition unit has a biometric sensor and acquires biometric information as the user information; Information processing device.

20. 18. The information processing device according to claim 17, the user information acquisition unit has an image sensor, and acquires, as the user information, face information extracted from an image of the user captured and created by the image sensor; Information processing device.

21. 18. The information processing device according to claim 17, the viewing time is a time during which the content information created by the application program is displayed on the display unit, or a time elapsed from a display start time of the content information created by the application program and displayed on the display unit; Information processing device.

22. 18. The information processing device according to claim 17, In addition, it has a clock function, The control unit measures the viewing time based on time information by the clock function. Information processing device.

23. 18. The information processing device according to claim 17, When the control unit determines that the viewing time being measured is equal to or longer than a viewing limit time set for the registered first user, the control unit controls the communication unit to notify the external information processing device via the server. Information processing device.

24. An information processing device, a user information acquisition unit for acquiring user information; A display unit; A communication unit capable of communicating with an external information processing device via a server; A control unit, the control unit performs user authentication using user information of a first user registered in advance and the user information acquired by the user information acquisition unit, thereafter controls the display unit to display content information, measures a viewing time of the content information displayed on the display unit, and controls the communication unit to transmit cumulative viewing time information based on the viewing time to the external information processing device via the server; the communication unit receives viewing restriction time information regarding a viewing restriction time set for the registered first user from the external information processing device via the server, and when the control unit determines that the viewing time being measured is equal to or longer than the viewing restriction time set for the registered first user, the control unit controls the content information displayed on the display unit to be hidden to restrict viewing; the control unit controls to release the viewing restriction at a predetermined time after hiding the content information. Information processing device.

25. 25. The information processing device according to claim 24, The user information acquisition unit acquires an input password as the user information. Information processing device.

26. 25. The information processing device according to claim 24, the user information acquisition unit has a biometric sensor and acquires biometric information as the user information; Information processing device.

27. 25. The information processing device according to claim 24, the user information acquisition unit has an image sensor, and acquires, as the user information, face information extracted from an image of the user captured and created by the image sensor; Information processing device.

28. 25. The information processing device according to claim 24, the viewing time is a time during which the content information created by the application program is displayed on the display unit, or a time elapsed from a display start time of the content information created by the application program and displayed on the display unit; Information processing device.

29. 25. The information processing device according to claim 24, In addition, it has a clock function, The control unit measures the viewing time based on time information by the clock function. Information processing device.

30. 25. The information processing device according to claim 24, When the control unit determines that the viewing time being measured is equal to or longer than a viewing limit time set for the registered first user, the control unit controls the communication unit to notify the external information processing device via the server. Information processing device.

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