Server device

Abstract

To provide a server device of a new karaoke system capable of simulating a message bottle play and balloon release play.SOLUTION: A server device comprises: a first storage part for storing device identification information pieces of respective karaoke devices, and area identification information pieces of respective areas in which the respective karaoke devices are installed, in association with each other; a second storage part for storing area identification information pieces of respective permitted areas, period information pieces and area identification information pieces of respective other areas in association with each other; a reception part for receiving video data and one of the device identification information pieces from one of the karaoke devices: an identification part for identifying one of the permitted areas; a recommendation part for instructing the karaoke device installed in the one of the permitted areas to recommend viewing of the received video data; a distribution part for distributing the video data in accordance with a request from the karaoke device; and an update part for updating each of the other areas so as to become each one of the permitted areas when each expiration time arrives.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a server device. [Background technology]

[0002] People sometimes play a game in which they put a letter in a bottle and let it float down the sea or a river (known as a message bottle), or tie a letter to a balloon and let it fly (known as balloon flying).

[0003] Recently, application software that simulates a message bottle has become known (for example, see Non-Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Non-patent literature]

[0004] [Non-Patent Document 1] "5 free message bottle apps that will get your message to someone!", Appba [online], [Searched June 15, 2021], Internet<URL:https: / / app-field.com / message-bottle-app> Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] An object of the present invention is to provide a server device that makes it possible to simulate the release of message bottles and balloons. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] One invention for achieving the above object is a server device communicatively connected to a plurality of karaoke devices, the server device comprising: a first storage unit for storing device identification information of the karaoke device and area identification information of an area in which the karaoke device is installed among a plurality of areas determined based on geographical conditions, in association with each other; a second storage unit for storing area identification information of an allowed area among the plurality of areas in which video data transmitted from the karaoke device is permitted to be viewed, period information indicating a period during which the video data is permitted to be viewed, and area identification information of another area in which the video data is permitted to be viewed next to the allowed area, in association with each other; and a receiver for receiving from one karaoke device the video data created by the one karaoke device and the device identification information of the one karaoke device. a recommendation unit that instructs a karaoke device installed in the one permitted area to recommend viewing of the received video data until a deadline based on a period indicated by period information associated with the area identification information of the one permitted area arrives; a distribution unit that distributes the video data in response to a request from the karaoke device that has instructed to recommend viewing of the received video data; and an update unit that, when the deadline arrives, updates the other area to the one permitted area based on area identification information of the other area associated with the area identification information of the one permitted area. Other features of the present invention will become apparent from the following specification and drawings. Effect of the Invention

[0007] According to the present invention, it is possible to simulate the release of a message in a bottle or a balloon. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a karaoke system according to an embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a server device according to an embodiment. [Diagram 3]FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a table stored in a first storage unit according to the embodiment. [Figure 4A] 6 is a diagram showing a table stored in a second storage unit according to the embodiment; FIG. [Figure 4B] 6 is a diagram showing a table stored in a second storage unit according to the embodiment; FIG. [Diagram 5] 6 is a flowchart showing a process of a server device according to the embodiment. [Figure 6] 13 is a diagram showing a table stored in a second storage unit according to Modification 1. FIG. [Figure 7] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a table stored in a first storage unit according to Modification 2. [Figure 8] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a table stored in a second storage unit according to Modification 3. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0009] <Embodiment> The server device S according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0010] ==Karaoke System== The karaoke system includes a plurality of karaoke machines and a server device. As shown in Fig. 1, the karaoke system 1 according to the present embodiment includes a plurality of karaoke machines including karaoke machines K1-1, K2-1, and K1-1, and a server device S. Each karaoke machine and the server device S are connected to each other via a network N so as to be able to communicate with each other.

[0011] The server device S is a computer that manages various types of information. The server device S can simulate message bottles and balloons (details will be described later).

[0012] A karaoke machine has a function for playing and singing karaoke songs. A karaoke machine has various components such as a microphone, a display, a speaker, a remote control device, and a photographing means. A karaoke machine is provided with device identification information. The device identification information is information unique to each karaoke machine, such as a device ID for identifying the karaoke machine.

[0013] Each karaoke machine is installed in one of a number of areas (details will be described later) that are determined based on geographical conditions. In the example of Fig. 1, karaoke machine K1-1 is installed in area E1, karaoke machine K2-1 is installed in area E2, and karaoke machine Kl-1 is installed in area El. At least one karaoke machine is installed in each area.

[0014] The karaoke machine according to this embodiment is also capable of executing a mode for simulating the release of message bottles or balloons (hereinafter referred to as "message delivery mode"). A user who wishes to use the message delivery mode selects the mode via a remote control device and selects a desired song. The karaoke machine performs karaoke of the selected song. The user sings karaoke along with the karaoke performance via a microphone and inputs a message of their choice at an interlude or other timing. The karaoke machine photographs the user singing karaoke via a photographing means. The karaoke machine generates video data by combining photographed data of the user, the karaoke performance sound, and audio data of the karaoke singing and message input via the microphone.

[0015] The karaoke device transmits the generated video data to the server device S together with its own device identification information.

[0016] ==Server device== 2, the server device S includes a storage means 10, a communication means 20, and a control means 30. Each component is connected to a bus B via an interface (not shown).

[0017] [Storage means] The storage means 10 is a large-capacity storage device that stores various data, such as a hard disk drive, etc. In this embodiment, a part of the storage area of ​​the storage means 10 functions as a first storage unit 10a and a second storage unit 10b.

[0018] (First memory unit) The first storage unit 10a stores device identification information of a karaoke device in association with area identification information of an area in which the karaoke device is installed, among a plurality of areas determined based on geographical conditions.

[0019] The geographical conditions are at least one of a region, a prefecture, a city, a town, a village, and a plurality of regions determined based on predetermined conditions.

[0020] The regions of Japan are regional divisions commonly used in Japan, such as Hokkaido, Tohoku, and Kanto. When the geographical condition is a region of Japan, one region corresponds to one area. Similarly, when the geographical condition is a prefecture, one prefecture corresponds to one area, and when the geographical condition is a city, ward, town, or village, one city, ward, town, or village corresponds to one area.

[0021] It is also possible to set multiple regions determined based on a predetermined condition as a geographical condition. For example, by setting the criteria of "northern, central, southern" as the predetermined condition, one prefecture can be divided into multiple areas. Alternatively, by setting the criteria of "upper reaches of the Shinano River, the midstream of the Shinano side, and lower reaches of the Shinano River" as the predetermined condition, multiple areas can be set along the Shinano River.

[0022] 3 is a table in which device identification information and area identification information are associated with each other and stored in the first storage unit 10a according to the present embodiment. The area in the example of FIG. 3 is one of seven areas determined based on the region of Japan.

[0023] For example, the area identification information ID***E3 of the Kinki region E3 is associated with the device identification information ID***K3-1 through device identification information ID***K3-m of the karaoke devices K3-1 through K3-m installed in the Kinki region E3. Also, the area identification information ID***E4 of the Chubu region E4 is associated with the device identification information ID***K4-1 through device identification information ID***K4-n of the karaoke devices K4-1 through K4-n installed in the Chubu region E4.

[0024] (Second memory unit) The second storage unit 10b stores area identification information of permitted areas, period information, and area identification information of other areas in association with each other.

[0025] The permitted area is an area among a plurality of areas determined based on geographical conditions in which the video data transmitted from the karaoke device can be viewed. The period information indicates the period in which the video data can be viewed. The period indicated by the period information can be set, for example, according to the size of the area. In this case, the period indicated by the period information is set longer as the area becomes larger. The other areas are areas in which the video data can be viewed next to the permitted area.

[0026] The identification information of the other areas associated with the area identification information of the permitted area is not particularly limited as long as it is the area identification information of a plurality of areas determined based on geographical conditions. However, it is preferable that the permitted area and the other areas are geographically adjacent. "Geographically adjacent" means that the areas are adjacent to each other. For example, when a plurality of areas are determined based on the regions of Japan, "Tohoku region and Kanto region" and "Chubu region and Kinki region" are geographically adjacent to each other.

[0027] If an actual balloon release were to take place in the Tohoku region, the balloons would travel along a route similar to that of the Kanto and Chubu regions. Or, if an actual message bottle were to be released on the Pacific coast of the Kinki region, the message bottle would travel along a route similar to that of the southern Chubu and Kanto regions due to the influence of the Japan Current. In other words, since the permitted area is geographically adjacent to other areas, the area in which the video data can be viewed is updated in the same way as if an actual message bottle or balloon were released (updating the area in which the video data can be viewed is described later).

[0028] 4A is an example of a table stored in the second storage unit 10b that associates area identification information of permitted areas, period information, and area identification information of other areas. In the example of FIG. 4A, the permitted areas and other areas are any of seven areas determined based on the regions of Japan.

[0029] In the table of FIG. 4A, for example, area identification information ID***E3 of Kinki region E3, which is an permitted area, is associated with period information H3 and area identification information ID***E4 of another area, Chubu region E4. In this case, in Kinki region E3, viewing of video data is permitted during the period indicated by period H3. In addition, after Kinki region E3, viewing of video data is permitted in Chubu region E4.

[0030] In addition, the second memory unit 10b can also store, in place of the area identification information of the other areas, stop information for stopping the distribution of video data in association with at least one of the area identification information of the multiple permitted areas.

[0031] 4B is an example of a table stored in the second storage unit 10b that associates area identification information of permitted areas, period information, and area identification information or stop information of other areas. The permitted areas and other areas in the example of FIG. 4B are any of seven areas determined based on the regions of Japan.

[0032] In the table of Fig. 4B, for example, stop information ST is associated with area identification information ID***E7 of the permitted area Hokkaido region E7 instead of area identification information of other areas. In this case, when the time limit for viewing video data in Hokkaido region E7 arrives, server device S stops updating the permitted area (details will be described later).

[0033] [Means of communication] The communication means 20 provides an interface for communicating with each karaoke device.

[0034] [Control Means] The control means 30 performs various controls in the server device S. The control means 30 includes a CPU and a memory (neither of which are shown in the figures). The CPU realizes various functions by executing programs stored in the memory.

[0035] In this embodiment, the control means 30 functions as a receiving unit 100, an identifying unit 200, a recommending unit 300, a distributing unit 400, and an updating unit 500 by the CPU executing a program stored in the memory.

[0036] (Receiver) The receiving unit 100 receives from one karaoke device the video data created by that one karaoke device and the device identification information of that one karaoke device.

[0037] For example, assume that a user U1 selects a message delivery mode on a karaoke machine K3-1 installed in the Kinki region E3 and selects a song M. The karaoke machine K3-1 synthesizes the photographic data obtained by photographing the user U1, the karaoke performance sound of the song M, and the audio data based on the singing voice of the song M inputted through a microphone, and generates video data VD.

[0038] After the karaoke performance of the piece of music M is completed, the karaoke device K3-1 transmits the generated moving image data VD and the device identification information ID***K3-1 of the karaoke device K3-1 to the server device S.

[0039] The receiving unit 100 receives the video data VD and the device identification information ID***K3-1 transmitted by the karaoke device K3-1. In this example, the karaoke device K3-1 corresponds to "one karaoke device."

[0040] (Specific part) The identifying section 200 identifies one permitted area from among the multiple areas based on the received device identification information of one karaoke device.

[0041] When video data and device identification information are received from one karaoke device, the identifying unit 200 refers to the table stored in the first storage unit 10a and extracts area identification information associated with the device identification information of the received one karaoke device. The identifying unit 200 identifies the area corresponding to the extracted area identification information as one permitted area.

[0042] For example, it is assumed that the first storage unit 10a stores the table shown in Fig. 3. It is also assumed that the receiving unit 100 receives video data VD and device identification information ID***K3-1 from the karaoke device K3-1. In this case, the identifying unit 200 refers to the table in Fig. 3 and extracts the area identification information ID***E3 associated with the device identification information ID***K3-1. Then, the identifying unit 200 identifies the area E3 corresponding to the area identification information ID***E3 as one permitted area.

[0043] (Recommended section) The recommendation unit 300 instructs a karaoke device installed in one permitted area to recommend viewing of the received video data until a deadline based on the period indicated by period information associated with the area identification information of the one permitted area.

[0044] After the one permitted area is specified, the recommendation unit 300 refers to the first storage unit 10a and extracts device identification information of all karaoke devices installed in the one permitted area. The recommendation unit 300 also refers to the second storage unit 10b and specifies period information associated with the area identification information of the one permitted area. Based on the extracted device identification information, the recommendation unit 300 then instructs all karaoke devices installed in the one permitted area to recommend viewing of the received video data until a time limit based on the period indicated by the period information arrives. The time limit can be determined, for example, based on the timing at which the video data is received or the timing at which the video data is generated.

[0045] For example, the recommendation unit 300 refers to the table shown in FIG. 3 and extracts the device identification information ID***K3-1 to ID***K3-m of the karaoke devices K3-1 to K3-m installed in the Kinki region E3 identified as one permitted area. The recommendation unit 300 also refers to the table shown in FIG. 4A or FIG. 4B and identifies the period information H3 (assumed to be 72 hours here) associated with the area identification information ID***E3 of the Kinki region E3. The recommendation unit 300 then instructs the karaoke devices K3-1 to K3-m to recommend viewing the received video data VD from the time when the video data VD was received (assumed to be 19:00 on June 14, 2021 here) until the deadline based on the period (72 hours) indicated by the period information H3 (19:00 on June 17, 2021) arrives.

[0046] The karaoke device that has received the instruction to recommend viewing of the video data recommends the user of the karaoke device to view the video data by displaying a message such as "We are currently distributing video data for a limited time using the message distribution mode. Please take a look" on the display. Note that the timing for recommending viewing of the video data can be any timing, such as when the song is not being played as karaoke, during the karaoke interlude of the song, etc. The timing for recommending viewing of the video data may be determined according to an instruction from the server device S (recommendation unit 300), or may be determined on the karaoke device side.

[0047] (Distribution Department) The distribution unit 400 distributes the received video data in response to a request from the karaoke device that has issued an instruction to recommend viewing of the video data.

[0048] Suppose that a user of a karaoke machine who has seen a message recommending viewing of video data inputs a command to view the video data via a remote control device. Based on the command input, the karaoke machine transmits a request signal to the server device S, together with its own device identification information, requesting distribution of the video data. The distribution unit 400 distributes the video data to the karaoke machine based on the received request signal and device identification information. The user of the karaoke machine can view images and sounds based on the distributed video data.

[0049] For example, among the karaoke machines K3-1 to K3-m that have given instructions to recommend viewing of the video data VD, it is assumed that a user U2 of the karaoke machine K3-5 requests distribution of the video data VD. Based on an instruction input from the user U2, the karaoke machine K3-5 transmits a request signal requesting distribution of the video data VD and the machine identification information ID***K3-5 to the server machine S. Based on the received machine identification information ID***K3-5, the distribution unit 400 distributes the video data VD to the karaoke machine K3-5. The karaoke machine K3-5 plays the video data VD, displays the video on the display, and emits the sound from the speaker. The user U2 can view the video of the user U1 singing karaoke, a message input by the user U1, etc.

[0050] (Update section) When the deadline arrives, updating section 500 updates the one permitted area to the other area associated with the area identification information of the one permitted area, based on the area identification information of the other area.

[0051] When a deadline based on the period indicated by period information associated with the area identification information of one permitted area in recommendation unit 300 arrives, updating unit 500 refers to second storage unit 10b and extracts area identification information of another area associated with the area identification information of the one permitted area. Then, updating unit 500 updates the other area to the one permitted area based on the area identification information of the extracted other area.

[0052] For example, in the above example, assume that the deadline based on the period (72 hours) indicated by the period information H3 (i.e., 19:00 on June 17, 2021) has arrived. In this case, the update unit 500 refers to the table of FIG. 4A or FIG. 4B stored in the second storage unit 10b, and extracts the area identification information ID***E4 of the Chubu region E4 (another area) associated with the area identification information ID***E3 of the Kinki region E3 (the permitted area). The update unit 500 updates the Chubu region E4 indicated by the extracted area identification information ID***E4 as the first permitted area. That is, the first permitted area is updated from the Kinki region E3 to the Chubu region E4. Note that by updating the first permitted area to an adjacent area as in this example, the area in which the video data can be viewed is updated in the same way as when an actual message bottle or balloon is released, as described above.

[0053] Thereafter, the recommendation unit 300 instructs the karaoke device installed in the updated one of the permitted areas to recommend viewing of the received video data until a deadline based on the period indicated by the period information associated with the area identification information of the one of the permitted areas.

[0054] In the above example, the recommendation unit 300 refers to the table shown in FIG. 3 and extracts the device identification information of the karaoke devices K4-1 to K4-n installed in the Chubu region E4, which has been updated as one permitted area. The recommendation unit 300 also refers to the table shown in FIG. 4A or FIG. 4B and identifies the period information H4 (here, 96 hours) associated with the area identification information ID***E4 of the Chubu region E4. The recommendation unit 300 then instructs the karaoke devices K4-1 to K4-n to recommend viewing the received video data VD from the timing of updating the area (here, 19:00 on June 17, 2021) to the deadline based on the period (96 hours) indicated by the period information H4 (19:00 on June 21, 2021).

[0055] In this manner, the server device S repeatedly performs the process by the recommendation unit 300 and the process by the update unit 500 until the predetermined criterion is satisfied.

[0056] The predetermined criterion may be, for example, "when recommendation of viewing of video data has been completed for all permitted areas." When the table of Fig. 4A is stored in the second storage unit 10b, the server device S repeats the process by the recommendation unit 300 and the process by the update unit 500 until recommendation of viewing of video data has been completed for all areas from Kyushu-Okinawa region E1 to Hokkaido region E7.

[0057] Alternatively, the predetermined criterion may be "when stop information is associated with area identification information of an permitted area." In this case, when the deadline arrives and stop information is associated with area identification information of an permitted area, updating unit 500 cancels updating of the permitted area.

[0058] For example, it is assumed that the table of Fig. 4B is stored in the second storage unit 10b. In the table of Fig. 4B, the area identification information ID***E7 of the Hokkaido region E7 is associated with the stop information ST instead of the area identification information of the other areas.

[0059] Therefore, when the deadline based on the period indicated by period information H7 associated with area identification information ID***E7 of Hokkaido region E7 arrives, updating unit 500 stops updating one permitted area.

[0060] Alternatively, the predetermined criterion may be "when video data has been distributed once."

[0061] For example, as described above, it is assumed that, among the karaoke devices K3-1 to K3-m, a request for distribution of the video data VD is made from the karaoke device K3-5.

[0062] In this case, the distribution unit 400 distributes the video data to the karaoke device K3-5. Meanwhile, unlike the above example, the process by the recommendation unit 300 and the process by the update unit 500 are stopped.

[0063] ==About the operation of the server device== Next, a specific example of the operation of the server device S in this embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 5. Fig. 5 is a flow chart showing the operation of the server device S. In this example, the first storage unit 10a stores device identification information of the karaoke device and area identification information of the area in which the karaoke device is installed in association with each other. The second storage unit 10b stores area identification information of the permitted area, period information, and area identification information of other areas in association with each other. Furthermore, the second storage unit 10b stores stop information for stopping distribution of video data in association with one of the area identification information of the permitted areas, instead of the area identification information of the other areas.

[0064] The receiving unit 100 receives from one karaoke device the video data created by that one karaoke device and the device identification information of that one karaoke device (receiving video data and device identification information; step 10).

[0065] The identifying section 200 identifies one permitted area from among the multiple areas based on the device identification information of one karaoke device received in step 10 (identifying one permitted area; step 11).

[0066] The recommendation unit 300 instructs the karaoke device installed in one permitted area to recommend viewing of the received video data until the deadline based on the period indicated by the period information associated with the area identification information of the one permitted area arrives (instructing the karaoke device installed in one permitted area to recommend viewing of the video data until the deadline arrives; step 12).

[0067] If a request for video data distribution is received from the karaoke device that was instructed in step 12 (Y in step 13), the distribution unit 400 distributes the video data received in step 10 to the karaoke device that made the request (Distributing video data; step 14).

[0068] When the deadline arrives (Y in step 15) and the area identification information of the one permitted area corresponds to the area identification information of another area (Y in step 16), the update unit 500 updates the other area as the one permitted area (updates the other area as the one permitted area; step 17). After that, the server device S repeats the processes from step 12 to step 17.

[0069] On the other hand, if stop information is associated with the area identification information of the one permitted area (i.e., if area identification information of another area is not associated; N in step 16), the update unit 500 cancels the update of the one permitted area (Abort updating of the one permitted area; step 18).

[0070] As is clear from the above, the server device S according to this embodiment is connected to a plurality of karaoke devices so as to be able to communicate with them. The server device S includes a first storage unit 10a for storing device identification information of a karaoke device and area identification information of an area in which the karaoke device is installed among a plurality of areas determined based on geographical conditions in association with each other, a second storage unit 10b for storing area identification information of an allowed area among the plurality of areas in which the video data transmitted from the karaoke device is permitted to be viewed, period information indicating a period during which the video data is permitted to be viewed, and area identification information of another area in which the video data is permitted to be viewed next to the permitted area in association with each other, a receiving unit 100 for receiving from a karaoke device the video data created by the karaoke device and the device identification information of the karaoke device, and a receiving unit 102 for receiving the video data created by the karaoke device and the device identification information of the karaoke device from the karaoke device. The system includes an identification unit 200 which identifies one permitted area from among a plurality of areas based on device identification information of the karaoke device, a recommendation unit 300 which instructs a karaoke device installed in the one permitted area to recommend viewing of the received video data until a deadline based on a period indicated by period information associated with the area identification information of the one permitted area arrives, a distribution unit 400 which distributes the received video data in response to a request from the karaoke device which has instructed to recommend viewing of the received video data, and an update unit 500 which, when the deadline arrives, updates the other area to the one permitted area based on area identification information of the other area associated with the area identification information of the one permitted area.

[0071] According to such a server device S, it is possible to instruct a karaoke device installed in one permitted area to recommend viewing of the video data received from one karaoke device. Furthermore, the server device S can distribute the received video data in response to a request from the karaoke device that has instructed to recommend viewing of the video data. Here, the video data corresponds to a letter in a message bottle or balloon throwing game. Thus, a user who has requested the distribution of video data can enjoy an experience as if he or she had picked up an actual message bottle or balloon by viewing images and sounds based on the video data. Furthermore, the server device S can change the area in which the video data can be viewed by updating another area as the one permitted area in response to the arrival of a time limit. Thus, a user of one karaoke device (i.e., a user who has selected the message distribution mode) can enjoy an experience similar to a message bottle or balloon throwing game. That is, according to the server device S of this embodiment, it is possible to simulate a message bottle or balloon throwing game.

[0072] Furthermore, in the server device S according to this embodiment, the second storage unit 10b can store stop information for stopping the distribution of video data in association with at least one of the area identification information of a plurality of permitted areas, instead of the area identification information of the other areas. In this case, when the deadline arrives and when the stop information is associated with the area identification information of one permitted area, the update unit 500 stops updating the one permitted area. According to such a server device S, the distribution of video data can be stopped by stopping the update of one permitted area. There may be cases where the actual message bottle or balloons are left unpicked by people. That is, according to the server device S according to this embodiment, it is possible to provide a style closer to the actual message bottle or balloons.

[0073] <Variation 1> In the above embodiment, the example has been described in which the area identification information of one permitted area is associated with the area identification information of one other area. However, the area identification information of one permitted area may be associated with the area identification information of multiple other areas.

[0074] (Second memory unit) The second storage unit 10b according to this modification stores area identification information of one permitted area in association with a plurality of area identification information of other areas.

[0075] Fig. 6 is a table that associates area identification information of permitted areas, period information, and area identification information of other areas, which are stored in second storage unit 10b according to this modified example. In the example of Fig. 6, the permitted area or other areas are any of 13 areas determined based on regions of Japan. The permitted area and other areas are adjacent areas along ocean currents near Japan (Tsushima Current, Japan Current). Also, in this example, multiple pieces of other area identification information are associated with one area identification information of permitted area.

[0076] For example, area identification information ID***E10 for Okinawa region E10 (a permitted area) is associated with period information H10, area identification information ID***E11 for western Kyushu region E11 (another area), and area identification information ID***E18 for eastern Kyushu region E18 (another area).

[0077] In the example of Figure 6, area identification information for western Hokkaido E16, eastern Tohoku E17, and Kanto E22 is associated with stop information ST for stopping the distribution of video data, instead of area identification information for other areas.

[0078] (Update section) When the deadline arrives and the area identification information of a single permitted area corresponds to the area identification information of multiple other areas, updating section 500 according to this modification can update at least one of the multiple other areas to be a single permitted area based on the area identification information of the multiple other areas. The single permitted area to be updated may be an area selected randomly from the multiple areas, or two or more areas may be selected.

[0079] For example, the recommendation unit 300 instructs a karaoke device installed in the Okinawa region E10 to recommend viewing of the received video data until the expiration date based on the period indicated by the period information H10 associated with the area identification information ID***E10 of the Okinawa region E10.

[0080] Thereafter, it is assumed that the deadline based on the period indicated by the period information H10 arrives. In this case, the update unit 500 refers to the table of FIG. 6 stored in the second storage unit 10b, and extracts, for example, area identification information ID***E11 of western Kyushu region E11 from the area identification information of other areas associated with the area identification information ID***E10 of the area E10. The update unit 500 updates western Kyushu region E11 indicated by the extracted area identification information ID***E11 as the first permitted area. That is, the first permitted area is updated from Okinawa region E10 to western Kyushu region E11.

[0081] Alternatively, the updating unit 500 may extract both of the other area identification information associated with the area identification information ID***E10 of the Okinawa region E10. In this case, the updating unit 500 updates the western Kyushu region E11 indicated by the extracted area identification information ID***E11 and the eastern Kyushu region E18 indicated by the area identification information ID***E18 as one permitted area. That is, the one permitted area is updated from the Okinawa region E10 to the western Kyushu region E11 and the eastern Kyushu region E18.

[0082] As is clear from the above, second storage unit 10b in server device S according to this modification stores area identification information of one permitted area in association with multiple area identification information of other areas, and when the deadline arrives and area identification information of one permitted area is associated with area identification information of multiple other areas, updating unit 500 updates at least one of the other areas to the one permitted area based on the area identification information of the multiple other areas. Such server device S can instruct multiple areas, or a selected part of the multiple areas, to recommend viewing of video data received from one karaoke device.

[0083] <Variation 2> In the above embodiment, the first storage unit 10a stores the area identification information in association with the device identification information. On the other hand, the first storage unit 10a can store data other than the device identification information in association with the area identification information.

[0084] (First memory unit) The first storage unit 10a according to this modification stores the area introduction data in association with the area identification information of the area.

[0085] The area introduction data is data that indicates the characteristics of each area, such as video data or still image data of famous places of interest or events such as festivals in a certain area, audio guide data, text data, and the like.

[0086] 7 is a table in which device identification information, area identification information, and area introduction data are associated with each other and stored in the first storage unit 10a according to this modification. The area in the example of FIG. 7 is one of seven areas determined based on the regions of Japan.

[0087] For example, area identification information ID***E3 of the Kinki region E3 is associated with device identification information ID***K3-1 to device identification information ID***K3-m of karaoke devices K3-1 to K3-m installed in the Kinki region E3, and area introduction data AD3.

[0088] (Distribution Department) The distribution unit 400 according to this modification distributes area introduction data associated with area identification information of one permitted area identified by the identification unit 200, together with video data.

[0089] For example, as described in the embodiment, among the karaoke devices K3-1 to K3-m that have instructed to recommend viewing of the video data VD, it is assumed that the user U2 of the karaoke device K3-5 requests distribution of the video data VD. The karaoke device K3-5 transmits a request signal requesting distribution of the video data VD and device identification information ID***K3-5 to the server device S based on an instruction input from the user U2. The distribution unit 400 distributes the video data VD and the area introduction data AD3 associated with the device identification information ID***K3-1 of the karaoke device K3-1 that created the video data VD to the karaoke device K3-5 based on the received device identification information ID***K3-5. The karaoke device K3-5 plays the video data VD, displays the image on the display, and emits the sound from the speaker. The karaoke device K3-5 also plays the area introduction data AD3, displays the image on the display, and emits the guide sound from the speaker. The video data and the area introduction data may be played back simultaneously or separately.

[0090] As is clear from the above, the first storage unit 10a in the server device S according to this modification stores area introduction data for introducing an area in association with the area identification information of the area, and the distribution unit 400 distributes, together with the video data, the area introduction data associated with the area identification information of one permitted area identified by the identification unit 200. By distributing such area introduction data, a user who watches video and audio based on the video data can enjoy the atmosphere of the area in which the video data was created.

[0091] <Modification 3> When actually releasing message bottles or balloons, the area to which the message bottles or balloons travel and the time it takes to travel may vary depending on the season and climate (weather, wind direction, speed of currents, etc.) For example, if a balloon is released in the Kinki region, it may travel to the Chubu region or the Chugoku / Shikoku region depending on the wind direction.

[0092] Therefore, the second storage unit 10b may store a plurality of tables taking into consideration the season and climate. In this case, the recommendation unit 300 selects one table based on the season and climate in which the video data is received, and instructs the recommendation unit 300 to recommend viewing of the received video data based on the selected table.

[0093] Alternatively, the server device S can change one pre-stored table in consideration of the season and weather at the time when the video data is received.

[0094] For example, assume that the second storage unit 10b stores the table of Fig. 4B. Here, in the table of Fig. 4B, the area identification information ID***E3 of the Kinki region E3 is associated with the area identification information ID***E4 of the Chubu region E4. That is, the instruction to recommend viewing of the video data is given in the order of the Kinki region E3 and the Chubu region E4.

[0095] On the other hand, if the wind direction when the video data was received was from the northeast to the southwest, if the balloon was actually released in the Kinki region (E3), the next area the balloon would move to would be the Chugoku-Shikoku region (E2), not the Chubu region (E4).

[0096] Therefore, the server device S changes the area identification information ID***E4 of the Chubu region E4 (another area) that is associated with the area identification information ID***E3 of the Kinki region E3 (an authorized area) to the area identification information ID***E2 of the Chugoku-Shikoku region E2. Similarly, the server device S changes the area identification information ID***E3 of the Kinki region E3 (another area) that is associated with the area identification information ID***E2 of the Chugoku-Shikoku region E2 (an authorized area) to the area identification information ID***E1 of the Kyushu-Okinawa region E1. In this case, the stop information ST is associated with the area identification information ID***E1 of the Kyushu-Okinawa region E1. FIG. 8 shows the table after the change stored in the second memory unit 10b.

[0097] <Other> The above embodiment is presented as an example, and does not limit the scope of the invention. The above configurations can be implemented in appropriate combinations, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made without departing from the gist of the invention. The above embodiment and its modifications are included in the scope of the invention and its equivalents described in the claims, as well as the scope and gist of the invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0098] 1 Karaoke system 10a First storage unit 10b Second memory section 100 Receiver 200 Specific section 300 Recommended Section 400 Distribution Department 500 Update Department K1-1, K2-1, Kl-1 Karaoke equipment S Server device

Claims

1. A server device communicably connected to a plurality of karaoke devices, a first storage unit that stores device identification information of a karaoke device and area identification information of an area in which the karaoke device is installed among a plurality of areas determined based on geographical conditions, in association with each other; a second storage unit that stores area identification information of an authorized area among the plurality of areas in which the video data transmitted from the karaoke device can be viewed, period information indicating a period in which the video data can be viewed, and area identification information of another area in which the video data can be viewed next to the authorized area in a corresponding manner; a receiving unit for receiving from one karaoke device the video data created by the one karaoke device and device identification information of the one karaoke device; a specifying unit for specifying one of the plurality of areas based on the received device identification information of the one karaoke device; a recommendation unit that instructs the karaoke device installed in the one permitted area to recommend viewing of the received video data until a time limit based on a period indicated by period information associated with area identification information of the one permitted area is reached; a distribution unit that distributes the received video data in response to a request from the karaoke device that has issued an instruction to recommend viewing of the video data; an updating unit that updates, when the deadline arrives, the one permitted area based on area identification information of the other area that is associated with the area identification information of the one permitted area; and A server device having the above configuration.

2. the second storage unit stores stop information for stopping distribution of the video data in association with at least one of the area identification information of the plurality of permitted areas, instead of the area identification information of the other areas; The server device according to claim 1, characterized in that the update unit stops updating the one permitted area when the deadline arrives and when stop information is associated with the area identification information of the one permitted area.

3. the second storage unit stores area identification information of one permitted area in association with area identification information of other areas; The server device described in claim 1 or 2, characterized in that when the deadline arrives and the area identification information of the one permitted area is associated with area identification information of multiple other areas, the update unit updates at least one of the other areas to the one permitted area based on the area identification information of the multiple other areas.

4. the first storage unit stores area introduction data for introducing an area in association with area identification information of the area; The server device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the distribution unit distributes, together with the video data, area introduction data associated with area identification information of one of the permitted areas identified by the identification unit.

5. 5. The server device according to claim 1, wherein the geographical conditions are at least one of regions, prefectures, cities, wards, towns, and villages in Japan, and a plurality of regions determined based on predetermined conditions.

6. 6. The server device according to claim 1, wherein the permitted area and the other area are geographically adjacent to each other.

Images