Information processing system, information processing device and control program

Abstract

To improve entertainment properties in a system for displaying reactions of viewers on a display screen of a viewing target.SOLUTION: An information processing system (e.g., group 5) includes: first reception means (e.g., a first image display operation reception unit 72) that receives first operation performed on a first device (e.g., a portable terminal 3) by a first user who is viewing a viewing target displayed on a first screen (e.g., a screen 3a) of the first device in order to add a first element to the viewing target; second reception means (e.g., a first image display operation reception unit 72) that receives second operation performed on a second device (e.g., a portable terminal 3) by a second user who is viewing the viewing target displayed on a second screen (e.g., a screen 3a) of the second device in order to add a second element to the viewing target; and first control means (e.g., an image display control unit 70 of the first device) that displays a third element on the first screen based on a combination of the first operation and the second operation.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 10

Description

[Technical field]

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

[0002] There is a known mechanism for allowing viewers of distributed video content to hold group chats on the topic of the video content. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a client device that displays a standard message related to the content of the video content in response to a button selected by a user on a chat screen in which avatars corresponding to users participating in the group chat are arranged around the video content. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] International Publication No. 2017 / 026170 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The client device described in Patent Document 1 displays a standard message selected by the user in a speech bubble next to an avatar representing the user. With this method of displaying standard messages, the number of avatars increases as the number of users watching video content increases, but the entertainment value for users does not improve.

[0005] The problem to be solved by the present invention is to improve the entertainment value of a system for displaying a viewer's reaction on a display screen of a viewing target. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In order to solve the above problem, the present invention displays a third element on a first screen of a first device based on a combination of a first operation performed on a first device by a first user viewing a viewing object displayed on a first screen of the first device to add a first element to the viewing object, and a second operation performed on a second device by a second user viewing the viewing object displayed on a second screen of the second device to add a second element to the viewing object. Effect of the Invention

[0007] According to the present invention, it is possible to improve the entertainment value in a system for displaying the viewer's reaction on the display screen of the viewing target. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram of a video distribution system (embodiment); [Diagram 2] 1 is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of a server (embodiment); [Diagram 3] 1 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of a mobile terminal according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 4] 1 is a diagram showing a display state of a screen of a mobile terminal (embodiment); [Diagram 5] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a screen displaying an onomatopoeia image (Example). [Figure 6] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a screen displaying a second image (Example). [Figure 7] 11 is a timing chart showing a case where a combined image is displayed. [Figure 8] 11 is a timing chart showing a case where the second image is replaced (Example). [Figure 9] FIG. 1 is a functional block diagram of a server for video distribution (embodiment); [Figure 10] FIG. 1 is a functional block diagram relating to onomatopoeia display of a mobile terminal (embodiment); [Figure 11] 1 is a flowchart showing the flow of an onomatopoeia display process executed on a mobile terminal (embodiment); [Figure 12] 10 is a flowchart showing the flow of an onomatopoeia display process executed by the server (embodiment). [Figure 13] 10 is a flowchart showing the flow of an onomatopoeia display process executed by the server (embodiment). [Figure 14] 13 is a timing chart showing a case where a combined image is displayed (Modification 2). DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0009] [1. Embodiment] [1-1. Main features] This embodiment relates to a mechanism for displaying a viewer's reaction on a display screen of a viewing target. In this embodiment, in order to improve entertainment value, a third element based on a combination of a first operation performed on a first device by a first user viewing a viewing target displayed on a first screen of the first device to add a first element to the viewing target and a second operation performed on a second device by a second user viewing the viewing target displayed on a second screen of the second device to add a second element to the viewing target is displayed on the first screen of the first device.

[0010] The viewing object refers to video content that is at least visually grasped by the user. The video content may include audio content that is audibly grasped by the user. The video content is distributed, for example, from a distribution device to an information processing device. The video content is preferably distributed, for example, by streaming distribution or progressive download distribution. The video content is, for example, a moving image. The viewing object is displayed in a basic area that is a part of the screen of the information processing device.

[0011] A user (viewer) viewing a viewing target can add a predetermined element (additional element) to the viewing target by a predetermined operation (additional operation). The predetermined operation is, for example, an input element The input element is, for example, a button displayed on the screen. The pointing operation is, for example, a combination of a touch operation on a touch panel, a positioning operation of a pointer displayed on the screen, and a click operation. The predetermined element is, for example, an image expressing a user's reaction to a viewing object. The user's reaction is, for example, the user's emotion. An image expressing a user's emotion to a viewing object is sometimes called an emotion image. An emotion image is, for example, an image in which an onomatopoeia (also called an onomatopoeic word, mimetic word, or like word) that shows a user's emotion is illustrated. An image in which an onomatopoeia is illustrated is sometimes called an onomatopoeia image. Adding an element to a viewing object means associating the display timing of the element with the progress of the viewing object. When the display timing is associated with the progress, the display timing is specified at a specific position on the timeline. The element added to the viewing object can be displayed on the screen at the associated display timing during the progress of the viewing object (i.e., during playback display).

[0012] The first user is a user (the user himself / herself) who uses a first device (information processing device). A predetermined operation (first operation) by the first user is accepted, for example, by the first device. The second user is another user (another person) who uses a second device (another information processing device). A predetermined operation (second operation) by the second user is accepted, for example, by the second device. A predetermined element (first element) based on the first operation is displayed in a first range that at least partially overlaps the basic area. A predetermined element (second element) based on the second operation is displayed in a second range that does not overlap the basic area. The first range may have a portion (first portion) that does not overlap the basic area in addition to a portion (second portion) that overlaps the basic area. The first range may further have a portion (third portion) that overlaps the second range.

[0013] Based on the timing of the first operation and the second operation, a predetermined element (third element) based on the combination of the first operation and the second operation is displayed. Specifically, when the timings match or are close to each other, the predetermined element is displayed. The timings are close to each other in real time or the positions on the timeline of the viewing target are close to each other. The timings are close to each other in real time when the first user and the second user are viewing the viewing target at almost the same time. The positions on the timeline of the viewing target are close to each other in real time when the first user and the second user are viewing the viewing target at almost the same time or at different times. Close to each other means, for example, that the time difference is within a predetermined threshold. The predetermined element based on the combination of the first operation and the second operation is preferably displayed in the first range.

[0014] [1-2. Notes] The present invention includes at least the following embodiments [A] to [D].

[0015] [A] An information processing system comprising: a first reception means for receiving a first operation made on a first device by a first user viewing a viewing object displayed on a first screen of the first device to add a first element to the viewing object; a second reception means for receiving a second operation made on a second device by a second user viewing the viewing object displayed on a second screen of the second device to add a second element to the viewing object; and a first control means for displaying a third element on the first screen based on a combination of the first operation and the second operation.

[0016] [B] An information processing device comprising: a receiving means for receiving a first operation performed by a first user viewing a viewing target to add a first element to the viewing target; and a display control means for displaying a third element based on a combination of the first operation and a second operation performed on another information processing device by a second user viewing the viewing target on the other information processing device to add a second element to the viewing target.

[0017] [C] A control program that causes a computer of an information processing device to realize a reception function that receives a first operation performed by a first user viewing a viewing target to add a first element to the viewing target, and a display control function that displays a third element based on a combination of the first operation and a second operation performed by a second user viewing the viewing target on another information processing device to add a second element to the viewing target. Note that the control program may be non-temporarily recorded on a recording medium.

[0018] [D] A control method for an information processing device, comprising: a reception step of receiving a first operation performed by a first user viewing a viewing target to add a first element to the viewing target; and a display control step of displaying a third element based on a combination of the first operation and a second operation performed by a second user viewing the viewing target on another information processing device to add a second element to the viewing target.

[0019] The following technical limitations may be added to the "information processing system" in [A] above. In addition, similar technical limitations may be added to the "information processing device" in [B] above, the "control program" in [C] above, and the "control method for the information processing device" in [D] above.

[0020] (1) The first control means displays on the first screen the third element based on a combination of the first operation and the second operation performed during a predetermined period based on the time of reception of the first operation on the timeline of the viewing target. The predetermined period based on the time of reception is, for example, a predetermined period starting, ending, or midpoint at the time of reception, or a predetermined period including the time of reception. The predetermined period may be a fixed value or a variable value. The variable value may vary depending on, for example, the number of users viewing and the number of added predetermined elements. Thereby, when the first operation and the second operation are close to each other on the timeline, the third element is displayed.

[0021] (2) The apparatus further includes a first providing means for providing operation information of the first operation to a first instruction means for outputting a first instruction for displaying the third element, and a second providing means for providing operation information of the second operation to the first instruction means, and when the first control means receives the first instruction output from the first instruction means based on a combination of the first operation and the second operation according to the received operation information within the predetermined period, the apparatus displays the third element based on the first instruction on the first screen. The first instruction means is, for example, a server device connectable to the first device and the second device. The first instruction can be output at any time during viewing of the viewing target. As a result, when the first user and the second user are viewing at the same time, the third element based on the combination of the first operation and the second operation can be displayed.

[0022] (3) The apparatus further includes a third receiving means for receiving a second instruction output from a second instruction means for outputting a second instruction to display the second element based on the second operation at a timing corresponding to the second operation, and when the first control means receives the second instruction to display the second element at a timing included in the predetermined period before the first operation is performed, the third element based on a combination of the first operation and the second operation related to the second instruction is displayed on the first screen. The second instruction means is, for example, a server device connectable to the first device and the second device. The second instruction may be output all at once when the viewing of the viewing target starts. As a result, when the second user is viewing before the first user, the third element based on the combination of the first operation and the second operation may be displayed.

[0023] (4) The display device further includes at least one of a second control means for displaying the first element based on the first operation on the first screen except when the third element is displayed in response to the first operation, and a third control means for displaying the second element based on the second instruction on the first screen except when the third element is displayed in response to the second instruction, whereby at least one of the first element and the second element is not displayed when the third element is displayed. EXAMPLES

[0024] 2. Working Examples Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. This embodiment relates to a mechanism for displaying an image (image showing a reaction) showing the emotion of a user (viewer) on a display screen of a video (viewing target). In this embodiment, the shared information processing device is a server, and the information processing devices (first device, second device) are mobile terminals, so-called smartphones. Note that the mobile terminal is not limited to a smartphone, but may be a tablet terminal, a notebook computer, or the like. Also, the information processing device may be a desktop personal computer. Each program according to the embodiment is stored in the shared information processing device or the information processing device, but is not limited thereto, and may be stored in a storage medium such as an optical disk such as a CD-ROM (Compact Disk Read Only Memory) or a portable semiconductor memory such as a USB (Universal Serial Bus) flash memory.

[0025] [2-1. Features] In this embodiment, operation information of an additional operation (first operation) performed by a first user (owner) viewing a video (viewing target) displayed on a screen (first screen) of a first mobile terminal (first device) to add a first image (first element) to the video, and operation information of an additional operation (second operation) performed by a second user (another person) viewing the video displayed on a screen (second screen) of a second mobile terminal (second device) to add a first image (second element) to the video are provided from each mobile terminal to a server (first instruction means, shared information processing device). In order to improve entertainment value, the server displays a combination image (third element) based on a combination of the first operation and the second operation according to the provided operation information on the first screen and the second screen, respectively.

[0026] Furthermore, in this embodiment, in order to suppress a sudden increase in load on a mobile terminal, two or more (a predetermined number) second images (shared elements) associated with a video, the timing of which is displayed on the mobile terminal of a user watching the video during playback of the video, are identified as an image group (element group) based on the proximity relationship (timing) of the display timing and the commonality (additional attribute) of the subject and object, and a replacement process is executed in which the second images included in the image group are invalidated and one (a number less than the predetermined number) new second image (alternative element) that inherits the additional attribute is added to the video. The subject refers to the user who added the second image to the video, and having commonality among the subjects refers to the subjects belonging to the same user group. Each user belongs to at least one of the user groups. The object refers to the second image added to the video. A commonality refers to the type of (element), and objects have commonality if they belong to the same element group. Each element belongs to at least one element group.

[0027] [2-2.Video distribution system] A server according to the embodiment is included in a video distribution system and distributes videos to a mobile terminal.A mobile terminal according to the embodiment is included in the video distribution system and receives videos from the server.

[0028] [2-2-1. Overall configuration of video distribution system] 1 is a schematic diagram of a video distribution system 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The video distribution system 1 includes a communication line 2, a plurality of mobile terminals 3, and a server 4.

[0029] The communication line 2 forms a computer network, and is, for example, a wide area communication line provided by an electric utility company.

[0030] The mobile terminal 3 is, for example, an information processing terminal such as a smartphone, a tablet terminal, or a notebook computer. The mobile terminal 3 includes a touch panel display 3a for displaying images, a speaker 3b for outputting sound, a microphone 3c for inputting sound, and a camera 3d for capturing an image of a subject. In order to display videos distributed from the server 4, for example, dedicated application software (hereinafter referred to as a "video viewing application") is installed on the mobile terminal 3.

[0031] The server 4 is a shared information processing device that distributes content to a plurality of mobile terminals 3 via the communication line 2. One example of the content according to the embodiment is a video. The video may be, for example, an animation or drama that has a story and the story progresses along the story, or a music video or a live music video, or a variety of sports videos, and is not particularly limited. Note that one example of the video according to the embodiment is an animation. The content distributed from the server is also not limited to a video, and may be other services such as a collection of continuous still images as long as the content is viewable by the user.

[0032] Furthermore, viewing here means that the user perceives the content with at least one of sight and hearing, and the content may be, in addition to the above, for example, a video without sound, or sound without images.

[0033] A plurality of mobile terminals 3 to which video is distributed are, for example, registered in a server 4 as a group 5. (Hereinafter referred to as "group registration"). The server 4 simultaneously distributes video to the mobile terminals 3 registered in the group. That is, the multiple mobile terminals 3 registered in the group display the video distributed from the server 4 at the same timing, in other words, in synchronization, on the touch panel display 3a. This allows each user of the mobile terminals 3 registered in the group to watch the video at the same time.

[0034] The video may be distributed at a predetermined date and time, or at any timing for each group 5. When the video is distributed at any timing, for example, the host mobile terminal 3 requests the server 4 to distribute the video, and the server 4, having accepted the distribution request, distributes the video to the mobile terminals 3 constituting the group 5.

[0035] 1, group 5 is made up of four mobile terminals 3, but this is just an example, and there is no limit to the number of mobile terminals 3 in group 5 as long as group 5 is made up of a plurality of mobile terminals 3. There is also no limit to the types of mobile terminals 3 that make up group 5, and a mixture of smartphones, tablet terminals, notebook computers, etc. may be used.

[0036] [2-2-2. Server configuration] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of the server 4 according to the embodiment.

[0037] The server 4 in the embodiment includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 20 which is the main control unit responsible for the operation of the entire server 4, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 22 in which various programs and various data are pre-stored, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 24 which is used as a work area when the CPU 20 executes various programs, and an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) 26 which serves as a storage means for storing various programs and various data.

[0038] The HDD 26 stores information about the registered group 5, videos (video data) to be distributed to the mobile terminal 3, and various other information. Note that the storage means is not limited to the HDD 26, and may be, for example, another storage medium such as a semiconductor memory, such as a flash memory.

[0039] Furthermore, the server 4 is equipped with an operation input unit 28 composed of a keyboard, a mouse, etc. and which accepts input of various operations, a monitor 30 such as a liquid crystal display device for displaying various images, and an external interface 32 which is connected to other information processing devices such as a mobile terminal 3 via the communication line 2 and which transmits and receives various data to and from the other information processing devices.

[0040] The CPU 20, ROM 22, RAM 24, HDD 26, operation input unit 28, monitor 30, and external interface 32 are electrically connected to one another via a system bus 34. Therefore, the CPU 20 can access the ROM 22, RAM 24, and HDD 26, grasp the operation state of the operation input unit 28, display images on the monitor 30, and transmit and receive various data to and from other information processing devices, etc. via the external interface 32.

[0041] [2-2-3. Electrical configuration of mobile terminal] Fig. 3 is a functional block diagram showing the electrical configuration of the mobile terminal 3. The mobile terminal 3 includes a main control unit 40, a main memory unit 42, an auxiliary memory unit 44, a communication unit 46, and an operation button 48 in addition to the components shown in Fig. 1.

[0042] The main control unit 40 is, for example, a CPU, a microprocessor, a DSP (Digital Signal Processor), or the like, and controls the overall operation of the mobile terminal 3.

[0043] The main storage unit 42 is configured with, for example, a RAM or a DRAM (Dynamic Random Access Memory), and is used as a work area when the main control unit 40 executes processes based on various programs.

[0044] The auxiliary storage unit 44 is, for example, a non-volatile memory such as a flash memory, and stores various data such as images, and programs used for processing by the main control unit 40. The programs stored in the auxiliary storage unit 44 are, for example, an operating system (OS) for implementing basic functions of the mobile terminal 3, drivers for controlling various hardware, and programs for implementing e-mail, web browsing, and various other functions. In addition, the auxiliary storage unit 44 previously stores application software such as a video viewing app for playing videos distributed from the server 4 and displaying them on the touch panel display 3a.

[0045] The communication unit 46 is, for example, a network interface controller (NIC), and has a function of connecting to the communication line 2. Note that the communication unit 46 may have, instead of or together with the NIC, a function of connecting to a wireless local area network (LAN), a function of connecting to a wireless wide area network (WAN), and a function of enabling short-distance wireless communication such as Bluetooth (registered trademark), infrared communication, and the like.

[0046] The operation buttons 48 are provided on the side surface of the mobile terminal 3, and include a power button for starting and stopping the mobile terminal 3, a volume adjustment button for the sound output by the speaker 3b, and the like.

[0047] The main control unit 40, main memory unit 42, auxiliary memory unit 44, communication unit 46, touch panel display 3a, speaker 3b, microphone 3c, camera 3d, and operation buttons 48 are electrically connected to one another via a system bus 49. Therefore, the main control unit 40 can access the main memory unit 42 and auxiliary memory unit 44, display images on the touch panel display 3a, grasp the operation state of the touch panel display 3a and the operation buttons 48 by the user, input sound to the microphone 3c, output sound from the speaker 3b, control the camera 3d, and access various communication networks and other information processing devices via the communication unit 46.

[0048] [2-3. Onomatopoeia display] The mobile terminal 3 according to the embodiment is capable of displaying an image (an onomatopoeia image, the details of which will be described later) in response to a user's operation while displaying a video distributed from the server 4 on the touch panel display 3a. In the following description, the function of displaying an onomatopoeia image on the touch panel display 3a is referred to as an onomatopoeia display function, and the touch panel display 3a is also referred to as a screen 3a.

[0049] The onomatopoeia display function is, for example, one of the functions of the video viewing application according to the embodiment. Note that, for example, not all videos displayed on the screen 3a using the video viewing application can display onomatopoeia, and the videos that can display onomatopoeia are predetermined.

[0050] [2-3-1. Screen configuration] 4 to 6 show display aspects of a screen 3a of a mobile terminal 3 on which a video viewing application according to an embodiment is running. A distributed video display area 50A, a first image display area 50B, and a second image display area 50C are set on the screen 3a.

[0051] The distributed moving image display area 50A is an area for displaying moving images distributed from the server 4. The first image display area 50B is an area for displaying a first image 51 (see FIG. 5) in response to a user's operation. The second image display area 50C is an area for displaying a second image 52 (see FIG. 6) based on the first image 51 displayed on another mobile terminal 3 by another user's operation. As will be described in detail later, the second image 52 is a reduced image of the first image 51 displayed on the first image display area 50B of the other mobile terminal 3. The first image display area 50B and the second image display area 50C according to the embodiment are provided at opposing positions sandwiching the distributed moving image display area 50A therebetween, for example.

[0052] Here, the first image 51 is an image including an emotion image showing the emotion of the user watching the video. The emotion image according to the embodiment is, for example, an image in which an onomatopoeic word (also called an onomatopoeic word or mimetic word) showing the emotion of the user is stylized, in other words, an onomatopoeia image. Examples of the onomatopoeia image include "Awesome," "Awesome," and "Bravo." Note that the stylization is, for example, decorative drawing of letters showing the onomatopoeic word.

[0053] In addition to onomatopoeia images, the first image 51 may include various other images, such as character images showing characters appearing in a video, dialogue images showing the lines of a character, text entered by the user, and the like.

[0054] The first image 51 may be different depending on the scene of the video. For example, an onomatopoeia image or a character image that is likely to be selected by the user in response to a happy scene, a sad scene, a scene of confrontation between characters, etc. may be displayed.

[0055] The first images 51 that can be displayed may differ depending on the user. For example, the types of the first images 51 that can be displayed may be increased by acquiring a specific item through a service such as a game related to the distributed video. Also, the types of the first images 51 that can be displayed may be increased, for example, on the condition that a predetermined compensation (for example, monetary value such as currency, virtual currency, or points) is paid.

[0056] In the first image display area 50B according to the embodiment, a plurality of display buttons 53A-53D are displayed as operation units operated by the user and each corresponding to a different first image 51. This allows the user to display the first image 51 in the first image display area 50B by operating the display buttons 53A-53D while watching a video. Note that, as an example, operating the display buttons 53A-53D means touching (pressing) the display buttons 53A-53D with a pointer. As an example, the pointer according to the embodiment is the user's finger. In the following description, when the display buttons 53A-53D are not to be distinguished from one another, the alphabetical notation at the end of the names is omitted.

[0057] In the examples of Fig. 4 to Fig. 6, four display buttons 53A to 53D are displayed in a row in the horizontal direction at the bottom of the first image display area 50B. Display button 53A corresponds to an onomatopoeia image that is a stylized version of "suge", display button 53B corresponds to an onomatopoeia image that is a stylized version of "yabai", and display button 53C corresponds to an onomatopoeia image that is a stylized version of "bravo". Furthermore, display button 53D corresponds to a character image. Note that display buttons 53 are designed so that the user can intuitively recognize the corresponding onomatopoeia image, character image, etc.

[0058] In this way, by displaying a plurality of display buttons 53 in the first image display area 50B, the user can easily display on the screen 3a the first image 51 that best matches the user's reaction (emotion) to the video. Also, by including an onomatopoeia image showing the user's emotion in the first image 51, the user can display on the screen 3a the user's own emotion after watching the video.

[0059] 4 to 6, four types of display buttons 53 are displayed in the first image display area 50B, but this is just an example, and the number and types of display buttons 53 are not limited to this. Also, the display buttons 53 may be appropriately switched so that different first images 51 can be displayed depending on the scene of the video, etc.

[0060] The arrangement of the display buttons 53 is also an example, and may be displayed together on the right or left side of the first image display area 50B, or may be displayed in two horizontal rows at the bottom of the first image display area 50B. Furthermore, for example, when the user swipes the bottom of the screen 3a to the left or right, new display buttons 53 for displaying different types of first images 51 may be displayed.

[0061] [2-3-2. Display of the first image] The display mode of the first image 51 will be described in detail with reference to Fig. 5. In the example of Fig. 5, the user operates the display button 53C, and an onomatopoeia image in which "Bravo" is stylized is displayed on the screen 3a.

[0062] The onomatopoeia display function according to the embodiment accepts a user's operation for displaying an onomatopoeia image (first image 51) on the screen 3a while a video is being displayed on the screen 3a. That is, the user operates the display button 53 while watching the video to display on the screen 3a an onomatopoeia image corresponding to the emotion felt by watching the video.

[0063] The onomatopoeia image according to the embodiment is displayed on the screen 3a displaying the video while changing according to the manner in which the user operates the display button 53. As an example, the onomatopoeia image according to the embodiment is displayed so as to extend from the first image display area 50B to the distribution video display area 50A according to the manner in which the user operates the display button 53.

[0064] In this way, the user can change the onomatopoeia image displayed on the screen 3a while watching the video by operating the mobile terminal 3. Therefore, the user can easily display the emotion he or she felt while watching the video on the screen while watching the video.

[0065] 5, the onomatopoeia image is displayed beyond the first image display area 50B and superimposed on the distributed video display area 50A. In this way, the onomatopoeia display function according to the embodiment superimposes the onomatopoeia image beyond the first image display area 50B on the distributed video display area 50A according to the user's operation mode, so that the user can empathize more easily with the video being viewed, and the entertainment value of viewing the video is increased.

[0066] 5, the onomatopoeia image is superimposed on the second image display area 50C beyond the distribution video display area 50A. However, this is just one example, and the onomatopoeia image may not be superimposed on the second image display area 50C.

[0067] Next, the onomatopoeia images that change depending on the manner in which the display button 53 is operated will be described in detail.

[0068] As an example, the display mode of the first image 51 according to the embodiment changes depending on the duration of the user's operation of the display button 53. The duration of the operation of the display button 53 is, for example, the time during which the display button 53 is continuously pressed (hereinafter referred to as "long press time").

[0069] When a user presses the display button 53, the onomatopoeia display function according to the embodiment starts displaying an onomatopoeia image starting from the vicinity of the position of the display button 53. Displaying an onomatopoeia image starting from the vicinity of the position of the display button 53 means, for example, that the onomatopoeia image is displayed so that the bottom edge of the onomatopoeia image is approximately aligned with the position of the display button 53.

[0070] The onomatopoeia image extends from first image display area 50B toward streaming moving image display area 50A according to the length of time display button 53 is pressed (hereinafter referred to as "extended display").

[0071] The extended display may be, for example, a display in which the onomatopoeia image is elongated or enlarged. Note that the extended display may be a display in which the onomatopoeia image is extended while changing the form, such as the number of characters or the type of characters. For example, if the onomatopoeia image is "Bravo", the image may be extended so that an "a" is added between "Bra" and "Bo" depending on the long press time, or the image may be extended so that an "o" is added between "Bravo" and "-" depending on the long press time.

[0072] That is, if the user feels a stronger emotion toward the video being viewed, the user continues to press the display button 53 to display the onomatopoeia image corresponding to this emotion. As a result, the onomatopoeia image is displayed extended from the first image display area 50B toward the distribution video display area 50A, and the onomatopoeia image is displayed on the screen 3a so as to be more noticeable.

[0073] In this way, the onomatopoeia image included in the first image 51 changes according to the manner of operation by the user, so that the user can display his / her own reaction (feeling) to the content on the screen 3a in a more entertaining manner.

[0074] In addition, the first image 51 is displayed so as to extend from the first image display area 50B toward the distributed video display area 50A depending on the user's operation, so that the user can display his or her own reaction (emotion) to the content on the screen 3a in a more entertaining manner.

[0075] When the user finishes operating (pressing and holding) the display button 53, the display of the onomatopoeia image on the screen 3a is stopped. For example, the display of the onomatopoeia image may be stopped by the onomatopoeia image being displayed disappearing from the screen 3a instantly, or the expanded onomatopoeia image may shrink toward the display button 53 and disappear from the screen 3a.

[0076] 5, the periphery of the display button 53C operated by the user to display the onomatopoeia image is highlighted, allowing the user to easily recognize the display button 53C that he or she is operating, and making the onomatopoeia display more entertaining.

[0077] In addition, the first image 51 other than the onomatopoeia image in the embodiment, such as a character image, is displayed on the screen 3a without changing, but without being limited to this, the first image 51 other than the onomatopoeia image may also be displayed on the screen 3a displaying the video while changing according to the manner in which the user operates the display button 53.

[0078] [2-3-3. Display of the second image] The display mode of the second image 52 will be described in detail with reference to Fig. 6. As described above, the second image 52 is a reduced image of the first image 51 displayed on another mobile terminal 3 by an operation of another user.

[0079] The onomatopoeia display function according to the embodiment displays the second image 52 in the second image display area 50C with almost no time delay from the timing when the other user displays the first image 51 on the other mobile terminal 3. This allows the user to know the reaction of the other users who are watching the same video while watching the video.

[0080] Furthermore, if the second image 52 is displayed superimposed on the distributed moving image display area 50A like the first image 51, the user may feel that the second image 52 interferes with the viewing of the moving image and may feel annoyed. Therefore, the second image 52 is not displayed superimposed on the distributed moving image display area 50A beyond the second image display area 50C regardless of the operation mode of the other user. This allows the user to check the reaction of the other users to the moving image he is viewing without feeling annoyed.

[0081] As mentioned above, the first image 51 can also be superimposed on the streaming video display area 50A, but since this is done at the user's own discretion, the user does not feel bothered by the superimposition of the first image 51 on the streaming video display area 50A.

[0082] In addition, since the screen 3a is set so that the first image display area 50B and the second image display area 50C are different areas, the first image 51 displayed by the user and the second image 52 displayed by another user are not displayed together. This allows the user to easily distinguish and recognize the first image 51 displayed by the user and the second image 52 displayed by the other user.

[0083] In addition, the other users according to the embodiment are, for example, other users who are registered in the same group as the user. That is, when the user is watching a video without group registration, the second image 52 is not displayed in the second image display area 50C. However, this is not limited to this, and the second images 52 generated by the operations of all other users who are watching the video may be displayed in the second image display area 50C regardless of whether or not they are group registered.

[0084] In addition, in the second image display area 50C according to the embodiment, a plurality of second images 52 are displayed by operations of a plurality of other users. In the second image display area 50C according to the embodiment, as an example, the position at which the second image 52 is displayed for each of the other users is not determined. That is, in the second image display area 50C, a plurality of second images 52 by operations of a plurality of other users are displayed in a mixed manner at random positions. Furthermore, the second image 52 may be displayed while moving in the up, down, left, and right directions in the second image display area 50C. However, this is not limited to this, and the position at which the second image 52 is displayed for each of the other users may be determined in the second image display area 50C.

[0085] Further, the second image 52 is displayed adjacent to an identification image (hereinafter referred to as a "user icon") 54 indicating the other user who caused the first image 51 designated as the second image 52 to be displayed on the user's mobile terminal 3. This allows the user to recognize which user created the second image 52 displayed in the second image display area 50C. Note that, in the example of FIG. 6, the user icon 54 is a circle with one alphabet character displayed in the center, but this is only an example, and the user icon 54 may be an image set for each user or the user's initials, and the design of the user icon 54 is not limited.

[0086] In addition, the second image 52 shown in FIG. 6 displays the onomatopoeia image horizontally, but this is set in accordance with the size (aspect ratio) of the second image display area 50C, and the second image 52 may also display the onomatopoeia image vertically.

[0087] Although the second image 52 is not superimposed on the distributed moving image display area 50A, it may be displayed while changing (e.g., expanding) in the second image display area 50C in response to an operation mode by another user. Note that the second image 52 may be superimposed from the second image display area 50C onto the first image display area 50B as long as it is not superimposed on the distributed moving image display area 50A.

[0088] [2-3-4. Combined image display] The mobile terminal 3 in the embodiment has a combination image display function that displays on the screen 3a a combination image corresponding to a combination of an operation by a user for displaying a first image 51 and an operation by another user for displaying a first image 51.

[0089] This allows the mobile terminal 3 to display the reactions of the user and other users to the video on the screen in a more entertaining manner. Also, since an image that is not displayed by an operation by one user is displayed in combination with an operation by another user, the mobile terminal 3 can encourage more users to view the content.

[0090] In addition, the combination image is displayed superimposed on the video displayed on the screen 3a. That is, the combination image is displayed superimposed not only on the first image display area 50B but also on the distributed video display area 50A and the second image display area 50C. This allows the user to easily recognize that the combination image is displayed, and the entertainment value of watching the video is further increased.

[0091] When the combination image is displayed on the screen 3a, it is displayed so that the user can recognize that it is a combination image. For example, the user ID of another user may be displayed on the screen 3a together with the combination image so that the user can recognize that another user performed a display operation at the same time.

[0092] FIG. 7 is a timing chart showing a case where the combined image is displayed on the screen 3a.

[0093] The combination image display function according to the embodiment displays a combination image on the screen 3a when the timing of the user's operation and the operation of another user is within a predetermined time (hereinafter referred to as the "combination period"). In other words, when multiple users perform a display operation of the first image 51 within the combination period, it is understood that this is the user's reaction to viewing the same scene. For this reason, the combination image display function displays a combination image based on the reactions of multiple users according to the scenes of the video, so that the entertainment value for the user of viewing the video is further increased.

[0094] The start of the combination period is the timing when a certain user starts a display operation of the first image 51. That is, as shown in Fig. 7(A), when user B performs a display operation within the combination period starting from the start timing of the display operation by user A, a combined image is displayed on the screens 3a of the mobile terminals 3 of users A and B.

[0095] The display period of the combined image is, for example, until the display operation by the user is completed. In the example of Fig. 7(A), the combined image is displayed on the screen 3a of the mobile terminal 3 of the users A and B from the start of the display operation of the user B until the end of the display operation.

[0096] The example of Fig. 7(B) shows a case where, although it is within the combination period, a display operation by user C is performed after the display operation by user A, which is the start timing of the combination period, is ended. In the example of Fig. 7(B), a combination image is displayed on the screens 3a of the mobile terminals 3 of users A, B, and C from the start of the display operation by user B until the end of the display operation by user C.

[0097] The display mode of the combination image shown in Fig. 7 is an example, and is not limited thereto. For example, there may be no concept of a combination period, and the combination image may be displayed on the screen 3a at a timing when a display operation of a user and a display operation of another user overlap. Also, a display time may be determined in advance for each combination image, and the display of the combination image may end at a timing when the display time has elapsed.

[0098] Moreover, the combination image according to the embodiment is displayed on the screen 3a instead of the first image 51. In the example of FIG. 7(A), first, the first image 51 according to the display operation of the user A is displayed on the screen 3a of the mobile terminal 3 of the user A, but as the display operation of the user B is started, the display of the first image 51 ends, and the combination image is displayed on the screen 3a of the mobile terminal 3 of the user A. On the other hand, the first image 51 that the user B intended to display is not displayed on the screen 3a of the mobile terminal 3 of the user B, but the combination image is displayed. In this way, the combination image is displayed on the screen 3a instead of the first image 51, and an image different from the first image 51 that the user intended to display is displayed on the screen 3a, so that the entertainment value of the user watching the video is further increased.

[0099] Furthermore, the combination image according to the embodiment is displayed on the screen 3a when the first image 51 selected by the user and the first image 51 selected by the other user are preset images. This allows a combination image that the user himself does not expect to be displayed in response to the image selection by the user himself, thereby further increasing the entertainment value of watching the video.

[0100] For example, the combination image is displayed on the screen 3a when the first image 51 selected by the user and the first image 51 selected by another user are the same. That is, when users watching a video select the same first image 51, it is highly likely that the users have similar emotions. For this reason, by displaying the combination image, the user can recognize that he or she has empathized with the other user by watching the video. More specifically, for example, when the first image 51 selected by the user and the first image 51 selected by the other user are the same first image 51, an image in which the first image 51 is enlarged is displayed on the screen 3a as the combination image. Note that this is not limited to this, and a special image that is not displayed by operating the display button 53 may be displayed as the combination image.

[0101] Furthermore, even if the first image 51 selected by the user and the first image 51 selected by another user are different first images 51, if the combination is a preset combination, a combination image may be displayed. In this case, for example, a special image that is not displayed by operating the display button 53 is displayed as the combination image.

[0102] In the combination image display function according to the embodiment, the second image based on the combination image displayed on the screen 3a of another user is not displayed in the second image display area 50C of the mobile terminal 3 of the user on whom the combination image is not displayed. However, this is not limited to the above, and the second image based on the combination image displayed on the screen 3a of another user may be displayed in the second image display area 50C of the mobile terminal 3 of the user on whom the combination image is not displayed.

[0103] [2-4. Replacement process] The server 4 according to the embodiment has a replacement process function that identifies two second images 52 that are close in display timing from among the second images as an image group, and repeats a unit process of replacing the image group with one new second image 52 until no image group is identified. This reduces the number of second images 52 displayed during playback of a video on the mobile terminal 3, and can suppress a sudden increase in load on the mobile terminal 3.

[0104] FIG. 8 is a timing chart showing a case where the second image is replaced.

[0105] As a premise, the timeline of the video is divided into a plurality of sections. The length of each section is, for example, the same as the length of the combined period. As an example, the replacement processing function according to the embodiment identifies, as an image group, two second images 52 that have commonality in subject and object from among a plurality of second images 52 each included in the same section whose display period starts, and repeats a unit process of associating one new second image 52 with the timeline of the video while invalidating each of the two second images 52 included in the image group, until no image groups are identified.

[0106] The second image 52 is added with attributes (second image display information) that can identify the subject (the user ID of the user who added the second image to the video and the user group to which the user belongs), the object (the type of the second image and the element group to which the type belongs), the display period, the number of times of synthesis, the status, etc. The type is determined by the object and the number of times of synthesis. The pattern of the second image 52 is determined by the type. It is preferable that the number of times of synthesis is reflected in the appearance of the pattern, for example, by displaying a number indicating the number of times of synthesis. As shown in FIG. 8(A), the start of the display period of the second image A and the start of the display period of the second image B may both be included in the nth interval (n is an appropriate natural number) on the timeline. It is also assumed that the type of the second image A and the object of the second image B are the same. At this time, the replacement processing function identifies the second image A and the second image B as an image group, invalidates the status of the second image A and the second image B, and associates one new second image C with the timeline of the video.

[0107] The second image 52 after replacement (second image C) inherits the additional attributes of the second image 52 before replacement (second image A and second image B). The second image 52 after replacement, for example, inherits the subject and object as is. The number of times of synthesis of the second image 52 after replacement, for example, is the total number of times of synthesis of each second image 52 before replacement. The display period of the second image 52 after replacement, for example, is the period from the earlier start time to the later end time. As shown in FIG. 8(A), the display period of the second image C corresponds to the period from the start time of the second image A to the end time of the second image B.

[0108] The second image 52 before replacement is invalidated and disassociated with the video. Meanwhile, the second image 52 after replacement forms an image group together with other second images 52 and can be replaced with a new second image 52. As shown in FIG. 8B, the start of the display period of the second image C and the start of the display period of the second image D are both included in the nth section (n is an appropriate natural number) on the timeline. The user who added the second image C and the user who added the second image D belong to the same user group, and the type of the second image C and the type of the second image D are the same. At this time, the replacement processing function specifies the second image C and the second image D as an image group, invalidates the status of the second image C and the second image D, respectively, and associates one new second image E with the timeline of the video. The display period of the second image E is the period from the start of the second image C to the end of the second image D.

[0109] [2-5. Functional blocks] Next, the combination image display and replacement process according to the embodiment will be described with reference to a functional block diagram. Note that the function related to the combination image display in the mobile terminal 3 is included in the onomatopoeia display function, and the function related to the combination image display and replacement process in the server 4 is included in the video distribution function.

[0110] [2-5-1. Functional block related to server video distribution function] FIG. 9 is a functional block diagram of the video distribution function of the server 4 according to the embodiment.

[0111] The CPU 20 of the server 4 includes a group registration unit 60, a video distribution unit 61, a first image display information reception control unit 62, a second image display information generation unit 63, a second image display information transmission control unit 64, a combination image information generation unit 65, a combination image information transmission control unit 66, and a replacement processing unit 67. Each function of the CPU 20 is realized by a program stored in the HDD 26.

[0112] The group registration unit 60 accepts registration of a group 5 made up of a plurality of mobile terminals 3. Note that the registration of the group 5 is performed, for example, by registering a user ID.

[0113] The video distribution unit 61 distributes videos to the mobile terminal 3 in response to a request from the mobile terminal 3.

[0114] The first image display information reception control unit 62 accepts the first image display information received from the mobile terminal 3 via the external interface 32, and stores the first image display information in the HDD 26 in association with the corresponding video.

[0115] The first image display information is information related to the first image 51 displayed on the screen 3a of the mobile terminal 3, and is transmitted from the mobile terminal 3 to the server 4 at the timing when the first image 51 is displayed on the mobile terminal 3. The first image display information is, for example, the type of the displayed first image 51, a user ID indicating the user who caused the first image 51 to be displayed, the manner of operation performed by the user to display the first image 51, the elapsed time from the start of the video when the first image 51 was displayed, etc.

[0116] The second image display information generating unit 63 generates second image display information based on the received first image display information, and stores the second image display information in the HDD 26 in association with the corresponding moving image.

[0117] The second image display information is information about the second image 52 to be displayed in the second image display area 50C, and includes the type of second image 52, the user ID of the user who displayed the first image 51 that is the source of the second image 52 on his / her mobile terminal 3, the display period, the number of times of synthesis, status, etc.

[0118] The second image display information transmission control unit 64 controls the external interface 32 to transmit the second image display information to the mobile terminal 3. The destination of the second image display information is another mobile terminal 3 different from the mobile terminal 3 that transmitted the first image display information.

[0119] The combination image information generating unit 65 performs combination determination based on the received first image display information. Then, the combination image information generating unit 65 generates combination image information indicating a combination image according to a result of the combination determination, and stores the combination image information in the HDD 26.

[0120] The combination image information is information about the combination image to be displayed on the screen 3a, and includes the type of combination image, the user IDs of a plurality of users who performed display operations at the same time, and the like.

[0121] In addition, the combination determination is performed for each first image display information, and it is determined whether the display operation of the first image 51 indicated by the first image display information is within a combination period based on the start timing of the display operation of the first image 51 by another user.

[0122] The combination image information transmission control unit 66 controls the external interface 32 to transmit the combination image information to the mobile terminal 3. The mobile terminals 3 to which the combination image information is transmitted are the multiple mobile terminals 3 corresponding to the user IDs included in the combination image information.

[0123] The replacement processor 67 executes the replacement process.

[0124] [2-5-2. Functional block for displaying onomatopoeia on mobile devices] FIG. 10 is a functional block diagram relating to onomatopoeia display of the mobile terminal 3 according to the embodiment.

[0125] The main control unit 40 of the mobile terminal 3 includes an image display control unit 70, a display area setting unit 71, a first image display operation receiving unit 72, an operation state determination unit 73, a first image display information generation unit 74, a first image display information transmission control unit 75, a second image display information reception control unit 76, and a combination image information reception control unit 77. Each function of the main control unit 40 is realized by a program stored in the auxiliary storage unit 44.

[0126] The image display control unit 70 controls the touch panel display 3a to display an image based on the image data. The image display control unit 70 according to the embodiment displays a video distributed from the server 4 in the distributed video display area 50A, displays a first image 51 in the first image display area 50B in response to a user's operation, and displays a second image 52 based on the first image 51 displayed on another mobile terminal 3 by another user in the second image display area 50C. Furthermore, the image display control unit 70 according to the embodiment displays the first image 51 beyond the first image display area 50B so as to be superimposed on the distributed video display area 50A in response to a user's operation mode.

[0127] The display area setting unit 71 sets the positions and sizes (length and width) of the distributed moving image display area 50A, the first image display area 50B, and the second image display area 50C as the display mode of the screen 3a when a moving image is distributed from the server 4. Note that these positions and sizes are determined in advance, but may be arbitrarily set by the user.

[0128] The first image display operation receiving unit 72 receives an operation of the display button 53 by the user while the screen 3a is displaying a video. That is, the first image display operation receiving unit 72 recognizes the display button 53 operated by the user among the multiple display buttons 53, and displays the first image 51 corresponding to the display button 53 on the screen 3a via the image display control unit 70. The first image display operation receiving unit 72 displays the first image 51 on the screen 3a such that the display mode of the first image 51 changes depending on the determination result by the operation state determination unit 73.

[0129] The operation state determination unit 73 determines the operation state of the user's operation of the display button 53. The operation state here refers to an operation mode including, for example, the time the display button 53 is pressed and held.

[0130] The first image display information generating unit 74 generates first image display information according to the first image 51 displayed on the screen 3a by a user operation.

[0131] The first image display information transmission control unit 75 controls the communication unit 46 to transmit the first image display information to the server 4.

[0132] The second image display information reception control unit 76 outputs the second image display information received from the server 4 via the communication unit 46 to the image display control unit 70.

[0133] The combination image information reception control unit 77 outputs the combination image information received from the server 4 via the communication unit 46 to the image display control unit 70. As a result, the image display control unit 70 displays the combination image on the screen 3a displaying the video. Note that the image display control unit 70 according to the embodiment displays the combination image on the screen 3a instead of the first image 51 in response to the user's operation of the display button 53.

[0134] [2-6. Processing flow] Next, the flow of the onomatopoeia display process in the mobile terminal 3 and the server 4 according to the embodiment will be described with reference to a flowchart.

[0135] [2-6-1. Flow for displaying onomatopoeia on mobile devices] 11 is a flowchart showing the flow of the onomatopoeia display process executed by the main control unit 40 included in the mobile terminal 3. A program for executing the onomatopoeia display process is stored in advance in a predetermined area of ​​the auxiliary storage unit 44. As an example, the onomatopoeia display process is started when the mobile terminal 3 starts playing a video distributed from the server 4, and ends when the playback of the video ends.

[0136] In step S100, occurrence of a trigger is detected. The trigger in this embodiment is either a first trigger (acceptance of an operation of the display button 53 by the user) or a second trigger (reception of second image display information). The mobile terminal 3 in this embodiment updates the display content on the screen every time occurrence of a trigger is detected. The first trigger and the second trigger may occur in parallel. Therefore, while processing in response to the occurrence of one trigger is being executed, processing in response to the occurrence of the other trigger may be executed. Also, multiple second triggers may occur in parallel. Therefore, while processing in response to the occurrence of one second trigger is being executed, processing in response to the occurrence of another second trigger may be executed.

[0137] In step S102, if the detected trigger is the first trigger, the process proceeds to step S106, and if the detected trigger is the second trigger, the process proceeds to step S104.

[0138] In step S104, the image display control unit 70 causes the second image 52 indicated by the second image display information to be displayed in the second image display area 50C, and the process ends.

[0139] In step S106, the image display control unit 70 displays the first image 51 corresponding to the display button 53 operated by the user in the first image display area 50B. Note that the first image 51 may be stored in the mobile terminal 3 in advance, or may be downloaded from the server 4 every time the display button 53 is operated by the user.

[0140] In step S108, the first image display information generating unit 74 generates first image display information corresponding to the first image 51 displayed in the first image display area 50B.

[0141] In step S110, the first image display information transmission control unit 75 controls the communication unit 46 to transmit the first image display information to the server 4.

[0142] In step S112, the operation state determination unit 73 determines whether or not the user has finished operating the display button 53. If the determination is affirmative, the process proceeds to step S120, and if the determination is negative, the process proceeds to step S114.

[0143] In step S114, the combined image information reception control unit 77 determines whether or not combined image information has been received via the communication unit 46. If the determination is affirmative, the process proceeds to step S118, and if the determination is negative, the process proceeds to step S116.

[0144] In step S116, the image display control unit 70 displays the first image 51 (onomatopoeia image) in an elongated manner until the user finishes operating the display button 53, and then the process returns to step S112.

[0145] In step S118, the image display control unit 70 causes the combination image indicated by the combination image information to be displayed on the screen 3a, and the process returns to step S112.

[0146] In step S120, the image display control unit 70 ends the display of the first image 51, and the process ends.

[0147] 11, the first image display information is generated together with the display of the first image 51, and the first image display information is transmitted to the server 4. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the first image display information may be transmitted to the server 4 after the display of the first image 51 ends. The first image display information transmission control unit 75 may transmit to the server 4 first image display information indicating the start of display of the first image 51 at the timing when the display of the first image 51 starts, and transmit to the server 4 first image display information indicating the end of display of the second image 52 at the timing when the display of the first image 51 ends. This allows the server 4 to recognize that the first image 51 (onomatopoeia image) is displayed in an elongated manner during the reception interval between the first image display information indicating the start of display of the first image 51 and the first image display information indicating the end of display.

[0148] [2-6-2. Flow for displaying onomatopoeia on the server] 12 is a flowchart showing the flow of the onomatopoeia display process executed by the CPU 20 of the server 4. A program for executing the onomatopoeia display process is pre-stored in a predetermined area of ​​the HDD 26. As an example, the onomatopoeia display process is started when the server 4 is distributing a video to the mobile terminal 3, and ends when the distribution of the video ends.

[0149] In step S200, the first image display information reception control unit 62 determines whether or not the first image display information has been received from the mobile terminal 3. If the determination is affirmative, the process proceeds to step S202, and if the determination is negative, the process enters a waiting state.

[0150] In step S202, the first image display information reception control unit 62 stores the received first image display information in the HDD .

[0151] In step S204, the combination image information generating unit 65 performs a combination determination, and if the determination is positive, the process proceeds to step S208, and if the determination is negative, the process proceeds to step S206. That is, if the display operation of the first image 51 to be combined is performed by multiple users within the combination period, the determination is positive and the process proceeds to step S208. On the other hand, if the display operation of the first image 51 to be combined is not performed by multiple users within the combination period, the determination is negative and the process proceeds to step S206.

[0152] In step S206, the second image display information generating unit 63 generates second image display information based on the received first image display information, and stores the second image display information in the HDD .

[0153] In step S208, the combination image information generating unit 65 generates combination image information indicating a combination image corresponding to the display operation of the first images 51 to be combined.

[0154] In step S210, the combination image information transmission control unit 66 controls the external interface 32 to transmit the combination image information, and the process returns to step S200. The destinations of the combination image information are the multiple mobile terminals 3 that have transmitted the first image display information to be combined, i.e., the mobile terminals 3 that correspond to the multiple user IDs included in the combination image information.

[0155] Fig. 13 is a flowchart showing the flow of the onomatopoeia display process executed by the CPU 20 included in the server 4. Each time the end of a section in the timeline of the video is reached, the flow shown in Fig. 13 targets the second image display information whose display period starts within that section.

[0156] In step S300, the replacement processing unit 67 performs a judgment, and if the judgment is positive, the process proceeds to step S302, and if the judgment is negative, the process proceeds to step S304. That is, if there is second image display information having commonality between the subject and the object, the judgment is positive and the process proceeds to step S302. On the other hand, if there is no second image display information having commonality between the subject and the object, the judgment is negative and the process proceeds to step S304.

[0157] In step S302, the replacement processing unit 67 performs replacement processing. In a unit process of the replacement processing, the replacement processing unit 67 specifies two pieces of second image display information having commonality in the subject and object as an image group, invalidates the statuses of the two pieces of second image display information included in the image group, and generates one new piece of second image display information. In step S302, this unit process is repeated until there are no more pieces of second image display information having commonality in the subject and object.

[0158] In step S304, the second image display information transmission control unit 64 controls the external interface 32 to transmit all second image display information included in the target section to a mobile terminal 3 different from the mobile terminal 3 that transmitted the first image display information. Therefore, the display period of the second image 52 based on the second image display information on the mobile terminal 3 will be delayed from the display period associated with the video.

[0159] As described above, in the mobile terminal 3 according to the embodiment, operation information of an additional operation performed on the first mobile terminal 3 by a first user watching a video displayed on the screen 3a of the first mobile terminal 3 to add a first image 51 to the video, and operation information of an additional operation performed on the second mobile terminal 3 by a second user watching the video displayed on the screen 3a of the second mobile terminal 3 to add a first image 51 to the video are provided from each mobile terminal 3 to the server 4. In order to improve entertainment value, the server 4 displays a combination image based on a combination of an additional operation by the first user and an additional operation by the second user on the screen 3a of the first mobile terminal 3 and the screen 3a of the second mobile terminal 3, respectively. As a result, an image that is not displayed by an operation by one user is displayed by a combination with an operation by another user, so that the mobile terminal 3 can encourage more users to watch the video.

[0160] Furthermore, the server 4 according to the embodiment replaces, among the second images 52 whose display timing on the mobile terminal 3 of the user watching a video during playback of the video is associated with the video, two or more second images 52 that have close display timing and commonality in subject and object with one new second image 52. This reduces the number of second images 52 displayed on the mobile terminal 3, and therefore the server 4 can suppress a sudden increase in load on the mobile terminal 3.

[0161] [3. Modifications] The technical scope of the present invention is not limited to the scope described in the above embodiments. Various modifications or improvements can be made to the above embodiments without departing from the gist of the invention, and such modifications or improvements are also included in the technical scope of the present invention.

[0162] Furthermore, the various processing flows described in the above embodiments are also just examples, and unnecessary steps may be deleted, new steps may be added, or the processing order may be rearranged, without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

[0163] [3-1. Variation 1 (Sharing images without going through a server)] In the above embodiment, a form has been described in which the server 4 receives first image display information from the mobile terminal 3, transmits second image display information generated based on the first image display information to another mobile terminal 3, and the other mobile terminal 3 displays the second image 52 indicated by the second image display information in the second image display area 50C, but the present invention is not limited to this.

[0164] For example, the mobile terminals 3 may transmit and receive first image display information among each other without going through the server 4, so that the mobile terminals 3 display the second image 52 in the second image display area 50C. That is, when the mobile terminal 3 receives first image display information from another mobile terminal 3, it reads information related to the first image 51 displayed on the other mobile terminal 3 from the first image display information, and displays the second image 52 based on the information in the second image display area 50C.

[0165] [3-2. Variation 2 (Watching the video alone)] The above embodiment is described as an example of a case where an image expressing the emotion of a video is shared among multiple users who are simultaneously watching the video. In contrast, an image expressing the emotion of a user who has watched a video first can be shared with a user who watches the video later. This makes it possible to display a combination image according to a combination of an additional operation by a first user who has watched the video first and an additional operation by a second user who watches the video later.

[0166] In the following, we consider a case where a first user using a first mobile terminal 3 (first device) watches a video (viewing target) after a second user using a second mobile terminal 3 (second device) watches the video (Fig. 13(A)). In this case, the additional operation by the first user and the additional operation by the second user may not be in close proximity to each other in real time. However, the two are in close proximity to each other on the progression axis (timeline) of the video (Fig. 13(B)). The first user and the second user may be the same person and another person, or may be the same person in the past and the same person in the present.

[0167] In the second modification, operation information of an addition operation (second operation) performed on the second mobile terminal 3a by a second user who is watching a video displayed on the screen 3a (second screen) of the second mobile terminal 3 to add a first image (second element) to the video is transmitted from the second mobile terminal 3a to the server 4. (second instruction means, shared information processing device). The server 4 transmits in advance to the first mobile terminal 3 used by the first user who is going to watch the same video, second image display information (second instruction) for displaying a second image (second element) based on an additional operation by the second user at a timing corresponding to the additional operation.

[0168] In order to improve entertainment value, when the first mobile terminal 3 receives an additional operation (first operation) performed on the first mobile terminal 3a by a first user who is watching a video displayed on the screen 3a (first screen) of the first mobile terminal 3 to add a first image (first element) to the video, the first mobile terminal 3 displays a combination image (third element) based on a combination of the received additional operation (first operation) and an additional operation (second operation) related to the second image display information on the screen 3a of the first mobile terminal 3. Note that in the second modification example, since the timing of the second operation performed on the second mobile terminal 3 is known in advance, it is also possible to display a combination image (third element) based on a combination of the received additional operation (first operation) and an additional operation (second operation) related to the second image display information on the screen 3a of the first mobile terminal 3 without delay after the first operation is received on the first mobile terminal 3.

[0169] [3-3. Modification 3 (not displaying the first image when a combined image is displayed)] In the above embodiment, the first image is also displayed when the combined image is displayed. However, it is also possible to prevent the first image from being displayed when the combined image is displayed.

[0170] Specifically, the image display control unit 70 (second control means) of the mobile terminal 3 waits to receive combination image information until a predetermined period (combination period) has elapsed since the first image display operation receiving unit 72 (first receiving means) received the additional operation. If the image display control unit 70 receives the combination image information within the predetermined time, it displays a combination image (third element) based on the received combination image information, and if the image display control unit 70 does not receive the combination image information within the predetermined period, it displays the first image (first element) based on the received additional operation.

[0171] [3-4. Modification 4 (displaying the second image even when a combined image is displayed)] In the above embodiment, when the combined image is displayed, the second image is not displayed. In contrast, the second image may be displayed even when the combined image is displayed. Specifically, when the server 4 receives the first image information, it is preferable to generate second image display information and transmit it to the mobile terminal 3 regardless of whether or not a display operation to be combined has been performed.

[0172] [3-5. Variation 5 (Limiting the activation of replacement processing)] In the above embodiment, the unit process is repeated for each predetermined period (combination period), and multiple pieces of second image display information to be replaced are replaced with one piece of second image display information. In contrast, in a situation where a sudden increase in load is unlikely to occur on the mobile terminal 3, the replacement process may be omitted.

[0173] Specifically, when the number of elements of a proximate element group including a plurality of second image display information (shared elements) whose display timings are close to each other does not satisfy the activation condition, the replacement processing unit 67 (identification means) of the server 4 omits a unit process (replacement process) for identifying two (predetermined number) pieces of second image display information included in the proximate element group as an image group (element group). The activation condition is, for example, that the number of elements is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold. The activation condition may be flexibly changed according to the processing capacity of the mobile terminal 3. For example, it is preferable to set a predetermined threshold according to the processing capacity of the terminal with the lower capacity among the plurality of mobile terminals 3 belonging to the group 5. The processing capacity is, for example, the display processing capacity (clock frequency of the DSP) or the reception processing capacity (speed of the communication line) of the mobile terminal 3. [Explanation of symbols]

[0174] 1. Video distribution system 2. Communication lines 3 Mobile terminal (an example of the "first device", "second device", or "information processing device") 3a Screen (Example of "1st screen" and "2nd screen") 4 Server (an example of the "first instruction means", "second instruction means", and "shared information processing device") 5 Group (An example of "information processing system") 50A Streaming video display area 50B 1st image display area 50C 2nd image display area 51 1st image 52 Second image (an example of a "shared element" or "alternative element") 53 Display button 60 Group Registration Department 61 Video Distribution Department 62 First image reception information reception control section 63 Second image display information generation section 64 Second image display information transmission control section 65 Combined image information generation unit 66 Combined image information transmission control section 67 Replacement processing unit (an example of "identification means" and "replacement means") 70 Image display control unit (an example of the "first control means", "second control means", "third control means", or "display control means") 71 Display area setting section 72 first image display operation reception unit (an example of the “first reception means” and the “second reception means”) 73 Operation status determination unit 74 First image display information generation section 75 First image display information transmission control unit (an example of the "first providing means" and the "second providing means") 76 Second image display information reception control unit (an example of the "third reception means") 77 Combined image information reception control unit

Claims

1. causing the processor to display, on a touch panel display of the first terminal at a predetermined date and time, a moving image in which the character appears, which is delivered from the server; causing a processor to display a first button on a touch panel display of the first terminal; a processor that displays a first image on a touch panel display of the first terminal based on a touch operation of the first button by a user of the first terminal; causing a processor to display, on a touch panel display of the first terminal, an image showing another user who is registered in the same group as the user of the first terminal and who is operating a second terminal; causing a processor to receive second image display information generated by the server based on an operation of the second terminal by the other user; causing a processor to display a second image on a touch panel display of the first terminal based on the second image display information; The first image includes an image that can be displayed by paying points. program.

2. The first image includes an image related to an emotion. The program according to claim 1.

3. one or more processors; The one or more processors: At a predetermined date and time, a video in which the character appears is displayed on a touch panel display of the first terminal; displaying a video in which the character appears on a touch panel display of a second terminal operated by another user who is registered in the same group as the user of the first terminal; displaying a first button on a touch panel display of the first terminal; displaying a first image on a touch panel display of the first terminal based on a touch operation of the first button by a user of the first terminal; displaying a second button on a touch panel display of the second terminal; displaying a second image on a touch panel display of the second terminal based on a touch operation of the second button by a user of the second terminal; displaying the second image and an image identifying a user of the second terminal on a touch panel display of the first terminal; The first image includes an image that can be displayed by paying points, The second image includes an image that can be displayed by paying points, the first image and the second image that can be displayed according to payment of points by the user of the first terminal and the user of the second terminal are different; Information processing device.

4. causing a processor to display, at a predetermined date and time, a moving image in which the character appears on a touch panel display of a first terminal, and to display the moving image in which the character appears on a touch panel display of a second terminal operated by another user registered in the same group as the user of the first terminal; causing a processor to display a first button on a touch panel display of the first terminal; a processor that displays a first image on a touch panel display of the first terminal based on a touch operation of the first button by a user of the first terminal; causing a processor to display a second button on a touch panel display of the second terminal; a processor, based on a touch operation of the second button by a user of the second terminal, to display a second image on a touch panel display of the second terminal, and to display the second image and an image identifying the user of the second terminal on a touch panel display of the first terminal; The first image includes an image that can be displayed by paying points, The second image includes an image that can be displayed by paying points, the first image and the second image that can be displayed according to payment of points by the user of the first terminal and the user of the second terminal are different; method.

5. A server and a plurality of terminals are provided, The server, At a predetermined date and time, a video in which the character appears is displayed on a touch panel display of the first terminal; displaying a video in which the character appears on a touch panel display of a second terminal operated by another user who is registered in the same group as the user of the first terminal; displaying a first button on a touch panel display of the first terminal; displaying a first image on a touch panel display of the first terminal based on a touch operation of the first button by a user of the first terminal; displaying a second button on a touch panel display of the second terminal; displaying a second image on a touch panel display of the second terminal based on a touch operation of the second button by a user of the second terminal; displaying the second image and an image identifying a user of the second terminal on a touch panel display of the first terminal; The first image includes an image that can be displayed by paying points, The second image includes an image that can be displayed by paying points, the first image and the second image that can be displayed according to payment of points by the user of the first terminal and the user of the second terminal are different; system.

Images