Information Processing Apparatus, Program, and Information Processing Method

Abstract

To provide an information processing device that allows a user to mutually view and control a shared video when a predetermined condition is satisfied.SOLUTION: An information processing device according to the present invention includes a viewing authority setting unit, a shared video registration unit, and a video distribution management unit, and the viewing authority setting unit grants the user viewing authority to view a video when the user satisfies a predetermined condition, and the shared video registration unit registers the video to which the viewing authority is granted as a shared video which is a video shared in a group to which a plurality of users including the user belongs in response to an instruction of the user, and the video distribution management unit controls the shared video registered by another user in the group such that the user can view the video if the shared video is registered.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an information processing apparatus, a program, and an information processing method.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses an information processing apparatus that distributes group video data showing a video that cannot be viewed unless registered as a group to a mobile terminal registered in the group.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, although one video could be shared by multiple users, the videos were not mutually shared among multiple users.

[0005] The present invention provides an information processing apparatus, a program, and an information processing method that can control a shared video so that users can view it mutually when predetermined conditions are satisfied.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] An information processing apparatus according to an aspect of the present invention is an information processing apparatus including a viewing right setting unit, a shared video registration unit, and a video distribution management unit. The viewing right setting unit grants a viewing right to a user to view a video when the user satisfies a predetermined condition. The shared video registration unit registers, as a shared video that is shared among a plurality of users including the user, the video to which the viewing right is granted, according to an instruction of the user. The video distribution management unit is an information processing apparatus that controls the user to be able to view the shared videos registered by other users in the group on the condition that the shared videos are registered.

[0007] According to an aspect of the present invention, when a predetermined condition is satisfied, users can mutually control to view shared videos.

Brief Description of Drawings

[0008]

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Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0009] Hereinafter, some embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Various characteristic matters shown in the following embodiments can be combined with each other. Also, an invention can be established independently for each characteristic matter.

[0010] <1. First Embodiment> (1-1. Video Sharing System 1) The information processing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention is the server 10 that constitutes a part of the video sharing system 1 as shown in FIG. 1. The video sharing system 1 includes a server 10 and user terminals 20 (user terminal 20a and user terminal 20b). The video sharing system 1 may further include a video distribution server (not shown) that distributes videos to the user terminals 20.

[0011] Server 10 is configured to be communicable with user terminal 20 via communication line 5. Server 10 grants viewing rights to video M1 and video M2 to user U1 and user U2 belonging to the same group, respectively. Server 10 registers video M1 and video M2 as videos to be shared in the group, and controls to enable mutual viewing of the shared videos by the users in the group. With such a configuration, mutual viewing of the shared videos by the users is realized. Hereinafter, each configuration will be described.

[0012] (1-2. Hardware Configuration of Video Sharing System 1) Referring to FIGS. 2 and 3, the hardware configuration of video sharing system 1 will be described.

[0013] (1ー2ー1. Hardware Configuration of Server 10) FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of server 10 according to the present embodiment. Server 10 includes a control unit 11, a storage unit 12, and a communication unit 13. Further, server 10 may include an operation input unit 14 configured by a keyboard and a mouse or the like to receive inputs of various operations, and a monitor 15 such as a liquid crystal display device that displays various images.

[0014] The control unit 11 is, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a microprocessor, a DSP (Digital Signal Processor), etc., and controls the overall operation of server 10.

[0015] A part of the storage unit 12 is configured by, for example, a RAM (Random Access Memory) or a DRAM (Dynamic Random Access Memory), etc., and is used as a work area or the like when executing processing based on various programs by the control unit 11. Also, a part of the storage unit 12 is, for example, a non-volatile memory such as a ROM (Read Only Memory), or an HDD (Hard Disk Drive), and stores various data and programs used for the processing of the control unit 11.

[0016] The programs stored in the memory unit 12 are, for example, an OS (Operating System) for realizing the basic functions of the server 10, drivers for controlling various hardware, programs for realizing various functions, etc., and include the computer program according to the present embodiment.

[0017] The communication unit 13 is, for example, a NIC (Network Interface Controller) and has a function of connecting to the communication line 5. Note that the communication unit 13 may have a function of connecting to a wireless LAN (Local Area Network), a function of connecting to a wireless WAN (Wide Area Network), a function enabling short-distance wireless communication such as Bluetooth (registered trademark), and infrared communication, instead of or together with the NIC. The server 10 is connected to other information processing devices such as the user terminal 20 via the communication line 5 and can transmit and receive various data to and from other information processing devices.

[0018] These control unit 11, memory unit 12, communication unit 13, operation input unit 14, and monitor 15 are electrically connected to each other via the system bus 16. Therefore, the control unit 11 can access the memory unit 12, display an image on the monitor 15, grasp the operation state of the operation input unit 14 by the user, and access various communication networks and other information processing devices via the communication unit 13.

[0019] Note that the video distribution server may include a control unit, a memory unit, and a communication unit, and may further include an operation input unit, a monitor, etc., in the same manner as the server 10. Also, the server 10 may have the function of a video distribution server.

[0020] (1-2-2. Hardware Configuration of User Terminal 20) FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of the user terminal 20 according to the present embodiment. The user terminal 20 is an information processing terminal such as a smartphone or a tablet terminal, and includes a control unit 21, a storage unit 22, and a communication unit 23. Further, the user terminal 20 may include a display unit 24 such as a touch panel display capable of displaying an image or the like and receiving an operation, a speaker 25 that outputs sound, a microphone 26 into which sound is input, a camera 27 that images a subject, and operation buttons 28. Hereinafter, the description will focus on the differences from the server 10.

[0021] The operation buttons 28 are provided on the side surface of the user terminal 20 and are a power button for starting or stopping the user terminal 20, a volume adjustment button for the sound output from the speaker 25, and the like.

[0022] These control unit 21, storage unit 22, communication unit 23, display unit 24, speaker 25, microphone 26, camera 27, and operation buttons 28 are electrically connected to each other via a system bus 29. Therefore, the control unit 21 can access the storage unit 22, display an image on the display unit 24, grasp the operation state of the touch panel display (display unit 24) and the operation buttons 28 by the user, input sound to the microphone 26, output sound from the speaker 25, control the camera 27, and access various communication networks and other information processing devices via the communication unit 23.

[0023] (1-3. Functional Configuration of Server 10) As shown in FIG. 4, the control unit 11 of the server 10 includes a viewing authority setting unit 11a, a shared video registration unit 11b, and a video distribution management unit 11c.

[0024] The viewing right setting unit 11a grants the user U1 the viewing right to view the video M1 when the user U1 meets a predetermined condition. The shared video registration unit 11b registers the video M1 with the viewing right granted as a shared video to be shared in a group to which a plurality of users including the user U1 belong, according to the instruction of the user U1. The video distribution management unit 11c controls the user U1 to be able to view the shared video (video M2 in FIG. 1) registered by another user U2 belonging to the group, on the condition that the shared video has been registered. Details of each function will be described later.

[0025] The above-described functional configuration may be realized by software (including so-called apps) appropriately installed in the server 10, or may be realized by hardware. When realized by software, the control unit 11 can realize various functions by executing a program constituting the software.

[0026] When realized by executing a program, the program may be stored in the storage unit 12 built in the server 10, or may be stored in a non-transitory computer-readable recording medium. Also, a program stored in an external storage device may be read out and realized by so-called cloud computing. Or, when realized by hardware, it can be realized by various circuits such as ASIC, SOC, FPGA, or DRP. Also, the above-described functional configuration may be such that some of the functional configurations are processed by software or hardware in the user terminal 20 or the like.

[0027] (1-4. Function of the viewing right setting unit 11a) Referring to FIGS. 5 to 7, the functions of the control unit 11 will be described in detail. The viewing right setting unit 11a is configured to grant the user U1 the viewing right to view the video M1 when the user U1 meets a predetermined condition. The user U1 granted the viewing right to view the video M1 can receive the distribution of the video M1 from the video distribution server to the user terminal 20a.

[0028] The predetermined conditions for granting viewing rights are, for example, the purchase of the viewing rights for video M1 by user U1. The viewing right setting unit 11a may be configured to grant viewing rights based on the information that user U1 has purchased the viewing rights for video M1. Further, the control unit 11 of the server 10 may further include a video purchase processing unit. The video purchase processing unit receives a purchase request for video M1 from the user terminal 20a from user U1 and further receives payment of the consideration. The video purchase processing unit records the purchase information in the storage unit 12 and the like.

[0029] (1-5. Functions of the shared video registration unit 11b) The shared video registration unit 11b is configured to register video M1, for which user U1 has been granted viewing rights, as a shared video to be shared in group G1 to which a plurality of users including user U1 belong, according to the instruction of user U1. In FIG. 5, user U1 and user U2 belong to group G1.

[0030] Here, the instruction of user U1 is a request transmitted from the user terminal 20a to the server 10 in order to register video M1 as a shared video in group G1. The shared video registration unit 11b receives the request and registers it by recording video M1 as a shared video in the storage unit 12 and the like.

[0031] Further, group G1 is formed based on the relevance among a plurality of users. The relevance among users is, in one aspect, the relevance generated by the requirement for the group composition by the users belonging to group G1. The formed group may be temporary or long-term. The group may form, for example, a chat room or the like where conversations for exchanging opinions regarding videos can be held.

[0032] In addition, the relevance between predetermined users may, in one aspect, be a relevance determined based on various other information of the users. The user information may be, for example, information regarding the friendship relationship between user U1 and user U2 (hereinafter, also referred to as "friend information"). The friend information is an index of exchanges inside and outside the services related to the video sharing system 1. The group may be formed by, for example, the group setting unit of the control unit 11 according to the user's request. Or, without the user's request, it may be automatically formed by the group setting unit or the like based on the degree of communication between users (for example, the depth, intimacy, frequency, etc. of the friendship relationship).

[0033] Examples of exchanges within the service include, for example, that conversations have taken place in the above chat room or the like, or that the accounts and IDs in the service have been exchanged with each other and are connected so as to be able to communicate. In addition, examples of exchanges outside the service include, for example, that some contact (so-called "like", "follow", "add friend", etc.) has been made on a specific social networking service (SNS).

[0034] (1-6. Functions of Video Delivery Management Unit 11c) The video delivery management unit 11c is configured to control so that user U1 can view the shared video registered by user U2 of group G1 on the condition that the user U1 has registered a shared video. With such a configuration, even if not having the viewing rights for all videos, by simply sharing at least one video with viewing rights, it is possible to control so that all the shared videos can be viewed by the users within the group. That is, when a plurality of videos are shared, the user only needs to share at least one video with viewing rights, and the plurality of shared videos can be viewed. In other words, the user can view the videos shared by others on the condition that the user provides a video.

[0035] In FIG. 5, user U1 registers video M1, which he has viewing rights to, as a shared video in group G1. Also, user U2 registers video M2, which he has viewing rights to, as a shared video in group G1. That is, video M1 and video M2 are registered as shared videos in group G1.

[0036] Here, for video M1 which user U1 has viewing rights to, even without being based on the fact that video M1 is registered as a shared video, it is of course viewable. Since user U1 has registered video M1 as a shared video, he can also view video M2 registered by user U2 as a shared video. That is, user U1 can receive the distribution of video M1 and video M2 from the video distribution server to user terminal 20a.

[0037] Although user U1 does not satisfy the predetermined conditions such as purchase for being granted viewing rights for video M2, it can also be said that he is in a state where he is permitted to view based on the viewing rights that user U2 has for video M2. The video distribution management unit 11c may be configured to control the registered video M2 to be unviewable when the registration of video M2 registered by another user U2 as a shared video is cancelled. However, when user U1 has viewing rights for the same video M2, or when another user in group G1 has registered the same video M2 as a shared video, user U1 can view video M2.

[0038] Here, the video distribution method may be either live distribution or non-live distribution. In the case of live distribution, a sense of presence can be experienced. Also, it may be either streaming or downloading, but when it is live distribution, streaming distribution can be selected.

[0039] Also, the video distribution server may be Server 10. However, when the video distribution server is a server independent of Server 10, the shared video registration unit 11b and the video distribution management unit 11c may be configured to share with the video distribution server regarding the viewing authority and the sharing state of the video.

[0040] FIGS. 6 and 7 illustrate the case where user U3 further belongs to group G1. In FIG. 6, user U3 has not registered as a shared video in group G1 a video that the user himself / herself has the viewing authority for. Therefore, user U3 cannot view videos M1 and M2 registered as shared videos by other users U1 and U2 in group G1 unless the user himself / herself has the viewing authority for these videos.

[0041] On the other hand, in FIG. 7, user U3 has registered video M3, for which the user himself / herself has the viewing authority, as a shared video in group G1. Therefore, user U3 can view videos M1 and M2 registered as shared videos by other users U1 and U2 in group G1 even if the user himself / herself does not have the viewing authority for these videos.

[0042] (1-7. An example of the video sharing system 1) Next, the video sharing system 1 will be described more specifically based on the example of FIG. 8.

[0043] In FIG. 8, a concert of a singer group consisting of singers A1 to A3 is being photographed by a plurality of cameras (cameras C1 to C6). And the images of each camera are being live-distributed via a video distribution server as videos M1 to M6.

[0044] Cameras C1, C2, and C3 are photographing from different angles with singer A1 as the center. Camera C4 is photographing with singer A2 as the center. Camera C5 is photographing with singer A3 as the center. And camera C6 is photographing the entire stage.

[0045] Here, users U1, U2, and U3 are particularly fans of singer A1 and hope to watch videos from multiple angles of singer A1. That is, they want to watch videos M1, M2, and M3.

[0046] In such a case, first, as shown in FIG. 7, users U1, U2, and U3 form group G1. Next, user U1 purchases video M1, user U2 purchases video M2, and user U3 purchases video M3 respectively to obtain viewing rights. Then, by registering the videos with viewing rights for each user as shared videos in group G1, all of users U1, U2, and U3 can watch videos M1, M2, and M3. That is, by simply purchasing and sharing one video, it becomes possible to watch videos from multiple angles of singer A1.

[0047] Also, as shown in FIG. 9, the user terminal 20a of user U1 may be configured to display videos M1 to M3 distributed from the video distribution server side by side on the display unit 24. In FIG. 9, as an example, video M1 is displayed large, and videos M2 and M3 are displayed small. The user terminal 20a may switch the display according to the operation of user U1 or a predetermined condition. For example, video M2 is displayed large and video M1 is displayed small.

[0048] Also, when any one of users U1 to U3 further registers video M6 as a shared video in group G1, as shown in FIG. 10, the user terminal 20a can also display video M6. Note that the user terminal 20a may determine the number of videos that can be displayed on the display unit 24 at one time (for example, 4 videos). The user terminal 20a may be configured such that when the number of videos that user U1 can view exceeds the number of videos that can be displayed, user U1 can select the videos to be displayed.

[0049] (1-8. Flow of processing by video sharing system 1) Referring to FIG. 11, the flow of processing by video sharing system 1 will be described.

[0050] First, as shown in FIG. 11, S210 and the viewing permission setting step S110 are executed. In S210, the user U1 purchases the video M1 via the user terminal 20a by operating, and the server 10 acquires the information of the purchase. In S110, when the viewing permission setting unit 11a determines that a predetermined condition is satisfied based on the information of the purchase and the like, the viewing permission setting unit 11a grants the user U1 the viewing permission to view the video M1.

[0051] Next, S220 and the shared video registration step S120 are executed. In S220, based on the instruction of the user U1, a request to register the video M1 as a shared video to be shared in the group G1 to which the user U1 belongs is sent from the user terminal 20a to the server 10. In S120, the shared video registration unit 11b registers the video M1 as a shared video to be shared in the group G1 to which the user U1 belongs.

[0052] Next, the video distribution management step S130 is executed. In S130, based on the condition that the shared video is registered, the video distribution management unit 11c controls the user U1 to be able to view the shared videos registered by the user U2 in the group G1.

[0053] S130 may include S132, S134, and S136. In S132, based on the condition that the shared video is registered, the video distribution management unit 11c records the user U1 as a user who can view the shared videos registered by the users in the group G1 in the storage unit 12 and the like.

[0054] In S134, the video distribution management unit 11c receives the video distribution request (S234) sent from the user terminal 20a. In S136, the video distribution management unit 11c sends a video distribution command to the video distribution server based on the received video distribution request.

[0055] Next, S340 and S250 are executed. In S340, based on the received video distribution command, the video distribution server distributes the corresponding video to the user terminal 20a. In S250, the user terminal 20a displays the distributed video on the display unit 24.

[0056] <2. Modified Example> Hereinafter, various modified examples of the video sharing system 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described.

[0057] (2-1. Modified Example 1) The shared video registration unit 11b may be configured to register, as a shared video, a video M1 with viewing authority granted when the shared condition, which is a condition for sharing a video, is satisfied according to the instruction of the user U1.

[0058] The shared condition may include, as a condition, that the video to be registered has a predetermined relevance to the videos included in the shared videos that have already been registered at the time of registration. With such a configuration, for videos with relevant associations that the user is interested in, even if the user does not have the viewing authority for all videos, the user can control to be able to view all the shared videos within the group just by sharing the viewing authority of at least one relevant video.

[0059] In the example of FIG. 7, assume that in group G1, user U1 registers video M1 as a shared video for the first time, then user U2 registers video M2 as a shared video, and finally user U3 registers video M3 as a shared video.

[0060] In such a case, in one aspect, since no video has been registered as a shared video in group G1 by user U1, user U1 can register video M1 without being restricted by the relevance between videos. That is, the shared video registration unit 11b may not determine whether the shared condition is satisfied, or may consider that the shared condition is satisfied when a video is registered as a shared video for the first time in the group.

[0061] Next, when user U2 registers video M2, it is necessary for video M2 to have a predetermined relevance to video M1 that has already been registered as a shared video. Here, the predetermined relevance means, for example, being a video related to the same concert or competition video. In the example of FIG. 8, it can be said that any of videos M1 to M6 has a predetermined relevance. By controlling the viewability of shared videos having such a predetermined relevance in this way, the user can view so-called interesting videos related to the videos they have purchased.

[0062] The predetermined relevance may be, for example, being a video related to the same singer in the same concert or being a video related to the same competitor in the same competition. In the example of FIG. 8, it can be said that any of videos M1 to M3, which are videos related to the same singer A1, has a predetermined relevance.

[0063] Next, when user U3 registers video M3, it is necessary for video M3 to have a predetermined relevance to video M1 or / and video M2 that has already been registered as a shared video. In one aspect, it is necessary for video M3 to have a predetermined relevance to only one of video M1 and video M2. Also, in one aspect, it is necessary for video M3 to have a predetermined relevance to both video M1 and video M2. By requiring video M3 to have a relevance to both video M1 and video M2, it is possible to prevent the shareable range from expanding without limit.

[0064] Note that the predetermined relevance may be determined based on the videos registered as shared videos, or may be determined based on criteria of videos pre-registered in the group at the time of or after group formation. In this way, when the video criteria are preset in the group, the predetermined relevance will also be considered when registering video M1 as the first shared video in group G1 by user U1 as described above.

[0065] (2-2. Modification Example 2) In Modification 2, although the required sharing conditions are different, similar to Modification 1, the shared video registration unit 11b may be configured to register, as a shared video, the video M1 with viewing rights granted when the sharing conditions, which are the conditions for sharing the video, are satisfied according to the instruction of the user U1.

[0066] The sharing conditions in Modification 2 include, as a condition, that the video to be registered is not identical to any of the videos already registered as shared videos at the time of registration. By adopting such a configuration, for the videos that the user is interested in, even if the user does not have the viewing rights for all the videos, the user can view all the shared videos within the group just by sharing the viewing rights of at least one video that has not been shared yet within the group. When non-identical videos are shared, there is also the merit that videos rich in variety are shared.

[0067] Similar to Modification 1, in the example of FIG. 7, assume that in the group G1, the user U1 first registers the video M1 as a shared video, then the user U2 registers the video M2 as a shared video, and finally the user U3 registers the video M3 as a shared video.

[0068] In such a case, since no video has been registered as a shared video in the group G1 for the user U1, the user U1 can register the video M1 without being restricted by the identity with the registered videos. That is, the shared video registration unit 11b may not determine whether the sharing conditions are satisfied, or may be regarded as satisfying the sharing conditions when a video is registered as a shared video for the first time in the group.

[0069] Next, when the user U2 registers the video M2, it is necessary that the video M2 is not identical to the video M1 that has already been registered as a shared video. In the example of FIG. 8, although the videos M1 to M6 are videos of images related to the same concert, they can be regarded as different videos because the angles and the like are different.

[0070] Next, when registering video M3 by user U3, it is necessary that video M3 is not the same as either of videos M1 and M2 that have already been registered as shared videos.

[0071] (2-3. Modification Example 3) In Modification Example 3, the viewing right setting unit 11a is configured to set the number of users who can be distributed the viewing right. In such a case, the video distribution management unit 11c is configured to control such that users equal to or less than a determined number can view the shared video based on the viewing right. By adopting such a configuration, the number of users who can share based on one viewing right can be restricted. That is, it is possible to prevent the number of users who can view the video from increasing without limit based on one viewing right.

[0072] For example, in the example of FIG. 7, assuming that the number of users who can be distributed for the viewing right set for video M1 is 2, only any two of users U1 to U3 can view it. That is, when video M1 is being distributed to users U1 and U2, the video distribution management unit 11c can control such that video M1 is not further distributed to user U3 exceeding the number of users who can be distributed.

[0073] Also, when the number of users belonging to the group exceeds the number of users who can be distributed for the viewing right set for the video to be registered, the shared video registration unit 11b may control such that the video cannot be registered as a shared video of the group. In one aspect, the sharing condition may include that the number of users who can be distributed for the viewing right set for the video to be registered does not exceed the number of users belonging to the group to which the video is to be registered as a shared video.

[0074] Also, the group setting unit or the like may control such that the number of users belonging to the group does not exceed the minimum number among the numbers of users who can be distributed for the viewing rights of the shared videos registered in the group.

[0075] (2-4. Modification Example 4) In Modification Example 4, the video distribution management unit 11c is configured to control the sharing videos registered by other users in the group to be viewable by the user when the number of videos registered by each user as sharing videos is within a predetermined range. By adopting such a configuration, when the number of videos to be shared varies greatly among users, the distribution can be restricted, and the sharing can be controlled to be performed under fair conditions.

[0076] Here, "the number of videos registered by the user as sharing videos is within a predetermined range" means, for example, that the number of videos registered by the user as sharing videos is equal to or more than a predetermined number, or is equal to or more than a first predetermined number and equal to or less than a second predetermined number, etc. The predetermined number including the first predetermined number and the second predetermined number may be a specific number (for example, 2) determined in advance by the group setting unit or the like according to the operation of the user U1 or predetermined conditions.

[0077] Also, the predetermined number may be determined based on the number of sharing videos registered by each user belonging to the group. For example, the group setting unit or the like can set "equal to or more than a predetermined number" as "equal to or more than the number obtained by subtracting 1 from the average of the number of sharing videos registered by each user belonging to the group". That is, when the "average of the number of sharing videos registered by each user belonging to the group" is 3, a user who has registered only one video as a sharing video cannot receive distribution for videos other than the videos for which the user has viewing rights.

[0078] Also, when there is a user who cannot receive such distribution in the group, the video distribution management unit 11c may control the videos registered by the user who cannot receive distribution so that other users cannot view them. By adopting such a configuration, fairness among users can be achieved.

[0079] (2-5. Modification Example 5) In Modification 5, the video distribution management unit 11c is configured to control so that other users in the group can view the shared videos registered by other users in the group when the total value of one or more videos registered by each user as shared videos is within a predetermined range. By adopting such a configuration, when the difference in the value of the videos to be shared varies greatly among users, the distribution can be restricted, and the sharing can be controlled to be performed under equitable conditions.

[0080] Here, "the total value of one or more videos registered by a user as shared videos is within a predetermined range" means, for example, that the total value of one or more videos registered by a user as shared videos is equal to or greater than a predetermined value, or is equal to or greater than a first predetermined value and equal to or less than a second predetermined value. The predetermined value including the first predetermined value and the second predetermined value may be a specific value (for example, 500 yen) determined in advance by the group setting unit or the like according to the operation of user U1 or predetermined conditions.

[0081] Alternatively, the predetermined value may be determined based on the total value of the shared videos registered by each user belonging to the group. For example, the group setting unit or the like can set "equal to or greater than a predetermined value" as "equal to or greater than a number obtained by subtracting 200 yen from the average of the total values of the shared videos registered by each user belonging to the group and equal to or greater than 500 yen". That is, when the "average of the total values of the shared videos registered by each user belonging to the group" is 800 yen, a user whose total value of one or more videos registered as shared videos is 500 yen cannot receive distribution for videos other than those for which the user has viewing rights.

[0082] Also, the "value of a video" can be configured to be determined for each video by the video distribution management unit 11c or the like. The value of a video may be a fixed value, or may be a value that varies according to the purchase situation or the like. Even in the case of a value that varies, when considering it as the "value of one or more videos registered by a user as shared videos", the price at the time of purchase of the video by the user may be regarded as the value of the video.

[0083] The value of a video is determined by various criteria and may be defined as shown in FIG. 12, for example. In this example, video M1 is priced at 2,000 yen, videos M2 and M3 are priced at 1,500 yen, video M4 is priced at 1,000 yen, video M5 is priced at 500 yen, and video M6 is priced at 200 yen. These can be determined in consideration of the popularity of each singer, the distance from the camera, the angle, etc.

[0084] (2-6. Variant Example 6) In Variant Example 6, the video distribution management unit 11c is configured to control the shared videos registered by other users in the group to be viewable by the user when the degree of rarity of at least one video included in one or more videos registered by the user as shared videos is within a predetermined range. By configuring in this way, when the difference in the rarity of the videos to be shared varies greatly among users, the distribution can be restricted and the sharing can be controlled to be performed under fair conditions.

[0085] Here, the "degree of rarity" is an index based on the ease of obtaining the viewing right of the target video. The degree of rarity may be defined as shown in FIG. 13, for example. In this example, the degree of rarity of video M1 is 5, the degrees of rarity of videos M2 and M3 are 4, the degree of rarity of video M4 is 3, the degree of rarity of video M5 is 2, and the degree of rarity of video M6 is 1. The ease of obtaining the viewing right of a video can be, for example, the ease of purchasing the video and can be determined based on the number of video sales, the popularity of the video, the length of the sales period, or a combination thereof.

[0086] Here, "the degree of rarity of at least one video included in one or more videos registered by the user as shared videos is within a predetermined range" means, for example, that the degree of rarity of at least one video included in one or more videos registered by the user as shared videos is equal to or higher than a predetermined degree, or is equal to or higher than a first predetermined degree and equal to or lower than a second predetermined degree, etc. The predetermined degree including the first predetermined degree and the second predetermined degree may be a specific degree determined in advance by a group setting unit or the like according to the operation of user U1 or predetermined conditions.

[0087] Further, the predetermined degree may be determined based on the degree of rarity of the shared videos registered by each user belonging to the group. For example, the group setting unit or the like can set "equal to or higher than the predetermined degree" as "equal to or higher than the number obtained by subtracting 1 from the average of the degrees of rarity of the shared videos registered by each user belonging to the group and equal to or higher than 2". That is, when the "average of the degrees of rarity of the shared videos registered by each user belonging to the group" is 4.3, a user whose maximum degree of rarity of the videos included in one or more videos registered as shared videos is 2 cannot receive distribution for videos other than the videos for which he / she has viewing rights.

[0088] <3. Other Embodiments> As described above, the embodiments and modifications thereof in the present invention have been explained, but the application of the present disclosure is not limited to the above-described content.

[0089] (Functional Configuration, etc.) For example, in the above embodiment, the aspect in which the server 10 mainly includes each function has been described, but for some functions, the user terminal 20 may include them, or a configuration in which both the server 10 and the user terminal 20 include them can be adopted.

[0090] Further, the information processing device such as the server 10 may include not only a device physically configured by one unit but also a device in which a plurality of devices are communicably connected by wire or wirelessly and function as substantially one information processing device.

[0091] Also, each step described as being to be executed by the server 10 in the above embodiment can also be performed by the user terminal 20.

[0092] (Belonging to a Plurality of Groups) Also, a user may belong to a plurality of groups. For example, in FIG. 14, a state is shown in which the user U3 belongs to the group G2 to which the user U4 belongs in addition to the group G1.

[0093] The shared video registration unit 11b may be configured to register, as a shared video to be shared in group G1, video M3 with viewing permission granted to user U3 at the instruction of user U3, and further register the same video M3 as a shared video to be shared in another group G2.

[0094] In such a configuration, the user can view the shared videos in those groups by registering one video as a shared video in multiple groups. That is, by registering video M3 as a shared video in group G1, user U3 can view videos M1 and M2. At the same time, by registering video M3 as a shared video in group G2, user U3 can view video M4.

[0095] On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 15, when the shared video registration unit 11b registers, at the instruction of user U3, video M3 with viewing permission granted to user U3 as a shared video to be shared in group G1, it may be configured such that the same video M3 cannot be further registered as a shared video to be shared in another group G2.

[0096] In such a configuration, the user cannot register one video as a shared video in multiple groups and can only view the shared videos in the one group where the video is registered. That is, by registering video M3 as a shared video in group G1, user U3 can view videos M1 and M2. However, since user U3 cannot register video M3 as a shared video in group G2, user U3 cannot view video M4.

[0097] (Another aspect of the present invention) According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided an information processing apparatus including a viewing right setting unit and a video distribution management unit. The viewing right setting unit grants a first viewing right, which is the viewing right of a first video, to a first user, and grants a second viewing right, which is the viewing right of a second video, to a second user. The video distribution management unit controls to make the first video distributable to the information processing terminals of the first user and / or the second user based on the first viewing right, and controls to make the second video distributable to the information processing terminals of the first user and / or the second user based on the second viewing right when a mutual sharing condition, which is a condition for different users to share videos with each other, is satisfied.

[0098] With such a configuration, even if each user does not have the viewing rights for all videos, but only has some viewing rights, the users can view videos mutually. Note that, also in an information processing apparatus or the like according to such another aspect, various concepts and definitions in the first embodiment or the like may be applied as appropriate.

[0099] The mutual sharing condition may include, as conditions, that the first user and the second user have a predetermined relationship, that the first video and the second video have a predetermined relevance, or that the first video and the second video are different videos. That the first user and the second user have a predetermined relationship means, for example, that the first user and the second user belong to the same group. That the first video and the second video have a predetermined relevance means, for example, that, similar to the above example, the videos are related to the same concert or competition video, are videos related to the same singer in the same concert, or are videos related to the same athlete in the same competition.

[0100] The viewing right setting unit may set the number of users to whom each of the first viewing right and the second viewing right is distributable, and the video distribution management unit may control to make the distribution possible to the number of users or less determined for each viewing right based on each of the first viewing right and the second viewing right.

[0101] The mutual sharing condition may include a condition that the difference between the number of videos including the first video shared by the first user with the second user and the number of videos including the second video shared by the second user with the first user is within a predetermined range.

[0102] The mutual sharing condition may include a condition that the difference between the total value of one or more videos including the first video shared by the first user with the second user and the total value of one or more videos including the second video shared by the second user with the first user is within a predetermined range.

[0103] The mutual sharing condition may include a condition that the difference between the degree of rarity of at least one video included in one or more videos including the first video shared by the first user with the second user and the degree of rarity of at least one video included in one or more videos including the second video shared by the second user with the first user is within a predetermined range.

[0104] The mutual sharing condition may further include a condition that the first video is a video that the second user cannot view based on authorities other than the first viewing authority, and the second video is a video that the first user cannot view based on authorities other than the second viewing authority.

[0105] As described above, various embodiments of the present invention have been explained, but these are presented as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. The novel embodiments can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, replacements, and changes can be made without departing from the gist of the invention. The embodiments and their modifications are included in the scope and gist of the invention and are included in the invention described in the claims and its equivalent scope.

[0106] <4. Features of Embodiments> Hereinafter, the features of the embodiments of the present invention will be summarized.

[0107] Server 10 according to one aspect of the present invention is an information processing apparatus, comprising a viewing permission setting unit 11a, a shared video registration unit 11b, and a video distribution management unit 11c. The viewing permission setting unit 11a grants the user a viewing permission to view a video when the user satisfies a predetermined condition. The shared video registration unit 11b registers the video with the viewing permission as a shared video that is shared among a group of multiple users including the user according to the instruction of the user. The video distribution management unit 11c is an information processing apparatus that controls the user to be able to view the shared videos registered by other users in the group on the condition that the shared videos are registered.

[0108] With such a configuration, by simply sharing at least one video with viewing permission, any user within the group can be controlled to be able to view all the shared videos.

[0109] The shared video registration unit 11b registers the video with the viewing permission as the shared video when the shared condition, which is a condition for sharing the video, is satisfied according to the instruction of the user. The shared condition may be configured to include that the video to be registered has a predetermined relevance to the videos included in the shared videos already registered at the time of registration. With such a configuration, for videos with relevant relevance that the user is interested in, by simply sharing the viewing permission of at least one relevant video, any user within the group can be controlled to be able to view all the shared videos.

[0110] The shared video registration unit 11b registers, as the shared video, the video with the viewing right granted thereto when the sharing conditions, which are the conditions for sharing the video, are satisfied according to the instruction of the user. The sharing conditions may be configured to include that the video to be registered is not identical to any of the videos already registered as the shared videos at the time of registration. With such a configuration, regarding the videos that the user is interested in, only by sharing the viewing rights of at least one video that has not yet been shared within the group, it is possible to control so that all the shared videos can be viewed by any user within the group.

[0111] The viewing right setting unit 11a sets the number of users to whom the viewing right can be distributed, and the video distribution management unit 11c may be configured to control so that the shared video can be viewed by a number of users equal to or less than a determined number based on the viewing right. With such a configuration, it is possible to limit the number of users who can share based on one viewing right.

[0112] The video distribution management unit 11c may be configured to control so that the user can view the shared videos registered by other users in the group when the number of videos registered by the user as the shared videos is within a predetermined range. With such a configuration, when the number of shared videos varies greatly among users, the distribution can be restricted and the sharing can be controlled under balanced conditions.

[0113] The video distribution management unit 11c may be configured to control so that the user can view the shared videos registered by other users in the group when the total value of the one or more videos registered by the user as the shared videos is within a predetermined range. With such a configuration, when the difference in the value of the shared videos varies greatly among users, the distribution can be restricted and the sharing can be controlled under balanced conditions.

[0114] When the degree of rarity of at least one video included in one or more videos registered by the user as the shared video is within a predetermined range, the video distribution management unit 11c may be configured to control the shared video registered by other users in the group to be viewable by the user. By adopting such a configuration, when the difference in the rarity of the videos to be shared varies greatly among users, the distribution can be restricted and the sharing can be controlled to be performed under fair conditions.

[0115] A computer program according to an aspect of the present invention is a computer program that causes a computer to execute a viewing right setting step, a shared video registration step, and a video distribution management step. In the viewing right setting step, a viewing right to view a video is granted to the user when the user satisfies a predetermined condition. In the shared video registration step, the video to which the viewing right is granted is registered as a shared video that is shared in a group to which a plurality of users including the user belong according to an instruction of the user. In the video distribution management step, on the condition that the shared video is registered, the user is able to control to view the shared video registered by other users in the group.

[0116] An information processing method according to an aspect of the present invention is an information processing method including a viewing right setting step, a shared video registration step, and a video distribution management step. In the viewing right setting step, a computer grants a viewing right to view a video to the user when the user satisfies a predetermined condition. In the shared video registration step, the computer registers the video to which the viewing right is granted as a shared video that is shared in a group to which a plurality of users including the user belong according to an instruction of the user. In the video distribution management step, on the condition that the shared video is registered, the computer enables the user to control to view the shared video registered by other users in the group.

Explanation of Signs

[0117] 1: Video sharing system, 5: Communication line, 10: Server, 11: Control unit, 11a: Viewing right setting unit, 11b: Shared video registration unit, 11c: Video distribution management unit, 12: Memory unit, 13: Communication unit, 14: Operation input unit, 15: Monitor, 16: System bus, 20, 20a, 20b: User terminal, 21: Control unit, 22: Memory unit, 23: Communication unit, 24: Display unit, 25: Speaker, 26: Microphone, 27: Camera, 28: Operation button, 29: System bus, A1~A3: Singer, C1~C6: Camera, G1~G2: Group, M1~M6: Video, U1~U4: User

Claims

1. comprising a processor, wherein the processor grants the first user the right to view a first video when the first user meets a predetermined condition, registers the first video with the granted viewing right as a shared video to be shared in a group including the first user and a plurality of other users including the second user, upon instruction of the first user, controls the first user to be able to view a second video registered by the second user as a shared video of the group when the number of videos registered by the first user as the shared video is equal to or more than a predetermined number, wherein the predetermined number is determined based on the number of shared videos registered by each user belonging to the group, an information processing apparatus.

2. The processor grants the first user the right to view a first video when the first user meets a predetermined condition, The processor registers the first video with the granted viewing right as a shared video to be shared in a group including the first user and a plurality of other users including the second user, upon instruction of the first user, The processor controls the first user to be able to view a second video registered by the second user when the number of videos registered by the first user as the shared video is equal to or more than a predetermined number, wherein the predetermined number is determined based on the number of shared videos registered by each user belonging to the group, an information processing method.

3. cause the processor to grant the first user the right to view a first video when the first user meets a predetermined condition, cause the processor to register the first video with the granted viewing right as a shared video to be shared in a group including the first user and a plurality of other users including the second user, upon instruction of the first user, cause the processor to control the first user to be able to view a second video registered by the second user when the number of videos registered by the first user as the shared video is equal to or more than a predetermined number, wherein the predetermined number is determined based on the number of shared videos registered by each user belonging to the group, a program.

4. comprising a server and a terminal device, wherein the server grants the first user the right to view a first video when the first user who operates the terminal device meets a predetermined condition, Register the first video with the viewing right as a shared video that is shared in a group to which a plurality of users including the first user and the second user belong, according to the instruction of the first user. When the number of videos registered by the first user as the shared video is equal to or greater than a predetermined number, the first user controls the second video registered by the second user as the shared video of the group so that it can be viewed. The predetermined number is determined based on the number of shared videos registered by each user belonging to the group. System.

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