Terminal, computer, video output method and program

Abstract

This allows games to be viewed one after another as videos, reducing the processing load. [Solution] A terminal on which a user can view videos outputs a video and accepts an operation to switch to the next video from the output video.When outputting the next video, the first image of the next video is prepared in advance as a still image, and when an operation to switch to the next video is accepted, the still image is temporarily output, the device switches to the video following the still image, and outputs the next video.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a technique that is effective when a user views a video. [Background technology]

[0002] Traditionally, games played on smartphones and other devices can be played by users after going through the steps of searching for the game, purchasing and downloading it, installing it, and running it. However, when searching for a game, there are problems such as the time and effort required to search and the possibility that a desired game cannot be found, and when downloading and installing, the download and installation times are long, forcing the user to wait.Furthermore, when trying to play an installed game, it takes time to load the game when it starts up, forcing the user to wait. As such, there are barriers for users before they can play the game, making the gaming experience feel tedious to users. As a method for improving such a user's gaming experience, for example, Patent Document 1 discloses that when a request is made to install a program such as an application, an explanatory video for the application is sent along with the request, and the video is viewed while the installation is carried out. In this way, a technology is disclosed that prevents the user from getting bored during the installation time by having the user view a video related to the application to be installed. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2024-45605 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, rather than viewing videos after having already decided which application to install, there are cases where a user wants to view videos of various games and then install the game they want to play, such as video games. In other words, there is a need for a user to be able to view videos of multiple games one after another and then immediately play the game they finally select without having to think about installing it. In addition, installing a game while playing videos that switch between them requires various processes to be performed in parallel, which places a strain on the device. Therefore, technology to reduce the strain on the device is needed. However, the technology described in Patent Document 1 was unable to reduce the load on the terminal. Therefore, the inventors have focused on a mechanism for reducing the load on the terminal when a user plays a video and switches to another video.

[0005] In view of these problems, the present invention aims to provide a terminal, computer, video output method, and program that enable games to be viewed one after another as videos, thereby reducing the processing load. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The present invention provides a terminal on which a user can view a video, A video about a game that encourages the game to be launched Video On the screen a video output unit for outputting the video; For the output video, The user operates the screen a reception unit that receives a switching operation; a scheduled video reading unit that reads a preset number of the next videos in advance when the video is output; Equipped with The video output unit The user operates the screen When outputting the next video, the first image of the next video is prepared as a still image in advance; By linking a corresponding still image to each of the pre-set number of loaded videos, When an operation to switch to the next video is accepted, the still image is temporarily output, and the video following the still image is output. preloaded Switch to video and output the next video death, Furthermore, the device includes an output video storage unit that stores a preset number of the output videos even after output, and starts a game corresponding to the video output by a predetermined operation. Provide the terminal.

[0007] The present invention also provides a computer on which a user can view a video, comprising: A video about a game that encourages the game to be launched a storage unit for storing a plurality of moving images and a still image that is the first image of each of the plurality of moving images; The plurality of videos are displayed on the device. screen a video output unit that sequentially outputs the video; A preset number of the moving images are read in advance in the order of output from the plurality of moving images; outputting a moving image in an output order from among the plurality of moving images, and simultaneously storing in the terminal a still image as the first image of each moving image in the order of the moving images to be output next; By linking the corresponding still images to all of the pre-set number of loaded videos, Next video The user operates the screen When a switching operation is received, the still image is temporarily output, A preset number of the output videos are retained after output, and Switch to the video that follows the still image and output the next video. , and launch the game corresponding to the video output by the specified operation. A startup part, A computer comprising:

[0008] According to the present invention, when a video switching operation is received, the first image of the next video is temporarily output as a still image, and then the video is switched to the video following this still image and the next video is output. As a result, it becomes possible to view the game as video one after another, thereby reducing the processing load.

[0009] Although the present invention is categorized as a terminal and a computer, the same effects and advantages can be obtained even when it is a method or a program. [Effects of the Invention]

[0010] According to the present invention, it is possible to view games one after another as moving images, thereby reducing the processing load. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0011] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an overview of a video output system 1. [Figure 2] 1 is a diagram showing a functional configuration of a video output system 1. FIG. [Figure 3] FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing a video saving process executed by the video output system 1. [Figure 4] FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing a terminal determination process executed by the video output system 1. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing a video output process executed by the video output system 1. [Figure 6] 10 is a diagram schematically illustrating a state in which an information terminal 3 has arranged a video playback object. FIG. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing a first switching process executed by the video output system 1. [Figure 8] 10 is a diagram schematically illustrating an example of the behavior of the information terminal 3. FIG. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing a second switching process executed by the video output system 1. [Figure 10] 10 is a diagram schematically illustrating an example of the behavior of the information terminal 3. FIG. [Figure 11] 10 is a diagram schematically illustrating an example of the number of videos that have been output and are held by the information terminal 3, and the number of videos that are to be read and are scheduled to be output. FIG. [Figure 12] 10 is a diagram schematically illustrating an example of the behavior of the information terminal 3. FIG. [Figure 13] 10 is a diagram schematically illustrating an example of the behavior of the information terminal 3. FIG. [Figure 14] 10 is a flowchart showing a video output process, a first switching process, and a second switching process executed by the video output system 1. FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0012] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention (hereinafter referred to as "embodiments") will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the following drawings, the same elements are designated by the same numbers or symbols throughout the description of the embodiments.

[0013] [Video Output System 1 Overview] 1 is a schematic diagram for explaining an overview of a video output system 1. Components of the video output system 1 will be described based on FIG. The video output system 1 is a system including at least an information terminal 3 on which a user can view a video. In this embodiment, the video output system 1 includes, in addition to the information terminal 3, a computer 10 having a server function.

[0014] The information terminal 3 is a terminal device used by a user on which the user can view videos, and is, for example, a terminal device such as a mobile phone, smartphone, tablet terminal, personal computer, or laptop computer, or a wearable terminal such as a smart watch, smart glasses, or HMD (Head Mounted Display).

[0015] The computer 10 has a server function and may be realized, for example, by a single computer, or may be realized by multiple computers, such as a cloud computer. In this specification, a cloud computer may refer to either a computer that uses any computer in a scalable manner to perform a specific function, or a computer that includes multiple functional modules to realize a system and uses the functions in any combination.

[0016] In addition to the information terminal 3 and computer 10 described above, the video output system 1 may also include an external system in which one or more videos are registered, other terminals and devices, etc., and the number, types and functions thereof are not particularly limited and can be designed as appropriate.

[0017] An outline of the processing steps performed by the video output system 1 when making a video available for viewing by the user will be described.

[0018] The information terminal 3 outputs a video (step S1). The information terminal 3 acquires a plurality of moving images from the computer 10, and outputs the acquired moving images sequentially in a preset output order. The information terminal 3 displays the video on its display unit using video playback objects in which the video present in the output area is placed, and outputs the video. The number of video playback objects can be designed appropriately depending on the processing power of the terminal. For example, if the processing power is lower than a preset value, an upper limit is set on the number of video playback objects, and if the processing power is higher than the preset value, the number of video playback objects is set variably. Furthermore, the information terminal 3 may keep output videos placed in video playback objects in a playable state, or may preload videos to be output placed in video playback objects, and when outputting the corresponding videos, start outputting the videos according to the results of the preloading.

[0019] The information terminal 3 accepts an operation to switch the output video to the next video (step S2). The information terminal 3 accepts a switching operation (such as an upward swipe or a downward swipe) from the user to switch to the next video.

[0020] When outputting the next video, the information terminal 3 prepares in advance the first image of the next video as a still image (step S3). When outputting the next video in response to a switching operation, the information terminal 3 prepares a still image generated based on the first image of the next video acquired in advance from the computer 10 or the like along with the video.

[0021] When the information terminal 3 receives an operation to switch to the next video, it temporarily outputs a still image, switches to the video that follows the still image, and outputs the next video (step S4). When the information terminal 3 receives a switching operation, it outputs a still image of the next video in place of the corresponding video until the switching operation is completed. When the switching operation is completed, the information terminal 3 switches the output content from the still image to the video and outputs the next video.

[0022] The above is an overview of the video output system 1. According to the video output system 1, it is possible to view games one after another as video, thereby reducing the processing load.

[0023] [Device configuration] 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the video output system 1. The device configuration of the video output system 1 will be described with reference to FIG. The video output system 1 is a system that allows a user to view a video, and is configured with at least an information terminal 3. In this embodiment, the video output system 1 is configured with a computer 10 in addition to the information terminal 3, as described above. The video output system 1 is a system in which an information terminal 3 and a computer 10 are connected to each other so as to be able to perform data communications via a network 8 such as a public line network. In addition, the video output system 1 may include the above-mentioned external systems, other terminals, devices, etc. in addition to the information terminal 3 and the computer 10, and the number, types, and functions of the external systems, other terminals, devices, etc. can be designed as appropriate.

[0024] The information terminal 3 is the above-mentioned terminal device that is used by a user and allows the user to view videos. The information terminal 3 has a CPU (Central Processing Unit), GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), RAM (Random Access Memory), ROM (Read Only Memory), etc. as a terminal control unit, and has devices, etc. as a communication unit to enable communication with other terminals, devices, etc. The information terminal 3 includes a data storage unit such as a hard disk, semiconductor memory, recording medium, or memory card as a memory unit. The information terminal 3 includes, as an input / output unit, various devices that receive predetermined inputs, input / output various data, and execute processes required for outputting videos, an output unit that outputs videos, and a reception unit that receives an operation to switch to the next video from the output video. When outputting the next video, the video output unit prepares the first image of the next video as a still image in advance, and upon receiving an operation to switch to the next video, temporarily outputs the still image, switches to the video following the still image, and outputs the next video.

[0025] In the information terminal 3, the control unit reads a predetermined program, thereby realizing a video acquisition module in cooperation with the communication unit. In addition, in the information terminal 3, the control unit reads a predetermined program, thereby realizing a storage module in cooperation with the storage unit. In addition, in the information terminal 3, the control unit reads a specified program and, in cooperation with the input / output unit, realizes a processing capacity acquisition module, a processing capacity determination module, an object number setting module, a video placement module, an object placement module, a reading module, an output module, a switching determination module, a reception module, and a retention module.

[0026] The computer 10 has a server function and may be realized, for example, by a single computer, or may be realized by multiple computers, such as a cloud computer. The computer 10 has a control unit including a CPU, GPU, RAM, ROM, etc., and a communication unit including a device for enabling communication with other terminals and devices, a video output unit for outputting multiple videos to the terminal in sequence, a startup unit for outputting the videos in the order of output from the multiple videos and at the same time storing still images as the first images of each video in the order of the videos scheduled to be output next in the information terminal 3, and when an operation to switch to the next video is received, temporarily outputting the still image, switching to the video following the still image, and outputting the next video. The computer 10 includes a data storage unit such as a hard disk, semiconductor memory, recording medium, or memory card as a storage unit for storing multiple videos and games linked to each of the multiple videos. The computer 10 includes, as a processing unit, various devices that execute various processes.

[0027] In the computer 10, the control unit reads a predetermined program, and in cooperation with the communication unit, realizes an acquisition module, an output module, and a start-up module. In addition, in the computer 10, the control unit reads a predetermined program, thereby realizing a storage module in cooperation with the storage unit. In addition, in the computer 10, the control unit reads a predetermined program, and in cooperation with the processing unit, realizes a generation module, a linking module, and an output order setting module.

[0028] Below, each process executed by the video output system 1 will be explained together with the process executed by each of the modules described above. In this specification, each module may execute its processing content as its own function, or may execute its processing content via a predetermined application.

[0029] [Video saving process executed by video output system 1] The video saving process executed by the video output system 1 will be described with reference to Fig. 3. The figure is a flowchart of the video saving process executed by the computer 10. The video saving process is a detailed storage process for saving multiple videos and still images that are the first images of each of the multiple videos.

[0030] The acquisition module acquires a plurality of moving images (step S10). The video may be, for example, a live-action or animated video related to a game, intended for purposes such as introduction, explanation, advertising, and marketing. Note that the game in this specification is realized on a predetermined application such as a browser using WebGL (Web Graphics Library), JavaScript, Python, or the like. Therefore, when a user executes the game on the information terminal 3, the information terminal 3 can be made usable without installing the game itself. When a user actually plays the game on the information terminal 3, the user will be playing the game executed on a browser, for example. The video is linked to the game in advance, and the user can view the video and actually play the game linked to the video. The acquisition module acquires a plurality of videos from an external system, etc. The acquisition module also acquires games linked to each video. The acquisition module receives a plurality of videos transmitted from an external system or the like and a game linked to each of the plurality of videos, and acquires the plurality of videos. It should be noted that the acquisition module does not necessarily need to acquire the game together with the video, and the present invention is also applicable to cases where the acquisition module acquires only the video. The method by which the acquisition module acquires multiple videos is not limited to the example described above, and other methods (such as acquiring multiple videos stored in an external recording device) may also be used.

[0031] The generation module generates still images that represent the first images of each of the multiple moving images (step S11). The generation module extracts an image from the start time of each acquired video and generates a still image. In the following description, this still image is also referred to as a thumbnail.

[0032] The linking module links a plurality of moving images with the still images (step S12). The linking module links the generated thumbnail to the original video from which it was extracted.

[0033] The output order setting module sets the output order of the multiple videos (step S13). The output order setting module sets the order in which the acquired videos are to be displayed on the information terminal 3 as the output order. This output order may be based on a preset output order, or may be based on an output order input by an administrator of the computer 10 or the like and be based on the received output order, or may be based on the order of video size (lowest / highest), or may be based on other content, and can be designed as appropriate.

[0034] The storage module stores the multiple videos (step S14). The storage module stores the acquired multiple videos along with the video output order. At this time, the storage module also stores thumbnails linked to the videos. The storage module also stores games linked to the videos.

[0035] The video output system 1 executes the process described below using the multiple videos stored in the video storage process.

[0036] [Device determination process executed by video output system 1] The terminal determination process executed by the video output system 1 will be described with reference to Fig. 4. The figure shows a flowchart of the terminal determination process executed by the information terminal 3.

[0037] The processing capacity acquisition module acquires its own processing capacity (step S20). Processing capacity refers to the ability of the information terminal 3 to process various types of data, and includes CPU performance (multi-performance, number of cores, maximum clock speed), GPU performance (drawing performance, etc.), RAM / ROM performance (capacity, etc.), display performance (refresh rate, etc.), etc. The processing capacity acquisition module refers to software information, hardware information, etc., and acquires its own processing capacity.

[0038] The processing capacity determination module determines whether or not the acquired processing capacity of the processing capacity determination module is higher than a preset processing capacity (step S21). The preset processing capacity is, for example, a processing performance that does not cause a problem in outputting videos even when the information terminal 3 stores and reads more than a predetermined number of videos. In this specification, "storing a video" means maintaining a video in a playable state within a video playback object (described later). In addition, "loading a video" means that the information terminal 3 makes a video playable within a video playback object (described later).

[0039] In step S21, if the processing capacity determination module determines that the acquired processing capacity of the processing capacity determination module is lower than the preset processing capacity (step S21 NO), the object number setting module sets an upper limit on the number of objects for video playback (step S22). The video playback object is an object on which a video output by the information terminal 3 is placed, and the information terminal 3 outputs the video placed on this video playback object in a process described later. In this specification, setting an upper limit means limiting the total number of videos that have already been output (n1) and the total number of videos that are scheduled to be output (m1). The values of the number of videos that have already been output and the number of videos that are to be read can each be set to a value greater than or equal to "0." The object number setting module sets the number of objects for video playback in this case to 2 (0 for the number of objects stored, 1 for the number of objects read, and 1 for the number of objects for output), for example. The number of objects for video playback set by the object number setting module can be designed as appropriate, but as is clear from the low processing capacity of the information terminal 3, it is desirable that the number be set so as not to cause a load that would interfere with the output of the video when the information terminal 3 itself outputs the video.

[0040] The storage module stores the number of moving image playback objects (step S23). If the information terminal 3 has a lower processing capacity than the preset processing capacity, the information terminal 3 executes the processing described below using the number of video playback objects set in the processing of step S22.

[0041] On the other hand, in step S21, if the processing capacity determination module determines that the acquired processing capacity is higher than the preset processing capacity (step S21 YES), the object number setting module variably sets the number of objects for video playback (step S24). In this specification, "variably set" means that the number of videos already output (n2) to be retained and the number of videos to be read (m2) to be outputted can be freely set. The values of the retained number and the read number can each be set to "0" or greater. Furthermore, the retained number and the read number can be the same value or different values. The object number setting module sets the number of objects for video playback in this case to 5 (2 for storage, 2 for reading, and 1 for output), for example. The number of objects for video playback set by the object number setting module can be designed as appropriate, but it is desirable that the number be such that, even if the processing capability of the information terminal 3 is high, a load that would impede video output is not generated when the information terminal 3 itself outputs video.

[0042] The storage module stores the number of moving image playback objects (step S25). If the information terminal 3 has a processing capability higher than the preset processing capability, the information terminal 3 executes the processing described below using the number of video playback objects set in the processing of step S24.

[0043] The above is the terminal determination process.

[0044] [Video output process executed by video output system 1] The video output process executed by the video output system 1 will be described with reference to Fig. 5. The figure is a flowchart of the video output process executed by the information terminal 3. The video output process is a detailed description of the video output process (step S1) that outputs a video.

[0045] The video acquisition module acquires the video (step S30). The video acquisition module transmits a request to the computer 10 to send a video stored in the computer 10. The video acquisition module receives input necessary for this transmission request from the user via, for example, a predetermined application (such as a web browser), and transmits this transmission request to the computer 10 based on the received input. Based on this transmission request, the computer 10 outputs the multiple videos saved in the processing of step S14 in the output order set in the processing of step S13. At this time, the computer 10 also outputs thumbnails linked to each video, and if a game is linked to each video, it also outputs the game. The video acquisition module receives the plurality of videos, thumbnails, and games and acquires the videos. The information terminal 3 stores the acquired video, thumbnail, and game in the storage unit.

[0046] The video arrangement module arranges the videos in the order of output (step S31). The video placement module arranges the videos in the output order according to the output order of each video acquired along with the video. At this time, the video placement module does not arrange the videos themselves, but arranges the thumbnails associated with each video in the output order of the corresponding video, and arranges the videos in the output order.

[0047] The reading module reads the video (step S32). The reading module reads the video linked to the thumbnail arranged as the first one in the output order according to the output order, and makes it available for output (users to play and view).

[0048] The object placement module places the video playback object in the video (step S33). The object placement module places video playback objects on the loaded video based on the number of video playback objects set by the above-mentioned terminal determination process. The object placement module places one video playback object for one video. When placing a video playback object, the object placement module places the video playback object on the thumbnail linked to that video. After loading the video, the object placement module places the video playback object on that video after a predetermined time (the time required to prepare for playback of the target video (e.g., 0.3 seconds)) has elapsed. The object placement module places at least one object for video playback in an output area where the information terminal 3 outputs video (see FIG. 6). When the number of stored videos that have already been output is 1 or more, the object placement module places a number of video playback objects corresponding to this number of storages on thumbnails linked to the videos that have already been output. Also, when the number of loaded videos to be output is 1 or more, the object placement module places a number of video playback objects corresponding to this number of loads on thumbnails linked to the videos to be output.

[0049] A state in which the object placement module has placed objects for video playback will be described with reference to Figure 6. This figure is a diagram that schematically shows a state in which the object placement module has placed objects for video playback. This figure shows an example in which the number of stored videos that have already been output is 0, and the number of loaded videos to be output is 0. In other words, this is an example in which the number of objects for video playback is 1 (for output only). The object placement module places a moving image playback object 22 for the thumbnail 20a that exists in the output area 21 among the thumbnails 20 (20a, 20b) of the moving image placed by the processing in step S31. When the number of loaded video playback objects 22 is 1 or more, the video playback object 22 can be placed relative to the thumbnail 20b linked to the video to be output that exists outside the output area 21. When the number of stored video playback objects 22 is 1 or more, the video playback object 22 can be placed relative to the thumbnail (not shown) linked to the video that has already been output that exists outside the output area 21. The information terminal 3 outputs the video linked to the thumbnail 20a in which the video playback object 22 is placed, which is present in the output area 21, through processing that will be described later.

[0050] Returning to FIG. 5, the video output process will be continued. The output module outputs the video (step S34). The output module displays the loaded video on its own display unit or the like via a predetermined UI (User Interface) or the like, and outputs the video.

[0051] The video output by the output module will now be described. The video content is game-related (such as a simple introduction to the game or a clip of the game itself). The video is output in a vertical scrolling format. That is, when switching videos, the output module accepts input from the user, such as an upward or downward swipe, on the video being output, and switches the output content from the currently output video to a video that has already been output (upward swipe) or the next video scheduled to be output (downward swipe) based on the set output order. Note that the input direction is not particularly limited. The launch module accepts a predetermined input (such as tapping on a predetermined icon) from a user who has viewed the output video, and based on this input, executes the launch of a game linked to the video, etc.

[0052] This completes the video output process.

[0053] [First Switching Process Executed by Video Output System 1] The first switching process executed by the video output system 1 will be described with reference to Fig. 7. This figure is a diagram showing a flowchart of the first switching process executed by the information terminal 3. The first switching process includes a reception process (step S2) for receiving an operation to switch to the next video from an output video, a video output process (step S3) for preparing the first image of the next video as a still image before outputting the next video, and a video output process (step S4) for temporarily outputting a still image when an operation to switch to the next video is received, switching to the video following the still image, and outputting the next video, all of which are details of a case where an upper limit is set on the number of objects for video playback.

[0054] The switching determination module determines whether or not an operation to switch to the next video has been accepted for the output video (step S40). The switching determination module makes this determination based on whether a switching operation (such as a swipe up or down) to switch from the output video to the next video has been received from the user. The reception module receives, as a switching operation, an operation to change the output content from the currently output video to the next video. When the reception module receives this switching operation, the thumbnail associated with the next video may or may not be placed on the video playback object. If the switching determination module determines that this switching operation has not been accepted (step S40 NO), the information terminal 3 may continue outputting the video that is currently being output, may repeat this process until a switching operation is accepted, or may end the process. In this embodiment, the process will be described as ending.

[0055] On the other hand, if the switching determination module determines that this switching operation has been received (YES in step S40), the output module stops the playback of the video being output (step S41).

[0056] The output module outputs the still image linked to the moving image being output (step S42). The output module switches the video placed in the video playback object to a thumbnail linked to this video, and outputs the thumbnail.

[0057] The reading module reads the next video (step S43). Based on the switching operation, the reading module reads the video linked to the thumbnail placed next to the video being output and makes it playable.

[0058] The object placement module moves the video playback object (step S44). The object placement module moves the video playback object to the thumbnail placed next to the video being output when the switching operation is accepted. If a video playback object has already been placed on a thumbnail associated with a video to be output, the object placement module does not need to move the video playback object to this thumbnail. In this case, the information terminal 3 may retain the video being output when the switching operation is accepted in the video playback object, or may move the video playback object to a thumbnail associated with a video to be output after the next video, for which a video playback object has not been placed.

[0059] The output module deletes the still image linked to the next video (step S45). The output module switches from the thumbnail on which the video playback object is placed to the video linked to this thumbnail, and deletes the thumbnail.

[0060] The output module outputs the next video (step S46). The output module displays the next video that has been read on its own display unit or the like via a predetermined UI or the like, and outputs the video.

[0061] When the information terminal 3 receives an operation to switch between moving images, it temporarily outputs thumbnails of both the moving image being output and the next moving image, and when the switching is completed, it switches to the moving image following the thumbnail of the next moving image and outputs the next moving image.

[0062] An example of behavior of the information terminal 3 when it executes the first switching process will be described with reference to Fig. 8. This figure is a diagram that schematically shows an example of behavior of the information terminal 3. In the first switching process, the behavior of the information terminal 3 transitions in the order of Fig. 8(a), Fig. 8(b), Fig. 8(c), and Fig. 8(d). In this figure, the number of video playback objects is set to two as the upper limit.

[0063] 8(a) shows the state in which the output module is outputting the video 30 in the output area 32 as a result of the processing in step S34. At this time, video playback objects 33 (33a, 33b) are arranged on thumbnails 31a linked to the video 30 being output and the video scheduled to be output after the video 30. For the videos scheduled to be output after the video linked to thumbnail 31a, no video playback objects are arranged, and thumbnails 31b, 31c linked to each video are arranged in the order of output. When the reception module receives a switching operation from the user 35 from the state shown in Fig. 8(a) (in the direction of arrow 36 in Fig. 8(b)), the output module stops playback of the video 30 being output, switches the output content to thumbnail 31d linked to this video 30, and outputs thumbnail 31d (see Fig. 8(b)). At the same time, the read module reads the video 34 linked to thumbnail 31a that moves to output area 32 after the switching operation. When the reception module receives a switching operation from the user 35 and the thumbnail 31a linked to the video 34 to be output next is moved into the output area 32 (see Figure 8(c)), the object placement module moves the video playback object 33a that was placed on the thumbnail 31a that has moved out of the output area 32 to the thumbnail 31b linked to the video to be output next after the video 34 after a predetermined time has elapsed (see Figure 8(d)). The output module switches the output content from the thumbnail 31a to the loaded video 34, and outputs this video 34 (see FIG. 8(d)).

[0064] The above is the first switching process. In the first switching process, the upper limit of video playback objects is set to two, but it is sufficient to set the upper limit of video playback objects to at least one.

[0065] [Second switching process executed by video output system 1] The second switching process executed by the video output system 1 will be described with reference to Fig. 9. This figure is a diagram showing a flowchart of the second switching process executed by the information terminal 3. The second switching process includes a reception process (step S2) for receiving an operation to switch to the next video from the output video, a video output process (step S3) for preparing in advance the first image of the next video as a still image when outputting the next video, and a video output process (step S4) for temporarily outputting a still image when the operation to switch to the next video is received, switching to the video following the still image, and outputting the next video, all of which are details of a case where the number of objects for video playback is set to be variable.

[0066] The storage module stores the video that has already been output (step S50). The storage module stores the same number of videos as the number of video playback objects to be stored in the video playback object. For example, if the storage number is 2, two videos that have been output are stored.

[0067] The reading module reads a moving image to be output when the moving image is to be output (step S51). The read module reads the number of videos to be output next into the video playback object, which is the number of video playback objects. For example, if the read number is 2, two videos to be output are read.

[0068] The switching determination module determines whether or not an operation to switch to the next video has been accepted for the output video (step S52). The process of step S52 is similar to the process of step S40. If the switching determination module determines that this switching operation has not been accepted (step S52 NO), the information terminal 3 may continue outputting the video that is currently being output, may repeat this process until a switching operation is accepted, or may end the process. In this embodiment, the process will be described as ending.

[0069] On the other hand, if the switching determination module determines that this switching operation has been received (YES in step S52), the output module stops the playback of the video being output (step S53).

[0070] The output module outputs the still image linked to the moving image being output (step S54). The output module switches the video placed in the video playback object to a thumbnail linked to this video, and outputs the thumbnail.

[0071] The object placement module moves the video playback object (step S55). When a switching operation is received, the object placement module moves the video playback object to a thumbnail in which no video playback object is placed and which is placed in the output order next to the video for which reading has been completed. The object placement module may not move the video playback object to the thumbnail arranged in the output order next to the video that has been loaded, but may instead have the storage module newly store the video that has been placed in this video playback object as a video that has already been output. In this case, if the result of storing the new videos exceeds the upper limit of the number of videos that can be stored, the videos that exceed the upper limit may be released from storage in order from the oldest stored video. Furthermore, if a video playback object is not placed on the thumbnail placed next to the video being output when the switching operation is accepted, the object placement module moves the video playback object to this thumbnail. In this case, the information terminal 3 may execute the same processes as those from step S44 onwards described above.

[0072] The output module deletes the still image linked to the next video (step S56). The output module switches from the thumbnail on which the video playback object is placed to the video linked to this thumbnail, and deletes the thumbnail.

[0073] The output module outputs the next video (step S57). The output module displays the next video that has been read on its own display unit or the like via a predetermined UI or the like, and outputs the video.

[0074] When the information terminal 3 receives an operation to switch between moving images, it temporarily outputs thumbnails of both the moving image being output and the next moving image, and when the switching is completed, it switches to the moving image following the thumbnail of the next moving image and outputs the next moving image.

[0075] An example of behavior of the information terminal 3 when it executes the second switching process will be described with reference to Fig. 10. This figure is a diagram that schematically illustrates an example of behavior of the information terminal 3. In the second switching process, the behavior of the information terminal 3 transitions in the order of Fig. 10(a), Fig. 10(b), Fig. 10(c), and Fig. 10(d). In this figure, the video playback object is in a state where the number of videos that have been output and are being held is set to 2, the number of videos that are scheduled to be output is set to 2, and the number of videos for output is set to 1.

[0076] The state shown in FIG. 10(a) is the state in which the output module is outputting the video 40 in the output area 42 as a result of the processing in step S34. At this time, video playback objects 43 (43a, 43b, 43c, 43d, 43e) are arranged on the video 40 and thumbnails 41 (41a, 41b, 41c, 41d). Specifically, video playback object 43a is arranged on thumbnail 41a linked to the video that was arranged as having been output two times before. Video playback object 43b is arranged on thumbnail 41b linked to the video that was arranged as having been output last time. Video playback object 43c is arranged on the video 40 that is currently being output. Video playback object 43d is arranged on thumbnail 41c linked to the video that is arranged as being scheduled to be output next after video 40. The moving image playback object 43e is arranged on the thumbnail 41d that is linked to the moving image that is arranged to be output next after the moving image linked to the thumbnail 41c. For the moving images that are scheduled to be output after the moving image linked to the thumbnail 41d, no moving image playback object is arranged, and the thumbnails 41e that are linked to the moving images are arranged in the output order. The holding module is in a state where the videos linked to the thumbnails 41a and 41b arranged in the video playback objects 43a and 43b are held in the video playback objects 43a and 43b, respectively, while the reading module is in a state where the videos linked to the thumbnails 41c and 41d arranged in the video playback objects 43d and 43e have been read. When the reception module receives a switching operation from the user 45 from the state shown in FIG. 10(a) (in the direction of the arrow 46 in FIG. 10(b)), the output module stops the playback of the video 40 being output, switches the output content to the thumbnail 41f linked to this video 40, and outputs the thumbnail 41f (see FIG. 10(b)). When the reception module receives a switching operation from the user 45 and the thumbnail 41c linked to the video 44 to be output next is moved into the output area 42 (see Figure 10(c)), the object placement module moves the video playback object 43a that was placed on the thumbnail 41a that has moved out of the output area 42 to the thumbnail 41e linked to the video to be output next to the thumbnail 41d linked to the last video that has been loaded (see Figure 10(d)). The output module switches the output content from the thumbnail 41c to the loaded video 44, and outputs this video 44 (see FIG. 10(d)). The holding module newly holds the video 40 for which the switching operation was accepted as a video that has already been output. At this time, the holding module releases the holding state of the video linked to the oldest thumbnail 41a, because the holding module is trying to hold a third video, while the upper limit of the number of videos that can be held is two. The reading module also reads a new video linked to the thumbnail 41e on which the video playback object 43a is placed.

[0077] This completes the second switching process. In the second switching process, the number of stored videos that have been output is set to 2, and the number of loaded videos that are scheduled to be output is set to 2, but the number of stored videos that have been output and the number of loaded videos that are scheduled to be output may be different numbers. For example, the information terminal 3 may have 1 stored video that has been output and 3 loaded videos that are scheduled to be output (see FIG. 11(a)). In addition, in the second switching process, the number of videos that have been output and the number of videos that are to be loaded to be output may both be 0 (see Figure 11(b)), or only the number of videos that have been output and the number of videos that are to be loaded to be output may be 0 (see Figure 11(c)), or the number of videos that are to be output may be 0 (see Figure 11(d)).

[0078] The behavior of the information terminal 3 in the second switching process when the number of stored videos that have been output and the number of loaded videos that are scheduled to be output are 0 will be described with reference to Figs. 12 and 13. These figures are diagrams that schematically show an example of the behavior of the information terminal 3. In the case of Fig. 12, the behavior of the information terminal 3 transitions in the order of Figs. 12(a), 12(b), 12(c), and 12(d). In the case of Fig. 13, the behavior of the information terminal 3 transitions in the order of Figs. 13(a), 13(b), 13(c), and 13(d).

[0079] First, Fig. 12 will be described. The state shown in Fig. 12(a) is the state in which the output module is outputting video 50 in output area 52 as a result of the processing in step S34. At this time, a video playback object 53 is arranged on video 50. Thumbnails 51a and 51b linked to videos scheduled to be output after video 50 are arranged in output order without any video playback object arranged thereon. Furthermore, videos that have been output before video 50 are not shown, but no video playback object is arranged for these videos either. 12(a), when the reception module receives a switching operation from user 55 (in the direction of arrow 56 in FIG. 12(b)), the output module stops playback of video 50 being output, switches the output content to thumbnail 51c linked to this video 50, and outputs thumbnail 51c (see FIG. 12(b)). At the same time, the read module reads video 54 linked to thumbnail 51a that will move to output area 52 after the switching operation. When the reception module receives a switching operation from the user 55 and the thumbnail 51a linked to the video 54 to be output next is moved into the output area 52 (see Figure 12 (c)), the object placement module moves the video playback object 53 that was placed on the thumbnail 51c that has moved out of the output area 52 to the thumbnail 51a linked to the video to be output next after the video 54 after a predetermined time has elapsed. The output module switches the output content from the thumbnail 51a to the loaded video 54, and outputs this video 54 (see FIG. 12(d)).

[0080] Next, Fig. 13 will be described. The state shown in Fig. 13(a) is the state in which the output module is outputting the video 60 in the output area 62 as a result of the processing in step S34. At this time, a video playback object 63 is arranged in the video 60. The thumbnails 61a linked to videos that have been output before the video 60 and the thumbnails 61b linked to videos that are scheduled to be output after the video 60 are arranged in output order without any video playback object arranged therein. 13(a), when the reception module receives a switching operation from user 65 (in the direction of arrow 66 in FIG. 13(b)), the output module stops playback of video 60 being output, switches the output content to thumbnail 61c linked to this video 60, and outputs thumbnail 61c (see FIG. 13(b)). At the same time, the read module reads video 64 linked to thumbnail 61a that will move to output area 62 after the switching operation. When the reception module receives a switching operation from the user 65 and the thumbnail 61a linked to the video 64 to be output next is moved into the output area 62 (see Figure 13(c)), the object placement module moves the video playback object 63 that was placed on the thumbnail 61c that has moved out of the output area 62 to the thumbnail 61a linked to the video to be output next after the video 64 after a predetermined time has elapsed (see Figure 13(d)). The output module switches the output content from the thumbnail 61a to the loaded video 64, and outputs this video 64 (see FIG. 13(d)).

[0081] In the above-described embodiment, the video output process, the first switching process, and the second switching process are described as being performed by the information terminal 3, but the present invention is also applicable when the subject is not the information terminal 3 but a computer 10. This case will be described with reference to FIG.

[0082] FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing the video output process, the first switching process, and the second switching process, which are executed mainly by the computer 10. In FIG.

[0083] The output module causes the information terminal 3 to sequentially output the multiple videos (step S60). The output module transmits the multiple videos and the still images linked to each video to the information terminal 3 based on the output order set by the processing of step S13, based on the video transmission request acquired from the information terminal 3. The output module transmits the multiple transmitted videos together with a command to cause the information terminal 3 to switch the videos displayed by the information terminal 3, in accordance with the input content accepted by the information terminal 3. In response to this command, the information terminal 3 sequentially outputs a plurality of videos.

[0084] In step S60, the output module is described as being configured to transmit all of the multiple videos to the information terminal based on the transmission request, but it may also be configured to transmit only a portion of them (such as the number specified by the information terminal 3) to the information terminal 3. In this case, the output module may transmit the number of videos and still images linked to each video, such as the number specified by the information terminal 3, to the information terminal 3 in the output order set by the processing in step S13.

[0085] The startup module outputs a moving image in the output order among the multiple moving images, and simultaneously stores in the information terminal 3 a still image as the first image of each moving image in the order of the moving images scheduled to be output next (step S61). The startup module causes the information terminal 3 to display the transmitted multiple videos in the order of output, and also transmits to the information terminal 3 a command to store a still image linked to the video next to the video currently being output. The information terminal 3 executes processing similar to the first switching processing and the second switching processing in response to the command, and as a result, the computer 10 outputs the moving images in the output order among the multiple moving images, and at the same time stores in the information terminal 3 still images that are the first images of each moving image in the order of the moving images that are scheduled to be output next.

[0086] When the output module receives an operation to switch to the next video, it temporarily outputs a still image (step S62). When the information terminal 3 receives a switching operation, the output module transmits a command to temporarily output a still image linked to the next video, together with the command in the process of step S61. The information terminal 3 executes processes similar to the first switching process and the second switching process in response to the command, and as a result, when the computer 10 receives an operation to switch to the next video, it temporarily outputs a still image.

[0087] The output module switches to the video following the still image and outputs the next video (step S63). When the information terminal 3 receives the switching operation, the output module switches from the still image that was temporarily output to a video linked to this still image, and transmits a command to cause the information terminal 3 to display this video together with the command of the processing in step S61. The information terminal 3 executes the same processes as the first switching process and the second switching process in response to the command, and as a result, the computer 10 switches to the moving image following the still image and outputs the next moving image.

[0088] The video output process, the first switching process, and the second switching process, which are mainly executed by the computer 10, have been described above.

[0089] Although the above-mentioned processes are described as separate processes, the information terminal 3 can be configured to execute a combination of some or all of the above-mentioned processes. Also, the information terminal 3 can be configured to execute each process at a timing other than the timing described. Furthermore, although each of the above-mentioned processes is described as being primarily executed by either the information terminal 3 or the computer 10, it is also possible to configure the information terminal 3 and the computer 10 to execute some or all of the processes in cooperation with each other.

[0090] The above-described means and functions are realized by a computer (including a CPU, an information processing device, and various terminals) reading and executing a predetermined program. The program may be provided, for example, from a computer via a network (Software as a Service (SaaS)) or as a cloud service. The program may also be provided in a form recorded on a computer-readable recording medium. In this case, the computer reads the program from the recording medium, transfers it to an internal or external recording device, records it, and executes it. The program may also be pre-recorded on a recording device (recording medium) and provided to the computer from the recording device via a communication line.

[0091] Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments. Furthermore, the effects described in the embodiments of the present invention are merely a list of the most preferable effects resulting from the present invention, and the effects of the present invention are not limited to those described in the embodiments of the present invention.

[0092] A first aspect disclosed in this embodiment is a terminal on which a user can view a video, a video output unit that outputs video; a receiving unit that receives an operation to switch to a next video from the output video; Equipped with The video output unit When outputting the next video, a first image of the next video is prepared as a still image in advance; When an operation to switch to the next video is accepted, the still image is temporarily output, the video is switched to the video following the still image, and the next video is output. Provide the terminal.

[0093] A second aspect disclosed in this embodiment includes an output video storage unit that stores a preset number of output videos; The terminal according to the first aspect further comprises:

[0094] In a third aspect disclosed in the present embodiment, the receiving unit receives an operation to switch the output video to the output video, When the video output unit switches to a video that exceeds a preset number, When outputting the output video again, a first image of the output video is prepared in advance as a still image; When an operation to switch to the already-output video is accepted, the still image is temporarily output, the video is switched to the video following the still image, and the already-output video is output. A terminal according to a second aspect is provided.

[0095] A fourth aspect disclosed in this embodiment is a scheduled moving image reading unit that reads a preset number of the next moving images when outputting the moving images; The terminal according to the first aspect further comprises:

[0096] A fifth aspect disclosed in the present embodiment includes an upper limit setting unit that sets an upper limit on the number of objects for video playback when the processing capacity is lower than a preset content; The terminal according to the first aspect further comprises:

[0097] A sixth aspect disclosed in this embodiment is a variable setting unit that variably sets the number of objects for video playback when the processing capacity is higher than a preset content; The terminal according to the first aspect further comprises:

[0098] A seventh aspect disclosed in the present embodiment is a computer that allows a user to view a video, a storage unit for storing a plurality of moving images and a still image that is the first image of each of the plurality of moving images; a video output unit that sequentially outputs the plurality of videos to a terminal; a start-up unit that outputs a video in an output order among the plurality of videos, and simultaneously stores a still image in the terminal as the first image of each video in the order of videos scheduled to be output next, and when an operation to switch to the next video is accepted, temporarily outputs the still image, switches to the video following the still image, and outputs the next video; A computer comprising:

[0099] An eighth aspect disclosed in this embodiment is a method for transmitting a number of videos designated by the terminal to the terminal in response to a request from the terminal, and outputting the videos sequentially. According to a seventh aspect, there is provided a computer. [Explanation of symbols]

[0100] 1. Video output system 3. Information terminals 8 Network 10. Computers 20 thumbnails 21 Output Area 22 Video playback object 30 videos 31 thumbnails 32 Output Area 33 Video playback object 34 videos 35 users 36 Arrow 40 videos 41 thumbnails 42 Output Area 43 Video playback object 44 videos 45 users 46 Arrow 50 videos 51 thumbnails 52 Output Area 53 Video playback object 54 videos 55 users 56 Arrow 60 videos 61 thumbnails 62 Output Area 63 Video playback object 64 videos 65 users 66 Arrow

Claims

1. A terminal on which a user can view videos, a video output unit that outputs a video related to a game, which video prompts the user to start the game, to a screen; a receiving unit that receives an operation by the user to switch the output video to a next video by operating a screen; a scheduled video reading unit that reads a preset number of the next videos in advance when the video is output; Equipped with When outputting the next video in response to a screen operation by the user, the video output unit prepares in advance a first image of the next video as a still image, and associates corresponding still images with all of a preset number of loaded videos, so that when an operation to switch to the next video is received, the video output unit temporarily outputs the still image, switches to a pre-loaded video that follows the still image, and outputs the next video; The terminal further includes an output video storage unit that stores a preset number of the output videos even after they have been output, and launches a game corresponding to the video that has been output by a predetermined operation.

2. the accepting unit accepts an operation to switch the output video to the output video, When the number of videos switched to exceeds a predetermined number, the video output unit: When outputting the output video again, a first image of the output video is prepared in advance as a still image; When an operation to switch to the already-output video is accepted, the still image is temporarily output, the video is switched to the video following the still image, and the already-output video is output. The terminal according to claim 1 .

3. an upper limit setting unit that sets an upper limit on the number of objects for video playback when the processing capacity is lower than a preset value; The terminal of claim 1 further comprising:

4. a variable setting unit that variably sets the number of objects for video playback when the processing capacity is higher than a preset value; The terminal of claim 1 further comprising:

5. A computer on which a user can view a video, a storage unit for storing a plurality of video images relating to a game, each of which prompts the user to start the game, and a still image serving as the first image of each of the plurality of video images; a video output unit that sequentially outputs the plurality of videos on a screen of a terminal; a launching unit that loads a predetermined number of videos in the order of output from the plurality of videos, outputs the videos in the order of output from the plurality of videos, and simultaneously stores still images in the terminal as the first images of each video in the order of videos to be output next, and associates the corresponding still images with all of the pre-set number of loaded videos, so that when an operation to switch to the next video is accepted by the user operating the screen, the still images are temporarily output, and the pre-set number of output videos are retained even after output, and the video is switched to the video following the still images, outputting the next video, and launching a game corresponding to the video output by a predetermined operation; A computer comprising:

6. the video output unit transmits the number of videos designated by the terminal to the terminal in response to a request from the terminal, and causes the terminal to output the videos sequentially; The computer of claim 5.

7. A video output method executed by a terminal on which a user can view a video, comprising: outputting a video relating to a game on a screen, the video prompting the user to start the game; receiving an operation by the user to switch to a next video by operating a screen on the output video; a step of reading a preset number of the next moving images in advance when outputting the moving images; When outputting the next video in response to the user's screen operation, a step of preparing in advance the first image of the next video as a still image, and associating the corresponding still image with all of a preset number of loaded videos, so that when an operation to switch to the next video is received, the still image is temporarily output, and switching is made to the pre-loaded video following the still image, and the next video is output; a step of retaining a preset number of the output moving images after output; a step of starting a game corresponding to the video output by a predetermined operation; A video output method comprising:

8. On the device where users can view the video, outputting a video relating to the game on a screen, the video prompting the user to start the game; receiving an operation by the user to switch the output video to a next video by operating a screen; a step of reading a preset number of the next moving images in advance when outputting the moving images; When outputting the next video in response to the user's screen operation, a step of preparing in advance the first image of the next video as a still image, and associating the corresponding still image with all of a preset number of loaded videos, so that when an operation to switch to the next video is received, the still image is temporarily output, switching to the pre-loaded video following the still image, and outputting the next video; A step of retaining a preset number of the output moving images after output. a step of starting a game corresponding to the video output by a predetermined operation; A computer-readable program for executing the program.

Images