Information processing device, information processing method, and program

Abstract

To stably reproduce video content including a plurality of moving images reproduced in synchronization on an information terminal. [Solution] The information processing device 1 has a transmitting unit 132 that transmits video content including multiple scenes that are played synchronously on the information terminal used by the user to the information terminal, a receiving unit 131 that receives from the user the designation of one or more specific scenes from the multiple scenes, and a determining unit 134 that determines restrictions to apply to one or more non-specific scenes other than the specific scenes from the multiple scenes, and the transmitting unit transmits the video content to the information terminal after applying restrictions to the non-specific scenes without applying restrictions to the specific scenes.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an information processing device, an information processing method, and a program for playing back video content including a plurality of moving images on an information terminal. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent document 1 describes an invention in which data containing multiple videos that are synchronized in time with each other is sent to an information terminal, and in response to a user instruction, the video played in a main pane, which is a relatively large area, is switched to the video played in a sub-pane, which is a relatively small area. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2017-157977 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] Conventionally, in distribution services for concerts or events in which multiple performers participate, the overall video and the video of each performer are played back synchronously on an information terminal. The invention described in Patent Document 1 transmits data including multiple videos to the information terminal, so if the number of videos to be transmitted is large, the communication load for transmitting and receiving data increases, and there is a possibility that the playback of the videos on the information terminal becomes unstable.

[0005] The present invention has been made in consideration of these points, and has as its object to enable stable playback on an information terminal of video content including multiple moving images that are played back in synchronization. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] An information processing device of a first aspect of the present invention has a transmitting unit that transmits video content including multiple scenes that are played synchronously on an information terminal used by a user to the information terminal, a receiving unit that receives from the user designation of one or more specific scenes from the multiple scenes, and a determining unit that determines restrictions to apply to one or more non-specific scenes from the multiple scenes other than the specific scenes, and the transmitting unit transmits the video content to the information terminal after applying the restrictions to the non-specific scenes without applying the restrictions to the specific scenes.

[0007] The determination unit may determine the restriction to include stopping transmission of the non-specific scene or reducing the data volume of the non-specific scene.

[0008] When the transmission unit stops transmission of the non-specific scene, the transmission unit may transmit, in place of the non-specific scene, an alternative image relating to a character appearing in the non-specific scene.

[0009] The information processing device may further include an acquisition unit that acquires a viewing status of each of the plurality of scenes by the user, and the determination unit may change the content of the restriction in accordance with the viewing status.

[0010] The information processing device may further include an acquisition unit that acquires the user's level of interest in a character appearing in the non-specific scene, and the determination unit may change the content of the restriction depending on the level of interest.

[0011] The acquisition unit may acquire the level of interest based on a past viewing history of the user of other content that is different from the video content and in which the character appears.

[0012] The receiving unit may receive a designation of the specific scene from the user before the user views the video content.

[0013] The receiving unit may receive a character designation from the user before the user views the video content, and identify a scene in which the character appears from among the plurality of scenes as the specific scene.

[0014] The receiving unit may receive the designation of the specific scene from the user while the user is viewing the video content.

[0015] The reception unit may receive from the user a specification of a scene from the plurality of scenes to be displayed on the information terminal while the user is watching the video content, and identify the scene displayed on the information terminal as the specific scene.

[0016] The transmission unit may, in response to a change in the target scene from the non-specific scene to the specific scene while the user is watching the video content, remove the restriction applied to the target scene and then transmit the video content to the information terminal.

[0017] The transmitting unit may, in response to a change in the target scene from the specific scene to the non-specific scene while the user is watching the video content, apply the restriction to the target scene and transmit the video content to the information terminal after a predetermined time has elapsed from the time of the change.

[0018] The reception unit may receive a specification of a scene from the plurality of scenes to be played in a main area on a screen including a main area displayed on the information terminal and a sub-area smaller than the main area, and when a target scene that is the non-specific scene is specified as the scene to be played in the main area, the transmission unit may transmit the video content to the information terminal after removing the restriction applied to the target scene.

[0019] An information processing method of a second aspect of the present invention includes the steps of: executing by a processor, transmitting video content to an information terminal used by a user, the video content including multiple scenes that are played synchronously on the information terminal; accepting from the user a designation of one or more specific scenes from the multiple scenes; determining restrictions to be applied to one or more non-specific scenes from the multiple scenes other than the specific scenes; and transmitting the video content to the information terminal after applying the restrictions to the non-specific scenes without applying the restrictions to the specific scenes.

[0020] A third aspect of the program of the present invention causes a processor to execute the steps of transmitting video content including multiple scenes to be played synchronously on an information terminal used by a user to the information terminal; accepting from the user a designation of one or more specific scenes from the multiple scenes; determining restrictions to be applied to one or more non-specific scenes from the multiple scenes other than the specific scenes; and transmitting the video content to the information terminal after applying the restrictions to the non-specific scenes without applying the restrictions to the specific scenes. [Effects of the Invention]

[0021] According to the present invention, it is possible to stably play back video content including a plurality of moving images that are played back in synchronization on an information terminal. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0022] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of an information processing system. [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an information processing system. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram for explaining video content. [Figure 4] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram of a user terminal displaying a reception screen. [Figure 5] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a user terminal displaying a distribution screen including multiple scenes. [Figure 6] 10A and 10B are schematic diagrams for explaining a process in which an information processing device switches between scenes displayed in a main area and a sub area. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram for explaining a process in which the information processing device applies a restriction to a scene. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram of a user terminal displaying a distribution screen in which restrictions are applied to non-specific scenes. [Figure 9] 10 is a schematic diagram for explaining a process in which a transmitter applies a restriction after a predetermined time has elapsed. FIG. [Figure 10] FIG. 1 is a flowchart illustrating an exemplary information processing method executed by an information processing system. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0023] [Outline of Information Processing System S] 1 is a schematic diagram of an information processing system S according to this embodiment. The information processing system S includes an information processing device 1 and a user terminal 2. The information processing system S may also include other devices such as a server and a terminal.

[0024] The information processing device 1 is a computer that performs processing related to video content played on the user terminal 2. The video content is moving images that are broadcast or streamed live (live distribution), or pre-recorded moving images. The video content is, for example, moving images of concerts, musicals, plays, dramas, movies, television programs, press conferences, etc. The video content may also be two-dimensional or three-dimensional animated moving images.

[0025] The video content includes multiple moving images played in synchronization with each other, and includes moving images in which multiple characters appear. The multiple moving images include, for example, an entire scene that captures or depicts a predetermined range, and one or more individual scenes that capture or depict a range narrower than the entire scene. The characters that appear in the video content are, for example, people, animals, or virtual characters that appear in the moving images. The video content may also include audio that is played along with the moving images.

[0026] The user terminal 2 is an information terminal used by a user. A user is a person who watches video content. The user terminal 2 is, for example, a smartphone, a tablet terminal, or a personal computer. The user terminal 2 has an operation unit such as a touch panel or a keyboard for receiving operations, and a display unit such as an LCD display for displaying information. The user terminal 2 is associated in advance with a user by setting a user ID for identifying the user who uses the user terminal 2. The user terminal 2 is capable of communicating with the information processing device 1 via a network.

[0027] An overview of the processing executed by the information processing system S according to this embodiment will be described below. The information processing device 1 transmits video content including multiple scenes to be synchronously played back on the user terminal 2 to the user terminal 2. The user terminal 2 displays the video content received from the information processing device 1 on a display unit.

[0028] The information processing device 1 receives, from the user, designation of one or more specific scenes from among the multiple scenes. The specific scene is, for example, a scene from among the multiple scenes in which a character designated by the user appears, or a scene displayed on the screen.

[0029] The information processing device 1 determines a restriction to be applied to one or more non-specific scenes other than the specific scene among the multiple scenes. The restriction to be applied to the non-specific scene is, for example, to stop transmission of the non-specific scene or to reduce the data volume of the non-specific scene.

[0030] The information processing device 1 applies restrictions to non-specific scenes without applying restrictions to specific scenes, and then transmits the video content to the user terminal 2. The user terminal 2 displays, on a display unit, the video content received from the information processing device 1, with restrictions applied to the non-specific scenes.

[0031] In this way, the information processing system S accepts a user's designation of one of multiple scenes included in the video content, and applies restrictions to the undesignated scenes without applying restrictions to the designated scene. This allows the information processing system S to reduce the communication load for transmitting and receiving the video content, and to stably play back the video content including multiple moving images that are played synchronously on the user terminal 2.

[0032] [Configuration of Information Processing System S] FIG. 2 is a block diagram of an information processing system S according to this embodiment. In FIG. 2, arrows indicate main data flows, and data flows other than those shown in FIG. 2 may also exist. In FIG. 2, each block indicates a functional configuration rather than a hardware (device) configuration. Therefore, the blocks shown in FIG. 2 may be implemented in a single device, or may be implemented separately in multiple devices. Data may be exchanged between blocks via any means, such as a data bus, a network, or a portable storage medium.

[0033] The information processing device 1 includes a communication unit 11, a storage unit 12, and a control unit 13. The information processing device 1 may be configured by connecting two or more physically separate devices via wired or wireless connections. The information processing device 1 may also be configured by a cloud, which is a collection of computer resources.

[0034] The communication unit 11 has a communication controller for transmitting and receiving data to and from the user terminal 2 via the network. The communication unit 11 notifies the control unit 13 of data received from the user terminal 2 via the network. The communication unit 11 also transmits data output from the control unit 13 to the user terminal 2 via the network.

[0035] The storage unit 12 is a storage medium including a ROM (Read Only Memory), a RAM (Random Access Memory), a hard disk drive, an SSD (Solid State Drive), etc. The storage unit 12 stores in advance programs to be executed by the control unit 13. The storage unit 12 may be provided outside the information processing device 1, in which case data may be exchanged between the storage unit 12 and the control unit 13 via a network.

[0036] The control unit 13 has a reception unit 131, a transmission unit 132, an acquisition unit 133, and a determination unit 134. The control unit 13 is a processor such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit), and functions as the reception unit 131, the transmission unit 132, the acquisition unit 133, and the determination unit 134 by executing a program stored in the storage unit 12.

[0037] The processing executed by the information processing system S will be described in detail below. In the information processing device 1, the reception unit 131 receives, from the user, a designation of video content to be played back. The user terminal 2 transmits, for example, information (title, representative image, etc.) indicating one of multiple video contents displayed on the display unit and selected by the user using the operation unit, to the information processing device 1. Based on the information transmitted by the user terminal 2, the reception unit 131 receives the video content selected by the user as the video content to be played back.

[0038] 3 is a schematic diagram illustrating video content according to this embodiment. The video content includes, for example, multiple moving images that are multiple scenes that can be selected for viewing in response to a user operation. The multiple scenes include, for example, an overall scene that captures or depicts a predetermined range, and one or more individual scenes that capture or depict a range narrower than the overall scene. Each point in time of the overall scene and each point in time of the individual scenes are associated in advance, and are played back in synchronization with each other on the user terminal 2.

[0039] An entire scene is, for example, a moving image of a scene including multiple characters. On the other hand, an individual scene is, for example, a moving image of a scene including any one of the multiple characters. Each of one or more scenes is associated in advance with the characters included in that scene.

[0040] The individual scenes are generated, for example, by cutting out a portion of the overall scene. In this case, the individual scenes are generated, for example, by performing a known image recognition process on the overall scene to automatically cut out areas in which each of the multiple characters appears. Alternatively, the individual scenes may be generated by a human visually recognizing the overall scene and cutting out areas in which each of the multiple characters appears.

[0041] Alternatively, individual scenes may be generated by capturing images of each of the characters using a camera different from the camera that captured the overall scene. Alternatively, individual scenes may be created as independent scenes rather than as part of the overall scene.

[0042] Before the user watches the video content, the reception unit 131 receives from the user a designation of a character appearing in the video content. The character corresponds to one of multiple scenes included in the video content. The character designated by the user is, for example, a character that the user is paying attention to, and is used to identify a specific scene, which will be described later. The reception unit 131 displays a reception screen on the user terminal 2 for receiving the designation of the character.

[0043] 4 is a schematic diagram of a user terminal 2 displaying a reception screen. The reception screen includes, for example, an area for accepting the designation of a character. A character is, for example, a person or animal captured as a subject in live-action video, which is video content. Alternatively, a character may be, for example, a virtual character depicted in an animated video, which is video content.

[0044] The reception unit 131 acquires, for example, information that associates video content with multiple characters that appear in the video content, which information is stored in advance in the storage unit 12. The reception unit 131 displays, on a reception screen, multiple characters that are associated with video content that the user plans to watch or is currently watching in the acquired information. The user selects one of the multiple characters displayed on the reception screen.

[0045] The user performs an operation to designate a character on the user terminal 2. The user terminal 2 transmits information indicating the character designated by the user to the information processing device 1. In the information processing device 1, the reception unit 131 stores the information indicating the character received from the user terminal 2 in the storage unit 12.

[0046] The transmission unit 132 transmits the video content to be played back, which is stored in advance in the storage unit 12 or another storage unit, to the user terminal 2. The user terminal 2 synchronously plays back multiple scenes included in the video content transmitted by the information processing device 1 on the display unit.

[0047] The user terminal 2 may receive the entire video content (i.e., data from the start to the end of the video content) and then play the video content. Alternatively, the user terminal 2 may sequentially receive portions of the video content (5 seconds' worth of data, 10 seconds' worth of data, etc.) and play the portions of the video content sequentially.

[0048] 5 is a schematic diagram of a user terminal 2 displaying a distribution screen A including multiple scenes. The distribution screen A includes a main area A1 and a sub-area A2. The main area A1 is a display area larger than the sub-area A2. When playback of multiple scenes is first started on the user terminal 2, for example, a video of the entire scene is played in the main area A1, and a video of one or more individual scenes is played in the sub-area A2.

[0049] Because there is a limit to the size of distribution screen A, of the multiple scenes included in the video content, one or more scenes that exceed the number of scenes that can be displayed on distribution screen A will not be displayed on distribution screen A. The number of scenes that can be displayed on distribution screen A is, for example, set in advance by a user or an administrator, or set automatically according to the size of the display unit of user terminal 2.

[0050] The information processing device 1 switches between scenes that are displayed and scenes that are not displayed on the user terminal 2 in response to an operation by the user. While the user is watching video content, the reception unit 131 receives from the user at the user terminal 2 a designation of a display scene, which is a scene that is to be displayed on the user terminal 2 out of multiple scenes. A scene that is not displayed on the user terminal 2 out of the multiple scenes is called a non-display scene.

[0051] The user terminal 2 transmits, for example, information indicating a predetermined operation (such as selecting the triangle button illustrated in FIG. 5) performed by the user using the operation unit to specify a display scene, to the information processing device 1. The reception unit 131 receives the specification of a display scene based on the information transmitted by the user terminal 2.

[0052] In response to the reception unit 131 receiving the designation of the display scene, the transmission unit 132 transmits, to the user terminal 2, control information for displaying one or more display scenes among the multiple scenes on the distribution screen A and not displaying one or more hidden scenes among the multiple scenes on the distribution screen A. The user terminal 2 displays one or more display scenes on the distribution screen A and does not display one or more hidden scenes in accordance with the control information transmitted by the information processing device 1.

[0053] This allows the information processing system S to switch between multiple scenes to be displayed on the user terminal 2 at any time, making it easier for the user to view the desired scene on a display unit of the user terminal 2 that is limited in size.

[0054] The information processing device 1 switches between the scenes displayed in the main area A1 and the scenes displayed in the sub-area A2 in response to a user operation. Figures 6(a) and 6(b) are schematic diagrams illustrating the process by which the information processing device 1 switches between the scenes displayed in the main area A1 and the sub-area A2.

[0055] While the user is watching video content, the reception unit 131 receives a designation of a main scene, which is one of the multiple scenes, from the user at the user terminal 2. The user terminal 2 transmits, to the information processing device 1, information indicating a predetermined operation (such as selection of one of the scenes) performed by the user using the operation unit to designate one of the multiple scenes displayed on the distribution screen A, for example.

[0056] The reception unit 131 receives the scene designated by the user as the main scene based on the information transmitted by the user terminal 2. In response to the reception unit 131 receiving the designation of the main scene, the transmission unit 132 transmits to the user terminal 2 control information for displaying the main scene among the multiple scenes in the main area A1 and displaying one or more scenes other than the main scene among the multiple scenes in the sub-area A2. In accordance with the control information transmitted by the information processing device 1, the user terminal 2 displays the main scene in the main area A1 on the distribution screen A and displays one or more scenes other than the main scene in the sub-area A2.

[0057] In the examples of Figures 6(a) and 6(b), the first scene displayed in the main area A1 in Figure 6(a) and the second scene displayed in the sub-area A2 are swapped as shown in Figure 6(b) in response to a user operation. This allows the information processing system S to switch the scene displayed in the larger area among multiple scenes at any time, making it easier for the user to view the scene that they are paying attention to at each time.

[0058] The information processing device 1 applies a predetermined restriction to one or more scenes among a plurality of scenes included in the video content. Fig. 7 is a schematic diagram for explaining the process in which the information processing device 1 applies a restriction to a scene.

[0059] The reception unit 131 receives from the user the designation of one or more specific scenes from among the multiple scenes included in the video content. A specific scene is a scene to which no restrictions apply. A specific scene is, for example, either an appearance scene in which a character designated by the user appears, or a display scene displayed on the user terminal 2. One or more scenes from among the multiple scenes other than the specific scene are called non-specific scenes. The information processing system S is preset with a setting as to whether to use an appearance scene or a display scene as the specific scene.

[0060] When an appearance scene is used as the specific scene, the reception unit 131 receives a character designation from the user before the user watches the video content, as described above with reference to Fig. 4. The reception unit 131 identifies an appearance scene in which the character designated by the user appears (a scene previously associated with the character) from among multiple scenes as the specific scene. This allows the information processing system S to exempt scenes in which the character designated by the user appears from the restriction, and to apply the restriction to scenes in which the character designated by the user does not appear.

[0061] When a display scene is used as the specific scene, the reception unit 131 receives, from the user at the user terminal 2 while the user is watching video content, a designation of a display scene that is a scene displayed on the user terminal 2 from among multiple scenes. The reception unit 131 identifies the display scene designated by the user from among the multiple scenes as the specific scene. This enables the information processing system S to exempt the scene displayed on the user terminal 2 from the application of restrictions, and to apply restrictions to scenes that are not displayed on the user terminal 2.

[0062] The acquisition unit 133 acquires the viewing status of each of a plurality of scenes included in the video content by the user. For example, the acquisition unit 133 acquires, as the viewing status, the viewing time of each of the plurality of scenes calculated by tallying up the time for which each of the plurality of scenes is designated as a display scene or a main scene while the user is viewing the video content.

[0063] Furthermore, the acquisition unit 133 acquires the user's level of interest in characters appearing in each of a plurality of scenes included in the video content. The acquisition unit 133 acquires the level of interest based on, for example, the user's past viewing history of other content that is different from the video content being viewed by the user and in which characters appear. For example, the acquisition unit 133 determines the level of interest for each of a plurality of characters so that the greater the number of viewings or the viewing time of other content in which the character appears in the past viewing history, the higher the level of interest, and the lower the value of the number of viewings or the viewing time.

[0064] The determination unit 134 determines a restriction to be applied to one or more non-specific scenes other than the specific scenes among the multiple scenes. The determination unit 134 determines a restriction including, for example, either stopping transmission of the non-specific scenes or reducing the data volume of the non-specific scenes. Reducing the data volume means lowering the resolution of the video or increasing the compression rate of the video. The information processing system S is preset with a setting for, for example, whether to use a restriction between stopping transmission of the non-specific scenes and reducing the data volume of the non-specific scenes.

[0065] The determination unit 134 may change the content of the restriction on a non-specific scene based on predetermined information. In this case, the determination unit 134 may change the content of the restriction based on the viewing status acquired by the acquisition unit 133. For example, for each of one or more non-specific scenes, the determination unit 134 determines a restriction that reduces the data volume of the non-specific scene when the viewing time indicated by the viewing status is equal to or greater than a predetermined reference value, and determines a restriction that stops transmission of the non-specific scene when the viewing time is less than the reference value.

[0066] This allows the information processing system S to flexibly change the content of restrictions on non-specific scenes, so that even if the scene is non-specific, the data volume is reduced for scenes that the user has been watching for a long time, and transmission is stopped for scenes that the user has not watched.

[0067] Furthermore, the determination unit 134 may change the content of the restriction based on, for example, the degree of interest acquired by the acquisition unit 133. For example, for each of one or more non-specific scenes, the determination unit 134 determines a restriction that reduces the data volume of the non-specific scene when the degree of interest in a character appearing in the non-specific scene is equal to or greater than a predetermined reference value, and determines a restriction that stops transmission of the non-specific scene when the degree of interest is less than the reference value.

[0068] This allows the information processing system S to flexibly change the content of restrictions on non-specific scenes, so that even if the scene is non-specific, the data volume is reduced for scenes featuring characters that are of high interest to the user, and transmission is stopped for scenes featuring characters that are of low interest to the user.

[0069] Furthermore, the determination unit 134 may change the content of the restriction based on, for example, the resolution or size of the display unit (screen) of the user terminal 2. For example, the determination unit 134 determines a restriction that reduces the data volume of the non-specific scene when the resolution or size of the user terminal 2 is equal to or greater than a predetermined reference value, and determines a restriction that stops transmission of the non-specific scene when the resolution or size is less than the reference value. This allows the information processing system S to flexibly change the content of the restriction on the non-specific scene according to the resolution or size of the display unit of the user terminal 2.

[0070] Furthermore, the determination unit 134 may change the content of the restriction based on, for example, a communication contract under which the user communicates using the user terminal 2. For example, the determination unit 134 determines a restriction that reduces the data volume of the non-specific scene when the remaining communication capacity available under the user's communication contract is equal to or greater than a predetermined reference value, and determines a restriction that stops transmission of the non-specific scene when the remaining communication capacity is less than the reference value. This allows the information processing system S to flexibly change the content of the restriction on the non-specific scene according to the user's communication contract.

[0071] The transmitting unit 132 applies the restriction determined by the determining unit 134 to non-specific scenes without applying the restriction determined by the determining unit 134 to specific scenes, and then transmits the video content to the user terminal 2. The transmitting unit 132 stops transmission of one or more non-specific scenes from among the multiple contents included in the video content (for example, by excluding the non-specific scene from the video content) or reduces the data volume of the non-specific scenes, and then transmits the video content.

[0072] When stopping the transmission of a non-specific scene, the transmitter 132 may transmit video content including a substitute image, which is a still image of a character appearing in the non-specific scene, instead of the non-specific scene. The substitute image is, for example, an image of any frame of the non-specific scene, a representative image of the character (such as a face photo), or an image showing the name of the character.

[0073] The user terminal 2 plays back on a display unit multiple scenes included in the video content transmitted by the information processing device 1. Fig. 8 is a schematic diagram of the user terminal 2 displaying a distribution screen A in which restrictions are applied to non-specific scenes.

[0074] 8, the user terminal 2 displays, in the main area A1, specific scenes to which no restrictions are applied, and, in the sub-area A2, the user terminal 2 displays, as multiple non-specific scenes to which restrictions that stop transmission are applied, substitute images that indicate the names of characters appearing in the non-specific scenes.

[0075] As a result, the information processing system S does not apply restrictions to scenes specified by the user among the multiple scenes contained in the video content, but applies restrictions to scenes not specified by the user, thereby reducing the communication load for sending and receiving the video content and allowing the video content to be played stably on the user terminal 2.

[0076] The transmitting unit 132 releases the restriction on the target scene in response to the target scene being switched from a non-specific scene to a specific scene. The receiving unit 131 receives a designation of a display scene in the user terminal 2 while the user is watching video content. When the target scene is designated as a display scene in this way, the target scene is switched from a non-specific scene to a specific scene.

[0077] In response to the target scene switching from a non-specific scene to a specific scene, the transmission unit 132 removes the restriction on the target scene and transmits the video content to the user terminal 2. On the other hand, in response to the target scene, which is a specific scene, switching from a specific scene to a non-specific scene, the transmission unit 132 applies a restriction to the target scene and transmits the video content to the user terminal 2. This allows the information processing system S to flexibly switch whether or not to apply a restriction depending on whether each scene has switched between a non-specific scene and a specific scene.

[0078] The transmitting unit 132 may release the restriction on the non-specific scene in response to the non-specific scene being designated as the main scene to be played back in the main area in the user terminal 2. In this case, the receiving unit 131 receives a designation of a main scene, which is one of multiple scenes, from the user in the user terminal 2 while the user is watching the video content. The transmitting unit 132 releases the restriction on the non-specific scene that is the main scene designated by the user among one or more non-specific scenes, and applies the restriction to the non-specific scene that is not the main scene designated by the user, before transmitting the video content to the user terminal 2.

[0079] As a result, the information processing system S can remove the restriction on the main scene being played back in the main area, even if it is a non-specific scene to which the restriction is applied, and transmit the main scene to the user terminal 2, thereby improving user convenience.

[0080] The transmitter 132 may remove the restriction on the non-specific scene in response to the selection of an alternative image for the non-specific scene on the user terminal 2. In this case, the receiver 131 receives the selection of an alternative image for the non-specific scene from the user on the user terminal 2 while the user is watching the video content. The transmitter 132 removes the restriction on the non-specific scene that corresponds to the alternative image selected by the user out of one or more non-specific scenes, and applies the restriction on the non-specific scene that does not correspond to the alternative image selected by the user, before transmitting the video content to the user terminal 2.

[0081] As a result, the information processing system S can remove the restriction for non-specific scenes for which the user has selected an alternative image, even if the non-specific scenes are subject to the restriction, and transmit the image to the user terminal 2, thereby improving user convenience.

[0082] The transmission unit 132 may apply the restriction after a predetermined time has elapsed rather than immediately applying the restriction in response to the target scene, which is a specific scene, being switched from a specific scene to a non-specific scene. Fig. 9 is a schematic diagram for explaining the process in which the transmission unit 132 applies the restriction after a predetermined time has elapsed.

[0083] In Figure 9, the timing when the target scene switches from a specific scene to a non-specific scene and the timing when the transmission unit 132 applies the restriction are schematically shown on the horizontal axis, which represents the elapsed time from the start of the video content.

[0084] When the target scene switches from a specific scene to a non-specific scene while the user is watching the video content, the transmission unit 132 applies a restriction to the target scene and transmits the video content to the user terminal 2 after a predetermined time has passed since the timing of the switch.

[0085] The time from the time of switching to the time the restriction is applied may be, for example, a fixed time (5 seconds, 10 seconds, etc.), or the time from the time of switching to the time a periodic judgment timing is reached (every 3 seconds, every 6 seconds, etc.).

[0086] As a result, even if the target scene becomes subject to restrictions, the information processing system S does not apply the restrictions to the target scene until a predetermined time has elapsed, thereby preventing data of the target scene that has already been sent to the user terminal 2 from going to waste.

[0087] [Information processing method flow] 10 is a flowchart illustrating an exemplary information processing method executed by the information processing system S according to this embodiment. The reception unit 131 receives a designation of video content to be played back from a user. The transmission unit 132 transmits the video content to be played back, which is stored in advance in the storage unit 12 or another storage unit, to the user terminal 2 (S11). The user terminal 2 synchronously plays back multiple scenes included in the video content transmitted by the information processing device 1 on the display unit.

[0088] The reception unit 131 receives from the user a designation of one or more specific scenes from among the multiple scenes included in the video content (S12). The specific scene is, for example, either an appearance scene in which a character designated by the user appears, or a display scene displayed on the user terminal 2.

[0089] When an appearance scene is used as the specific scene, the reception unit 131 receives a designation of a character from the user before the user watches the video content. When a display scene is used as the specific scene, the reception unit 131 receives a designation of a display scene, which is a scene to be displayed on the user terminal 2 from the user at the user terminal 2 while the user is watching the video content.

[0090] The acquisition unit 133 acquires the user's viewing status for each of the multiple scenes included in the video content, and the user's level of interest in the characters appearing in each of the multiple scenes included in the video content (S13).

[0091] The determination unit 134 determines a restriction to be applied to one or more non-specific scenes other than the specific scene among the multiple scenes (S14). The determination unit 134 determines a restriction including, for example, either stopping transmission of the non-specific scene or reducing the data volume of the non-specific scene. The determination unit 134 may change the content of the restriction based on, for example, the viewing status or interest level acquired by the acquisition unit 133.

[0092] The transmitting unit 132 applies the restriction determined by the determining unit 134 to non-specific scenes without applying the restriction determined by the determining unit 134 to specific scenes, and then transmits the video content to the user terminal 2 (S15). The transmitting unit 132 stops transmission of one or more non-specific scenes from among the multiple contents included in the video content (for example, by excluding the non-specific scenes from the video content) or reduces the data volume of the non-specific scenes, and then transmits the video content.

[0093] [Effects of the embodiment] According to the information processing system S of this embodiment, the information processing device 1 accepts a user's designation of one of multiple scenes included in video content, and applies restrictions to undesignated scenes without applying restrictions to the designated scene. This allows the information processing system S to reduce the communication load for transmitting and receiving video content and to stably play video content including multiple moving images that are played synchronously on the user terminal 2.

[0094] Furthermore, this invention will make it possible to contribute to Goal 9 of the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which is "Build resilient infrastructure, promote inclusive and sustainable industrialization, and promote innovation and resilience."

[0095] The present invention has been described above using embodiments, but the technical scope of the present invention is not limited to the scope described in the above embodiments, and various modifications and changes are possible within the scope of the gist of the present invention. For example, all or part of the device can be configured by functionally or physically distributing or integrating any unit. Furthermore, new embodiments resulting from any combination of multiple embodiments are also included in the embodiments of the present invention. The effects of the new embodiments resulting from the combination also have the effects of the original embodiments. [Explanation of symbols]

[0096] S Information Processing System 1. Information processing equipment 11 Communications Department 12 Storage section 13 Control Unit 131 Reception 132 Transmitter 133 Acquisition Department 134 Decision Section 2. User terminal

Claims

1. a transmitting unit that transmits video content including a plurality of scenes to be synchronously played back on an information terminal used by a user to the information terminal; a reception unit that receives, from the user, designation of one or more specific scenes from the plurality of scenes; a determination unit that determines a restriction to be applied to one or more non-specific scenes other than the specific scene among the plurality of scenes, the restriction including stopping transmission of the non-specific scenes or reducing a data capacity of the non-specific scenes; and the transmission unit transmits the video content to the information terminal after applying the restriction to the non-specific scenes without applying the restriction to the specific scenes; when the transmission unit stops transmission of the non-specific scene, the transmission unit transmits an alternative image relating to a character appearing in the non-specific scene in place of the non-specific scene; Information processing device.

2. A transmitting unit that transmits video content including multiple scenes to be synchronously played back on an information terminal used by a user to the information terminal; an acquisition unit that acquires a viewing status of each of the plurality of scenes by the user; a reception unit that receives, from the user, designation of one or more specific scenes from the plurality of scenes; a determination unit that determines a restriction to be applied to one or more non-specific scenes other than the specific scene among the plurality of scenes; and the determination unit changes the content of the restriction according to the viewing situation; the transmission unit transmits the video content to the information terminal after applying the restriction to the non-specific scenes without applying the restriction to the specific scenes. Information processing device.

3. A transmitting unit that transmits video content including multiple scenes to be synchronously played back on an information terminal used by a user to the information terminal; a reception unit that receives, from the user, designation of one or more specific scenes from the plurality of scenes; an acquisition unit that acquires the user's interest level in characters appearing in one or more non-specific scenes other than the specific scene among the plurality of scenes; a determination unit for determining a restriction to be applied to the non-specific scene; and the determination unit changes the content of the restriction according to the interest level; the transmission unit transmits the video content to the information terminal after applying the restriction to the non-specific scenes without applying the restriction to the specific scenes. Information processing device.

4. A transmitting unit that transmits video content including multiple scenes to be synchronously played back on an information terminal used by a user to the information terminal; a receiving unit that receives, from the user before the user views the video content, designation of one or more specific scenes from the plurality of scenes; a determination unit that determines a restriction to be applied to one or more non-specific scenes other than the specific scene among the plurality of scenes; and the transmission unit transmits the video content to the information terminal after applying the restriction to the non-specific scenes without applying the restriction to the specific scenes. Information processing device.

5. A transmitting unit that transmits video content including multiple scenes to be synchronously played back on an information terminal used by a user to the information terminal; a reception unit that receives, from the user, designation of one or more specific scenes from the plurality of scenes; a determination unit that determines a restriction to be applied to one or more non-specific scenes other than the specific scene among the plurality of scenes; and the transmission unit transmits the video content to the information terminal after applying the restriction to the non-specific scenes without applying the restriction to the specific scenes; the transmission unit, in response to a change of a target scene from the non-specific scene to the specific scene while the user is viewing the video content, releases the restriction applied to the target scene and transmits the video content to the information terminal. Information processing device.

6. A transmitting unit that transmits video content including multiple scenes to be synchronously played back on an information terminal used by a user to the information terminal; a reception unit that receives, from the user, designation of one or more specific scenes from the plurality of scenes; a determination unit that determines a restriction to be applied to one or more non-specific scenes other than the specific scene among the plurality of scenes; and the transmission unit transmits the video content to the information terminal after applying the restriction to the non-specific scenes without applying the restriction to the specific scenes; the transmission unit, in response to a change of a target scene from the specific scene to the non-specific scene while the user is viewing the video content, applies the restriction to the target scene and transmits the video content to the information terminal after a predetermined time has elapsed from the change of the target scene; Information processing device.

7. A transmitting unit that transmits video content including multiple scenes to be synchronously played back on an information terminal used by a user to the information terminal; a reception unit that receives from the user a designation of one or more specific scenes from the plurality of scenes, and that receives, on a screen including a main area and a sub-area smaller than the main area displayed on the information terminal, a designation of a scene from the plurality of scenes to be played in the main area; a determination unit that determines a restriction to be applied to one or more non-specific scenes other than the specific scene among the plurality of scenes; and the transmission unit transmits the video content to the information terminal after applying the restriction to the non-specific scenes without applying the restriction to the specific scenes; when the target scene, which is the non-specific scene, is designated as the scene to be played in the main area, the transmission unit releases the restriction applied to the target scene and then transmits the video content to the information terminal. Information processing device.

8. the acquiring unit acquires the degree of interest based on a past viewing history of the user of other content that is different from the video content and in which the character appears. The information processing device according to claim 3 .

9. the receiving unit receives a designation of a character from the user before the user views the video content, and identifies a scene in which the character appears among the plurality of scenes as the specific scene; The information processing device according to claim 4 .

10. the receiving unit receives a designation of the specific scene from the user while the user is viewing the video content; The information processing device according to any one of claims 1 to 3 and 5 to 7.

11. the receiving unit receives, from the user while the user is viewing the video content, a designation of a scene to be displayed on the information terminal from among the plurality of scenes, and identifies the scene to be displayed on the information terminal as the specific scene; The information processing device according to claim 10.

12. The processor executes transmitting video content including a plurality of scenes to be synchronously played back on an information terminal used by a user to the information terminal; receiving, from the user, designation of one or more specific scenes from among the plurality of scenes; determining a restriction to be applied to one or more non-specific scenes other than the specific scene among the plurality of scenes, the restriction including stopping transmission of the non-specific scenes or reducing the data volume of the non-specific scenes; a step of transmitting the video content to the information terminal after applying the restriction to the non-specific scene without applying the restriction to the specific scene, and when stopping transmission of the non-specific scene, transmitting a substitute image relating to a character appearing in the non-specific scene instead of the non-specific scene; An information processing method comprising:

13. A processor executes: transmitting video content including a plurality of scenes to be synchronously played back on an information terminal used by a user to the information terminal; acquiring a viewing status of each of the plurality of scenes by the user; receiving, from the user, designation of one or more specific scenes from among the plurality of scenes; a step of determining a restriction to be applied to one or more non-specific scenes other than the specific scene among the plurality of scenes, and a step of changing the content of the restriction depending on the viewing situation; transmitting the video content to the information terminal after applying the restriction to the non-specific scenes without applying the restriction to the specific scenes; An information processing method comprising:

14. A processor executes: transmitting video content including a plurality of scenes to be synchronously played back on an information terminal used by a user to the information terminal; receiving, from the user, designation of one or more specific scenes from among the plurality of scenes; acquiring a degree of interest of the user in a character appearing in one or more non-specific scenes other than the specific scene among the plurality of scenes; determining a restriction to be applied to the non-specific scene, and changing the content of the restriction depending on the interest level; transmitting the video content to the information terminal after applying the restriction to the non-specific scenes without applying the restriction to the specific scenes; An information processing method comprising:

15. A processor executes: transmitting video content including a plurality of scenes to be synchronously played back on an information terminal used by a user to the information terminal; receiving, from the user before the user views the video content, designation of one or more specific scenes from the plurality of scenes; determining a restriction to be applied to one or more non-specific scenes other than the specific scene among the plurality of scenes; transmitting the video content to the information terminal after applying the restriction to the non-specific scenes without applying the restriction to the specific scenes; An information processing method comprising:

16. A processor executes: transmitting video content including a plurality of scenes to be synchronously played back on an information terminal used by a user to the information terminal; receiving, from the user, designation of one or more specific scenes from among the plurality of scenes; determining a restriction to be applied to one or more non-specific scenes other than the specific scene among the plurality of scenes; transmitting the video content to the information terminal after applying the restriction to the non-specific scenes without applying the restriction to the specific scenes; a step of releasing the restriction applied to the target scene and transmitting the video content to the information terminal in response to a change of the target scene from the non-specific scene to the specific scene while the user is viewing the video content; An information processing method comprising:

17. A processor executes: transmitting video content including a plurality of scenes to be synchronously played back on an information terminal used by a user to the information terminal; receiving, from the user, designation of one or more specific scenes from among the plurality of scenes; determining a restriction to be applied to one or more non-specific scenes other than the specific scene among the plurality of scenes; transmitting the video content to the information terminal after applying the restriction to the non-specific scenes without applying the restriction to the specific scenes; a step of applying the restriction to the target scene and transmitting the video content to the information terminal after a predetermined time has elapsed since a target scene is switched from the specific scene to the non-specific scene while the user is viewing the video content; An information processing method comprising:

18. A processor executes: transmitting video content including a plurality of scenes to be synchronously played back on an information terminal used by a user to the information terminal; receiving, from the user, designation of one or more specific scenes from among the plurality of scenes; receiving, on a screen including a main area and a sub-area smaller than the main area displayed on the information terminal, a designation of a scene to be played back in the main area among the plurality of scenes; determining a restriction to be applied to one or more non-specific scenes other than the specific scene among the plurality of scenes; transmitting the video content to the information terminal after applying the restriction to the non-specific scenes without applying the restriction to the specific scenes; a step of transmitting the video content to the information terminal after removing the restriction applied to the target scene when the target scene, which is the non-specific scene, is designated as the scene to be played in the main area; An information processing method comprising:

19. The processor transmitting video content including a plurality of scenes to be synchronously played back on an information terminal used by a user to the information terminal; receiving, from the user, designation of one or more specific scenes from among the plurality of scenes; determining a restriction to be applied to one or more non-specific scenes other than the specific scene among the plurality of scenes, the restriction including stopping transmission of the non-specific scenes or reducing the data volume of the non-specific scenes; a step of transmitting the video content to the information terminal after applying the restriction to the non-specific scene without applying the restriction to the specific scene, and when stopping transmission of the non-specific scene, transmitting a substitute image relating to a character appearing in the non-specific scene instead of the non-specific scene; A program that executes.

20. A processor comprising: transmitting video content including a plurality of scenes to be synchronously played back on an information terminal used by a user to the information terminal; acquiring a viewing status of each of the plurality of scenes by the user; receiving, from the user, designation of one or more specific scenes from among the plurality of scenes; a step of determining a restriction to be applied to one or more non-specific scenes other than the specific scene among the plurality of scenes, and a step of changing the content of the restriction depending on the viewing situation; transmitting the video content to the information terminal after applying the restriction to the non-specific scenes without applying the restriction to the specific scenes; A program that executes.

21. A processor comprising: transmitting video content including a plurality of scenes to be synchronously played back on an information terminal used by a user to the information terminal; receiving, from the user, designation of one or more specific scenes from among the plurality of scenes; acquiring a degree of interest of the user in a character appearing in one or more non-specific scenes other than the specific scene among the plurality of scenes; determining a restriction to be applied to the non-specific scene, and changing the content of the restriction depending on the interest level; transmitting the video content to the information terminal after applying the restriction to the non-specific scenes without applying the restriction to the specific scenes; A program that executes.

22. A processor comprising: transmitting video content including a plurality of scenes to be synchronously played back on an information terminal used by a user to the information terminal; receiving, from the user before the user views the video content, designation of one or more specific scenes from the plurality of scenes; determining a restriction to be applied to one or more non-specific scenes other than the specific scene among the plurality of scenes; transmitting the video content to the information terminal after applying the restriction to the non-specific scenes without applying the restriction to the specific scenes; A program that executes.

23. A processor comprising: transmitting video content including a plurality of scenes to be synchronously played back on an information terminal used by a user to the information terminal; receiving, from the user, designation of one or more specific scenes from among the plurality of scenes; determining a restriction to be applied to one or more non-specific scenes other than the specific scene among the plurality of scenes; transmitting the video content to the information terminal after applying the restriction to the non-specific scenes without applying the restriction to the specific scenes; a step of releasing the restriction applied to the target scene and transmitting the video content to the information terminal in response to a change of the target scene from the non-specific scene to the specific scene while the user is viewing the video content; A program that executes.

24. A processor comprising: transmitting video content including a plurality of scenes to be synchronously played back on an information terminal used by a user to the information terminal; receiving, from the user, designation of one or more specific scenes from among the plurality of scenes; determining a restriction to be applied to one or more non-specific scenes other than the specific scene among the plurality of scenes; transmitting the video content to the information terminal after applying the restriction to the non-specific scenes without applying the restriction to the specific scenes; a step of applying the restriction to the target scene and transmitting the video content to the information terminal after a predetermined time has elapsed since a target scene is switched from the specific scene to the non-specific scene while the user is viewing the video content; A program that executes.

25. A processor comprising: transmitting video content including a plurality of scenes to be synchronously played back on an information terminal used by a user to the information terminal; receiving, from the user, designation of one or more specific scenes from among the plurality of scenes; receiving, on a screen including a main area and a sub-area smaller than the main area displayed on the information terminal, a designation of a scene to be played back in the main area among the plurality of scenes; determining a restriction to be applied to one or more non-specific scenes other than the specific scene among the plurality of scenes; transmitting the video content to the information terminal after applying the restriction to the non-specific scenes without applying the restriction to the specific scenes; a step of transmitting the video content to the information terminal after removing the restriction applied to the target scene when the target scene, which is the non-specific scene, is designated as the scene to be played in the main area; A program that executes.

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