System, server, method, program and computer-readable recording medium

Abstract

To provide a content distribution server that enables a viewer to smoothly switch devices for viewing content. [Solution] The content distribution server according to the embodiment includes a first acquisition unit 11 that acquires information from a first terminal 40A, a second acquisition unit 12 that acquires information supplied from a second server 20, a user information storage unit D1 in which first user information of a first viewer using the first terminal 40A and second user information of the first viewer on the second server 20 are associated and recorded, a user management unit 13 that, when the first viewer logs in using the first terminal 40A, determines whether there is content selected by the first viewer using the second server 20 based on the second user information recorded in the user information storage unit D1, and a distribution unit 16 that, when there is content selected by the first viewer on the second server 20, distributes the selected content to the first terminal 40A.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a viewer terminal, a control method for a viewer terminal, a control program for a viewer terminal, and a recording medium. [Background technology]

[0002] It is now possible to access content distribution servers using personal computers, mobile devices, and other devices and enjoy a variety of content. Furthermore, the realization of educational systems utilizing ICT (Information and Communication Technology) is also progressing. For example, in educational systems, servers can distribute pre-recorded content and real-time educational content to students' devices via the Internet. Students can view the content using their own personal computers, tablet devices, and other communication devices, enabling them to learn without the constraints of location or time compared to traditional face-to-face classes.

[0003] By wearing, for example, a head-mounted display (HMD) and viewing the content, viewers of the content can experience a sense of realism as if they were actually in the location displayed in the content. For example, Patent Document 1 proposes a method for facilitating input by a user in a non-transparent HMD. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2018-63540 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] For example, if a viewer feels that the content they are currently viewing on a personal computer or the like would be more enjoyable if viewed on an HMD, they may wish to switch to viewing on the HMD midway through the content. In such cases, it is desirable for the viewer to be able to smoothly switch the device on which they are viewing the content from a personal computer or the like to an HMD.

[0006] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above circumstances, and aims to provide a viewer terminal, a control method for a viewer terminal, a control program for a viewer terminal, and a recording medium that enable a viewer to smoothly switch devices for viewing content. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] A viewer terminal according to a first aspect of the present invention comprises an information acquisition unit that transmits login request information of a first viewer to a server and, based on receiving notification of login completion from the server, requests at least a portion of the transmitted information transmitted from a second terminal used by the first viewer to the server; and a judgment unit that determines, based on at least a portion of the transmitted information, whether there is content selected by the first viewer using the second terminal; and when there is content selected by the first viewer, the judgment unit transmits viewing request information for the content to the server.

[0008] A control method for a viewer terminal according to a second aspect of the present invention includes transmitting login request information of a first viewer to a server, and based on receiving notification of login completion from the server, requesting at least a portion of the transmission information transmitted from a second terminal used by the first viewer to the server, determining based on at least a portion of the transmission information whether there is content selected by the first viewer using the second terminal, and if there is content selected by the first viewer, transmitting viewing request information for the content to the server. A viewer terminal control program according to a third aspect of the present invention causes a computer to execute the viewer terminal control method according to the second aspect.

[0009] A viewer terminal according to a fourth aspect of the present invention comprises an information acquisition unit that transmits login request information of a first viewer to a first server and, based on receiving notification of login completion from the first server, requests at least a portion of the second user information of the first viewer on a second server from the first server; and a judgment unit that determines, based on at least a portion of the second user information, whether there is content selected by the first viewer on the second server; and when there is the selected content, the judgment unit transmits viewing request information for the content to the first server.

[0010] A method for controlling a viewer terminal according to a fifth aspect of the present invention includes sending login request information of a first viewer to a first server, requesting at least a portion of second user information of the first viewer on a second server from the first server based on notification of login completion from the first server, determining based on at least a portion of the second user information whether content selected by the first viewer on the second server is available, and, if the selected content is available, sending viewing request information for the content to the first server.

[0011] A control program for a viewer terminal according to a sixth aspect of the present invention causes a computer to execute the control method for a viewer terminal according to the second aspect. A recording medium according to a seventh aspect of the present invention is a computer-readable recording medium on which the viewer terminal control program according to the third aspect or the content distribution program according to the sixth aspect is recorded. [Effects of the Invention]

[0012] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a viewer terminal, a control method for a viewer terminal, a control program for a viewer terminal, and a recording medium that enable a viewer to smoothly switch devices on which to view content. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0013] [Figure 1]FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a content distribution system including a content distribution server according to the first embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram schematically illustrating an example of the configuration of a viewer terminal in the content distribution system shown in FIG. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a diagram schematically illustrating an example of the configuration of the second server of the content distribution system shown in FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a diagram schematically illustrating an example of the configuration of an HMD in the content distribution system shown in FIG. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a diagram schematically illustrating an example of the configuration of the first server of the content distribution system shown in FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a timing chart for explaining an example of the operation of the content distribution system equipped with the content distribution server of the first embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a timing chart for explaining another example of the operation of the content distribution system equipped with the content distribution server of the first embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a diagram schematically illustrating an example of the configuration of a viewer terminal according to the second embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a timing chart for explaining an example of the operation of the content distribution system including the viewer terminal of the second embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a timing chart for explaining another example of the operation of the content distribution system including the viewer terminal of the second embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a timing chart for explaining an example of the operation of a content distribution system using a viewer terminal according to a modification of the second embodiment. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a timing chart for explaining another example of the operation of the content distribution system using the viewer terminal of the modified example of the second embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0014] The viewer terminal of the embodiment, a content distribution system including the viewer terminal, a control method for the viewer terminal, a control program for the viewer terminal, and a recording medium will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a content distribution system including a content distribution server according to the first embodiment.

[0015] The content distribution system includes a first server 10, a second server 20, viewer terminals (second terminals) 30A and 30B, and HMDs (first terminals) 40A and 40B. The first server 10 is a content distribution server that can be communicably connected to at least the second server 20 and the HMDs 40A and 40B via a network. The second server 20 is a content distribution server that can be connected to at least the first server 10 and the viewer terminals 30A and 30B via a network so as to be able to communicate with them.

[0016] Although Figure 1 shows two viewer terminals 30A, 30B and two HMDs 40A, 40B, the number of viewer terminals 30A, 30B and HMDs 40A, 40B is not limited to the number shown, and there may be three or more of each, or there may be times when there are zero.

[0017] The viewer terminal 30A and the HMD 40A can be used by a common viewer (first viewer), and the viewer terminal 30B and the HMD 40B can be used by a common viewer (second viewer).

[0018] FIG. 2 is a diagram schematically illustrating an example of the configuration of a viewer terminal in the content distribution system shown in FIG. The viewer terminals 30A and 30B may be electronic devices such as computers, for example, television sets (including Internet televisions), PCs (Personal Computers), mobile terminals (for example, tablets, smartphones, laptops, feature phones, portable game consoles, digital music players, e-book readers, etc.), VR (Virtual Reality) terminals, AR (Augmented Reality) terminals, etc., but are not limited to these.

[0019] Each of the viewer terminals 30A, 30B comprises, for example, a control unit 34 including at least one processor, and a memory 31 in which a program executed by the processor is recorded, and is configured to be able to realize various functions by software or a combination of software and hardware. The processor is typically a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and / or a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), but may also be a microcomputer, an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array), a DSP (Digital Signal Processor), or the like.

[0020] The memory 31 stores programs executed by the processor to realize the operations of the viewer terminals 30A and 30B, and can also temporarily (or non-temporarily) store data used by the processor. The programs executed by the viewer terminals 30A and 30B may be provided in the form of being recorded on a computer-readable recording medium.

[0021] Each of the viewer terminals 30A and 30B further includes a communication unit 32, an operation unit 33, a display unit 35, and a speaker 36. The viewer terminals 30A and 30B can receive content data such as video data and audio data from the second server 20 via the communication unit 32 in response to the viewer's operation of the operation unit 33, and present the content to the viewer via the display unit 35, speaker 36, etc.

[0022] FIG. 3 is a diagram schematically illustrating an example of the configuration of the second server of the content distribution system shown in FIG. The second server 20 includes a third acquisition unit 21, a fourth acquisition unit 22, a user management unit 23, an output unit 25, a distribution control unit 24, a distribution unit 26, a user information storage unit DB3, and a content information storage unit DB4. Note that the user information storage unit DB3 and the content information storage unit DB4 may be external components of the second server 20, in which case the second server 20 is configured to be able to access the user information storage unit DB3 and the content information storage unit DB4.

[0023] The second server 20 may include a processor that executes a program that realizes the functions of the above configuration, and a memory that stores the program. The processor is typically a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and / or a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), but may also be a microcomputer, an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array), a DSP (Digital Signal Processor), or the like. The memory stores the program executed by the processor to realize the operation of the second server 20, and can temporarily (or non-temporarily) store data used by the processor, etc. The program executed by the second server 20 may be provided in a form recorded on a computer-readable recording medium.

[0024] The second server 20 may further include a communication unit (not shown) connectable to a network and a data storage unit for storing large amounts of data. The data storage unit may include a user information storage unit DB3 and a content information storage unit DB4. The data storage unit may be built into the second server 20 or may be externally attached to the second server 20. The data storage unit may include a non-volatile storage medium such as an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) or an SSD (Solid State Drive).

[0025] The user information storage unit DB3 stores user information (second user information) such as, for example, user identification information (user name, user biometric information, password, etc.), user type (multiple levels of user types with different authority), content viewing history information (which may include various request information from viewers and the time the request information was received), and login history information (which may include information on the time login request information from viewers was received and the time login was completed), in an associated manner. Note that the user may include multiple users with different authority, such as viewers, distributors, and administrators.

[0026] The content information storage unit DB4 stores, for example, a plurality of content data that can be distributed by the second server 20 to the viewer terminals 30A and 30B. The content data is stored in the content information storage unit DB4 in a state where information such as the recording date and time, title, distributor, performers, genre, tags, and viewing history is associated with video data, audio data, and the like.

[0027] The third acquisition unit 21 acquires information supplied to the second server 20 from the viewer terminals 30A and 30B via the network. The third acquisition unit 21 can acquire, for example, login request information, logout request information, viewing request information, stop request information, viewing switching request information, comments, and various other input information and request information from the viewer terminals 30A and 30B. The login request information and logout request information may include user identification information. The viewing request information and stop request information may include user identification information and content identification information. The viewing switching request information may include user identification information, and if there are multiple candidates for the device to switch viewing, may further include viewing device information.

[0028] The fourth acquisition unit 22 can acquire information supplied from the first server 10 to the second server 20 via the network. The fourth acquisition unit 22 can acquire, for example, request information for user information from the first server 10.

[0029] Based on the information acquired by the third acquisition unit 21 and the information acquired by the fourth acquisition unit 22, the user management unit 23 acquires user information to be stored in the user information storage unit DB3, user information request information, viewing switching request information, login request information, logout request information, viewing request information, stop request information, and various other request information from viewers of the content, and can update the user information in the user information storage unit DB3 as necessary.

[0030] For example, when the user management unit 23 acquires login request information from the third acquisition unit 21, the user management unit 23 performs login processing by comparing the user identification information included in the acquired login request information with the information stored in the user information storage unit DB3. If, as a result of comparing the user identification information with the information stored in the user information storage unit DB3, it determines that the user identification information is the identification information of a registered user, it records the date and time of login in the user information storage unit DB3 and transmits a notification to the output unit 25 that the login has been completed.

[0031] For example, when the user management unit 23 acquires content viewing request information from the third acquisition unit 21, the user management unit 23 acquires the viewing history of the requested content from the user information storage unit DB3 using the user identification information and content identification information included in the acquired viewing request. The user management unit 23 transmits the acquired viewing history information to the distribution control unit 24 together with the viewing request information.

[0032] For example, when the user management unit 23 acquires the viewing switching request information from the third acquisition unit 21, it transmits the viewing switching request information to the distribution control unit 24. Note that when the user management unit 13 acquires the viewing switching request information, it may output to the viewer terminals 30A and 30B via the output unit 25 a command to display a confirmation message on the display units 35 of the viewer terminals 30A and 30B asking whether or not to stop the distribution to switch, and transmit the viewing switching request information to the distribution control unit 24 after acquiring a response from the viewer terminals 30A and 30B indicating that the switching will be performed.

[0033] User management unit 23 may associate the time at which the viewing switching request information was received with the user identification information and record the time as a history in user information storage unit DB3. Using the user identification information included in the viewing switching request information, user management unit 23 acquires at least a part of the user information stored in user information storage unit DB3 (including the user identification information, the time at which the viewing switching request information was received, identification information of the content whose viewing was interrupted (which requested switching of the viewing device), and the viewing history), and transmits this together with the viewing switching request information to first server 10 via output unit 25.

[0034] Furthermore, for example, when user management unit 23 acquires distribution stop request information from third acquisition unit 21, it transmits the stop request information to distribution control unit 24. User management unit 23 may associate the time at which the distribution stop request information was received with user identification information and record the time as history in user information storage unit DB3.

[0035] The output unit 25 can output the information supplied from the user management unit 23 to the viewer terminals 30A, 30B and the first server 10. For example, the output unit 25 outputs a notification that login has been completed, supplied from the user management unit 23, to the viewer terminals 30A, 30B corresponding to the user identification information. The output unit 25 also outputs at least a part of the user information supplied from the user management unit 23 to the first server 10.

[0036] The distribution control unit 24 controls the distribution unit 26 to distribute the requested content to the corresponding viewer terminal 30A, 30B using the viewing history information and viewing request information received from the user management unit 23. At this time, if the viewing history information includes information that the requested content has been viewed partway, the distribution control unit 24 controls the distribution unit 26 to distribute the content so that viewing is resumed from the position where viewing was interrupted.

[0037] In addition, when the distribution control unit 24 receives viewing switching request information from the user management unit 23 and when it receives distribution stop request information, it can stop the distribution of content to the viewer terminals 30A and 30B of the corresponding users using the user identification information included in the viewing switching request information and the stop request information.

[0038] The second server 20 may be configured to be able to distribute content supplied in real time from a distributor terminal (not shown). In that case, the second server 20 may further include an acquisition unit (not shown) that acquires content data supplied from the distributor terminal, and a generation unit (not shown) that generates display content data using, for example, the content data and input information such as comments input from the viewer terminals 30A and 30B, and may be configured to be able to distribute the display content data to the viewer terminals 30A and 30B.

[0039] FIG. 4 is a diagram schematically illustrating an example of the configuration of an HMD in the content distribution system shown in FIG. HMDs 40A and 40B are viewer terminals, and are, for example, electronic devices worn on the viewer's head, and may be viewer terminals such as portable terminals such as portable game consoles and digital music players, VR (Virtual Reality) terminals, and AR (Augmented Reality) terminals.

[0040] Each of the HMDs 40A and 40B includes, for example, a control unit 44 including at least one processor and a memory 41 storing a program executed by the processor, and is configured to be able to realize various functions by software or a combination of software and hardware. The processor is typically a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and / or a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), but may also be a microcomputer, an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array), a DSP (Digital Signal Processor), or the like.

[0041] The memory 41 stores a program executed by a processor to realize the operation of the HMDs 40A and 40B, and can temporarily (or non-temporarily) store data used by the processor. The program executed by the HMDs 40A and 40B can be provided in a form recorded on a computer-readable recording medium.

[0042] Each of the HMDs 40A and 40B further includes a communication unit 42, an operation unit 43, a display unit 45, a sensor 46, and a speaker 47. The sensor 46 may include various sensors. For example, the sensor 46 may include a pressure sensor that detects the pressure applied to the portion that contacts the viewer's forehead when the viewer wears the HMDs 40A and 40B. The sensor 46 may also include an optical sensor that detects the distance between the viewer's head and the HMDs 40A and 40B. The sensor 46 may also include a biometric information sensor that identifies the viewer based on the viewer's fingerprint, veins, face, voice, iris, etc., and acquire individual biometric information of the viewer. The sensor 46 supplies the detected information to the control unit 44.

[0043] The control unit 44 can determine whether the HMDs 40A and 40B are worn by the viewer using information acquired from the sensor 46, and can start an operation for viewing content after determining that the viewer has worn the HMDs 40A and 40B. For example, the control unit 44 can send a login request from the communication unit 42 to the first server 10 based on the determination that the viewer has worn the HMDs 40A and 40B.

[0044] The control unit 44 can, for example, in response to a viewer's operation of the operation unit 43, send a viewing request from the communication unit 42 to the first server 10, receive content data such as video data and audio data from the first server 10 via the communication unit 42, and provide content to the viewer using the received content data via the display unit 45, speaker 47, etc.

[0045] FIG. 5 is a diagram schematically illustrating an example of the configuration of the first server of the content distribution system shown in FIG. In this embodiment, the first server 10 is a content distribution server including a first acquisition unit that acquires information from a first terminal, a second acquisition unit that acquires information supplied from a second server, a user information storage unit that stores first user information of a first viewer using the first terminal and second user information of the first viewer in the second server in association with each other, a user management unit that determines, in response to a request from the first terminal, based on the second user information stored in the user information storage unit, whether there is content selected by the first viewer using the second server, and a distribution unit that distributes the selected content to the first terminal when there is content selected by the first viewer in the second server.

[0046] The first server 10 includes a first acquisition unit 11, a second acquisition unit 12, a user management unit 13, an output unit 15, a distribution control unit 14, a distribution unit 16, a user information storage unit DB1, and a content information storage unit DB2. Note that the user information storage unit DB1 and the content information storage unit DB2 may be external components of the first server 10, in which case the first server 10 is configured to be able to access the user information storage unit DB1 and the content information storage unit DB2.

[0047] The first server 10 may include a processor that executes a program that realizes the functions of the above configuration, and a memory that stores the program. The processor is typically a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and / or a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), but may also be a microcomputer, an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array), a DSP (Digital Signal Processor), or the like. The memory stores the program executed by the processor to realize the operation of the first server 10, and temporarily (or non-temporarily) stores data used by the processor, etc. The program executed by the first server 10 may be provided in a form recorded on a computer-readable recording medium.

[0048] The first server 10 may further include a communication unit (not shown) connectable to a network and a data storage unit for storing large amounts of data. The data storage unit may include a user information storage unit DB1 and a content information storage unit DB2. The data storage unit may be built into the first server 10 or may be externally attached to the first server 10. The data storage unit may include a non-volatile storage medium such as an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) or an SSD (Solid State Drive).

[0049] The user information storage unit DB1 stores, in association with each other, at least a portion of the user information (first user information) of the first server 10 and the user information (second user information) of the second server 20, such as user identification information (user name, user biometric information, HMD identification information, password, etc.), user type (multiple levels of user types with different authority), content viewing history information (which may include various request information from viewers and information on the time the request information was received), and login history information (which may include information on the time login request information from viewers was received and the time login was completed). Note that the user may include multiple users with different authority, such as viewers, distributors, and administrators.

[0050] At least a part of the user information of the second server 20 stored in the user information storage unit DB1 may be, for example, information supplied by a user who uses both the content distribution service provided by the second server 20 and the content distribution service provided by the first server 10 at the time of user registration or user information update for the first server 10. Furthermore, in the first server 10, the user management unit 13, which will be described later, may periodically (or at a predetermined timing) request update information for the user information of the second server 20 stored in the user information storage unit DB1 from the second server 20, and update the user information stored in the user information storage unit DB1.

[0051] The content information storage unit DB2 stores, for example, a plurality of content data that can be distributed by the first server 10 to the HMDs 40A and 40B. The content data is stored in the content information storage unit DB2 in a state where information such as the recording date and time, title, distributor, performers, genre, tags, and viewing history is associated with video data, audio data, and the like.

[0052] Note that the plurality of content data stored in the content information storage unit DB2 and the plurality of content data stored in the content information storage unit DB4 of the second server 20 at least partially overlap. The second server 20 and the first server 10 may use a common content information storage unit. In this case, the content data stored in the common content information storage unit may include identification information for identifying data that can be used by the second server 20 and data that can be used by the first server 10.

[0053] The first acquisition unit 11 acquires input information and request information input by the viewer to the HMDs 40A and 40B via a network. The first acquisition unit 11 can acquire, for example, login request information, logout request information, viewing request information, stop request information, continue viewing request information, and various other input information and request information from the HMDs 40A and 40B. The login request information and logout request information may include user identification information. The viewing request information and stop request information may include user identification information and content identification information. The continue viewing request information includes information identifying a response to the continue viewing confirmation.

[0054] The second acquisition unit 12 acquires information transmitted from the second server 20 to the first server 10 via a network. The second acquisition unit 12 can acquire, for example, at least a portion of the user information (second user information) of the second server 20 from the second server 20. At least a portion of the second user information may include information on the time when the second server 20 received at least one of content viewing switch request information, content viewing request information, and content stop request information, and history information for a predetermined period of time such as content identification information included in these request information.

[0055] Based on the information acquired by the first acquisition unit 11 and the information acquired by the second acquisition unit 12, the user management unit 13 acquires user information to be stored in the user information storage unit DB1, as well as various other request information from viewers of the content, such as login request information, logout request information, viewing request information, and stop request information, and can update the user information (first user information and second user information) in the user information storage unit DB1 as necessary.

[0056] For example, when the user management unit 13 acquires login request information from the first acquisition unit 11, it performs login processing by comparing the user identification information included in the acquired login request information with the information stored in the user information storage unit DB1. If, as a result of comparing the user identification information with the information stored in the user information storage unit DB1, it determines that the user identification information is the identification information of a registered user, it records the date and time of login in the user information storage unit DB1 and transmits a notification to the output unit 15 that the login has been completed.

[0057] For example, when the user management unit 13 acquires content viewing request information from the first acquisition unit 11, the user management unit 13 acquires the viewing history of the requested content from the user information storage unit DB1 using the user identification information and content identification information included in the acquired viewing request. The user management unit 13 transmits the acquired viewing history information together with the viewing request information to the distribution control unit 14.

[0058] For example, when the user management unit 13 acquires the viewing switching request information and at least a part of the user information of the second server 20 from the second acquisition unit 12, the user management unit 13 accesses the user information storage unit DB1 and updates the information associated with the user identification information included in the user information of the second server 20. For example, when a user corresponding to the user identification information included in the viewing switching request information is currently logged in, the user management unit 13 transmits to the corresponding HMD 40A, 40B via the output unit 15 a command to present a message to the viewer confirming whether or not to continue viewing the content whose viewing was interrupted on the viewer terminal 30A, 30B.

[0059] For example, for a viewer who has completed logging in, the user management unit 13 checks the user information stored in the user information storage unit DB1, and if content has been selected on the second server 20 by operating the viewer terminal 30A, 30B, it sends an instruction to the HMD 40A, 40B via the output unit 15 to present the viewer with a message asking whether they wish to continue viewing the content that was interrupted on the viewer terminal 30A, 30B.

[0060] For example, if a viewer who has completed login has a history of receiving viewing switching request information at the second server 20, and the elapsed time from the time when the viewing switching request information was received at the second server 20 to the time when login was completed at the first server 10 (or the time when the login request information was received) is within a predetermined time, the user management unit 13 can determine that the viewer has selected content at the second server 20 (the viewer has selected the content for which the viewing switching request was made at the second server 20).

[0061] Furthermore, for example, for a viewer who has completed logging in, when the elapsed time from the time when the second server 20 receives the request to stop viewing to the time when the login is completed on the first server 10 (or the time when the login request information is received) is within a predetermined time, the user management unit 13 can determine that the viewer has selected content on the second server 20 (has selected content for which the viewer has requested to stop viewing on the second server 20).

[0062] When the user management unit 13 receives a response from the first acquisition unit 11 indicating that viewing of the content whose viewing was interrupted on the viewer terminal 30A, 30B will continue, the user management unit 13 transmits information on the viewing history of the content whose viewing was interrupted and viewing request information for the content to the distribution control unit 14.

[0063] The output unit 15 outputs the information supplied from the user management unit 13 to a predetermined destination. The output unit 15 outputs, for example, a command to present to the user a notification that login has been completed or a message to confirm whether to continue viewing, which is supplied from the user management unit 13, to the HMDs 40A and 40B corresponding to the user identification information.

[0064] The distribution control unit 14 controls the distribution unit 16 to distribute the requested content to the corresponding HMDs 40A and 40B using the viewing history information and viewing request information from the user management unit 13. At this time, if the viewing history information includes information that the requested content has been viewed partway, the distribution control unit 14 controls the distribution unit 16 to distribute the content so that viewing is resumed from the position where viewing was interrupted.

[0065] The first server 10 may be configured to be able to distribute content supplied in real time from a distributor terminal (not shown). In that case, the first server 10 may further include an acquisition unit (not shown) that acquires content data supplied from the distributor terminal, and a generation unit (not shown) that generates display content data using, for example, the content data and input information such as comments input from the HMDs 40A and 40B, and may be configured to be able to distribute the display content data to the HMDs 40A and 40B. The second server 20 and the first server 10 may also be configured to be able to distribute common content supplied in real time from a distributor terminal (not shown). In that case, the second server 20 and the first server 10 may share input information from the distributor terminal, input information from the viewer terminals 30A and 30B, and input information from the HMDs 40A and 40B.

[0066] FIG. 6 is a timing chart for explaining an example of the operation of the content distribution system equipped with the content distribution server of the first embodiment. Here, we will explain an example of the operation of the content distribution system when a first viewer, who is a common user of the viewer terminal 30A and the HMD 40A, requests a change of viewing device while using the video distribution service provided by the second server 20, and switches the viewing device from the viewer terminal 30A to the HMD 40A.

[0067] First, the first viewer transmits login request information from the viewer terminal 30A to the second server 20 (step SA1). The second server 20 performs login processing for the first viewer based on the login request information received from the viewer terminal 30A, and notifies the viewer terminal 30A that the login has been completed (step SA2).

[0068] Next, the first viewer operates the viewer terminal 30A to select the content that he or she wishes to view, and transmits viewing request information to the second server 20 (step SA3). Based on the viewing request information received from the viewer terminal 30A, the second server 20 acquires content data corresponding to the content selected by the first viewer from the content information storage unit DB2, and distributes the content data to the viewer terminal 30A (step SA4).

[0069] While viewing (or when starting to view) content on viewer terminal 30A, the first viewer can transmit viewing switching request information (select content for which the viewing device is to be changed) to second server 20 (step SA5). At this time, if there are multiple options that the first viewer can select as the viewing device after switching, the first viewer may specify the viewing device and make a request to switch viewing.

[0070] When the second server 20 receives the switching request information from the viewer terminal 30A, it causes the display unit 35 of the viewer terminal 30A to display a confirmation message asking whether or not to stop the distribution due to the switching, and after receiving a response from the viewer terminal 30A indicating that the switching will be performed, it stops the content distribution to the viewer terminal 30A based on the information contained in the viewing switching request information (step SA6).

[0071] The second server 20 associates the time when the viewing switching request information was received and the viewing history of the content for which the first viewer changed the viewing device with user identification information and records them in the user information storage unit DB3, and uses the user identification information included in the viewing switching request information to obtain at least a portion of the user information (second user information) stored in the user information storage unit DB3 (including the user identification information, the time when the viewing switching request information was received, the identification information and viewing history of the content for which the viewing device was changed), and transmits it together with the viewing switching request information to the first server 10 (step SA7).

[0072] When the first server 10 acquires the viewing switching request information and at least a portion of the user information (second user information) of the second server 20 from the second server 20, it accesses the user information storage unit DB1 and updates the information associated with the user identification information included in the user information (second user information) of the second server 20 (step SA8).

[0073] The first viewer starts up the HMD 40A after making a view switching request on the viewer terminal 30A, for example (step SA9). Note that the timing at which the first viewer starts up the HMD 40A is not limited to after making a view switching request on the viewer terminal 30A, and the HMD 40A may already be started up when making the view switching request on the viewer terminal 30A.

[0074] When the first viewer puts on the HMD 40A, the HMD 40A transmits login information to the first server 10. The HMD 40A may determine whether the HMD 40A is put on by the first viewer, for example, using information acquired from the sensor 46, and transmit login request information to the first server 10 after determining that the viewer has put on the HMD 40A (step SA10).

[0075] When the first server 10 receives the login request information from the HMD 40A, it performs a login process by comparing the user identification information included in the login request information with the information stored in the user information storage unit DB1. If it is determined that the user identification information matches the identification information of a registered first viewer as a result of comparing the user identification information with the information stored in the user information storage unit DB1, it records the date and time of login in the user information storage unit DB1 and transmits a notification that login has been completed to the HMD 40A (step SA11).

[0076] After the first viewer has completed logging in to the HMD 40A, the first server 10 checks the user information (including the first user information and the second user information) of the first viewer stored in the user information storage unit DB1, and if there is content for which the first viewer has requested to change the viewing device on the viewer terminal 30A, it determines whether the elapsed time from the time the second server 20 received the viewing switch request to the time the first viewer has completed logging in to the first server 10 (or the time the login request information was received) is within a predetermined time (whether there is content selected by the first viewer on the second server 20) (step SA12).

[0077] When the first viewer has selected content on the second server 20, the first server 10 displays a message on the HMD 40A to the first viewer, asking whether he or she wants to continue viewing the content for which the viewing device has been changed (the content selected by the first viewer on the second server 20) on the viewer terminal 30A (step SA13).

[0078] The first viewer operates the HMD 40A to transmit a request to the first server 10 to continue viewing the content for which the viewing device has been changed (step SA14). When the first server 10 receives a request from the first viewer to continue viewing the content for which the viewing device has been changed by operating the HMD 40A, it starts distributing the content for which the first viewer has changed the viewing device on the viewer terminal 30A to the HMD 40A from the position where viewing was interrupted, based on at least a portion of the user information (second user information) of the second server 20 stored in the user information storage unit DB3 (including user identification information, the time when the viewing switching request information was received, the identification information of the content for which viewing was interrupted, and the viewing history) (step SA15).

[0079] By switching the device on which the viewer views the content as described above, the viewer does not need to go through the process of reselecting the content on the viewing device after switching, and can smoothly continue viewing the content on a different viewing device.

[0080] FIG. 7 is a timing chart for explaining another example of the operation of the content distribution system equipped with the content distribution server of the first embodiment. Here, we will explain an example of the operation of the content distribution system when a first viewer, who is a common user of the viewer terminal 30A and the HMD 40A, switches the viewing device to the HMD 40A after using the video distribution service provided by the second server 20.

[0081] In this example, steps SB1-SB4 are similar to steps SA1-SA4 described above. When the first viewer wants to stop viewing the content on the viewer terminal 30A (to change the viewing device), the first viewer operates the viewer terminal 30A, for example, to transmit stop request information to the second server 20 (step SB5).

[0082] When the second server 20 receives the stop request information from the viewer terminal 30A, it stops the content distribution to the viewer terminal 30A based on the information included in the stop request information (step SB6). The second server 20 records the time when the stop request information was received and the viewing history of the content interrupted by the first viewer in association with the user identification information in the user information storage unit DB1.

[0083] The first viewer starts up the HMD 40A after making a request to stop viewing on the viewer terminal 30A (step SB7). Note that the timing at which the first viewer starts up the HMD 40A is not limited to after making a request to stop viewing on the viewer terminal 30A, and the HMD 40A may already be started up when making a request to stop viewing on the viewer terminal 30A.

[0084] When the first viewer puts on the HMD 40A, the HMD 40A transmits login information to the first server 10. The HMD 40A may determine whether the HMD 40A is put on by the first viewer, for example, using information acquired from the sensor 46, and transmit login request information to the first server 10 after determining that the viewer has put on the HMD 40A (step SB8).

[0085] When the first server 10 receives the login request information from the HMD 40A, it performs a login process by comparing the user identification information included in the login request information with the information stored in the user information storage unit DB1. If it is determined, as a result of comparing the user identification information with the information stored in the user information storage unit DB1, that the user identification information is the identification information of a registered first viewer, it records the date and time of login in the user information storage unit DB1 and transmits a notification to the HMD 40A that the login has been completed (step SB9).

[0086] After the first viewer has completed logging in, the first server 10 transmits a request for user information to the second server 20 (step SB10). The second server 20 uses the user identification information included in the user information request information to acquire at least a portion of the user information (second user information) stored in the user information storage unit DB3 (including the user identification information, the time when the stop request information was received, the identification information of the content whose viewing was interrupted, and the viewing history), and transmits it to the first server 10 (step SB11).

[0087] When the first server 10 acquires at least a portion of the user information (second user information) of the second server 20 from the second server 20, it accesses the user information storage unit DB1 and updates the information associated with the user identification information included in the user information (second user information) of the second server 20 (step SB12).

[0088] The first server 10 checks the user information (including the first user information and the second user information) of the first viewer stored in the user information storage unit DB1, and when there is content that the first viewer has stopped viewing on the viewer terminal 30A, it determines whether the elapsed time from the time the second server 20 received the stop request to the time the first viewer's login was completed on the first server 10 (or the time the login request information was received) is within a predetermined time (whether there is content that the first viewer has selected on the second server 20) (step SB13).

[0089] If the first viewer has selected content on the second server 20, the first server 10 displays a message on the HMD 40A to the first viewer, asking whether he or she wants to continue viewing the content that was interrupted on the viewer terminal 30A (the content that the first viewer selected on the second server 20) (step SB14).

[0090] The first viewer operates the HMD 40A to transmit a request to the first server 10 to continue viewing the content that was interrupted (step SB15). When the first server 10 receives a request from the first viewer to continue viewing the content that was interrupted, it starts delivering the content that the first viewer interrupted viewing (requested to stop) on the viewer terminal 30A to the HMD 40A from the position where viewing was interrupted, based on at least a portion of the user information (second user information) of the second server 20 stored in the user information storage unit DB1 (including user identification information, the time when the stop request information was received, identification information of the content whose viewing was interrupted, and viewing history) (step SB16).

[0091] By switching the device on which the viewer views the content as described above, the viewer does not need to go through the procedure of reselecting the content that was interrupted on the switched viewing device, and can smoothly continue viewing the content on a different viewing device.

[0092] In other words, according to this embodiment, it is possible to provide a content distribution server, a content distribution method, a content distribution program, and a recording medium that enable a viewer to smoothly switch the device on which they watch content.

[0093] Next, the viewer terminal, the control method for the viewer terminal, and the control program for the viewer terminal according to the second embodiment will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In the following description, the same components as those in the first embodiment will be denoted by the same reference numerals and will not be described again. In this embodiment, the configurations of the first server 10, the second server 20, the viewer terminals 30A and 30B, and the HMDs 40A and 40B differ from those of the first embodiment described above in the operation when switching the viewing device for content.

[0094] FIG. 8 is a diagram schematically illustrating an example of the configuration of a viewer terminal according to the second embodiment. In this embodiment, the HMDs 40A and 40B differ from the first embodiment in the configuration of the control unit 44. The control unit 44 includes an information acquisition unit 44A and a determination unit 44B. The information acquisition unit 44A can start an operation for viewing content based on the determination that the viewer has worn the HMDs 40A and 40B. For example, the information acquisition unit 44A may transmit login request information from the communication unit 42 to the first server 10 of the viewer based on the determination that the viewer has worn the HMDs 40A and 40B.

[0095] Furthermore, the information acquisition unit 44A can request predetermined information from the first server 10 via the network and acquire predetermined information transmitted by the first server 10 to the HMDs 40A and 40B. For example, based on receiving a notification from the first server 10 that login has been completed or in response to an operation of the operation unit 43 by the viewer, the information acquisition unit 44A can request at least a portion of the user information of the viewer in the second server 20 (second user information) from the first server 10 and acquire at least a portion of the user information of the viewer in the second server 20 (second user information) from the first server 10.

[0096] At least a portion of the second user information may include historical information for a predetermined period, including request information received by the second server 20 from viewers (content viewing switch request information, content viewing request information, content distribution stop request information) and information on the time at which these request information were received (at least one of information on the time at which the content viewing switch request information was received, information on the time at which the content viewing request information was received, and information on the time at which the content stop request information was received), and identification information of the content included in these request information.

[0097] The determination unit 44B can use information acquired from the sensor 46, for example, to determine whether the HMDs 40A and 40B are worn by the viewer. Furthermore, the determination unit 44B can determine whether or not there is any content selected by the viewer in the second server 20, based on at least a part of the second user information acquired by the information acquisition unit 44A.

[0098] For example, if at least a portion of the second user information includes information on the time of receipt of any of the content viewing switch request information, content viewing request information, and content stop request information, the judgment unit 44B can determine that the content selected by the viewer on the second server 20 is available when the elapsed time from the time of receipt to the time the viewer logs in to the first server 10 (login completion time) is within a predetermined time.

[0099] The judgment unit 44B can send a viewing request from the communication unit 42 to the first server 10, for example, when it determines that content selected by the viewer is available on the second server 20, or in response to the viewer's operation of the operation unit 43. The control unit 44 can receive content data such as video data and audio data from the first server 10 via the communication unit 42, and can use the received content data to present content to viewers via the display unit 45, speaker 47, etc.

[0100] FIG. 9 is a timing chart for explaining an example of the operation of the content distribution system using the viewer terminal of the second embodiment. Here, we will explain an example of the operation of the content distribution system when a first viewer, who is a common user of viewer terminal 30A and HMD 40A, selects content to view using viewer terminal 30A, then wears HMD 40A, logs in to first server 10, and views the selected content using HMD 40A.

[0101] First, the first viewer transmits login request information from the viewer terminal 30A to the second server 20 (step SC1). The second server 20 performs login processing for the first viewer based on the login request information received from the viewer terminal 30A, and notifies the viewer terminal 30A that the login has been completed (step SC2).

[0102] Next, the first viewer operates the viewer terminal 30A to select the content that he or she wishes to view, and transmits viewing request information to the second server 20 (step SC3). Based on the viewing request information received from the viewer terminal 30A, the second server 20 acquires content data corresponding to the content selected by the first viewer from the content information storage unit DB2 and distributes it to the viewer terminal 30A (step SC4).

[0103] Note that while viewing content on the viewer terminal 30A (or when starting or stopping viewing), the first viewer can transmit viewing switching request information (select content for which the viewing device is to be changed) to the second server 20. At this time, if there are multiple options that the first viewer can select as the viewing device after switching, the first viewer may specify the viewing device and make a request to switch viewing. If the viewing request information from the viewer terminal 30A to the second server 20 includes information specifying the HMD 40A as the viewing device (viewing switching request information), the second server 20 can omit step SC4.

[0104] The second server 20 associates the time when the viewing request information was received (or the time when the viewing switching request information was received), the identification information of the content selected by the first viewer, and the viewing history with the user identification information and records them in the user information storage unit DB3, and uses the user identification information included in the viewing switching request information to obtain at least a portion of the user information (second user information) stored in the user information storage unit DB3 (including the user identification information, the time when the viewing request information (or the viewing switching request information) was received, the identification information of the selected content, and the viewing history), and transmits it to the first server 10 (step SC5).

[0105] In addition, the second server 20 may transmit at least a portion of the second user information to the first server 10 at a predetermined period, may transmit at least a portion of the second user information to the first server 10 based on a predetermined operation, or may transmit at least a portion of the second user information to the first server 10 in response to a request from the first server 10.

[0106] When the first server 10 acquires at least a portion of the second user information from the second server 20, it accesses the user information storage unit DB1 and updates the information associated with the user identification information included in the user information (second user information) of the second server 20 (step SC6).

[0107] The first viewer may start the HMD 40A after making a viewing request or a viewing switching request on the viewer terminal 30A, for example. Note that the timing at which the first viewer starts the HMD 40A is not limited to after making a viewing request or a viewing switching request on the viewer terminal 30A, and the HMD 40A may already be started when making a viewing request or a viewing switching request on the viewer terminal 30A.

[0108] When the first viewer puts on the HMD 40A, the HMD 40A transmits login request information to the first server 10. The HMD 40A may determine whether the HMD 40A is put on by the first viewer, for example, using information acquired from the sensor 46, and transmit the login request information to the first server 10 after determining that the viewer has put on the HMD 40A (step SC7).

[0109] When the first server 10 receives the login request information from the HMD 40A, it performs the login process by comparing the user identification information included in the login request information with the information stored in the user information storage unit DB1. If it is determined that the user identification information matches the identification information of the first viewer who is registered as a user as a result of comparing the user identification information with the information stored in the user information storage unit DB1, it records the date and time of login in the user information storage unit DB1 and transmits a notification that the login has been completed to the HMD 40A (step SC8).

[0110] When receiving a notification from the first server 10 that the login has been completed, the HMD 40A requests at least a part of the second user information of the first viewer from the first server 10 (step SC9). In response to a request from the HMD 40A, the first server 10 transmits at least a part of the second user information of the first viewer stored in the user information storage unit DB1 to the HMD 40A (step SC10).

[0111] The HMD 40A can check at least a part of the second user information of the first viewer received from the first server 10 and determine whether there is any content selected by the first viewer on the viewer terminal 30A. For example, the HMD 40A can determine whether the elapsed time from the time the second server 20 received the viewing request (or viewing switching request) to the time the first viewer completed logging in to the first server 10 (or the time the login request information was received) is within a predetermined time, and if the elapsed time is within the predetermined time, can determine that the content for which the viewing request (or viewing switching request) was made is the content selected by the first viewer on the second server 20 (step SC11).

[0112] Here, when there is content that the first viewer has selected on the second server 20, the HMD 40A may display a message on the HMD 40A to present to the first viewer, asking whether the first viewer wants to continue viewing the content that the first viewer has selected on the second server 20. In this case, the first viewer can operate the HMD 40A to transmit a request to continue viewing the selected content to the first server 10.

[0113] Based on the determination that the selected content exists (or based on the operation of the first viewer), the HMD 40A transmits viewing request information for the content selected by the first viewer to the first server 10 (step SC12). The first server 10 distributes the content selected by the first viewer on the viewer terminal 30A to the HMD 40A based on the viewing request information (including the content identification information) from the HMD 40A (step SC13).

[0114] Next, the first server 10 may notify the second server 20 that the viewing switching has been completed (step SC14). Based on receiving the notification of the completion of the viewing switching from the first server 10, the second server 20 may stop the distribution of the selected content to the viewer terminal 30A (step SC15). Note that if the above-mentioned step SC4 is omitted, steps SC14 and SC15 may also be omitted.

[0115] By selecting the content to be viewed by the viewer as described above, the viewer can select the content to be viewed on the HMD 40A by operating the viewer terminal 30A, eliminating the need to select content on the HMD 40A and allowing for smooth operation when viewing content on the HMD 40A.

[0116] FIG. 10 is a timing chart for explaining another example of the operation of the content distribution system using the viewer terminal of the second embodiment. Here, we will explain an example of the operation of the content distribution system when a first viewer, who is a common user of the viewer terminal 30A and the HMD 40A, wears the HMD 40A and logs in to the first server 10, selects the content to view using the viewer terminal 30A, and views the selected content on the HMD 40A by operating the HMD 40A.

[0117] When the first viewer puts on the HMD 40A, the HMD 40A transmits login request information to the first server 10. The HMD 40A may determine whether the HMD 40A is put on by the first viewer, for example, using information acquired from the sensor 46, and transmit the login request information to the first server 10 after determining that the viewer has put on the HMD 40A (step SD1).

[0118] When the first server 10 receives the login request information from the HMD 40A, it performs a login process by comparing the user identification information included in the login request information with the information stored in the user information storage unit DB1. If it is determined, as a result of comparing the user identification information with the information stored in the user information storage unit DB1, that the user identification information matches the identification information of the first viewer who is registered as a user, it records the date and time of login in the user information storage unit DB1 and transmits a notification to the HMD 40A that the login has been completed (step SD2).

[0119] When receiving a notification from the first server 10 that the login has been completed, the HMD 40A requests at least a part of the second user information of the first viewer from the first server 10 (step SD3). In response to the request from the HMD 40A, the first server 10 transmits at least a part of the second user information of the first viewer stored in the user information storage unit DB1 to the HMD 40A (step SD4).

[0120] The HMD 40A can check at least a part of the second user information of the first viewer received from the first server 10 and determine whether there is any content selected by the first viewer on the viewer terminal 30A. For example, the HMD 40A can determine whether the elapsed time from the time the second server 20 received the viewing request (or viewing switching request) to the time the first viewer completed logging in to the first server 10 (or the time the login request information was received) is within a predetermined time, and if it is within the predetermined time, can determine that the content for which the viewing request (or viewing switching request) was made is the content selected by the first viewer on the second server 20 (step SD5).

[0121] In this example, the HMD 40A determines that there is no content selected by the first viewer on the second server 20. When there is no content selected by the first viewer on the second server 20, the HMD 40A may, for example, notify the first server 10 that there is no selected content, or may present a normal menu screen to the first viewer.

[0122] Later, the first viewer transmits login request information from the viewer terminal 30A to the second server 20 (step SD6). The second server 20 performs login processing for the first viewer based on the login request information received from the viewer terminal 30A, and notifies the viewer terminal 30A that the login has been completed (step SD7).

[0123] Next, the first viewer operates the viewer terminal 30A to select the content that he or she wishes to view, and transmits viewing request information to the second server 20 (step SD8). Based on the viewing request information received from the viewer terminal 30A, the second server 20 acquires content data corresponding to the content selected by the first viewer from the content information storage unit DB2 and distributes it to the viewer terminal 30A (step SD9).

[0124] Note that while viewing content on the viewer terminal 30A (or when starting viewing or stopping viewing of the content), the first viewer can transmit viewing switching request information (selecting content for which the viewing device is to be changed) to the second server 20. At this time, if there are multiple options that the first viewer can select as the viewing device after switching, the first viewer may specify the viewing device and make a request to switch viewing. If the content viewing request information from the viewer terminal 30A to the second server 20 includes information specifying the viewing device as the HMD 40A (viewing switching request information), the second server 20 can omit step SD9.

[0125] The second server 20 associates the time when the viewing request information was received (or the time when the viewing switching request information was received), the identification information of the content selected by the first viewer, and the viewing history with the user identification information and records them in the user information storage unit DB3, and uses the user identification information included in the viewing switching request information to obtain at least a portion of the user information (second user information) stored in the user information storage unit DB3 (including the user identification information, the time when the viewing request information (or the viewing switching request information) was received, the identification information of the selected content, and the viewing history), and transmits it to the first server 10 (step SD10).

[0126] In addition, the second server 20 may transmit at least a portion of the second user information to the first server 10 at a predetermined period, may transmit at least a portion of the second user information to the first server 10 based on a predetermined operation, or may transmit at least a portion of the second user information to the first server 10 in response to a request from the first server 10.

[0127] When the first server 10 acquires at least a portion of the second user information from the second server 20, it accesses the user information storage unit DB1 and updates the information associated with the user identification information included in the user information (second user information) of the second server 20 (step SD11).

[0128] The first viewer can request user information from the first server 10 by operating the HMD 40A after making a viewing request or a viewing switching request on the viewer terminal 30A, for example. In response to an operation by the first viewer, the HMD 40A requests at least a part of the second user information of the first viewer from the first server 10 (step SD12). In response to the request from the HMD 40A, the first server 10 transmits at least a part of the second user information of the first viewer stored in the user information storage unit DB1 to the HMD 40A (step SD13).

[0129] The HMD 40A can check at least a part of the second user information of the first viewer received from the first server 10 and determine whether there is any content selected by the first viewer on the viewer terminal 30A. For example, the HMD 40A can determine whether the time from the time the second server 20 receives the viewing request (or viewing switching request) to the time the first viewer completes logging in to the first server 10 (or the time the login request information is received) is within a predetermined time, and if it is within the predetermined time, can determine that the content for which the viewing request (or viewing switching request) was made is the content selected by the first viewer on the second server 20 (step SD14).

[0130] Here, when there is content selected by the first viewer on the second server 20, the HMD 40A may display a message on the HMD 40A to the first viewer, asking whether the first viewer wishes to continue viewing the content selected on the second server 20. In this case, the first viewer can operate the HMD 40A to transmit to the first server 10 a request to continue viewing the selected content.

[0131] Based on the determination that the selected content exists (or based on an operation by the first viewer), the HMD 40A transmits viewing request information for the content selected by the first viewer to the first server 10 (step SD15). The first server 10 distributes the content selected by the first viewer on the viewer terminal 30A to the HMD 40A based on the viewing request information (including the content identification information) from the HMD 40A (step SD16).

[0132] Next, the first server 10 may notify the second server 20 that the viewing switching has been completed (step SD17). Based on receiving the notification of the completion of the viewing switching from the first server 10, the second server 20 may stop the distribution of the selected content to the viewer terminal 30A (step SD18). Note that if the above-mentioned step SD9 is omitted, steps SD17 and SD18 may also be omitted.

[0133] By selecting the content to be viewed by the viewer as described above, the viewer can select the content to be viewed on the HMD 40A by operating the viewer terminal 30A, eliminating the need to select content on the HMD 40A and allowing for smooth operation when viewing content on the HMD 40A. In other words, according to this embodiment, it is possible to provide a viewer terminal, a control method for a viewer terminal, a control program for a viewer terminal, and a recording medium that enable a viewer to smoothly switch devices on which to view content.

[0134] (Variation) The following describes in detail the viewer terminal, the control method for the viewer terminal, and a modified example of the control program for the viewer terminal according to the second embodiment, with reference to the drawings. In the following description, the same components as those in the second embodiment are designated by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will be omitted. In this modification, the content distribution system includes a system server 50, viewer terminals 30A and 30B, and HMDs 40A and 40B.

[0135] The system server 50 may include the functions of the above-described first server 10 and second server 20. The system server 50 may, for example, include a content information storage unit (not shown) and may provide a service of distributing content recorded in the content information storage unit to the viewer terminals 30A and 30B, and a service of distributing content recorded in the content information storage unit to the HMDs 40A and 40B. The system server 50 also has a user information storage unit (not shown) that records user information of a first viewer who uses the viewer terminal 30A and the HMD 40A, and user information of a second viewer who uses the viewer terminal 30B and the HMD 40B.

[0136] The user information storage section of the system server 50 may record user information such as user identification information (user name, user biometric information, viewer terminal identification information, HMD identification information, password, etc.), user type (multiple levels of user types with different authority), content viewing history information (which may include various request information from the viewer and information on the time the request information was received), and login history information (which may include information on the time the login request information from the viewer was received and the time the login was completed). The request information from the viewer may include various request information such as content viewing change request information, content viewing request information, content stop request information, etc., as well as identification information of the selected content. The user may include multiple users with different authorities, such as a viewer, a distributor, and an administrator.

[0137] For example, the system server 50 can associate the user identification information of the first viewer when using the viewer terminal 30A with the user identification information of the first viewer when using the HMD 40A (or record them as common user identification information) in the user information storage unit. That is, the first viewer can receive services based on his or her own user information recorded in the user information storage unit of the system server 50, whether he or she is using a service provided by the system server 50 with the viewer terminal 30A or with the HMD 40A.

[0138] FIG. 11 is a timing chart for explaining an example of the operation of the content distribution system according to the modified example of the second embodiment. Here, we will explain an example of the operation of the content distribution system when a first viewer, who is a common user of viewer terminal 30A and HMD 40A, selects content to view using viewer terminal 30A, then puts on HMD 40A, logs in to system server 50, and views the selected content using HMD 40A.

[0139] First, the first viewer transmits login request information from the viewer terminal 30A to the system server 50 (step SE1). The system server 50 performs login processing for the first viewer based on the login request information received from the viewer terminal 30A, and notifies the viewer terminal 30A that the login has been completed (step SE2).

[0140] Next, the first viewer operates the viewer terminal 30A to select the content that he or she wishes to view, and transmits viewing request information to the system server 50 (step SE3). Based on the viewing request information received from the viewer terminal 30A, the system server 50 acquires content data corresponding to the content selected by the first viewer from a content information storage unit (not shown) and distributes it to the viewer terminal 30A (step SE4).

[0141] Note that the first viewer can transmit viewing switching request information (select content for which the viewing device is to be changed) to the system server 50 while viewing content on the viewer terminal 30A (or when starting or stopping viewing) (step SE5). At this time, if there are multiple options that the first viewer can select as the viewing device after switching, the first viewer may specify the viewing device and make a request to switch viewing.

[0142] If the viewing request information (step SE3) from the viewer terminal 30A to the system server 50 includes information (viewing switching request information) specifying the viewing device in step SE5 as HMD 40A, the first viewer can omit step SE5 and the system server 50 can omit step SE4 above. The system server 50 associates the time when the viewing request information was received (or the time when the viewing switching request information was received), the identification information of the content selected by the first viewer, and the viewing history with the user identification information and records them in a user information storage unit (not shown).

[0143] The first viewer may start the HMD 40A after making a viewing request or a viewing switching request on the viewer terminal 30A, for example. Note that the timing at which the first viewer starts the HMD 40A is not limited to after making a viewing request or a viewing switching request on the viewer terminal 30A, and the HMD 40A may already be started when making a viewing request or a viewing switching request on the viewer terminal 30A.

[0144] When the first viewer puts on the HMD 40A, the HMD 40A transmits login request information to the system server 50. The HMD 40A may determine whether the HMD 40A is put on by the first viewer, for example, using information acquired from the sensor 46, and transmit the login request information to the system server 50 after determining that the viewer has put on the HMD 40A (step SE6).

[0145] When the system server 50 receives the login request information from the HMD 40A, it compares the user identification information included in the login request information with the information stored in the user information storage unit and performs the login process. If it is determined that the user identification information matches the identification information of a registered first viewer as a result of comparing the user identification information with the information stored in the user information storage unit, it records the date and time of login in the user information storage unit and transmits a notification that login has been completed to the HMD 40A (step SE7).

[0146] When receiving a notification from the system server 50 that the login has been completed, the HMD 40A requests at least a part of the user information (transmission information) transmitted by the first viewer from the viewer terminal 30A from the system server 50 (step SE8). In response to the request from the HMD 40A, the system server 50 transmits at least a part of the user information (transmission information) from the viewer terminal 30A that is stored in the user information storage unit to the HMD 40A (step SE9).

[0147] At least a portion of the transmitted information may include request information from the viewer terminal 30A to the system server 50 (request information such as request information to stop content distribution, request information to switch viewing, viewing request information, and identification information and viewing history of the selected content), and the time when the system server 50 received the request information from the viewer terminal 30A.

[0148] When the request information includes any of the reception times, the HMD 40A determines that content has been selected by the viewer terminal 30A if the elapsed time from the reception time of the request information to the time the HMD 40A logs in to the system server 50 is within a predetermined time.

[0149] The HMD 40A can check at least a part of the user information (transmission information) received from the system server 50 and determine whether or not there is content selected by the first viewer on the viewer terminal 30A. For example, the HMD 40A can determine whether the elapsed time from the time the system server 50 receives a viewing request (or a viewing switching request, or a stop request) from the viewer terminal 30A to the time the HMD 40A completes logging in to the system server 50 (or the time the login request information is received) is within a predetermined time, and if the elapsed time is within the predetermined time, can determine that the content for which the viewing request (or viewing switching request, or stop request) was made is the content selected by the first viewer using the viewer terminal 30A (step SE10).

[0150] Here, when there is content selected by the first viewer using the viewer terminal 30A, the HMD 40A may display a message on the HMD 40A to the first viewer, asking whether or not the first viewer wants to continue viewing the content selected by the first viewer using the viewer terminal 30A. In this case, the first viewer can operate the HMD 40A to transmit to the system server 50 a request to continue viewing the selected content.

[0151] Based on the determination that there is content selected by the first viewer using the viewer terminal 30A (or based on the first viewer's operation on the HMD 40A), the HMD 40A transmits viewing request information for the content selected by the first viewer to the system server 50 (step SE11).

[0152] The system server 50 distributes the content selected by the first viewer on the viewer terminal 30A to the HMD 40A based on the viewing request information (including the content identification information) from the HMD 40A (step SE12). Subsequently, the system server 50 can stop the distribution of the selected content to the viewer terminal 30A (step SE13). Note that if the above-mentioned step SE4 is omitted, step SE13 may also be omitted.

[0153] By selecting the content to be viewed by the viewer as described above, the viewer can select the content to be viewed on the HMD 40A by operating the viewer terminal 30A, eliminating the need to select content on the HMD 40A and allowing for smooth operation when viewing content on the HMD 40A.

[0154] FIG. 12 is a timing chart for explaining another example of the operation of the content distribution system using the viewer terminal of the modified example of the second embodiment. Here, we will explain an example of the operation of the content distribution system when a first viewer, who is a common user of viewer terminal 30A and HMD 40A, wears HMD 40A and logs in to system server 50, selects content to view using viewer terminal 30A, and views the selected content on HMD 40A by operating HMD 40A.

[0155] When the first viewer puts on the HMD 40A, the HMD 40A transmits login request information to the system server 50. The HMD 40A may determine whether the HMD 40A is put on by the first viewer, for example, using information acquired from the sensor 46, and transmit the login request information to the system server 50 after determining that the viewer has put on the HMD 40A (step SF1).

[0156] When the system server 50 receives the login request information from the HMD 40A, it performs a login process by comparing the user identification information included in the login request information with the information stored in a user information storage unit (not shown). If it is determined that the user identification information matches the identification information of a registered first viewer as a result of comparing the user identification information with the information stored in the user information storage unit, it records the date and time of login in the user information storage unit and transmits a notification to the HMD 40A that login has been completed (step SF2).

[0157] When receiving a notification from the system server 50 that the login has been completed, the HMD 40A requests at least a part of the user information (transmission information) transmitted from the viewer terminal 30A from the system server 50 (step SF3). In response to the request from the HMD 40A, the system server 50 transmits at least a part of the user information (transmission information) from the viewer terminal 30A that is stored in the user information storage unit to the HMD 40A (step SF4).

[0158] The HMD 40A can check at least a part of the user information (transmission information) received from the system server 50 and determine whether there is any content selected by the first viewer on the viewer terminal 30A. For example, the HMD 40A determines whether the elapsed time from the time when the system server 50 receives a viewing request (or a viewing switching request, or a stop request) from the viewer terminal 30A to the time when the HMD 40A completes login to the system server 50 by the first viewer (or the time when the login request information is received) is within a predetermined time, and if it is within the predetermined time, it can determine that the content for which the viewing request (or viewing switching request, or stop request) was made is the content selected by the first viewer on the viewer terminal 30A (step SF45).

[0159] In this example, the HMD 40A determines that no content has been selected by the first viewer using the viewer terminal 30A. When no content has been selected by the first viewer using the viewer terminal 30A, the HMD 40A may, for example, notify the system server 50 that no content has been selected, or may present a normal menu screen to the first viewer. Later, the first viewer transmits login request information from the viewer terminal 30A to the system server 50 (step SF6).

[0160] The system server 50 performs login processing for the first viewer based on the login request information received from the viewer terminal 30A, and notifies the viewer terminal 30A that the login has been completed (step SF7). Next, the first viewer operates the viewer terminal 30A to select the content that he or she wishes to view, and transmits viewing request information to the system server 50 (step SF8).

[0161] Based on the viewing request information received from the viewer terminal 30A, the system server 50 acquires content data corresponding to the content selected by the first viewer from a content information storage unit (not shown) and distributes it to the viewer terminal 30A (step SF9). Note that while viewing content on the viewer terminal 30A (or when starting viewing or stopping viewing of the content), the first viewer can transmit viewing switching request information (selecting content for which the viewing device is to be changed) to the system server 50. At this time, if there are multiple options that the first viewer can select as the viewing device after switching, the first viewer may specify the viewing device and make a request to switch viewing.

[0162] If the content viewing request information from the viewer terminal 30A to the system server 50 includes information specifying the viewing device as the HMD 40A (viewing switching request information), the system server 50 can omit step SF9. The system server 50 associates the time when the viewing request information was received (or the time when the viewing switching request information was received), the identification information of the content selected by the first viewer, and the viewing history with the user identification information and records them in the user information storage unit.

[0163] For example, the first viewer can request user information from the system server 50 by operating the HMD 40A after making a viewing request or a viewing switching request on the viewer terminal 30A. In response to an operation by the first viewer, the HMD 40A requests at least a part of the user information (transmission information) transmitted from the viewer terminal 30A from the system server 50 (step SF10). In response to a request from the HMD 40A, the system server 50 transmits to the HMD 40A at least a portion of the user information (transmission information) transmitted from the viewer terminal 30A and stored in the user information storage unit (step SF11).

[0164] At least a portion of the transmitted information may include request information from the viewer terminal 30A to the system server 50 (information on the time of receipt of request information such as request information to stop content distribution, viewing switching request information, viewing request information, etc., identification information and viewing history of the selected content), and the time when the system server 50 received the request information from the viewer terminal 30A.

[0165] The HMD 40A can check at least a part of the user information (transmission information) received from the system server 50 and determine whether or not there is content selected by the first viewer on the viewer terminal 30A. For example, the HMD 40A can determine whether the time from the time the system server 50 receives a viewing request (or a viewing switching request, or a stop request) from the viewer terminal 30A to the time the HMD 40A completes login to the system server 50 (or the time the login request information is received) is within a predetermined time, and if it is within the predetermined time, can determine that the content for which the viewing request (or viewing switching request, or stop request) was made is the content selected by the first viewer on the viewer terminal 30A (step SF12).

[0166] Here, when there is content selected by the first viewer on the viewer terminal 30A, the HMD 40A may display a message on the HMD 40A to confirm whether the first viewer wishes to continue viewing the content selected by the first viewer on the viewer terminal 30A, and present this to the first viewer. In this case, the first viewer can operate the HMD 40A to transmit to the system server 50 a request to continue viewing the selected content.

[0167] Based on the determination that the selected content exists (or based on the operation of the HMD 40A by the first viewer), the HMD 40A transmits viewing request information for the content selected by the first viewer to the system server 50 (step SD13). The system server 50 distributes the content selected by the first viewer on the viewer terminal 30A to the HMD 40A based on the viewing request information (including the content identification information) from the HMD 40A (step SF14).

[0168] Subsequently, the system server 50 can stop the distribution of the selected content to the viewer terminal 30A (step SF18). If the above-mentioned step SF9 is omitted, step SF18 may also be omitted. By selecting the content to be viewed by the viewer as described above, the viewer can select the content to be viewed on the HMD 40A by operating the viewer terminal 30A, eliminating the need to select content on the HMD 40A and allowing for smooth operation when viewing content on the HMD 40A.

[0169] In other words, according to this embodiment, it is possible to provide a viewer terminal, a control method for a viewer terminal, a control program for a viewer terminal, and a recording medium that enable a viewer to smoothly switch devices on which to view content.

[0170] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications can be made in the implementation stage without departing from the spirit of the invention. Furthermore, the embodiments may be implemented in appropriate combinations, in which case the combined effects can be obtained. Furthermore, the above-described embodiments include various inventions, and various inventions can be extracted by combining selected elements from the disclosed elements. For example, if the problem can be solved and the desired effect can be obtained even if some elements are deleted from all elements shown in the embodiments, the configuration from which these elements are deleted can be extracted as an invention. [Appendix 1] an information acquisition unit that transmits login request information of a first viewer to a server, and, upon receiving a notification of login completion from the server, requests at least a part of the transmission information transmitted from the second terminal used by the first viewer to the server; a determination unit that determines whether there is content selected by the first viewer using the second terminal based on at least a part of the transmission information, The viewer terminal, wherein the determination unit transmits viewing request information for the content selected by the first viewer to the server when the content is available. [Appendix 2] further comprising a sensor that detects that the first viewer is wearing the device; 2. The viewer terminal according to claim 1, wherein the information acquisition unit transmits the login request information to the server based on the detection by the sensor that the first viewer is wearing the viewer terminal. [Appendix 3] The viewer terminal described in Appendix 1, wherein the judgment unit judges that the selected content is present when at least a portion of the transmitted information includes the reception time of any of viewing switching request information, request information to stop distribution of the content, and viewing request information, and the elapsed time from the reception time to the time the first viewer logs in to the server is within a predetermined time. [Appendix 4] 2. The viewer terminal according to claim 1, wherein the determination unit is capable of requesting at least a part of the transmission information from the server in response to an operation of the first viewer. [Appendix 5] transmitting login request information of a first viewer to a server, and upon receiving a notification of login completion from the server, requesting at least a part of the transmission information transmitted from a second terminal used by the first viewer to the server; determining whether there is content selected by the first viewer using the second terminal based on at least a part of the transmitted information; A viewer terminal control method, wherein when the content selected by the first viewer is available, viewing request information for the content is transmitted to the server. [Appendix 6] Computer, means for transmitting login request information of a first viewer to a server, and, upon receiving a notification of login completion from the server, requesting at least a part of the transmission information transmitted from the second terminal used by the first viewer to the server; means for determining whether there is content selected by the first viewer using the second terminal based on at least a part of the transmitted information; means for transmitting viewing request information for the content selected by the first viewer to the server when the content is available; A control program for the viewer terminal that makes it function as such. [Appendix 7] an information acquisition unit that transmits login request information of a first viewer to a first server, and requests at least a part of second user information of the first viewer in a second server from the first server upon receiving a notification of login completion from the first server; a determination unit that determines whether or not there is content selected by the first viewer in the second server based on at least a part of the second user information; The viewer terminal, wherein the determination unit transmits viewing request information for the selected content to the first server when the selected content is found. [Appendix 8] further comprising a sensor that detects that the first viewer is wearing the device; 8. The viewer terminal according to claim 7, wherein the information acquisition unit transmits the login request information to the first server based on the detection by the sensor that the first viewer is wearing the viewer terminal. [Appendix 9] The viewer terminal described in Appendix 7, wherein the judgment unit judges that the selected content is present when at least a portion of the second user information includes the reception time of any of viewing switching request information, request information to stop distribution of the content, and viewing request information, and the elapsed time from the reception time to the time the first viewer logged in to the first server is within a predetermined time. [Appendix 10] 8. The viewer terminal according to claim 7, wherein the determination unit is capable of requesting at least a part of the second user information from the first server in response to an operation of the first viewer. [Appendix 11] transmitting login request information of the first viewer to a first server, and requesting at least a part of second user information of the first viewer in a second server from the first server based on receiving a notification of login completion from the first server; determining whether the content selected by the first viewer is available on the second server based on at least a portion of the second user information; A viewer terminal control method, wherein when the selected content is found, viewing request information for the content is transmitted to the first server. [Appendix 12] Computer, means for transmitting login request information of a first viewer to a first server, and, upon receiving a notification of login completion from the first server, requesting at least a part of second user information of the first viewer in a second server from the first server; means for determining whether there is content selected by the first viewer in the second server based on at least a portion of the second user information; a control program for causing the viewer terminal to function as a means for transmitting viewing request information for the selected content to the first server when the selected content is present; [Appendix 13] A computer-readable recording medium on which a control program for a viewer terminal according to claim 6 or 12 is recorded. [Explanation of symbols]

[0171] 10...First server (content distribution server), 11...First acquisition unit, 12...Second acquisition unit, 13...User management unit, 14...Distribution control unit, 15...Output unit, 16...Distribution unit, 20...Second server (content distribution server), 21...Third acquisition unit, 22...Fourth acquisition unit, 23...User management unit, 24...Distribution control unit, 25...Output unit, 26...Distribution unit, 30A, 30B...Viewer terminal (second terminal), 31...Memory, 32...Communication unit, 33...Operation unit, 34...Control unit, 35...Display unit, 36...Speaker, 40A, 40B...HMD (first terminal), 41...Memory, 42...Communication unit, 43...Operation unit, 44...Control unit, 45...Display unit, 46...Sensor, 47...Speaker, 50...System server. DB1, DB3...User information storage unit, DB2, DB4...Content information storage unit

Claims

1. a user management unit that transmits the viewing history of the first viewer obtained from the viewing request from the viewer terminal to the distribution control unit; the distribution control unit transmitting the viewing history to a second terminal when the first viewer has completed logging in based on a login request from the second terminal different from the viewer terminal; A system comprising:

2. The system according to claim 1 , wherein the user management unit acquires the viewing history of the requested content by using user identification information and content identification information included in the request for viewing.

3. 2. The system according to claim 1, wherein, when the viewing history includes information that the requested content has been viewed partway, viewing of the content is resumed from the point where viewing of the content was interrupted.

4. the second terminal further includes a sensor that detects that the second terminal is worn by a viewer; The system of claim 1 , wherein the system transmits a login request based on the sensor detecting that the viewer is wearing the system.

5. a first server that acquires the viewing history of the first viewer obtained from the viewing request from the viewer terminal and transmits the viewing history in response to a request or periodically; The system according to claim 1 , further comprising: a second server including the user management unit and the distribution control unit.

6. a user management unit that transmits the viewing history of the first viewer obtained from the viewing request from the viewer terminal to the distribution control unit; the distribution control unit transmitting the viewing history to a second terminal when the first viewer has completed logging in based on a login request from the second terminal different from the viewer terminal; A server comprising:

7. A server-implemented method comprising: transmitting a viewing history of the first viewer obtained from a viewing request from the viewer terminal to a distribution control unit; When the login of the first viewer is completed based on a login request from a second terminal different from the viewer terminal, transmitting the viewing history to the second terminal; A method comprising:

8. On the computer, transmitting a viewing history of the first viewer obtained from a viewing request from the viewer terminal to a distribution control unit; When the login of the first viewer is completed based on a login request from a second terminal different from the viewer terminal, transmitting the viewing history to the second terminal; A program that executes.

9. A computer-readable recording medium on which the program according to claim 8 is recorded.

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