Post distribution system, post distribution method, program, and computer-readable recording medium

Abstract

It creates a sense of unity among multiple users who share posts. [Solution] The posting and distribution system 10 includes a generation unit 71 that generates reading data A from posting data C input from a terminal 5 and generates schedule data K that associates an identifier of the reading data A with the playback start time of the reading data A calculated from the playback time of the reading data A, and a distribution unit 24 that distributes the schedule data K and the reading data A to the terminal 5.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a posting distribution system, a posting distribution method, a program, and a computer-readable recording medium. [Background technology]

[0002] There is a technology in which a distribution server acquires comments and other posts on a live broadcast program, and then superimposes audio that reads out the acquired comments and character content that moves in accordance with the audio onto the live broadcast program and distributes the superimposed audio (see Patent Document 1). In Patent Document 1, the audio is played back simultaneously on each terminal by superimposing the audio and character content onto the live broadcast program. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2024-092145 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] Patent Document 1 utilizes the mechanisms of live broadcasting programs to realize simultaneous playback of audio comments on each terminal, fostering a sense of unity among users of each terminal. However, in a system that does not use the mechanisms of live broadcasting programs, multiple users who share comments cannot achieve a sense of unity.

[0005] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to provide a technology that can realize a sense of unity among multiple users who share posts. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] A posting and distribution system according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a generation unit that generates reading data from posting data input from a terminal and generates schedule data that associates an identifier of the reading data with a playback start time of the reading data calculated from the playback duration of the reading data, and a distribution unit that distributes the schedule data and the reading data to the terminal.

[0007] In one embodiment of the posting and distribution method of the present invention, a computer generates reading data from posting data input from a terminal, generates schedule data that associates an identifier of the reading data with a playback start time of the reading data calculated from the playback time of the reading data, and distributes the schedule data and the reading data to the terminal.

[0008] A program of one aspect of the present invention causes a computer to function as a generation unit that generates reading data from posted data input from a terminal and generates schedule data that associates an identifier of the reading data with a playback start time of the reading data calculated from the playback time of the reading data.

[0009] A computer-readable recording medium according to one embodiment of the present invention records a program that causes a computer to function as a generation unit that generates reading data from posted data input from a terminal and generates schedule data that associates an identifier of the reading data with a playback start time of the reading data calculated from the playback duration of the reading data. [Effects of the Invention]

[0010] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a technology that can realize a sense of unity among multiple users who share posts. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0011] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating the system configuration of a posting distribution system according to the present disclosure, and functional blocks of a distribution server, a generating device, and a terminal. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a sequence diagram illustrating a posting distribution method in the posting distribution system of the present disclosure. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of the data structure and data of user data. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of the data structure and data of schedule data. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating the generation process performed by the generation unit. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of a screen displayed on the terminal. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating the playback process performed by the playback unit. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a sequence diagram illustrating the processing in the first modified example. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating the system configuration of the posting and distribution system of the second modified example, and functional blocks of the distribution server, the generating device, and the terminal. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating the allocation process performed by the allocation unit. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating the hardware configuration of a computer used in each device such as a distribution server, a generation device, and a terminal. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0012] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the description of the drawings, the same parts are designated by the same reference numerals and the description thereof will be omitted.

[0013] (Posting distribution system) The posting distribution system 10 in FIG. 1 enables multiple users to share post data C entered by each user. The posting distribution system 10 transmits and receives the post data C in real time between the terminals 5 of the multiple users. The posting distribution system 10 also simultaneously plays back read-aloud data A of the post data C on each terminal 5, thereby realizing a sense of unity among the multiple users who share the post. In the present disclosure, the read-aloud data A is audio data in which the text of the post data C is read aloud using a predetermined voice model or the like.

[0014] The posting distribution system 10 of the present disclosure will be described as a case where posts entered by each user are shared in a chat room formed by computer processing. The posting distribution system 10 is not limited to a chat room, and may share post data C among multiple users using any tool for sharing posts.

[0015] The posting distribution system 10 not only supports sharing of posted data C, but also supports simultaneous playback of read-aloud data A of the posted data C on each terminal 5. By simultaneously playing back the read-aloud data of the posted data, the posting distribution system 10 realizes a sense of unity among multiple users who share the posted data, such as each user responding simultaneously to the posted data being read aloud.

[0016] A posting distribution system 10 according to the present disclosure will be described with reference to Figure 1. The posting distribution system 10 includes a distribution server 1, a first terminal 5a, a second terminal 5b, and a generating device 7. In the present disclosure, when the first terminal 5a and the second terminal 5b are not particularly distinguished from each other, they may be simply referred to as terminals 5.

[0017] The distribution server 1, terminal 5, and generation device 7 of the posting and distribution system 10 each have a clock. The clocks of each device are adjusted to show the same time. The clock of each device is, for example, UNIX (registered trademark) Time. In the posting and distribution system 10, each device operates according to its own clock.

[0018] The distribution server 1 of the present disclosure provides a chat room in which multiple users participate. The chat room displays, for example, posts posted in the past in chronological order. The distribution server 1 updates the posts displayed in the chat room periodically or each time a user posts a post.

[0019] The first terminal 5a and the second terminal 5b are terminals used by users who participate in the chat room.

[0020] The distribution server 1 distributes the posting data C input by the terminal 5 to each terminal 5. The distribution server 1 also distributes reading data A and schedule data K to each user's terminal 5. The reading data A is audio data in which the posting data C is read in a predetermined voice. The schedule data K is data specifying the schedule for playing each reading data A.

[0021] The generating device 7 generates the reading data A and the schedule data K from the posted data C and the like. The generating device 7 provides the reading data A and the schedule data K to the distribution server 1.

[0022] In the present disclosure, a case will be described in which the generating device 7 is implemented in a device different from the distribution server 1, but this is not limiting. The generating device 7 may be implemented in the distribution server 1. The generating device 7 may also be implemented in each terminal 5.

[0023] (Posting distribution method) An overview of the posting distribution method in the posting distribution system 10 of the present disclosure will be described with reference to FIG.

[0024] In step S1, the first terminal 5a inputs posting data C to the chat room. The first terminal 5a transmits the posting data C and the user ID of the user of the first terminal 5a to the distribution server 1.

[0025] In step S2, when the distribution server 1 receives the post data C and the user ID from the first terminal 5a, it acquires the user's voice ID from the user ID. The voice ID is an identifier of the voice that reproduces the post data C. In step S3, the distribution server 1 transmits the post data C and the voice ID to the generation device 7.

[0026] In step S4, the generation device 7 generates reading data A from the post data C and audio ID acquired from the distribution server 1. The reading data A is audio data that plays back the post data C acquired from the distribution server 1 using the audio of the audio ID acquired from the distribution server 1. The generation device 7 calculates the playback length when the reading data A is played back at the normal playback speed. When multiple pieces of post data C are sent from the distribution server 1, the generation device 7 generates reading data A and calculates the playback length for each piece of post data C.

[0027] In step S5, the generation device 7 generates schedule data K from the playback duration of the reading data A and the current playback status of the reading data A on each terminal 5. The schedule data K associates at least a playback start time with each reading data A to be read aloud. If the number of reading data A that has not been played on the terminal 5 is equal to or greater than a predetermined number, or if the time until the playback start time of a predetermined reading data is equal to or greater than a predetermined number, the generation device 7 may generate the schedule data K in a speed reading mode. In the speed reading mode, the generation device 7 sets one or more speed reading modes for at least some of the reading data A among the plurality of reading data A, including increasing the playback speed, stopping playback when a predetermined time has elapsed from the beginning of the reading data A, and stopping playback of some of the plurality of reading data A.

[0028] In step S6, the generating device 7 transmits to the distribution server 1 the reading data A generated in step S4 and the schedule data K generated in step S5.

[0029] In steps S7 and S8, distribution server 1 transmits schedule data K, read-aloud data A, and posted data C to each terminal 5.

[0030] The first terminal 5a identifies new readout targets from the schedule data K received in step S7. For example, if the first readout data A of the schedule data K received in step S7 is currently being played back on the first terminal 5a, the first terminal 5a identifies the second or subsequent readout data A as readout targets.

[0031] In step S10, when the playback start time for the second read-aloud data A arrives, in step S11 the first terminal 5a displays the posted data C corresponding to the second read-aloud data A and plays the read-aloud data A. If a speed reading mode is set for the read-aloud data A to be played back, the first terminal 5a plays back the read-aloud data A in accordance with the set speed reading mode.

[0032] After that, the first terminal 5a plays back the third and subsequent read-aloud data A according to the schedule data K when the playback start time arrives.

[0033] The second terminal 5b also performs the same processes as steps S9-S11 in steps S12-S14.

[0034] When the playback start time of the schedule data K arrives, each terminal 5 plays back the read-out data A corresponding to that time. If there are many pieces of read-out data A to be played back on the terminal 5, it may not be possible to play back all of the read-out data A to the end.

[0035] (Distribution server) The distribution server 1 will be described with reference to FIG.

[0036] The distribution server 1 includes various data and functions. The various data are user data 11, posted data C, read-aloud data A, and schedule data K. The various functions are a receiving unit 21, a requesting unit 22, an acquiring unit 23, and a distributing unit 24.

[0037] The user data 11 is data of users who participate in a chat room. For example, as shown in Fig. 3, the user data 11 associates the attributes of a user ID, a user name, a voice ID, and an icon ID with each user. In this disclosure, a case will be described in which the user ID, the user name, the voice ID, and the icon ID are designated by each user.

[0038] The user ID is a user identifier. The user name is the name displayed as the person who inputs the user's posted data C in a chat room, etc. The voice ID is the voice identifier used when reading out the user's posted data C. The icon ID is a figure displayed together with the user name for the user's posted data C in a chat room, etc.

[0039] The posting data C is data such as text that a user inputs into a chat room. The distribution server 1 acquires the posting data C from the terminal 5.

[0040] The read-aloud data A is voice data that reproduces the text of the posted data C using the voice ID of the user who input the posted data C. The distribution server 1 acquires the read-aloud data A from the generation device 7.

[0041] The schedule data K is data that specifies the playback start time for each piece of reading data A. The distribution server 1 acquires the schedule data K from the generation device 7. The schedule data K may include the generation time of the schedule data K. The time included in the schedule data K corresponds to the time on the clock of each device in the posting distribution system 10.

[0042] 4, the schedule data K includes the following items: post ID, playback start time, playback end time, playback speed, whether to skip, playback length, and whether to omit endings. The post ID is an identifier for the post data C, and is associated with the identifier for the read-out data A of the post data C. The schedule data K is a FIFO (First-In, First-Out) queue in which the playback start time is set in the order of the post IDs of the posts entered in the chat room.

[0043] The playback start time is the time when playback of the readout data A corresponding to the post ID starts. The playback end time is the time when playback of the readout data A corresponding to the post ID ends. Since the playback end time is derived from other items such as the playback start time, the schedule data K does not need to include an item for the playback end time.

[0044] The playback speed is the speed at which the read-out data A corresponding to the post ID is played back. 1x is the normal speed. The playback speed is specified as 1x by default. A value greater than 1, such as 1.5x, indicates that the playback will be faster than the normal speed. If there are a large number of read-out data A waiting to be played back on terminal 5, or if the time until the playback start time of a specific read-out data A is greater than a specified value and the device is in speed reading mode, the playback speed will be set to a value greater than 1.

[0045] The playback speed may be set to a value smaller than 1, such as 0.8 times. A value smaller than 1 indicates that the playback will be slower than the normal speed. In cases where it is expected that no audio will be played back even if the read-out data A is read at 1 time, such as when there are few participants in a chat room or a small number of posts per unit time, the playback speed may be set to a value smaller than 1.

[0046] Skip on / off is set to whether playback is skipped or not. Skip on / off is set to no by default. Readout data A of post IDs for which no skip is set will be played. Readout data A of post IDs for which skip is set will not be played. When not in speed reading mode, skip on / off is set for each post ID. When in speed reading mode, skip on / off is set for some post IDs.

[0047] The playback duration is the time required to play back the read-out data A corresponding to the posting ID. Since it is derived from other items such as the playback speed, the schedule data K does not need to include an item for the playback duration.

[0048] Whether to omit endings is set to whether or not to omit endings. Whether to omit endings is set to no by default. Readout data A for a post ID for which no endings are set to no is played to the end of readout data A. Readout data A for a post ID for which endings are set to yes is played from the beginning of readout data A until a predetermined time has elapsed, and then it is not played back. When not in speed reading mode, whether to omit endings for each post ID is set to no. When in speed reading mode, whether to omit endings for some post IDs is set to yes.

[0049] In the present disclosure, the items of playback speed, whether to skip, and whether to use both ends of words are set to default values ​​when not in speed reading mode, and values ​​other than the default values ​​are set when in speed reading mode, but this is not limited to this. When a predetermined condition such as the length of a post is met, a value other than the default value may be set for each of these items.

[0050] Receiving unit 21 receives input posting data C and a user ID from terminal 5 that has input a post to the chat room.

[0051] The request unit 22 transmits the posting data C to the generating device 7, requesting the generation of schedule data K. The request unit 22 refers to the user data 11 and identifies the voice ID corresponding to the user ID of the user who input the posting data C. The request unit 22 also transmits the identified voice ID to the generating device 7.

[0052] The acquisition unit 23 acquires the read-out data A and the schedule data K from the generation device 7. The acquisition unit 23 may acquire the read-out data A newly set as the target for playback, excluding the read-out data A specified for playback in the previously received schedule data K, from the read-out data A specified for playback in the newly received schedule data.

[0053] The distribution unit 24 distributes the read-out data A and the schedule data K to the terminals 5 participating in the chat room. The distribution unit 24 may exclude the read-out data A that has been distributed to the terminals 5 from the read-out data A specified for playback in the schedule data, and distribute the read-out data A that has newly become the target for playback.

[0054] (Generation device) The generating device 7 will now be described with reference to FIG.

[0055] The generating device 7 includes various data and functions. The various data are reading data A and schedule data K. The various functions are a generating unit 71 and a providing unit 72. The generating unit 71 further stores post data C acquired from the distribution server 1 and an audio ID corresponding to the post data C.

[0056] The generation unit 71 generates read-aloud data A and schedule data K from the posting data C and the voice ID acquired from the distribution server 1.

[0057] The providing unit 72 transmits the read-aloud data A and the schedule data K generated by the generating unit 71 to the distribution server 1.

[0058] The processing of the generation unit 71 will be described. The generation unit 71 generates reading data A from the posting data C input from the terminal 5. Here, the generation unit 71 generates the reading data in a voice corresponding to the user who input the posting data C. The generation unit 71 generates the reading data A from the distribution server 1 using a voice ID associated with the posting data C.

[0059] The generating unit 71 may generate the schedule data K every time new post data C is acquired, or may generate the schedule data K at a predetermined timing. The generating unit 71 may include the generation time of the schedule data K in the schedule data K.

[0060] The generation unit 71 calculates a playback start time for each piece of reading data A from the playback time of the reading data A. The generation unit 71 generates schedule data K that associates an identifier of the reading data A with the playback start time of the reading data A calculated from the playback time of the reading data A.

[0061] The generation unit 71 generates read-aloud data A for each piece of posted data C to be read aloud using a voice corresponding to a specified voice ID, and identifies the playback time of each piece of read-aloud data A. The generation unit 71 identifies the playback start time of the first piece of read-aloud data A, and identifies the second playback start time as the time after the playback time of the first piece of read-aloud data A has elapsed from the first playback start time. The generation unit 71 identifies the playback start time of the target piece of read-aloud data A as the time after the playback end time of the piece of read-aloud data A that is played immediately before the target piece of read-aloud data A. After identifying the playback start time of each piece of read-aloud data A, the generation unit 71 generates schedule data K.

[0062] When the number of pieces of read-out data A that have not been played back on terminal 5 reaches or exceeds a predetermined number, generation unit 71 sets the speed reading mode for the read-out data A in schedule data K. When the number of pieces of read-out data A that have not been played back on terminal 5 reaches or exceeds a predetermined number, generation unit 71 sets the speed reading mode. For example, generation unit 71 compares the playback start time in previously transmitted schedule data K with the current time, and counts the number of pieces of read-out data A that will be played back. When the number of pieces of read-out data A that will be played back reaches or exceeds a predetermined number, generation unit 71 generates newly generated schedule data K in speed reading mode.

[0063] Alternatively, if the time until the playback start time of predetermined read-aloud data A is equal to or longer than a predetermined time, the generation unit 71 sets the speed reading mode of the read-aloud data A in the schedule data K. The predetermined read-aloud data A is, for example, the read-aloud data A that is to be played last in the schedule data K newly created by the generation unit 71. If the schedule data is generated in the normal mode instead of the speed reading mode, and the waiting time until the playback start time of the read-aloud data A that is to be played last is equal to or longer than a predetermined time, the generation unit 71 generates the schedule data K in the speed reading mode.

[0064] The generation unit 71 may set the same speed reading mode for each piece of read-aloud data A corresponding to the posting ID set in the schedule data K, or may set the speed reading mode for some of the read-aloud data A. When setting the speed reading mode for some of the read-aloud data A, the generation unit 71 specifies the speed reading mode to be applied to the read-aloud data A for the posting ID corresponding to the identifier of the read-aloud data A in the schedule data K. The generation unit 71 may generate the schedule data K so that the greater the number of pieces of read-aloud data A that have not been played back, the greater the number of pieces of read-aloud data A to which the speed reading mode is applied.

[0065] The speed reading mode is one or more of increasing the playback speed of the read-aloud data A, stopping playback when a predetermined time has elapsed from the beginning of the read-aloud data A, and stopping playback of some of the read-aloud data A among the multiple read-aloud data.

[0066] The increase in the playback speed will now be described. When generating in the speed reading mode, the generation unit 71 sets a value in the "playback speed" field that is greater than the default of 1x, and generates the schedule data K. The generation unit 71 may set the playback speed of the read-out data A to a value greater than 1x only for some of the multiple posting IDs set in the schedule data K. The generation unit 71 may set the same playback speed for each of the multiple posting IDs set in the schedule data K, or may set different playback speeds for each of the multiple posting IDs set in the schedule data K.

[0067] The following describes how playback stops after a predetermined time has elapsed. When generating in speed reading mode, the generation unit 71 sets "Yes" in the "Whether or not word endings are omitted" field to generate schedule data K. The generation unit 71 selects some of the posting IDs set in the schedule data K, sets "Whether or not word endings are omitted" corresponding to the selected posting IDs to "Yes," and generates schedule data K.

[0068] The following describes how to stop playback. When generating in speed reading mode, the generation unit 71 sets "Yes" in the "Skip on / off" field and generates schedule data K. The generation unit 71 selects some of the posting IDs set in the schedule data K, sets "Yes" in the "Skip on / off" field corresponding to the selected posting IDs, and generates schedule data K.

[0069] The generation process performed by the generation unit 71 will be described with reference to FIG.

[0070] In step S101, the generation unit 71 acquires newly entered post data C and a voice ID in the target chat room from the distribution server 1. In step S102, the generation unit 71 converts each post data C acquired in step S101 into read-aloud data A using the voice of the voice ID corresponding to the post data C.

[0071] In step S103, the generation unit 71 determines whether or not the waiting number is equal to or greater than a predetermined number in the terminal 5. If the waiting number is not equal to or greater than the predetermined number, in step S104 the generation unit 71 generates new schedule data K in the normal mode.

[0072] If the waiting number is equal to or greater than a predetermined number, in step S105 the generation unit 71 generates new schedule data K in speed reading mode. Since it is assumed that the first reading target is being played back on the terminal 5, the generation unit 71 switches the second and subsequent reading targets to speed reading mode and generates new schedule data K. For example, the generation unit 71 sets a value of 1x or more in the "playback speed" item, sets "yes" in the "skip on / off" item, and sets "yes" in the "word ending omission on / off" item for some or all of the reading targets.

[0073] In step S106, the generation unit 71 outputs the read-out data A and the newly generated schedule data K, and then ends the process.

[0074] 5, the case where it is determined whether the waiting number in terminal 5 is equal to or greater than a predetermined value has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this. The process of step S103 may be replaced with a process of determining whether the waiting time until the playback start time of predetermined readout data A is equal to or greater than a predetermined value.

[0075] (Terminal) The first terminal 5a shown in Fig. 1 includes a playback unit 51, a display unit 52, and a posting unit 53. The second terminal 5b shown in Fig. 1 is a terminal for a user who only views chat rooms without making any input, and does not include a posting unit.

[0076] The playback unit 51 plays back each piece of reading data A in accordance with the schedule data K distributed from the distribution server 1. When new schedule data K is distributed from the distribution server 1, the playback unit 51 discards the schedule data K that it has already stored and plays back the new schedule data K in accordance with the new schedule data K.

[0077] The playback unit 51 plays back the read-out data A corresponding to each posting ID in accordance with the settings of the schedule data K, such as the playback speed, whether to skip, and whether to omit endings.

[0078] The playback unit 51 generates the reading data A at the speed of the "playback speed" setting. The playback unit 51 plays the reading data A for which "skip on / off" is set to "off." The playback unit 51 does not play the reading data A for which "skip on / off" is set to "on," but instead refers to the "skip on / off" of the next reading data A. The playback unit 51 plays the reading data A for which "end omission on / off" is set to "off" until the end, and plays the reading data A for which "end omission on / off" is set to "on" for a predetermined time, and then stops playing.

[0079] When the playback start time of the second read-aloud data A arrives while the first read-aloud data A is being played back, the playback unit 51 may interrupt the playback of the first read-aloud data A and play the second read-aloud data A. Alternatively, the playback unit 51 may play the second read-aloud data A after the playback of the first read-aloud data A has finished. Which control to perform is set in advance.

[0080] The reproduction unit 51 may refer to the generation time set in the schedule data K and reproduce each read data A while taking into consideration the error in the clock of the terminal 5.

[0081] The playback unit 51 compares the generation time of the schedule data K with the time on the terminal 5, and if the time on the terminal 5 is later, converts the playback start time of the schedule data K to a time delayed by a predetermined time, and plays back the read-out data according to the converted playback start time. If the time on the terminal 5 is longer than the generation time of the latest schedule data K by more than the distribution time, the playback unit 51 determines that the time on the terminal 5 is later and the clock is slow. The playback unit 51 reinterprets the playback start time of the schedule data K by delaying it by a predetermined time. For example, if the playback unit 51 detects that the clock on the terminal 5 is one minute slower than the clock on the generation device 7, the playback unit 51 reinterprets the playback start time of the schedule data K by delaying it by one minute.

[0082] If the time on the terminal 5 is earlier, the playback unit 51 converts the playback start time of the schedule data K to a time that is earlier by a predetermined amount, and plays back the read-out data A in accordance with the converted playback start time. If the time on the terminal 5 is earlier than the time obtained by adding the distribution time to the generation time of the latest schedule data K, the playback unit 51 determines that the time on the terminal 5 is earlier and the clock is fast. The playback unit 51 reinterprets the playback start time of the schedule data K as being earlier by a predetermined amount. For example, if the playback unit 51 detects that the clock on the terminal 5 is one minute earlier than the clock on the generation device 7, the playback unit 51 reinterprets the playback start time of the schedule data K as being one minute earlier.

[0083] Display unit 52 displays a screen of the chat room. When playback of read-aloud data A starts, display unit 52 may display posted data C corresponding to read-aloud data A. When playback of read-aloud data A whose playback has been skipped is skipped, display unit 52 displays posted data C corresponding to the skipped read-aloud data A at the time of skipping.

[0084] The posting unit 53 associates the posting data C input by the user with the user ID of the user and transmits the data to the distribution server 1. The posting unit 53 may also transmit to the distribution server 1 the identifier of the chat room to which the data is to be posted.

[0085] 6, an example of a screen V1 displayed on the terminal 5 will be described. The screen V1 is a screen of a certain chat room. The screen V1 includes screens V11 to V14.

[0086] Screen V11 displays posted data C that was previously entered and read aloud. Each posted data C is associated with the name of the person who entered it, the icon of the person who entered it, the time it was entered, etc. When a participant in the chat room selects a reaction button such as "Like" or "I understand," the selected reaction is displayed in the posted data C. There may be an effect in which the more recently entered reaction is displayed in darker tones.

[0087] Screen V12 shows a state in which posted data C has been input to distribution server 1 and read data A is waiting to be played. Screen V12 displays an icon corresponding to read-aloud data A whose playback start time has not yet arrived in schedule data K. The icon is the icon of the user who inputted the original posted data C of the read-aloud data A waiting to be read. After the currently played read data A is played on screen V12, the read data A corresponding to the leftmost icon will be played. Note that on screen V12, the icon enclosed in a thick rectangle is the icon of the user of this terminal 5. From screen V12, the user can see that the read-aloud data A of this user will be played fourth.

[0088] Screen V13 allows users to input their reactions to other users' posted data C. The reactions are general reactions such as "Like," "www," "I understand," and "Hmm," etc. When the user selects the posted data C for which they want to input a reaction from screen V11 and selects one reaction from screen V13, the selected reaction is displayed on screen V11 for the selected posted data C.

[0089] Screen V14 includes a text box in which the user of this terminal 5 inputs post data C. When the arrow on the right side of the text box is selected, the post data C input in the text box is sent to distribution server 1.

[0090] The playback process by the playback unit 51 of the terminal 5 will be described with reference to FIG.

[0091] In step S201, the playback unit 51 acquires the latest schedule data K. The playback unit 51 identifies the read-aloud data A to be played back by referring to the latest schedule data K. For example, when the playback unit 51 is playing back the read-aloud data A corresponding to the first posted ID in the schedule data K, the playback unit 51 identifies the read-aloud data A corresponding to the second or subsequent posted ID as the data to be read aloud.

[0092] In step S202, the playback unit 51 displays the icons of the readout data A waiting to be played on the screen V12 of the screen V1 in the order of playback. The playback unit 51 may also cause the display unit 52 to display the icons.

[0093] In step S203, if an error in the clock of terminal 5 is detected, the process of step S204 or step S205 is performed. Terminal 5 compares the generation time of the latest schedule data K received in step S201 with the current time of terminal 5, and determines whether the time of terminal 5 is later or earlier than the time of generation device 7, taking into account the delivery time of schedule data K to terminal 5.

[0094] If the playback unit 51 determines that the time on the terminal 5 is slower than the clocks on the other devices, the playback unit 51 reinterprets the playback start time of the schedule data K by delaying it by a predetermined time in step S204. For example, if the playback unit 51 detects that the clock on the terminal 5 is one minute slower than the clock on the generation device 7, the playback unit 51 reinterprets the playback start time of the schedule data K by delaying it by one minute.

[0095] If terminal 5 determines that the time on terminal 5 is earlier than the clocks of other devices, in step S205, the playback unit 51 reinterprets the playback start time of schedule data K as being earlier by a predetermined time. For example, if it detects that the clock on terminal 5 is one minute earlier than the clock on generation device 7, the playback unit 51 reinterprets the playback start time of schedule data K as being one minute earlier.

[0096] After the clock error adjustment is completed, the playback unit 51 performs the processes of steps S206 to S208 for each piece of playback target readout data A. Here, the playback unit 51 operates according to the time reinterpreted in step S204 or step S205.

[0097] In step S206, the playback unit 51 waits for the playback start time of the next read-out data A to be played back. When the playback start time arrives, in step S207, the playback unit 51 displays the posted data C on the screen and plays back the read-out data A. Furthermore, the playback unit 51 updates the standby icon. Specifically, the display of the icon corresponding to the newly played read-out data A is deleted.

[0098] When the processing from step S206 to step S208 for each playback action is completed, the playback unit 51 ends the processing. When the playback unit 51 receives new, latest schedule data K, the playback unit 51 may continue the playback of the current read-out data A while performing the processing from step S201.

[0099] The posting distribution system 10 of the present disclosure distributes schedule data K that sets the time for playing the posted read-aloud data A to each terminal 5, and the terminal 5 plays the read-aloud data A in accordance with the schedule data K. This allows each user to react as the read-aloud data A is played back, thereby realizing a sense of unity among multiple users.

[0100] (First Modification) In the present disclosure, the case where terminal 5 inputs posting data C such as text has been described, but in the first modified example, terminal 5 can also input video data.

[0101] For example, the identifier of the video data input by the first terminal 5a is transmitted to the distribution server 1. The identifier of the video data is, for example, a URL (Uniform Resource Locator) of the video data. When the identifier of the video data is input from the first terminal 5a, the distribution unit 24 of the distribution server 1 distributes the identifier of the input video data to the second terminal 5b. The first terminal 5a and the second terminal 5b display the video data corresponding to the input identifier on each terminal. Note that an arbitrary video distribution server other than the distribution server 1 may distribute and display the video data corresponding to the input identifier on each terminal.

[0102] At this time, when an operation instruction for the video data is input to the first terminal 5a, the first terminal 5a transmits the input operation instruction to the distribution server 1. The distribution unit 24 of the distribution server 1 distributes the operation instruction received from the first terminal 5a to the second terminal 5b.

[0103] The second terminal 5b inputs the distributed operation instructions for the video data corresponding to the identifier distributed from the distribution server 1. As a result, the preview status of the video data on the first terminal 5a is also replicated on the second terminal 5b. When playback of the video is temporarily paused on the first terminal 5a, playback of the video is also temporarily paused on the second terminal 5b. As a result, playback is paused at the same position of the same video on the first terminal 5a and the second terminal 5b.

[0104] A delivery method according to the first modification will be described with reference to FIG.

[0105] In step S51, the first terminal 5a inputs a video identifier into the chat room. In step S52, the first terminal 5a transmits the video data identifier to the distribution server 1. In step S53, the distribution server 1 transmits the video data identifier received in step S52 to the first terminal 5a and displays it on the chat screen of the first terminal 5a. In step S54, the distribution server 1 transmits the video data identifier received in step S52 to the second terminal 5b and displays it on the chat screen of the second terminal 5b.

[0106] When an operation is input on the video data displayed on the chat screen at the first terminal 5a in step S55, the first terminal 5a executes the operation on the video data in step S56. The first terminal 5a transmits the operation instruction input at step S55 to the distribution server 1 in step S57.

[0107] In step S58, the distribution server 1 transmits the received operation instruction to the second terminal 5b. The second terminal 5b executes the received operation on the video data displayed on the chat screen.

[0108] 8 illustrates a case where the first terminal 5a can directly operate the video data displayed on the chat screen, but this is not limiting. When the first terminal 5a detects an operation on the video data displayed on the chat screen, the first terminal 5a may send an operation instruction to the distribution server 1 without executing the operation. In this case, the distribution server 1 sends the operation instruction to the first terminal 5a, and the first terminal 5a executes the operation instruction sent from the distribution server 1.

[0109] In the first modified example, only the terminal 5 of the person inputting the video determines the operation instructions for the video data and shares them with the other terminals 5. When the first terminal 5a inputs the identifier of the video data, the user of the second terminal 5b cannot instruct the operation for the video data.

[0110] According to the first modification, the video can be played back in the same way on each device, so posts and reactions can be shared in sync with the playback of the action. The first modification can realize a sense of unity among multiple users who share posts.

[0111] (Second Modification) A posting distribution system 10a according to a second modified example will be described with reference to Fig. 9. The posting distribution system 10a shown in Fig. 9 differs in that the distribution server 1a includes an allocation unit 26. The allocation unit 26 allocates attributes of each user. The attributes of each user are, for example, a user ID, a user name, a voice ID, and an icon ID. The allocation unit 26 according to the second modified example can change the allocation of attributes of each user every predetermined period.

[0112] Each user prepares a private key, and the terminal 5 holds the user's private key.

[0113] The allocation unit 26 generates a random number from a private key and a continuous period to which the current time belongs. This period is a period during which the allocation of attributes for each user is changed. This period is assumed to be a period during which the activities of the user under that user ID are known and communication is possible, for example, two weeks. As long as the period to which the current time belongs does not change, the allocation unit 26 can allocate the same attribute to the user from the user's single private key.

[0114] There are several ways to assign each attribute from a random number. A function for calculating each attribute is prepared. The assignment unit 26 inputs the random number into each function, and can identify the user ID, user name, voice ID, and icon ID from the output of each random number.

[0115] For example, the allocation unit 26 inputs a random number into a first function and sets the value obtained therefrom as the user's user ID, inputs the random number into a second function and sets the value obtained therefrom as the user's username, inputs the random number into a third function and sets the value obtained therefrom as the user's voice ID, and inputs the random number into a fourth function and sets the value obtained therefrom as the user's icon ID.

[0116] The first function is, for example, a function that extracts a predetermined number of bits from a random number. The assigning unit 26 assigns the value of the predetermined number of bits output by the first function as a user ID.

[0117] The second function is, for example, a function that outputs the remainder when the value of a predetermined bit of a random number is divided by the number of user names. The distribution server 1a previously stores a table that associates user names that can be assigned to users with IDs of those user names. The assignment unit 26 uses the remainder output by the second function as the user name ID, identifies a user name associated with the user name ID from the table, and assigns the identified user name.

[0118] The third function is, for example, a function that outputs the remainder when a predetermined bit value of a random number is divided by the number of voice models. The distribution server 1a previously stores a table that associates voice models that can be assigned to users with the IDs of those voice models. The assignment unit 26 assigns the remainder output by the third function as a voice ID. Furthermore, the generation unit 71 of the generation device 7 references the table and generates the reading data A using the voice model corresponding to the voice ID.

[0119] The fourth function is, for example, a function that outputs the remainder when a predetermined bit value of a random number is divided by the number of icons. The distribution server 1a previously stores a table that associates icons that can be assigned to users with the IDs of those icons. The assignment unit 26 assigns the remainder output by the fourth function as an icon ID. The distribution unit 24 of the distribution server 1a also refers to the table and distributes an icon corresponding to the icon ID to each terminal 5.

[0120] When a period corresponding to the time when the random number was last generated has elapsed, such as two weeks after the previous random number was generated, the allocation unit 26 can generate a new random number from the user's private key and the period to which the current time belongs, and assign new user attributes from the new random number. At this time, the user does not need to change his or her private key.

[0121] The allocation process of the second modified example will be described with reference to Fig. 10. Note that the allocation method shown in Fig. 10 is an example and is not limited to this.

[0122] In step S301, the allocation unit 26 generates a random number from the private key acquired from the terminal 5 and the time period to which the current time belongs. In step S302, the allocation unit 26 allocates a predetermined number of bits of the random number generated in step S301 to the user ID of the user of the terminal 5.

[0123] In step S303, the allocation unit 26 identifies bits of the random number generated in step S301 other than the bits that were used as the user ID in step S302.

[0124] In step S304, the allocation unit 26 divides the specific bit identified in step S303 by a first value to obtain a first quotient and a first remainder. Here, the first value is the number of user names that can be assigned to the user. The allocation unit 26 identifies a user name to assign to the user from the first remainder.

[0125] In step S305, the allocation unit 26 divides the first quotient by the second value to obtain the second quotient and the second remainder. Here, the second value is the number of voice IDs that can be assigned to the user. The allocation unit 26 identifies the voice ID to be assigned to the user from the second remainder.

[0126] In step S306, the allocation unit 26 divides the second quotient by the third value to obtain the third quotient and the third remainder. Here, the third value is the number of icon IDs. The allocation unit 26 identifies the icon ID to be allocated to the user from the third remainder.

[0127] Once the allocation unit 26 has identified each attribute to be allocated to the user, the process ends.

[0128] In this way, the allocation unit 26 simultaneously updates the user IDs, user names, voice IDs, and icon IDs at regular intervals of every two weeks, thereby enabling the formation of new communities.

[0129] On the other hand, it is also possible that the user continues to use the previous attributes, in which case the user holds the private key and the period to which the attributes they wish to continue are assigned. By inputting the private key and the period to the assignment unit 26, the terminal 5 can enable the assignment unit 26 to continue to use the attributes that the user used in the past.

[0130] (Technology A) obtaining, from a terminal, a private key of a user of said terminal; Generate a random number from the private key and a time period to which the current time belongs; an assignment unit that assigns a value obtained by inputting the random number into a predetermined function to an attribute of the user; Equipped with.

[0131] (Technology B) In Technology A, When the period since the previous random number generation has elapsed, the allocation unit Generate a new random number from the private key and a time period to which the current time belongs; Generate a new attribute from a new random number.

[0132] (Technology C) In Technology A, When the allocation unit acquires the private key and the time from the terminal, A random number is generated from the acquired private key and the period to which the acquired time belongs.

[0133] (Third Modification) In the present disclosure, a case has been described in which the generation device 7 acquires the posted data C of each terminal 5 and generates the read-aloud data A and the schedule data K, and the distribution server 1 generates the read-aloud data A and the schedule data K, but this is not limiting. The schedule data K may also be generated by each terminal 5. The terminal 5 generates the schedule data K on its own and plays back the read-aloud data A in accordance with the generated schedule data K.

[0134] Each terminal 5 inputs post data C to the distribution server 1, and the distribution server 1 generates reading data A from the post data C and the voice ID corresponding to the poster. The distribution server 1 transmits the post data C and the reading data A to each terminal 5.

[0135] When terminal 5 receives posted data C and read-out data A from distribution server 1, it calculates the playback length of read-out data A. Terminal 5 updates the past schedule data held within terminal 5, and sets the identifier of read-out data A received from distribution server 1 in the list of items to be played back in the updated schedule data K.

[0136] The terminal 5 sets the time calculated by a predetermined program as the playback start time of this read-out data A. This predetermined program is shared by each terminal 5 of the posting and distribution system 10. Even if each terminal 5 calculates its own playback start time, each terminal 5 calculates the same time. Since the read-out data A is played back at the same timing on each terminal 5, a sense of unity is realized among multiple users.

[0137] Each of the devices, such as the distribution server 1, generation device 7, and terminal 5, of the present disclosure described above, is implemented as a general-purpose computer system including, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit, processor) 901, a memory 902, a storage 903 (HDD: Hard Disk Drive, SSD: Solid State Drive), a communication device 904, an input device 905, and an output device 906. In this computer system, the CPU 901 executes a program loaded on the memory 902, thereby realizing the functions of each device.

[0138] Each device may be implemented by one computer or by multiple computers, or may be a virtual machine implemented by a computer.

[0139] The programs for each device can be stored on a computer-readable recording medium such as an HDD, SSD, USB (Universal Serial Bus) memory, CD (Compact Disc), or DVD (Digital Versatile Disc), or can be distributed via a network.

[0140] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various modifications are possible within the scope of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0141] 1. Distribution server 5. Terminal 7 Generator 10. Posting and Distribution System 21 Receiving unit 22 Request part 23 Acquisition Department 24 Distribution Department 26 Allocation Section 51 Playback Department 52 Display section 53 Submissions Department 71 Generation part 72 Providing Department A. Reading data C. Posted data K Schedule Data 901 CPU 902 memory 903 Storage 904 Communication equipment 905 Input Device 906 Output Device

Claims

1. a generating unit that generates read-aloud data from posted data posted from a terminal and generates schedule data that associates an identifier of the read-aloud data with a playback start time of the read-aloud data; a distribution unit that distributes the schedule data and the read-out data to each terminal including the terminal; A posting distribution system comprising:

2. The terminal reproduces the read-aloud data at the time specified in the schedule data. The posting distribution system according to claim 1 .

3. The generation unit generates the read-aloud data in a voice corresponding to the user who posted the posted data. The posting distribution system according to claim 1 .

4. The generation unit sets a speed reading mode for the read-out data in the schedule data when the number of read-out data that has not been reproduced on the terminal is equal to or greater than a predetermined number, or when the time until the reproduction start time of the predetermined read-out data is equal to or greater than a predetermined number. The posting distribution system according to claim 1 .

5. The speed reading mode is one or more of increasing the reproduction speed of the read-out data, stopping reproduction when a predetermined time has elapsed from the beginning of the read-out data, and stopping reproduction of part of the read-out data among the plurality of read-out data. The posting distribution system according to claim 4.

6. The generation unit specifies a speed reading mode to be applied to the read-aloud data in an identifier of the read-aloud data of the schedule data. The posting distribution system according to claim 5 .

7. the generation unit includes a generation time of the schedule data in the schedule data; The terminal compares the creation time of the schedule data with the time of the terminal, and if the time of the terminal is later, converts the reproduction start time of the schedule data to a time delayed by a predetermined time, and reproduces the read-out data in accordance with the converted reproduction start time, and if the time of the terminal is earlier, converts the reproduction start time of the schedule data to a time advanced by a predetermined time, and reproduces the read-out data in accordance with the converted reproduction start time. The posting distribution system according to claim 1 .

8. When the reproduction start time of the second read-aloud data arrives while the first read-aloud data is being reproduced, the terminal reproduces the second read-aloud data after the reproduction of the first read-aloud data ends. The posting distribution system according to claim 1 .

9. The distribution unit further distributes posting data corresponding to the reading data, The terminal displays the posted data corresponding to the read-aloud data when the read-aloud data starts to be reproduced. The posting distribution system according to claim 1 .

10. The terminal displays an icon corresponding to the read-aloud data whose playback start time has not yet arrived in the schedule data, and hides an icon corresponding to the read-aloud data that has been played back. The posting distribution system according to claim 1 .

11. the distribution unit, when an identifier of video data is input from a first terminal, distributes the identifier of the video data to a second terminal, and, when an operation instruction for the video data is input at the first terminal, distributes the operation instruction to the second terminal; The second terminal inputs the distributed operation instruction for the video data corresponding to the distributed identifier. The posting distribution system according to claim 1 .

12. The playback start time of the schedule data is calculated from the playback start time and playback duration of the read-aloud data that is played immediately before the read-aloud data. The posting distribution system according to claim 1 .

13. The computer generating read-aloud data from the posted data input from the terminal, and generating schedule data that associates an identifier of the read-aloud data with a playback start time of the read-aloud data; The schedule data and the read-out data are distributed to each terminal including the terminal. Post distribution method.

14. Computer, a generating unit that generates read-aloud data from the posted data input from the terminal and generates schedule data that associates an identifier of the read-aloud data with a playback start time of the read-aloud data; a distribution unit that distributes the schedule data and the read-out data to each terminal including the terminal; A program that functions as a

15. Computer, a generating unit that generates read-aloud data from the posted data input from the terminal and generates schedule data that associates an identifier of the read-aloud data with a playback start time of the read-aloud data; a distribution unit that distributes the schedule data and the read-out data to each terminal including the terminal; A computer-readable recording medium for recording a program that functions as a

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