Information processing device, video distribution method, and video distribution program

Abstract

To encourage users to view a video while communicating with each other.SOLUTION: Video progress changing processing changes the progress of a video displayed on portable terminals 3 registered in a group according to input from the portable terminals 3 registered in the group. This may change the progress of the video played on the portable terminal 3 carried by one user according to input from the portable terminal 3 carried by another user registered in the group. The users are thus expected to view the video while actively communicating with each other. In this manner, the video progress changing processing can encourage the users to view the video while communicating with each other. The video contains objects that the users can choose. The video progress changing processing changes the progress of the video upon selection of an object by the users.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an information processing device, a video distribution method, and a video distribution program. [Background technology]

[0002] In recent years, an increasing number of users are watching videos such as movies, dramas, and animations using portable information processing devices such as smartphones and tablet devices. For this reason, technological developments are underway to enable users to enjoy watching videos more.

[0003] Patent Document 1 discloses a video playback control method that aims to share video in a community consisting of multiple users who are far apart, and to realize a sense of unity as if all the users were gathered in one place and watching the same video together. The video playback control method described in Patent Document 1 preferentially executes playback control commands sent by users with high favorability ratings in the community, based on comment evaluation information given by other users to comments entered by the user. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2003-163911 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] The video playback control method described in Patent Document 1 is intended for a community consisting of multiple users who are far apart, and is not intended for a community in which all users are gathered in close proximity to watch the same video together.

[0006] In other words, there is a need for technological development that allows users to enjoy watching videos more even when they are all gathered in close proximity and watching the same video together.One of the concepts behind this technological development is the new need for users who are gathered in close proximity to be able to watch videos while communicating with each other.

[0007] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above circumstances, and aims to provide an information processing device, a video distribution method, and a video distribution program that can encourage users to watch videos while communicating with each other. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] In order to solve the above problems, the information processing device, video distribution method, and video distribution program of the present invention employ the following means.

[0009] In order to solve the above problem, an "information processing device" which is one aspect of the present invention is an information processing device which distributes video data to a plurality of information processing terminals, and is equipped with a group registration means which accepts registration of a group consisting of a plurality of information processing terminals located in close proximity, a video data distribution means which distributes the video data to the plurality of information processing terminals registered as the group, and a progress change means which changes the progress of the video displayed on the information processing terminal in accordance with input from the information processing terminal.

[0010] In order to solve the above problem, one aspect of the present invention, a "video distribution method," is a video distribution method for distributing video data to a plurality of information processing terminals, and includes a first step of accepting registration of a group consisting of a plurality of information processing terminals located in close proximity, a second step of distributing the video data to the plurality of information processing terminals registered as the group, and a third step of changing the progress of the video displayed on the information processing terminal in accordance with input from the information processing terminal.

[0011] In order to solve the above problem, one aspect of the present invention, a "video distribution program," causes a computer to function as a group registration means for accepting registration of a group consisting of multiple information processing terminals located in close proximity, a video data distribution means for distributing video data to the multiple information processing terminals registered as the group, and a progress change means for changing the progress of the video displayed on the information processing terminal in accordance with input from the information processing terminal.

[0012] Various technical limitations may be imposed on the above-mentioned "information processing device," as exemplified below. Furthermore, technical limitations of the same nature may be imposed on the processing steps executed by the "video distribution method" or the functions of the "video distribution program."

[0013] The moving image includes an object selectable by a user, and the progress changing means changes the progress of the moving image in response to the user's selection of the object.

[0014] The progress change means causes the information processing terminal to repeatedly display a predetermined period of the moving image until the object is selected by the user.

[0015] The progress change means causes the information processing terminal to display, as the repeatedly displayed moving image, a moving image that prompts the user to select the object.

[0016] The progress change means causes some of the information processing terminals registered as the group to display the moving image that prompts the user to select the object.

[0017] The progress change means increases the number of information processing terminals that display the animation that prompts the user to select the object each time the number of repetitions of the animation increases.

[0018] When the object is selected on at least one of the information processing terminals registered as the group, the progress changing means changes the progress of the animation in accordance with the selection of the object.

[0019] When the object is selected in all of the information processing terminals registered as the group, the progress changing means changes the progress of the video in accordance with the selection of the object.

[0020] When a plurality of the objects are displayed, the progress changing means changes the progress of the video in accordance with the object selected by the most or least number of users in the group.

[0021] A plurality of options that the user can select are displayed on the information processing terminal, and the progress changing means changes the progress of the video in accordance with the option selected by the user.

[0022] The progress changing means changes the progress of the video in accordance with the option selected by the most or least number of users in the group.

[0023] A plurality of options indicating correct and incorrect answers are displayed on some of the information processing terminals registered as the group, and hints for deriving the correct answer are displayed on other information processing terminals registered as the group, and the progress changing means changes the progress of the video in accordance with the option selected by the user.

[0024] The hint differs for each of the information processing terminals on which it is displayed.

[0025] The information processing device includes a detection means for detecting a communication state of a user via the information processing terminal, and a state processing means for performing processing in accordance with the communication state detected by the detection means.

[0026] The communication state is the sound of the audio-visual environment of the information processing terminal.

[0027] The state processing means changes the number of progressions that the user can select depending on the communication state.

[0028] The progress changing means changes the progress of the video in response to information other than an input operation by a user to the information processing terminal.

[0029] The information other than the input operation is information indicating the environment in which the user watches the video on the information processing terminal.

[0030] The information processing terminal displays a game image for a user to play a game, and the progress changing means changes the progress of the video image in accordance with the result of the game played by the user.

[0031] The progress changing means changes the progress of the video in the same manner in all of the information processing terminals registered as the group.

[0032] The progress changing means changes the moving image so that the progress differs among some of the information processing terminals registered as the group.

[0033] The progress changing means makes the ending of the video the same for all of the information processing terminals even if the progress of the video differs midway on some of the information processing terminals.

[0034] The group registration means acquires location information of the information processing terminal via the information processing terminal, and registers a plurality of the information processing terminals within a predetermined range as the close distance as a group. [Effects of the Invention]

[0035] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide an effect of encouraging users to watch videos while communicating with each other. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0036] [Figure 1] 1 is a configuration diagram of a video distribution system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of a server according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] 1A to 1C are schematic diagrams illustrating examples of progress changes of a moving image according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] 2 is a functional block diagram relating to a video distribution function of the server according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. [Figure 5] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a video including a hint object according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] 1 is a diagram showing a video including an object suggestion image according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. [Figure 7] 10 is a flowchart showing the flow of a moving image progress change process according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a touch panel display of a mobile terminal on which a selection form is displayed according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9] 10 is a flowchart showing the flow of a moving image progress change process according to the second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a touch panel display of a mobile terminal on which a selection form or a hint form is displayed according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a functional block diagram relating to a video distribution function of a server according to a third embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 12] 10 is a flowchart showing the flow of communication status processing according to the third embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 13] FIG. 10 is a functional block diagram relating to a video distribution function of a server according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 14] 13 is a flowchart showing the flow of a moving image progress change process according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0037] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS An information processing device, a video distribution method, and a video distribution program according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0038] [1. First embodiment] A first embodiment of the present invention will be described below.

[0039] [1-1. Video distribution system configuration] 1 is a schematic diagram of a video distribution system 1 according to this embodiment. The video distribution system 1 includes a communication line 2, a plurality of mobile terminals 3, and a server 4.

[0040] The communication line 2 forms a computer network, and is, for example, a wide area communication line provided by an electric utility company.

[0041] The mobile terminal 3 is, for example, an information processing terminal such as a smartphone, tablet terminal, or laptop computer. The mobile terminal 3 includes a touch panel display 3a for displaying images, a speaker 3b for outputting sound, a microphone 3c for inputting sound, and a camera 3d for capturing images of a subject. In order to play video data distributed from the server 4, dedicated application software, for example, is installed on the mobile terminal 3.

[0042] The server 4 is an information processing device that distributes video data to multiple mobile terminals 3 via the communication line 2. The video data represents video that has a story, such as an anime or drama, and progresses along the story. The server 4 distributes the video data to the mobile terminals 3, for example, by non-live streaming rather than live streaming. The mobile terminals 3 that receive the video data play the video data and display it on the touch panel display 3a, and output sound from the speakers 3b.

[0043] A plurality of mobile terminals 3 to which video data is distributed are located in close proximity and are registered in the server 4 as a group 5 (hereinafter referred to as "group registration"). That is, the plurality of mobile terminals 3 registered in the group display video based on the video data distributed from the server 4 at the same time, in other words, in synchronization, on their touch panel displays 3a. Then, each user of the mobile terminals 3 registered in the group will watch the video at the same time.

[0044] 1, group 5 is made up of four mobile terminals 3, but this is just an example, and there is no limit to the number of mobile terminals 3 in group 5 as long as group 5 is made up of a plurality of mobile terminals 3. There is also no limit to the types of mobile terminals 3 that make up group 5, and a mixture of smartphones, tablet terminals, laptop computers, etc. may be present.

[0045] [1-2. Server configuration] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of the server 4 according to this embodiment.

[0046] The server 4 according to this embodiment includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 20, which is a main control unit that controls the overall operation of the server 4, a ROM in which various programs and various data are stored in advance, (Read Only Memory) 22, RAM (Random Access Memory) 24 used as a work area when the CPU 20 executes various programs, and HDD (Hard Disk Drive) 26 as storage means for storing various programs and various data.

[0047] The HDD 26 stores information about the registered group 5 and video data to be distributed to the mobile terminal 3. Note that the storage means is not limited to the HDD 26, and may be, for example, another storage medium such as a semiconductor memory, such as a flash memory.

[0048] Furthermore, the server 4 is equipped with an operation input unit 28 consisting of a keyboard, mouse, etc., which accepts input of various operations, a monitor 30 such as a liquid crystal display device which displays various images, and an external interface 32 which is connected to other information processing devices such as a mobile terminal 3 via the communication line 2 and sends and receives various data to and from the other information processing devices.

[0049] The CPU 20, ROM 22, RAM 24, HDD 26, operation input unit 28, monitor 30, and external interface 32 are electrically connected to one another via a system bus 34. Therefore, the CPU 20 can access the ROM 22, RAM 24, and HDD 26, grasp the operation status of the operation input unit 28, display images on the monitor 30, and transmit and receive various data to and from other information processing devices, etc. via the external interface 32.

[0050] [1-3. Changes in video progression] The server 4 according to this embodiment distributes video data to a plurality of mobile terminals 3 registered as a group, and performs video progression change processing to change the progress of the video displayed on the mobile terminal 3 in accordance with input from the mobile terminal 3.

[0051] FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing an example of how a moving image changes over time.

[0052] In the example of Figure 3, there are multiple branches (branching phases α, β1, β2, β3, γ) at which the video progress changes. In the example of Figure 3, progress A branches to progress B through branching phase α, progress B branches to progress C through branching phases β1, β2, β3, and progress C branches to progress D through branching phase γ.

[0053] The number (types) of progression changes resulting from one branch are not limited. For example, when progression A branches to progression B, it branches into four types (progressions B1 to B4), and when progression B1 changes to progression C, it branches into three types (progressions C1 to C3). Also, while other progressions have branching phases, there may be progressions without branching phases, such as progression B3 to progression C5. Furthermore, even if the intermediate progressions are different, the subsequent progressions may be the same, such as when progressions B1 and B2 become progression C3, or when progressions C1 and C2 become progression D1.

[0054] It should be noted that the video progress change process according to this embodiment changes the progress of the video in the same manner on all of the mobile terminals 3 registered in the group.

[0055] [1-4. Server video streaming function] FIG. 4 is a functional block diagram relating to the video distribution function of the server 4 according to this embodiment.

[0056] The CPU 20 of the server 4 includes a group registration unit 40, a video data distribution unit 42, and a video progress change unit 44. Each function of the CPU 20 is realized by a program stored in the HDD .

[0057] The group registration unit 40 accepts registration of a group 5 made up of a plurality of mobile terminals 3 located in close proximity.

[0058] The group registration unit 40, for example, acquires location information of the mobile terminal 3 via the mobile terminal 3, and registers a plurality of mobile terminals 3 that are within a predetermined range as a close distance (for example, within 10 m, hereinafter referred to as a "close distance range") as a group 5. Note that a user ID (identification) is also acquired together with the location information of the mobile terminal 3. The user ID is used as an ID to be entered into a login screen when the user receives a video distribution service.

[0059] Whether or not there is a mobile terminal 3 in the close range can be determined by, for example, one mobile terminal 3 designated as a host. (hereinafter referred to as the "host terminal") is located within a diameter of 10 m, and this is determined based on whether or not the mobile terminals 3 located within the close distance range are within the close distance range. More specifically, the host mobile terminal 3 first logs in to the video distribution service, which initiates the registration of the group 5, and the other mobile terminals 3 then apply for permission to join the registered group 5. The host terminal determines whether or not to grant the permission request from the other mobile terminals 3, and the group registration unit 40 determines whether or not the distance between the host terminal and the other mobile terminals 3 is within the close distance range.

[0060] Only when the group registration unit 40 determines that the other portable terminal 3 is within the close distance range, does the group registration unit 40 permit the other portable terminal 3 to be registered in the group 5, following the permission of the host terminal. On the other hand, when it determines that the other portable terminal 3 is not within the close distance range, the group registration unit 40 does not permit the other portable terminal 3 to be registered in the group 5, even if the host terminal gives permission.

[0061] The group registration unit 40 may register the group 5 only by registering the user ID without acquiring the location information of the portable terminal 3. In this case, whether or not permission is granted to the request for permission from the other portable terminal 3 is determined only by the host terminal.

[0062] The video data distribution unit 42 distributes video data to a plurality of mobile terminals 3 registered in a group. As an example, the video data distribution unit 42 distributes video data to all of the mobile terminals 3 registered in the group. Note that the distribution of video data is performed by streaming playback, as an example.

[0063] The video progress changing unit 44 performs video progress change processing to change the progress of the video displayed on the mobile terminal 3 in response to an input from the mobile terminal 3. More specifically, when the server 4 receives information related to a change in the progress of the video (progress change information) transmitted from the mobile terminal 3, the video progress changing unit 44 reads video data corresponding to the progress change information from the HDD 26. Then, the video progress changing unit 44 outputs a distribution instruction to the video data distribution unit 42 to distribute the read video data. Note that the progress change information may be transmitted to the server 4 by each mobile terminal 3 individually, or may be transmitted to the server 4 by each mobile terminal 3 registered in a group via a host terminal, for example.

[0064] [1-5. Video Progression Change Processing According to This Embodiment] The video progress change process according to this embodiment changes the progress of the video displayed on a mobile terminal 3 registered in a group in accordance with input (progress change information) from the mobile terminal 3 registered in the group. As a result, the progress of the video played on the user's own mobile terminal 3 may change in accordance with input from the mobile terminal 3 of another user registered in the group. Therefore, it is expected that users will watch the video while actively communicating with each other. In this way, the video progress change process according to this embodiment can encourage users to watch the video while communicating with each other.

[0065] Furthermore, the video according to this embodiment includes an object that can be selected by the user. In the video progress change process according to this embodiment, the progress of the video is changed when an object is selected by the user. In other words, the object is a hint for changing the progress of the video, and will be referred to as a hint object in the following description.

[0066] The video progression change process may, for example, stop the progression of the video until the user selects a hint object, or may change the progression of the video depending on whether or not the user has selected a hint object.

[0067] FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a hint object 50 included in a video according to this embodiment. FIG. 5 shows a part of a video displayed on the touch panel display 3a of the mobile terminal 3, and a painting 50A and a person 50B correspond to the hint objects 50. The user selects the hint object 50 by operating (touching, swiping, etc.) the position on the touch panel display 3a that corresponds to the hint object 50. Then, the video progress change process according to this embodiment changes the progress of the video in accordance with the user's selection of the hint object 50. That is, the mobile terminal 3 transmits information indicating the hint object 50 selected by the user to the server 4 as progress change information.

[0068] In this way, the playback time period of the video including the hint object 50 corresponds to the branch phase described with reference to Fig. 2. In Fig. 5, the branch phase includes multiple hint objects 50, but the branch phase may include only one hint object 50.

[0069] As an example, the video progress change process according to this embodiment pauses the video progress at a scene where the user can select a hint object 50 during the playback time period of the branching phase. The user searches for and selects the hint object 50 while the video is paused. However, this is not limiting, and the video progress change process does not need to pause the video when allowing the user to select the hint object 50. If the video progress is not paused, the user will search for and select the hint object 50 simultaneously with the video progress.

[0070] Moreover, as an example, the video data including the hint object 50 is obtained by superimposing a first layer for displaying a video on a second layer for displaying the hint object 50. In other words, if the video does not include any hint object 50 that can be selected by the user, the video data does not include a second layer.

[0071] In the video progression change process, when a plurality of hint objects 50 are included in the same scene, the video progression is changed depending on the selected hint object 50. However, this is not limited to this, and the video progression may be the same even when the user selects different hint objects 50. For example, when three hint objects 50 are included, the video progression is the same even when the user selects two different hint objects 50, and the video progression is different when the user selects another hint object 50. Furthermore, when a plurality of hint objects 50 are included in the same scene, the video progression may be changed when not only one but a plurality of predetermined hint objects 50 are selected.

[0072] Furthermore, the video progress change process may change the progress of the video in accordance with the selection of the hint object 50 when the hint object 50 is selected on at least one of the mobile terminals 3 registered in the group.

[0073] In this way, the video progress change process according to this embodiment changes the progress of the video in response to the user's selection of the hint object 50, thereby encouraging users to watch the video while communicating with each other.

[0074] [1-6. Loop Playback] The hint objects 50 are set in advance to suit the progress of the video, but some users may not know which hint object 50 to select even when the video reaches a branching phase. As a result, the user may not select any hint object 50 by the end of the playback time period of the branching phase, and in the case of video playback in which the video does not progress unless the user selects a hint object 50, the progress of the video will stop.

[0075] In such a case, the video progression change process performs loop playback in which a predetermined period of the video is repeatedly displayed on the mobile terminal 3 until the hint object 50 is selected by the user. Note that the predetermined period is a playback time period of the video corresponding to the branching phase in this embodiment. That is, the branching phase is loop-played until the hint object 50 is selected via the mobile terminal 3.

[0076] 6(A), a video (video including images 52A and 52B) that prompts the user to select a hint object 50 is displayed on the mobile terminal 3 as a video to be played in a loop. The images 52A and 52B are object suggestion images 52 that suggest an operation method for the hint object 50 that the user can select.

[0077] The object suggestion image 52 may change as the number of times loop playback increases. For example, as shown in Fig. 6(B), the content of the operation performed by the user on the touch panel display 3a (for example, the direction of a swipe) is displayed. For example, in the first loop playback, video data including the object suggestion image 52 shown in Fig. 6(A) is delivered from the server 4 to the mobile terminal 3, and in the second loop playback, video data including the object suggestion image 52 shown in Fig. 6(B) is delivered from the server 4 to the mobile terminal 3.

[0078] In this way, when the hint object 50 is not selected by the user and the progress of the video stops, loop playback is performed, so that the user can reliably select the hint object 50. Note that Figures 6(A) and (B) are merely examples, and the object suggestion image 52 does not have to be an arrow, a letter, or the like, and need not be direct as long as it suggests the hint object 50. Furthermore, the video progress change process may cause the mobile terminal 3 to play a sound (voice or sound effect) suggesting the hint object 50 together with the video corresponding to the branching phase, instead of or together with the object suggestion image 52.

[0079] Furthermore, the video progression change process may perform loop playback on some of the mobile terminals 3 registered in a group. In this case, the video progression change process may increase the number of mobile terminals 3 performing loop playback each time the number of times the video is repeated increases. For example, in the first loop playback, the video shown in FIG. 6(A) is displayed on one mobile terminal 3. Then, in the second loop playback, the video shown in FIG. 6(A) or FIG. 6(B) is displayed on two mobile terminals 3.

[0080] On the other hand, for mobile terminals 3 that are not performing loop playback, the progress of the video is stopped, so a message is displayed encouraging the user to watch another user's mobile terminal 3 that is performing loop playback. In this way, the video progress change process can more strongly encourage users to watch the video while communicating with each other.

[0081] [1-7. Flow of video progress change processing according to this embodiment] 7 is a flowchart showing the flow of video progression change processing according to this embodiment, which is executed by the CPU 20 included in the server 4. A program for executing the video progression change processing is stored in advance in a predetermined area of ​​the HDD 26. The video progression change processing is executed, for example, when the video reaches a branching phase.

[0082] First, in step 100, the video progression change unit 44 determines whether the playback of the video has reached a branching phase, and if the determination is affirmative, the process proceeds to step 102. Whether the video has reached a branching phase is determined by whether the video data delivery unit 42 has transmitted video data corresponding to the branching phase to the mobile terminal 3.

[0083] In step 102, the video progression change unit 44 determines whether or not the hint object 50 has been selected within the time of the branching phase, and if the determination is affirmative, the process proceeds to step 106, and if the determination is negative, the process proceeds to step 104. Whether or not the hint object 50 has been selected is determined by whether or not the server 4 has received progress change information from the mobile terminal 3.

[0084] In step 104, the video progression changing unit 44 outputs a video data distribution instruction to the video data distribution unit 42 so that loop playback of the branching phase is performed on the mobile terminal 3, and the process returns to step 102. The video data distribution unit 42 transmits video data to the mobile terminal 3 according to the number of loop playbacks.

[0085] In step 106, the video progress changing unit 44 outputs a video data distribution instruction to the video data distribution unit 42 in accordance with the hint object 50 selected by the user.

[0086] As described above, the video progression change process according to this embodiment registers a group 5 made up of a plurality of mobile terminals 3 located in close proximity, and distributes video data to the plurality of mobile terminals 3 registered as the group 5. Then, the video progression change process changes the progress of the video displayed on the mobile terminal 3 in accordance with input from the mobile terminal 3. In this way, the video progression change process according to this embodiment can encourage users to watch the video while communicating with each other.

[0087] Furthermore, in the video progression change process according to this embodiment, a hint object 50 that can be selected by the user is included in the video, and the progress of the video is changed in accordance with the user's selection of the hint object 50. Therefore, the video progression change process according to this embodiment can tell the user the hint object 50 that he or she has selected, or can encourage users to watch the video while communicating with each other in order to find out the hint objects 50 that other users have selected.

[0088] Note that the video progress change process according to the present embodiment may change the progress of the video in accordance with the selection of the hint object 50 when the hint object 50 is selected on all of the mobile terminals 3 among the mobile terminals 3 registered in a group. This makes it necessary for other users who have already selected the hint object 50 to prompt users who have not yet selected the hint object 50 to make a selection. Therefore, the video progress change process can encourage users to communicate with each other while watching the video.

[0089] Furthermore, in the video progress change process according to the present embodiment, when a plurality of hint objects 50 are displayed in a branch phase, the video progress changes, for example, according to the hint object 50 selected earliest. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the video progress may also be changed according to the hint object 50 selected by the most or least number of users in the group 5. That is, the video progress may change based on a majority or minority vote on the selection of the hint object 50. This requires the user to pay attention to the selections of other users when deciding on the hint object 50 that is thought to correspond to the branch that the user wants to view. Therefore, the video progress change process can encourage users to watch the video while communicating with each other.

[0090] Furthermore, when there are multiple hint objects 50 selected by the user, for example, the hint object 50 decided by the users through discussion may be transmitted to the server 4 via the host terminal, and the video progression change processing may change the video progression according to the hint object 50 transmitted from the host terminal.

[0091] Furthermore, in the video progression change process, when there are multiple hint objects 50 selected by the user, one hint object 50 may be randomly selected from the multiple selected hint objects 50, and the video progression may be changed according to the selected hint object 50.

[0092] Furthermore, the video progression change process may proceed by a predetermined branch without looping the branch phase even if the user does not select the hint object 50 before the branch phase ends, or may proceed by randomly determining a branch.

[0093] [2. Second Embodiment] A second embodiment of the present invention will now be described.

[0094] The configurations of the video distribution system 1 and the server 4 according to this embodiment are the same as those of the video distribution system 1 and the server 4 according to the first embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, and therefore a description thereof will be omitted.

[0095] [2-1. Video Progression Change Processing According to This Embodiment] 8, a selection form 62A including a plurality of options 60 selectable by the user is displayed on the touch panel display 3a of the group-registered mobile terminal 3 according to this embodiment. The video progress changing unit 44 included in the server 4 changes the progress of the video in accordance with the option 60 selected by the user via the selection form 62A.

[0096] In the video progress change process according to this embodiment, when the progress of the video reaches a branching phase, for example, the video is stopped and a selection form 62A is displayed on all mobile terminals 3 registered in the group. The user then selects one of the options 60 included in the selection form 62A. The mobile terminal 3 transmits information indicating the selected option 60 to the server 4 as progress change information.

[0097] When the server 4 receives progress change information indicating the options 60 selected by users from all mobile terminals 3, the video progress change unit 44 according to this embodiment changes the progress of the video according to the option 60 selected by the most users in the group 5. That is, users bet on the option 60 they want to watch, and the progress of the video is determined by majority vote. This requires users to pay attention to the selections of other users when deciding on the option 60 they want to watch. Therefore, the video progress change process according to this embodiment can encourage users to watch videos while communicating with each other.

[0098] The video progress changing unit 44 may change the progress of the video in accordance with the option 60 selected by the fewest users in the group 5. In other words, the users decide the progress of the video by minority vote.

[0099] The time for which the selection form 62A is displayed in the branching phase (hereinafter referred to as the "form display time") may be predetermined, for example, to three minutes. The mobile terminal 3 of a user who has not selected an option 60 within the form display time may transmit progress change information indicating a randomly selected option 60 to the server 4. However, this is not limited to this, and the form display time may not be set and the selection form 62A may be displayed until all users of the mobile terminals 3 have selected an option 60.

[0100] Furthermore, the option 60 selected by the user may be changeable within the form display time or until the last user selects an option 60.

[0101] The selection process of the user for the selection form 62A may be displayed on the mobile terminal 3 of the other user. For example, if a user selects option 60 "1", the number of the selected option 60 is displayed on the mobile terminal 3 of the other user along with the user ID. Also, if a user selects option 60 "1" and then changes the selection to "2", the change in the selection of option 60 from "1" to "2" is displayed on the mobile terminal 3 of the other user along with the user ID.

[0102] The selection form may be displayed multiple times while the video is playing. When the selection form is displayed multiple times, for example, the content of the options 60 will be different each time the selection form is displayed.

[0103] Furthermore, the server 4 may tally the options 60 selected by users for each group 5. The tallying results may then be made available to users via the mobile terminal 3. For example, the server 4 may distribute statistics on the selection results (popularity of the options 60) of group 5, which have already finished watching the same video, and other users of group 5 may view the selection results, thereby understanding which options 60 are more popular or less popular, and reflecting this in their own selections.

[0104] Furthermore, the video progression change process may have a comment function for the options 60, allowing the user to input comments for the options 60. This allows other users in group 5 to refer to the comments and reflect them in their own selections.

[0105] [2-2. Flow of video progress change processing according to this embodiment] 9 is a flowchart showing the flow of the video progression change processing according to this embodiment, which is executed by the CPU 20 of the server 4. A program for executing the video progression change processing is stored in advance in a predetermined area of ​​the HDD 26. The video progression change processing is executed, for example, when the video reaches a branching phase.

[0106] First, in step 200, the moving image progress changing unit 44 determines whether or not the playback of the moving image has reached a branching phase.

[0107] In step 202, the moving image progress changing unit 44 stops the progress of the moving image and causes the mobile terminal 3 to display the selection form 62A.

[0108] In step 204, the video progress change unit 44 determines whether or not it has received progress change information indicating the option 60 selected by the user from all mobile terminals 3, and if the determination is positive, it proceeds to step 206, and if the determination is negative, it waits until it has received progress change information from all mobile terminals 3.

[0109] In step 206, the moving image progress changing unit 44 outputs a moving image data distribution instruction to the moving image data distribution unit 42 in order to progress the moving image according to the most frequently selected option 60.

[0110] As described above, the video progress change process according to this embodiment displays a selection form 62A including a plurality of options 60 on the mobile terminal 3, and changes the progress of the video according to the option 60 selected by the user. This requires the user to pay attention to the selections of other users when deciding on the option 60 that they want to watch. This makes it possible for the video progress change process according to this embodiment to encourage users to watch the video while communicating with each other.

[0111] [2-3. Other Selection Forms] Other forms of the selection form 62A will be described below.

[0112] As shown in FIG. 10, when the playback of the video reaches a branching phase, the progress of the video stops, and a selection form 62B having a plurality of options 62 indicating correct and incorrect answers is displayed on some of the mobile terminals 3 registered in the group (FIG. 10(A)). On the other hand, on the other mobile terminals 3 (FIG. 10 In (B) to (D)), a hint form 66 showing a hint 64 for deriving the correct answer is displayed. That is, like a quiz, the user selects an option 62 while referring to the hint 64 displayed on the mobile terminal 3 of another user. In this way, the video progress change process according to this embodiment can encourage users to watch the video while communicating with each other.

[0113] Then, the moving image progress changing unit 44 changes the progress of the moving image in accordance with the option 62 selected by the user via the selection form 62B.

[0114] As an example, the hint 64 displayed on the other mobile terminals 3 is different for each mobile terminal 3. In other words, the users of the mobile terminals 3 registered in a group need to select the correct option 62 while showing each other the options 62 and hints 64 displayed on their mobile terminals 3.

[0115] Note that, "the hint 64 is different for each mobile terminal 3" does not necessarily mean that the hint 64 is different for all mobile terminals 3, but the hint 64 may be the same for some mobile terminals 3. For example, if three hints 64 are prepared and there are five mobile terminals 3 registered in a group, one mobile terminal 3 displays the selection form 62B and four mobile terminals 3 display the hint form 66, and two of these four display the same hint 64. Also, for example, if three hints 64 are prepared and there are three mobile terminals 3 registered in a group, one of the two mobile terminals 3 displaying the hint form 66 displays two hints 64.

[0116] Furthermore, even if three hints 64 are prepared, the number of hints 64 displayed on the mobile terminal 3 may increase each time an incorrect answer option 62 is selected, such that only two hints 64 are displayed the first time and three hints 64 are displayed the second time after an incorrect answer option 62 is selected.

[0117] Furthermore, when an incorrect answer option 62 is selected via the selection form 62B, the video progress changing unit 44 may change the progress of the video to correspond to the selected option 62 even if it is an incorrect answer, and then progress the video so that it reaches a branching phase that again displays the selection form 62B and the hint form 66. However, without being limited to this, when an incorrect answer option 62 is selected, the video progress changing unit 44 may display in the selection form 62B that the selection is incorrect, and keep the video progression stopped until the user selects the correct answer option 62.

[0118] Furthermore, the video progress changing unit 44 according to the present embodiment may display the selection forms 62A, 62B and the hint form 66 on the mobile terminal 3 without stopping the video. In this case, the user selects the options 60, 62 while the video is progressing.

[0119] 3. Third Embodiment A third embodiment of the present invention will now be described.

[0120] The configurations of the video distribution system 1 and the server 4 according to this embodiment are the same as those of the video distribution system 1 and the server 4 according to the first embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, and therefore a description thereof will be omitted.

[0121] [3-1. Server video streaming function] Fig. 11 is a functional block diagram relating to the video distribution function of the server 4 according to this embodiment. Note that the same components in Fig. 11 as those in Fig. 4 are denoted by the same reference numerals as in Fig. 4, and their description will be omitted.

[0122] The CPU 20 of the server 4 according to this embodiment includes a group registration unit 40, a video data distribution unit 42, and a video progress change unit 44, as well as a communication state detection unit 46 and a communication state processing unit 48.

[0123] The communication state detection unit 46 detects the communication state of the user via the mobile terminal 3. The communication state is, for example, the sound of the audio-visual environment of the mobile terminal 3. That is, the mobile terminal 3 transmits sound information indicating the sound of the audio-visual environment input to the microphone 3c to the server 4. The mobile terminal 3 that detects the sound of the audio-visual environment is, for example, a host terminal. Then, the communication state detection unit 46 according to this embodiment detects the volume of the sound information as the communication state.

[0124] It should be noted that there is a possibility that the sound of the video being played may also be input to the microphone 3c. Therefore, the mobile terminal 3 may cancel the video sound from the sound information acquired by the microphone 3c by superimposing sound information that is in the opposite phase to the video sound on the sound information acquired by the microphone 3c. Furthermore, the mobile terminal 3 may cancel not only the video sound but also noise around the mobile terminal 3. Examples of noise include the sound of cars running and trains.

[0125] The communication state processing unit 48 performs processing according to the communication state detected by the communication state detection unit 46 .

[0126] As an example, the communication state processing unit 48 according to the present embodiment changes the number of progressions that the user can select (hereinafter referred to as the "selectable progression number") depending on the communication state. For example, the communication state processing unit 48 sets a threshold value in advance and changes the selectable progression number depending on whether the value indicating the communication state is equal to or greater than this threshold value. Specifically, when the volume detected by the communication state detection unit 46 is greater than a first threshold value, the communication state processing unit 48 increases the selectable progression number, whereas when the volume is equal to a second threshold value that is smaller than the first threshold value, the communication state processing unit 48 decreases the selectable progression number.

[0127] As an example, the selectable progress number is the above-mentioned hint objects 50 or options 60. When this embodiment is applied to the first embodiment, the number of hint objects 50 displayed on the mobile terminal 3 increases or decreases. When this embodiment is applied to the second embodiment, the number of options 60 included in the selection form 62A increases or decreases. Furthermore, the quiz-style options 62 included in the selection form 62B may decrease when the volume is greater than a first threshold and increase when the volume is less than a second threshold. Furthermore, the number of hints 64 displayed in the hint form 66 may increase or decrease.

[0128] The video data delivery unit 42 according to this embodiment delivers video data to the mobile terminal 3 according to the change in the selectable progress number determined by the communication state processing unit 48.

[0129] [3-2. Communication status detection process flow] 12 is a flowchart showing the flow of the communication state detection process executed in the video progress change process. A program for executing the communication state detection process is stored in advance in a predetermined area of ​​the HDD 26. The communication state detection process is executed, for example, when the video reaches a branching phase.

[0130] First, in step 300, the moving image progress changing unit 44 determines whether or not the playback of the moving image has reached a branching phase.

[0131] In step 302, the communication state detection unit 46 detects the volume of the audio-visual environment as the communication state. The communication state detection unit 46 detects the volume for a predetermined time (for example, one minute) after the branching phase is reached, for example.

[0132] In the next step 304, the communication state processing unit 48 determines whether the detected volume is equal to or greater than the first threshold value. If the determination is affirmative, the process proceeds to step 306; if the determination is negative, the process proceeds to step 308.

[0133] In step 306, the communication state processing unit 48 increases or decreases the selectable progress number, and then ends the communication state detection process.

[0134] In step 308, the communication state processing unit 48 determines whether the detected volume is equal to or less than the second threshold value, and if the determination is affirmative, proceeds to step 310, and if the determination is negative, terminates the communication state detection process.

[0135] In step 310, the communication state processing unit 48 increases or decreases the selectable progress number, and then ends the communication state detection process. If the selectable progress number is increased in step 306, the selectable progress number is decreased in step 310. On the other hand, if the selectable progress number is decreased in step 306, the selectable progress number is increased in step 310.

[0136] If the determination is negative in step 304 and step 308, the detected volume exceeds the second threshold and is less than the first threshold, in which case the communication state detection process does not increase or decrease the selectable progress number.

[0137] As described above, the video progression change unit 44 according to this embodiment detects the communication state of the user via the mobile terminal 3 and performs processing according to the detected communication state, thereby encouraging users to watch videos while communicating with each other.

[0138] Note that, although the communication state detection unit 46 in this embodiment detects the volume of the viewing environment, this is not limited thereto. The communication state detection unit 46 may detect the number of people conversing by receiving sound input from the microphone 3c of each mobile terminal 3, and use the number of people conversing as the communication state.

[0139] Furthermore, when the volume is equal to or less than the second threshold, the communication state processing unit 48 may notify the user (for example, display a message) to encourage the user to actively communicate with other users. Furthermore, when the volume is equal to or less than the second threshold, the communication state processing unit 48 may display the selection results of other groups 5 on the user's mobile terminal 3.

[0140] [4. Fourth Embodiment] A fourth embodiment of the present invention will now be described.

[0141] The video progress change process according to this embodiment changes the progress of the video in accordance with information (hereinafter referred to as "terminal detection information") other than the user's input operation on the mobile terminal 3. That is, the video progress change process according to this embodiment does not change the progress of the video in accordance with the user's selection, but automatically changes the progress of the video in accordance with the terminal detection information.

[0142] The configurations of the video distribution system 1 and the server 4 according to this embodiment are the same as those of the video distribution system 1 and the server 4 according to the first embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, and therefore a description thereof will be omitted.

[0143] [4-1. Server video streaming function] Fig. 13 is a functional block diagram relating to the video distribution function of the server 4 according to this embodiment. Note that the same components in Fig. 13 as those in Fig. 4 are given the same reference numerals as in Fig. 4, and their description will be omitted.

[0144] The CPU 20 of the server 4 according to this embodiment includes a group registration unit 40, a video data distribution unit 42, a video progress change unit 44, and a terminal detection information acquisition unit 49.

[0145] The terminal detection information acquisition unit 49 acquires the terminal detection information transmitted from the mobile terminal 3 via the external interface 32 .

[0146] The terminal detection information is information indicating the environment in which a user watches a video on the mobile terminal 3 (hereinafter referred to as the "viewing environment"), and is, for example, sensor information detected by various sensors provided in the mobile terminal 3, time information indicating the time measured by the mobile terminal 3, etc. The terminal detection information is, for example, transmitted from the host terminal to the server 4.

[0147] The sensor information is, for example, location information acquired by a GPS (Global Positioning System) sensor, in other words, location information indicating the location where the group 5 is located. The sensor information may also be brightness information acquired by the camera 3d, in other words, brightness information of the location where the group 5 is located. Furthermore, the sensor information may also be posture information of the mobile terminal 3 acquired by an acceleration sensor, sound information input to the microphone 3c, etc.

[0148] The terminal detection information acquisition unit 49 may also acquire other information based on the terminal detection information. For example, the terminal detection information acquisition unit 49 acquires the sunrise time and sunset time at the location of the mobile terminal 3 from the location information, or acquires the weather at the location where the mobile terminal 3 is located.

[0149] The video progress changing unit 44 changes the progress of the video to be displayed on the mobile terminal 3 in accordance with the terminal detection information. As a specific example, when the progress of the video reaches a branching phase, the video progress changing unit 44 changes the progress of the video in accordance with location information or time (sunrise time or sunset time), or changes the progress of the video when brightness information is equal to or greater than a predetermined brightness or less than a predetermined brightness.

[0150] In this way, the video progress changing unit 44 according to this embodiment changes the progress of the video in accordance with the terminal detection information. More specifically, when the terminal detection information is a predetermined value (a predetermined range), the video progress changing unit 44 may change the progress of the video to one that is viewable only in this case.

[0151] [4-2. Flow of video progress change processing according to this embodiment] 14 is a flowchart showing the flow of video progression change processing according to this embodiment, which is executed by the CPU 20 of the server 4. A program for executing the video progression change processing is stored in advance in a predetermined area of ​​the HDD 26. The video progression change processing is executed, for example, when the video reaches a branching phase.

[0152] First, in step 400, the moving image progress changing unit 44 determines whether or not the playback of the moving image has reached a branching phase, and if the determination is affirmative, the process proceeds to step 402.

[0153] In step 402, the terminal detection information acquisition unit 49 acquires the terminal detection information transmitted from the mobile terminal 3 via the external interface 32. The terminal detection information acquired in step 402 is predetermined according to the branch phase.

[0154] In the next step 404, the video progress change unit 44 determines whether the terminal detection information acquired in step 402 is within a predetermined value (predetermined range), and if the determination is positive, proceeds to step 406, and if the determination is negative, proceeds to step 408.

[0155] In step 406, in order to progress the video in accordance with the terminal detection information, the video progress change unit 44 outputs a video data distribution instruction to the video data distribution unit 42, and the video progress change process ends.

[0156] In step 408, in order to progress the predetermined video, the video progress change unit 44 outputs a video data distribution instruction to the video data distribution unit 42, and the video progress change process ends. Note that the predetermined video is a video that can be viewed regardless of the terminal detection information.

[0157] As described above, the video progression changing unit 44 according to this embodiment changes the progress of the video in response to information other than the user's input operation on the mobile terminal 3. This allows the user to decide the video viewing environment in consultation with other users. Therefore, the video progression changing unit 44 according to this embodiment can encourage users to watch the video while communicating with each other.

[0158] In the above embodiment, a form in which the progress of the video is automatically changed according to the terminal detection information is described, but this is not limited to this. The number of options 60, 62 included in the selection forms 62A, 62B and the number of hints 64 included in the hint form 66 may be increased or decreased according to the terminal detection information.

[0159] 5. Other Embodiments Although the present invention has been described above using the above-mentioned embodiments, the technical scope of the present invention is not limited to the scope described in the above-mentioned embodiments. Various modifications or improvements can be made to the above-mentioned embodiments without departing from the gist of the invention, and such modifications or improvements are also included in the technical scope of the present invention. Furthermore, the above-mentioned embodiments may be combined as appropriate.

[0160] For example, when the progression of the video reaches a branching phase, a game image for the user to play a game is displayed on the mobile terminal 3, and the video progression change unit 44 may change the progression of the video depending on the result of the game played by the user.

[0161] As a result, the progress of the video being played on the mobile terminals 3 registered in the group changes depending on the game results of the user or other users. Therefore, the video progress change process according to this embodiment can encourage users to watch the video while communicating with each other.

[0162] For example, the host terminal may be the only mobile terminal 3 on which the game image is displayed and only the user of the host terminal plays the game, or the game image may be displayed on all mobile terminals 3 and all users play the game. When game images are displayed on all mobile terminals 3, the video image progress change unit 44 may change the progress of the video when the game result on any one mobile terminal 3 satisfies a predetermined condition, or when the game results on all mobile terminals 3 satisfy a predetermined condition, or when the average value of the game results on all mobile terminals 3 satisfies a predetermined condition.

[0163] Furthermore, the progression of the video may change depending on the result of the game. For example, if all users play the game, the progression of the video may change depending on the best result, the worst result, or the average result.

[0164] In addition, in each of the above embodiments, the video progression change unit 44 changes the video progression in the same way on all of the mobile terminals 3 registered in the group, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the video progression change unit 44 may change the video so that the progression differs on some of the mobile terminals 3 registered in the group.

[0165] This allows a user to watch the video being played on their own mobile terminal 3 while comparing the progress of the video being played on another user's mobile terminal 3. Therefore, the video progress change process according to this embodiment can encourage users to watch the video while communicating with each other.

[0166] Furthermore, the video progression change unit 44 makes the ending of the video the same for all mobile terminals 3 even if the progression of the video differs midway on some of the mobile terminals 3.

[0167] This allows a user to watch a video with the same ending while comparing the progress of the video played on another user's mobile terminal 3. Therefore, the video progress change process according to this embodiment can encourage users to watch videos while communicating with each other.

[0168] Furthermore, a part of the processing performed by the server 4 in each of the above embodiments may be performed by the mobile terminal 3 to which the video is distributed.

[0169] Furthermore, the various processing flows described in each flow explained in each of the above embodiments are also examples, and unnecessary steps may be deleted, new steps may be added, or the processing order may be rearranged within the scope of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0170] 3. Mobile terminals (information processing terminals) 4 Server (information processing device) 5 groups 40 Group registration unit (group registration means) 42 Video data distribution unit (video data distribution means) 44 Video progression change unit (progress change means) 46 Communication state detection unit (state detection means) 48 Communication state processing unit (state processing means) 50 Hint Objects (Objects)

Claims

1. a processor, the processor comprising: The same video is displayed on the first terminal and the second terminal registered in the group, Displaying a plurality of selectable objects for the video on the first terminal; displaying on the second terminal a hint for deriving a correct answer for the plurality of objects; When the user of the first terminal selects a first object that is a correct object from among the plurality of objects, a video corresponding to the first object is displayed, and when the user of the first terminal selects a second object that is an incorrect object from among the plurality of objects, a hint different from the hint is displayed on the second terminal. Information processing device.

2. The processor displays the same video on the first terminal and the second terminal registered in the group; a processor causing the first terminal to display a plurality of selectable objects in the video; a processor causing the second terminal to display hints for deriving the correct answers for the plurality of objects; a processor, when a user of the first terminal selects a first object that is a correct object from among the plurality of objects, causing a video corresponding to the first object to be displayed, and, when a user of the first terminal selects a second object that is an incorrect object from among the plurality of objects, causing a hint different from the hint to be displayed on the second terminal; method.

3. causing the processor to display the same video on the first terminal and the second terminal registered in the group; causing a processor to display a plurality of selectable objects in the video on the first terminal; causing the processor to display on the second terminal a hint for deriving a correct answer for the plurality of objects; a processor that, when a user using the first terminal selects a first object that is a correct object from among the plurality of objects, displays a video corresponding to the first object, and, when a user using the first terminal selects a second object that is an incorrect object from among the plurality of objects, displays a hint different from the hint on the second terminal; program.

4. A system comprising a plurality of terminals including a first terminal and a second terminal, and an information processing device that communicates with the plurality of terminals via a network, The information processing device includes: The same video is displayed on the first terminal and the second terminal registered in the group, displaying on the first terminal a plurality of user-selectable objects related to the video; displaying on the second terminal a hint for deriving a correct answer for the plurality of objects; When a selection of a first object that is a correct object from the plurality of objects is received from the first terminal, a video corresponding to the first object is displayed, and when a selection of a second object that is an incorrect object from the plurality of objects is received, a hint different from the hint is displayed on the second terminal. system.

Images