System, method, and program

Abstract

To solve a problem of a distribution system including a plurality of reception terminals in which a processing load may be increased because determining whether or not a condition shown in display policy information is satisfied for all reception terminals to be a distribution destination is necessary.SOLUTION: An information processing system comprises: one or a plurality of servers; a distribution terminal for distributing an image; and a plurality of reception terminals for receiving the image. The distribution terminal acquires display policy information and transmits the display policy information and the image. The one or the plurality of servers transmit the display policy information and filter the distribution of the image. Each of the plurality of reception terminals determines whether or not to be capable of displaying the image on the basis of the display policy information. The one or the plurality of servers cancel the filtering when it is shown on the basis of a determination result that display of the image is possible.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a system, a method, and a program. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent document 1 (JP 2017-4548 A) discloses a system that acquires the age of a user operating an information processing terminal and determines whether the acquired age is equal to or greater than a target age that is preset for each application executed on the information processing terminal. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2017-4548 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In recent years, advances in communication technology have led to the development of systems that allow multiple information processing terminals to exchange various types of data. For example, there is a distribution system that distributes images of an application running on one information processing terminal to other information processing terminals in real time. In such a distribution system, images of an application running on one distribution terminal may be distributed to multiple receiving terminals.

[0005] An application may have conditions that indicate whether the application can be executed by an information processing terminal. In the distribution system described above, it is necessary to determine whether the image can be displayed not only on the distribution terminal that executes the application but also on multiple receiving terminals that are the distribution destinations. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] (Configuration 1) A system according to one embodiment is an information processing system comprising one or more servers, a distribution terminal that distributes images of a running application via the one or more servers, and a plurality of receiving terminals that receive the images distributed by the distribution terminal. The distribution terminal acquires display policy information of the running application and transmits the display policy information and the images to the one or more servers, the one or more servers transmit the display policy information to each of the plurality of receiving terminals while filtering the distribution of the images, each of the plurality of receiving terminals determines whether or not it is possible to display the image based on the display policy information acquired from the one or more servers and transmits the determination result to the one or more servers, and the one or more servers cancel the filter for each of the plurality of receiving terminals that is indicated to be able to display the image by the determination result.

[0007] (Configuration 2) In configuration 1, the display policy information includes information about age restrictions, and the distribution terminal acquires, from the application, the information about age restrictions included in the application.

[0008] (Configuration 3) In configuration 2, each of the multiple receiving terminals determines whether or not an image can be displayed based on the youngest age information among the age information associated with one or more accounts associated with the receiving terminal and display policy information obtained from one or more servers.

[0009] (Configuration 4) In any of configurations 1 to 3, the display policy information includes information about the country, and the distribution terminal acquires, from one or more servers, the information about the country corresponding to the application being executed.

[0010] (Configuration 5) In any of configurations 1 to 4, application identification information for identifying a running application is transmitted to one or more servers, and the one or more servers transmit the application identification information together with display policy information to each of a plurality of receiving terminals, and each of the plurality of receiving terminals transmits the application identification information to one or more servers together with a judgment result based on the display policy information, and the one or more servers release the filter for each receiving terminal that is indicated by the judgment result as being capable of displaying images, and for which the application identification information received from the receiving terminal together with the judgment result matches the application identification information received from the distribution terminal.

[0011] (Configuration 6) In any of configurations 1 to 5, the distribution terminal transmits a predetermined image to one or more servers when starting distribution of the image.

[0012] (Configuration 7) In any of configurations 1 to 6, when the distribution terminal starts distributing a home menu image, it transmits home menu image information to one or more servers indicating that the image to be transmitted is a home menu image, and the one or more servers do not filter the distribution of the home menu image based on the home menu image information.

[0013] (Configuration 8) In configuration 6, when a distribution terminal switches from distributing an image of a running application to distributing a home menu image, and then switches back to distributing an image of the same application as before distributing the home menu image, one or more servers filter the distribution of the image of the application to each of the multiple receiving terminals based on filter information indicating to which receiving terminal the image of the application that the distribution terminal was distributing before distributing the home menu image was filtered.

[0014] (Configuration 9) A method according to one embodiment is a method for using an information processing system to distribute images of an application being executed by a distribution terminal to multiple receiving terminals via one or more servers. The method includes the steps of: causing the distribution terminal to acquire display policy information for the application being executed, causing the one or more servers to transmit the display policy information and the images to a server, causing the one or more servers to transmit the display policy information to each of the multiple receiving terminals while filtering distribution of the images, causing each of the multiple receiving terminals to determine whether or not the image can be displayed based on the display policy information acquired from the one or more servers, causing the one or more servers to transmit the determination result, and causing the one or more servers to cancel the filter for each of the multiple receiving terminals that is indicated to be able to display the image by the determination result.

[0015] (Configuration 10) In configuration 9, the display policy information includes information about age restrictions, and the method further includes the step of causing the distribution terminal to acquire, from the application, the information about the age restrictions included in the application.

[0016] (Configuration 11) In configuration 10, the method further includes a step of causing each of the multiple receiving terminals to determine whether or not an image can be displayed based on the youngest age information among the age information associated with one or more accounts associated with the receiving terminal and display policy information obtained from one or more servers.

[0017] (Configuration 12) In any of configurations 9 to 11, the display policy information includes information about the country, and the method further includes a step of causing the distribution terminal to obtain, from one or more servers, information about the country corresponding to the running application.

[0018] (Configuration 13) In any of configurations 9 to 12, the method further includes the steps of causing the distribution terminal to transmit application identification information that identifies the running application to one or more servers, causing the one or more servers to transmit the application identification information together with display policy information to each of the multiple receiving terminals, causing each of the multiple receiving terminals to transmit the application identification information to one or more servers together with a judgment result based on the display policy information, and causing the one or more servers to cancel filtering for each receiving terminal that has been indicated by the judgment result as being capable of displaying images, and where the application identification information received from the receiving terminal together with the judgment result matches the application identification information received from the distribution terminal.

[0019] (Configuration 14) In any one of configurations 9 to 13, the method further includes a step of causing the distribution terminal to transmit a predetermined image to one or more servers when starting distribution of the image.

[0020] (Configuration 15) In any of configurations 9 to 14, the method further includes a step of, when the distribution terminal starts distributing a home menu image, causing one or more servers to transmit home menu image information indicating that the image to be transmitted is a home menu image, and a step of not filtering the distribution of the home menu image based on the home menu image information.

[0021] (Configuration 16) In configuration 14, the method further includes a step of causing one or more servers to filter the distribution of the image of the application to each of the multiple receiving terminals based on filter information indicating to which receiving terminal the image of the application that the distribution terminal was distributing before distributing the home menu image was filtered, when the distribution terminal switches from distributing an image of a running application to distributing a home menu image and then switches to distributing an image of the same application as before distributing the home menu image.

[0022] (Configuration 17) A program according to one embodiment uses an information processing system to distribute images of an application being executed by a distribution terminal to multiple receiving terminals via one or more servers. The one or more servers have one or more processors, and the program causes the one or more processors to execute the steps of: transmitting display policy information of the application being executed by the distribution terminal to each of the multiple receiving terminals; filtering the distribution of images; and canceling the filter for each of the multiple receiving terminals that is indicated as being able to display the images by the determination result.

[0023] (Configuration 18) In configuration 17, the display policy information includes information regarding age restrictions, and the program further causes the one or more processors to execute a step of receiving, from the distribution terminal, information regarding age restrictions included in the application.

[0024] (Configuration 19) In configuration 17 or configuration 18, the display policy information includes information about the country, and the program further causes one or more processors to perform a step of obtaining information about the country corresponding to the running application from one or more servers.

[0025] (Configuration 20) In any of configurations 17 to 19, the program further causes one or more processors to execute the steps of receiving application identification information from the distribution terminal that identifies an application being executed by the distribution terminal, transmitting the application identification information together with display policy information to each of a plurality of receiving terminals, receiving the application identification information from the receiving terminal together with a judgment result based on the display policy information, and canceling a filter for each receiving terminal that has been indicated by the judgment result as being capable of displaying an image, and for which the application identification information received from the receiving terminal together with the judgment result matches the application identification information received from the distribution terminal. [Effects of the Invention]

[0026] According to the present disclosure, in a system in which an image of an application running on a distribution terminal is distributed from the distribution terminal to multiple receiving terminals, a mechanism can be realized for determining whether the multiple receiving terminals to which the image is to be distributed satisfy the conditions indicated by display policy information predetermined for the application. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0027] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic diagram showing an example of an information processing system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of a management server included in the information processing system according to the present embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a hardware configuration of an image distribution server included in the information processing system according to the present embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a hardware configuration of a game terminal included in the information processing system according to the present embodiment. [Figure 5] 10 is a timing chart for explaining a distribution process. [Figure 6] 10 is a timing chart for explaining processing when transitioning to a menu image. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0028] The present embodiment will be described in detail with reference to the drawings, in which the same or corresponding parts are designated by the same reference numerals and description thereof will not be repeated.

[0029] <Embodiment> [A. Overview] An example of the configuration of information processing system 100 according to the present embodiment will be described. Fig. 1 is a schematic diagram showing an example of information processing system 100 according to the present embodiment. Information processing system 100 is a distribution system that provides a service of distributing application images to game terminals 30A to 30D using a management server Sr1 and an image distribution server Sr2.

[0030] 1, information processing system 100 includes game terminals 30A-30D, a management server Sr1, and an image distribution server Sr2. Game terminals 30A-30D, management server Sr1, and image distribution server Sr2 are configured to be connectable to one another via a network NW. Network NW is typically the Internet.

[0031] Each of game terminals 30A-30D is, as an example, a game-dedicated information processing device for providing a game to a user. In the example of the present embodiment, game terminals 30A, 30B, 30C, and 30D have game applications G1, G2, G3, and G4. Each game application may be downloaded to each game terminal, or may be stored in each game terminal via a recording medium on which the game application is recorded. Hereinafter, each of game terminals 30A-30D will be collectively referred to as "game terminal 30." Furthermore, each of game applications G1-G4 will be collectively referred to simply as "game application G." Note that game terminal 30 may be any general-purpose information processing device capable of at least executing a game. In some aspects, game terminal 30 may be an information processing device such as a smartphone, tablet, or general-purpose PC.

[0032] In information processing system 100, each of game terminals 30A-30D is connected to network NW, and various services are provided to each of game terminals 30A-30D. For example, each of game terminals 30A-30D can download new game applications from an application distribution server (not shown), and can also communicate with other game terminals 30 to play competitive games, etc.

[0033] In information processing system 100 of this embodiment, it is possible for a game terminal 30 to distribute images of a game application being executed to other game terminals 30. More specifically, for example, game terminal 30A can distribute images of the game application G1 being executed to game terminals 30B-30D in real time. This allows users operating game terminals 30B-30D to view, from their own game terminals 30B-30D, how the user of game terminal 30A is playing game application G1.

[0034] The management server Sr1 and the image distribution server Sr2 are servers for providing a distribution service of game application images to the game terminals 30A to 30D. The management server Sr1 is a server that manages the game terminal 30 that serves as the distribution source and multiple game terminals 30 that serve as distribution destinations. Hereinafter, the game terminal 30 that serves as the distribution source will be referred to as the "distribution terminal."

[0035] In the following, game terminal 30 that is the distribution destination will be referred to as the "receiving terminal." That is, the receiving terminal is game terminal 30 that receives images of game application G executed on the distribution terminal and displays the received images to the user operating the receiving terminal. Furthermore, in information processing system 100 in this embodiment, a user can receive distributions from other users while also performing their own distribution.

[0036] In other words, game terminal 30 can act as a distribution terminal to distribute images of the game application G it is running to other game terminals 30, and can simultaneously receive images from other game terminals 30 as a receiving terminal. As an example, game terminals 30A-30D can all be distribution terminals and receiving terminals. In this case, game terminal 30A, for example, can receive images of game application G distributed by game terminals 30B-30D. Game terminal 30A may be able to simultaneously display all game applications G distributed by game terminals 30B-30D, or may be able to switch between displaying them one by one. Game terminal 30A may also be able to simultaneously or switch between displaying images it distributes within network NW on its own terminal.

[0037] The image distribution server Sr2 receives images of the running game application G from the distribution terminal and transmits the images to each of a plurality of receiving terminals. The image distribution server Sr2 identifies, as receiving terminals, game terminals 30 that are in the same virtual room as the distribution terminal 30. For example, when game terminals 30A to 30D are all in the same virtual room and game terminal 30A is performing distribution, the image distribution server Sr2 identifies game terminals 30B, 30C, and 30D as receiving terminals. The virtual room may be created by the user operating game terminal 30A, or may be created by the users of game terminals 30B, 30C, and 30D.

[0038] The image of the distributed game application G may or may not be the same as the image displayed on the display of the game terminal 30 of the distributor while the game application G is running. For example, the image of the distributed game application G may be processed so that a predetermined image is superimposed on it, or the bit rate, frame rate, or image resolution may be changed, compared to the image displayed on the game terminal 30 of the distributor. Even in such a case, it can be said that a video of the game application G running on the game terminal 30 of the distributor is essentially being distributed. Note that the image of the distributed game application G is not limited to a video, and may be a still image.

[0039] 1 shows four game terminals 30A-30D that can function as at least one of a distribution terminal and a receiving terminal. That is, an example is shown in which four game terminals 30A-30D are in a virtual room, and three game terminals 30 function as receiving terminals for distribution from one game terminal 30 functioning as a distribution terminal. Note that the upper limit on the number of game terminals 30 that can be in one virtual room may be several tens, several hundreds, or even more.

[0040] Age policy information may be set for each of game applications G1-G4 being executed by game terminals 30A-30D in information processing system 100. The age policy information is information indicating which age group of users is allowed to execute game application G.

[0041] The age policy information may include, for example, information indicating the age at which the game application G can be executed. For example, the age policy information may be a condition that the game application G can be executed by anyone aged 18 or older.

[0042] Furthermore, country policy information may be set for each of the game applications G1 to G4. The country policy information is information indicating in which countries the content of the game application G may be displayed. The country policy information may be set based on the intentions of the developer or seller of the game application G. The country policy information may include information indicating countries in which the content of the game application G is permitted to be displayed. The information indicating countries may include, for example, at least one of a list of countries in which the content of the game application G is permitted to be displayed and a list of countries in which the content of the game application G is not permitted to be displayed.

[0043] In this way, game application G is associated with information, such as age policy information and country policy information, that indicates whether game application G can be executed and whether the distributed content can be displayed. Hereinafter, information used to determine whether game application G can be executed will be referred to as execution policy information. In other words, execution policy information is information that indicates conditions that determine whether a user can execute game application G. Furthermore, information used to determine whether the distribution of game application G can be displayed will be referred to as display policy information. Note that, as will be described later, in this embodiment, age policy information is used as both execution policy information and display policy information. On the other hand, country policy information is not used as execution policy information, but is used only as display policy information.

[0044] In this embodiment, game application G1 is associated with age policy information indicating that it can be executed by users aged 15 or older. Similarly, game applications G2 and G4 are associated with age policy information indicating that it can be executed by users aged 12 or older, and game application G3 is associated with age policy information indicating that it can be executed by users aged 18 or older.

[0045] Furthermore, in this embodiment, game application G1 is associated with country policy information indicating a condition that the distributed content can be displayed in country A or country B. Game applications G2 and G3 are associated with country policy information indicating a condition that the distributed content can be displayed worldwide without specifying a country. Game application G4 is associated with country policy information indicating a condition that the distributed content can be displayed in country B or country D.

[0046] In this embodiment, age policy information is held in each game application G. Country policy information is stored for each game application G, for example, in the management server Sr1, the image distribution server Sr2, an application distribution server (not shown) that distributes the game application G, or another server. Hereinafter, the management server Sr1, the image distribution server Sr2, and the application distribution server (not shown) may be collectively referred to as the "external server." The external server may store identification information for identifying the game application G and country policy information associated with the identification information. Hereinafter, the identification information of the game application G may be simply referred to as the "application identification information."

[0047] [B. Hardware configuration example] 2 to 4, examples of hardware configurations of management server Sr1, image distribution server Sr2, and game terminal 30 that constitute information processing system 100 according to the present embodiment will be described below.

[0048] 2 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a hardware configuration of management server Sr1 included in information processing system 100 according to the present embodiment. Referring to FIG. 2, management server Sr1 includes one or more processors 14, memory 15, storage 16, and communication unit 13. These components are connected to each other via bus 17 so as to be able to communicate data with each other. Note that management server Sr1 may be a dedicated information processing device that manages distribution terminals and receiving terminals, or may be realized using a general-purpose server.

[0049] Communication unit 13 communicates between game terminal 30 and image distribution server Sr2 via network NW. Communication unit 13 has at least one of hardware necessary for wired communication and hardware necessary for wireless communication. Note that all or part of the processing of communication unit 13 may be implemented by processor 14.

[0050] The processor 14 is a processing entity (processing means) for executing the processes provided by the management server Sr1. In this disclosure, the term "processor" refers to a processing circuit such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit), MPU (Micro Processing Unit), or GPU (Graphics Processing Unit). The term "processor" encompasses a processing circuit that executes processing according to instruction codes written in a program, a processing circuit that integrates multiple functions such as an SoC (System on Chip), a hardwired circuit, and the like.

[0051] The memory 15 is a volatile storage device (storage medium) accessible by the processor 14, and may be, for example, a dynamic random access memory (DRAM) or a static random access memory (SRAM). The storage 16 is a non-volatile storage device (storage medium) accessible by the processor 14, and may be, for example, a hard disk or a flash memory. The storage 16 may be, for example, a storage medium such as an optical disk or a cartridge that is detachable from the management server Sr1.

[0052] The storage 16 stores a management program 162 that is executed by the processor 14. The processor 14 reads the management program 162, deploys it in the memory 15, and executes it. In this specification, the term "memory" encompasses at least volatile memory and non-volatile storage.

[0053] The management program 162 includes computer-readable instructions for implementing processes on the management server Sr1, such as a process for determining whether the identification information of the application G1 matches, which will be described later. When the processor 14 executes the management program 162, it may use functions provided by a system program (e.g., an OS, etc.) not shown.

[0054] 3 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a hardware configuration of image distribution server Sr2 included in information processing system 100 according to the present embodiment. Image distribution server Sr2 has a communication unit 23, a processor 24, a memory 25, a storage 26, and a bus 27.

[0055] The storage 26 stores an image distribution program 262, a filter setting program 263, and a filter release program 264. The image distribution program 262 is a program for distributing images of the game application G received from the distribution terminal to the receiving terminal.

[0056] The filter setting program 263 is a program for setting filtering for image distribution, which will be described later. The filter cancellation program 264 is a program for canceling filtering settings set by the filter setting program 263. When the processor 24 executes various programs in the storage 26 shown in Fig. 3, it may use functions provided by a system program (for example, an OS, etc.) not shown.

[0057] 4 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of game terminal 30 included in information processing system 100 according to the present embodiment. Game terminal 30 has display 31, operation unit 32, communication unit 33, processor 34, memory 35, storage 36, and bus 37.

[0058] Display 31 displays an image generated as a result of information processing executed by processor 34. In this embodiment, display 31 displays an image of game application G to be distributed. In this embodiment, display 31 may include multiple displays. Operation unit 32 accepts operations by the user operating game terminal 30. Operation unit 32 may include, for example, at least one of a push button, an operation lever, a touch panel, a mouse, and a keyboard.

[0059] The components included in game terminal 30 are connected to each other via bus 37 so that they can communicate data with each other. Note that, with regard to the components, for example, display 31 and operation unit 32 do not necessarily have to be included in game terminal 30. Game terminal 30 may output images to an external display or receive input from an external operation unit.

[0060] Game terminal 30 may communicate with at least one of a sound collection microphone, a speaker, and a camera (not shown). These may or may not be included in game terminal 30. This allows information processing system 100 to use the sound collection microphone and speaker to enable voice chat or video chat between users participating in the broadcast of the broadcasting terminal. Of course, information processing system 100 may also allow users to chat using text.

[0061] The storage 36 stores a game application program 361, a policy information acquisition program 363, an image transmission program 364, a mute setting program 365, a mute cancellation program 366, a determination program 367, and user account information 368.

[0062] The game application program 361 is a program for executing a game application G, and includes programs with different content for each game application G.

[0063] The policy information acquisition program 363 is a program for acquiring display policy information associated with the game application G. Note that the policy information acquisition program 363 may be the same program as the program for acquiring execution policy information associated with the game application G.

[0064] Image transmission program 364 is a program for transmitting an image to be distributed to image distribution server Sr2. Mute setting program 365 is a program for controlling the state of game terminal 30 to a mute state. The mute state is a state in which a mute image is transmitted as the image transmitted to image distribution server Sr2 by image transmission program 364.

[0065] A mute image is an image that is not related to game application G, and may be, for example, a monochrome (e.g., black) image or an image that includes text such as "loading." Game terminal 30 functioning as a distribution terminal executes mute setting program 365 to temporarily stop transmission of images of game application G to image distribution server Sr2 when starting distribution of images of game application G.

[0066] The mute cancel program 366 is a program for canceling the mute state set by the mute setting program 365. When the mute state is canceled, the state of the game terminal 30 transitions to a state in which an image of the currently running game application G is transmitted. That is, the game terminal 30 transmits the image of the currently running game application G as the image to be transmitted to the image distribution server Sr2 by the image transmission program 364.

[0067] Determination program 367 is a program for referencing display policy information and determining whether or not it is possible to display the distribution content of the received game application G. When processor 34 executes various programs in storage 36 shown in Fig. 4, it may use functions provided by a system program (for example, an OS, etc.) not shown.

[0068] User account information 368 is information about an account associated with each game terminal 30. For example, user account information 368 may include the nickname of the user operating game terminal 30A and the age information of the user. User account information 368 may include information about the accounts of one or more users. That is, in information processing system 100 of this embodiment, multiple user accounts may be associated with one game terminal 30. The various programs contained in each of the above-mentioned storages 16, 26, and 36 include command codes for implementing the processes described below.

[0069] [C. Filter setting process flow] In the following, in the information processing system 100 of this embodiment, in order to determine whether multiple receiving terminals that are distribution destinations satisfy the conditions indicated by the display policy information, age policy information and country policy information are sent from the distribution terminal to each receiving terminal via the management server Sr1, and each receiving terminal itself determines whether it satisfies the display policy information, and the image distribution server Sr2 sets filters using the results of this determination.

[0070] FIG. 5 is a timing chart illustrating the distribution process. FIG. 5 chronologically illustrates the operations of game terminals 30A and 30B, management server Sr1, and image distribution server Sr2. In the example illustrated in FIG. 5, game terminal 30A functions as a distribution terminal and distributes images to other game terminals 30, including game terminal 30B. For example, a user of game terminal 30A can distribute images of game application G1 being played in real time to other game terminals 30, including game terminal 30B. While game terminal 30B is illustrated as a representative of the other game terminals 30, similar processing is performed for other game terminals 30. However, the other game terminal 30 may be only game terminal 30B. In other words, distribution and reception may be performed between two terminals, game terminal 30A and game terminal 30B.

[0071] Game terminal 30A executes game application program 361 to start execution of game application G1 (step S101). In this embodiment, game terminal 30A also uses age policy information as execution policy information. In this case, game terminal 30A acquires age policy information in step S101. Whether game application G1 can be executed is determined based on the youngest account among multiple accounts associated with game terminal 30A.

[0072] Specifically, game terminal 30A references user account information 368 stored in storage 36 of game terminal 30A and acquires age information of the youngest account among the user accounts associated with game terminal 30A. In the example of Fig. 5, game terminal 30A acquires age information indicating that the age of the youngest account associated with game terminal 30A is 18 years old, for example.

[0073] Game terminal 30A determines that game application G1 is executable because the age of the youngest account, 18 years old, satisfies the condition of 15 years old or older specified in the age policy information for game application G1. Accordingly, execution of game application G1 progresses, and an image of game application G1 is displayed on display 31 of game terminal 30A. Game terminal 30A progresses the game based on operations from the user input to operation unit 32, and controls the image of game application G1 displayed on display 31 in accordance with the progress of the game.

[0074] Game terminal 30A activates the distribution function (step S102). For example, game terminal 30A activates the distribution function based on receiving a command from the user to start distribution of images of game application G1 that is being executed.

[0075] Upon activation of the distribution function of game application G1, game terminal 30A executes policy information acquisition program 363 to acquire display policy information for game application G1 (step S103). Game terminal 30A acquires, as display policy information, age policy information stored in game application program 361 for game application G1. As described above, game application G1 is associated with age policy information indicating that the application can be executed by users aged 15 or older. Also, in step S103, game terminal 30A transmits identification information for game application G1 to an external server and acquires, as display policy information, country policy information indicating countries in which execution of game application G1 is permitted. Note that in FIG. 5, the age policy information and country policy information are collectively referred to as "display policy information."

[0076] Next, game terminal 30A first executes mute setting program 365 to set mute (step S104). That is, game terminal 30A controls the state of game terminal 30A to the mute state, and when an image is to be transmitted, a mute image is transmitted instead of the image of game application G1.

[0077] Next, game terminal 30A executes image transmission program 364 and starts transmitting images to image distribution server Sr2 (step S105). Because game terminal 30A is in a muted state, it transmits a muted image to image distribution server Sr2. At this time, game terminal 30A transmits distribution target information indicating the distribution target along with the muted image to image distribution server Sr2. The distribution target information is information indicating the content to be distributed by the distribution terminal, such as information indicating that the distribution content is an image of game application G or that the distribution content is a home menu image. Because the distribution function was activated in step S102 to distribute game application G1, the distribution target information in step S105 is information indicating that the distribution content is an image of game application G.

[0078] The image distribution server Sr2 executes the image distribution program 262 and starts distributing the image received from the distribution terminal (step S106). The image distribution server Sr2 transmits the image received from the distribution terminal to each of the multiple receiving terminals including the game terminal 30B. In step S106, the image distribution server Sr2 distributes the mute image received from the game terminal 30A to the multiple receiving terminals including the game terminal 30B.

[0079] From step S105 onwards, game terminal 30A continues to transmit images (muted images at the time of step S105) to image distribution server Sr2. Similarly, from step S106 onwards, image distribution server Sr2 continues to transmit images (muted images at the time of step S106) received from game terminal 30A to each of the multiple receiving terminals.

[0080] Next, game terminal 30A transmits the identification information of game application G1 and the age policy information and country policy information acquired in step S103 to management server Sr1 (step S107). Management server Sr1 transmits the identification information of game application G1, the age policy information, and the country policy information received from game terminal 30A to each of multiple receiving terminals including game terminal 30B (step S108).

[0081] The management server Sr1 requests the image distribution server Sr2 to set a filter for the distribution of images received from the game terminal 30A (step S109). Note that the execution order of steps S108 and S109 may be reversed from the order shown in FIG. 5, or they may be executed simultaneously in parallel. In this disclosure, "filter" means restricting the distribution of images to a receiving terminal. Upon receiving the filter setting request from the management server Sr1, the image distribution server Sr2 executes the filter setting program 263 and sets a filter for the distribution of images received from the game terminal 30A. The image distribution server Sr2 can set a filter for each of multiple receiving terminals. In step S110, the image distribution server Sr2 sets a filter for all of the multiple receiving terminals.

[0082] When a filter is set, image distribution server Sr2 does not transmit images received from game terminal 30A to the receiving terminal for which the filter is set. For example, even if image distribution server Sr2 receives an image from game terminal 30A, it does not transmit the image to the receiving terminal for which the filter is set.

[0083] Alternatively, image distribution server Sr2 may transmit a mute image generated by image distribution server Sr2 to a receiving terminal on which a filter is set, regardless of the content of the image received from game terminal 30A. In this case, image distribution server Sr2 may overwrite the mute image received from game terminal 30A with a new mute image generated by image distribution server Sr2, and transmit the new mute image to each of multiple receiving terminals including game terminal 30B.

[0084] After the process of step S110, the image distribution server Sr2 transmits a response signal to the management server Sr1 indicating that filter settings have been completed for all of the multiple receiving terminals (step S111). Furthermore, the management server Sr1 transmits a response signal to the game terminal 30A indicating that the response signal has been received from the image distribution server Sr2 (step S112). Based on the reception of the response signal, the game terminal 30A executes the mute cancel program 366 to cancel the mute (step S113). As a result, from step S113 onwards, the game terminal 30A continues to transmit images of the game application G1, rather than muted images, to the image distribution server Sr2.

[0085] Game terminal 30B references the age policy information and country policy information acquired in step S108 and executes a determination process to determine whether game terminal 30B is capable of displaying game application G corresponding to the age policy information and country policy information (step S114). That is, in step S114, the age policy information and country policy information received in step S108 are used as display policy information.

[0086] Game terminal 30B executes determination program 367 to perform the determination process of step S114. Game terminal 30B determines whether the youngest account among the multiple accounts associated with game terminal 30B satisfies the conditions indicated in the age policy information and country policy information acquired in step S108. In other words, game terminal 30B determines whether an image can be displayed from game terminal 30A based on the youngest age information among the age information associated with the accounts and the age policy information acquired from management server Sr1, regardless of which account's user is operating game terminal 30B.

[0087] 5, game terminal 30B references user account information 368 and acquires age information indicating, for example, that the age of the youngest account associated with game terminal 30B is 15. In step S114, game terminal 30B determines that it can display images from game terminal 30A via image distribution server Sr2 because the age of the youngest account, 15, satisfies the condition of being 15 or older indicated in the policy information received in step S108.

[0088] Game terminal 30B also acquires the country in which game terminal 30B is being used, and determines whether or not the image received from game terminal 30A can be displayed based on the country policy information acquired from management server Sr1. In the example of FIG. 5, game terminal 30B acquires information that game terminal 30B is being used in country B. In step S114, game terminal 30B determines that the image of game application G1 can be displayed because the country in which game terminal 30B is being used satisfies the condition of the country policy information that game application G1 can be executed in country A or country B. Game terminal 30B determines that the image of game application G1 can be displayed because all of the conditions indicated in the display policy information are satisfied.

[0089] Game terminal 30B transmits the determination result of step S114 and the identification information of game application G1 received in step S108 to management server Sr1 (step S115). Management server Sr1 executes management program 162 to execute application identification information confirmation processing (step S116).

[0090] Specifically, management server Sr1 determines whether the identification information of game application G received from game terminal 30A in step S107 matches the identification information of game application G received from game terminal 30B in step S115. In the example of Fig. 5, the identification information of game application G received in step S107 and the identification information of game application G received in step S115 are both the identification information of game application G1, and therefore match.

[0091] Because the identification information matches the identification information of the game application G received in step S107, the management server Sr1 requests the image distribution server Sr2 to cancel the filter set for the receiving terminal that transmitted the identification information of the game application G (S117). In response to the filter cancellation request from the management server Sr1, the image distribution server Sr2 executes the filter cancellation program 264 to cancel the filter set for the game terminal 30B (step S118). By checking for a match in the identification information in this manner, for example, if the game application running on game terminal 30A is changed to one with different policy information while game terminal 30B is performing the determination process, images of the game application can be prevented from being distributed to game terminal 30B. For example, if the determination process for another game terminal 30C shows that the conditions indicated as the display policy information are not satisfied, the management server Sr1, upon receiving the result, instructs the image distribution server Sr2 to maintain the filter set for game terminal 30C. As a result, images of the game application G running on game terminal 30A are not distributed to game terminal 30C.

[0092] With the filter for game terminal 30B now removed, image distribution server Sr2 removes the restriction on image distribution to game terminal 30B. That is, image distribution server Sr2 transmits the images received from game terminal 30A to game terminal 30B.

[0093] 5, the mute state of game terminal 30A is canceled before step S118. Therefore, at the time of step S118, image distribution server Sr2 is receiving images of game application G1 from game terminal 30A. As a result of the filtering being canceled in step S118, image distribution server Sr2 will transmit images of game application G1 received from game terminal 30A to game terminal 30B from step S118 onwards.

[0094] As described above, in information processing system 100 of the present embodiment, age policy information and country policy information themselves are transmitted from game terminal 30A via management server Sr1 to all receiving terminals. All receiving terminals use the age policy information and country policy information as display policy information to determine whether they are game terminals 30 permitted to display. In this way, information processing system 100 of the present embodiment can realize a mechanism for determining whether multiple receiving terminals to which game application G is to be distributed satisfy the conditions indicated by the display policy information predetermined for game application G.

[0095] Alternatively, the management server Sr1 or the image distribution server Sr2 may determine whether the display policy information is satisfied for each receiving terminal. In this case, the management server Sr1 or the image distribution server Sr2 must be equipped with a determination program 367 for determining whether the display policy information is satisfied.

[0096] Furthermore, in information processing system 100 of the present embodiment, in addition to filter setting being performed in image distribution server Sr2, the state of game terminal 30 functioning as a distribution terminal is temporarily transitioned to a mute state at the start of distribution. As a result, even if the start of filter setting processing by image distribution server Sr2 is delayed due to the occurrence of unintended processing, communication delays, etc., information processing system 100 of the present embodiment can more reliably prevent images of game application G from being transmitted to game terminal 30 that does not satisfy the conditions indicated in the policy information.

[0097] The series of processes shown in Fig. 5 is also executed when other game terminals 30B-30D are broadcasting terminals. For example, when all of game terminals 30A-30D are broadcasting terminals and receiving terminals, game terminal 30A, as a broadcasting terminal, acquires display policy information as shown in Fig. 5 and transmits it to each receiving terminal. It also acquires application identification information and display policy information related to the game application G that each game terminal 30 is attempting to broadcast from each of game terminals 30B-30D that are also broadcasting terminals, and executes a determination process for each of them. As a result, the image of each of broadcasting terminals 30A-30D displayed on each receiving terminal 30A-30D may differ.

[0098] 5 is executed every time game terminal 30A changes the game application G it is executing. That is, when game terminal 30A executes another game application G while an image is being distributed, mute setting is again performed (S104), and the subsequent processes are executed again.

[0099] Game terminal 30 may transition to the mute state not only for a temporary period after the distribution function is activated, but also while a predetermined screen is displayed. For example, game terminal 30 may transition to the mute state while a setting screen for the terminal's main body functions or a game application purchase screen is displayed.

[0100] In this way, game terminal 30 determines whether the distribution content can be displayed from the perspective of both the age policy information and the country policy information. In this embodiment, both the age policy information and the country policy information are used as display policy information, and therefore game terminal 30 determines that the distribution content can be displayed only when it determines that both the age policy information and the country policy information are satisfied. In one aspect, only one of the age policy information and the country policy information may be used as display policy information. In another aspect, other policy information may be used.

[0101] [D. Home Menu Execution] FIG. 6 is a timing chart illustrating the processing performed when the home menu is executed. Game terminal 30 can execute the home menu while game application G is running. Note that game application G may continue to run in the background, may be temporarily suspended, or may be closed. The home menu is a function that allows the user to select a game application G to run, and causes a home menu screen to be displayed on display 31. The home menu screen may include items for configuring the game terminal's functions, items for connecting to an online store to purchase game application G, and items for configuring settings related to each account. FIG. 6 illustrates the flow of processing performed in information processing system 100 when the home menu is executed.

[0102] When the home menu is executed while game application G is being executed, a home menu image is displayed on display 31 of game terminal 30 in place of the image of game application G.

[0103] In this embodiment, a home menu image is distributed to other users. In this embodiment, if the home menu is executed while an image of game application G is being distributed, game terminal 30 transmits the home menu image to image distribution server Sr2. When image distribution server Sr2 receives the home menu image from game terminal 30, it does not set a filter for all receiving terminals. For example, if a filter had been set for a certain receiving terminal, the filter is canceled. As a result, information processing system 100 in this embodiment can distribute the home menu image to all receiving terminals.

[0104] The timing chart shown in Fig. 6 starts from a state in which game application G1 is being distributed by game terminal 30A, such as the state immediately after the processing of step S118 in Fig. 5. Game terminal 30A accepts a command to execute the home menu from the user and displays a home menu image (step S200). Game terminal 30A does not perform a mute setting when displaying the home menu image. In other words, the image transmitted by executing step S200 switches from the image of game application G to the home menu image.

[0105] At this time, game terminal 30A transmits the distribution target information together with the home menu image to image distribution server Sr2. The distribution target information transmitted after execution of step S200 includes information indicating that the distribution content is a home menu image.

[0106] When the image distribution server Sr2 receives distribution target information that includes information indicating that the distribution content is a home menu image, it saves the filter setting information currently set for each of the multiple receiving terminals (step S201). The image distribution server Sr2 then cancels the filters on all receiving terminals (step S202). Therefore, the game terminals 30 that have been filtered and therefore have been unable to receive images of the game application G1 from the game terminal 30A can now receive the home menu image because the filters have been canceled. The game terminals 30 that have already received images of the game application G1 continue to receive the home menu image.

[0107] As a result, after step S202, the home menu image displayed on display 31 of game terminal 30A is distributed to game terminals 30B, 30C, and 30D. Next, game terminal 30A receives a command from the user to return to execution of application G1 from the home menu image, and returns to game application G1 (step S203). That is, the image of game application G1 is displayed again on display 31 of game terminal 30A.

[0108] Based on the return to game application G1, game terminal 30A acquires the age policy information and country policy information of game application G1 as display policy information (step S204). Game terminal 30A also performs a mute setting (step S205). As a result, the image transmitted from game terminal 30A to image distribution server Sr2 is a mute image.

[0109] At this time, game terminal 30A transmits distribution target information indicating the distribution target together with the mute image to image distribution server Sr2. Since game terminal 30A has returned to game application G1 in step S206, the distribution target information after execution of step S203 indicates that the distribution content is an image of game application G1.

[0110] Upon receiving the mute image from game terminal 30A, image distribution server Sr2 distributes the mute image to multiple receiving terminals. Image distribution server Sr2 receives information indicating that the distribution content as distribution target information is an image of game application G1. Because this game application G1 is the same as the game application G1 distributed before distributing the home menu image, image distribution server Sr2 sets a filter based on the filter information saved in step S201 (step S206). For example, no filter is set for game terminal 30B, and the filter remains disabled.

[0111] That is, the image distribution server Sr2 returns the filter settings to the same settings as before the home menu image was displayed. After that, the image distribution server Sr2 transmits a response signal to the game terminal 30A based on the fact that the filter settings have been restored. Based on the receipt of the response signal, the game terminal 30A cancels muting (step S207).

[0112] In this way, in information processing system 100 according to the present embodiment, when the home menu is executed while game application G1 is being executed and the user returns to game application G1, the filter settings are re-established based on the filter information stored by image distribution server Sr2. This eliminates the need for the receiving terminal to perform the determination process again, thereby reducing the amount of communication traffic generated in information processing system 100 and suppressing an increase in the processing load, for example.

[0113] [E. Variations] Hereinafter, other embodiments that are partial modifications of the above-described embodiment will be described.

[0114] Each of the processors 14, 24, and 34 may be implemented as a single chip or multiple chips. Each of the processors 14, 24, and 34 and associated processing circuits may be implemented as multiple computers interconnected by wire or wirelessly, such as via a local area network or a wireless network. The processors and associated processing circuits may also be implemented as cloud computers that perform remote calculations based on input data and output the results of the calculations to other devices in remote locations.

[0115] In the example of Fig. 1, the information processing system 100 has a management server Sr1 and an image distribution server Sr2. However, the management server Sr1 and the image distribution server Sr2 may be integrated into a single server. Also, in the example of Fig. 1, the information processing system 100 has a single image distribution server Sr2, but the image distribution server Sr2 may be configured to include multiple image distribution servers Sr2, each divided for each game application G to be distributed. Furthermore, the functions of the management server Sr1 and the image distribution server Sr2 may be executed by multiple servers.

[0116] In the above example, the age policy information is stored within the game application program 361. However, the age policy information may be stored on an external server rather than within the game application program 361 for executing the game application G. In this case, the distribution terminal acquires the age policy information corresponding to the game application from the external server via the network NW. On the other hand, the country policy information may be stored within the game application program 361.

[0117] In the above example, the age policy information is used as the execution policy information and the display policy information. However, the age policy information as the display policy information and the age policy information as the execution policy information may be different. Also, in the above example, the country policy information is used as the display policy information. However, the country policy information may also be used as the execution policy information, or the country policy information as the execution policy information may be prepared separately.

[0118] In the above example, the home menu image is distributed to other users, but it does not have to be distributed to other users.

[0119] 5 and 6 show that the same type of information is exchanged between different elements. For example, in step S107, game terminal 30A transmits the identification information of game application G1, age policy information, and country policy information to management server Sr1. Then, in step S108, management server Sr1 transmits the identification information of game application G1, age policy information, and country policy information to game terminal 30B. The identification information, age policy information, and country policy information of game application G1 transmitted from game terminal 30A and the identification information, age policy information, and country policy information of game application G1 transmitted from management server Sr1 need only represent data that indicates the same content, and need not be completely identical data. In other words, in the present disclosure, the same type of information exchanged between different elements does not require that the data be completely identical. The same applies to the exchange of the same type of information within a single element.

[0120] In the above example, the display policy information is described to determine whether or not game application G can be displayed for each country. However, whether or not game application G can be displayed may be determined for each region smaller than a country, or for each larger region.

[0121] In the above example, a filter is set for all receiving terminals in the filter setting process in step S109 of Fig. 5. However, the filter for all receiving terminals may be executed, for example, before step S106 when the image distribution server Sr2 starts image distribution. In this case, the filter setting process in step S110 may include, for example, a process of checking whether the filter has been applied to all receiving terminals.

[0122] In the above example, it has been described that the process of determining whether game application G can be executed is performed based on the youngest account among the accounts associated with game terminal 30. However, instead of the youngest account, the age of the account currently being used in game terminal 30 may also be used as the basis.

[0123] In the above example, the game terminal 30A cancels the mute state by receiving a response signal from the management server Sr1 or the image distribution server Sr2, but the mute may also be canceled based on the passage of a predetermined period of time since the mute was set.

[0124] In the above example, after step S200 in Fig. 6 is executed, a home menu image is transmitted as information to be distributed. However, instead of this, information indicating that the display policy information transmitted up to that point may be ignored may be transmitted. Note that this information may be transmitted to the management server Sr1, and the management server Sr1 may set a filter for the image distribution server Sr2.

[0125] In the above example, the filter information was saved in step S201 of Fig. 6. That is, the filter information at a certain point in time was saved, and alternative filter information, for example, information in which filtering for all terminals is canceled, was applied. Alternatively, the filter information at a certain point in time itself may be maintained, but switched to a setting with a higher priority, such as "display policy information is ignored," which effectively cancels the previous filter settings.

[0126] The processes in Figures 5 and 6 are merely examples. For example, mute settings may not be required. For example, a game terminal may not be able to start streaming until filter settings are complete. For example, confirmation processing using identification information may not be required. The presence or absence of each process, the order, and the addition or replacement of other processes may be adjusted as appropriate.

[0127] In the above example, the game terminal 30 itself executes the game application G. However, in some situations, the game application G may be executed on an external server or another game terminal 30, and the output image may be displayed on another game terminal.

[0128] In the above example, age policy information and country policy information were exemplified as display policy information, but other policy information may be included in addition to both, or only one of them, or neither may be included but other policy information may be included.

[0129] In the above example, the game terminal served as a distribution terminal and distributed images of game application G. However, the distribution terminal may be an information processing device other than a game terminal. Also, images of applications other than game applications, such as video playback applications or educational applications, may be distributed. The same applies to receiving terminals.

[0130] In the example described above, in information processing system 100, game terminal 30 is provided with determination program 367 for determining whether game application G can be executed and displayed. Determination program 367 may be a program that determines not only whether the conditions of the display policy information are satisfied, but also whether the conditions of the execution policy information are satisfied. In this case, game terminal 30 can use determination program 367 when determining the conditions of the execution policy information and the display policy information.

[0131] In the present disclosure, "association" does not matter whether two elements are directly or indirectly associated with each other. For example, two elements may be directly associated with each other within the same table, or two elements may be indirectly associated with each other via another element.

[0132] In this disclosure, the term "server" encompasses both the meaning of computing resources (hardware) for executing the necessary processes as a server, and the meaning of a program for executing the necessary processes as a server or the state in which the program is running (software). Servers also include, for example, virtual servers.

[0133] The embodiments disclosed herein should be considered to be illustrative in all respects and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is defined by the claims, not by the above description, and is intended to include all modifications within the meaning and scope of the claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0134] 13,23,33 Communication unit, 14,24,34 Processor, 15,25,35 Memory, 16,26,36 Storage, 17,27,37 Bus, 30,30A to 30D Game terminal, 31 Display, 32 Operation unit, 100 Information processing system, 162 Management program, 262 Image distribution program, 263 Filter setting program, 264 Filter release program, 361 Game application program, 363 Policy information acquisition program, 364 Image transmission program, 365 Mute setting program, 366 Mute release program, 367 Judgment program, 368 User account information, G,G1 to G4 Game application, NW Network, Sr1 Management server, Sr2 Image distribution server.

Claims

1. An information processing system, one or more servers; a distribution terminal that distributes images of an application being executed via the one or more servers; a plurality of receiving terminals that receive the images distributed by the distribution terminal; The distribution terminal Obtaining display policy information for the running application; transmitting the display policy information and the image to the one or more servers; The one or more servers: transmitting the display policy information to each of the plurality of receiving terminals, while setting a filter that prevents the image from being distributed; Each of the plurality of receiving terminals determining whether the image can be displayed based on the display policy information acquired from the one or more servers; transmitting a determination result of the determination to the one or more servers; The one or more servers: The system cancels the filter set for each of the receiving terminals that are indicated as being capable of displaying the image by the determination result, among the plurality of receiving terminals.

2. the display policy information includes information regarding age restrictions; The system according to claim 1 , wherein the distribution terminal acquires, from the application, information regarding the age restriction included in the application.

3. Each of the plurality of receiving terminals The system of claim 2 determines whether the image can be displayed based on the youngest age information among the age information associated with one or more accounts associated with the receiving terminal and the display policy information obtained from the one or more servers.

4. the display policy information includes information about a country; The system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the distribution terminal acquires information about the country corresponding to the application being executed from the one or more servers.

5. the distribution terminal transmits application identification information for identifying the application being executed to the one or more servers; the one or more servers transmit the application identification information together with the display policy information to each of the plurality of receiving terminals; each of the plurality of receiving terminals transmits the application identification information to the one or more servers together with a determination result of the determination based on the display policy information; The system described in any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the one or more servers cancel the filter set for each receiving terminal that is indicated by the judgment result as being capable of displaying the image, and where the application identification information received from the receiving terminal along with the judgment result matches the application identification information received from the distribution terminal.

6. 4. The system according to claim 1, wherein the distribution terminal transmits a predetermined image to the one or more servers when starting distribution of the image.

7. The distribution terminal When you start distributing the home menu image, transmitting home menu image information indicating that the image to be transmitted is the home menu image to the one or more servers; The one or more servers:

4. The system according to claim 1, wherein the filters set in the plurality of receiving terminals are cancelled based on the home menu image information.

8. When the distribution terminal switches from distributing an image of the application being executed to distributing a home menu image, and then switches to distributing an image of the application that is the same as that used before distributing the home menu image, The system described in claim 6, wherein the one or more servers set the filter for each of the plurality of receiving terminals for which the filter was set, based on filter information indicating for which receiving terminal the filter was set for an image of the application that the distribution terminal was distributing before the home menu image was distributed.

9. A method for distributing an image of an application being executed by a distribution terminal to a plurality of receiving terminals via one or a plurality of servers using an information processing system, comprising: The method includes, for the distribution terminal: acquiring display policy information of the application being executed; transmitting the display policy information and the image to a server; To the one or more servers, a step of causing each of the plurality of receiving terminals to transmit the display policy information while setting a filter that prevents the image from being distributed; For each of the plurality of receiving terminals, determining whether the image can be displayed based on the display policy information acquired from the one or more servers; causing a determination result of the determination to be transmitted to the one or more servers; To the one or more servers, and canceling the filter set for each of the plurality of receiving terminals that is indicated by the determination result as being capable of displaying the image.

10. the display policy information includes information regarding age restrictions; The method includes, for the distribution terminal: The method of claim 9 , further comprising the step of obtaining, from the application, information regarding the age restriction contained in the application.

11. The method includes, for each of the plurality of receiving terminals: The method of claim 10, further comprising a step of determining whether or not the image can be displayed based on the youngest age information among the age information associated with one or more accounts associated with the receiving terminal and the display policy information obtained from the one or more servers.

12. the display policy information includes information about a country; The method includes, for the distribution terminal: The method according to any one of claims 9 to 11, further comprising the step of: obtaining information about the country corresponding to the running application from the one or more servers.

13. The method includes, for the distribution terminal: causing the one or more servers to transmit application identification information identifying the running application; To the one or more servers, transmitting the application identification information together with the display policy information to each of the plurality of receiving terminals; For each of the plurality of receiving terminals, transmitting the application identification information to the one or more servers together with the determination result based on the display policy information; To the one or more servers, A method according to any one of claims 9 to 11, further comprising a step of canceling the filter set for each receiving terminal for which the judgment result indicates that the image can be displayed, and for which the application identification information received from the receiving terminal together with the judgment result matches the application identification information received from the distribution terminal.

14. The method includes, for the distribution terminal: The method according to any one of claims 9 to 11, further comprising the step of transmitting a predetermined image to the one or more servers when distribution of the image is started.

15. The method includes, when the distribution terminal starts distribution of a home menu image, transmitting home menu image information indicating that the image to be transmitted is the home menu image; The method according to any one of claims 9 to 11, further comprising the step of canceling the filters set on the plurality of receiving terminals based on the home menu image information.

16. The method includes, for the one or more servers:

15. The method of claim 14, further comprising: when the distribution terminal switches from distributing an image of the running application to distributing a home menu image and then switches back to distributing an image of the application that is the same as that used before distributing the home menu image, setting the filter on each of the plurality of receiving terminals for which the filter was set, based on filter information indicating for which receiving terminal the filter was set for the image of the application that the distribution terminal was distributing before distributing the home menu image.

17. A program for distributing images of an application being executed by a distribution terminal to a plurality of receiving terminals via one or a plurality of servers using an information processing system, the one or more servers have one or more processors; The program causes the one or more processors to: transmitting display policy information of the application being executed by the distribution terminal to each of the plurality of receiving terminals, while setting a filter that prevents distribution of images of the application; and canceling the filter set for each of the plurality of receiving terminals that has been indicated by the result of a judgment by each of the plurality of receiving terminals as being capable of displaying the image.

18. the display policy information includes information regarding age restrictions; The program causes the one or more processors to: The information about the age restriction included in the application is received from the distribution terminal.

18. The program of claim 17, further comprising the step of receiving the information.

19. the display policy information includes information about a country; The program causes the one or more processors to:

19. The program according to claim 17, further causing the program to execute a step of obtaining information about the country corresponding to the running application from the one or more servers.

20. The program causes the one or more processors to: receiving, from the distribution terminal, application identification information that identifies the application currently being executed by the distribution terminal; transmitting the application identification information together with the display policy information to each of the plurality of receiving terminals; receiving the application identification information from the receiving terminal together with the determination result based on the display policy information; The program according to claim 17 or claim 18, further causing the program to execute a step of canceling the filter set for each receiving terminal that is indicated by the judgment result as being capable of displaying the image, and for which the application identification information received from the receiving terminal together with the judgment result matches the application identification information received from the distribution terminal.

21. The program is configured to:

18. The program according to claim 17, further causing the program to execute a step of transmitting, to the receiving terminal to which the filter is set, an image different from the image instead of the image.

Images