Content management device, content management method, and computer program

Abstract

To provide a content management device capable of avoiding trouble associated with switching of captions regardless of switching of content.SOLUTION: A content management device 2 includes a content playback time adjacency determination unit 211, a common caption setting operation reception unit 212, and a playback control unit 213. The content playback time adjacency determination unit 211 determines whether the playback times of a first content and a second content are adjacent. When the content playback time adjacency determination unit 211 determines that the playback times of the first content and the second content are adjacent, the common caption setting operation reception unit 212 accepts an operation for setting the same common caption for the first content and the second content. When a common caption is set for the first content and the second content, the playback control unit 213 continuously plays back the common caption during the playback of the first content and the second content.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

Technical Field

[0005]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a content management device, a content management method, and a computer program.

Background Art

[0002] In recent years, display devices (e.g., digital signage) that display content in the form of images and moving captions have become widespread. In the signage system described in Patent Document 1, the moving speed of the caption is adjusted so that the time during which the content is displayed on the display device matches the time during which the caption is displayed on the display device.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] Normally, a caption is individually assigned to each content. As a result, in the signage system described in Patent Document 1, when switching from one content to another, the displayed caption is also switched synchronously. However, if the caption is switched frequently, it may cause annoyance to viewers. For this reason, depending on the situation, it may be desirable to continuously reproduce the same caption over a plurality of continuously reproduced contents.

[0005] The present disclosure has been made in view of the above problems, and an object thereof is to provide a content management device, a content management method, and a computer program that can continuously reproduce the same caption over a plurality of continuously reproduced contents even when captions are individually assigned to each content. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] According to the first aspect of the present application, the content management device manages the playback time of multiple contents and manages a caption that is set for each of the multiple contents and is played simultaneously when the contents are played. The content management device comprises a content playback time adjacency determination unit, a common caption setting operation reception unit, and a playback control unit. The content playback time adjacency determination unit determines whether the playback times of the first content and the second content are adjacent. The common caption setting operation reception unit accepts an operation to set a common caption, which is the same caption, for the first content and the second content when the content playback time adjacency determination unit determines that the playback times of the first content and the second content are adjacent. The playback control unit plays the common caption continuously during the playback of the first content and the playback of the second content when the common caption is set for the first content and the second content.

[0007] According to the second aspect of the present application, the content management method is a method for managing the playback time of multiple contents and for managing captions that are set for each of the multiple contents and are played simultaneously when the contents are played. The content management method includes a content playback time adjacency determination step, a common caption setting operation acceptance step, and a playback step. The content playback time adjacency determination step determines whether the playback times of the first content and the second content are adjacent. The common caption setting operation acceptance step accepts an operation to set a common caption, which is the same caption, for the first content and the second content if the content playback time adjacency determination step determines that the playback times of the first content and the second content are adjacent. The playback step plays the common caption continuously over the playback of the first content and the playback of the second content when the common caption has been set for the first content and the second content.

[0008] According to the third aspect of the present application, the computer program causes the computer to execute the content management method described in any one of claims 9 to 16. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] According to this disclosure, the inconvenience associated with switching on-screen text can be avoided, regardless of whether the content is being switched. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0010] [Figure 1] This figure shows the configuration of the signage system according to Embodiment 1 of this disclosure. [Figure 2] This is a block diagram of a communication terminal according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 3] This is a block diagram of the server according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 4] This figure shows the content display frame and the text overlay display frame according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 5] This is a table that defines the specifications of the on-screen text according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 6] This is a front view of a communication terminal according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 7] This is an explanatory diagram of the procedure for setting common text overlays according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 8] This is an explanatory diagram of the common on-screen text according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 9] This is an explanatory diagram showing how to extend a single-frame text overlay to the rear side according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 10] This is a front view of a communication terminal displaying a grouping frame according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 11] This is an explanatory diagram showing how the grouping frame according to Embodiment 1 is reduced to the front. [Figure 12] This is an explanatory diagram showing how the grouping frame according to Embodiment 1 is extended to the front. [Figure 13] This is an explanatory diagram showing how to extend a single-frame text overlay to the rear side according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 14] It is a diagram showing an operation procedure when inserting a single frame according to Embodiment 1 into a grouping frame. [Figure 15] It is a diagram showing an example of a dialog box according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 16] It is a front view of a communication terminal with the grouping frame according to Embodiment 1 released. [Figure 17] It is a diagram showing another example of a dialog box according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 18] It is a diagram showing another example of a dialog box according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 19] It is an explanatory diagram when moving a plurality of content frames corresponding to the grouping frame according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 20] It is a diagram showing a display unit on which a button operation unit according to Embodiment 1 is displayed. [Figure 21] It is an explanatory diagram when moving a plurality of content frames corresponding to the grouping frame according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 22] It is a part of a flowchart showing the operation of the control unit according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 23] It is the remainder of a flowchart showing the operation of the control unit according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 24] It is the remainder of a flowchart showing the operation of the control unit according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 25] It is the remainder of a flowchart showing the operation of the control unit according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 26] It is the remainder of a flowchart showing the operation of the control unit according to Embodiment 1.

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0011] Embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. In the drawings, the same or corresponding parts are denoted by the same reference numerals and the description thereof will not be repeated.

[0012] (Embodiment 1) The signage system S will be described with reference to Figure 1. Figure 1 shows the configuration of the signage system S. The signage system S is installed, for example, in relatively large shopping malls, transportation facilities, or small stores. The signage system S is an example of a "content management system".

[0013] As shown in Figure 1, the signage system S comprises a display data creation device 1, a content management device 2, and a display device 3. In Figure 1, the display data creation device 1 is shown as a communication terminal held by the operator. However, the display data creation device 1 may be a tablet, laptop, or desktop type information processing device instead of a communication terminal, and the form of the display data creation device 1 is not particularly limited. The content management device 2 is, for example, a signage server. The content management device 2 functions as a web server. In the following embodiments, the display data creation device 1 will be referred to as the communication terminal 1, and the content management device 2 will be referred to as the server 2.

[0014] Communication terminal 1, server 2, and display device 3 are connected to each other via network Ne, enabling communication between them. Network Ne is, for example, the Internet, a LAN (Local Area Network), or a WAN (Wide Area Network). Various communication devices are connected to network Ne. These communication devices include, for example, routers, bridges, access points, hubs, and repeaters.

[0015] Communication terminal 1 receives display commands. Display commands are generated by the operator's actions. Display commands are command signals for displaying content and tickers on display device 3. When the tickers are displayed together with the content, they move within the ticker display frame. Communication terminal 1 transmits the display commands to server 2 based on the operator's actions. Each content item is pre-assigned a dedicated ticker corresponding to that content. The dedicated tickers pre-assigned to each content item will be referred to as assigned tickers below.

[0016] Display commands are, for example, schedule and playlist commands. Schedules and playlists include information such as content playback time, changes to content playback time, content playback order, and changes to content playback order. In other words, information regarding schedules and playlists constitutes signage data. Server 2 receives the display commands transmitted by communication terminal 1. Server 2 transmits information regarding content and tickers to the display device 3 according to the display commands.

[0017] The display device 3 receives information about content and tickers from the server 2. Based on the received information, the display device 3 displays the content and tickers, such as an image. The display device 3 can be placed in various locations, such as a train station concourse, a bus stop, the interior wall of a public facility, or the exterior wall of a building facing a road. In the signage system S, there may be one or more display devices 3.

[0018] Next, the communication terminal 1 will be described with reference to Figure 2. Figure 2 is a block diagram of the communication terminal 1. As shown in Figure 2, the communication terminal 1 comprises a control unit 11, a display unit 12, an input unit 13, a communication unit 14, and a storage unit 15.

[0019] The control unit 11 includes a processor such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and an MPU (Micro Processing Unit). The processor of the control unit 11 executes a computer program stored in the storage device of the storage unit 15 to control the display unit 12, the input unit 13, the communication unit 14, and the storage unit 15. The processor is equivalent to an example of a "computer".

[0020] The display unit 12 is, for example, a liquid crystal display (LCD). The display unit 12 displays various images. As will be described later, the display unit 12 includes an apply button 121 and a cancel button 122. The apply button 121 transmits a display command set based on the operation of the input unit 13 (touch panel) to the server 2. The cancel button 122 invalidates the display command set based on the operation of the input unit 13.

[0021] The input unit 13 includes, for example, a touch panel provided on the display unit 12. The communication terminal 1 may also be equipped with operation keys. Operation keys may include input devices such as a mouse and / or a keyboard (neither of which are shown in the diagram).

[0022] The communication unit 14 communicates wirelessly with the server 2, for example, via the network Ne. The communication unit 14 is a wireless LAN module (communication device). Alternatively, the communication unit 14 may be connected to the server 2 via a wired connection and perform wired communication. Furthermore, the communication unit 14 may communicate wirelessly with the server 2 using Bluetooth®. The communication unit 14 transmits display commands set by the operator to the server 2.

[0023] The storage unit 15 includes a storage device and stores computer programs such as software and various data. Specifically, the storage unit 15 includes a main memory (e.g., semiconductor memory) such as ROM (Read Only Memory) and RAM (Random Access Memory), and an auxiliary storage device such as a solid-state drive and / or a hard disk drive. The storage unit 15 may also include removable media. The storage unit 15 is an example of a storage medium (e.g., a non-temporary computer-readable storage medium).

[0024] Next, we will describe Server 2 with reference to Figure 3. Figure 3 is a block diagram of Server 2. Server 2 manages the playback time of multiple content items. Server 2 manages the on-screen text. On-screen text is set for each of the multiple content items and is played simultaneously with the playback of the content. In other words, Server 2 plays on-screen text according to the schedule and playlist, just like the content. As shown in Figure 3, Server 2 comprises a control unit 21, a communication unit 22, and a storage unit 23.

[0025] The hardware configuration of the communication unit 22 is the same as that of the communication unit 14 of the communication terminal 1. The communication unit 22 communicates wirelessly with the communication terminal 1 and the display device 3, for example, via the network Ne. The communication unit 22 receives display commands from the communication terminal 1, for example. That is, the communication unit 22 receives information (signage data) related to the schedule and playlist from the communication terminal 1.

[0026] The hardware configuration of the memory unit 23 is the same as that of the memory unit 15 of the communication terminal 1. The memory unit 23 stores, for example, computer programs and various data. The memory unit 23 stores, for example, information on multiple contents, information on assigned captions for each content, and display commands received by the communication unit 22. In other words, in addition to content and captions, the memory unit 23 stores information on schedules and playlists received by the communication unit 22.

[0027] The storage unit 23 holds dimensional information for the content display frame and the caption display frame for each type of display device 3. Figure 4 shows the content display frame and the caption display frame. As shown in Figure 4, for example, in the case of a vertically oriented display device 31, it has information for the content display frame 31a and the caption display frame 31b, and in the case of a horizontally oriented display device 32, it has information for the content display frame 32a and the caption display frame 32b.

[0028] The memory unit 23 has a table T. Figure 5 shows table T which defines the specifications of the on-screen text. As shown in Figure 5, table T pre-defines the specifications of the on-screen text assigned to each content. The specifications of the on-screen text are the display time, the size and orientation of the on-screen text display frame, half-width / full-width characters, font, speed, and maximum number of characters to display.

[0029] Next, the control unit 21 will be described. The control unit 21 includes a processor such as a CPU. The processor of the control unit 21 executes computer programs stored in the storage device of the storage unit 23 to control the communication unit 22 and the storage unit 23.

[0030] Furthermore, the processor of the control unit 21 executes a computer program stored in the memory unit 23 to generate a schedule for playing back the content and captions. The schedule indicates the planned playback time for displaying the content and captions on the display device 3. The control unit 21 then stores the schedule in the memory unit 23. The schedule is generated, for example, based on information set by the operator via the input unit 13 of the communication terminal 1.

[0031] The communication unit 22 transmits content and caption information stored in the storage unit 23 to the display device 3. The content and caption information is transmitted, for example, in the order of the playlist at the scheduled time. The display device 3 plays the content and caption based on the received content and caption information.

[0032] The control unit 21 comprises a content playback time proximity determination unit 211, a common caption setting operation reception unit 212, and a playback control unit 213. Hereinafter, the content playback time proximity determination unit 211 will be referred to as the proximity determination unit 211, and the common caption setting operation reception unit 212 will be referred to as the operation reception unit 212.

[0033] The adjacency determination unit 211 determines whether the playback times of the first content and the second content are adjacent. Specifically, the adjacency determination unit 211 determines whether the playback times of the first content and the second content are adjacent based on the playlist. The operation reception unit 212 accepts an operation to set a common caption, which is the same caption, for both the first content and the second content. The operation reception unit 212 accepts an operation to set a common caption when the adjacency determination unit 211 determines that the playback times of the first content and the second content are adjacent. Therefore, it is possible to determine whether the same caption is set for adjacent content. As a result, a common caption can be set for adjacent content. The playback times of the first content and the second content being adjacent means that the first content and the second content are adjacent in the playlist. Hereinafter, the terms first content, second content, and third content may be used as general terms for the independent general content that is the target of control.

[0034] The playback control unit 213 plays a common caption continuously across the playback of the first and second contents when a common caption is set for both the first and second contents. Therefore, it is possible to avoid the caption returning to the starting point of playback when switching contents. As a result, the inconvenience associated with caption changes can be avoided regardless of content switching. In other words, the continuity of the caption can be maintained regardless of content switching.

[0035] Next, we will explain the common ticker with reference to Figures 6 to 8. Figure 6 is a front view of the communication terminal 1. Figure 7 is an explanatory diagram of the common ticker setting procedure. Figure 8 is an explanatory diagram of the common ticker.

[0036] As shown in Figure 6, the display unit 12 includes content frames C1 to C10. Content frame C1 displays the first content to be played, and content frame C10 displays the tenth content to be played. The content frames are arranged sequentially from top to bottom. Hereafter, unless there is a need to distinguish between content, the term "single frame" will be used as a general term for individual content frames. Also, for the sake of explanation, the single frame adjacent to a given content frame one position prior (above) may be referred to as the "previous frame." Furthermore, the single frame adjacent to a given content frame one position after (below) may be referred to as the "following frame."

[0037] Within each frame, the content number, content thumbnail, playback time, and title of the on-screen text are displayed in order from left to right. The first on-screen text (t1) through the tenth on-screen text (t10) are set. These correspond to the first content frame (C1) through the tenth content frame (C10). The first on-screen text (t1) through the tenth on-screen text (t10) are the titles of the on-screen text that are played simultaneously with the content in each frame. The on-screen titles display an initial, reference on-screen text. After the content in the first content frame (C1) is played, the content in the second content frame (C2), whose playback time is adjacent to the content in the first content frame (C1), is played. For the sake of explanation, the on-screen title and on-screen text may be collectively referred to simply as "on-screen text" below.

[0038] Below the title of the on-screen text, a checkbox b is placed. Checkbox b can be checked manually by the user. The checkbox b is labeled "Continue previous on-screen text."

[0039] If the AA campaign is initially set as the first caption t1, the AA campaign caption will play in sync with the playback of the first content. The AA campaign is assigned to the first content as the first caption t1. In other words, the AA campaign is the assigned caption associated with the first content. Similarly, in this embodiment, the BB campaign is the assigned caption associated with the second content, and the EE sale is the assigned caption associated with the seventh content.

[0040] The control unit 21 sets a common caption in addition to the assigned caption associated with the content. Based on the determination result of the adjacency determination unit 211, if the content frames are adjacent to each other one after the other, the control unit 21 changes the caption of the adjacent later frame to the common caption. The common caption is the assigned caption that has been pre-assigned to the earlier frame. In other words, it changes the caption of the later frame to the assigned caption of the earlier frame. Moreover, if a common caption is set, even if playback of the content in the later frame starts after playback of the content in the earlier frame has finished, playback of the common caption will continue without interruption from the content of the earlier frame to the content of the later frame. That is, even if playback of the content in the later frame starts after playback of the content in the earlier frame has finished, the common caption will not start playing from the beginning.

[0041] As shown in Figure 7, for example, initially, the second text t2 of the second content frame C2 is set to display the BB campaign as the assigned text. Similarly, the third text t3 of the third content frame C3 is set to display the CC introduction as the assigned text, and the fourth text t4 of the fourth content frame C4 is set to display the DD introduction as the assigned text.

[0042] In the third content frame C3 and the fourth content frame C4, a checkbox b is placed for each content item. Checkbox b is checked if the caption from the previous frame should continue regardless of the end of the content. If checkbox b in the third content frame C3 and checkbox b in the fourth content frame C4 are checked, the caption in the third content frame C3 will change to the BB campaign from the previous frame, the second content frame C2. Furthermore, the caption in the fourth content frame C4 will change to the BB campaign from the previous frame, the third content frame C3. As a result, the same BB campaign as the second content frame C2 will be set as the common caption for both the third content frame C3 and the fourth content frame C4.

[0043] If check box b is unchecked, the common text will revert to the pre-assigned text for each content frame. As shown in Figure 8, if check box b for the third content frame C3 and check box b for the fourth content frame C4 are checked, the BB campaign will be set as the common text from the second content frame C2 to the fourth content frame C4. On the other hand, if check box b for the third content frame C3 is unchecked, the text for the third content frame C3 will revert to the pre-assigned CC introduction, and the text for the fourth content frame C4 will change to the CC introduction from the previous frame, the third content frame C3. In other words, the CC introduction will be set as the common text for both the third content frame C3 and the fourth content frame C4.

[0044] Furthermore, before the operation reception unit 212 receives the operation to set a common caption, a first caption is set for the first content and a second caption is set for the second content. The operation reception unit 212 receives the operation to set either the first caption or the second caption as a common caption for both the first and second content. Therefore, the caption of the preceding content can be played continuously from the preceding content to the following content, or the caption of the following content can be played from the preceding content to the following content. As a result, for adjacent content, either the caption of the preceding content or the caption of the following content can be made a common caption without requiring complex operations.

[0045] The display unit 12 displays multiple content items in chronological order according to their playback sequence. Furthermore, the operation reception unit 212 receives an operation to set a common caption for each of the multiple content items displayed on the display unit 12 that are determined to have adjacent playback times. The operation reception unit 212 then sets the common caption for the multiple content items for which it has received an operation to set a common caption. Therefore, the operation reception unit 212 can set a common caption for multiple content items simultaneously. As a result, the operation to set a common caption can be made easier.

[0046] Next, referring to Figures 9 to 13, the expansion and reduction operations of the common text overlay will be explained. Figure 9 is an explanatory diagram when a single-frame text overlay is expanded to the rear. Figure 10 is a front view of the terminal displaying the grouping frame GF. Figure 11 is an explanatory diagram when the grouping frame GF is reduced to the front. Figure 12 is an explanatory diagram when the grouping frame GF is expanded to the front. Figure 13 is an explanatory diagram when a single-frame text overlay is expanded to the rear.

[0047] First, let's explain how to extend a single-frame text overlay to the rear. As shown in Figure 9, for example, if you tap the second content frame C2, which is a single frame, with your finger or click it with the mouse, the selection frame SF, shown by the dashed line, will be displayed corresponding to the text overlay (second text overlay t2) in the second content frame C2. The selection frame SF has a grip G1 in the center of the front (upper) line and a grip G2 in the center of the rear (lower) line.

[0048] When the user drags Grip G2 with their finger or mouse, an auxiliary explanation indicating "text overlay expansion" will be displayed near Grip G2. Furthermore, while dragging Grip G2, any assigned text overlays that will be temporarily disabled by this operation will be grayed out, for example, to allow the user to anticipate the content after the text overlay expansion.

[0049] For example, if grip G2 is moved to the rear, up to the fourth content frame C4, the selection frame SF will be extended to the fourth content frame C4. The assigned text in the third content frame C3 and the fourth content frame C4 will be grayed out. Furthermore, the title of the assigned text in the second content frame C2, which is extended as a common text (BB Campaign), is highlighted by making it bold, for example.

[0050] As shown in Figure 10, when the operator removes their finger or mouse from grip G2, the grayed-out assigned text disappears, confirming the expansion of the common text area. In addition, a grouping frame GF, which defines the multiple content frames on which the common text is set, is displayed as a solid line. The grouping frame GF is set to enclose, for example, the second text t2 to the fourth text t4. After the expansion setting is confirmed (display of the grouping frame GF), the operator performs the ON operation of the apply button 121 to send the common text expansion setting (display command) to the server 2.

[0051] Next, we will explain the operation of shrinking the grouping frame GF to the front. The grouping frame GF is set to enclose, for example, the second text t2 to the fourth text t4. As shown in Figure 11, when you tap the grouping frame GF with your finger or click it with the mouse, the selection frame SF, shown by the dashed line, will appear corresponding to the grouping frame GF. The selection frame SF has a grip G1 in the center of the front line and a grip G2 in the center of the rear line.

[0052] For example, if the user drags grip G2 with their finger or mouse, an auxiliary explanation indicating "text overlay expansion" will be displayed near grip G2. Also, while dragging grip G2, the assigned text overlays within grouping frame GF will be grayed out to allow the user to anticipate the content after the text overlay expansion.

[0053] When grip G2 is moved forward to the third content frame C3, the selection frame SF is reduced in size. Common text is set in the second content frame C2 and the third content frame C3. The fourth text t4 in the fourth content frame C4 is changed from the common text BB Campaign to the assigned text DD Introduction. After the reduction is confirmed, the operator executes the apply button 121 to send the setting (display command) for reducing the common text to server 2.

[0054] Next, we will explain how to extend the grouping frame GF to the front. The grouping frame GF is set to enclose the second text t2 to the fourth text t4. The common text for the grouping frame GF is BB Campaign. As shown in Figure 12, when you tap the grouping frame GF with your finger or click it with the mouse, the selection frame SF, indicated by the dashed line, will appear corresponding to the grouping frame GF. The selection frame SF has a grip G1 in the center of the front line and a grip G2 in the center of the rear line.

[0055] For example, if the user drags grip G1 with their finger or mouse, an auxiliary explanation indicating "text overlay expansion" will be displayed near grip G1. Also, while dragging grip G1, the assigned text overlays within the grouping frame GF will be grayed out to allow the user to anticipate the content after the text overlay expansion.

[0056] When grip G1 is moved forward to the first content frame C1, the selection frame SF is expanded. A common title is set from the first content frame C1 to the fourth content frame C4. The common title is the BB campaign. The first title t1 in the first content frame C1 is changed from the assigned title AA campaign to the common title BB campaign. After the expansion setting is confirmed, the operator performs the ON operation of the apply button 121 to send the expansion setting (display command) for the common title to the server 2.

[0057] Next, we will explain the operation of releasing the grouping frame GF and extending the single frame to the rear. The grouping frame GF is set to enclose the second text t2 to the fourth text t4. The common text for the grouping frame GF is the BB campaign. As shown in Figure 13, when you tap the first content frame C1, which is a single frame, with your finger or click it with the mouse, the selection frame SF, shown by the dashed line, will be displayed corresponding to the first content frame C1. The selection frame SF has a grip G1 in the center of the front line and a grip G2 in the center of the rear line.

[0058] For example, if the user drags grip G2 with their finger or mouse, an auxiliary explanation indicating "text overlay expansion" will be displayed near grip G2. The grouping frame GF adjacent to the selection frame SF will be ungrouped. Also, while dragging grip G2, the assigned text overlays within grouping frame GF will be grayed out to allow the user to anticipate the content after text overlay expansion.

[0059] When grip G2 is moved to the rear, up to the fourth content frame C4, the selection frame SF is expanded. A common title is set across the first content frame C1 to the fourth content frame C4. The common title is an AA campaign. The second title t2 in the second content frame C2 to the fourth title t4 in the fourth content frame C4 are changed from their respective assigned titles to the common title's AA campaign. After the expansion is confirmed, the operator executes the apply button 121 to send the setting (display command) for the expansion of the common title to the server 2.

[0060] In other words, the display unit 12 displays multiple content items in chronological order according to their playback sequence. The operation reception unit 212 accepts an operation to group multiple content items that have been determined to have adjacent playback times from among the multiple content items displayed on the display unit 12, by specifying a grouping range. The operation reception unit 212 then sets a common caption for the grouped content items. Therefore, the common caption can be set using the grouping frame GF. As a result, the area for setting the common caption can be specified while visually checking using the grouping frame GF. Thus, incorrect setting of the common caption can be suppressed.

[0061] Next, with reference to Figures 14 to 18, the insertion operation for inserting a single frame into the grouping frame GF will be described. Figure 14 is a diagram showing the procedure for inserting a single frame into the grouping frame GF. Figure 15 is a diagram showing an example of a dialog box. Figure 16 is a front view of the communication terminal 1 with the grouping frame GF released. Figure 17 is a diagram showing another example of a dialog box. Figure 18 is a diagram showing yet another example of a dialog box.

[0062] As shown in Figure 14, the display unit 12 of the communication terminal 1 displays, for example, two grouping frames GF. The front grouping frame GF includes the second content frame C2 to the fourth content frame C4. The common ticker is "BB Campaign". The rear grouping frame GF includes the seventh content frame C7 to the eighth content frame C8. The common ticker is "EE Sale". In the front grouping frame GF, for example, to insert the first content frame C1 between the second content frame C2 and the third content frame C3, the operator drags the first content frame C1 with their finger or mouse and drops it between the second content frame C2 and the third content frame C3.

[0063] As shown in Figure 15, for example, if the first content frame C1 is dropped between the second content frame C2 and the third content frame C3, a dialog box 16 showing a screen for confirming the changes will be displayed on the display unit 12. The dialog box 16 includes a first option 161, a second option 162, a third option 163, an OK button 164, a Cancel button 165, and a checkbox 166. The checkbox 166 allows the user to specify whether or not to confirm the changes in the future.

[0064] The operator can select any of the options from the first option 161 to the third option 163. If the first option 161 is selected, the text overlay expansion (grouping) from the second content frame C2 to the fourth content frame C4 is canceled. Then, the first content frame C1 is moved immediately after the second content frame C2. As shown in Figure 16, if the OK button 164 is clicked after selecting the first option 161, the preceding grouping frame GF is canceled, and the text overlays in the third content frame C3 and the fourth content frame C4 are changed from a common text overlay to their respective assigned text overlays.

[0065] In other words, the operation reception unit 212 includes a content playback time change operation reception unit 212a. Hereinafter, the content playback time change operation reception unit 212a will be referred to as the first operation reception unit 212a. The first operation reception unit 212a receives operations to change the playback time of multiple contents. When a common caption is set for the first and second contents, and the content playback time of either the first or second contents is changed, if it is determined that the playback times of the first and second contents are no longer adjacent, the control unit 21 cancels the common caption set for the first and second contents. The adjacency determination unit 211 determines that the playback times of the first and second contents are not adjacent. Therefore, even with multiple contents that have a common caption set, the common caption can be easily removed in accordance with changes in playback time. As a result, it is easy to avoid a situation where the caption continues to play even though the contents are not consecutive.

[0066] Furthermore, the operation reception unit 212 includes a content playback order change operation reception unit 212b. Hereinafter, the content playback order change operation reception unit 212b will be referred to as the second operation reception unit 212b. The second operation reception unit 212b receives operations to change the playback order of multiple contents. When a common caption is set for the first and second contents, and the control unit 21 receives an operation to insert a third content with a third caption set between the first and second contents, the control unit 21 inserts the third content between the playback order of the first and second contents. The control unit 21 then releases the common caption (grouping frame GF) set for the first and second contents. For example, if the operator allows the insertion of the third caption into the grouping frame GF, the grouping of the grouped contents can be released, and content with a caption different from the common caption can be easily inserted into the grouped contents. As a result, the playback order can be set prioritizing the operator's insertion intention.

[0067] As shown in Figure 17, if the second option 162 is selected, the first content frame C1 is moved immediately after the second content frame C2 without canceling the text overlay extension (grouping frame GF) from the second content frame C2 to the fourth content frame C4. The same common text overlay (BB Campaign) as the second content frame C2 is applied to the text overlay in the first content frame C1. In other words, in addition to the text overlay extension from the second content frame C2 to the fourth content frame C4, a text overlay extension that moves the first content frame C1 immediately after the second content frame C2 is performed.

[0068] If the third option 163 is selected, the first content frame C1 is placed immediately after the fourth content frame C4 without undoing the text overlay extension from the second content frame C2 to the fourth content frame C4. When a common text overlay is set for the first and second content, and an operation is received to insert a third content with a third text overlay between the first and second content, the control unit 21 inserts the third content after the second content. The common text overlay set for the first and second content is maintained. Therefore, the third text overlay can be played while maintaining the grouping with the common text overlay. As a result, playback of the initially set common text overlay and playback of the third text overlay can be performed. Specifically, after playback of the content in the fourth content frame C4, playback of the content in the first content frame C1 is performed. When the content in the first content frame C1 is played, the AA campaign text overlay is displayed.

[0069] Furthermore, if the OK button 164 is clicked without checking checkbox 166 when selecting the second option 162, a dialog box 16a will be displayed. Dialog box 16a will then confirm the subsequent actions.

[0070] As shown in Figure 18, the dialog box 16a includes a fourth option 167, a fifth option 168, a sixth option 169, an OK button 164, and a Cancel button 165. If the fourth option 167 is selected, the third content is moved to the front of the content with caption extension (grouping) enabled, and the caption extension is disabled. If the fifth option 168 is selected, the third content is moved to the front of the content with caption extension enabled, and the caption extension is enabled, including the third content. If the sixth option 169 is selected, the caption extension is maintained, and the third content is moved to the back of the content with caption extension enabled. The operator can select any of the options from the fourth option 167 to the sixth option 169.

[0071] Next, referring to Figures 19 to 21, the operation of moving the grouping frame GF in groups will be explained. Figure 19 is an explanatory diagram of moving the grouping frame. Figure 20 is a diagram showing the display unit 12 with the button operation unit 123 displayed. Figure 21 is an explanatory diagram of moving the grouping frame GF.

[0072] As shown in Figure 19, when you tap or click with your mouse on the grouping frame GF, which includes the second content frame C2 to the fourth content frame C4, the selection frame SF, indicated by the dashed line, will appear. The selection frame SF has a grip G1 in the center of the front side and a grip G2 in the center of the rear side.

[0073] For example, if the user drags a part of the selection frame SF other than the grip with their finger or mouse, an auxiliary explanation indicating "move" will be displayed in the empty space above, below, left, and right of the selected position. Also, while dragging, the assignment captions within the grouping frame GF will be displayed in gray, except for common captions.

[0074] If the front line of the selection frame SF is moved one frame forward, the content of the first content frame C1 will move to the rear of the grouping frame GF. In other words, the content of the first content frame C1 will be played after the content of the fourth content frame C4. The movement is set when the operator lifts their finger or mouse from the grouping frame GF. The operator then executes the apply button 121 to send the movement setting (display command) to the server 2.

[0075] Furthermore, movement settings can be configured using the button control unit 123. As shown in Figure 20, when the operator drags a part of the selection frame SF other than the grip with their finger or mouse, the button control unit 123 appears above the display unit 12. As shown in Figure 21, to move the front line of the selection frame SF one frame forward, select button 123c on the button control unit 123. The movement is set by operating the button control unit 123. Selecting button 123a indicates movement to the end of the display unit 12, selecting button 123b indicates movement one frame forward, and selecting button 123d indicates movement to the front of the display unit 12.

[0076] When a common caption is set for both the first and second content, and an operation to change the playback order of the first and second content is received, the control unit 21 changes the playback order of the first and second content. The common caption set for the first and second content is maintained. Therefore, it is possible to change the playback order of the first and second content while maintaining the common caption. As a result, the playlist can be changed while maintaining the grouping frame GF.

[0077] Next, the processing of the control unit 21 when performing content management will be explained with reference to the flowcharts in Figures 22 to 26. Figure 22 is a part of the flowchart showing the operation of the control unit 21 according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figures 23 to 26 are the remainder of the flowchart showing the operation of the control unit 21 according to an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in Figures 22 to 26, the computer program stored in the storage device of the storage unit 23 causes the processor of the control unit 21 to execute the processing of steps S101 to S126.

[0078] As shown in Figure 22, in step S101, the control unit 21 determines whether or not the content frame has been manipulated. If the control unit 21 determines that the content frame has been manipulated (Yes in step S101), the process proceeds to step S102. If the control unit 21 determines that the content frame has not been manipulated (No in step S101), the process shown in Figure 22 is terminated.

[0079] In step S102, the control unit 21 determines whether or not it is a single-frame operation. If the control unit 21 determines that it is a single-frame operation (Yes in step S102), the process proceeds to step S103. If the control unit 21 determines that it is not a single-frame operation (No in step S102), it is a grouping frame GF operation, and the process proceeds to step S116.

[0080] In step S103, the control unit 21 determines whether or not the operation is performed on checkbox b. If the control unit 21 determines that the operation is performed on checkbox b (Yes in step S103), the process proceeds to step S104. If the control unit 21 determines that the operation is not performed on checkbox b (No in step S103), the process proceeds to step S105 because the operation is performed on a frame within a single frame.

[0081] In step S104, the control unit 21 sets the caption of the previous frame as a common caption for the content frame to be operated on. It sets the caption of the content frame to be operated on as a common caption. Once the setting of the common caption is complete, the process ends.

[0082] As shown in Figure 23, in step S105, the control unit 21 determines whether or not it is a single-frame movement operation. If the control unit 21 determines that it is a single-frame movement operation (Yes in step S105), the process proceeds to step S106. If the control unit 21 determines that it is not a single-frame movement operation (No in step S105), it is a frame expansion operation, and the process proceeds to step S113.

[0083] In step S106, the control unit 21 determines whether or not the movement is within the grouping frame GF. If the control unit 21 determines that the movement is within the grouping frame GF (Yes in step S106), the process proceeds to step S107. If the control unit 21 determines that the movement is not within the grouping frame GF (No in step S106), the process proceeds to step S109, as this is a movement operation of a single frame that does not involve the grouping frame GF.

[0084] In step S107, the control unit 21 determines whether or not to release the grouping frame GF. If the control unit 21 determines to release the grouping frame GF (Yes in step S107), the process proceeds to step S108. If the control unit 21 determines not to release the grouping frame GF (No in step S107), the destination is determined by the text overlay settings of the content frame being operated on, and the process proceeds to step S110.

[0085] In step S108, the control unit 21 releases the grouping frame GF. The telop in the released grouping frame GF reverts from a common telop to an assigned telop. The process proceeds to step S109. In step S109, the control unit 21 moves the content frame to be operated on to the specified position. Once the movement of the content frame to be operated on is complete, the process ends.

[0086] In step S110, the control unit 21 determines whether or not to change the caption of the target content frame to the common caption of the destination. If the control unit 21 determines that the caption of the target content frame should be changed to the common caption (Yes in step S110), the process proceeds to step S111. If the control unit 21 determines that the caption of the target content frame should not be changed to the common caption (No in step S110), the process proceeds to step S112 because the caption of the target content frame will not be changed to the common caption.

[0087] In step S111, the caption of the content frame to be operated on is set to the same common caption as the caption of grouping frame GF. The process proceeds to step S109. In step S112, the content frame to be operated on is moved immediately after grouping frame GF. The process ends.

[0088] As shown in Figure 24, in step S113, the control unit 21 determines whether or not to expand the content frame to be operated on to the front. If the control unit 21 determines to expand the content frame to be operated on to the front (Yes in step S113), the process proceeds to step S114. If the control unit 21 determines not to expand the content frame to be operated on to the front (No in step S113), the process proceeds to step S115 in order to expand the content frame to be operated on to the rear.

[0089] In step S114, the control unit 21 sets the front frame's caption, located in front of the content frame being operated on, as a common caption. In step S115, the control unit 21 sets the rear frame's caption, located behind the content frame being operated on, as a common caption. Once the processing in step S114 or step S115 is completed, the process ends.

[0090] As shown in Figure 25, in step S116, the control unit 21 determines whether or not it is a movement operation of the grouping frame GF. If the control unit 21 determines that it is a movement operation of the grouping frame GF (Yes in step S116), the process proceeds to step S117. If the control unit 21 determines that it is not a movement operation of the grouping frame GF (No in step S116), the process proceeds to step S120 in order to expand or shrink the content frame to be operated on.

[0091] In step S117, the control unit 21 determines whether the movement operation of the grouping frame GF is a forward movement or not. If the control unit 21 determines that the movement operation of the grouping frame GF is a forward movement (Yes in step S117), the process proceeds to step S118. If the control unit 21 determines that the movement operation of the grouping frame GF is not a forward movement (No in step S117), the process proceeds to step S119.

[0092] In step S118, the control unit 21 moves the grouping frame GF to the front. The content frame present at the destination moves immediately after the grouping frame GF. In step S119, the control unit 21 moves the grouping frame GF to the rear. The content frame present at the destination moves immediately before the grouping frame GF. Once the processing in step S118 or step S119 is completed, the process ends.

[0093] As shown in Figure 26, in step S120, the control unit 21 determines whether or not the grouping frame GF is being expanded. If the control unit 21 determines that the grouping frame GF is being expanded (Yes in step S120), the process proceeds to step S121. If the control unit 21 determines that the grouping frame GF is not being expanded (No in step S120), the process proceeds to step S124 because the grouping frame GF is being reduced.

[0094] In step S121, the control unit 21 determines whether or not the grouping frame GF is being extended to the front. If the control unit 21 determines that it is being extended to the front of the grouping frame GF (Yes in step S121), the process proceeds to step S122. If the control unit 21 determines that it is not being extended to the front of the grouping frame GF (No in step S121), the process proceeds to step S123 because it is being extended to the rear.

[0095] In step S122, the control unit 21 sets the caption for the front frame to the same common caption as the grouping frame GF. In step S123, the control unit 21 sets the caption for the rear frame to the same common caption as the grouping frame GF. Once the processing in step S122 or step S123 is completed, the process ends.

[0096] In step S124, the control unit 21 determines whether the reduction is on the front side of the grouping frame GF. If the control unit 21 determines that the reduction is on the front side of the grouping frame GF (Yes in step S124), the process proceeds to step S125. If the control unit 21 determines that the reduction is not on the front side of the grouping frame GF (No in step S124), the process proceeds to step S126 because the reduction is on the rear side.

[0097] In step S125, after shrinking the grouping frame GF, the control unit 21 restores the previous frame's (immediately preceding) title to the assigned title. In step S126, after shrinking the grouping frame G7, the control unit 21 restores the next frame's (immediately following) title to the assigned title. Once the processing in step S125 or step S126 is completed, the process ends.

[0098] Embodiments of the present disclosure have been described above with reference to the drawings. However, the present disclosure is not limited to the embodiments described above, and can be implemented in various forms without departing from its essence. Furthermore, various disclosures can be formed by appropriately combining the multiple components disclosed in the above embodiments. For example, some components may be removed from all the components shown in the embodiments. The drawings schematically show each component in order to make them easy to understand, and the number of each component shown may differ from the actual number due to the convenience of drawing creation. Also, each component shown in the above embodiments is just an example and is not particularly limiting, and various modifications can be made without substantially departing from the effects of the present disclosure.

[0099] (1) As explained with reference to Figure 5, in this embodiment, the playback of the text overlay was controlled using a table T that defines the display time, the size and orientation of the text overlay display frame, half-width / full-width characters, font, speed, and maximum number of characters to display. However, the playback time may be controlled to match the playback time of the first content and the second content, or the playback time of the content included in the grouping frame. For example, the end time of content playback may be matched with the end time of text overlay playback.

[0100] (2) As described with reference to Figure 1, in this embodiment, a communication terminal was described as an example of a display data creation device. A device in which the content management device and the display data creation device are integrated may also be used. [Industrial applicability]

[0101] This disclosure is applicable to the fields of content management devices, content management methods, and computer programs. [Explanation of symbols]

[0102] 1. Communication terminal 2 servers 12 Display section 211 Content playback time adjacency determination unit 212 Common Text Overlay Setting Operation Reception Unit 212a Content Playback Time Change Operation Reception Unit 212b Content playback order change operation reception unit 213 Regeneration Control Unit

Claims

1. A content management device that manages the playback time of multiple content items and manages the captions that are set for each of the multiple content items and are played simultaneously when the content is played, A content playback time adjacency determination unit that determines whether the playback times of the first content and the second content are adjacent, When the content playback time adjacency determination unit determines that the playback times of the first content and the second content are adjacent, the common caption setting operation reception unit accepts an operation to set a common caption, which is the same caption, for the first content and the second content. When the common caption is set for the first content and the second content, a playback control unit plays the common caption continuously during playback of the first content and during playback of the second content. A content management device equipped with the following features.

2. Before the common caption setting operation receiving unit receives an operation to set the common caption, the first caption is set for the first content and the second caption is set for the second content. The content management device according to claim 1, wherein the common caption setting operation receiving unit receives an operation to set one of the first caption and the second caption as the common caption for the first content and the second content.

3. The system includes a content playback time change operation receiving unit that receives an operation to change the playback time of the aforementioned multiple contents, The content management device according to claim 1, wherein, while the common caption is set for the first content and the second content, if the content playback time of the first content or the second content is changed, and as a result the content playback time adjacency determination unit determines that the playback times of the first content and the second content are no longer adjacency, the common caption set for the first content and the second content is removed.

4. The system includes a content playback order change operation receiving unit that receives an operation to change the playback order of the multiple contents, The content management device according to claim 1, wherein, when the common caption is set for the first content and the second content, if an operation to change the playback order of the first content and the second content is received, the playback order of the first content and the second content is changed and the common caption set for the first content and the second content is maintained.

5. The system includes a content playback order change operation receiving unit that receives an operation to change the playback order of the multiple contents, The content management device according to claim 1, which, when the common caption is set for the first content and the second content, receives an operation to insert a third content having a third caption set between the first content and the second content, inserts the third content between the playback order of the first content and the second content, and removes the common caption set for the first content and the second content.

6. The system includes a content playback order change operation receiving unit that receives an operation to change the playback order of the multiple contents, The content management device according to claim 1, which, when the common caption is set for the first content and the second content, receives an operation to insert a third content having a third caption set between the first content and the second content, inserts the third content after the second content and maintains the common caption set for the first content and the second content.

7. The system includes a display unit that arranges and displays the aforementioned multiple contents in chronological order according to the playback order, The content management device according to claim 1, wherein the common caption setting operation receiving unit receives an operation to group a plurality of contents that are determined to have adjacent playback times among the plurality of contents displayed on the display unit by specifying a grouping range, and sets the common caption for the plurality of grouped contents.

8. The system includes a display unit that arranges and displays the aforementioned multiple contents in chronological order according to the playback order, The content management device according to claim 1, wherein the common caption setting operation receiving unit receives an operation to set the common caption for each of the multiple contents that are determined to have adjacent playback times among the multiple contents displayed on the display unit, and sets the common caption for the multiple contents for which an operation to set the common caption has been received.

9. A content management method that manages the playback time of multiple content items and manages the captions that are set for each of the multiple content items and are played simultaneously when the content is played, A content playback time adjacency determination step that determines whether the playback times of the first content and the second content are adjacent, If the content playback time adjacency determination step determines that the playback times of the first content and the second content are adjacent, the common caption setting operation acceptance step accepts an operation to set a common caption, which is the same caption, for both the first content and the second content. When the common caption is set for the first content and the second content, a playback step is performed to play the common caption continuously during the playback of the first content and the playback of the second content. Content management methods, including those mentioned above.

10. In the aforementioned common caption setting operation acceptance step, before the operation to set the common caption is accepted, a first caption is set for the first content and a second caption is set for the second content. The content management method according to claim 9, wherein in the common caption setting operation acceptance step, an operation is accepted to set one of the first caption and the second caption as the common caption for the first content and the second content.

11. The step includes accepting an operation to change the playback time of the aforementioned multiple pieces of content, The content management method according to claim 9, wherein, while the common caption is set for the first content and the second content, if the content playback time of the first content or the second content is changed, and as a result, the content playback time adjacency determination step determines that the playback times of the first content and the second content are no longer adjacency, the common caption set for the first content and the second content is removed.

12. The step includes accepting an operation to change the playback order of the aforementioned multiple contents, The content management method according to claim 9, wherein, when the common caption is set for the first content and the second content, if an operation to change the playback order of the first content and the second content is received, the playback order of the first content and the second content is changed and the common caption set for the first content and the second content is maintained.

13. The step includes accepting an operation to change the playback order of the aforementioned multiple contents, The content management method according to claim 9, in which, when the common caption is set for the first content and the second content, an operation is received to insert a third content having a third caption set between the first content and the second content, the third content is inserted between the playback order of the first content and the second content, and the common caption set for the first content and the second content is removed.

14. The step includes accepting an operation to change the playback order of the aforementioned multiple contents, The content management method according to claim 9, wherein, in a state where the common caption is set for the first content and the second content, when an operation is received to insert a third content having a third caption set between the first content and the second content, the third content is inserted after the second content and the common caption set for the first content and the second content is maintained.

15. The content management method according to claim 9, wherein in the common caption setting operation acceptance step, an operation is accepted to group a plurality of contents that are determined to have adjacent playback times from among the plurality of contents displayed on a display unit that displays the plurality of contents in chronological order according to the playback order, by specifying a range for grouping, and the common caption is set for the plurality of grouped contents.

16. The content management method according to claim 9, wherein in the common caption setting operation acceptance step, an operation to set the common caption is accepted for each of the multiple contents that are determined to have adjacent playback times among the multiple contents displayed on a display unit that displays the multiple contents arranged chronologically according to the playback order, and the common caption is set for the multiple contents for which an operation to set the common caption has been accepted.

17. A computer program that causes a computer to execute the content management method described in any one of claims 9 to 16.

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