Information processing device, program, and information processing method

Abstract

To provide an information processing device that allows a user to mutually view and control a shared video when a predetermined condition is satisfied.SOLUTION: An information processing device according to the present invention includes a viewing authority setting unit, a shared video registration unit, and a video distribution management unit, and the viewing authority setting unit grants the user viewing authority to view a video when the user satisfies a predetermined condition, and the shared video registration unit registers the video to which the viewing authority is granted as a shared video which is a video shared in a group to which a plurality of users including the user belongs in response to an instruction of the user, and the video distribution management unit controls the shared video registered by another user in the group such that the user can view the video if the shared video is registered.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an information processing apparatus, a program, and an information processing method.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses an information processing apparatus that distributes group video data indicating a video that cannot be viewed unless registered as a group to a group-registered mobile terminal.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, although one video could be shared by a plurality of users, the videos were not mutually shared among the plurality of users.

[0005] The present invention provides an information processing apparatus, a program, and an information processing method that can control a shared video so that users can view it mutually when a predetermined condition is satisfied.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] An information processing device according to one aspect of the present invention is an information processing device comprising: a viewing permission setting unit; a shared video registration unit; and a video distribution management unit, wherein the viewing permission setting unit grants the user viewing permission to view a video when the user meets predetermined conditions; the shared video registration unit registers the video to which viewing permission has been granted as a shared video, which is a video shared by a group of multiple users including the user, according to the user's instructions; and the video distribution management unit controls the shared video to be viewable by the user, provided that the shared video has been registered, by other users in the group.

[0007] According to one aspect of the present invention, when certain conditions are met, users can control whether they can view a shared video with one another. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] This is a diagram illustrating the overview of the video sharing system 1 according to the first embodiment. [Figure 2] Block diagram showing the hardware configuration of server 10 according to the first embodiment. [Figure 3] This is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of the user terminal 20 according to the first embodiment. [Figure 4] This is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the server 10 according to the first embodiment. [Figure 5] This diagram illustrates the functions of the shared video registration unit 11b according to the first embodiment, based on the relationship between two users. [Figure 6] This diagram illustrates the function of the shared video registration unit 11b according to the first embodiment, based on the relationship between three users (video M3 not registered). [Figure 7] This diagram illustrates the functions of the shared video registration unit 11b according to the first embodiment, based on the relationship between three users (video M3 registration status). [Figure 8] This figure illustrates an example of the content of a video according to the first embodiment. [Figure 9]This figure illustrates an example of a display mode (3 videos) by the user terminal 20a in the video sharing according to the first embodiment. [Figure 10] This figure illustrates an example (4 videos) of the display mode by the user terminal 20a in the video sharing according to the first embodiment. [Figure 11] This diagram shows the processing flow of the video sharing system 1 according to the first embodiment. [Figure 12] This diagram illustrates an example of the value of a video relating to Modification 5 of the First Embodiment. [Figure 13] This figure illustrates an example of the degree of rarity of a video related to Modification 6 of the First Embodiment. [Figure 14] This figure illustrates a state in another embodiment where user U3 belongs to two groups. [Figure 15] This diagram illustrates a scenario in another embodiment where user U3 belongs to two groups (in the case of no duplicate registration). [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0009] Several embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. The various features shown in the embodiments below can be combined with each other. Furthermore, each feature constitutes an independent invention.

[0010] <1. First Embodiment> (1-1. Video Sharing System 1) An information processing device according to one embodiment of the present invention is a server 10 that constitutes part of a video sharing system 1 as shown in Figure 1. The video sharing system 1 comprises the server 10 and user terminals 20 (user terminals 20a and user terminals 20b). The video sharing system 1 may further include a video distribution server (not shown) that distributes videos to the user terminals 20.

[0011] Server 10 is configured to be able to communicate with user terminal 20 via communication line 5. Server 10 grants the viewing rights of video M1 and video M2 to user U1 and user U2 belonging to the same group respectively. Server 10 registers video M1 and video M2 as videos to be shared in the group and controls to enable mutual viewing of the shared videos by the users in the group. With such a configuration, mutual viewing of the shared videos by the users is realized. Hereinafter, each configuration will be described.

[0012] (1-2. Hardware Configuration of Video Sharing System 1) Referring to FIGS. 2 and 3, the hardware configuration of video sharing system 1 will be described.

[0013] (1ー2ー1. Hardware Configuration of Server 10) FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of server 10 according to the present embodiment. Server 10 includes a control unit 11, a storage unit 12, and a communication unit 13. Further, server 10 may include an operation input unit 14 configured by a keyboard and a mouse etc. to receive inputs of various operations, and a monitor 15 such as a liquid crystal display device etc. for displaying various images.

[0014] The control unit 11 is, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a microprocessor, a DSP (Digital Signal Processor), etc., and controls the overall operation of server 10.

[0015] A part of the storage unit 12 is, for example, composed of a RAM (Random Access Memory), a DRAM (Dynamic Random Access Memory), etc., and is used as a work area etc. when executing processes based on various programs by the control unit 11. Also, a part of the storage unit 12 is, for example, a non-volatile memory such as a ROM (Read Only Memory), or an HDD (Hard Disk Drive), and stores various data and programs etc. used in the processing of the control unit 11.

[0016] The programs stored in the memory unit 12 include, for example, an OS (Operating System) for realizing the basic functions of the server 10, drivers for controlling various hardware, and programs for realizing various functions, and include the computer programs according to this embodiment.

[0017] The communication unit 13 is, for example, a NIC (Network Interface Controller) and has the function of connecting to the communication line 5. Alternatively, the communication unit 13 may have functions to connect to a wireless LAN (Local Area Network), a wireless WAN (Wide Area Network), short-range wireless communication such as Bluetooth®, and infrared communication, either in place of or in conjunction with the NIC. The server 10 is connected to other information processing devices such as user terminals 20 via the communication line 5 and can send and receive various types of data with these other information processing devices.

[0018] The control unit 11, storage unit 12, communication unit 13, operation input unit 14, and monitor 15 are electrically connected to each other via a system bus 16. Therefore, the control unit 11 can access the storage unit 12, display images on the monitor 15, understand the user's operation status on the operation input unit 14, and access various communication networks and other information processing devices via the communication unit 13.

[0019] The video distribution server, like server 10, may include a control unit, a storage unit, a communication unit, and may also include an operation input unit, a monitor, etc. Furthermore, server 10 may also provide the functionality of a video distribution server.

[0020] (1-2-2. Hardware configuration of user terminal 20) Figure 3 is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of the user terminal 20 according to this embodiment. The user terminal 20 is, for example, an information processing terminal such as a smartphone or tablet, and comprises a control unit 21, a storage unit 22, and a communication unit 23. The user terminal 20 may also include a display unit 24 such as a touch panel display that can display images and accept operations, a speaker 25 that outputs sound, a microphone 26 that receives sound input, a camera 27 that captures images of subjects, and operation buttons 28. The following explanation will focus on the differences from the server 10.

[0021] The operation buttons 28 are located on the side of the user terminal 20 and include a power button for starting or stopping the user terminal 20, and a volume control button for the sound output by the speaker 25.

[0022] These components—the control unit 21, memory unit 22, communication unit 23, display unit 24, speaker 25, microphone 26, camera 27, and operation buttons 28—are electrically connected to each other via a system bus 29. Therefore, the control unit 21 can access the memory unit 22, display images on the display unit 24, understand the user's operation status on the touch panel display (display unit 24) and operation buttons 28, input sound to the microphone 26, output sound from the speaker 25, control the camera 27, and access various communication networks and other information processing devices via the communication unit 23.

[0023] (1-3. Functional configuration of Server 10) As shown in Figure 4, the control unit 11 of the server 10 includes a viewing permission setting unit 11a, a shared video registration unit 11b, and a video distribution management unit 11c.

[0024] The viewing permission setting unit 11a grants user U1 viewing permission to view video M1 if user U1 meets predetermined conditions. The shared video registration unit 11b registers video M1, to which viewing permission has been granted, as a shared video, which is a video shared by a group to which user U1 and other users belong, at the instruction of user U1. The video distribution management unit 11c controls user U1 to be able to view shared videos (video M2 in Figure 1) registered by other users U2 belonging to the same group, provided that the shared video has been registered. Details of each function will be described later.

[0025] The functional configuration described above may be implemented by software (including so-called applications) appropriately installed on the server 10, or by hardware. When implemented by software, the control unit 11 can implement various functions by executing programs that constitute the software.

[0026] If implemented by executing a program, the program may be stored in the storage unit 12 built into the server 10, or in a non-temporary recording medium readable by a computer. Alternatively, the program may be read from an external storage device and implemented through so-called cloud computing. Or, if implemented by hardware, it can be implemented by various circuits such as ASICs, SOCs, FPGAs, or DRPs. Furthermore, some of the functional configurations described above may be processed by software or hardware on a user terminal 20 or the like.

[0027] (1-4. Functions of the viewing permission setting unit 11a) Referring to Figures 5 to 7, the functions of the control unit 11 will be explained in detail. The viewing permission setting unit 11a is configured to grant viewing permission to view video M1 to user U1 when user U1 meets predetermined conditions. User U1, who has been granted viewing permission to view video M1, can receive video M1 from the video distribution server to the user terminal 20a.

[0028] A predetermined condition for granting viewing rights is, for example, the purchase of viewing rights for video M1 by user U1. The viewing rights setting unit 11a may be configured to grant viewing rights based on information that user U1 has purchased viewing rights for video M1. Furthermore, the control unit 11 of the server 10 may also have a video purchase processing unit. The video purchase processing unit receives a purchase request for video M1 from user U1 via the user terminal 20a and also accepts payment for the purchase. The video purchase processing unit records the purchase information in the storage unit 12 or the like.

[0029] (1-5. Functions of the shared video registration section 11b) The shared video registration unit 11b is configured to register video M1, to which user U1 has been granted viewing rights, as a shared video to be shared within group G1, which includes multiple users including user U1, upon instruction from user U1. In Figure 5, user U1 and user U2 belong to group G1.

[0030] Here, the instruction from user U1 is a request sent from user terminal 20a to server 10 to register video M1 as a shared video in group G1. The shared video registration unit 11b receives the request and registers video M1 by recording it as a shared video in storage unit 12, etc.

[0031] Furthermore, Group G1 is formed based on the relationships between multiple users. In one embodiment, these relationships between users are those arising from a request for group formation by users belonging to Group G1. The formed group may be temporary or long-term. The group may, for example, form a chat room where conversations can take place to exchange opinions about videos.

[0032] Furthermore, the relationship between predetermined users may, in one embodiment, be a relationship determined based on various other information about the users. User information is, for example, information about the friendship between user U1 and user U2 (hereinafter also referred to as "friend information"). Friend information is an index of interactions inside and outside the service related to the video sharing system 1. Groups may be formed at the user's request, for example by the group setting unit of the control unit 11. Alternatively, they may be formed automatically by the group setting unit, etc., without a user request, based on the degree of interaction between users (for example, the depth of friendship, intimacy, frequency, etc.).

[0033] Interactions within the service include, for example, conversations taking place in the aforementioned chat rooms, or exchanging service accounts or IDs to establish contact. Interactions outside the service include, for example, some form of contact (so-called "likes," "follows," "adding friends," etc.) on a specific social networking service (SNS).

[0034] (1-6. Functions of the Video Distribution Management Unit 11c) The video distribution management unit 11c is configured to allow user U1 to view shared videos registered by user U2 of group G1, provided that user U1 has registered a shared video. With this configuration, even without having viewing rights to all videos, simply by sharing at least one video for which the user has viewing rights, all users within the group can be controlled to view all shared videos. In other words, if multiple videos are shared, a user can view all of those shared videos by simply sharing at least one video for which they have viewing rights. To put it another way, a user can view videos shared by others on the condition that they provide the video themselves.

[0035] In Figure 5, user U1 has registered video M1, for which they have viewing privileges, as a shared video in group G1. Similarly, user U2 has registered video M2, for which they have viewing privileges, as a shared video in group G1. In other words, both video M1 and video M2 are registered as shared videos in group G1.

[0036] Here, user U1 can naturally view video M1, for which they have viewing rights, even without registering video M1 as a shared video. Since user U1 has registered video M1 as a shared video, they can also view video M2, which user U2 has registered as a shared video. In other words, user U1 can receive video M1 and video M2 from the video distribution server to user terminal 20a.

[0037] It can also be said that user U1 has not met the prescribed conditions, such as purchasing, to be granted viewing rights for video M2, but has been granted permission to view video M2 based on the viewing rights that user U2 possesses for video M2. The video distribution management unit 11c may be configured to control the unregistered video M2 so that it cannot be viewed if another user U2 unregisters video M2 as a shared video. However, if user U1 has viewing rights for the same video M2, or if another user in group G1 has registered the same video M2 as a shared video, user U1 can view video M2.

[0038] Here, the video can be delivered either live or as a non-live stream, but live streaming allows viewers to experience a sense of presence. Furthermore, it can be delivered via streaming or download, but streaming may be chosen for live broadcasts.

[0039] Furthermore, while the video distribution server may be server 10, if the video distribution server is a server independent of server 10, the shared video registration unit 11b and the video distribution management unit 11c may be configured to share viewing rights and the sharing status of videos with the video distribution server.

[0040] Figures 6 and 7 illustrate the case where user U3 also belongs to group G1. In Figure 6, user U3 has not registered any videos for which they have viewing privileges as shared videos in group G1. Therefore, user U3 cannot view videos M1 and M2, which are registered as shared videos by other users in group G1, user U1 and user U2, unless they have viewing privileges for those videos.

[0041] On the other hand, in Figure 7, user U3 has registered video M3, for which he has viewing privileges, as a shared video in group G1. Therefore, user U3 can view videos M1 and M2, which are registered as shared videos by other users in group G1, user U1 and user U2, even if he does not have viewing privileges for these videos.

[0042] (1-7. An example of video sharing system 1) Next, we will explain video sharing system 1 in more detail, based on the example in Figure 8.

[0043] In Figure 8, a concert by a singing group consisting of singers A1 to A3 is being filmed by multiple cameras (cameras C1 to C6). The footage from each camera is then streamed live via a video distribution server as videos M1 to M6.

[0044] Cameras C1, C2, and C3 are filming singer A1 from different angles. Camera C4 is filming singer A2. Camera C5 is filming singer A3. And camera C6 is filming the entire stage.

[0045] Here, users U1, U2, and U3 are particularly fans of singer A1 and wish to watch videos of singer A1 from multiple angles. Specifically, they would like to watch videos M1, M2, and M3.

[0046] In this scenario, first, users U1, U2, and U3 form group G1, as shown in Figure 7. Next, user U1 purchases video M1, user U2 purchases video M2, and user U3 purchases video M3, each gaining viewing rights. Then, by registering the videos for which each user has viewing rights as shared videos within group G1, users U1, U2, and U3 can all view videos M1, M2, and M3. In other words, by purchasing and sharing just one video, it becomes possible to view footage of singer A1 from multiple angles.

[0047] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 9, the user terminal 20a of user U1 may be configured to display videos M1 to M3, distributed from the video distribution server, side by side on the display unit 24. In Figure 9, as an example, video M1 is displayed large, while videos M2 and M3 are displayed small. The user terminal 20a may switch the display according to the operation of user U1 or predetermined conditions. For example, video M2 may be displayed large, and video M1 may be displayed small.

[0048] Furthermore, if any of users U1 to U3 registers video M6 as a shared video in group G1, user terminal 20a can also display video M6, as shown in Figure 10. Note that user terminal 20a may set the number of videos that can be displayed on the display unit 24 at one time (for example, 4 videos). User terminal 20a may be configured to allow user U1 to select which videos to display if the number of videos that user U1 can view exceeds the number of videos that can be displayed.

[0049] (1-8. Processing flow by video sharing system 1) Referring to Figure 11, the processing flow of the video sharing system 1 will be explained.

[0050] First, as shown in Figure 11, steps S210 and S110 (viewing permission setting step) are executed. In S210, user U1 purchases video M1 via user terminal 20a, and server 10 obtains information about the purchase. In S110, if the viewing permission setting unit 11a determines that predetermined conditions have been met based on the purchase information, it grants user U1 viewing permission to watch video M1.

[0051] Next, steps S220 and the shared video registration step S120 are executed. In S220, based on instructions from user U1, a request is sent from user terminal 20a to server 10 to register video M1 as a shared video, which is a video shared within group G1 to which user U1 belongs. In S120, the shared video registration unit 11b registers video M1 as a shared video, which is a video shared within group G1 to which user U1 belongs.

[0052] Next, the video distribution management step S130 is executed. In S130, the video distribution management unit 11c controls user U1 to be able to view the shared video registered by user U2 of group G1, provided that the shared video has been registered.

[0053] S130 may include S132, S134, and S136. In S132, the video distribution management unit 11c records user U1 in the storage unit 12, etc., as a user who can view the shared video registered by a user of group G1, provided that the shared video has been registered.

[0054] In S134, the video distribution management unit 11c receives a video distribution request (S234) sent from the user terminal 20a. In S136, the video distribution management unit 11c sends a video distribution command to the video distribution server based on the received video distribution request.

[0055] Next, S340 and S250 are executed. In S340, the video distribution server distributes the corresponding video to the user terminal 20a based on the received video distribution command. In S250, the user terminal 20a displays the distributed video on the display unit 24.

[0056] <2. Variant> The following describes various modifications of the video sharing system 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0057] (2-1. Variation 1) The shared video registration unit 11b may be configured to register video M1, to which viewing permission has been granted, as a shared video when the sharing conditions, which are the conditions for sharing a video, are met, in accordance with the instructions of user U1.

[0058] The sharing conditions may include a requirement that the video being registered has a predetermined relationship with a video already included in the shared videos registered at the time of registration. With this configuration, even if a user does not have viewing rights to all of the related videos that they are interested in, simply sharing viewing rights to at least one related video allows any user in the group to view all of the shared videos.

[0059] In the example in Figure 7, assume that in group G1, user U1 is the first to register video M1 as a shared video, then user U2 registers video M2 as a shared video, and finally user U3 registers video M3 as a shared video.

[0060] In such a case, in one embodiment, since no videos have been registered as shared videos in group G1, user U1 can register video M1 without being constrained by the relationships between videos. That is, the shared video registration unit 11b can either not determine whether the sharing conditions have been met, or it can consider the sharing conditions to have been met if it is the first time a video has been registered as a shared video in the group.

[0061] Next, when user U2 registers video M2, video M2 must have a predetermined relationship with video M1, which is already registered as a shared video. Here, the predetermined relationship is, for example, that the videos are related to the same concert or sporting event. In the example in Figure 8, any of videos M1 to M6 can be said to have the predetermined relationship. By controlling the viewing of shared videos that have this predetermined relationship, users can view videos that are related to the videos they have purchased, in other words, videos that are of interest to them.

[0062] The specified relationship may include, for example, videos of the same singer at the same concert, or videos of the same athlete at the same competition. In the example in Figure 8, any of videos M1 to M3, which are videos of the same singer A1, may be considered to have the specified relationship.

[0063] Next, when user U3 registers video M3, video M3 must have a predetermined relationship with video M1 and / or video M2, which are already registered as shared videos. In one embodiment, video M3 must have a predetermined relationship with only one of video M1 or video M2. In another embodiment, video M3 must have a predetermined relationship with both video M1 and video M2. By requiring a relationship with both video M1 and video M2, it is possible to prevent the scope of sharing from expanding indefinitely.

[0064] The predetermined relevance may be determined based on the videos registered as shared videos, or it may be determined based on video criteria that have been pre-registered within the group at the time of group formation or after its formation. In this way, if video criteria have been pre-set within the group, the predetermined relevance will also be taken into consideration when user U1 registers video M1 as the first shared video in group G1.

[0065] (2-2. Variation 2) In Modification 2, the required sharing conditions are different, but similar to Modification 1, the shared video registration unit 11b may be configured to register video M1, to which viewing rights have been granted, as a shared video when the sharing conditions, which are the conditions for sharing a video, are met, in accordance with the instructions of user U1.

[0066] In Modification 2, the sharing conditions include the condition that the video being registered must not be identical to any of the videos already included in the shared videos registered at the time of registration. With this configuration, even if a user does not have viewing rights to all videos of a video they are interested in, they can watch all of the shared videos within the group by simply granting viewing rights to at least one video that has not yet been shared within the group. Sharing non-identical videos also has the advantage of providing a wider variety of videos to be shared.

[0067] Similar to Modification 1, in the example in Figure 7, assume that in group G1, user U1 is the first to register video M1 as a shared video, then user U2 registers video M2 as a shared video, and finally user U3 registers video M3 as a shared video.

[0068] In such a case, since no videos have been registered as shared videos in group G1, user U1 can register video M1 without being restricted by the constraint of identity with already registered videos. In other words, the shared video registration unit 11b can either not determine whether the sharing conditions have been met, or it can consider the sharing conditions to be met if the video is being registered as a shared video for the first time in the group.

[0069] Next, when user U2 registers video M2, it is necessary that video M2 is not identical to video M1, which has already been registered as a shared video. In the example in Figure 8, videos M1 to M6 are videos of the same concert, but they can be considered different videos because the angles and other factors are different.

[0070] Next, when user U3 registers video M3, it is necessary that video M3 is not identical to either video M1 or video M2, which are already registered as shared videos.

[0071] (2-3. Variation 3) In the third modified example, the viewing permission setting unit 11a is configured to set the number of users to whom the video can be distributed based on the viewing permission. In such a case, the video distribution management unit 11c is configured to control the number of users who can view the shared video based on the viewing permission, up to a predetermined number. This configuration allows for limiting the number of users who can share the video based on a single viewing permission. In other words, it prevents the number of users who can view the video from increasing indefinitely based on a single viewing permission.

[0072] For example, in the example in Figure 7, if the number of users who can view video M1 is set to 2, then only two of users U1 to U3 can view it. In other words, if video M1 is being distributed to users U1 and U2, the video distribution management unit 11c can control the distribution so that video M1 is not further distributed to user U3, exceeding the number of users who can view it.

[0073] Furthermore, the shared video registration unit 11b may control the registration of a video as a shared video for a group if the number of users belonging to the group exceeds the number of users who can view the video being registered. In one embodiment, the sharing condition may include the condition that the number of users who can view the video being registered does not exceed the number of users belonging to the group that is trying to register the video as a shared video.

[0074] Furthermore, the group settings section may control the minimum number of users who can view shared videos registered within a group, so as not to exceed the number of users belonging to the group.

[0075] (2-4. Modification 4) In modified example 4, the video distribution management unit 11c is configured to control whether a user can view shared videos registered by other users in the group when the number of videos registered by each user as shared videos falls within a predetermined range. This configuration allows for restricting distribution when the number of videos shared differs significantly among users, thereby ensuring fair sharing conditions.

[0076] Here, "the number of videos registered by the user as shared videos is within a predetermined range" means, for example, that the number of videos registered by the user as shared videos is greater than or equal to a predetermined number, or greater than or equal to the first predetermined number and less than or equal to the second predetermined number. The predetermined number, including the first predetermined number and the second predetermined number, may be a specific number (for example, 2) determined in advance by the group setting unit or the like according to the operation of user U1 or predetermined conditions.

[0077] Furthermore, the predetermined number may be determined based on the number of shared videos registered by each user belonging to the group. For example, the group settings unit can set "a predetermined number or more" to "a number greater than or equal to the average number of shared videos registered by each user belonging to the group minus 1." That is, if the "average number of shared videos registered by each user belonging to the group" is 3, a user who has registered only one video as a shared video will not be able to receive distributions for videos other than those for which they have viewing rights.

[0078] Furthermore, if there are users in the group who are unable to receive such broadcasts, the video distribution management unit 11c may control the system so that other users cannot view videos registered by those users who are unable to receive broadcasts. This configuration can ensure fairness among users.

[0079] (2-5. Modification 5) In modified example 5, the video distribution management unit 11c is configured to control whether a user can view shared videos registered by other users in the group if the total value of one or more videos registered by each user as shared videos falls within a predetermined range. This configuration allows for restricting distribution when the value differences between users of shared videos differ significantly, thereby ensuring fair sharing conditions.

[0080] Here, "the total value of one or more videos registered by the user as shared videos is within a predetermined range" means, for example, that the total value of one or more videos registered by the user as shared videos is greater than or equal to a predetermined value, or greater than or equal to a first predetermined value and less than or equal to a second predetermined value. The predetermined values, including the first predetermined value and the second predetermined value, may be specific values ​​(for example, 500 yen) determined in advance by the group setting unit or the like according to the operation of user U1 or predetermined conditions.

[0081] Furthermore, the predetermined value may be determined based on the total value of the shared videos registered by each user belonging to the group. For example, the group settings unit can set "greater than or equal to the predetermined value" as "greater than or equal to the average of the total value of the shared videos registered by each user belonging to the group minus 200 yen, and at least 500 yen." In other words, if the "average of the total value of the shared videos registered by each user belonging to the group" is 800 yen, a user whose total value of one or more videos registered as shared videos is 500 yen will not be able to receive streams of videos other than those for which they have viewing rights.

[0082] Furthermore, the "value of a video" may be configured to be determined for each video by the video distribution management unit 11c, etc. The value of a video may be a fixed value, or it may be a value that fluctuates depending on the purchase status, etc. Even if it is a fluctuating value, when considering it as "the value of one or more videos registered by a user as a shared video," the price at which the user purchased the video may be considered as the value of the video.

[0083] The value of a video is determined by various criteria, but it may also be set as shown in Figure 12, for example. In this example, video M1 is priced at 2000 yen, videos M2 and M3 at 1500 yen, video M4 at 1000 yen, video M5 at 500 yen, and video M6 at 200 yen. These can be determined by considering factors such as the popularity of each singer, the distance from the camera, and the camera angle.

[0084] (2-6. Variation 6) In Modification 6, the video distribution management unit 11c is configured to control whether a user can view shared videos registered by other users in the group if the degree of rarity of at least one video included in one or more videos registered by the user as a shared video falls within a predetermined range. By configuring it in this way, distribution can be restricted when there is a significant difference in the rarity of the videos to be shared among users, thereby controlling sharing to be conducted under fair conditions.

[0085] Here, "scarcity" is an index based on the ease of obtaining viewing rights for the target video. The degree of scarcity may be defined as shown in Figure 13, for example. In this example, the scarcity of video M1 is set to 5, the scarcity of videos M2 and M3 is set to 4, the scarcity of video M4 is set to 3, the scarcity of video M5 is set to 2, and the scarcity of video M6 is set to 1. The ease of obtaining viewing rights for a video is, for example, the ease of purchasing the video, and can be determined based on the number of copies sold, the popularity of the video, the length of the sales period, or a combination of these.

[0086] Here, "the degree of rarity of at least one video included in one or more videos registered by the user as a shared video is within a predetermined range" means, for example, that the degree of rarity of at least one video included in one or more videos registered by the user as a shared video is greater than or equal to a predetermined degree, or greater than or equal to a first predetermined degree and less than or equal to a second predetermined degree. The predetermined degrees, including the first predetermined degree and the second predetermined degree, may be specific degrees determined in advance by the group setting unit or the like according to the operation of user U1 or predetermined conditions.

[0087] Furthermore, the predetermined degree may be determined based on the degree of rarity of the shared videos registered by each user belonging to the group. For example, the group settings unit can set "above the predetermined degree" to "a number greater than or equal to the average degree of rarity of the shared videos registered by each user belonging to the group minus 1, and greater than or equal to 2." That is, if the "average degree of rarity of the shared videos registered by each user belonging to the group" is 4.3, a user whose videos included in one or more videos registered as shared videos have a maximum rarity of 2 will not be able to receive distribution of videos other than those for which they have viewing rights.

[0088] <3. Other Embodiments> While embodiments and modifications thereof of the present invention have been described above, the application of this disclosure is not limited to the above.

[0089] (Functional configuration, etc.) For example, in the above embodiment, a configuration was described in which the server 10 mainly provides each function, but it is also possible to have a configuration in which the user terminal 20 provides some functions, or in which both the server 10 and the user terminal 20 provide them.

[0090] Furthermore, the information processing device such as server 10 may include not only a single physical device, but also multiple devices connected via wired or wireless communication that function as a single information processing device.

[0091] Furthermore, each step described as being performed by the server 10 in the above embodiment can also be performed by the user terminal 20.

[0092] (Belonging to multiple groups) Furthermore, a user may belong to multiple groups. For example, Figure 14 shows a situation where user U3 belongs to group G1, as well as group G2, to which user U4 belongs.

[0093] The shared video registration unit 11b may be configured to register video M3, to which user U3 has been granted viewing rights, as a shared video to be shared in group G1, based on instructions from user U3, and to further register the same video M3 as a shared video to be shared in another group G2.

[0094] In this configuration, a user can register a single video as a shared video in multiple groups, allowing them to view the shared video in those groups. Specifically, user U3 can view videos M1 and M2 by registering video M3 as a shared video in group G1. Simultaneously, user U3 can view video M4 by registering video M3 as a shared video in group G2.

[0095] On the other hand, as shown in Figure 15, if the shared video registration unit 11b registers video M3, which user U3 has been granted viewing rights to, as a shared video to be shared in group G1, at the instruction of user U3, it may be configured so that the same video M3 cannot be further registered as a shared video to be shared in another group G2.

[0096] In this configuration, a user cannot register a single video as a shared video in multiple groups; they can only view the shared video in the group in which the video was registered. That is, user U3 can view videos M1 and M2 by registering video M3 as a shared video in group G1. However, user U3 cannot view video M4 because they cannot register video M3 as a shared video in group G2.

[0097] (Another aspect of the present invention) Furthermore, according to another aspect of the present invention, an information processing device is provided, comprising a viewing permission setting unit and a video distribution management unit, wherein the viewing permission setting unit grants a first viewing permission, which is the right to view a first video, to a first user, and grants a second viewing permission, which is the right to view a second video, to a second user, and the video distribution management unit controls the distribution of the first video to the information processing terminals of the first user and / or the second user based on the first viewing permission, when the conditions for mutual sharing, which are the conditions for different users to share videos with each other, are met, and controls the distribution of the second video to the information processing terminals of the first user and / or the second user based on the second viewing permission.

[0098] With this configuration, users can view videos with each other even if they do not have access to view all videos, as long as they have access to only some of them. Furthermore, various concepts and definitions from the first embodiment may be applied to information processing devices and the like from this alternative perspective, to the extent possible.

[0099] The conditions for mutual sharing may include the following: that the first user and the second user have a predetermined relationship; that the first video and the second video have a predetermined relationship; or that the first video and the second video are different videos. Having a predetermined relationship between the first user and the second user could, for example, mean that the first user and the second user belong to the same group. Having a predetermined relationship between the first video and the second video could, for example, mean that they are videos relating to the same concert or competition, videos relating to the same singer at the same concert, or videos relating to the same competitor at the same competition, similar to the examples above.

[0100] The viewing permission setting unit sets the number of users to whom content can be distributed for each of the first and second viewing permissions, and the video distribution management unit may control distribution to a number of users or less determined for each viewing permission, based on the first and second viewing permissions.

[0101] The mutual sharing conditions may include a condition that the difference between the number of videos containing the first video shared by the first user with the second user and the number of videos containing the second video shared by the second user with the first user falls within a predetermined range.

[0102] The mutual sharing conditions may include a condition that the difference between the total value of one or more videos, including the first video shared by the first user with the second user, and the total value of one or more videos, including the second video shared by the second user with the first user, falls within a predetermined range.

[0103] The mutual sharing conditions may include a condition that the difference between the degree of rarity of at least one video included in one or more videos, including the first video, shared by the first user with the second user, and the degree of rarity of at least one video included in one or more videos, including the second video, shared by the second user with the first user, is within a predetermined range.

[0104] The mutual sharing conditions may further include the condition that the first video is a video that the second user cannot view based on any permission other than the first viewing permission, and the second video is a video that the first user cannot view based on any permission other than the second viewing permission.

[0105] Although various embodiments of the present invention have been described above, these are presented as examples only and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These novel embodiments can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and their variations are included in the scope and spirit of the invention, as well as in the claims of the invention and its equivalents.

[0106] <4. Features of the Embodiment> The features of embodiments of the present invention are summarized below.

[0107] A server 10 according to one aspect of the present invention is an information processing device comprising a viewing permission setting unit 11a, a shared video registration unit 11b, and a video distribution management unit 11c, wherein the viewing permission setting unit 11a grants the user viewing permission to view a video when the user meets predetermined conditions, the shared video registration unit 11b registers the video to which viewing permission has been granted as a shared video, which is a video shared by a group to which the user and multiple other users belong, according to the user's instructions, and the video distribution management unit 11c controls the shared video to be viewable by the user, provided that the shared video has been registered, and other users in the group have registered the shared video.

[0108] With this configuration, by sharing at least one video for which users have viewing permissions, it is possible to control access so that all users within the group can view all of the shared videos.

[0109] The shared video registration unit 11b, upon instruction from the user, registers the video to which viewing rights have been granted as a shared video when the sharing conditions, which are the conditions for sharing a video, are met. The sharing conditions may be configured to include the requirement that the video to be registered has a predetermined relationship with a video already included in the shared videos registered at the time of registration. With this configuration, by sharing viewing rights for at least one related video that a user is interested in, it is possible to control the system so that all users in the group can view all of the shared videos.

[0110] The shared video registration unit 11b, upon instruction from the user, registers the video to which viewing rights have been granted as a shared video when the sharing conditions, which are the conditions for sharing a video, are met. The sharing conditions may be configured to include the requirement that the video to be registered is not identical to any of the videos already registered as shared videos at the time of registration. With this configuration, by granting viewing rights to at least one video that has not yet been shared within the group, users within the group can be controlled to view all shared videos, regardless of the video the user is interested in.

[0111] The viewing permission setting unit 11a may set the number of users to whom viewing permission can be distributed, and the video distribution management unit 11c may be configured to control the number of users (up to a predetermined number) to be able to view the shared video based on the viewing permission. With such a configuration, the number of users who can share based on a single viewing permission can be limited.

[0112] The video distribution management unit 11c may be configured to control the system so that the user can view shared videos registered by other users in the group when the number of videos registered by the user as shared videos falls within a predetermined range. With this configuration, distribution can be restricted when the number of videos shared differs significantly among users, thereby controlling sharing to be conducted under fair conditions.

[0113] The video distribution management unit 11c may be configured to control whether the user can view shared videos registered by other users in the group if the total value of one or more videos registered by the user as shared videos falls within a predetermined range. With such a configuration, distribution can be restricted when there is a significant difference in the value of the videos to be shared among users, thereby controlling sharing to be conducted under fair conditions.

[0114] The video distribution management unit 11c may be configured to control whether the user can view shared videos registered by other users in the group if the degree of rarity of at least one video included in the one or more videos registered by the user as shared videos falls within a predetermined range. With such a configuration, distribution can be restricted when there is a significant difference in the rarity of the videos to be shared among users, thereby controlling sharing to be conducted under fair conditions.

[0115] A computer program according to one aspect of the present invention is a computer program that causes a computer to perform a viewing permission setting step, a shared video registration step, and a video distribution management step, wherein in the viewing permission setting step, the program grants the user viewing permission to view a video when the user meets predetermined conditions; in the shared video registration step, the program registers the video to which viewing permission has been granted as a shared video, which is a video shared by a group of multiple users including the user, at the user's instruction; and in the video distribution management step, the program controls the system so that the user can view shared videos registered by other users in the group, provided that the shared video has been registered.

[0116] An information processing method according to one aspect of the present invention is an information processing method comprising a viewing permission setting step, a shared video registration step, and a video distribution management step, wherein in the viewing permission setting step, a computer grants a user viewing permission to view a video when the user meets predetermined conditions; in the shared video registration step, the computer registers the video to which viewing permission has been granted as a shared video, which is a video shared by a group of multiple users including the user, at the user's instruction; and in the video distribution management step, the computer controls the system so that the user can view shared videos registered by other users in the group, provided that the shared video has been registered. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0117] 1: Video sharing system, 5: Communication line, 10: Server, 11: Control unit, 11a: Viewing permission setting unit, 11b: Shared video registration unit, 11c: Video distribution management unit, 12: Storage unit, 13: Communication unit, 14: Operation input unit, 15: Monitor, 16: System bus, 20, 20a, 20b: User terminal, 21: Control unit, 22: Storage unit, 23: Communication unit, 24: Display unit, 25: Speaker, 26: Microphone, 27: Camera, 28: Operation buttons, 29: System bus, A1~A3: Singer, C1~C6: Camera, G1~G2: Group, M1~M6: Video, U1~U4: User

Claims

1. A processor is provided, and the processor is The first user is granted the right to view the first video if they meet the specified conditions. Upon instruction from the first user, the first video to which viewing permissions have been granted is registered as a shared video, which is a video shared by a group of multiple users including the first user and the second user. On the condition that the first user has registered the first video as the shared video, the second user controls the second video, which the second user has registered as the shared video of the group, to be viewable by the first user. If the second user unregisters the second video as a shared video, the first user may control the second video to make it unviewable. Information processing device.

2. The processor grants the first user the right to view the first video if the first user meets predetermined conditions. The processor, at the instruction of the first user, registers the first video to which viewing rights have been granted as a shared video, which is a video to be shared by a group of multiple users including the first user and the second user. The processor, on the condition that the first user has registered the first video as the shared video, controls the second video, which the second user has registered as the shared video of the group, to be viewable by the first user. The processor controls the second video so that the first user cannot view it if the second user unregisters the second video as a shared video. Information processing methods.

3. The processor is instructed to grant the first user the right to view the first video if the first user meets predetermined conditions. The processor is instructed, at the instruction of the first user, to register the first video to which viewing rights have been granted as a shared video, which is a video to be shared by a group of multiple users including the first user and the second user. The processor is controlled to allow the first user to view the second video, which the second user has registered as a shared video in the group, provided that the first user has registered the first video as a shared video. The processor is instructed to prevent the first user from viewing the second video if the second user unregisters the second video as a shared video. program.

4. The system includes a server and terminal devices. The aforementioned server, If the first user operating the terminal device meets predetermined conditions, the first user is granted the right to view the first video. Upon instruction from the first user, the first video to which viewing permissions have been granted is registered as a shared video, which is a video shared by a group of multiple users including the first user and the second user. On the condition that the first user has registered the first video as the shared video, the second user controls the second video, which the second user has registered as the shared video of the group, to be viewable by the first user. If the second user unregisters the second video as a shared video, the first user may control the second video to make it unviewable. system.

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