Terminal device and animation delivery system

Abstract

To provide a terminal device and animation delivery system that offer superior usability for viewing animations. [Solution] The terminal device includes a receiving unit that receives a user's switching instruction to switch from viewing a clip based on animation data during the period when a clip based on clip data, from which a portion of animation data has been cut out, is displayed on the display device; a transmitting unit that sends the switching instruction request to a server via a communication device; and a display control unit that displays the animation on the display device based on animation data provided by the server as a response to the switching instruction request.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a terminal device and an animation providing system.

Background Art

[0002] Techniques for viewing content such as animations on a terminal device such as a smartphone are known. Also, in the terminal device, it is known to generate a clip in which a part of an animation is cut out according to a user's operation.

[0003] Patent Document 1 discloses a computer terminal capable of generating a clip by an operation in which a user presses and releases a clip button with a finger during playback of content. The computer terminal generates shared information including clip information and a user ID. Then, the computer terminal plays back the clip generated based on the common information.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] While viewing a clip, a user may want to view the original content of the clip. However, in the prior art, there is a problem in that it lacks usability because it is not possible to return from the playback of the clip based on the clip information to the original animation.

[0006] The present disclosure has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object thereof is to provide a terminal device and an animation providing system with excellent usability.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0007] To solve the above problems, a terminal device according to a preferred embodiment of the present disclosure includes: a receiving unit that receives a user's switching instruction to switch from viewing a clip based on clip data, from which a portion of animation data has been cut out, to viewing an animation based on animation data, during the period in which a clip based on clip data from which a portion of animation data has been cut out is displayed on the display device; a transmitting unit that transmits the request for the switching instruction to the server via a communication device; a display control unit that causes the display device to display the animation based on the animation data provided by the server as a response to the request for the switching instruction; and a receiving unit, wherein the receiving unit receives a portion of the animation data from the server via the communication device, starting from a specific position determined based on the user's viewing history, and the display control unit displays a portion of the animation based on the portion of the data on the display device. The request for the switching instruction includes a clip ID that identifies the clip. .

[0008] An animation provision system according to a preferred embodiment of the present disclosure comprises a terminal device and a server that can communicate with the terminal device via a communication network, wherein the terminal device includes a receiving unit that receives a user's switching instruction to switch from viewing a clip based on clip data, from which a portion of animation data has been cut out, to viewing an animation based on the animation data, during the period in which a clip based on clip data, from which a portion of animation data has been cut out, is displayed on a display device; a transmitting unit that transmits the request for the switching instruction to the server via a communication device; a display control unit that causes the display device to display the animation based on the animation data provided by the server as a response to the request for the switching instruction; and a receiving unit, wherein the receiving unit receives a portion of the animation data from the server via the communication device, starting from a specific position determined based on the user's viewing history, and the display control unit displays a portion of the animation based on the portion of the data on the display device. The request for the switching instruction includes a clip ID that identifies the clip. . [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] According to this disclosure, for example, it is possible to provide a terminal device and an animation delivery system that offer excellent usability for viewing animations. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0010] [Figure 1] This is a diagram showing the animation provisioning system of the first embodiment. [Figure 2] This is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a terminal device in Figure 1. [Figure 3] Figure 2 shows an example of an animation displayed on the screen of the display device. [Figure 4] Figure 2 shows an example of a clip displayed on the screen of the display device. [Figure 5] Figure 2 shows an example of a display bar that appears on the screen of the display device. [Figure 6] Figure 2 shows an example of a clip displayed on the screen of the display device. [Figure 7] Figure 2 shows an example of a clip list displayed on the screen of the display device. [Figure 8] Figure 2 shows an example of an editing bar displayed on the screen of the display device. [Figure 9] This diagram illustrates the first switching instruction made by the user while a clip is being displayed. [Figure 10] This diagram illustrates the user's second switching instruction while an animation is being displayed. [Figure 11] Figure 2 shows an example of clipping information. [Figure 12] This figure shows an example of a first switching instruction request. [Figure 13] This figure shows an example of a request for a second switchover instruction. [Figure 14] Figure 1 is a block diagram showing an example of a server configuration. [Figure 15]It is a diagram showing an example of an animation data file shown in FIG. 14. [Figure 16] It is a diagram showing an example of a clip list file shown in FIG. 14. [Figure 17] It is a diagram showing an example of a relationship information file shown in FIG. 14. [Figure 18] It is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of switching the display between animation and clip. [Figure 19] It is a flowchart showing an example of an operation related to clip processing. [Figure 20] It is a flowchart showing an example of an operation related to clip editing. [Figure 21] It is a diagram showing data stored in the storage device of the terminal device of the first modification example. [Figure 22] It is a diagram showing an example of viewing history information shown in FIG. 21. [Figure 23] It is a diagram showing data stored in the storage device of the server of the first modification example. [Figure 24] It is a diagram showing an example of a viewing history file shown in FIG. 23. [Figure 25] It is a flowchart showing an example of an operation related to clip editing of the second modification example. [Figure 26] It is a diagram showing a selection screen in the second modification example. [Figure 27] It is a diagram for explaining a switching instruction by a user in the third modification example.

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0011] Hereinafter, embodiments according to the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. The embodiments described below are preferred specific examples of the present disclosure. For this reason, various technically preferable limitations are imposed on the embodiments. However, the scope of the present disclosure is not limited to these forms unless there is a description to specifically limit the present disclosure in the following description.

[0012] 1. First Embodiment 1-1. Overall System Configuration Figure 1 shows an animation provision system according to the first embodiment. As shown in Figure 1, the animation provision system 100 comprises a server 10 and terminal devices 30-1, 30-2, ... 30-K, ... 30-N. N is an integer of 1 or more. K is an integer between 1 and N, inclusive. The animation provision system 100 is a client-server system. Terminal device 30 corresponds to a client.

[0013] In this embodiment, the multiple terminal devices 30-1 to 30-N have the same configuration. However, terminal devices with different configurations may be included. Each of the multiple terminal devices 30-1 to 30-N communicates with each other via a communication network 50 such as the Internet and the server 10. Hereafter, if the multiple terminal devices 30-1 to 30-N are not distinguished, they will be referred to as terminal device 30. The owners of terminal devices 30-1, 30-2, ... 30-K, ... 30-N will be referred to as users U1, U2, ... UK, ... UN. The owner of terminal device 30 will be referred to as user U.

[0014] Server 10 provides animation to multiple terminal devices 30-1 to 30-N. Server 10 also provides multiple terminal devices 30-1 to 30-N with clips containing excerpts of the animation.

[0015] In this embodiment, the user U watches the animation via streaming, where the terminal device 30 receives and simultaneously plays the data.

[0016] According to the animation provision system 100 of this embodiment, in addition to viewing the animation, it is possible to view clips, which are excerpts of parts of the animation, via the terminal device 30. The clips are parts of the animation and are also moving images, just like the animation. The length of the clips is not particularly limited, but for example, it is about 1 to 120 seconds. Furthermore, the animation provision system 100 can switch the display between the animation and the clips according to the user U's instructions. The animation provision system 100 can also perform clip processing. Clip processing is the process of cutting out a part of the animation to generate a clip. Furthermore, the animation provision system 100 can also perform clip editing. Note that the animation provision system 100 does not necessarily have to be able to perform clip processing and clip editing.

[0017] 1-1a. Terminal device 30 Figure 2 is a block diagram showing an example configuration of the terminal device 30 in Figure 1. The terminal device 30 has a viewer function for displaying animations. Examples of terminal devices 30 include smartphones, tablets and other portable information terminals, personal computers, and wearable devices.

[0018] The terminal device 30 comprises a processing unit 31, a storage device 32, a communication device 33, a display device 34, and an input device 35. Each element of the terminal device 30 is interconnected using one or more buses for communicating information.

[0019] The processing unit 31 is a processor that controls the entire terminal device 30. The processing unit 31 is configured using, for example, one or more chips. The processing unit 31 includes, for example, a central processing unit (CPU) including an arithmetic unit and registers. Some or all of the functions of the processing unit 31 may be implemented using hardware such as a DSP, ASIC, PLD, FPGA, etc. The processing unit 31 executes various processes in parallel or sequentially.

[0020] The storage device 32 is a recording medium that can be read from and written to by the processing device 31. The storage device 32 stores multiple programs executed by the processing device 31, as well as various data files. Specifically, the storage device 32 stores the executable program P1 and clip information D20. By executing the executable program P1, the processing device 31 performs the functions described later. As will be described later, the clip information D20 is metadata that includes the clip's start time, end time, and animation ID. Note that the clip information D20 only needs to be stored temporarily and does not need to be stored long-term.

[0021] The communication device 33 is hardware acting as a transmitting and receiving device for communicating with the server 10. The communication device 33 is also called, for example, a network device, a network controller, a network card, and a communication module. The communication device 33 may be equipped with a connector for wired connection and an interface circuit corresponding to the connector. The communication device 33 may also be equipped with a wireless communication interface. Examples of connectors and interface circuits for wired connection include products compliant with wired LAN, IEEE1394, and USB. Examples of wireless communication interfaces include products compliant with wireless LAN and Bluetooth®.

[0022] The display device 34 is a device that displays images and text information. The display device 34 displays various images under the control of the processing device 31. For example, various display panels such as liquid crystal display panels and organic EL (Electro-Luminescence) display panels are preferably used as the display device 34.

[0023] The input device 35 accepts input from the user U. For example, the input device 35 includes a keyboard, touchpad, touch panel, or pointing device such as a mouse.

[0024] In this embodiment, for example, the display device 34 includes a touch panel and also functions as an input device 35. Therefore, in the following description, it may be stated that the display device 34 accepts instructions from user U.

[0025] The aforementioned processing unit 31 reads the executable program P1 from the storage device 32 and executes it. As a result, the processing unit 31 functions as a display control unit 311, a receiving unit 312, a decision unit 313, a transmission unit 314, and a receiving unit 315.

[0026] The display control unit 311 controls the display on the display device 34. The display control unit 311 also starts an animation viewer. The animation viewer may be a browser viewer that allows animation viewing in a browser, or an application viewer that allows animation viewing in an application.

[0027] For example, the display control unit 311 displays animation A1 in Figure 3, based on animation data D10 provided by the server 10, on the display device 34. The display control unit 311 displays clip A2 in Figure 4, based on clip data D2 provided by the server 10, on the display device 34. For example, the display control unit 311 displays the display bar T1 in Figure 5, which indicates the position, i.e., time, of clip A2 in animation A1. For example, while animation A1 is being displayed, the display control unit 311 displays the tool T2 in Figure 6 for switching between accepting and not accepting a clip processing start instruction from user U. For example, the display control unit 311 displays the clip list A3 in Figure 7, based on the clip list file F20 provided by the server 10, on the display device 34. Note that clip list A3 is a list of multiple clips A2. For example, the display control unit 311 displays the editing bar T4 in Figure 8 for editing clip A2.

[0028] Figure 3 is an example of animation A1 displayed on the screen SC of the display device 34 in Figure 2. Figure 4 is an example of clip A2 displayed on the screen SC of the display device 34 in Figure 2. As shown in Figures 3 and 4, the display device 34 has a screen SC for displaying various images. In Figure 3, animation A1 is displayed on the screen SC. In Figure 4, clip A2 is displayed on the screen SC. Note that an identification mark may be attached to either animation A1 or clip A2 so that the user U can instantly tell which is displayed on the screen SC.

[0029] Figure 5 is an example of a display bar T1 displayed on the screen SC of the display device 34 in Figure 2. As shown in Figure 5, the display control unit 311 displays the display bar T1 while animation A1 is being displayed. The display bar T1 is a seek bar that indicates the position of a clip. In addition to the bar body that indicates the time axis, the display bar T1 has a playback point T11, two clip sections T12 and T13, and two clip display callouts T14 and T15. The playback point T11 indicates the current playback position of animation A1. In the example in Figure 5, two clips A2 are generated with respect to animation A1. Each of the clip sections T12 and T13 indicates the position, i.e., time, of the clip. A clip display callout T14 is provided corresponding to clip section T12. The clip display callout T14 shows the contents of clip section T12 as an image. For example, the clip display callout T14 shows the first scene of clip section T12 as an image. Similarly, a clip display bubble T15 is provided corresponding to the clip portion T13. The clip display bubble T15 displays the contents of the clip portion T13 as an image. For example, the clip display bubble T15 displays the first scene of the clip portion T13 as an image. Note that the clip display bubbles T14 and T15 do not have to be displayed at all times and may be displayed by user U's tap operation or other means.

[0030] Figure 6 shows an example of a tool T2 displayed on the screen SC of the display device 34 in Figure 2. As shown in Figure 6, the display control unit 311 displays the tool T2, which is a button, while animation A1 is being displayed. Tool T2 is a button that switches between being able to accept and not being able to accept a clipping start command from the user U while animation A1 is being displayed. Note that the position and shape of the tool T2 are not limited to the example shown and are arbitrary. Also, tool T2 may be composed of a GUI (Graphical User Interface) other than a button.

[0031] Figure 7 shows an example of a clip list A3 displayed on the screen SC of the display device 34 in Figure 2. The screen SC in Figure 7 displays a clip list A3, which is a list of multiple clips A2. The clip list A3 includes multiple clips A2 and a title corresponding to each clip A2. To the right of each clip A2, content such as a title arbitrarily specified by the user U is displayed, for example, to make it easier to identify each clip A2. For example, Figure 7 displays three clips A2 with titles "X1", "X2", and "X3". Note that the title may be omitted.

[0032] Figure 8 shows an example of an editing bar T4 displayed on the screen SC of the display device 34 in Figure 2. As shown in Figure 8, the display control unit 311 displays the editing bar T4 along with the display of clip A2. The editing bar T4 is a GUI used by the user to edit clip A2. The editing bar T4 has a clip portion T41 that indicates the length of time of clip A2. The length of time of the clip portion T41 can be changed by user U.

[0033] The reception unit 312 shown in Figure 2 receives instructions from user U via the input device 35 or the display device 34. Specifically, for example, the reception unit 312 receives a first switching instruction from user U to switch the display from clip A2 to animation A1 while clip A2 is displayed on the display device 34. The first switching instruction corresponds to a "switching instruction". The reception unit 312 also receives a second switching instruction from user U to switch from animation A1 to clip A2 while animation A1 is displayed on the display device 34. The reception unit 312 also receives instructions from user U to process clips while animation A1 is displayed on the display device 34. The reception unit 312 also receives instructions from user U to edit clips while animation A1 is displayed on the display device 34.

[0034] Figure 9 illustrates the first switching instruction by user U while clip A2 is being displayed. Figure 10 illustrates the second switching instruction by user U while animation A1 is being displayed. As mentioned above, the first switching instruction corresponds to a "switching instruction".

[0035] As shown in Figure 9, the first switching instruction by user U is performed, for example, by long-pressing any part of the screen SC with user U's finger Uf. This instruction is performed while clip A2 is being displayed. Similarly, as shown in Figure 10, the second switching instruction by user U is performed, for example, by long-pressing any part of the screen SC with user U's finger Uf. This instruction is performed while animation A1 is being displayed.

[0036] The display device 34 detects, via a touch sensor, that a finger Uf is in contact with the screen SC and the position of the contact. The reception unit 312 then receives the start of contact, duration of contact, and position of the finger Uf and determines that it is a long press.

[0037] Any part of the screen SC can be any part within the screen SC. Therefore, it is not necessary to display buttons or anything for the first and second switching instructions. Also, a long press means pressing and holding the screen SC for a certain period of time, such as 0.5 seconds to 2.0 seconds. Note that finger Uf includes the thumb. Furthermore, the first and second switching instructions may be given by a part of the user U other than finger Uf. Also, some kind of component may be interposed between the user U and the screen SC as long as it is possible to give the first and second switching instructions.

[0038] The decision unit 313 determines the clipping time of animation A1 in response to the clipping instruction from user U received by the reception unit 312. The decision unit 313 generates the clipping information D20 shown in Figure 11. The decision unit 313 also generates a first switching instruction request R1, which is information regarding the request for the first switching instruction received by the reception unit 312. The decision unit 313 also generates a second switching instruction request R2, which is information regarding the request for the second switching instruction received by the reception unit 312.

[0039] Figure 11 shows an example of clip information D20 shown in Figure 2. As shown in Figure 11, clip information D20 includes clip ID, animation ID, first position, second position, title, and terminal ID. The clip ID is the identifier for clip information D20. The animation ID is an identifier used to identify animation A1 that is being played when the clip processing instruction is given. The terminal ID is an identifier used to identify the terminal device 30 that issued the switching instruction. It is assumed that one user U may view clip A2 based on another user U's clip information D20. Therefore, the presence of the terminal ID makes it possible to identify which user U owns the terminal device 30 on which the clip information D20 was determined. The first position is the start time of the clip processing instruction, specifically indicating the position of animation data D10 corresponding to that start time. The second position is the end time of the clip processing instruction, specifically indicating the position of animation data D10 corresponding to that end time. The title is the content specified by user U to make it easier to identify clip A2. Note that clip information D20 does not necessarily have to include all the requirements shown in Figure 11, and may include other requirements.

[0040] In the example in Figure 11, for instance, clip information D20 includes information indicating the period of animation with animation ID "an0001" with a start time of "352 seconds" and an end time of "441 seconds".

[0041] Figure 12 shows an example of the first switching instruction request R1 shown in Figure 2. As mentioned above, the first switching instruction is an instruction from user U to switch from viewing clip A2 to viewing an animation. As shown in Figure 12, for example, the first switching instruction request R1 includes a clip ID, an animation ID, an instruction time, and a terminal ID. The clip ID is an identifier for identifying clip A2 that is currently being viewed. The animation ID is an identifier for identifying animation A1, which is the basis of clip A2. The instruction time is the time when user U made the first switching instruction, indicating how many seconds after playback of clip A2 the first switching instruction was made. The terminal ID is an identifier for identifying the terminal device 30 to which the first switching instruction was made. Note that the first switching instruction request R1 does not have to include all the requirements shown in Figure 12, and may include other requirements.

[0042] In the example shown in Figure 12, the first switching instruction request R1 includes information indicating that the first switching instruction was issued 12 seconds after the playback of clip A2, which was generated from animation A1, which has animation ID "an0001", in terminal device 30 with terminal ID "30-1".

[0043] Figure 13 shows an example of a second switching instruction request R2 shown in Figure 2. As mentioned above, a second switching instruction is an instruction from user U to switch from viewing animation A1 to viewing clip A2. As shown in Figure 13, for example, a second switching instruction request R2 includes animation ID, clip ID, instruction time, and terminal ID. The instruction time is the time when user U gives the second switching instruction, indicating how many seconds after animation A1 started playing the instruction the second switching instruction was given.

[0044] In the example shown in Figure 13, the second switching instruction request R2 includes information indicating that the second switching instruction was issued while animation A1 with animation ID "an0001" was playing on terminal device 30 with terminal ID "30-1". The second switching instruction request R2 also includes information indicating that clip A2 with clip ID "c2158" was selected after "321 seconds" had elapsed.

[0045] The transmitting unit 314 shown in Figure 2 causes the communication device 33 to transmit various types of information. As a result, various types of information are transmitted to the server 10. For example, the transmitting unit 314 causes the communication device 33 to transmit a first switching instruction request R1, a second switching instruction request R2, and clip information D20.

[0046] The receiving unit 315 causes the communication device 33 to receive various types of information provided by the server 10. For example, the receiving unit 315 causes the communication device 33 to receive animation data D10, clip data D2, and clip list file F20.

[0047] 1-1b. Server 10 Figure 14 is a block diagram showing an example configuration of the server 10 in Figure 1. As shown in Figure 14, the server 10 comprises a processing unit 11, a storage device 12, a communication device 13, a display device 14, and an input device 15. Each element of the server 10 is interconnected using one or more buses for communicating information.

[0048] The processing unit 11 is a processor that controls the entire server 10. The processing unit 11 is configured using, for example, one or more chips. The processing unit 11 is configured using, for example, a central processing unit (CPU) including an arithmetic unit and registers. Some or all of the functions of the processing unit 11 may be implemented using hardware such as a DSP, ASIC, PLD, and FPGA. The processing unit 11 executes various processes in parallel or sequentially.

[0049] The storage device 12 is a recording medium that can be read from and written to by the processing device 11. The storage device 12 also stores multiple programs executed by the processing device 11, as well as various data files. Specifically, the storage device 12 stores the control program P2, animation data file F10, clip list file F20, clip data D2, and related information file F30. By executing the control program P2, the processing device 11 performs the functions described later. Note that the clip data D2 only needs to be stored temporarily and does not need to be stored long-term. Therefore, the clip data D2 does not need to be stored in the storage device 12 after its data transmission.

[0050] Figure 15 shows an example of the animation data file F10 shown in Figure 14. The animation data file F10 shown in Figure 10 contains multiple animation data D10-1, D10-2, D10-3, ... D10-β. When multiple animation data D10-1 to D10-β are not distinguished, they are referred to as animation data D10.

[0051] For example, if there are multiple episodes, animation data D10 will be created for each episode, such as episode 1, episode 2, etc.

[0052] Figure 16 shows an example of the clip list file F20 shown in Figure 14. The clip list file F20 in Figure 16 is a list file of clip information D20. The clip list file F20 is a collection of multiple clip information D20 provided by multiple terminal devices 30. As shown in Figure 16, the clip list file F20 contains multiple clip information D20-1, D20-2, D20-3, ... D20-γ. When multiple clip information D20-1 to D20-γ are not distinguished, they are referred to as clip information D20.

[0053] Clip information D20 includes the clip ID, animation ID, first position, second position, title, and terminal ID. Note that clip information D20 does not necessarily have to include all the requirements shown in Figure 16, and may include other requirements.

[0054] Clip information D20-1 in the example in Figure 16 corresponds to clip information D20 in Figure 11 mentioned above. For example, clip information D20-1 includes information indicating that clip information with the title "X1" was generated for terminal ID "30-1". Clip information D20-1 includes information indicating the period of animation ID "an0001" with a start time of "352 seconds" and an end time of "441 seconds". Also, clip information D20-2 includes information indicating that clip information with the title "X2" was generated for terminal ID "30-1". Clip information D20-2 includes clip information for animation ID "an0001" with a start time of "722 seconds" and an end time of "851 seconds". Also, clip information D20-3 includes information indicating that clip information with the title "X3" was generated for terminal ID "30-1". Clip information D20-3 contains clip information for animation ID "an0002" with a start time of "458 seconds" and an end time of "529 seconds". Clip information D20-γ contains information indicating that clip information with the title "No.1" was generated for terminal ID "30-K". Clip information D20-K contains clip information for animation ID "an0001" with a start time of "442 seconds" and an end time of "518 seconds".

[0055] Furthermore, the clip data D2 shown in Figure 14 above is data generated by cutting out a portion of the animation data D10 based on the clip information D20.

[0056] Figure 17 shows an example of the relationship information file F30 shown in Figure 14. The relationship information file F30 in Figure 17 is a database that includes relationships with each terminal device 30. Specifically, the relationship information file F30 includes follow and follower relationships for each terminal device 30. Following means obtaining a connection that allows you to know the activities of other users U. A follower is a user U who is following you. For example, using the relationship information file F30, a user U can view clip A2 based on clip information D20 of another user U. For example, using the relationship information file F30, a user U can prioritize viewing clip A2 of users U they follow.

[0057] The relationship information file F30 includes, as an example, information indicating that terminal device 30-1 is followed by terminal device 30-2, and information indicating that terminal device 30-2 has no followers. It also includes, as an example, information indicating that terminal device 30-K is followed by terminal device 30-K, and information indicating that terminal device 30-1 is a follower of terminal device 30-2. Furthermore, as an example, it includes information indicating that terminal device 30-K is followed by terminal device 30-2, and information indicating that terminal devices 30-2 and 30-K are followers of terminal device 30-K.

[0058] The communication device 13 shown in Figure 14 is hardware that acts as a transmitting and receiving device for communicating with the terminal device 30. The communication device 13 is also called, for example, a network device, a network controller, a network card, and a communication module. The communication device 13 may be equipped with a connector for wired connection and an interface circuit corresponding to the connector. The communication device 13 may also be equipped with a wireless communication interface. Examples of connectors and interface circuits for wired connection include products compliant with wired LAN, IEEE1394, and USB. Examples of wireless communication interfaces include products compliant with wireless LAN and Bluetooth®.

[0059] The display device 14 is a device that displays images and text information. The display device 14 displays various images under the control of the processing unit 11. For example, various display panels such as liquid crystal display panels and organic EL (Electro-Luminescence) display panels are preferably used as the display device 14.

[0060] The input device 15 accepts operations from the administrator of the server 10. For example, the input device 15 may include a keyboard, touchpad, touch panel, or pointing device such as a mouse. If the display device 14 includes a touch panel, the display device 14 may also function as the input device 15.

[0061] The processing unit 11 reads the control program P2 from the storage device 12 and executes it. As a result, the processing unit 11 functions as a generation unit 111, a communication control unit 112, a relationship registration unit 113, a management unit 114, and a display control unit 115.

[0062] The generation unit 111 generates clip data D2, which is part of the animation data D10, based on the clip information D20 of the clip list file F20. For example, clip data D2 is generated each time in response to a request provided by the terminal device 30.

[0063] The communication control unit 112 causes the communication device 13 to send and receive various types of information with the terminal device 30. For example, the communication control unit 112 causes the communication device 13 to receive the first switching instruction request R1, the second switching instruction request R2, and clip information D20. Also, for example, the communication control unit 112 causes the communication device 13 to transmit all or part of the animation data D10, clip data D2, and clip list file F20.

[0064] The relationship registration unit 113 links and registers two or more terminal devices 30 as follower and follower relationships. The relationship registration unit 113 generates the relationship information file F30 shown in Figure 17.

[0065] The management unit 114 stores various information in the storage device 12 and identifies specific information from among the various information stored in the storage device 12. For example, the management unit 114 registers clip information D20 provided by the terminal device 30 in the clip list file F20. Also, for example, the management unit 114 identifies a specific animation data D10 from among multiple animation data D10 according to the instructions of user U. Also, for example, the management unit 114 identifies clip information D20 from the clip list file F20 according to the instructions of user U.

[0066] The display control unit 115 controls the display on the display device 14. The display control unit 115 may also control the display on the screen SC of the terminal device 30.

[0067] 1-3. Server operation regarding switching between displaying animation A1 and clip A2. Figure 18 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the operation of switching the display between animation A1 and clip A2. Figure 18 shows the switching from displaying animation A1 to clip A2, and from displaying clip A2 to animation A1. Steps S101 to S112 are the operations related to switching from displaying animation A1 to clip A2. Steps S113 to S116 are the operations related to switching from displaying clip A2 to displaying animation A1. Furthermore, the following explanation will describe an example where user U's instructions to the terminal device 30 are made by touch operation on the display device 34.

[0068] In step S101, the reception unit 312 receives a command from user U to start viewing animation A1 via the display device 34. At this time, the display control unit 311 starts the animation viewer. Before starting the animation viewer, the display control unit 311 may display buttons on the screen SC that allow user U to select whether to view the animation in a browser or in an app. For example, in response to user U's selection of these buttons, the display control unit 311 starts the animation viewer corresponding to that selection.

[0069] In step S102, the transmitting unit 314 causes the communication device 33 to send a request to view animation A1.

[0070] In step S103, the communication control unit 112 of the server 10 causes the communication device 13 to send animation data D10 in response to a viewing request. The viewing request includes an animation ID, and the server 10 sends animation data D10 corresponding to the animation ID to the terminal device 30. The receiving unit 315 causes the communication device 33 to receive the animation data D10. In addition to the animation data D10, the receiving unit 315 also receives clip information D20 associated with the animation data D10.

[0071] In step S104, the display control unit 311 causes the animation A1 based on the animation data D10 to be displayed on the display device 34. For example, the animation A1 shown in Figure 3 is displayed on screen SC.

[0072] In step S105, the reception unit 312 receives a second switching instruction from user U to switch from animation A1 to clip A2. For example, as shown in Figure 10 above, the reception unit 312 receives the second switching instruction by detecting a long press by finger Uf.

[0073] In step S106, the display control unit 311 of the terminal device 30-1 displays a display bar T1 on the screen SC of the display device 34. For example, it displays the display bar T1 shown in Figure 5. Also, for example, even when the display bar T1 is displayed, the playback of animation A1 continues. In step S103, the receiving unit 315 receives clip information D20 associated with the animation data D10. For this reason, for example, the display bar T1 displays clip portions T12 and T13, which represent two clips A2 associated with animation A1. If multiple clip information D20s are associated with a single animation data D10, the receiving unit 315 receives multiple clip information D20s. For example, when the display bar T1 shown in Figure 5 is displayed, the receiving unit 315 receives clip information D20 corresponding to clip portion T12 and clip information D20 corresponding to clip portion T13.

[0074] In step S107, the reception unit 312 accepts the selection of a specific clip A2 for the display bar T1. Specifically, the user U selects a specific clip A2 by, for example, selecting either the clip section T12 or clip section T13 shown in Figure 5, for example, by tapping either of them. Alternatively, the user U may select a specific clip by selecting either of the two clip display speech bubbles T14 and T15.

[0075] In step S108, the determination unit 313 generates a second switching instruction request R2. For example, it generates the second switching instruction request R2 shown in Figure 13.

[0076] In step S109, the transmitting unit 314 causes the communication device 33 to transmit the second switching instruction request R2.

[0077] In step S110, the generation unit 111 generates clip data D2, which is a portion of the animation data D10 cut out, based on the clip information D20 associated with the clip ID of the second switching instruction request R2. In this embodiment, the clip data D2 is not stored in the storage device 12 after its transmission. However, if the clip data D2 is stored in the storage device 12 for a long period of time, in step S110, the generation unit 111 only needs to identify the clip data D2 based on the clip ID of the second switching instruction request R2.

[0078] In step S111, the communication control unit 112 of the server 10 causes the communication device 13 to send the clip data D2. The receiving unit 315 of the terminal device 30 causes the communication device 33 to receive the clip data D2.

[0079] In step S112, the display control unit 311 causes the display device 34 to display clip A2 based on clip data D2. For example, the clip A2 shown in Figure 4 is displayed on screen SC.

[0080] The actions in steps S101 to S112 above will switch the display from animation to clip. Note that steps S106 to S108 may be omitted.

[0081] Next, in step S113, the reception unit 312 receives a first switching instruction from user U to switch from clip A2 to animation A1. For example, as shown in Figure 9 above, the reception unit 312 receives the first switching instruction by detecting a long press by finger Uf.

[0082] In step S114, the transmitting unit 314 causes the communication device 33 to send a first switching instruction request. For example, the transmitting unit 314 sends the first switching instruction request R1 shown in Figure 12 above. The management unit 114 of the server 10 identifies the animation data D10 corresponding to the first switching instruction request R1.

[0083] In step S115, the communication control unit 112 of the server 10 transmits animation data D10 to the terminal device 30. The receiving unit 315 of the terminal device 30-1 receives animation data D10-1.

[0084] In step S116, the display control unit 311 causes the display device 34 to display animation A1 based on animation data D10-1. In this embodiment, the display control unit 311 causes animation A1 to be displayed from the first scene.

[0085] The actions in steps S113 to S116 described above result in a display switch from clip A2 to animation A1.

[0086] As described above, the terminal device 30 has a reception unit 312, a transmission unit 314, and a display control unit 311. The reception unit 312 receives a switching instruction from user U to switch the display from clip A2 to animation A1 while clip A2 is being displayed. The transmission unit 314 sends a first switching instruction request R1 to the server 10 via the communication device 33. In response to the first switching instruction request R1, the server 10 sends animation data D10, which is the basis for clip data D2, to the terminal device 30. The display control unit 311 of the terminal device 30 displays animation A1 based on the animation data D10 on the display device 34.

[0087] According to the animation provision system 100 equipped with such terminal device 30, while viewing clip A2, user U can return to playing the original animation A1 from clip A2 at their command. Therefore, it offers excellent usability. Furthermore, for example, in the case of an animation series consisting of multiple episodes of animation A1, even if user U does not know which episode of animation A1 clip A2 they are viewing corresponds to, they can watch the original animation A1 without having to check which episode it is.

[0088] Furthermore, in step S116, when the display control unit 311 displays animation A1 on the display device 34 in response to the first switching instruction, it displays animation A1 from the beginning on the display device 34. Because user U can view the original animation A1 from the beginning, they can easily determine, for example, which episode of animation A1 it is.

[0089] Note that the starting position of animation A1 is not limited to the beginning of animation A1, but may start from the middle of animation A1.

[0090] Furthermore, the reception unit 312 receives the first switching instruction in step S113 by detecting the start of an operation in which any part of the screen SC of the display device 34 is pressed and held. By pressing and holding any part of the screen SC, the display control unit 311 does not need to display a button for the first switching instruction on the screen SC. As a result, the button is not displayed on the screen SC, and therefore does not interfere with viewing animation A1. Thus, when user U views animation A1, there is no inconvenience in that part of animation A1 is hidden by the button and cannot be viewed. Therefore, it has excellent usability.

[0091] Furthermore, as mentioned above, in this embodiment, in addition to switching from clip A2 to animation A1, it is also possible to switch from animation A1 to clip A2. Specifically, the reception unit 312 receives a second switching instruction from the user to switch from viewing animation A1 to clip A2 while animation A1 is being displayed. This instruction can be given, for example, by long-pressing the screen SC. The transmission unit 314 sends the second switching instruction to the server. The display control unit 311 displays clip A2 on the display device 34 based on the clip data D2 provided by the server 10.

[0092] Thus, with terminal device 30, in addition to switching to viewing animation A1 while viewing clip A2, it is also possible to switch to viewing clip A2 while viewing animation A1. Therefore, it is possible to switch back and forth between animation A1 and clip A2. For users U who want to view or edit their own clip A2 while viewing animation A1, this offers excellent usability.

[0093] Furthermore, in this embodiment, by long-pressing the screen SC while viewing animation A1, a display bar T1 indicating the position of clip A2 is displayed on the display device 34, and by selecting a specific clip A2 from the display bar T1, that clip A2 is displayed. This is the same process as described in steps S105 to S108 above.

[0094] The display bar T1 makes it easy to see the number of clips A2 and their positions within the animation A1 being viewed. Furthermore, even if multiple clips A2 exist, the desired clip A2 can be easily selected. Therefore, it's easy to switch from viewing animation A1 to viewing the desired clip A2.

[0095] As mentioned above, steps S106 to S108 may be omitted. Specifically, for example, by pressing and holding while animation A1 is being displayed, the display bar T1 will not be displayed, and any clip A2 from among the one or more clips A2 that respond to animation A1 will be displayed. Any clip A2 is, for example, the most recently generated clip A2.

[0096] By displaying clip A2 without showing display bar T1, user U can easily switch between viewing animation A1 and clip A2. Therefore, user U can easily switch between viewing animation A1 and viewing clip A2. Consequently, for users U who want to view animation A1 while simultaneously viewing or editing their own clip A2, this offers excellent usability.

[0097] Furthermore, both the first and second switching instructions by user U are performed by long-pressing any part of the screen SC of the display device 34. Since no switching buttons are displayed on the screen SC for either the first or second switching instruction, these buttons do not interfere with viewing. Therefore, it offers excellent usability. In addition, the first and second switching instructions can be performed using the same operation. This eliminates the need for user U to remember multiple operation methods.

[0098] 1-3. Server operation related to clipping Figure 19 is a flowchart showing an example of the operations involved in clipping.

[0099] The operations described in steps S101 to S103 are performed, and in step S201, the display control unit 311 causes the animation A1 based on the animation data D10 to be displayed on the display device 34. For example, the animation A1 shown in Figure 3 is displayed on screen SC.

[0100] In step S202, the reception unit 312 receives a display instruction for the clipping tool T2. As described above, for example, the reception unit 312 receives the display instruction for the tool T2 by detecting a tap operation in which a finger Uf lightly touches the screen SC. Note that the method of display instruction may be other than the method of lightly touching the screen.

[0101] In step S203, the display control unit 311 causes the display device 34 to display tool T2 for clipping. For example, tool T2 as shown in Figure 6 above is displayed. Also, for example, even when tool T2 is displayed, playback of animation A1 continues.

[0102] In step S204, the reception unit 312 detects the press on tool T2 and receives an instruction to switch from accepting the user U's instruction to start clipping to accepting it. In step S205, for example, the display control unit 311 displays a clipping screen on the display device 34 so that clipping is possible in animation A1. For example, the clipping screen is the same screen as animation A1. The difference between the clipping screen and the other screen is whether clipping is possible or not. Also, by pressing tool T2 again, the instruction to start clipping is switched from accepting to not accepting.

[0103] In step S206, the reception unit 312 receives an instruction to start the clipping process. As described above, for example, the reception unit 312 receives an instruction to start the clipping process by detecting the start of contact between a finger Uf and any location on the screen SC.

[0104] In step S207, the reception unit 312 receives an instruction to terminate the clipping process. As described above, for example, the reception unit 312 receives an instruction to terminate the clipping process by detecting that contact between the finger Uf and the screen SC has been released. Note that the instruction by the user U for clipping is not limited to operations involving contact with and release of any part of the finger Uf. For example, if a button for clipping is displayed on the screen SC, the instruction by the user U for clipping may be made by operating on that button.

[0105] In step S208, the determination unit 313 determines clip information D20, which includes the time of the start instruction and the time of the end instruction for the clipping process. As described above, for example, the determination unit 313 generates the clip information D20 shown in Figure 11. The period during which user U has finger Uf in contact with any location becomes the period of clip A2.

[0106] In step S209, the transmitting unit 314 causes the communication device 33 to transmit clip information D20. In step S210, the generation unit 111 of the server 10 saves the clip information D20 to the clip list file F20.

[0107] As explained above, the terminal device 30 can determine whether to perform a clipping process to cut out a part of animation A1 based on instructions from user U. Specifically, as described above, in step S206, the reception unit 312 receives an instruction from user U to start the clipping process while animation A1 is being displayed. In step S207, the reception unit 312 receives an instruction from user U to end the clipping process. Then, in step S208, the determination unit 313 determines clipping information D20, which includes a first position of animation data D10 corresponding to the start instruction and a second position of animation data D10 corresponding to the end instruction. The determination unit 313 generates the clipping information D20. The transmission unit 314 transmits the clipping information D20 to the server 10.

[0108] With this terminal device 30, it is possible to issue instructions for clipping while watching animation A1. For example, it is possible to easily issue instructions for clipping while watching your favorite animation A1, allowing you to easily cut out your favorite part.

[0109] Furthermore, the user U can initiate clipping by touching and releasing any point on the screen SC. This allows for easy clipping, resulting in excellent usability. Additionally, since no separate button for clipping is displayed, it avoids interfering with viewing.

[0110] Furthermore, the display control unit 311 displays a tool T2 on the screen SC of the display device 34 that alternates between accepting and not accepting a clipping start command from the user U while animation A1 is being displayed. Therefore, the user U cannot perform clipping until tool T2 is operated. Thus, the risk of accidentally operating the screen SC while animation A1 is being displayed and starting clipping is avoided. As a result, it offers excellent usability.

[0111] Steps S202 to S205 may be omitted. In this case, tool T2 will not be displayed, thus avoiding the inconvenience of part of animation A1 being hidden by tool T2 and becoming unviewable during clipping instructions. Furthermore, clipping instructions can be easily given at any time while viewing animation A1.

[0112] 1-4. Actions related to editing clips Figure 20 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the operation related to editing a clip.

[0113] In step S301, the display control unit 311 causes the display device 34 to display animation A1 based on animation data D10. In step S302, the reception unit 312 of the terminal device 30 receives a display instruction for clip list A3 by detecting a double tap of finger Uf on the display device 34. Note that the user U's instruction is not limited to a double tap and can be set arbitrarily.

[0114] In step S303, the transmitting unit 314 causes the communication device 33 to send a request to display the clip list A3.

[0115] In step S304, the communication control unit 112 of the server 10 transmits part or all of the clip list file F20. Specifically, the communication control unit 112 transmits the clip list A3 data from the clip list file F20, which includes one or more clip information D20 corresponding to the terminal ID of the terminal device 30 that requested the display of clip list A3. The receiving unit 315 causes the communication device 33 to receive the clip list A3 data. For example, the communication control unit 112 may also transmit to the terminal device 30 that requested the display of clip list A3 the clip list A3 data which includes one or more clip information D20 corresponding to the terminal IDs of other terminal devices 30 that have a follow and follower relationship.

[0116] In step S305, the display control unit 311 causes the display device 34 to display a clip list A3 based on part or all of the clip list file F20. For example, the clip list A3 shown in Figure 7 is displayed on screen SC.

[0117] In step S306, the receiving unit 304 receives a request to display a specific clip A2 by detecting a touch operation of finger Uf on that specific clip A2 in the clip list A3. In step S307, the transmitting unit 314 transmits the request to display the specific clip A2.

[0118] In step S308, the generation unit 111 extracts a portion of the animation data D10 based on the clip information D20 that corresponds to the display request for the clip A2, and generates the clip data D2.

[0119] In step S309, the communication control unit 112 causes the communication device 13 to transmit clip data D2. The receiving unit 315 of the terminal device 30 causes the communication device 33 to receive clip data D2.

[0120] In step S310, the display control unit 311 causes the display device 34 to display clip A2 based on clip data D2. In step S311, the reception unit 312 receives an instruction to display the editing bar T4 by detecting a touch operation of finger Uf on the display device 34. For example, the instruction to display the editing bar T4 is received by a tap, where finger Uf lightly touches the screen SC.

[0121] In step S311, the display control unit 311 causes the display device 34 to display the editing bar T4. For example, the editing bar T4 shown in Figure 8 is displayed on the screen SC.

[0122] In step S312, the reception unit 312 receives a clip editing instruction by detecting a touch operation of finger Uf on the editing bar T4. In step S313, the determination unit 313 of the terminal device 30 generates new clip information D20 indicating a new clip A2.

[0123] In step S314, the transmitting unit 314 causes the communication device 33 to transmit new clip information D20. In step S315, the generating unit 111 saves the new clip information D20 to the clip list file F20.

[0124] As explained above, editing of clip A2 can be easily performed. In particular, it is possible to switch to the display of clip list A3 and edit clip A2 while animation A1 is being displayed. Alternatively, the aforementioned display bar T1 may be displayed instead of clip list A3. Furthermore, when clip A2 selected on display bar T1 is displayed, it may be possible to edit clip A2 in addition to viewing it.

[0125] Furthermore, the clip list A3 can include not only clips A2 associated with the terminal ID of the user's own terminal device 30, but also clips A2 associated with the terminal IDs of other users' terminal devices 30 with whom the user has a following or follower relationship. Therefore, users can build communities with others by viewing clips A2. For example, clips A2 based on clip information D20 determined by the terminal device 30 of a user U who is being followed will be displayed preferentially in the clip list A3. This preferential display makes it easier for a user U to form a community with other users U whom they are following.

[0126] 2. Variations Preferred embodiments have been described above. These preferred embodiments can be modified in various ways. Specific examples of modifications that can be applied to the above-described preferred embodiments are given below.

[0127] 2-1. First variation Figure 21 shows the data stored in the storage device 32A of the terminal device 30 of the first modified example. Figure 22 shows an example of the viewing history information D40 shown in Figure 21. Figure 23 shows the data stored in the storage device 12A of the server 10 of the first modified example. Figure 24 shows an example of the viewing history file F40 shown in Figure 23.

[0128] As shown in Figure 21, in this modification, the storage device 32A stores viewing history information D40. As shown in Figure 22, the viewing history information D40 includes the animation ID, viewing date and time, playback position, and terminal ID. In the example in Figure 22, for example, the viewing history information D40 includes content viewed from the start to "356 seconds" with animation ID "an0001" viewed on "September 1, 2024".

[0129] As shown in Figure 23, in this modification, the storage device 12A stores a viewing history file F40 and partial data D3. Partial data D3 is data that starts from a specific position in the animation data D10. Partial data D3 only needs to be stored temporarily and does not need to be stored long-term. The viewing history file F40 is a collection of multiple viewing history information D40 provided by multiple terminal devices 30. The viewing history file F40 includes viewing history information D40-1, D40-2…D40-X. As shown in Figure 24, for example, viewing history information D40 includes animation ID, viewing date and time, playback position, and terminal ID.

[0130] The viewing history information D40-1 in the example in Figure 24 corresponds to the viewing history information D40 in Figure 22 mentioned above. For example, viewing history information D40-1 includes that, on terminal device 30-1, animation ID "an0001" was viewed on date and time "September 1, 2024" and the playback position was "356 seconds" from the start. Viewing history information D40-2 includes that, on terminal device 30-1, animation ID "an0002" was viewed on date and time "September 2, 2024" and the playback position was "225 seconds" from the start. Viewing history information D40-X includes that, on terminal device 30-2, animation ID "an0001" was viewed on date and time "September 2, 2024" and the playback position was "125 seconds" from the start.

[0131] In the first embodiment, in step S116 of Figure 18, the display control unit 311 displays animation A1 from the first scene. In contrast, in this modified example, based on the viewing history information D40, the display control unit 311 displays animation A1 from the unviewed portion.

[0132] Specifically, the receiving unit 315 receives a portion of the animation data D10, specifically data D3 that starts from a specific position determined based on the user U's viewing history, from the server 10 via the communication device 33. The server 10's generation unit 111 generates the portion of data D3. The display control unit 311 then displays a portion of the animation A1 based on the portion of data D3 on the display device 34.

[0133] In this modified version, in step S116, animation A1 is displayed from the middle. For example, animation A1 is displayed from the unviewed portion. This satisfies the user U's request to watch from the unviewed portion, thus providing excellent usability.

[0134] Furthermore, some data D3 is not limited to data generated based on viewing history. For example, some data D3 may be generated based on the clip ID and clip time, and may be data that can be viewed from where the clipping process started. For example, this can meet the request of user U who wants to watch the original animation A1 from where clip A2 left off, thus offering superior usability.

[0135] 2-2. Second variation Figure 25 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the operation related to clip editing in the second modified example. This modified example is a modification of the clip editing shown in Figure 20 of the first embodiment. In this modified example, step S302 is omitted, and steps S320, S321, and S322 are added.

[0136] In this modified version, clip list A3 can be displayed and clip A2 edited at the end of animation A1, rather than during animation A1.

[0137] In step S320, the determination unit 313 detects the end of animation A1. In step S321, the display control unit 311 displays a selection screen A4 on the display device 34, which allows the user to select whether or not to edit clip A2 when animation A1 ends.

[0138] Figure 26 shows the selection screen A4 in the second modified example. The selection screen A4 shown in Figure 26 is configured to allow user U to choose whether or not to edit clip A2. For example, selection screen A4 has a button B41 labeled "Edit" and a button B42 labeled "Edit Later". If button B41 is selected, clip A2 can be edited immediately. If button B42 is selected, clip A2 will not be edited. However, it can be edited later.

[0139] In step S322, the reception unit 312 receives instructions from user U regarding the selection screen A4. If there is an instruction for button B41 on the selection screen A4, in step S303, the transmission unit 314 sends a request for the clip list A3 to the server 10. Then, if clip editing is to be performed, the display control unit 311 displays the clip A2 based on the clip information D20 on the display device 34 in step S310.

[0140] This modified version allows users to edit clip A2 at their leisure after they have finished watching animation A1. This meets the needs of user U, who wants to concentrate on watching animation A1, and therefore offers superior usability.

[0141] 2-3. Third Variation Figure 27 illustrates the first switching instruction by the user in the third modified example. As shown in Figure 27, the first switching instruction by user U is performed by touching any two locations on the screen SC.

[0142] In step S113 of Figure 18, the reception unit 312 receives the first switching instruction by acquiring an operation in which two locations on the screen SC of the display device 34 are simultaneously touched. The two locations may be touched by a long press or by a light tap. Using two locations makes it less likely for user U to make a mistake compared to touching one location. Similarly, the second switching instruction may be made by touching any two locations on the screen SC. For example, simultaneous touching of two locations on the screen SC is performed on both sides of the center of the screen SC. With this type of contact method, user U is particularly less likely to make a mistake.

[0143] 2-4. Other variations In the embodiment described above, user U views the manga via streaming, with the terminal device 30 receiving and simultaneously playing the data. However, the terminal device 30 may also download and play the animation data D10 and clip data D2 from the server 10. Furthermore, the clip data D2 may be generated by the terminal device 30.

[0144] Even if an account associated with one terminal device 30 is used with another terminal device 30, various information will remain linked to the account.

[0145] Furthermore, the generation of clip A2 is not limited to being generated at the instruction of user U, as shown in Figure 19. For example, server 10 may generate it without user U's instruction based on user U's viewing history.

[0146] Furthermore, the instructions for the first switching operation and the instructions for the second switching operation are not limited to instructions given by the user U touching the screen SC, but may also be given by voice.

[0147] 3. Others (1) In the first embodiment and modified examples described above, the storage device 12 and storage device 32 are exemplified by ROM and RAM, but other suitable storage media include flexible disks, magneto-optical disks (e.g., compact disks, digital multipurpose disks, Blu-ray® disks), smart cards, flash memory devices (e.g., cards, sticks, key drives), CD-ROMs (Compact Disc-ROMs), registers, removable disks, hard disks, floppy® disks, magnetic strips, databases, servers, and other appropriate storage media.

[0148] (2) In the first embodiment and its modifications described above, the information, signals, etc. described may be represented using any of the various different techniques. For example, the data, instructions, commands, information, signals, bits, symbols, chips, etc. that may be referred to throughout the above description may be represented by voltage, current, electromagnetic waves, magnetic fields or magnetic particles, optical fields or photons, or any combination thereof.

[0149] (3) In the first embodiment and its modifications described above, the input and output information may be stored in a specific location (e.g., memory) or managed using a management table. The input and output information may be overwritten, updated, or appended to. The output information may be deleted. The input information may be transmitted to other devices.

[0150] (4) In the first embodiment and its modifications described above, the determination may be made by a value represented using 1 bit (0 or 1), by a boolean value (true or false), or by a numerical comparison (for example, a comparison with a predetermined value).

[0151] (5) The processing procedures, sequences, flowcharts, etc., exemplified in the first embodiment and modified examples described above may be rearranged in order, as long as they do not contradict each other. For example, the methods described in this disclosure present various step elements in an exemplary order and are not limited to the specific order presented.

[0152] (6) Each function illustrated in Figures 2 and 14 is implemented by any combination of at least one of hardware and software. Furthermore, the method of implementing each functional block is not particularly limited. That is, each functional block may be implemented using one device that is physically or logically coupled, or it may be implemented using two or more physically or logically separated devices that are directly or indirectly connected (for example, using wired or wireless connections). A functional block may also be implemented by combining the one or more devices with software.

[0153] (7) The programs illustrated in the first embodiment and modifications described above should be broadly interpreted to mean instructions, instruction sets, code, code segments, program code, programs, subprograms, software modules, applications, software applications, software packages, routines, subroutines, objects, executable files, execution threads, procedures, functions, etc., whether they are called software, firmware, middleware, microcode, hardware description languages ​​or by other names.

[0154] Furthermore, software, instructions, information, etc., may be transmitted and received via a transmission medium. For example, if software is transmitted from a website, server, or other remote source using at least one of wired technology (such as coaxial cable, fiber optic cable, twisted pair, or digital subscriber line (DSL)) and wireless technology (such as infrared or microwave), then at least one of these wired and wireless technologies is included in the definition of a transmission medium.

[0155] (8) In the first embodiment and variations described above, the terms “system” and “network” are used interchangeably.

[0156] (9) The information, parameters, etc. described in this disclosure may be expressed using absolute values, relative values ​​from a given value, or other corresponding information.

[0157] (10) In the first embodiment and variations described above, the server 10 and terminal devices 30-1 to 30-N may be mobile stations (MS). A mobile station may also be referred to by those skilled in the art as a subscriber station, mobile unit, subscriber unit, wireless unit, remote unit, mobile device, wireless device, wireless communication device, remote device, mobile subscriber station, access terminal, mobile terminal, wireless terminal, remote terminal, handset, user agent, mobile client, client, or several other appropriate terms. In this disclosure, terms such as “mobile station,” “user terminal,” “user equipment (UE),” and “terminal” may be used interchangeably.

[0158] (11) In the first embodiment and modifications described above, the terms “connected,” “coupled,” or any variation thereof, mean any direct or indirect connection or coupling between two or more elements, and may include the presence of one or more intermediate elements between two elements that are “connected” or “coupled” with each other. The coupling or connection between elements may be a physical coupling or connection, a logical coupling or connection, or a combination thereof. For example, “connection” may be reinterpreted as “access.” As used in this disclosure, two elements may be considered to be “connected” or “coupled” with each other using at least one of one or more wires, cables and printed electrical connections, and, in some non-limiting and non-exclusive examples, electromagnetic energy having wavelengths in the radio frequency domain, microwave domain and optical (both visible and invisible) domain.

[0159] (12) In the first embodiment and modifications described above, the phrase "based on" does not mean "based solely on" unless otherwise specified. In other words, the phrase "based on" means both "based solely on" and "based at least on".

[0160] (13) The terms “determining” and “determining” as used in this disclosure may encompass a wide variety of actions. “Determining” may include, for example, judging, calculating, computing, processing, deriving, investigating, looking up, search, inquiry (e.g., searching in a table, database or another data structure), and ascertaining. “Determining” may also include, for example, receiving (e.g., receiving information), transmitting (e.g., sending information), input, output, and accessing (e.g., accessing data in memory). Furthermore, "judgment" and "decision" can include considering something as having been "judged" or "decided" after resolving, selecting, choosing, establishing, comparing, etc. In other words, "judgment" and "decision" can include considering something as having been "judged" or "decided" after some action. Also, "judgment (decision)" can be reinterpreted as "assuming," "expecting," or "considering."

[0161] (14) Where the terms “include,” “including,” and variations thereof are used in the first embodiment and modifications described above, these terms are intended to be inclusive, as is the term “comprising.” Furthermore, the term “or” as used in this disclosure is not intended to be exclusive OR.

[0162] (15) In the present disclosure, if articles are added by translation, such as a, an, and the in English, the present disclosure may include the fact that the noun following these articles is plural.

[0163] (16) In this disclosure, the term “A and B are different” may mean “A and B are different from each other.” The term may also mean “A and B are each different from C.” Terms such as “separate” and “combine” may be interpreted in the same way as “different.”

[0164] (17) The first embodiments and modifications described herein may be used individually, in combination, or switched between as needed in practice. Furthermore, notification of the specified information (e.g., notification that "X is") is not limited to explicit notification, but may also be implicit (e.g., by not notifying the specified information).

[0165] Although the present disclosure has been described in detail above, it will be clear to those skilled in the art that the present disclosure is not limited to the embodiments described herein. The present disclosure can be implemented in modified and altered forms without departing from the intent and scope of the present disclosure as defined by the claims. Accordingly, the descriptions in the present disclosure are illustrative and not restrictive in any way.

[0166] It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that this disclosure is not limited to the first embodiments and modifications described herein. This disclosure can be implemented in modified and altered forms without departing from the spirit and scope of this disclosure as defined by the claims. Accordingly, the descriptions herein are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to be restrictive in any way. Furthermore, configurations selected from the first embodiments and modifications illustrated herein may be combined. [Explanation of symbols]

[0167] 10...Server, 11...Processing device, 12...Storage device, 13...Communication device, 14...Display device, 15...Input device, 30...Terminal device, 31...Processing device, 32...Storage device, 33...Communication device, 34...Display device, 35...Input device, 50...Communication network, 100...Animation provision system, 111...Generation unit, 112...Communication control unit, 113...Relationship registration unit, 114...Management unit, 115...Display control unit, 304...Reception unit, 311...Display control unit, 312...Reception unit, 313...Decision unit, 314...Transmission unit, 315...Receiving unit, A1...Animation N, A2...Clip, A3...Clip list, A4...Selection screen, D10...Animation data, D2...Clip data, D20...Clip information, D3...Partial data, D40...Viewing history information, F10...Animation data file, F20...Clip list file, F30...Relationship information file, F40...Viewing history file, R1...First switch instruction request, R2...Second switch instruction request, S116...Step, S201...Step, SC...Screen, T1...Display bar, T2...Tools, T4...Edit bar, U...User.

Claims

1. A receiving unit that receives a user's switching instruction to switch from viewing the clip to viewing the animation based on the animation data during the period when a clip based on clip data from which a portion of the animation data has been cut out is being displayed on the display device, A transmitting unit that sends the request for the switching instruction to the server via a communication device, A display control unit that causes the animation to be displayed on the display device based on the animation data provided by the server in response to the request for the switching instruction, It comprises a receiving unit, The receiving unit receives a portion of the animation data, starting from a specific location determined based on the user's viewing history, from the server via the communication device. The display control unit causes the display device to display a portion of the animation based on the portion of the data. The request for the switching instruction includes a clip ID that identifies the clip, A terminal device characterized by the following features.

2. The receiving unit receives the switching instruction as a first switching instruction, and during the period in which the animation is displayed on the display device, receives a second switching instruction from the user to switch to viewing one of the one or more clips associated with the animation. The transmitting unit transmits the request for the first switching instruction and the request for the second switching instruction to the server. When the display control unit receives the second switching instruction, it causes the display device to display a display bar indicating the position of the one or more clips in the animation. The reception unit receives the user's selection of a specific clip from the one or more clips on the display bar. The transmitting unit sends a request for a second switching instruction to the server, which includes a clip ID indicating the specific clip. The receiving unit receives clip data provided from the server as a response to the request for the second switching instruction. The display control unit causes the display device to display the specific clip based on the clip data received by the receiving unit. The terminal device according to claim 1.

3. The reception unit receives the switching instruction by detecting an operation in which any part of the display device's screen is pressed and held. The terminal device according to claim 1.

4. The receiving unit receives the switching instruction by detecting the start of an operation in which two locations on the screen of the display device are simultaneously touched. The terminal device according to claim 1.

5. Further equipped with a decision-making section, The reception unit receives, while the animation is being displayed, an instruction from the user to start a clipping process to cut out a portion of the animation, and an instruction from the user to end the clipping process. The determination unit determines clip information including a first position of the animation data corresponding to the start instruction and a second position of the animation data corresponding to the end instruction. The terminal device according to claim 1.

6. The reception unit receives user instructions regarding the display of the clip while the animation is being displayed. The display control unit causes the display device to display a display bar indicating the position of the clip while the animation is being displayed. The terminal device according to claim 1.

7. The display control unit causes the display device to display a selection screen at the end of the animation, allowing the user to choose whether or not to edit the clip. The reception unit receives the user's instructions regarding the selection screen, When editing the clip, the display control unit displays the clip. The terminal device according to claim 1.

8. Terminal device and The system includes a server that can communicate with the aforementioned terminal device via a communication network, The aforementioned terminal device is A receiving unit that receives a user's switching instruction to switch from viewing the clip to viewing the animation based on the animation data during the period when a clip based on clip data from which a portion of the animation data has been cut out is being displayed on the display device, A transmitting unit that transmits the request for the switching instruction to the server via a communication device, A display control unit that causes the animation to be displayed on the display device based on the animation data provided by the server in response to the request for the switching instruction, It comprises a receiving unit, The receiving unit receives a portion of the animation data, starting from a specific location determined based on the user's viewing history, from the server via the communication device. The display control unit causes the display device to display a portion of the animation based on the portion of the data. The request for the switching instruction includes a clip ID that identifies the clip, An animation delivery system characterized by the following features.

Images