Current transmission equipment, current transmission methods, and recording media.

Abstract

Invention details;

Description

Distribution device, distribution method, and recording medium

[0001] The present invention relates to a distribution device or the like that can distribute content.

[0002] Conventionally, there have been servers and the like that select and present appropriate exercise content information in accordance with the results of answers to user questions (see Patent Document 1).

[0003] Patent No. 6970480

[0004] However, in the prior art, users could not select content from three or more types of content that adopted one of three or more distribution methods, including first type content that is live-streamed during a specific time period, second type content that is recorded and streamed during a specific time period, and third type content that is recorded and streamed on-demand, based on the user's preferences, lifestyle, etc.

[0005] The distribution device of the first invention includes a first receiving unit that receives from a user terminal a first instruction, which is an instruction to distribute a first type of content transmitted from a content distributor terminal in a time period specified by first distribution time information; a content receiving unit that receives the first type of content transmitted from the distributor terminal in a time period specified by the first distribution time information; a first distribution unit that distributes the first type of content received by the content receiving unit to the user terminal that transmitted the first instruction in a time period specified by the first distribution time information; a second receiving unit that receives from the user terminal a second instruction, which is an instruction to distribute a second type of content to be distributed in a time period specified by second distribution time information; The distribution device includes a second distribution unit that acquires, at a time specified by second distribution time information corresponding to the second type of content, second type of content received by the second receiving unit from a second storage unit in which second type of content to be distributed to a user terminal is stored during a time period, and distributes the second type of content to the user terminal that sent the second instruction; a third receiving unit that receives from the user terminal a third instruction that is an instruction to distribute third type of content to be distributed on demand; and a third distribution unit that acquires, from a third storage unit in which third type of content to be distributed on demand is stored, third type of content corresponding to the third instruction received by the third receiving unit, and distributes the third type of content to the user terminal that sent the third instruction.

[0006] With this configuration, the user can select and view content according to his / her preferences, lifestyle, etc.

[0007] Furthermore, the distribution device of the second invention is a distribution device in which, compared to the first invention, the first receiving unit receives a first instruction from two or more user terminals and further includes a user video receiving unit that receives user video from each of the two or more user terminals during distribution of the first type content, the first distribution unit distributes user video of one or more other users from the user video received by the user video receiving unit and the first type content to each of the two or more user terminals, the second receiving unit receives a second instruction from the two or more user terminals, and the second distribution unit does not distribute user video of the one or more other users to each of the two or more user terminals.

[0008] With this configuration, the status of other users may or may not be known depending on the type of content, and users can select and view content according to their preferences, etc.

[0009] Furthermore, the distribution device of the third invention is a distribution device in which, compared to the first invention, the second receiving unit receives a second instruction from two or more user terminals and further includes a user video receiving unit that receives user video from each of the two or more user terminals during the distribution of the second type of content, and the second distribution unit distributes user video of one or more other users from the user video received by the user video receiving unit and the second type of content to each of the two or more user terminals.

[0010] With this configuration, it is possible to view user videos of other users even when viewing second-type content, which is recorded content.

[0011] In addition, the distribution device of the fourth invention is a distribution device that, compared to any one of the first to third inventions, further comprises an input information receiving unit that receives input information entered by users regarding the output content from two or more user terminals that output first type content, second type content, or third type content, and a statistical processing unit that performs statistical processing on the input information received by the input information receiving unit, obtains the statistical processing results, and outputs the statistical processing results.

[0012] With this configuration, statistical processing can be performed based on user input regarding each of three or more types of content, and the statistical processing results can be obtained.

[0013] In addition, the distribution device of the fifth invention is a distribution device in which, compared to the fourth invention, the input information corresponds to a type identifier that identifies the type of output content, and the statistical processing unit obtains statistical processing results for each of at least three type identifiers and outputs the statistical processing results for each type identifier.

[0014] With this configuration, statistical processing can be performed for each type of content based on user input regarding each of three or more types of content, and the statistical processing results can be obtained.

[0015] Furthermore, the distribution device of the sixth invention, compared to the fourth or fifth invention, further includes a first reservation receiving unit that receives from the user terminal a first reservation instruction that specifies a viewing reservation for a first type of content, and a second reservation receiving unit that receives from the user terminal a second reservation instruction that specifies a viewing reservation for a second type of content, and the statistical processing unit uses the first reservation instruction and the second reservation instruction to obtain statistical processing results regarding the viewing reservations for the content.

[0016] With this configuration, statistical processing can be performed based on information relating to reservation of viewing of content, and the results of the statistical processing can be obtained.

[0017] In addition, the distribution device of the seventh invention is a distribution device that, compared to the fourth invention, further includes a recommendation acquisition unit that acquires recommendation information regarding content using statistical processing results, and a recommendation sending unit that sends the recommendation information to a user terminal.

[0018] With this configuration, statistical processing is performed based on user input regarding each of three or more types of content, and recommendations can be made to the user using the results of the statistical processing.

[0019] Furthermore, the distribution device of the eighth invention is a distribution device in which, compared to the seventh invention, the recommendation acquisition unit refers to a user management unit in which one or more types of user information, including viewing history information regarding content viewed by the user, reservation history information regarding content reserved for viewing by the user, and input information entered by the user, are stored in correspondence with a user identifier, and acquires recommendation information regarding content that should be viewed by the user identified by the user identifier.

[0020] With this configuration, statistical processing is performed based on the user's viewing history, reservation history, or input information for each of the three or more types of content, and recommendations can be made to the user using the results of the statistical processing.

[0021] In addition, the distribution device of the ninth invention is a distribution device in accordance with any one of the first to eighth inventions, further comprising a communication unit that receives communication information from a user of a user terminal during distribution of the first type of content and transmits the communication information to the distributor terminal.

[0022] With this configuration, communication information from the user can be transmitted to the distributor during distribution of the first type content.

[0023] In addition, the distribution device of the tenth invention is a distribution device according to any one of the first to ninth inventions, further comprising: a screen instruction receiving unit that receives from a user terminal a screen instruction, which is an instruction corresponding to a content identifier that identifies one piece of content and is an instruction to output a screen of a first size related to the one piece of content; a screen acquisition unit that acquires screen information for constructing a screen related to the one piece of content corresponding to the screen instruction from a screen storage unit that stores screen information, which is information for constructing a screen of the first size, information for constructing a screen related to the one piece of content, and information for constructing a screen having user interface components instructed to view the one piece of content on a screen of a second size that is larger than the first size; a screen sending unit that sends the screen information acquired by the screen acquisition unit to the user terminal; and a switching support unit that receives from the user terminal information corresponding to the instruction for the user interface components, and outputs screen information for constructing a screen of the second size corresponding to the information or access information for accessing the screen information.

[0024] This configuration allows the user to be guided to an environment where it is easy to view content.

[0025] According to the distribution device of the present invention, a user can select and view content according to the user's preferences, lifestyle, and the like.

[0026] FIG. 1 is a conceptual diagram of an information system A in the first embodiment; FIG. 2 is a block diagram of the information system A; FIG. 3 is a block diagram of the distribution device 1; FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the operation of the distribution device 1; FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the viewing instruction process; FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the first distribution process; FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the second distribution process;

[0027] Hereinafter, embodiments of a distribution device and the like will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that components with the same reference numerals in the embodiments perform similar operations, and therefore repeated description may be omitted.

[0028] (Embodiment 1) In this embodiment, an information system including a distribution device capable of distributing three types of content with different characteristics, namely, first type content (which may also be called live broadcast content), second type content, and third type content, will be described. Note that while it is preferable that the first type content, second type content, and third type content each include video and audio, they may also be video only. The first type content may also be called live broadcast content. The second type content may also be called recorded / time-specified content. The third type content may also be called recorded / on-demand content.

[0029] In addition, in this embodiment, we will describe an information system equipped with a distribution device that allows other viewers' videos to be output on a user terminal while watching live broadcast content on the user terminal, and prevents other viewers' videos from being output on the user terminal while watching recorded or time-specified content.

[0030] In this embodiment, an information system including a distribution device that enables a user terminal to output videos of other viewers while viewing recorded and time-specified content on the user terminal will be described.

[0031] In this embodiment, an information system including a distribution device that performs statistical processing on input information from viewers will be described. In this embodiment, the distribution device performs statistical processing for each user, each type of content, or each content, and obtains the results of the statistical processing. In the statistical processing, the distribution device obtains the results of the statistical processing of, for example, viewing reservations.

[0032] In this embodiment, an information system including a distribution device that recommends content to users using statistical processing results will be described.

[0033] In this embodiment, an information system including a distribution device that allows communication between a distributor and a user during distribution of live broadcast content will be described.

[0034] Furthermore, in this embodiment, an information system is described that includes a distribution device that transmits screen information having an interface for guiding a user to view content on a first-size operating screen of a smartphone or the like on a second-size screen that is larger than the first size, such as a personal computer, television, or projector.

[0035] In this embodiment, information X being associated with information Y means that information Y can be obtained from information X, or information X can be obtained from information Y, and the method of association is not important. Information X and information Y may be linked, may exist in the same buffer, information X may be included in information Y, or information Y may be included in information X, etc.

[0036] 1 is a conceptual diagram of an information system A according to this embodiment. The information system A includes a distribution device 1, one or more user terminals 2, and one or more distributor terminals 3.

[0037] The distribution device 1 is a server that distributes content. Here, the content includes video. It is preferable that the content includes audio. The content is, for example, exercise content. Exercise content is content that supports a user in exercising. Exercise content is, for example, exercise content, fitness content, stretching content, dance content, yoga content, aerobic exercise content, aerobics content, relaxation content, muscle training content, and boxercise content. It is preferable that the content here is not content that the user simply watches and listens to, but content that allows the user to do some kind of exercise.

[0038] The distribution device 1 is a so-called server. The distribution device 1 may be, for example, a cloud server or an ASP server, but the type of the server is not important.

[0039] The user terminal 2 is a terminal used by a user who wants to view content. The user terminal 2 may be, for example, a personal computer, a smartphone, or a tablet terminal, but the type of the terminal is not important.

[0040] The distributor terminal 3 is a terminal used by a distributor. A distributor is a person who distributes content. A distributor is, for example, a person who provides exercise instruction in exercise content. A distributor is, for example, a trainer in exercise content, fitness content, stretching content, etc. The distributor terminal 3 is, for example, a so-called personal computer, smartphone, or tablet terminal, but the type is not important.

[0041] The distribution device 1 and one or more user terminals 2, and the distribution device 1 and one or more distributor terminals 3, can communicate with each other via a network such as the Internet or a LAN.

[0042] 2 is a block diagram of an information system A according to the present embodiment, and FIG. 3 is a block diagram of a distribution device 1.

[0043] The distribution device 1 includes a storage unit 11, a receiving unit 12, a processing unit 13, and a transmitting unit 14. The storage unit 11 includes a screen storage unit 111, a content storage unit 112, and a user management unit 113. The content storage unit 112 includes a first storage unit 1121, a second storage unit 1122, and a third storage unit 1123. The receiving unit 12 includes a screen instruction receiving unit 121, a first reservation receiving unit 122, a second reservation receiving unit 123, a content receiving unit 124, a first receiving unit 125, a second receiving unit 126, a third receiving unit 127, a user video receiving unit 128, and an input information receiving unit 129. The processing unit 13 includes a screen acquisition unit 131, a reservation unit 132, a switching support unit 133, a content storage unit 134, a synthesis unit 135, a communication unit 136, an input information storage unit 137, a statistical processing unit 138, and a recommendation acquisition unit 139. The transmission unit 14 includes a screen transmission unit 141 , a first distribution unit 142 , a second distribution unit 143 , a third distribution unit 144 , and a recommendation transmission unit 145 .

[0044] The user terminal 2 includes a user storage unit 21 , a user reception unit 22 , a user processing unit 23 , a user transmission unit 24 , a user reception unit 25 , and a user output unit 26 .

[0045] The distributor terminal 3 includes a distributor storage unit 31, a distributor reception unit 32, a distributor processing unit 33, a distributor transmission unit 34, a distributor reception unit 35, and a distributor output unit 36.

[0046] Various types of information are stored in the storage unit 11 constituting the distribution device 1. The various types of information include, for example, screen information, three or more types of content, user information, input information, recommendation conditions, and one or more items of schedule information.

[0047] The recommendation conditions are conditions for transmitting recommendation information. Examples of recommendation conditions include "having the largest number of viewers and not having viewed the content yet" and "having the same attribute value as content whose user satisfaction level is above a threshold and not having viewed the content yet."

[0048] The schedule information is information relating to a schedule for distributing content, and includes, for example, a content identifier and distribution time information.

[0049] A content identifier is information for identifying a content. The content identifier may be, for example, an ID, a content name, or a URL. The content identifier included in the schedule information is an identifier for first-type content or second-type content.

[0050] The distribution time information is information that specifies the time period during which content is distributed. The distribution time information includes the distribution start time of the content. The distribution time information may also include the distribution end time of the content. In other words, the distribution time information may be information that specifies only the distribution start time of the content, or information that specifies the distribution start time and distribution end time.

[0051] The screen storage unit 111 stores one or more pieces of screen information. The screen information is associated with, for example, a screen identifier. The screen identifier is information for identifying a screen. The screen identifier is, for example, a URL or an ID.

[0052] Screen information is information for configuring a screen to be output to the user terminal 2. The screen information is described in, for example, HTML, XML, or the like, but the implementation method is not critical. The screen is, for example, a screen for selecting content to be scheduled for viewing, a screen for selecting content to be viewed, or a screen for introducing content.

[0053] The screen information is, for example, information for configuring a screen related to one content. The screen information may be information for configuring a screen of a first size, information for configuring a screen of a second size larger than the first size, or information for configuring a screen for a tablet.

[0054] The user terminal 2 having a screen of the first size may be, for example, a smartphone or a watch-type terminal, but this does not matter. The user terminal 2 having a screen of the second size may be, for example, a personal computer, a television, or a projector, but this does not matter.

[0055] Screen information is, for example, information for configuring a first size screen of a smartphone or the like, information for configuring a screen related to a certain content, and information for configuring a screen having specific user interface components.

[0056] A specific user interface component is a user interface for instructing a user to view a piece of content on a second-size user terminal 2 such as a personal computer. A user interface component (hereinafter referred to as a "UI component" as appropriate) is a component that constitutes a user interface. A UI component is, for example, an object that can be selected by a user. A UI component is, for example, a button, a check box, or a menu item. Screen information for constructing a screen having UI components includes component information. Component information is information for constructing a UI component.

[0057] Three or more types of content are stored in the content storage unit 112. The content may be, for example, a first type of content, a second type of content, and a third type of content, which will be described later.

[0058] It is preferable that one or more content attribute values ​​are associated with each content. The content attribute values ​​are, for example, a type identifier, a genre identifier, a distributor identifier, and a difficulty level identifier. The type identifier is, for example, "type 2 content" or "type 3 content."

[0059] The genre identifier is information that identifies the genre of the content. Examples of genre identifiers include "exercise," "fitness," "yoga," "aerobic exercise," "aerobics," "relaxation," "muscle training," "dance," "boxercise," "massage," and "stretching."

[0060] The distributor identifier is information for identifying the distributor of the content. The distributor identifier is, for example, information for identifying the distributor of the first type of content. The distributor identifier is, for example, the distributor's ID, name, email address, telephone number, or IP address of the distributor terminal 3.

[0061] The difficulty level identifier is information that specifies the difficulty level of the content. The difficulty level of the content refers to the difficulty level of the exercise, or the difficulty of keeping up with the exercise in the content. Difficulty level identifiers are, for example, "for beginners," "for intermediate exercisers," "for advanced exercisers," "1," "2," "5," "A," "B," and "C."

[0062] The first storage unit 1121 stores first-type content. For example, the first storage unit 1121 temporarily stores first-type content that is currently being distributed. For example, the first storage unit 1121 permanently stores distributed first-type content. The first-type content may be called live broadcast content. The distribution time of the first-type content is fixed. It is preferable that the user be able to communicate with the distributor while the first-type content is being distributed. The user may also be called a viewer. The type identifier "first-type content" is usually associated with the first-type content.

[0063] The first type of content is content that is distributed from the distributor terminal 3 of the content distributor during a time period specified by the first distribution time information. The first distribution time information is distribution time information for the first type of content. The first type of content is associated with, for example, a content identifier, a distributor identifier of the content distributor, a type identifier "first type of content," and first distribution time information. The first type of content corresponds to a first instruction (described later) received by the first receiving unit 125 (described later).

[0064] The second storage unit 1122 stores one or more second-type contents in advance. The second-type contents may also be called recorded / time-specified contents. Recorded / time-specified contents are recorded contents that are distributed during a specific time period. During distribution of the second-type contents, users are usually unable to communicate with the distributor. However, during distribution of the second-type contents, users may be able to communicate with each other.

[0065] The second type of content is content that is distributed to the user terminal 2 during a time period specified by the second distribution time information. The second distribution time information is second distribution time information for the second type of content. The second type of content is associated with, for example, a content identifier, a distributor identifier of the content distributor, a type identifier "second type of content," and second distribution time information. The second type of content corresponds to a second instruction (described later) received by the second receiving unit 126 (described later).

[0066] The third storage unit 1123 stores one or more third-type contents in advance. The third-type contents may also be called recorded / on-demand contents. Recorded / on-demand contents are recorded contents that are downloaded on demand. During the distribution of the third-type contents, the user cannot communicate with the distributor. Furthermore, the distribution time of the third-type contents is not set.

[0067] The third type content corresponds to, for example, a content identifier, a distributor identifier of the content distributor, and a type identifier “third type content.” The third type content corresponds to a third instruction (described later) received by a third receiving unit 127 (described later).

[0068] It is preferable that the same content is stored in the storage unit 11 as a first type content, a second type content, and a third type content.

[0069] The user management unit 113 stores one or more pieces of user information. The user information is information about a user. The user information includes one or more types of information from among viewing history information, reservation history information, and input information. The user information is associated with a user identifier.

[0070] A user identifier is information for identifying a user, such as a user ID, an email address, or a telephone number.

[0071] Viewing history information is information about content viewed by a user. Viewing history information includes one or more pieces of viewing information. Viewing information is information about content viewed by a user. Viewing information includes, for example, a content identifier of content viewed by a user. Viewing information includes, for example, viewing time information that identifies when a user viewed a content. Viewing time information may be distribution time information that identifies a time period. Viewing information is usually associated with a user identifier. Viewing history information includes, for example, the number of times a piece of content has been viewed.

[0072] Reservation history information is information relating to content that a user has reserved for viewing. Note that a viewing reservation is expressed as a reservation as appropriate. Reservation history information includes one or more reservation information items. Reservation information is information relating to a reservation for viewing content. Reservation information includes, for example, a content identifier for content reserved by a user. Reservation information is usually associated with a user identifier.

[0073] Input information is information entered by a user. The input information is usually information entered by a user regarding content. The input information is, for example, the satisfaction level of the viewed content, or comments on the viewed content. The satisfaction level may also be referred to as an evaluation value, a level, or the like.

[0074] The receiving unit 12 receives various instructions and information, such as a screen instruction (to be described later), a first reservation instruction (to be described later), a second reservation instruction (to be described later), content, a first instruction (to be described later), a second instruction (to be described later), a third instruction (to be described later), a user video image (to be described later), and input information.

[0075] The screen instruction receiving unit 121 receives a screen instruction from the user terminal 2. The screen instruction is a request for output of screen information. The screen instruction is, for example, an instruction associated with a content identifier that identifies a piece of content, and is an instruction to output a first size screen related to the piece of content.

[0076] The first reservation receiving unit 122 receives a first reservation instruction from the user terminal 2. The first reservation instruction is an instruction specifying a viewing reservation for a first-type content. The first reservation instruction usually includes information specifying the first-type content. The information specifying the first-type content is, for example, a content identifier of the first-type content or distribution time information specifying a time period during which the first-type content is distributed.

[0077] The second reservation receiving unit 123 receives a second reservation instruction from the user terminal 2. The second reservation instruction is an instruction specifying a viewing reservation for the second type of content. The second reservation instruction usually includes information specifying the second type of content. The information specifying the second type of content is, for example, a content identifier of the second type of content or distribution time information specifying a time period during which the second type of content is distributed.

[0078] The content receiving unit 124 receives, during the time period specified by the first distribution time information, the first type of content transmitted from the distributor terminal 3. The content receiving unit 124 usually receives the first type of content from the distributor terminal 3, but may also receive the first type of content from a server (not shown) that has received the first type of content from the distributor terminal 3.

[0079] The first receiving unit 125 receives a first instruction from the user terminal 2. It is preferable that the first receiving unit 125 receives the first instruction from two or more user terminals 2. The first instruction is an instruction to distribute the first type of content. The first instruction usually includes information that identifies the first type of content. The first instruction includes, for example, a URL, a URI, and a content identifier.

[0080] The second receiving unit 126 receives a second instruction from the user terminal 2. The second instruction is an instruction to distribute second-type content. The second instruction typically includes information that identifies the second-type content. The second instruction includes, for example, a URL, a URI, and a content identifier.

[0081] The third receiving unit 127 receives a third instruction from the user terminal 2. The third instruction is an instruction to distribute a third type of content. The third instruction typically includes information that identifies the third type of content. The third instruction includes, for example, a URL, a URI, and a content identifier.

[0082] The user video receiving unit 128 receives user video from one or more user terminals 2 during distribution of the first type content. Note that the user terminal 2 here is the terminal that is outputting the first type content. The user video is video transmitted from the user terminal 2. The user video is, for example, video captured by a camera installed in the user terminal 2. The user video may also include audio. The user video is usually video captured of a user watching the content.

[0083] For example, during distribution of the second type content, the user video receiving unit 128 receives user video from one or more user terminals 2. Note that the user terminals 2 here are terminals that are outputting the second type content. The user video is usually video captured of a user watching the content.

[0084] The input information receiving unit 129 receives input information from each of two or more user terminals 2 that have output the first type content, the second type content, or the third type content. The input information is information input by the user regarding the output content.

[0085] The input information receiving unit 129 typically receives input information associated with a content identifier. The input information typically corresponds to, for example, a type identifier that identifies the type of output content. The input information typically corresponds to a user identifier of the user who inputs the input information.

[0086] The processing unit 13 performs various types of processing, such as processing performed by a screen acquisition unit 131, a reservation unit 132, a switching support unit 133, a content storage unit 134, a synthesis unit 135, a communication unit 136, an input information storage unit 137, a statistical processing unit 138, and a recommendation acquisition unit 139.

[0087] The screen acquisition unit 131 acquires screen information corresponding to the received screen instruction from the screen storage unit 111. The screen information is, for example, information for configuring a screen related to a piece of content, such as information for configuring a screen of a first size. The screen information is, for example, information for configuring a screen having user interface components instructed to view the piece of content on a screen of a second size.

[0088] The reservation unit 132 performs reservation processing in response to a reservation instruction received by the receiving unit 12. The reservation processing is processing for storing reservation information in the storage unit 11. For example, in response to a reservation instruction received by the receiving unit 12, the reservation unit 132 stores reservation information including a content identifier corresponding to the reservation instruction in association with the user identifier of the user who sent the reservation instruction. The reservation information is information about a viewing reservation. The reservation information has, for example, a content identifier and a user identifier. The reservation information is, for example, a user identifier associated with the content identifier, or a content identifier associated with the user identifier.

[0089] For example, when the first reservation receiving unit 122 receives a first reservation instruction, the reservation unit 132 performs reservation processing in accordance with the first reservation instruction. For example, the reservation unit 132 stores reservation information including a content identifier corresponding to the first reservation instruction in the user management unit 113, in association with the user identifier of the user who sent the reservation instruction. For example, the reservation unit 132 stores reservation information including a user identifier corresponding to the first reservation instruction in the content storage unit 112, in association with the content identifier corresponding to the first reservation instruction.

[0090] For example, when the second reservation receiving unit 123 receives a second reservation instruction, the reservation unit 132 performs reservation processing in accordance with the second reservation instruction. For example, the reservation unit 132 stores reservation information including a content identifier corresponding to the second reservation instruction in the user management unit 113 in association with the user identifier of the user who sent the reservation instruction. For example, the reservation unit 132 stores reservation information including a user identifier corresponding to the second reservation instruction in the content storage unit 112 in association with the content identifier corresponding to the second reservation instruction.

[0091] The switching support unit 133 receives information corresponding to an instruction on a user interface component from the user terminal 2 and outputs screen information for a second-size screen of a personal computer or the like corresponding to the information, or access information for accessing the screen information. The access information is, for example, a URL or a URI. Here, output means, for example, transmission, but it can also mean storage. Storage means, for example, storage in a web page paired with a user identifier, which can later be accessed by a user identified by the user identifier.

[0092] For example, when the switching support unit 133 receives information corresponding to an instruction for a UI component from the user terminal 2, it transmits access information for accessing screen information for a second-size screen of a personal computer or the like corresponding to the information to the email address of the user terminal 2. The information corresponding to the instruction for the UI component is, for example, a content identifier, a URL, and a UI component identifier.

[0093] The content storage unit 134 stores the content received by the receiving unit 12. The content storage unit 134 stores, for example, the first type of content received by the first receiving unit 125 in the first storage unit 1121.

[0094] The combining unit 135 combines the first type content received by the first receiving unit 125 with one or more user videos. The user videos are videos transmitted from the user terminal 2 and received by the user video receiving unit 128.

[0095] The composition of the first type content with one or more user videos means creating an image that has the first type content and one or more user videos on one screen. The composition unit 135 can be realized by known video conference system technology, etc., and therefore a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0096] The synthesis unit 135 synthesizes, for example, the second type of content received by the second receiving unit 126 with one or more user videos.

[0097] The communication unit 136 receives communication information from the user of the user terminal 2 during the distribution of the first type content, and transmits the communication information to the distributor terminal 3. In this way, during the distribution of the first type content, the opinions and impressions of the users viewing the first type content can be conveyed to the distributor.

[0098] For example, during distribution of the first type content, the communication unit 136 receives communication information from the distributor of the distributor terminal 3 and transmits the communication information to one or more user terminals 2. In this way, during distribution of the first type content, the opinions and impressions of the distributor of the first type content can be conveyed to the users who are viewers.

[0099] For example, during distribution of the second type content, the communication unit 136 receives communication information from the user of the user terminal 2 and transmits the communication information to the user terminals 2 of other users. In this way, the communication unit 136 can support communication between users viewing the same second type content.

[0100] The communication information may be, for example, a character string input by the user or a user's voice. The communication information may also be, for example, a character string input by the distributor.

[0101] The input information accumulation unit 137 accumulates the input information received by the input information receiving unit 129. For example, the input information accumulation unit 137 accumulates the input information received by the input information receiving unit 129 in the user management unit 113 in association with a content identifier corresponding to the input information and a user identifier of the user who transmitted the input information.

[0102] The statistical processing unit 138 performs statistical processing on two or more pieces of input information received by the input information receiving unit 129, obtains the statistical processing result, and outputs the statistical processing result. The input information received by the input information receiving unit 129 is, for example, the input information of the user management unit 113.

[0103] The statistical processing results include statistical values ​​for each content identifier, each type identifier, and each user identifier.

[0104] A statistical value is, for example, a representative value of two or more pieces of input information. A representative value is, for example, an average value or a median value. A statistical value is, for example, a representative value of satisfaction, which is two or more pieces of input information. A statistical value is, for example, the number of reservations, the number of reservations per unit period, a representative value of the number of reservations, the number of views, the number of views per unit period, a representative value of the number of views, or the percentage of reservations made but not viewed. Note that the number of reservations is the number of pieces of content reserved. The number of views is the number of pieces of content viewed, or the number of users who viewed.

[0105] The statistical processing unit 138 acquires the statistical processing results for each of, for example, at least three type identifiers, and outputs the statistical processing results for each type identifier.

[0106] The statistical processing unit 138 uses the first reservation instruction and the second reservation instruction to obtain statistical processing results regarding reservations for viewing of content. The statistical processing unit 138 uses the first reservation instruction and the second reservation instruction to obtain the proportion of reservations made but not viewed for each content identifier or each type identifier. The statistical processing unit 138 obtains statistical processing results regarding the number of views of content.

[0107] The recommendation acquisition unit 139 acquires recommendation information related to content using the statistical processing results acquired by the statistical processing unit 138. The recommendation acquisition unit 139 refers to the user management unit 113 and acquires recommendation information related to content that should be viewed by a user identified by a user identifier.

[0108] It is preferable that the recommendation acquisition unit 139 acquires recommendation information using the user's viewing history information or reservation history information.

[0109] Recommendation information is information about content recommended to a user. The recommendation information includes, for example, information that identifies the content recommended to the user. The recommendation information includes, for example, one or more content identifiers.

[0110] The recommendation information is, for example, information about content that has a similarity to content viewed by a user equal to or greater than a threshold and is distributed on a different day of the week or at the same time as the viewed content. The recommendation information is, for example, information about content that has a similarity to content viewed by a user equal to or greater than a threshold and has not been viewed by the user.

[0111] The transmission unit 14 transmits various types of information, such as screen information, various types of content, and recommendation information.

[0112] The screen transmission unit 141 transmits the screen information acquired by the screen acquisition unit 131 to the user terminal 2 .

[0113] The first distribution unit 142 distributes the first type of content received by the content receiving unit 124 to the user terminal 2 that transmitted the first instruction during the time period specified by the first distribution time information.

[0114] It is preferable that the first distribution unit 142 distributes, to each of two or more user terminals, user video of one or more other users among the user video received by the user video receiving unit 128, and the first type of content. Note that the other users are users who are not the user of the user terminal 2 to which the user video is transmitted. The other users are other users who are viewing the same content as the user of the user terminal 2 to which the user video is transmitted.

[0115] The second distribution unit 143 acquires the second type of content corresponding to the second distribution time information from the second storage unit 1122 at the time specified by the second distribution time information, and distributes the acquired second type of content to the user terminal 2 that sent the second instruction.

[0116] It is preferable that the second distribution unit 143 does not distribute user video of one or more other users to each of two or more user terminals 2. Not distributing user video of one or more other users means that when distributing second-type content, user video is not distributed to the user terminal 2.

[0117] The second distribution unit 143 may distribute, to each of two or more user terminals 2, user videos of one or more other users among the user videos received by the user video receiving unit 128, and second type content.

[0118] The third distribution unit 144 obtains the third type content corresponding to the third instruction received by the third receiving unit 127 from the third storage unit 1123, and distributes the third type content to the user terminal 2 that sent the third instruction.

[0119] The recommendation sending unit 145 sends the recommendation information acquired by the recommendation acquisition unit 139 to the user terminal 2 .

[0120] Various types of information are stored in the user storage unit 21 of the user terminal 2. The various types of information include, for example, a user identifier.

[0121] The user receiving unit 22 receives various instructions and information. Examples of the various information and instructions include input information, communication information, a first instruction, a second instruction, a third instruction, a first reservation instruction, a second reservation instruction, and a screen instruction.

[0122] The means for inputting various information and instructions may be any means, such as a touch panel, keyboard, mouse, or menu screen.

[0123] The user processing unit 23 performs various types of processing. For example, the various types of processing are processing to convert received information, instructions, etc. into information, instructions, etc. with a structure to be transmitted. For example, the various types of processing are processing to convert received information into information with a structure to be output.

[0124] The user transmitting unit 24 transmits various types of information, instructions, etc. to the distribution device 1. The various types of information, instructions, etc. include, for example, input information, communication information, a first instruction, a second instruction, a third instruction, a first reservation instruction, a second reservation instruction, and a screen instruction.

[0125] The user receiving unit 25 receives various types of information from the distribution device 1. The various types of information include, for example, various types of content, user videos of other users, and statistical processing results.

[0126] The user output unit 26 outputs various types of information, such as various screens, various types of content, user videos of other users, and statistical processing results.

[0127] Here, output typically means displaying on a display or projecting using a projector, but it may also be a concept that includes printing on a printer, outputting sound, transmitting to an external device, storing on a recording medium, or handing over the processing results to another processing device or another program.

[0128] Various types of information are stored in the distributor storage unit 31 that constitutes the distributor terminal 3. The various types of information include, for example, a distributor identifier.

[0129] The distributor receiving unit 32 receives various instructions and information, such as content and communication information.

[0130] The distributor receiving unit 32 includes, for example, a camera and captures a video of the distributor exercising to obtain first-type content. The distributor receiving unit 32 includes, for example, a microphone and captures the voice of the distributor. Note that the first-type content preferably includes not only video but also voice.

[0131] The distributor processing unit 33 performs various types of processing. For example, the various types of processing are processing to convert received information, instructions, etc. into information, instructions, etc. with a structure to be transmitted. For example, the various types of processing are processing to convert received information into information with a structure to be output.

[0132] The distributor transmitting unit 34 transmits various types of information, instructions, etc. to the distribution device 1. The various types of information, instructions, etc. are, for example, content and communication information.

[0133] The distributor receiving unit 35 receives various types of information from the distribution device 1. The various types of information include, for example, user video of one or more users, input information, and statistical processing results.

[0134] The distributor output unit 36 ​​outputs various types of information, such as user videos of one or more users, input information, and statistical processing results.

[0135] Here, output typically means displaying on a display or projecting using a projector, but it may also be a concept that includes printing on a printer, outputting sound, transmitting to an external device, storing on a recording medium, or handing over the processing results to another processing device or another program.

[0136] The storage unit 11, screen storage unit 111, content storage unit 112, user management unit 113, input information management unit 114, first storage unit 1121, second storage unit 1122, third storage unit 1123, user storage unit 21, and distributor storage unit 31 are preferably non-volatile recording media, but can also be realized with volatile recording media.

[0137] There is no restriction on the process by which information is stored in the storage unit 11 etc. For example, information may be stored in the storage unit 11 etc. via a recording medium, information transmitted via a communication line etc. may be stored in the storage unit 11 etc., or information input via an input device may be stored in the storage unit 11 etc.

[0138] The receiving unit 12, screen instruction receiving unit 121, first reservation receiving unit 122, second reservation receiving unit 123, content receiving unit 124, first receiving unit 125, second receiving unit 126, third receiving unit 127, user video receiving unit 128, input information receiving unit 129, user receiving unit 25, and distributor receiving unit 35 are usually realized by wireless or wired communication means, but may also be realized by means of receiving broadcasts.

[0139] The processing unit 13, screen acquisition unit 131, reservation unit 132, switching support unit 133, content storage unit 134, synthesis unit 135, communication unit 136, input information storage unit 137, statistical processing unit 138, recommendation acquisition unit 139, user processing unit 23, and distributor processing unit 33 can typically be realized by a processor, memory, etc. The processing procedures of the processing unit 13, etc. are typically realized by software, and the software is recorded on a recording medium such as a ROM. However, the processing procedures may also be realized by hardware (dedicated circuit). The processor may be a CPU, MPU, GPU, etc., and the type does not matter.

[0140] The transmitting unit 14, the screen transmitting unit 141, the first distribution unit 142, the second distribution unit 143, the third distribution unit 144, the recommendation transmitting unit 145, the user transmitting unit 24, and the distributor transmitting unit 34 are usually realized by wireless or wired communication means, but may also be realized by broadcasting means.

[0141] The user reception unit 22 and the distributor reception unit 32 can be realized by a device driver for an input means such as a touch panel or a keyboard, or control software for a menu screen.

[0142] The user output unit 26 and the distributor output unit 36 ​​may or may not include output devices such as a display, a speaker, etc. The user output unit 26 etc. may be realized by driver software for an output device, or by a combination of driver software for an output device and the output device, etc.

[0143] Next, an example of the operation of the information system A will be described. First, an example of the operation of the distribution device 1 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

[0144] (Step S401) The screen instruction receiving unit 121 determines whether or not a screen instruction has been received from the user terminal 2. If a screen instruction has been received, the process proceeds to step S402, and if a screen instruction has not been received, the process proceeds to step S404.

[0145] (Step S402) The screen acquisition unit 131 acquires screen information corresponding to the screen instruction received in step S401 from the screen storage unit 111. Note that the screen information corresponding to the screen instruction is, for example, screen information identified by a screen identifier included in the screen instruction.

[0146] (Step S403) The screen transmission unit 141 transmits the screen information acquired in step S402 to the user terminal 2 that transmitted the screen instruction. Then, the process returns to step S401.

[0147] (Step S404) The switching support unit 133 determines whether or not instruction information for a UI component has been received from the user terminal 2. If the instruction information has been received, the process proceeds to step S405; if the instruction information has not been received, the process proceeds to step S408.

[0148] The information on the instruction to the UI component is associated with the user identifier corresponding to the user terminal 2 .

[0149] (Step S405) The switching support unit 133 obtains access information (e.g., a URL) corresponding to the information corresponding to the instruction for the UI component from the storage unit 11. Note that the access information is screen information of a screen relating to the same content as the content identified by the information displayed on the screen including the UI component, and is information for accessing screen information on a second-size screen of a personal computer or the like.

[0150] (Step S406) The switching support unit 133 acquires the user identifier corresponding to the information received in step S404. Next, the switching support unit 133 acquires destination information (e.g., email address, mobile phone number) paired with the user identifier from the user management unit 113.

[0151] (Step S407) The switching support unit 133 transmits the access information acquired in step S405 to the destination information acquired in step S406. The process returns to step S401.

[0152] (Step S408) The receiving unit 12 determines whether or not a reservation instruction has been received from the user terminal 2. If the receiving unit 12 has received a reservation instruction, the process proceeds to step S409; if not, the process proceeds to step S410.

[0153] The reservation instruction is associated with the user identifier of the user who sent the reservation instruction. The reception of the reservation instruction by the receiving unit 12 is the reception of the first reservation instruction by the first reservation receiving unit 122 or the reception of the second reservation instruction by the second reservation receiving unit 123.

[0154] (Step S409) The reservation unit 132 performs reservation processing in response to the reservation instruction received by the receiving unit 12 in step S408. The process returns to step S401.

[0155] The reservation unit 132 stores reservation information including a content identifier corresponding to the received reservation instruction, for example, in association with the user identifier corresponding to the user terminal 2 that sent the reservation instruction.

[0156] (Step S410) The receiving unit 12 determines whether or not a viewing instruction has been received from the user terminal 2. If the receiving unit 12 has received a viewing instruction, the process proceeds to step S411; if not, the process proceeds to step S412.

[0157] (Step S411) The processing unit 13 performs processing corresponding to the received viewing instruction. The process returns to step S401. This processing is called a viewing instruction processing. An example of the viewing instruction processing will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 5.

[0158] (Step S412) The processing unit 13 obtains the current time from a clock (not shown). Next, the processing unit 13 refers to the content storage unit 112 and determines whether the distribution start time of the first type content or the second type content has arrived. If the content distribution start time has arrived, the process proceeds to step S413; if the content distribution start time has not arrived, the process proceeds to step S416.

[0159] (Step S413) The processing unit 13 refers to the content storage unit 112 and determines whether the target content whose distribution start time has come is a first-class content or a second-class content. If it is a first-class content, the processing proceeds to step S414, and if it is a second-class content, the processing proceeds to step S415.

[0160] (Step S414) The first distribution unit 142 performs a process of distributing the target first-type content when the distribution start time arrives. The process returns to step S401. This process is referred to as a first distribution process. An example of the first distribution process will be described with reference to the flowchart in FIG. 6.

[0161] (Step S415) The second distribution unit 143 performs a process of distributing the target second-type content when the distribution start time has arrived. The process returns to step S401. This process is referred to as a second distribution process. An example of the second distribution process will be described with reference to the flowchart in FIG. 7.

[0162] (Step S416) The processing unit 13 determines whether it is time for statistical processing. If it is time for statistical processing, the process proceeds to step S417. If it is not time for statistical processing, the process proceeds to step S418. The timing for statistical processing may be, for example, when a predetermined time arrives or when an instruction from the user is received.

[0163] (Step S417) The statistical processing unit 138 performs statistical processing. Return to step S401. An example of the statistical processing will be described with reference to the flowchart in FIG.

[0164] (Step S418) The processing unit 13 determines whether it is time for recommendation processing. If it is time for recommendation processing, the process proceeds to step S419. If it is not time for recommendation processing, the process proceeds to step S420. Note that the timing for recommendation processing may be, for example, when a predetermined time arrives or when an instruction from a user is received.

[0165] (Step S419) The recommendation acquisition unit 139 and the like perform the recommendation process. Return to step S401. An example of the recommendation process will be described with reference to the flowchart in FIG. 9.

[0166] (Step S420) The processing unit 13 etc. performs a warning process for the user who has reserved viewing. An example of the warning process will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

[0167] 4, the distribution device 1 receives various instructions and information (e.g., screen instructions, reservation instructions, viewing instructions, etc.) from one or more user terminals 2 even during processing, and performs processing corresponding to the instructions and information. In other words, it is preferable that the distribution device 1 be able to perform various processes in parallel.

[0168] In the flowchart of FIG. 4, the process ends when the power is turned off or an interrupt occurs to end the process.

[0169] Next, an example of the viewing instruction process in step S411 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

[0170] (Step S501) The processing unit 13 acquires a content identifier corresponding to the received viewing instruction. The processing unit 13 acquires a type identifier paired with the content identifier. The processing unit 13 determines whether the type identifier is "third type content." If it is "third type content," the processing proceeds to step S502; if it is not "third type content," the processing proceeds to step S506.

[0171] (Step S502) The processing unit 13 acquires third-type content identified by the content identifier corresponding to the received viewing instruction from the third storage unit 1123. Note that the processing unit 13 normally acquires third-type content in sequence until the end of distribution.

[0172] (Step S503) The third distribution unit 144 transmits the third type content acquired in step S502 to the user terminal 2 that has transmitted the viewing instruction. Note that the third distribution unit 144 usually sequentially distributes the third type content acquired in step S502 until the distribution ends.

[0173] (Step S504) The processing unit 13 determines whether or not to end the distribution. If the distribution is to be ended, the process proceeds to step S505, and if not, the process returns to step S502. The distribution is ended, for example, when the third-type content has been distributed to the end or when an end instruction is received from the user terminal 2 of the user who has been viewing the third-type content.

[0174] (Step S505) The processing unit 13 performs a viewing end process and returns to the upper processing. An example of the viewing end process will be described with reference to the flowchart in FIG.

[0175] (Step S506) The processing unit 13 acquires the current time from a clock (not shown).

[0176] (Step S507) The processing unit 13 acquires, from the content storage unit 112, distribution time information paired with the content identifier corresponding to the received viewing instruction. Next, the processing unit 13 determines whether the current time is within the distribution time slot indicated by the distribution time information. If it is within the distribution time slot, the process proceeds to step S413; if it is not within the distribution time slot, the process proceeds to step S508. Note that if it is not within the distribution time slot, a viewing reservation is made here. Furthermore, if it is within the distribution time slot, one user terminal 2 to which the content is distributed is added.

[0177] (Step S508) The processing unit 13 acquires the user identifier corresponding to the received viewing instruction and temporarily stores the user identifier in a buffer (not shown). The processing then returns to the upper-level processing. Note that this buffer is a buffer for storing the user identifiers of users who have reserved viewing. Then, when the distribution start time indicated by the distribution time information arrives, the first distribution unit 142 or the second distribution unit 143 distributes the content to the user terminals 2 corresponding to one or more user identifiers in the buffer.

[0178] Next, an example of the first distribution process in step S414 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

[0179] (Step S601) The content receiving unit 124 determines whether or not it has received first-type content from the distributor terminal 3 corresponding to the distribution start time. If it has received first-type content, it proceeds to step S602, and if it has not received first-type content, it returns to step S601.

[0180] (Step S602) The content accumulation unit 134 acquires the first type content received in step S601. The content accumulation unit 134 accumulates the first type content in the first storage unit 1121.

[0181] (Step S603) The user video receiving unit 128 determines whether or not user video has been received from one or more user terminals 2. If user video has been received, the process proceeds to step S604, and if user video has not been received, the process proceeds to step S605.

[0182] (Step S604) The synthesis unit 135 acquires the user video acquired in step S603.

[0183] (Step S605) The communication unit 136 determines whether or not communication information has been received. If communication information has been received, the process proceeds to step S606, and if communication information has not been received, the process proceeds to step S607.

[0184] (Step S606) The communication unit 136 acquires the received communication information.

[0185] (Step S607) The synthesis unit 135 constructs a screen including the first-type content received in step S601. Note that this screen may include only the first-type content, the first-type content and one or more user videos, the first-type content and one or more pieces of communication information, or the first-type content, one or more user videos, and one or more pieces of communication information.

[0186] (Step S608) The first distribution unit 142 distributes the screen created in step S606 to the user terminals 2 corresponding to the user identifiers of one or more users viewing the content. Note that the one or more user identifiers are user identifiers stored in a buffer (not shown). Each of the one or more user identifiers is the identifier of a user viewing the content.

[0187] (Step S609) The processing unit 13 determines whether or not to end the distribution. If the distribution is to end, the process proceeds to step S610, and if not, the process returns to step S601. Note that the distribution ends when, for example, the first-type content has been distributed to the end.

[0188] (Step S610) The processing unit 13 performs a viewing end process. An example of the viewing end process will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

[0189] Next, an example of the second distribution process in step S415 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

[0190] (Step S701) The second distribution unit 143 acquires, from the second storage unit 1122, second type content corresponding to the distribution start time.

[0191] (Step S702) The user video receiving unit 128 determines whether or not user video has been received from one or more user terminals 2. If user video has been received, the process proceeds to step S703, and if user video has not been received, the process proceeds to step S605.

[0192] (Step S703) The synthesis unit 135 acquires one or more user videos received in step S702.

[0193] (Step S704) The combining unit 135 composes a screen including the second type content acquired in step S701 and one or more user videos acquired in step S703.

[0194] (Step S705) The second distribution unit 143 distributes a screen including the second type of content to the user terminal 2 that has reserved viewing and the user terminal 2 that is currently viewing the content.

[0195] (Step S706) The processing unit 13 determines whether or not to end the distribution. If the distribution is to end, the process proceeds to step S707, and if not, the process returns to step S701. Note that the distribution ends when, for example, the second type content has been distributed to the end.

[0196] (Step S707) The processing unit 13 performs a viewing end process. An example of the viewing end process will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

[0197] Next, an example of the statistical processing in step S417 will be described with reference to the flowchart in FIG.

[0198] (Step S801) The statistical processing unit 138 assigns 1 to a counter i.

[0199] (Step S802) The statistical processing unit 138 determines whether or not the i-th user identifier exists. If the i-th user identifier exists, the process proceeds to step S803; if not, the process proceeds to step S810.

[0200] (Step S803) The statistical processing unit 138 assigns 1 to a counter j.

[0201] (Step S804) The statistical processing unit 138 determines whether or not there is a jth statistical value to be acquired for each user. If there is a jth statistical value, the process proceeds to step S805; if there is no jth statistical value, the process proceeds to step S809. Note that the statistical value to be acquired for each user is predetermined.

[0202] (Step S805) The statistical processing unit 138 acquires one or more pieces of raw information to be used to acquire the jth statistical value to be acquired for each user, and one or more pieces of raw information to be paired with the i-th user identifier, from the user management unit 113. The raw information is, for example, a content identifier of the content viewed by the user, input information entered by the user, or a type identifier of the content viewed by the user.

[0203] (Step S806) The statistical processing unit 138 uses the one or more pieces of raw information acquired in step S805 to perform a calculation corresponding to the jth statistical value to be acquired for each user, and acquires the jth statistical value. The statistical value may be, for example, the number of pieces of content viewed by the user within a unit period, the number of pieces of content viewed by the user within a unit period by type identifier, the average satisfaction level of the pieces of content viewed by the user within a unit period, or a content attribute value common to pieces of content viewed by the user within a unit period with a satisfaction level equal to or greater than a threshold. Note that the statistical value is typically a numerical value, but it does not have to be a numerical value.

[0204] Also, for example, it is assumed that the storage unit 11 stores an arithmetic expression in association with the identifier of the j-th statistical value to be obtained for each user.

[0205] (Step S807) The statistical processing unit 138 stores the j-th statistical value acquired in step S806 in the user management unit 113 in a pair with the i-th user identifier.

[0206] (Step S808) The statistical processing unit 138 increments the counter j by 1. The process returns to step S804.

[0207] (Step S809) The statistical processing unit 138 increments the counter i by 1. The process returns to step S802.

[0208] (Step S810) The statistical processing unit 138 assigns 1 to a counter i.

[0209] (Step S811) The statistical processing unit 138 determines whether the i-th type exists. If the i-th type exists, the process proceeds to step S812; if not, the process proceeds to step S818. The type is, for example, one of three types: "first type content," "second type content," and "third type content."

[0210] (Step S812) The statistical processing unit 138 assigns 1 to a counter j.

[0211] (Step S813) The statistical processing unit 138 determines whether or not there is a jth statistical value to be acquired for each content type. If there is a jth statistical value, the process proceeds to step S814; if there is no jth statistical value, the process proceeds to step S818. Note that the statistical value to be acquired for each content type is predetermined.

[0212] (Step S814) The statistical processing unit 138 acquires one or more pieces of raw information to be used to acquire the jth statistical value to be acquired for each content type, and one or more pieces of raw information to be paired with the i-th type identifier, from the content storage unit 112. Note that the raw information is, for example, the user identifier of the user who viewed the content, or input information entered by the user who viewed the content.

[0213] (Step S815) The statistical processing unit 138 uses the one or more pieces of raw information acquired in step S814 to perform a calculation corresponding to the jth statistical value to be acquired for each content type, and acquires the jth statistical value. Note that the statistical value may be, for example, the number of viewers for each content type in a unit period or the average satisfaction level for each content type.

[0214] For example, it is assumed that the storage unit 11 stores an arithmetic expression in association with the identifier of the j-th statistical value to be obtained for each type of content.

[0215] (Step S816) The statistical processing unit 138 pairs the j-th statistical value acquired in step S815 with the i-th type identifier and stores them in the content storage unit 112.

[0216] (Step S817) The statistical processing unit 138 increments the counter j by 1. The process returns to step S813.

[0217] (Step S818) The statistical processing unit 138 increments the counter i by 1. The process returns to step S811.

[0218] (Step S819) The statistical processing unit 138 assigns 1 to the counter i.

[0219] (Step S820) The statistical processing unit 138 determines whether or not the i-th content exists. If the i-th content exists, the process proceeds to step S821, and if not, the process returns to the upper process.

[0220] (Step S821) The statistical processing unit 138 assigns 1 to a counter j.

[0221] (Step S822) The statistical processing unit 138 determines whether or not there is a jth statistical value to be acquired for each content. If there is a jth statistical value, the process proceeds to step S823; if there is no jth statistical value, the process proceeds to step S827. Note that the statistical value to be acquired for each content is predetermined.

[0222] (Step S823) The statistical processing unit 138 acquires one or more pieces of raw information to be used to acquire the jth statistical value to be acquired for each piece of content, and which pair with the i-th content identifier, from the content storage unit 112. Note that the raw information is, for example, the user identifier of the user who viewed the content, or input information entered by the user who viewed the content.

[0223] (Step S824) The statistical processing unit 138 uses the one or more pieces of raw information acquired in step S823 to perform a calculation corresponding to the jth statistical value to be acquired for each piece of content, and acquires the jth statistical value. Note that the statistical value may be, for example, the number of viewers for each piece of content in a unit period or the average satisfaction level for each piece of content.

[0224] For example, it is assumed that the storage unit 11 stores an arithmetic expression in association with the identifier of the j-th statistical value to be obtained for each piece of content.

[0225] (Step S825) The statistical processing unit 138 pairs the j-th statistical value acquired in step S824 with the i-th content identifier and stores them in the content storage unit 112.

[0226] (Step S826) The statistical processing unit 138 increments the counter j by 1. The process returns to step S822.

[0227] (Step S827) The statistical processing unit 138 increments the counter i by 1. The process returns to step S820.

[0228] Next, an example of the recommendation process in step S419 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

[0229] (Step S901) The recommendation obtaining unit 139 assigns 1 to a counter i.

[0230] (Step S902) The recommendation acquisition unit 139 determines whether or not the i-th user identifier exists in the user management unit 113. If the i-th user identifier exists, the process proceeds to step S903; if not, the process returns to the upper level process.

[0231] (Step S903) The recommendation obtaining unit 139 assigns 1 to a counter j.

[0232] (Step S904) The recommendation acquiring unit 139 determines whether or not the j-th recommendation condition exists in the storage unit 11. If the j-th recommendation condition exists, the process proceeds to step S905; if not, the process proceeds to step S909.

[0233] (Step S905) The recommendation acquisition unit 139 acquires one or more pieces of information to be used in determining the j-th recommendation condition and paired with the i-th user identifier. The information to be used in determining the recommendation condition is, for example, one or more content attribute values ​​of content whose user satisfaction level is equal to or higher than a threshold, or two or more user satisfaction levels for one piece of content.

[0234] (Step S906) The recommendation acquisition unit 139 determines whether the one or more pieces of information acquired in step S905 match the j-th recommendation condition. If the one or more pieces of information match the j-th recommendation condition, the process proceeds to step S907. If the one or more pieces of information do not match the j-th recommendation condition, the process proceeds to step S908.

[0235] (Step S907) The recommendation acquiring unit 139 acquires recommendation information corresponding to the j-th recommendation condition from the storage unit 11, and temporarily stores it in a buffer (not shown).

[0236] (Step S908) The recommendation acquiring unit 139 increments the counter j by 1. The process returns to step S904.

[0237] (Step S909) The recommendation acquiring unit 139 determines whether or not there is recommendation information in a buffer (not shown). If there is recommendation information, the process proceeds to step S910, and if there is no recommendation information, the process proceeds to step S912.

[0238] (Step S910) The recommendation sending unit 145 reads one or more pieces of recommendation information from a buffer (not shown) and composes the recommendation information to be sent.

[0239] (Step S911) The recommendation sending unit 145 acquires destination information paired with the i-th user identifier from the user management unit 113. Next, the recommendation sending unit 145 transmits the recommendation information configured in step S910 to the destination indicated by the destination information.

[0240] (Step S912) The recommendation sending unit 145 increments the counter i by 1. The process returns to step S902.

[0241] Next, an example of the warning process in step S420 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

[0242] (Step S1001) The processing unit 13 acquires the current time from a clock (not shown).

[0243] (Step S1002) The processing unit 13 assigns 1 to a counter i.

[0244] (Step S1003) The processing unit 13 determines whether or not there is an i-th content that will start distribution at the scheduled time. If there is an i-th content, the process proceeds to step S1004; if there is no i-th content, the process returns to the upper processing.

[0245] (Step S1004) The processing unit 13 acquires the distribution start time included in the distribution time information paired with the content identifier of the i-th content.

[0246] (Step S1005) The processing unit 13 uses the distribution start time and the current time to determine whether the current time satisfies a warning condition (for example, "distribution start time - current time <= threshold"). If the warning condition is satisfied, the process proceeds to step S1006, and if not, the process proceeds to step S1008.

[0247] (Step S1006) The processing unit 13 acquires user identifiers corresponding to one or more pieces of reservation information corresponding to the content identifier of the i-th content. That is, the processing unit 13 acquires one or more user identifiers of users who have reserved viewing of the i-th content.

[0248] (Step S1007) The transmitting unit 14 obtains destination information paired with each of the one or more user identifiers obtained in step S1006 from the user management unit 113. Next, the transmitting unit 14 transmits warning information indicating that distribution of the i-th content will soon start to the destinations indicated by each of the one or more pieces of destination information.

[0249] (Step S1008) The processing unit 13 increments the counter i by 1. The process returns to step S1003.

[0250] Next, an example of the viewing end process in step S505 etc. will be described with reference to the flowchart in FIG.

[0251] (Step S1101) The processing unit 13 acquires the content identifier of the viewed content.

[0252] (Step S1102) The processing unit 13 acquires the user identifiers of one or more users who have viewed the content.

[0253] (Step S1103) The processing unit 13 constructs viewing information using the content identifier acquired in step S1101 and one or more user identifiers acquired in step S1102. Note that the viewing information includes, for example, the content identifier and the user identifier.

[0254] (Step S1104) The processing unit 13 stores the one or more pieces of viewing information formed in step S1103 in the storage unit 11.

[0255] (Step S1105) The input information receiving unit 129 determines whether or not input information has been received from one or more user terminals 2. If input information has been received, the process proceeds to step S1106, and if input information has not been received, the process returns to step S1105.

[0256] (Step S1106) The input information storage unit 137 stores the one or more pieces of input information received in step S1105. The process returns to the upper level processing. The input information storage unit 137 stores the received input information in association with, for example, a user identifier and a content identifier.

[0257] Next, an example of the operation of the user terminal 2 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

[0258] (Step S1201) The user receiving unit 22 determines whether or not a screen instruction has been received. If a screen instruction has been received, the process proceeds to step S1202, and if not, the process proceeds to step S1205.

[0259] (Step S1202) The user processing unit 23 composes a screen instruction to be transmitted. The user transmitting unit 24 transmits the screen instruction to the distribution device 1.

[0260] (Step S1203) The user receiving unit 25 determines whether or not screen information has been received from the distribution device 1. If screen information has been received, the process proceeds to step S1204, and if screen information has not been received, the process returns to step S1203.

[0261] (Step S1204) User processing unit 23 uses the received screen information to compose a screen to be output. User output unit 26 outputs the screen composed in step S1204. The process returns to step S1201.

[0262] (Step S1205) The user receiving unit 22 determines whether an instruction for a UI component has been received. If the instruction has been received, the process proceeds to step S1206, and if not, the process proceeds to step S1207.

[0263] (Step S1206) The user processing unit 23 composes an instruction to be sent. The user sending unit 24 sends the instruction to the distribution device 1. The process returns to step S1201.

[0264] (Step S1207) The user accepting unit 22 determines whether or not an instruction to obtain access information has been accepted. If the instruction has been accepted, the process proceeds to step S1208; if not, the process proceeds to step S1209. The instruction to obtain access information is, for example, an instruction to open an email mailer or an instruction to open a corresponding email.

[0265] (Step S1208) In response to the instruction to acquire access information, the user processing unit 23 acquires the access information. The user output unit 26 outputs the access information. The process returns to step S1201. The output of the access information is, for example, the output of a single email.

[0266] (Step S1209) The user accepting unit 22 determines whether or not a reservation instruction has been accepted. If the reservation instruction has been accepted, the process proceeds to step S1210, and if not, the process proceeds to step S1211. The reservation instruction includes, for example, a content identifier.

[0267] (Step S1210) The user processing unit 23 composes a reservation instruction to be transmitted. The user transmitting unit 24 transmits the reservation instruction to the distribution device 1. The process returns to step S1201. Note that the transmitted reservation instruction usually includes a user identifier.

[0268] (Step S1211) The user receiving unit 22 determines whether or not a viewing instruction has been received. If the viewing instruction has been received, the process proceeds to step S1212, and if not, the process proceeds to step S1218. The viewing instruction includes, for example, a content identifier.

[0269] (Step S1212) User processing unit 23 composes a viewing instruction to be transmitted. User transmitting unit 24 transmits the viewing instruction to distribution device 1. The transmitted viewing instruction usually includes a user identifier.

[0270] (Step S1213) The user receiving unit 25 determines whether or not content corresponding to the viewing instruction has been received from the distribution device 1. If content has been received, the process proceeds to step S1214; if content has not been received, the process proceeds to step S1215. Note that the content here may include user video and communication information.

[0271] (Step S1214) User processing unit 23 creates a screen including the received content, and user output unit 26 outputs the created screen.

[0272] (Step S1215) The user processing unit 23 determines whether or not to end the content output process. If the process is to be ended, the process proceeds to step S1216, and if the process is not to be ended, the process returns to step S1213.

[0273] (Step S1216) The user accepting unit 22 determines whether or not input information has been accepted. If input information has been accepted, the process proceeds to step S1217, and if input information has not been accepted, the process returns to step S1216.

[0274] (Step S1217) The user processing unit 23 composes input information, etc. to be transmitted. The input information, etc. includes, for example, the input information, a content identifier, and a user identifier. Next, the user transmitting unit 24 transmits the input information, etc. to the distribution device 1. Return to step S1201.

[0275] (Step S1218) The user receiving unit 25 determines whether or not information has been received from the distribution device 1. If information has been received, the process proceeds to step S1219, and if information has not been received, the process returns to step S1201.

[0276] (Step S1219) The user processing unit 23 uses the received information to construct a screen to be output. The user output unit 26 outputs the constructed screen. Return to step S1201. The screen includes the received information. The information here may be, for example, recommendation information, warning information, or statistical processing results.

[0277] 12, the user receiving unit 22 of the user terminal 2 may receive communication information, the user processing unit 23 may convert the communication information into communication information to be transmitted, and the user transmitting unit 24 may transmit the communication information to the distribution device 1. It is preferable that such communication information is received only while the first type of content is being viewed. However, the user receiving unit 22 may also receive communication information while the second type of content is being viewed.

[0278] In the flowchart of FIG. 12, the process ends when the power is turned off or an interrupt occurs to end the process.

[0279] Next, an example of the operation of the broadcaster terminal 3 will be described. For example, when the broadcast start time indicated by the broadcast time information arrives, the camera of the broadcaster terminal 3 starts filming the broadcaster exercising in response to instructions from the broadcaster (e.g., a trainer). Then, the broadcaster receiving unit 32 acquires the captured video. The broadcaster receiving unit 32 also acquires the broadcaster's audio collected by the microphone of the broadcaster terminal 3. Next, the broadcaster processing unit 33 composes first-type content to be transmitted. Here, the first-type content includes video and audio. Next, the broadcaster transmitting unit 34 transmits the composed first-type content to the distribution device 1.

[0280] The distributor terminal 3 continues to acquire and transmit the first-type content to the distribution device 1 until the distributor inputs an instruction to end the distribution or until the distribution end time indicated by the distribution time information.

[0281] The distributor terminal 3 also receives, for example, screen information including user video of one or more users who are viewers of the first-type content distributed by the distributor, and outputs a screen using the screen information. The distributor terminal 3 also receives, for example, screen information including input information from one or more users who are viewers of the first-type content distributed by the distributor, and outputs a screen using the screen information. The distributor terminal 3 also receives, for example, statistical processing results from the distribution device 1 and outputs them.

[0282] A specific example of the operation of the information system A in this embodiment will be described below.

[0283] Assume now that a content management table having the structure shown in FIG. 13 is stored in content storage unit 112 of distribution device 1. The content management table is a table for managing information related to content. The content management table manages one or more records each having an "ID," "content identifier," "distribution time information," "content attribute value," "reservation history information," "viewing history information," and "satisfaction representative value." "Distribution time information" includes "day of the week" and "time period." "Content attribute value" includes "type," "genre," "distributor," and "difficulty level." "Reservation history information" includes "date" and "number of reservation holders." "Viewing history information" includes "date" and "number of viewers."

[0284] "ID" is information that identifies the record. "Content identifier" here is the ID of the content, but it can also be the content name, etc. "Time period" can be just the start time, or it can have both the start time and the end time. "Type" is a type identifier. "Genre" is a genre identifier. "Distributor" is a distributor identifier. "Difficulty" is a difficulty identifier. "Number of reservation holders" is the number of users who have reserved viewing of the corresponding content. "Number of viewers" is the number of users who have viewed the corresponding content. "Satisfaction representative value" here is the average satisfaction level sent from the user terminal 2 to the distribution device 1 by two or more viewers after viewing the corresponding content.

[0285] Also, it is assumed that the user management unit 113 of the distribution device 1 stores a user management table having the structure shown in FIG. 14 . The user management table is a table for managing information about users. The user management table manages one or more records each having an "ID," "user identifier," "user attribute value," "reservation history information," "viewing history information," and "input information." The "user attribute value" includes "age," "gender," and "email address." The "reservation history information" includes "date" and "content identifier." The "viewing history information" includes "date" and "content identifier." The "input information" includes "satisfaction level" and "comments." The "content identifier" in the "reservation history information" is the identifier of the content reserved for viewing by the user. The "content identifier" in the "viewing history information" is the identifier of the content viewed by the user. The "input information" is information entered by the user after viewing the content and transmitted from the user terminal 2 to the distribution device 1.

[0286] In this situation, the following three specific examples will be described. In specific example 1, a user interface for guiding a user from a screen output by a user terminal 2, which is a smartphone that can easily schedule viewing and display a list of content, to a PC with a larger screen size that makes it easier to view content, will be described. In specific example 2, a process will be described in which a user, while viewing first-type content, can view user videos of other users and send information to a broadcaster (trainer). In specific example 3, a process will be described in which a user, while viewing second-type content and third-type content, cannot view user videos of other users but can view their own video.

[0287] (Specific Example 1) Assume that user A, identified by user identifier "U001," inputs a screen instruction to output a content distribution schedule into user terminal 2S, which is his / her smartphone. Then, user terminal 2S accepts the screen instruction and transmits a screen instruction to output the content distribution schedule to distribution device 1.

[0288] Next, the distribution device 1 receives the screen instruction, refers to the content management table of FIG. 13, composes screen information of the content distribution schedule, and transmits the screen information to the user terminal 2S.

[0289] Next, the user terminal 2S receives the screen information of the content distribution schedule, and uses the screen information to construct and output a screen of the content distribution schedule. An example of such a screen is shown in FIG.

[0290] Next, assume that user A designates the box 1501 in FIG. 15 to reserve viewing of the content 1501 in FIG.

[0291] Then, the user terminal 2S receives a screen instruction corresponding to 1501 in Fig. 15. This screen instruction is an instruction to transmit screen information for reserving viewing of the content corresponding to 1501 in Fig. 15 (lesson reservation). The user terminal 2S then transmits the screen instruction to the distribution device 1.

[0292] Next, the distribution device 1 receives the screen instruction. Then, the distribution device 1 obtains screen information corresponding to the screen instruction from the screen storage unit 111 and transmits the screen information to the user terminal 2S.

[0293] Next, the user terminal 2S receives the screen information and outputs a screen corresponding to the screen information. An example of such a screen is shown in Fig. 16. Fig. 16 is an example of a screen on a smartphone.

[0294] Next, assume that user A wants to use a PC with a large screen size to view the first type of content, and selects the "Participate in lesson on PC" button 1601 on the screen of user terminal 2S (FIG. 16).

[0295] Next, the user receiving unit 22 of the user terminal 2S receives an instruction for the UI component 1601. Next, the user processing unit 23 composes an instruction to be transmitted. This instruction is an instruction to transmit a URL for accessing the first-type content (live broadcast) 1501. Furthermore, this instruction includes the content identifier "C011" corresponding to the first-type content (live broadcast) 1501. Next, the user transmitting unit 24 transmits this instruction to the distribution device 1.

[0296] Next, the switching support unit 133 of the distribution device 1 receives information on the instruction for the UI component 1601 from the user terminal 2S. Next, the switching support unit 133 obtains access information corresponding to the information corresponding to the instruction for the UI component from the storage unit 11. Note that the access information here is assumed to be a URL to the content identified by the content identifier "C011."

[0297] Next, the switching support unit 133 acquires the user identifier "U001" corresponding to the received information. Next, the switching support unit 133 acquires destination information paired with the user identifier (here, user A's email address "x@A.jp") from the user management table. Next, the switching support unit 133 sends an email including the acquired access information to the acquired email address "x@A.jp".

[0298] Next, assume that user A changes the terminal he / she is using to user terminal 2P, which is a personal computer, starts up a mailer, and opens an email sent to the email address "x@A.jp." The email then contains a URL for accessing type 1 content (live broadcast) 1501. Next, assume that user A specifies the URL on the screen of user terminal 2P.

[0299] Then, the user accepting unit 22 of the user terminal 2P accepts a viewing instruction for the first-type content 1501. Next, the user processing unit 23 composes a viewing instruction to be transmitted. Next, the user transmitting unit 24 transmits the viewing instruction to the distribution device 1. It is assumed that the viewing instruction corresponds to the content identifier "C011" of the first-type content 1501.

[0300] Next, the receiving unit 12 of the distribution device 1 receives the viewing instruction from the user terminal 2P. Then, the processing unit 13 detects that the distribution start time of the first-type content 1501 has arrived. Furthermore, the content receiving unit 124 receives the first-type content identified by the content identifier "C011" from the distributor terminal 3 corresponding to the first-type content 1501. Then, the first distribution unit 142 distributes a screen including the received first-type content to the user terminals 2 corresponding to the user identifiers of two or more users, including user A.

[0301] Next, the user terminals 2 of two or more users, including user A, receive and output the first-class content identified by the content identifier "C011."

[0302] As described above, in this specific example, the user can view content by switching from a smartphone, which can easily display a list of content and schedule viewing using a touch panel, to a PC, which has a larger screen size and makes it easier to view content.

[0303] If the content that the user wants to view is not subject to reservation (for example, third-type content, or content whose distribution start time has passed and is currently being distributed), the screen on the user terminal 2 will be, for example, as shown in Fig. 17 instead of Fig. 16. Even on this screen, there is a UI component 1701 on the screen (Fig. 17) for guiding the user from a smartphone with a small screen to a PC with a larger screen where the content can be more easily viewed.

[0304] (Specific Example 2) It is assumed that 85 users including user A are currently viewing the first type content 1501 and exercising.

[0305] It is also assumed that five users out of the 85 viewers allow their user video to be distributed to others. It is also assumed that a flag specifying whether or not the distribution of the user video to others is permitted is stored in the storage unit 11 of the distribution device 1, for example, in association with a user identifier. It is also assumed that the flag specifying whether or not the distribution of the user video to others is permitted is called a permission flag.

[0306] The content receiving unit 124 of the distribution device 1 continues to receive the first-type content from the distributor terminal 3. The content storage unit 134 also acquires the received first-type content and stores it in the first storage unit 1121.

[0307] The user video receiving unit 128 also receives user videos from five or more user terminals 2, including a user terminal 2 whose permission flag corresponds to the value "allow distribution to others." The combining unit 135 then acquires the received first-type content and five user videos corresponding to the five user identifiers paired with the permission flags that allow distribution of the user videos to others. The combining unit 135 then combines the first-type content with the five user videos to create screen information including the five user videos. The first distribution unit 142 then distributes the combined screen information to the user terminals 2 and the distributor terminal 3 corresponding to the user identifiers of each viewing user. The first distribution unit 142 may transmit the screen information including the five user videos to the user terminals 2 of all 85 viewers, or may transmit it only to the user terminals 2 of the five users who are providing the user videos. When transmitting the screen information including the five user videos to only the five user terminals 2, the first distribution unit 142 transmits screen information that does not include the five user videos to the other 80 user terminals 2.

[0308] Then, the user terminal 2 corresponding to at least the permission flag permitting distribution to others receives screen information in which the first type content and the five user videos are combined, composes a screen using the screen information, and outputs the screen. An example of a screen including the five user videos is shown in FIG. 18. On the screen of FIG. 18, the user can see how other users are working out, which can improve the efficiency of the exercise and make the exercise more enjoyable.

[0309] Also, while the screen of FIG. 18 is being output, user A inputs, via chat or voice, "My lower back hurts, so can I stand up and exercise?" into his / her user terminal 2P.

[0310] Then, the user terminal 2P receives the communication information “My lower back hurts, so can I stand up and exercise?” and transmits the communication information to the distribution device 1.

[0311] Next, the communication unit 136 of the distribution device 1 receives the communication information. The synthesis unit 135 then constructs screen information including the received first-type content, the five user videos, and the communication information. Next, the first distribution unit 142 distributes the constructed screen information to the user terminal 2 and the distributor terminal 3 corresponding to the user identifiers of each user viewing the first-type content.

[0312] Next, each user terminal 2 and the distributor terminal 3 receives the screen information including the first type content, the five user videos, and the communication information, composes a screen using the screen information, and outputs the screen. An example of such an output is shown in FIG. 19.

[0313] Then, the broadcaster who sees or hears the communication information 1901 in Figure 19 speaks, "It's okay. Stand up and exercise." This voice is sent to the distribution device 1, and then sent via the distribution device 1 to the user terminal 2 of each user and output.

[0314] As described above, in this specific example, while a user is viewing a first type of content, the user can view user videos of other users and send information to the distributor (trainer).

[0315] In this specific example, it is preferable that the user's voice information is recognized by the user terminal 2 or the distribution device 1, and the acquired character string is transmitted to one or more user terminals 2 and the distributor terminal 3.

[0316] (Specific Example 3) Next, assume that the user inputs a viewing instruction for the second type content or the third type content into the user terminal 2. The viewing instruction is then transmitted from the user terminal 2 to the distribution device 1. Here, assume that the viewing instruction includes the content identifier "C001."

[0317] Next, the distribution device 1 receives the viewing instruction. Next, the processing unit 13 obtains the type identifier "2" that pairs with the content identifier "C001" from the content management table (FIG. 13). The processing unit 13 also obtains the current time "7:00" from a clock (not shown). Next, the processing unit 13 obtains the distribution time information "<Day of the week> Monday to Sunday <Time slot> 7:00-8:00" that pairs with the content identifier "C001" from the content management table (FIG. 13). Next, the processing unit 13 determines that the current time is within the distribution time slot indicated by the distribution time information.

[0318] Next, the second distribution unit 143 performs a second distribution process. That is, the second distribution unit 143 reads the content with the content identifier “C001” from the second storage unit 1122 and distributes it to the user terminals 2 of one or more users who have reserved viewing or sent viewing instructions.

[0319] Next, the user terminal 2 receives the content with content identifier "C001." The user terminal 2 then combines an image captured by a camera included in the user terminal 2 with the received second-type content and outputs the combined image. An example of such output is shown in FIG. 20. In FIG. 20, the user can compare the instructor's video with the user's own video (2001) captured by the camera of the user terminal 2 to exercise appropriately. Also, in FIG. 20, the user cannot view the user videos of other users.

[0320] As described above, in this specific example, while a user is viewing the second type content and the third type content, the user cannot view the user video of other users, but can view his / her own video. As a result, users who are not good at sports do not feel embarrassed, and can obtain videos that will help them improve their athletic ability.

[0321] As described above, according to this embodiment, a user can select and view content from three or more types of content according to the user's preferences, lifestyle, etc.

[0322] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, depending on the type of content, the status of other users may or may not be known, and the user can select and view content based on the user's preferences, etc. Note that in this embodiment, it is preferable that three or more types of content, including first-type content, second-type content, and third-type content, can be provided to the user for the same content. Also, in this embodiment, it is preferable that the same content is prepared as two or more types of content, including first-type content and second-type content, or two or more types of content, including first-type content and third-type content, for the same time period, and the user can select from them.

[0323] In this embodiment, when viewing second-type content, which is recorded content, user videos of other users may also be viewable.

[0324] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, statistical processing can be performed based on user input regarding each of three or more types of content, and the statistical processing results can be obtained. Based on user input can be, for example, based on input information, viewing reservations, viewing instructions, etc.

[0325] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, statistical processing can be performed for each type of content based on user input regarding each of three or more types of content, and the statistical processing results can be obtained.

[0326] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, statistical processing can be performed based on information relating to viewing reservations for content, and the results of the statistical processing can be obtained.

[0327] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, statistical processing is performed based on user input regarding each of three or more types of content, and recommendations can be made to the user using the results of the statistical processing.

[0328] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, statistical processing is performed based on the user's viewing history, reservation history, or input information for each of three or more types of content, and recommendations can be made to the user using the results of the statistical processing.

[0329] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, communication information from the user can be transmitted to the distributor during distribution of the first type content. In this embodiment, communication information from other users may be transmitted to the user during distribution of the first type content.

[0330] The processing in this embodiment may be implemented by software. This software may be distributed by software download or the like. Furthermore, this software may be recorded on a recording medium such as a CD-ROM and distributed. This also applies to other embodiments in this specification. The software implementing the distribution device 1 in this embodiment is the following program. That is, this program causes a computer to include a first receiving unit that receives, from a user terminal, a first instruction, which is an instruction to distribute a first type of content transmitted from a content distributor terminal during a time period specified by first distribution time information; a content receiving unit that receives the first type of content transmitted from the distributor terminal during a time period specified by the first distribution time information; a first distribution unit that distributes the first type of content received by the content receiving unit to the user terminal that transmitted the first instruction during a time period specified by the first distribution time information; a second receiving unit that receives, from the user terminal, a second instruction, which is an instruction to distribute a second type of content to be distributed during a time period specified by second distribution time information; and a second receiving unit that corresponds to second distribution time information and distributes the first type of content during a time period specified by the second distribution time information. and a third delivery unit that acquires, from a second storage unit in which second-type content to be delivered to a user terminal is stored, the second-type content corresponding to the second instruction received by the second receiving unit, at a time specified by the second delivery time information corresponding to the second-type content, and delivers the second-type content to the user terminal that sent the second instruction; a third receiving unit that receives from the user terminal a third instruction that is an instruction to deliver a third-type content to be delivered on-demand; and a third delivery unit that acquires, from a third storage unit in which third-type content to be delivered on-demand is stored, the third-type content corresponding to the third instruction received by the third receiving unit, and delivers the third-type content to the user terminal that sent the third instruction.

[0331] 21 shows the appearance of a computer that executes the programs described herein to realize the distribution device 1 and the like according to the various embodiments described above. The above-described embodiments can be realized by computer hardware and a computer program executed thereon. FIG. 21 is an overview of this computer system 300, and FIG. 22 is a block diagram of the system 300.

[0332] In FIG. 21, a computer system 300 includes a computer 301 including a CD-ROM drive, a keyboard 302, a mouse 303, and a monitor 304.

[0333] 22, in addition to a CD-ROM drive 3012, the computer 301 includes an MPU 3013, a bus 3014 connected to the CD-ROM drive 3012 etc., a ROM 3015 for storing programs such as a boot-up program, a RAM 3016 connected to the MPU 3013 for temporarily storing instructions for application programs and providing temporary storage space, and a hard disk 3017 for storing application programs, system programs, and data. Although not shown here, the computer 301 may further include a network card for providing connection to a LAN.

[0334] A program that causes computer system 300 to execute the functions of distribution device 1 and the like of the above-described embodiment may be stored on CD-ROM 3101, inserted into CD-ROM drive 3012, and then transferred to hard disk 3017. Alternatively, the program may be transmitted to computer 301 via a network (not shown) and stored on hard disk 3017. The program is loaded into RAM 3016 when executed. The program may also be loaded directly from CD-ROM 3101 or the network.

[0335] The program does not necessarily include an operating system (OS) or a third-party program that causes the computer 301 to execute the functions of the distribution device 1 of the above-described embodiment. The program only needs to include instructions that call appropriate functions (modules) in a controlled manner to achieve the desired results. How the computer system 300 operates is well known, and a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0336] In addition, in the above program, the steps of transmitting information and receiving information do not include processing performed by hardware, such as processing performed by a modem or interface card in the transmission step (processing that can only be performed by hardware).

[0337] The computer that executes the program may be a single computer or a plurality of computers, that is, it may perform centralized processing or distributed processing.

[0338] Furthermore, in each of the above embodiments, it goes without saying that two or more communication means present in one device may be physically realized by one medium.

[0339] Furthermore, in each of the above embodiments, each process may be realized by centralized processing in a single device, or may be realized by distributed processing in a plurality of devices.

[0340] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various modifications are possible, and it goes without saying that these modifications are also included within the scope of the present invention.

[0341] As described above, the distribution device 1 according to the present invention has the effect of allowing a user to select and view content according to the user's preferences, lifestyle, etc., and is useful as a server or the like that distributes content.

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