Server device, display device, and control program

Abstract

The present invention reduces the time and effort of a user when the user views video content in a series format having a plurality of episodes. A server device (10) comprises: an acquisition unit (111) that acquires an identification code associated with video content in a series format having a plurality of episodes, and information for identifying an external device (20) which is a transmission source of the identification code; and a communication unit (13) that, after authentication using the identification code is performed, transmits, to the external device (20), data of an episode number, in the video content, that corresponds to a user request.

Description

Server device, display device and control program

[0001] The present invention relates to a server device, a display device, and a control program.

[0002] Conventionally, DVD box sets for viewing all episodes of TV anime programs and the like have been sold. Patent Document 1 discloses a reading device that can eliminate application startup delays when changing optical discs, while also properly terminating applications that are not related to the movie.

[0003] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2009-170085

[0004] However, when viewing a work using multiple discs, the user has to go through the trouble of changing discs for each episode or each set of episodes.

[0005] One aspect of the present invention has been made in consideration of the above problem, and aims to reduce the effort required of users when they watch video content in a series format having multiple episodes.

[0006] In order to solve the above problem, a server device according to one embodiment of the present invention includes an acquisition unit that acquires an identification code associated with video content in a series format having multiple episodes and information that identifies the external device that sent the identification code, and a communication unit that, after authentication using the identification code, transmits data for the episode number in the video content that corresponds to the user's request to the external device.

[0007] In order to solve the above problem, a terminal device according to one embodiment of the present invention is a terminal device having a display unit, an input unit for inputting an identification code associated with a series-format video content having multiple episodes, a communication unit for transmitting the input identification code and information identifying the terminal device to a server device, and a display control unit for displaying on the display unit a video transmitted from the server device, the video of the episode number in the video content that corresponds to a user's request.

[0008] The server device and terminal device according to each aspect of the present invention may be realized by a computer. In this case, the control program that realizes the server device or terminal device on a computer by making the computer operate as each part (software element) of the server device or terminal device, and the computer-readable recording medium on which the control program is recorded, also fall within the scope of the present invention.

[0009] According to one aspect of the present invention, when a user views video content in a series format having multiple episodes, the user's effort can be reduced.

[0010] FIG. 1 is an example of a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the system; FIG. 2 is an example of a table stored in a storage unit of a server device; FIG. 3 is an example of a sequence diagram showing the flow of system processing; FIG. 4 is an example of an identification code input screen and a content list screen in an application; FIG. 5 is an example of a sequence diagram showing the flow of system processing; FIG. 6 is an example of an application startup screen; and FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of a procedure by which a user selects and sets an image to be output on an input screen.

[0011] Hereinafter, one embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail.

[0012] 1. Example Configuration of System 1 FIG. 1 is an example block diagram showing the functional configuration of system 1 according to the present disclosure. System 1 is a system for transmitting any content from a server device 10 to a display device (external device, terminal device) 20 and playing the content. Hereinafter, the content will be described as video content including video, but it may also be music content or audio content that does not include video. In many cases, video content is associated with one or more channels of audio, and the audio is played in parallel with the video on display device 20.

[0013] Furthermore, unless otherwise specified, the content according to the present disclosure is assumed to be a rental product, i.e., the period during which the content can be played on the display device 20 is limited.

[0014] The system 1 includes a server device 10 and one or more display devices 20. The server device 10 functions as a server that supplies content, and includes a control unit 11, a storage unit 12, and a communication unit 13.

[0015] The control unit 11 is a control device that controls the entire server device 10, and includes an acquisition unit 111. The acquisition unit 111 acquires an identification code associated with rental content and information that identifies the display device 20 that is the sender of the identification code. Here, the content may be video content in the form of a series having multiple episodes.

[0016] The identification code is a serial code (serial number) including alphanumeric characters and symbols for identifying the content. As will be described in detail later, a single identification code may be associated with multiple pieces of content. This means that a user can download multiple pieces of content by inputting a single identification code into the display device 20. A single piece of content may also be associated with multiple types of identification codes.

[0017] In one aspect, a medium such as a card on which an identification code is written or recorded may be distributed for a fee or free of charge at a predetermined physical store, live venue, etc. In other words, the acquisition unit 111 may acquire an identification code written or recorded on a medium distributed at a predetermined physical store, etc.

[0018] The storage unit 12 is a storage device that stores various information, such as a table showing the correspondence between content and identification codes. The control unit 11 refers to the table and performs authentication using the identification code acquired by the acquisition unit 111. From another perspective, authentication is a process of determining whether the identification code acquired by the acquisition unit 111 is legitimate.

[0019] The communication unit 13 is an interface that performs communication processing with the display device 20 and the like under the control of the control unit 11. For example, the communication unit 13 transmits requested content to the display device 20 in response to a user request via the display device 20, only within a predetermined period based on when authentication using the identification code is performed, or until a predetermined date and time. The communication unit 13 may transmit video to the display device 20 by streaming transmission, or may transmit the video in a lump so that it is stored as chunk data in the display device 20. Streaming reception on the display device 20 is a type of download. Note that even when the display device 20 plays video stored in the storage unit 22 and streaming reception does not occur, authentication using the identification code and a determination as to whether the content is within the playback period are performed before playing the video.

[0020] Furthermore, when the control unit 11 of the server device 10 determines that the end of the period during which the content can be played is approaching within a certain period, the control unit 11 may notify the display device 20 of this fact via the communication unit 13. That is, in the above case, the communication unit 13 may transmit a notification regarding the date and time at which the period during which authentication is valid ends to the display device 20 at a specific timing before the end of the period.

[0021] Furthermore, it is desirable that the data such as the video data transmitted between the server device 10 and the display device 20 be encrypted before transmission and decrypted on the receiving device side.

[0022] The display device 20 is a device capable of outputting video and audio, and may be realized as, for example, a smartphone, a tablet, a personal computer, a television, a game console, etc. The display device 20 includes a control unit 21, a storage unit 22, a communication unit 23, an input unit 24, and a display unit (output unit) 25.

[0023] The control unit 21 is a control device that controls the entire display device 20, and includes a display control unit 211. The display control unit 211 controls the screen display on the display unit 25. The display control unit 211 causes the display unit 25 to display an image input to the display device 20 from the server device 10, for example.

[0024] The storage unit 22 is a storage device that stores various information, such as an already authenticated identification code, information identifying the content associated with the identification code, and information indicating the expiration date for playback of the content. Here, the information identifying the content may be, for example, a content ID or an identification code associated with the content. Furthermore, the display device 20 may be configured to have an application for playing video and audio installed, and in this configuration, application data is stored in the storage unit 22.

[0025] The communication unit 23 is an interface that performs communication processing with the server device 10, etc., under the control of the control unit 21. For example, the communication unit 23 transmits information that identifies content selected by the user via the input unit 24 to the server device 10.

[0026] The input unit 24 is a member through which the user inputs information to the display device 20, and may be realized as, for example, a keyboard or other buttons, or a mouse. The input unit 24 may also be a remote control or controller that is separate from the display device 20 itself. The user inputs an identification code and performs various selection operations via the input unit 24. The input unit 24 and the display unit 25 may also be realized as an integrated touch panel.

[0027] 1, the input unit 24 may include a camera 241 that captures images. The input unit 24 may also be configured to be able to read a two-dimensional code representing the identification code using the camera 241. This reduces the effort required for the user to input the identification code.

[0028] Additionally, the input unit 24 may have a configuration capable of contactlessly reading an RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) tag, thereby accepting input of an identification code by contactlessly reading an RFID tag on which the identification code is recorded.

[0029] The display unit 25 is a display panel that displays images, character strings, objects, etc. under the control of the display control unit 211. Note that if the content is music content or the like that does not include images, the following description may be applied in which the display unit 25 is an output unit 25 realized by a speaker or the like.

[0030] Furthermore, the function of a single component included in the system 1 may be realized by a plurality of other components, and the functions of a plurality of components included in the system 1 may be realized by a single other component. For example, the system 1 may include a plurality of server devices 10, or the authentication of the above-mentioned identification code may be performed by an authentication device other than the server device 10. Furthermore, some components included in the system 1 may be detachable from the server device 10 or the display device 20.

[0031] 2. Example of Authentication Table Next, a specific example will be described of the above-mentioned table stored in the storage unit 12 of the server device 10. Table 31 in Fig. 2 is an example of a table showing the correspondence between content and identification codes.

[0032] For example, Table 31 indicates that content A includes video content from episodes A1 to A3, and content B includes video content from episodes B1 to B3. In other words, content A and B are video content series with multiple episodes. Furthermore, the number of episodes for each content is not limited. Examples of such video content include dramas and television anime. Furthermore, the value in the "Identification Code" column indicates which identification code is required for authentication to download the content for the corresponding episode to the display device 20. For example, to download the content for episode A3 to the display device 20, authentication using identification code "AAABBB222" or "AAABBB333" is required. Even if authentication using identification code "AAABBB111" is performed, the content for episode A3 cannot be downloaded.

[0033] Furthermore, content may be associated with multiple types of identification codes. For example, content A may be associated with a first type of identification code that allows only the data for episodes A1 and A2 to be downloaded, and a second type of identification code that allows the data for episodes A1 to A3 to be downloaded.

[0034] Alternatively, all episodes of a series of video content may be viewable through authentication using a single identification code. The acquiring unit 111 may be configured to acquire a single identification code associated with the video content and information for identifying the display device 20.

[0035] Furthermore, a single identification code may be associated with multiple contents. For example, when authentication is performed using the identification code "AAABBB333," the display device 20 that is the sender of the identification code will be able to download data for episodes A1 to A3 of content A and data for episodes B1 to B3 of content B. Note that it is desirable for the actual identification code to be a character string more complex than the example shown in FIG. 2.

[0036] It is not essential that the content be in a series format with multiple episodes. For example, if the content is a single live performance video of a singer, a value indicating that the content is not in a series format will be set in the "Nth Episode" column corresponding to the content.

[0037] Table 32 is an example of a table showing the correspondence between an identification code, a display device 20 registered by authentication using the identification code, and an expiration date.

[0038] In Table 32, the denominator of the value in the "Number of registered devices" column indicates the maximum number of display devices 20 that can be registered through authentication using the corresponding identification code. Furthermore, "registering" a display device 20 means storing the display device 20 that sent the identification code as a display device 20 that can download content associated with that identification code. Furthermore, as indicated by the fact that the denominator may be two or more, a single identification code may be input to each of multiple display devices 20, allowing content to be downloaded to each of those display devices 20.

[0039] Furthermore, the numerator of the value in the "Number of registered devices" column indicates how many display devices 20 are currently registered through authentication using the target identification code. For example, in the case of the identification code "AAABBB111," the maximum number of three display devices 20 are already registered, so even if the identification code "AAABBB111" is entered into another new display device 20, that display device 20 will not be registered. Furthermore, it is desirable that the display device 20 be configured to be able to be deregistered by operating the input unit 24 of the display device 20, for example. This makes it possible to switch the display device 20 from which content can be downloaded, even if the number of devices that can be registered using a certain identification code has been reached.

[0040] Furthermore, the values ​​in the "Registered Display Device" column are values ​​such as MAC addresses that uniquely identify individual display devices 20, and indicate display devices 20 that have been registered through authentication using the corresponding identification code.

[0041] The date and time in the "Expiration Date" column indicates the expiration date of the authentication, i.e., the viewing date and time during which the content can be played on the display device 20. In other words, the user can rent the content for the period until the expiration date. The expiration date may be determined based on the first time authentication using the identification code is performed by any display device 20, or the expiration date and time may be determined in advance. When the expiration date has passed, the authentication is cancelled.

[0042] From another perspective, in one embodiment, the acquisition unit 111 of the server device 10 acquires a common identification code and information identifying each display device 20 from each of the plurality of display devices 20. Then, the communication unit 13 transmits content to each display device 20 in response to a request from a user via each display device 20, only for a predetermined period based on when authentication using the identification code was first performed by any of the display devices 20.

[0043] In this way, the storage unit 12 of the server device 10 stores one or more authenticated identification codes in association with information identifying one or more display devices 20. Furthermore, when the acquisition unit 111 acquires the information identifying the display device 20, the storage unit 12 executes authentication processing using an identification code stored in the storage unit 12 that is associated with the information identifying the display device 20. Here, the authentication processing may include, for example, authentication by the server device 10 alone or authentication using the above-mentioned separate authentication device.

[0044] Also, different expiration dates may be set for each piece of content for a single identification code.

[0045] 3. Example of Processing by System 1 Next, an example of the flow of processing executed by the system 1 will be described. Fig. 3 is an example of a sequence diagram showing the flow of processing according to this example.

[0046] In S101 (step S101), the control unit 21 of the display device 20 acquires an identification code input by the user via the input unit 24. In this example, it is assumed that the input of the identification code and the playback of video and audio are performed using an application installed on the display device 20.

[0047] 4 shows an example of an identification code input screen, which is a screen of the application. On the screen 51, input forms 52 and 53 are input forms for inputting an identification code.

[0048] In the example of screen 51, the content is a video of an event such as a live concert, and input form 52 is a form for inputting a character string that identifies the event. The "event code" input into input form 52 may be a value that is common to each event. Furthermore, input form 53 is a form for inputting a "serial code" that is different from each other for each event.

[0049] As illustrated in input forms 52 and 53, a single identification code may be configured to include two or more character strings, or, for example, of the aforementioned "event code" and "serial code," only the "serial code" may be treated as the identification code.

[0050] For example, if the content for which the identification code is to be input is video content such as a drama, the user may input only the “serial code” into the input form 53 .

[0051] Furthermore, according to the configuration of the present disclosure described above, as shown in screen 51, when a user downloads content, it is not necessarily required that the user input personal information or register as a member.

[0052] In S102, the control unit 21 transmits the input identification code and information for identifying the own device to the server device 10 via the communication unit 23. In the example of the screen 51, the process of this step S102 is executed when the button 54 is pressed.

[0053] In S103, the acquisition unit 111 of the server device 10 acquires each piece of information received via the communication unit 13, and the control unit 11 performs authentication using the identification code. If the authentication is successful, the process of S104 is then executed. The control unit 11 also associates the display device 20 that is the sender of the identification code with the identification code and registers it in the storage unit 12 as a "registered display device" as shown in Table 32 of FIG. 2. In addition, if the "expiration date" of the authenticated identification code is not registered, the control unit 11 derives the expiration date and registers it in the storage unit 12.

[0054] In S104, the control unit 11 transmits to the display device 20 data of the content associated with the identification code used for authentication. When the content to be played is video content in a series format having multiple episodes, data of the first episode is usually transmitted to the display device 20 first. The control unit 11 also transmits to the display device 20 images and audio associated with the content. The images and audio are stored in the storage unit 22 of the display device 20. The images associated with the content may be images corresponding to the screen size of the display device 20. For example, if the display device 20 is a personal computer, the control unit 11 may transmit a landscape image to the display device 20, and if the display device 20 is a smartphone, the control unit 11 may transmit a portrait image to the display device 20. The images may also be GIF images in which part or all of the image moves, or the like.

[0055] If the authentication using the identification code is not successful, the control unit 11 does not send video or audio, but instead sends information indicating that the authentication was not successful to the display device 20. Here, cases in which the authentication using the identification code is not successful include when there is an error in the identification code, when the authentication code has expired, or when the number of registered devices has reached the upper limit.

[0056] Alternatively, the content may be a recording of a live performance, and authentication may be possible at a predetermined time after the end of the performance. This is because, even if an identification code is distributed at a live performance venue, it takes a certain amount of time for the content distributor to record the live video and make it available from the server device 10. In this configuration, authentication will not be successful even if the user inputs the identification code into the display device 20 before the predetermined time.

[0057] Furthermore, the configuration in which the control unit 11 transmits content data to the display device 20 immediately after the authentication using the identification code is successful is not essential, and the content may be transmitted to the display device 20 in response to a user request via the display device 20 after the authentication using the identification code is successful. In the above configuration, the expiration date of the content may be set based on the timing when the content is first transmitted to the display device 20 or when the downloaded content is first played on the display device 20 after the authentication using the identification code is successful.

[0058] In S105, the display control unit 211 of the display device 20 performs processing to display the video of the content received by the communication unit 23 on the display unit 25. That is, when authentication using the identification code is performed, the display control unit 211 causes the video of the content transmitted from the server device 10 to be displayed on the display unit 25. The control unit 21 also plays back the audio included in the content. In this way, the display unit 25 displays the content transmitted from the server device 10 in response to a user request made via the input unit 24, only for a predetermined period based on when authentication using the identification code is performed, or until a predetermined date and time. The control unit 21 also stores information identifying the content associated with the identification code for which authentication was successful in the storage unit 22.

[0059] In S106, when a user operates the input unit 24 to change the episode number of the video to be played back, the control unit 21 transmits information indicating the new episode number to the server device 10. Furthermore, the new episode numbers that the user can select are limited to episode numbers of authenticated content.

[0060] In S107, the control unit 11 transmits the data of the requested episode number to the display device 20. That is, after authentication using the identification code is performed, the communication unit 13 transmits the data of the episode number in the video content that corresponds to the user's request to the display device 20. The display control unit 211 causes the video of the episode number that corresponds to the user's request to be displayed on the display unit 25. Note that it is desirable that, even if the user does not perform the operation in S106, when playback of the video of a certain episode number has ended, authentication is confirmed and data of the next episode number is transmitted from the server device 10 to the display device 20.

[0061] The present disclosure also includes a configuration in which the determination of whether the authentication of the content is within the expiration date is made on the display device 20. In the above configuration, if the expiration date has passed, the content is not played on the display device 20.

[0062] In S108, when the video of the content has been played to the end or in response to a user operation, the display control unit 211 ends the process of displaying the video of the content on the display unit 25. Then, in response to the user operation, the control unit 21 ends the application for playing the video and audio.

[0063] In S109, the control unit 21 starts the application in response to a user operation. The display control unit 211 displays a startup screen while the application is running. The control unit 21 also outputs at least one of an image and a sound associated with the content on the startup screen.

[0064] Screen 60 in FIG. 6 shows an example of a startup screen displayed on display unit 25 in step S109. Screen 60 displays an image associated with the content across the entire screen. Here, person 61 included in screen 60 is a performer appearing in the video content. Furthermore, the phrase "Hello!" in speech bubble 62 indicates a line output in the voice of person 61 by control unit 21 from a speaker of display device 20 (not shown). In a broader sense, the image or audio associated with the content output on the startup screen or on an identification code input screen (described below) may be an image or audio of a singer or performer of the content, or a performer or character appearing in the content. This can further enhance the user's interest in using the application by displaying, for example, an image of a singer that the user likes, and encourage the user to play the content.

[0065] Furthermore, text 63 included on screen 60 includes the expiration date set in the content's identification code. In a broader sense, control unit 21 may output an image or sound including information about the expiration date on at least one of the start-up screen and the identification code input screen. This helps the user recognize the expiration date for which the content can be played.

[0066] Furthermore, in order to enhance the rarity of the content, it is desirable that the image or sound associated with the content be output only on a dedicated application used to play the content. For example, this configuration is realized by storing the image or sound associated with the content in the storage unit 22 as data used in the application. From another perspective, the communication unit 13 of the server device 10 may be configured to, after authentication using the identification code, transmit the image or sound associated with the content to the display device 20 so that it can be output only on an application installed on the display device 20 that plays the content.

[0067] It should be noted that it is not essential for the control unit 21 to perform a process of temporarily terminating the application after the display control unit 211 has completed the process of displaying the content image on the display unit 25 in S108, and the process of S110 may be executed following the completion of the process of displaying the image on the display unit 25.

[0068] In S110, the display control unit 211 displays an identification code input screen on the display unit 25. The control unit 21 also outputs at least one of an image and sound associated with the content on the identification code input screen. Screen 64 in FIG. 6 shows an example of an input screen displayed on the display unit 25 in this step S110. Screen 64 includes people 65a to 65d who are performers appearing in the video content. Images of people 65a to 65d are displayed as wallpaper on screen 64, and the aforementioned input form 52 and the like are also included on the screen.

[0069] Furthermore, the control unit 21 may also cause the speaker of the display device 20 to output lines in the voice of one of the characters 65a to 65d on the screen 64, or may cause information regarding the expiration date to be included on the screen 64. When an identification code is input on the screen 64, the processing from S102 is repeated for that identification code.

[0070] It is not essential that the start-up screen and the input screen display an image associated with the content, and the start-up screen and the input screen may be configured to output only audio associated with the content.

[0071] Furthermore, the control unit 21 may be configured to output an image or sound associated with the content only on either the start-up screen or the input screen.

[0072] As described above, the control unit 21 of this embodiment performs a process of outputting at least one of an image and an audio associated with the content on at least one of the start-up screen and the input screen when authentication is performed using the input identification code and the content becomes available for use on the display device 20.

[0073] The above describes the flow of processing based on the sequence diagram of FIG. 3 . Instead of the processing of S101, the display control unit 211 may display a list of content associated with the authenticated identification code on the display unit 25, and the control unit 21 may identify content selected from the list via the input unit 24. In this case, in S102, the communication unit 23 transmits information identifying the display device 20 itself and information identifying the selected content to the server device 10. In addition, in S103, the control unit 11 of the server device 10 authenticates that the identified display device 20 is registered using the identification code associated with the selected content. This configuration eliminates the need to re-enter an identification code that has been successfully authenticated into the input unit 24, thereby reducing the user's effort.

[0074] Screen 56 in Figure 4 is a screen of the above-mentioned application, and shows an example of a list screen of content associated with the authenticated identification code. Button 57 is a button for specifying the video of the episode number to be played when the video content is a series format having multiple episodes. Furthermore, the displayed button 57 may be configured to be changeable to a button 57 corresponding to a different episode number, for example, by sliding a part of the screen left or right. Button 58 is a button for playing music content.

[0075] Alternatively, the video of the content may be configured to have multiple chapters set at regular or arbitrary time intervals, and the playback position may be configured to jump to the beginning of a chapter selected by the user from a list. This is true not only when the display device 20 downloads and stores the video, but also when the video is received in streaming mode. This configuration is realized by the control unit 11 of the server device 10 transmitting information indicating a list of chapters stored in the storage unit 12 to the display device 20, and the control unit 21 of the display device 20 reading out the video of the chapter selected by the user from the storage unit 22 or receiving it in streaming mode from the server device 10.

[0076] Next, we will discuss the processing of the system 1 when the content is a series of video content having multiple episodes. Figure 5 is an example of a sequence diagram showing the flow of the processing. The processing of Figure 5 is executed when playback of the video of a certain episode, i.e., episode N, is completed on the display device 20.

[0077] In S201, the control unit 21 of the display device 20 transmits information indicating that the playback of the video of the Nth episode has ended to the server device 10 via the communication unit 23. The acquisition unit 111 of the server device 10 acquires the information transmitted from the display device 20.

[0078] In S202, the control unit 11 of the server device 10 determines whether or not authentication has been completed for the display device 20 to play the next episode, the N+1th episode. If the control unit 11 determines that the authentication has been completed (S202: YES), the control unit 11 subsequently transmits data for the N+1th episode to the display device 20 in S203.

[0079] In S204, the display control unit 211 of the display device 20 performs processing to display the video of the (N+1)th episode received from the server device 10 on the display unit 25. When playback of the video of the (N+1)th episode has finished, the processing from S201 is repeated for the video of the (N+1)th episode.

[0080] Furthermore, if the control unit 11 of the server device 10 determines in S202 that the authentication has not been completed (S202: NO), it subsequently transmits to the display device 20 in S205 a notification regarding authentication for playing the N+1th episode on the display device 20. Here, the notification regarding authentication is, for example, information indicating an instruction to cause the display device 20 to display an input screen for an identification code.

[0081] In other words, when the acquisition unit 111 acquires a notification indicating that video playback has ended, if authentication for transmitting data for the next episode of a certain episode to the display device 20 has not been completed, the communication unit 13 transmits a notification to the display device 20 regarding the authentication to be performed.

[0082] In S206, the display control unit 211 displays an identification code input screen on the display unit 25. When the identification code for playing the (N+1)th episode is input into the input screen and authenticated, the display device 20 acquires the video of the (N+1)th episode from the server device 10 and displays it on the screen. Note that the input screen may include at least one of an image and an audio associated with the content whose identification code has been authenticated, as in screen 64 in Fig. 6 .

[0083] The above has described the flow of processing based on the sequence diagram of Fig. 5. Note that the configuration may be such that information indicating the stop position is transmitted from the display device 20 to the server device 10 not only when playback of a certain episode of video has ended, but also when the user stops playback midway. In this configuration, the video may be able to be played back from the continuation on another display device 20 used for authentication.

[0084] Specifically, when authentication using an identification code has been performed on the first display device 20 and the second display device 20 for a certain video content, the acquisition unit 111 of the server device 10 acquires information indicating the end position of playback using the first display device 20. In response to the communication unit 13 transmitting video data from the continuation of the end position in the video content to the second display device 20, the video is displayed from the continuation on the second display device 20.

[0085] [4. Additional Notes] The configuration is not limited to the configuration in which the image and sound associated with the content are stored in the storage unit 22 of the display device 20 in S104, but may be a configuration in which the image and sound are acquired from the server device 10 using an API or the like immediately before the display device 20 outputs the image and sound, or a configuration in which authentication by the server device 10 is required at regular intervals.

[0086] Furthermore, the images or sounds output on the startup screen and input screen may correspond to the most recently authenticated identification code, i.e., may be images or sounds associated with content associated with the most recently authenticated identification code. Alternatively, images or sounds corresponding to any of the already authenticated identification codes may be output randomly, for each day of the week, or on a daily basis. Furthermore, images or sounds associated with content most recently played on the display device 20 or content that is frequently played may be displayed on the startup screen and input screen.

[0087] The device may also be configured so that the user can select an image or sound to be output on the startup screen or input screen from among images or sounds corresponding to any of the already authenticated identification codes. In this configuration, when authentication is performed using one or more identification codes and there are multiple images or sounds that can be output, the control unit 21 performs processing to output one or more images or sounds specified by user operation on the input unit to at least one of the startup screen and the input screen. This makes it possible to output the image or sound that the user desires on the startup screen and the input screen.

[0088] FIG. 7 shows an example of a procedure by which a user selects and sets an image to be output on the input screen. Screen 74 is an example of an application setting screen. When "Change Wallpaper" is selected on screen 74, the screen transitions to screen 75 for selecting the wallpaper for the input screen. Images 69a to 69d on screen 75 are images associated with a single content. When image 69a is selected, the screen transitions to screen 66 for setting the display size and display position of image 69a. A frame 70 included in screen 66 is a guide used to change the display size and display position of the image. When the display device 20 is a smartphone, it is preferable that the display size be changed by a pinch operation on the image and the display position be changed by a drag operation on the image. Screen 67 shows an input screen reflecting the display size and display position of the image determined on screen 66.

[0089] Furthermore, if multiple types of identification codes are associated with content, the images and sounds that can be output on the startup screen or the input screen, and the number of images and sounds, may correspond to the types of identification codes. In this configuration, the control unit 21 performs processing to output images or sounds corresponding to the types of identification codes on at least one of the startup screen and the input screen. This provides a wide variety of images and sounds to be output on the startup screen or the input screen, contributing to improved user satisfaction as a content benefit. For example, the control unit 11 of the server device 10 may perform processing to transmit a first image to the display device 20 but not a second image when a first type of identification code is authenticated, and to transmit a second image to the display device 20 but not the first image when a second type of identification code is authenticated. Furthermore, the control unit 21 may output an image or sound including information indicating the type of identification code or information corresponding to the type of identification code on at least one of the startup screen and the input screen.

[0090] Furthermore, the images and sounds that can be output on the display device 20 by authenticating the identification code may be selected by the control unit 11 of the server device 10 at random from a group of images and sounds stored in the storage unit 12. From another perspective, the configuration may be such that a user can use content by inputting an identification code into an input screen, and can also randomly obtain images or sounds associated with the content as a so-called "gacha." Furthermore, the probability of obtaining each of the images or sounds available as "gacha" may depend on the type of identification code.

[0091] If an authenticated identification code does not exist, a startup screen containing only the application logo or the input screen shown in screen 51 of Fig. 4 is displayed. That is, for example, when an application is started before the processing of S101 of Fig. 3, a startup screen containing only the application logo may be displayed. Even if an authenticated identification code exists, it is desirable to have a configuration that allows a setting screen shown in screen 74 of Fig. 7 to be set so that images or sounds associated with the content are not output on the startup screen and the input screen.

[0092] Furthermore, when the validity period of an identification code has expired, the image and sound corresponding to the identification code may not be output on the display device 20. In other words, the control unit 21 may be configured to stop outputting the image or sound associated with the content when authentication using the identification code is cancelled and the content cannot be used on the display device 20. This helps the user to recognize that the validity period of the identification code has expired.

[0093] The system may be configured to change the skin of the content list screen illustrated in screen 56 and the skin of the setting screen illustrated in screen 74 to a skin corresponding to the authenticated identification code. In other words, when content becomes available on the display device 20, the control unit 21 may be configured to change the skin of the application operation screen to a skin associated with the content. This can further enhance the interest of using an application used for playing content, etc. The skin associated with content is, for example, a skin that changes the setting screen to the same color scheme as a character appearing in the content. This configuration is realized by the control unit 11 of the server device 10 transmitting information indicating the skin to the display device 20 in S104. The aspects of the system 1 related to the skin are similar to those described above regarding the image or sound associated with the content.

[0094] 5. Software Implementation Example The functions of the server device 10 and the display device 20 (hereinafter referred to as "devices") can be realized by a program that causes a computer to function as the device, and a program that causes a computer to function as each control block of the device (particularly each unit included in the control unit 11 and the control unit 21).

[0095] In this case, the device includes a computer having at least one control device (e.g., a processor) and at least one storage device (e.g., a memory) as hardware for executing the program. The functions described in each of the above embodiments are realized by executing the program using the control device and storage device.

[0096] The program may be non-transitory and may be recorded on one or more computer-readable recording media. The recording media may or may not be included in the device. In the latter case, the program may be supplied to the device via any wired or wireless transmission medium.

[0097] In addition, some or all of the functions of each control block can be realized by a logic circuit. For example, an integrated circuit in which a logic circuit that functions as each control block is formed is also included in the scope of the present invention. In addition, the functions of each control block can be realized by, for example, a quantum computer.

[0098] Furthermore, each process described in each embodiment may be executed by AI (Artificial Intelligence), in which case the AI ​​may run on the control device or on another device (for example, an edge computer or a cloud server).

[0099] [Summary] A server device (10) according to aspect 1 of the present invention includes an acquisition unit (111) that acquires an identification code associated with a series of video content having multiple episodes and information identifying an external device (20) that is the sender of the identification code, and a communication unit (13) that transmits data of an episode number in the video content according to a user request to the external device after authentication using the identification code. This configuration reduces the effort required for a user to watch a series of video content having multiple episodes.

[0100] The server device according to Aspect 2 of the present invention may be configured in the above-described Aspect 1 such that the acquisition unit acquires a single identification code associated with the video content and information identifying the external device. With this configuration, all episodes of a series of video content can be viewed using the single identification code.

[0101] In a server device according to a third aspect of the present invention, in accordance with the first aspect, the acquisition unit may acquire information indicating that playback of a certain episode of the video content has ended in the external device, and the communication unit may, when the acquisition unit acquires the notification indicating that playback of the video has ended, transmit to the external device a notification regarding the authentication to be performed if authentication for transmitting data of the next episode of the certain episode to the external device has not been completed. With this configuration, it is possible to prompt the user to perform the authentication at an appropriate time.

[0102] The server device according to Aspect 4 of the present invention is the server device of any of Aspects 1 to 3 above, wherein when authentication using the identification code for a certain piece of video content has been performed in a first external device and a second external device, the acquisition unit may acquire information indicating an end position of playback using the first external device, and the communication unit may transmit video data from a portion of the video content continuing from the end position to the second external device. This configuration improves convenience when a user watches content using a plurality of external devices.

[0103] A server device according to Aspect 5 of the present invention may be configured in any of Aspects 1 to 4 above, wherein the external device includes a display unit (25), the acquisition unit acquires the identification code and information identifying the external device that sent the identification code and the screen size of the external device, and the communication unit, after authentication using the identification code, transmits to the external device an image associated with the video content that corresponds to the screen size of the external device so that the image can be displayed on an application installed on the external device for playing the video content. This configuration can increase the interest in using an application used for playing the video content, etc.

[0104] A display device (20) according to a sixth aspect of the present invention is a display device including a display unit (25), an input unit (24) for inputting an identification code associated with a series of video content having multiple episodes, a communication unit (23) for transmitting the input identification code and information for identifying the display device to a server device, and a control unit (21) having a display control unit (211) for displaying, on the display unit, a video transmitted from the server device and corresponding to a video episode requested by a user. This configuration contributes to reducing the user's effort when viewing a series of video content having multiple episodes.

[0105] A display device according to Aspect 7 of the present invention is the display device of Aspect 6, wherein the input unit accepts input of the identification code by contactlessly reading an RFID tag on which the identification code is recorded. This configuration improves convenience for the user when reading the identification code.

[0106] A display device according to an eighth aspect of the present invention may be configured in the sixth or seventh aspect above, such that the input unit accepts input of the identification code via an input screen for the identification code, and the control unit, when authentication using the input identification code is performed and the video content becomes available on the display device, outputs at least one of an image and a sound associated with the video content on at least one of the input screen and a startup screen for an application for playing the video content. This configuration can improve the enjoyment of using an application used for playing the video content, etc.

[0107] A display device according to a ninth aspect of the present invention is the display device according to any one of the sixth to eighth aspects, wherein the image or sound associated with the video content is an image or sound of a singer or performer of the video content, or an actor or character appearing in the video content. With this configuration, for example, an image of a singer that the user likes can be displayed to further increase the interest of using the application and encourage playback of the video content.

[0108] A display device according to Aspect 10 of the present invention is the display device of any of Aspects 6 to 9, wherein the control unit stops output of images or sounds associated with the video content when authentication using the identification code is cancelled and the video content becomes unavailable on the display device. This configuration contributes to making the user aware that the identification code has expired.

[0109] A display device according to an eleventh aspect of the present invention is the display device of any one of the sixth to tenth aspects, wherein the control unit changes the skin of the operation screen of the application to a skin associated with the video content when the video content becomes available on the display device. This configuration further enhances the interest of using an application used for playing the video content, etc.

[0110] A display device according to Aspect 12 of the present invention is the display device of any of Aspects 6 to 11 above, wherein the control unit, when authentication using one or more of the identification codes is performed and there are multiple images or sounds that can be output, outputs one or more images or sounds specified by a user operation on the input unit to at least one of the input screen and a startup screen of an application for playing the video content. With this configuration, it is possible to output the image or sound desired by the user to the startup screen and the input screen.

[0111] A display device according to Aspect 13 of the present invention is the display device of any of Aspects 6 to 12 above, wherein the video content is associated with multiple types of the identification code, and the control unit outputs an image or sound corresponding to the type of the identification code to at least one of the input screen and a startup screen of an application for playing the video content. This configuration provides a wide variety of images or sounds to be output on the startup screen or the input screen, contributing to increased user satisfaction as a special benefit of the video content.

[0112] A display device according to Aspect 14 of the present invention is the display device of any of Aspects 6 to 13 above, wherein the identification code has an expiration date, and the control unit outputs an image or sound including information about the expiration date to at least one of the input screen and a startup screen of an application for playing the video content. This configuration contributes to making the user aware of the expiration date for which the video content can be played.

[0113] A control program according to aspect 15 of the present invention is a control program for causing a computer to function as the server device in any of aspects 1 to 5, and may be configured to cause a computer to function as the acquisition unit and the communication unit. With this configuration, the same effects as those of the server device can be achieved.

[0114] A control program according to Aspect 16 of the present invention is a control program for causing a computer to function as the terminal device in any of Aspects 6 to 14, and may be configured to cause a computer to function as the input unit, the communication unit, and the display control unit. With this configuration, the same effects as those of the above-mentioned terminal device can be achieved.

[0115] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications are possible within the scope of the claims. Embodiments obtained by appropriately combining the technical means disclosed in different embodiments are also included in the technical scope of the present invention.

[0116] REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 1 System 10 Server device 11, 21 Control unit 12, 22 Storage unit 13, 23 Communication unit 20 Display device (external device, terminal device) 24 Input unit 25 Display unit (output unit) 111 Acquisition unit 211 Display control unit

Claims

1. A server device comprising: an acquisition unit that acquires an identification code associated with a series of video content having multiple episodes and information that identifies the external device that sent the identification code; and a communication unit that, after authentication using the identification code, transmits data for the episode number in the video content that corresponds to the user's request to the external device.

2. The server device according to claim 1, wherein the acquisition unit acquires a single identification code associated with the video content and information specifying the external device.

3. The server device of claim 1, wherein the acquisition unit acquires information indicating that playback of a certain episode of the video content has ended in the external device, and the communication unit, when the acquisition unit acquires a notification indicating that playback of the video has ended, sends a notification to the external device regarding the authentication to be performed if authentication for transmitting data of the episode next to the certain episode to the external device has not been completed.

4. A server device as described in claim 1 or 2, wherein the acquisition unit acquires information indicating the end position of playback using the first external device when authentication using the identification code for a certain video content has been performed in multiple external devices, namely a first external device and a second external device, and the communication unit transmits video data from the continuation of the end position in the video content to the second external device.

5. The server device of claim 1, wherein the external device is equipped with a display unit, the acquisition unit acquires the identification code and information identifying the external device that sent the identification code and the screen size of the external device, and the communication unit, after authentication using the identification code, transmits to the external device an image associated with the video content that corresponds to the screen size of the external device so that it can be displayed on an application installed on the external device for playing the video content.

6. A display device having a display unit, comprising: an input unit for inputting an identification code associated with a series of video content having multiple episodes; a communication unit for transmitting the input identification code and information identifying the display device to a server device; and a control unit having a display control unit for displaying, on the display unit, the video transmitted from the server device, which is the video of the episode number in the video content requested by the user.

7. The display device according to claim 6, wherein the input unit accepts input of the identification code by contactlessly reading an RFID tag on which the identification code is recorded.

8. The display device described in claim 6, wherein the input unit accepts input of the identification code via an input screen for the identification code, and the control unit, when authentication is performed using the input identification code and the video content becomes available on the display device, outputs at least one of an image and an audio associated with the video content on at least one of the input screen and a startup screen for an application for playing the video content.

9. The display device according to claim 8, wherein the image or sound associated with the video content is an image or sound of a singer or performer of the video content, or a performer or character appearing in the video content.

10. A display device as described in claim 8 or 9, wherein the control unit stops output of images or audio associated with the video content when authentication using the identification code is cancelled and the video content becomes unusable on the display device.

11. A display device as described in claim 8 or 9, wherein the control unit changes the skin of the operation screen of the application to a skin associated with the video content when the video content becomes available on the display device.

12. A display device as described in claim 8 or 9, wherein the control unit, when authentication is performed using one or more of the identification codes and there are multiple images or sounds that can be output, outputs one or more images or sounds specified by user operation on the input unit to at least one of the input screen and the startup screen of an application for playing the video content.

13. A display device as described in claim 8 or 9, wherein the video content is associated with multiple types of the identification code, and the control unit outputs an image or sound corresponding to the type of the identification code to at least one of the input screen and the startup screen of an application for playing the video content.

14. A display device as described in claim 8 or 9, wherein an expiration date is set for the identification code, and the control unit outputs an image or audio including information regarding the expiration date to at least one of the input screen and the startup screen of an application for playing the video content.

15. A control program for causing a computer to function as the server device according to claim 1, the control program causing the computer to function as the acquisition unit and the communication unit.

16. A control program for causing a computer to function as the display device according to claim 6, the control program causing the computer to function as the input unit, the communication unit, and the display control unit.

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