Viewer device, management device, content provision device, content system, method, and program

Abstract

A viewer device (100) comprises a proposal instruction unit (112) that can propose editing of text, symbols, and / or graphics in digital content provided from a server (300).

Description

Viewer device, management device, content providing device, content system, method and program

[0001] The present invention relates to a viewer device, a management device, a content providing device, a content system, a method, and a program.

[0002] BACKGROUND ART In recent years, digital content such as digital comics (electronic comics), electronic books, and videos has become increasingly popular to be viewed via mobile terminals such as smartphones and devices such as personal computers.

[0003] The following Patent Documents 1 and 2 disclose a comic book viewing system for viewing digital comics. The comic book viewing system includes an electronic book terminal for viewing digital comics and a server for distributing the digital comics to the electronic book terminal.

[0004] JP 2012-168590 A JP 2012-133661 A

[0005] It is difficult for creators to eliminate all errors in digital content, such as typographical errors, misprints, or mistranslations, when creating digital content. Furthermore, proofreading digital content for errors can require a great deal of time and money.

[0006] Therefore, a new mechanism for proofreading mistakes in digital content is desirable.

[0007] A viewer device according to one aspect includes a suggestion instruction unit capable of suggesting editing of characters, symbols, and / or graphics in digital content provided from a server.

[0008] The management device according to one aspect includes means for acquiring, from a server, an editing candidate list of characters, symbols, and / or graphics in the digital content obtained from the viewer device.

[0009] The content providing device according to one aspect includes a suggestion receiving unit that receives, from the viewer device, a suggestion for editing characters, symbols, and / or graphics in the digital content.

[0010] According to one aspect, a content system includes a viewer device, a content provider device that provides content to the viewer device, and a management device. The viewer device includes a suggestion instruction unit that can suggest editing of characters and / or symbols in digital content provided by the content provider device. The management device includes means for acquiring, from the content provider device, a list of requests for editing characters and / or symbols in the digital content obtained from the viewer device via the content provider device.

[0011] A method according to one aspect includes a viewer device performing the steps of receiving digital content from a server and sending suggestions for editing characters, symbols and / or graphics in the digital content to the server.

[0012] A method according to another aspect includes a step in which the management device executes a step of acquiring, from a server, a list of candidates for editing characters, symbols, and / or graphics in the digital content.

[0013] A method according to yet another aspect includes a step in which a content providing device executes a step of accepting, from a viewer device that has provided digital content, a suggestion for editing characters, symbols, and / or graphics in the digital content.

[0014] A program according to one aspect is a program that causes a computer to execute any one of the above methods.

[0015] A viewer device according to another aspect is a viewer device for visually viewing digital content having multiple pages, and has a reading function for automatically reading aloud characters in the digital content. The viewer device is configured to automatically display the next page after reading aloud the last character on a currently displayed page of the digital content.

[0016] A method according to another aspect includes a step of automatically reading aloud characters in digital content having a plurality of pages by a viewer device, the step including automatically displaying a next page on the viewer device after reading aloud the last character present on a currently displayed page of the digital content.

[0017] A program according to another aspect is a program that causes a computer to execute the method described in the preceding paragraph.

[0018] A program according to one aspect is a program that causes a computer to execute any one of the above methods.

[0019] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a content system according to a first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of content information data. FIG. 3 shows an example of digital content displayed on the display unit of a viewer device. FIG. 4 shows another example of digital content displayed on the display unit of a viewer device. FIG. 5 is a sequence diagram for explaining the operation of proposing edits to characters and / or symbols in content and reflecting the proposed edits. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of data in an editing candidate list. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of an editing proposal mode displayed on the display unit of a viewer device. FIG. 8 is a diagram showing another example of an editing proposal mode displayed on the display unit of a viewer device. FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of an editing reflection mode displayed on the display unit of a management device. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of content information data after editing. FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of user information data. FIG. 12 is a flowchart of automatic reading. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of waiting time information data. FIG. 14 shows an example of digital content displayed on the display unit of a viewer device according to a second embodiment. FIG. 15 is a diagram showing an example of an editing proposal mode displayed on the display unit of a viewer device according to the second embodiment.

[0020] Hereinafter, embodiments will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following drawings, the same or similar parts are designated by the same or similar reference numerals.

[0021] [First Embodiment] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a content system according to a first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of content information data. FIG. 3 shows an example of digital content displayed on the display unit of a viewer device. FIG. 4 shows another example of digital content displayed on the display unit of a viewer device. FIG. 5 is a sequence diagram for explaining the operation of proposing edits to characters and / or symbols in content and reflecting the same. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of data in an editing candidate list. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of an editing suggestion mode displayed on the display unit of a viewer device. FIG. 8 is a diagram showing another example of an editing suggestion mode displayed on the display unit of a viewer device. FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of an editing reflection mode displayed on the display unit of a management device. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of content information data after editing. FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of user information data.

[0022] The content system 10 may include a viewer device 100 , a management device 200 , and a content providing device 300 .

[0023] The viewer device 100 and the management device 200 are not particularly limited as long as they are computers connectable to a network, and may be mobile terminals such as smartphones, personal computers, or the like.

[0024] The viewer device 100 and the management device 200 can be connected to a content providing device 300 via a network. The content providing device 300 is a server for providing content to the viewer device 100.

[0025] The content providing device 300 may be configured by one computer or by multiple computers, and may be configured by, for example, a distributed computer system.

[0026] The management device 200 is used, for example, to upload original content to the content providing device 300 and to manage the content. Therefore, the management device 200 is used by a content manager.

[0027] The content providing device 300 and the viewer device 100 can transmit / receive data to / from each other via a network. The content providing device 300 and the management device 200 can transmit / receive data to / from each other via a network. The network may be any of various networks (hereinafter simply referred to as "network") such as the Internet, an extranet, or an intranet.

[0028] Hereinafter, the distributor of digital content, i.e., the user who operates the management device 200, may be referred to as a "distributing user." A user who views the distributed digital content, i.e., a user who operates the viewer device 100, may be referred to as a "viewing user." When there is no need to distinguish between these users, they may be simply referred to as a "user."

[0029] It should be noted that the user operating the management device 200 can also be the user operating the viewer device 100. When a broadcasting user is not broadcasting content themselves, they can also be a viewing user who views content broadcast by other broadcasting users. Furthermore, a broadcasting user can view (confirm) the content on their own management device 200 while the content is being broadcast. The viewer device 100 may require the viewing user to register as a user when initially using the viewer device 100, or may be usable without registering as a user when initially using the viewer device 100.

[0030] The viewer device 100 may include a control unit 110, a communication I / F 120, and a display unit 130. The management device 200 may include a control unit 210, a communication I / F 220, and a display unit 230. The content providing device 300 may include a control unit 310 and a communication I / F 320.

[0031] The control units 110, 210, and 310 control each element of the content system. The control units 110, 210, and 310 may also have a computing device and a storage device that process and store various data. The control units 110, 210, and 310 may include a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a ROM (Read Only Memory), and a RAM (Random Access Memory). The CPU is a computing device that controls the system. Details of this control may correspond to the various controls described below. The ROM stores programs that realize various processes performed by the CPU. Such programs may be, for example, programs for executing the various controls described below. The RAM stores data necessary for the various processes performed by the CPU.

[0032] In FIG. 1, the viewer device 100, the management device 200, and the content providing device 300 are illustrated as a single computer, but may be configured as a collection of physically separate elements.

[0033] The communication I / Fs 120, 220, and 320 are implemented as hardware, firmware, or communication software such as a TCP / IP driver or a PPP driver, or a combination of these.

[0034] The viewer device 100 and the management device 200 can transmit and receive data to and from the content providing device 300 via the communication I / Fs 120, 220, and 320, respectively.

[0035] The display units 130 and 230 may be displays integrated with the computer or may be detachable displays separate from the computer. The display units 130 and 230 display digital content and screens required for managing digital content, etc.

[0036] The control unit 210 of the management device 200 may include uploading means 212. The uploading means 212 is means for uploading original content to the content providing device 300 (server). Therefore, the manager of the original content, i.e., the distribution user, can use the management device 200 to upload content to the content providing device 300.

[0037] The content may be digital content including characters, symbols, and / or figures. In this specification, a figure may be a concept that includes a "picture." Preferably, the digital content may include both figures and characters and / or symbols. More preferably, the digital content may have, for example, a plurality of speech bubbles and characters and / or symbols associated with each of the plurality of speech bubbles. In one example, the digital content is a digital comic or an electronic book. The digital content may be content having a plurality of pages.

[0038] The content providing device 300 stores content information 342 of the digital content uploaded from the management device 200 in the storage unit 340. Preferably, the content providing device 300 stores the content information in association with the distribution user.

[0039] The control unit 310 of the content providing device 300 may automatically extract characters or symbols from the content. If the characters or symbols from the uploaded original content are not text data, the control unit 310 automatically extracts the characters or symbols from the content (using OCR technology). As a result, the characters or symbols from the content can be stored as text information (text data).

[0040] After characters or symbols in the content are automatically extracted, image data with the extracted characters or symbols removed from the digital content, i.e., typeless data (image data containing only figures), may be stored in the memory unit 340 of the content providing device 300.

[0041] The content providing device 300 stores characters or symbols (text information) in digital content in association with position information within the content (see also FIG. 2). FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of content information data. As shown in FIG. 2, the position information within the content may include, for example, at least one of the page number, frame number, and display section number of the content, and preferably multiple of these.

[0042] Here, a frame (see also reference numeral 910 in FIGS. 3 and 4) is defined by an area obtained by dividing a page of content into several parts. Frame numbers are numbers assigned in order to the divided frames.

[0043] A speech bubble (see also reference numeral 922 in FIGS. 3 and 4) corresponds to an area in the content where characters and / or symbols are added. Display section numbers are assigned in order to speech bubbles 922 and areas 924 without speech bubbles within each frame. The "display section" will be described later.

[0044] As shown in Fig. 2, the position information in the content may include, for example, coordinate data. The coordinate data preferably includes at least coordinates (x, y) on two-dimensional axes. More preferably, the coordinate data includes height and width (h, w) in addition to the coordinates (x, y) on the two-dimensional axes. The coordinate data may indicate information regarding the position of a character or symbol in the content.

[0045] For example, characters or symbols in the content may be arranged in various positions within a graphic (e.g., a picture) in the content. When multiple characters or symbols exist on the same page in the content, the characters or symbols may be divided into several sections (hereinafter referred to as "display sections") according to a desired grouping.

[0046] 3, at least some of the display sections 920 for the plurality of characters and / or symbols may correspond to speech bubbles 922 in the digital content. In another example, at least some of the display sections 920 may correspond to a region 924 of a group of characters and / or symbols without speech bubbles 922. It should be noted that in FIG. 3, the black rectangles drawn on the display unit 130 actually represent some characters.

[0047] In this case, the coordinate data stored as content information may represent the position and / or size of display section 920. The coordinate data (x, y) may indicate, for example, a representative point of display section 920 (a representative position of the range displayed on display unit 130). The coordinate data (h, w) may indicate, for example, the height and width of display section 920.

[0048] In the example shown in FIG. 2, the content ID, content name, story name, page number, frame number, speech bubble number, and coordinate data are stored together with text information (characters and / or symbols in the content).

[0049] Here, the frame numbers and / or speech bubble numbers can be used as indicators of the order of display sections 920 in the digital content, i.e., the order in which the characters or symbols are read. The frame numbers and / or speech bubble numbers may be automatically assigned by trained AI, or may be assigned and / or modified by the distributor user via the management device 200.

[0050] The control unit 310 of the content providing device 300 may have a function for automatically translating characters or symbols in digital content. The content providing device 300 automatically translates characters or symbols in digital content from the original language into another language in response to a request from the management device 200. The automatic translation may be, for example, from Japanese to English, from Japanese to Korean, from Japanese to Chinese, or the reverse. The translated characters or symbols may be stored in the storage unit 340 as, for example, content information 342.

[0051] In the example shown in Figure 2, the content information contains characters or symbols in the original language and characters or symbols in the translated language. The content information may contain characters or symbols in the original language and characters or symbols in one or more translated languages. For example, the content information may contain Japanese characters or symbols as the original language and both English and Chinese characters or symbols as the translations (see Figure 2). The language to be translated may be selected arbitrarily by the distribution user. Therefore, the content information may have fields corresponding to multiple languages ​​into which it can be translated.

[0052] Although not shown in Fig. 2, the content information may include decoration information associated with the characters or symbols of each language. The decoration information may be, for example, the type, size, and / or color of the font for the characters or symbols of each language.

[0053] The management device 200 may be configured to be able to check the translated characters or symbols. The broadcast user may be configured to be able to correct the translated characters or symbols through the management device 200, if necessary.

[0054] When characters or symbols in the digital content are translated, the content providing device 300 may generate image data in which characters or symbols in the original language are replaced with the translated characters or symbols, and store the generated image data in the storage unit 340. The image data in which characters or symbols in the original language are replaced with the translated characters or symbols can be generated, for example, by overlaying the non-typeset data and the translated characters or symbols described above to generate image data. Preferably, when overlaying the non-typeset data and the translated characters or symbols to generate image data, the translated characters or symbols are converted into image data based on the style information (e.g., font type, size, and / or color) associated with the translated characters or symbols.

[0055] The content distribution unit 312 of the content providing device 300 provides digital content to the viewer device 100 in response to a request from the viewer device 100 .

[0056] The viewer device 100 receives digital content from the content providing device 300 in response to a request for content distribution to the content providing device 300. The display unit 130 of the viewer device 100 displays the provided content (see also FIGS. 3 and 4). Characters, symbols, and / or figures in the content are displayed on the display unit 130 of the viewer device 100.

[0057] The viewer device 100 may have language switching means 111 for switching the language of characters or symbols in the content. This allows the viewing user to change the characters or symbols in the content to a language of their choice. Specifically, in response to a request from the viewer device 100, the content providing device 300 can display digital content including characters and / or symbols in the requested language on the viewer device 100.

[0058] For example, if the language of the characters or symbols in the digital content to be displayed on the viewer device 100 is the same as the language of the characters or symbols in the digital content uploaded by the distribution user, the content providing device 300 simply transmits the original image data of the digital content to the viewer device 100.

[0059] Alternatively, the content providing device 300 may transmit to the viewer device 100 the above-described non-typeset data (image data) and content information (see FIG. 2 ) including information on characters or symbols in the original language (text data). Preferably, the content providing device 300 may transmit to the viewer device 100 the above-described non-typeset data (image data), information on characters or symbols in the original language (text data), and decorative information associated with these characters or symbols (e.g., font type, size, and / or color). In this case, the viewer device 100 may display the received non-typeset data (image data) in combination with the character or symbol information. The viewer device 100 receives coordinate data along with the characters or symbols associated with the display section 920, allowing it to display the display section 920 in an appropriate position.

[0060] If the language of the characters or symbols in the digital content to be displayed on the viewer device 100 is a different language that has been translated from the original language, the content providing device 300 simply transmits image data to the viewer device 100 in which the characters or symbols in the original language have been replaced with the translated characters or symbols.

[0061] Alternatively, the content providing device 300 may transmit the above-mentioned non-typeset data (image data) and content information (see FIG. 2) including information on characters or symbols in the translated language (text data) to the viewer device 100. In this case, the viewer device 100 may combine and display the received non-typeset data (image data) and the information on characters or symbols.

[0062] 3 and 4, a selection means such as a pull-down menu 940 is shown as the language switching means 111. By switching the language, for example, between Japanese and English, it is possible to switch between the state shown in Fig. 3 and the state shown in Fig. 4.

[0063] Here, when switching languages, there is a possibility that the translated language will not fit within the range of the original speech bubble. In this case, the content providing device 300 may automatically change the size and shape of frames and speech bubbles in the content in accordance with the length of characters and / or symbols in the automatically translated content. Such size and shape changes of frames and speech bubbles can be realized, for example, by the technology described in Patent Document 2. Alternatively or in addition to this, the content providing device 300 may automatically change the size of characters and / or symbols in the automatically translated content in accordance with the length of characters and / or symbols.

[0064] Here, when the content providing device 300 initially provides content to the viewer device 100, the content providing device 300 may automatically select and deliver the language of the characters or symbols in the content based on information about the country to which the viewing user of the viewer device 100 belongs. In this case, even if the original language of the content is Japanese, if the viewing user of the viewer device 100 belongs to the United States, the characters and / or symbols in the initially provided content will be provided in English. Note that information about the country to which the viewing user belongs can be determined from the time of initial user registration, country information associated with the device being used, country information from which the device is accessing the Internet, and / or the language setting of the device itself. The language setting of the device itself can be used from information stored in the cookie or browser storage of the viewer device 100.

[0065] (Function for suggesting editing of characters and / or symbols) The viewer device 100 may have a switching means 114 for switching between a viewing mode in which the digital content provided from the content providing device 300 can be viewed, and an editing request mode in which editing of characters and / or symbols in the digital content can be suggested.

[0066] 3 and 4, a button 950 for switching between a viewing mode and an edit request mode is displayed on the display unit 130 of the viewer device 100. A viewing user operating the viewer device 100 can switch between the viewing mode and the edit request mode by selecting, for example, clicking or tapping, the button 950.

[0067] The viewing mode is a mode in which content provided to the viewer device 100 can be viewed, for example, watched (see FIGS. 3 and 4). A viewing user operating the viewer device 100 can enjoy the content in the viewing mode.

[0068] In the viewing mode, the viewing user can change the page of the currently displayed content by, for example, swiping the display unit 130 in a predetermined direction or dragging the pointer on the display unit 130 .

[0069] As described above, the viewing mode is switched to the edit request mode by the switching means 114. In the illustrated embodiment, the viewing user operating the viewer device 100 selects, for example, clicks or taps, the button 950 to switch from the viewing mode to the edit request mode.

[0070] In the first embodiment, the viewer device 100 has a suggestion instruction unit 112 that can suggest editing of characters and / or symbols in digital content provided by the content providing device 300. This allows the viewing user to suggest editing of characters and / or symbols in the digital content to the content providing device 300 via the viewer device 100. The suggested editing of characters and / or symbols in the digital content may be, for example, changing dialogue in the display section 920, correcting typos, and / or correcting mistranslations. For example, the suggested editing of characters and / or symbols in the digital content may be changing characters and / or symbols in a speech bubble 922 or an area 924 without a speech bubble 922, correcting typos, and / or correcting mistranslations.

[0071] When suggesting editing of characters and / or symbols in digital content, the viewer device 100 preferably transmits information about the characters and / or symbols to be suggested as well as user information about the suggesting user to the content providing device 300. At this time, the viewer device 100 may transmit, to the content providing device 300, information about the characters and / or symbols to be suggested as well as decoration information (e.g., font type, size, and / or color) associated with the characters and / or symbols.

[0072] In a specific example, in the edit request mode, the viewing user can select characters or symbols in the digital content to be edited. For example, the viewing user may be able to select characters or symbols for which editing is to be suggested by selecting, for example, tapping or clicking, characters or symbols in the content displayed on the display unit 130 of the viewer device 100.

[0073] In one example, the display unit 130 may be configured to suggest editing of characters or symbols for each frame 910 or each display section 920 of the content displayed on the display unit 130. In this case, an editable window may appear when the viewing user selects, for example, taps or clicks, a specific frame 910 and / or a specific display section 920 in the content displayed on the display unit 130. The example shown in Fig. 7 shows a state in which a window 930 appears when the viewing user taps the top right display section 920, i.e., the speech bubble 922, shown in Fig. 4.

[0074] The suggestion instruction unit 112 may be configured to be able to select at least one editing suggestion from the editing candidate list acquired from the content providing device 300. In the example shown in Fig. 6, characters and / or symbols associated with the selected display section 920 are displayed in a window 930.

[0075] More specifically, the original language (original text) 810 of the characters and / or symbols associated with the selected frame 910 and / or a specific display section 920 and the translated language (translated text) 820 are displayed in contrast to each other in a window 930. The original language 810 and the automatically translated language 820 are provided by the content providing device 300.

[0076] Here, the content providing device 300 holds, as content information ( FIG. 2 ), coordinate data (x, y, h, w) of each display section 920. Therefore, based on information about the position selected by the viewing user on the display unit 130 of the viewer device 100 in the edit request mode, the content providing device 300 can identify characters and / or symbols (original language and translated language) associated with the display section 920 corresponding to the position selected by the viewing user and transmit them to the viewer device 100.

[0077] In addition, if other viewing users have previously made suggestions for editing the characters and / or symbols associated with the selected frame 910 and / or a specific display section 920, the content providing device 300 may store and retain a list of suggestions for editing the characters and / or symbols (editing candidate list) (see Figure 6).

[0078] 6, the editing candidate list may be managed by linking information specifying the unit of characters and / or graphics to be edited, i.e., frame or display section, with information on the characters and / or graphics of the editing candidates. Preferably, the characters and / or graphics of the editing candidates may be stored in association with the number of viewing users who support them and / or the number of viewing users who do not support them.

[0079] If there is an editing candidate list linked to the frame 910 and / or display section 920 selected as an editing candidate, the content providing device 300 may provide the editing candidate list for the character and / or symbol to the viewer device 100.

[0080] 7, the viewing user is configured to be able to select at least one editing candidate from an editing candidate list 830 of the selected character and / or symbol from the viewer device 100. For example, the viewing user can vote for a desired proposal by selecting a voting button 840 displayed in a window 930 of the viewer device 100.

[0081] The suggestion instruction unit 112 may be configured to be able to suggest any character and / or symbol for the character and / or symbol associated with the selected frame 910 and / or the specific display section 920. If no suggestion for editing the character and / or symbol has been received from another viewing user in the past, or if there is no desirable candidate in the editing candidate list, the viewer device 100 is preferably configured to be able to suggest any character and / or symbol.

[0082] In the example shown in Fig. 7, a button 860 for proposing a new candidate is displayed in a window 930 of the viewer device 100. In this example, when a viewing user selects the button 860, the display in the window 930 transitions to the state shown in Fig. 8. Alternatively, if another viewing user has not yet made an editing proposal, i.e., if there is no editing candidate list, the viewer device 100 may directly transition to the state shown in Fig. 8 without transitioning to the state shown in Fig. 7 when the button 950 shown in Fig. 4 is selected.

[0083] In the example shown in Figure 8, the original language (original text) 810 of the characters and / or symbols associated with a selected frame 910 and / or a specific display section 920 and the language (translated text) 820 after automatic translation are displayed in contrast in a window 930.

[0084] 8 , the viewing user can suggest any characters and / or symbols from the viewer device 100 as characters and / or symbols associated with the selected frame 910 and / or a specific display section 920. Specifically, the viewer device 100 is configured to allow any characters and / or symbols to be input into an input unit 870 displayed in a window 930.

[0085] When the viewing user selects a button 890 displayed in the window 930 while inputting characters and / or symbols into the input unit 870, the information input into the input unit 870 is transmitted to the content providing device 300. This enables the suggestion instruction unit 112 of the viewer device 100 to make editing suggestions for characters or symbols in the content. In the examples shown in Figures 7 and 8, the suggestion instruction unit 112 is configured to prompt the viewing user to suggest a correct translation.

[0086] The content providing device 300 has a suggestion receiving unit 318 that receives suggestions for editing characters and / or symbols in digital content from the viewer device 100. The suggestions for editing characters and / or symbols are stored and managed as an editing candidate list in the storage unit 340 (see FIG. 6 ).

[0087] A distribution user can request an editing candidate list of characters and / or symbols in digital content from the content providing device 300 via the management device 200. In response to this request, information on the editing candidate list is sent from the content providing device 300 to the management device 200.

[0088] 9 shows an example of the management device 200 in a state in which information on the editing candidate list is displayed on the display unit 230. The distribution user can check the information on the editing candidate list for characters and / or symbols in the content using the management device 200. At this time, it is preferable that the information on the editing candidate list be sorted in descending order of the number of votes by viewing users and displayed on the display unit 230. More preferably, the list of editing suggestions is displayed in descending order of the number of votes by viewing users.

[0089] In the first embodiment, the management device 200 has a selection means 216 for selecting whether to reflect a request for editing characters and / or symbols in digital content obtained from the viewer device 100 via the content providing device 300. This allows the distribution user to select whether to edit the characters and / or symbols and / or how to edit them.

[0090] In the example shown in Figure 9, the display unit 230 of the management device 200 displays, in comparison with each other, the original language (original text) 710 of the characters and / or symbols associated with the selected frame 910 and / or a specific display section 920, the language (translated text) 720 after automatic translation, and information 730 of the editing candidate list obtained from the viewing user.

[0091] The broadcast user can adopt one of the pieces of information 730 in the editing candidate list. In the example shown in FIG. 9 , the broadcast user can determine which candidate to replace a character or symbol in the content with by selecting a button 750 associated with one of the pieces of information 730 in the editing candidate list. When the broadcast user selects one of the pieces of information 730 in the editing candidate list via the management device 200, the content providing device 300 edits (modifies) the corresponding character or symbol in the content information and stores it as content information. This makes it possible to modify characters or symbols in the content information, for example, translated characters or symbols, as shown in FIG. 10 .

[0092] Furthermore, the content providing device 300 may, in addition to editing the content information, regenerate image data for the page of content that includes the edited characters or symbols. The image data can be regenerated by overlaying the non-typeset data, the edited characters or symbols, and unedited characters or symbols on the same page as the edited characters or symbols to generate image data.

[0093] As a result, when a request for content distribution is made from the viewer device 100 after characters or symbols in the content information have been edited, the content including the edited characters and / or symbols is displayed on the display unit 130 of the viewer device 100.

[0094] Preferably, the number of votes 740 cast by viewing users for the proposed candidate may also be displayed on the management device 200 in association with the editing candidate list information 730. The number of votes 740 is determined by votes from multiple viewing users, as described with reference to FIG. 7 . The broadcasting user can refer to the number of votes 740 to select an appropriate candidate from the editing candidate list.

[0095] According to the above aspect, the distributor does not need to improve the accuracy of the translation of characters and / or symbols in the digital content in advance. The distributor can edit the translation of characters and / or symbols in the digital content as appropriate based on suggestions from viewing users. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the effort required to proofread the translation of characters and / or symbols in the digital content.

[0096] The above embodiment has been described with reference to an example of correcting the translation of characters and / or symbols in digital content. However, the present invention is not limited to correcting translations. For example, the viewer device 100 may be configured to suggest changes to any characters or symbols in the digital content or corrections to typographical errors. In this case, the distributor can select whether to reflect suggestions from viewing users through the management device 200. Since any viewing user who views the published digital content can point out errors in the digital content, the more the digital content is viewed, the more errors can be corrected.

[0097] The content providing device 300 may store user information, for example, information about a viewing user, in the storage unit 340 (see FIG. 11 ). As shown in FIG. 11 , the user information 344 may store a user ID, a user name, and a score in association with each other.

[0098] The score may be, for example, an index representing suggestions for editing characters and / or symbols in digital content that have been reflected by the distributor. For example, the score may increase according to the number of times that suggestions for editing characters and / or symbols have been reflected. Therefore, when the distributor reflects an editing suggestion from a viewed user through the management device 200, the score associated with the viewed user who made the suggestion is increased. Based on the information on the reflection of the editing suggestion from the management device 200, the content providing device 300 increases the increased score associated with the username of the viewed user and stores the increased score in the memory unit 340.

[0099] In the edit reflection mode, the score may be displayed on the display unit 230 of the management device 200. Specifically, the name of the viewed user and the score are displayed in association with the characters and / or symbols from the viewed user (see FIG. 9).

[0100] The score can be an indicator of whether the viewing user's suggestion for editing characters and / or symbols is superior. Therefore, in the edit reflection mode, the distribution user can refer to the score associated with the viewing user when reflecting the suggestion for editing characters and / or symbols in the digital content.

[0101] The content providing device 300 may store user information, for example, information about a viewing user, in the storage unit 340 (see FIG. 11 ). As shown in FIG. 11 , the user information 344 may store a user ID, a user name, and points in association with each other.

[0102] The points may be, for example, money, virtual currency, or the like. Such points may be obtained by charging money or virtual currency, for example.

[0103] The points may be usable instead of money within the services provided by the content providing device 300. For example, the points may be used by the viewing user for the services provided by the content providing device 300. Such services may be, for example, the purchase of paid digital content stored in the content providing device 300, a paid rental service, or the granting of points to the broadcast user (e.g., tipping), etc.

[0104] When a distribution user reflects an edit of characters and / or symbols in the content, the content providing device 300 may perform a process of awarding points to the viewing user who proposed the edit of the characters and / or symbols, thereby providing an incentive to the viewing user to propose an edit of characters and / or symbols in the content.

[0105] (Automatic Reading Function) The automatic reading function of the viewer device 100 will be described mainly with reference to Fig. 12 and Fig. 13. Fig. 12 is a flowchart of the automatic reading. Fig. 13 is a diagram showing an example of standby time information data.

[0106] The viewer device 100 may have a read-aloud function 116 that automatically reads out the characters in the content in the viewing mode. A read-aloud button 980 for reading out the characters in the content may be displayed on the display unit 130 of the viewer device 100. When the read-aloud button 980 is selected, for example, clicked or tapped, the characters in the content are automatically read out. Audio corresponding to the characters in the content is emitted from a microphone provided in the viewer device 100. Here, the audio data related to the characters in the content and their translations may be generated, for example, by a trained application (AI).

[0107] The characters in the content are ordered based on their position information. The order of the characters in the content may be determined, for example, by at least one of the page number, frame number, and speech bubble number of the content, and preferably all of them. The characters in the content may be automatically read out based on this ordering.

[0108] Preferably, a plurality of frames 910 and / or display sections 920 in one page of the digital content may be ordered. The ordering of the frames 910 is defined by the frame numbers in the content information described above. The ordering of the display sections 920 is defined by the display section numbers described above (see also FIG. 2). By acquiring content information such as that shown in FIG. 2 from the content providing device 300, the viewer device 100 can read out the characters in the frames in order according to the ordering of the frames 910.

[0109] The viewing user can pause the automatic reading by the automatic reading function 116. That is, the viewer device 100 may have a means for pausing the automatic reading. Furthermore, the viewing user can cancel the pause of the automatic reading (i.e., play back). That is, the viewer device 100 may have a means for canceling the pause of the automatic reading.

[0110] The flow of automatic reading aloud will be described in more detail with reference to Fig. 12. First, when the reading aloud button 980 is selected, the reading aloud function 116 of the viewer device 100 sets the frame to be read aloud to the first frame of the currently displayed page (step S1).

[0111] Next, the reading function 116 determines whether the frame 910 to be read aloud contains characters (step S2). If the frame 910 to be read aloud contains characters, the reading function 116 automatically reads the characters in the frame 910 aloud (step S3).

[0112] Here, when the same frame 910 includes a plurality of display sections 920, the reading function 116 may read out the characters in the display sections 920 in order according to the ordering of the plurality of display sections 920.

[0113] After automatically reading out the characters in frame 910 in step S3, the reading function 116 waits for a second specified time without reading out anything if necessary (step S4). By having the reading function 116 wait for the second specified time, it is possible to reduce the possibility that the reading function 116 will start reading out the characters of the next frame while the viewing user is looking at the frame that has been automatically read out. Step S4 need not be performed if it is not necessary.

[0114] In step S2, if the frame 910 to be read aloud does not contain any characters, the process waits for a first specified time without reading anything (step S5). This reduces the possibility that the reading function 116 will start reading characters contained in the next frame while the viewing user is looking at a frame that does not contain any characters.

[0115] After steps S3 to S5 are completed, the reading function 116 determines whether the frame 910 currently set as the target to be read aloud is the last frame of the page being displayed on the display unit 130 (step S6).

[0116] If the frame 910 set to be read aloud is not the last frame of the currently displayed page, the read-aloud function 116 sets the frame to be read aloud as the next frame (step S7). The read-aloud function 116 then determines whether the frame 910 set to be newly read aloud contains text (step S2). The viewer device 100 can determine whether the set frame 910 contains text from the content information (see FIG. 2) obtained from the content provider device 300.

[0117] By repeating steps S2 to S7, the reading function 116 can set the frames to be read aloud in order according to the ordering of the frames as described above. Therefore, the reading function 116 can automatically read aloud the characters contained in all the frames of the currently displayed page according to the ordering of the frames.

[0118] If it is determined in step S6 above that the frame 910 currently set to be read aloud is the last frame of the page being displayed on the display unit 130, the read-aloud function 116 waits for a third specified time without reading anything (step S8). The viewer device 100 can determine whether the set frame 910 is the last frame of the page being displayed from the content information (see FIG. 2 ) acquired from the content providing device 300. After the third specified time has elapsed, the viewer device 100 automatically displays the next page of the digital content on the display unit 130 (step S9).

[0119] When the next page is automatically displayed on the display unit 130, the reading function 116 may automatically start reading the characters of the displayed page again in accordance with the flow shown in FIG.

[0120] In this way, the viewer device 100 is configured to automatically display the next page after reading out the last character on the currently displayed page of the digital content. This allows the viewing user to enjoy the digital content without operating the viewer device 100 once automatic reading by the reading function 116 has started.

[0121] By providing the above step S5, if the frame to be read aloud does not contain any characters, the reading function 116 sets the frame to be read aloud to the next frame after the first specified time has elapsed. This reduces the possibility that the reading function 116 will start reading characters contained in the next frame while the viewing user is looking at a frame that does not contain any characters.

[0122] By providing the above step S8, the viewer device 100 waits for the third specified time before transitioning to the next page after completing the processing of the last frame of the page (steps S3 to S5), thereby reducing the possibility that the viewing user will transition to the next page before finishing viewing the entire page of the digital content.

[0123] That is, when the last frame of one page of the digital content contains characters, the viewer device 100 automatically displays the next page after the third specified time has elapsed when the reading function 116 has read out the characters in the last frame.

[0124] Furthermore, if the last frame of a page of digital content does not contain any text, the viewer device 100 waits for a first specified time (step S5), and then automatically displays the next page after a third specified time has elapsed.

[0125] Note that step S8 is optional and may not be provided if unnecessary.

[0126] The first specified time, the second specified time, and / or the third specified time may be stored, for example, in the content providing device 300 and / or the viewer device 100. Preferably, the first specified time, the second specified time, and / or the third specified time are stored in the storage unit 340 of the content providing device 300 ( FIG. 13 ). Specifically, as shown in FIG. 13 , waiting time information is stored in association with the username of the viewing user.

[0127] The waiting time information may hold information regarding a first specified time, a second specified time, and / or a third specified time. The first specified time, the second specified time, and / or the third specified time may be specified by a time (value in seconds), for example. Alternatively, the first specified time, the second specified time, and / or the third specified time may be specified by a qualitative value such as early, standard, or late. In FIG. 13 , as an example, the second specified time and the third specified time are specified by a value in seconds. In FIG. 13 , as an example, the first specified time is specified by a qualitative value.

[0128] The viewer device 100 can execute the above-mentioned steps S4, S5 and S8 based on the waiting time information received from the content providing device 300, i.e., information regarding the first specified time, the second specified time and / or the third specified time.

[0129] When the content providing device 300 stores waiting time information, a viewing user can enjoy the content with the same settings (first specified time, second specified time, and / or third specified time) regardless of which terminal the viewing user uses to view the content.

[0130] When the content providing device 300 holds the waiting time information, it is preferable that the information regarding the first specified time, the second specified time, and / or the third specified time can be changed by the viewing user through the viewer device 100. In this case, the viewer device 100 may have an input unit or the like for setting the first specified time, the second specified time, and / or the third specified time.

[0131] (Another method for determining the first specified time) The first specified time described above may be determined by both a reference time and a relative time. The reference time is a time determined for each digital content. The reference time does not need to depend on the viewing user. For example, the reference time may be set for a frame without text or symbols as content information shown in FIG. 2. The reference time may be determined by, for example, time (a value in seconds). The method for determining the reference time will be described later.

[0132] The relative time is a time determined for each viewing user. The relative time may be independent of the type of content, or may be dependent on the type of content. The relative time may be stored in association with the viewing user, as shown in FIG. 13 (corresponding to the "first specified time" in FIG. 13). In other words, the relative time may be determined by a qualitative value such as early, standard, or late.

[0133] In this case, the relative time corresponds to the time for adjusting the reference time. For example, if the reference time is 2 seconds and the relative time is "early," the first specified time may be determined by a calculation formula such as "2 seconds - 1 second." Also, for example, if the reference time is 2 seconds and the relative time is "late," the first specified time may be determined by a calculation formula such as "2 seconds + 1 second."

[0134] In this way, the first specified time may be determined by a value obtained by correcting a reference time determined for each digital content by a relative time determined for each user.

[0135] In this case, the relative time may be set by the user. That is, the relative time may be a value set by the user. The reference time may be determined, for example, based on at least the ratio of the frame size to the page size of the digital content and information on whether the user has paused the read-out function. In other words, the first specified time may be determined based on at least one of the ratio of the frame size to the page size of the digital content, information on whether the user has paused the read-out function, and the value set by the user.

[0136] The reference time of the first specified time may be determined based on the ratio of the frame size to the page size of the digital content. More preferably, the first specified time may be set to a larger value as the frame size relative to the page size increases. This increases the waiting time for larger frames, thereby further reducing the possibility that a viewing user will start reading text contained in the next frame while looking at a frame that does not contain text.

[0137] The reference time of the first specified time may be determined and / or changed based on information about the viewing user pausing the automatic readout. Specifically, when the viewing user stops the automatic readout function, the viewer device 100 transmits information about the stop of the readout function and position information of the frame 910 corresponding to the timing of the stop to the content providing device 300. The content providing device 300 records the information about the stop of the readout function and the position information of the frame 910 corresponding to the timing of the stop in association with each other.

[0138] If there are many viewing users who stop the reading function at the same time, the content providing device 300 can simply make a large change to the reference time of the first specified time for the frame 910 (the frame to be read aloud) corresponding to the time when the reading function was stopped.

[0139] Such a change in the reference time of the first specified time can be achieved by AI, for example, by machine learning information on when the reading function has stopped and the position information of frame 910 corresponding to the timing of the stoppage.

[0140] The reference time of the first specified time is preferably determined based on both the ratio of the frame size to the page size of the digital content and information on whether the user has paused the read-aloud function.

[0141] (Another Method for Determining the Third Prescribed Time) The third prescribed time may be determined and / or changed based on information about a manual change of a page by the viewing user. Specifically, when the viewing user manually advances a page of digital content on the viewer device 100, the viewer device 100 transmits information about the automatically advanced page to the content providing device 300. The content providing device 300 records the information about the automatically advanced page.

[0142] If many viewing users are automatically proceeding through the same page, the content providing device 300 may simply reduce the third predetermined time associated with the last frame 910 of that page. Such a setting change can be realized by AI, for example, through machine learning.

[0143] Furthermore, the viewer device 100 may have a speed adjustment means for adjusting the speed at which the text is read aloud. A user operating the viewer device 100 can use the speed adjustment means to set the automatic reading speed to a speed appropriate for the user.

[0144] (Initial Values ​​of the First Prescribed Time, the Second Prescribed Time, and / or the Third Prescribed Time) The initial values ​​of the first prescribed time, the second prescribed time, and / or the third prescribed time may be set values, for example, by a broadcast user. Alternatively, the initial values ​​of the first prescribed time, the second prescribed time, and / or the third prescribed time may be automatically set by the content providing device 300 based on at least the content information.

[0145] In addition, when a viewing user uses the content provision service for the first time, and / or when a viewing user views a certain content for the first time, the initial values ​​of the first specified time, the second specified time, and / or the third specified time may be automatically set by the content provision device 300 based on the speed at which other users view the content.

[0146] The content providing device 300 may store a viewing speed for each viewing user and for each content. Specifically, the content providing device 300 may store a first specified time, a second specified time, and / or a third specified time associated with each viewing user and for each content. In this case, the content providing device 300 can compare the first specified time, the second specified time, and / or the third specified time set for different viewing users for the same content. This allows the content providing device 300 to calculate an estimated viewing speed for each viewing user.

[0147] In this case, the content providing device 300 can set initial values ​​for the first specified time, the second specified time, and / or the third specified time based on the estimated speed of viewing and the first specified time, the second specified time, and / or the third specified time associated with other viewing users, even if the content is being viewed for the first time by the viewing user.

[0148] For example, if the estimated viewing speed of a first viewing user is twice the estimated viewing speed of another second viewing user, the initial values ​​of the first specified time, the second specified time, and / or the third specified time associated with the first viewing user may be automatically set to half of the first specified time, the second specified time, and / or the third specified time associated with the second viewing user and stored. This allows the initial values ​​of the first specified time, the second specified time, and / or the third specified time to be set relatively appropriately even for content that the viewing user is viewing for the first time.

[0149] (Suggesting Editing of Automatic Readout) The suggestion instruction unit 112 of the viewer device 100 may be configured to be able to point out errors in automatic readout by the readout function 116. This can be realized in the same way as the suggestion instruction unit 112 according to the second embodiment described below. That is, in the editing suggestion mode of the viewer device 100, the viewing user can point out errors in automatic readout by arbitrarily inputting characters and / or symbols into the input unit 870 (see also FIG. 15 ) displayed in the window 930. Examples of errors in automatic readout include an incorrect order in which frames are read out, an incorrect pronunciation or reading of characters, etc.

[0150] The content providing device 300 stores the proposals received from the proposal instruction unit 112 of the viewer device 100 as a proposal candidate list in the storage unit 340. The management device 200 can receive the proposal candidate list from the content providing device 300. The distribution user can view the proposal candidate list using the management device 200. This allows the distribution user to modify the digital content if necessary.

[0151] [Second Embodiment] Next, a viewer device 100, a management device 200, a content providing device 300, and a content system according to a second embodiment will be described. FIG. 14 shows an example of digital content displayed on the display unit of a viewer device according to the second embodiment. FIG. 15 shows an example of an editing suggestion mode displayed on the display unit of a viewer device according to the second embodiment. It should be noted that in the second embodiment, the same components as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals. Furthermore, in the second embodiment, descriptions of the same components as those in the first embodiment may be omitted.

[0152] The basic configuration of the content system in the second embodiment is almost the same as that in the first embodiment (see also FIG. 1). In the first embodiment, the viewer device 100 was configured to be able to suggest editing of characters and / or symbols in digital content. Instead, in the second embodiment, the viewer device 100 is configured to be able to suggest editing of figures (pictures) in digital content.

[0153] A viewing user operating the viewer device 100 according to the second embodiment can switch between the viewing mode and the edit request mode by selecting, for example, clicking or tapping, the button 950, as in the first embodiment.

[0154] In the second embodiment, the viewer device 100 has a suggestion instruction unit 112 that can suggest editing of a figure in digital content provided by the content providing device 300. This allows the viewing user to suggest editing of a figure in the digital content to the content providing device 300 via the viewer device 100. The suggestion to edit a figure in the digital content may be, for example, correcting the figure in frame 910.

[0155] In a specific example, in the edit request mode, the viewing user can select a shape in the digital content to be edited. For example, the viewing user may be able to select a shape for which editing is to be suggested by selecting, for example, tapping or clicking, a shape in the content displayed on the display unit 130 of the viewer device 100.

[0156] In one example, a configuration may be made in which graphic editing suggestions can be made for each frame 910 of the content displayed on the display unit 130. In this case, an editable window may appear when the viewing user selects, for example, taps or clicks, a specific frame 910 in the content displayed on the display unit 130. The example shown in Fig. 15 shows a state in which a window 930 appears when the viewing user taps the top left frame 910 shown in Fig. 14.

[0157] 15 , the viewing user can propose any information related to editing of the graphic for the selected frame 910 from the viewer device 100. Specifically, the viewer device 100 is configured to allow any characters and / or symbols to be input into the input section 870 displayed in the window 930.

[0158] When the viewing user selects button 890 displayed in window 930 with information regarding graphic editing input into input unit 870, the information input into input unit 870 is transmitted to content providing device 300. This allows suggestion instructing unit 112 of viewer device 100 to make editing suggestions for graphics in the content.

[0159] The content providing device 300 has a proposal receiving unit 318 that receives proposals for editing graphics in digital content from the viewer device 100. The proposals for editing graphics may be stored and managed as an editing candidate list in the storage unit 340 (see FIG. 6).

[0160] Although not shown, the content providing device 300 may be configured, as in the first embodiment, to transmit an editing candidate list linked to the frame 910 to the viewer device 100 and allow the viewing user to select an appropriate editing candidate from the editing candidate list via the viewer device 100.

[0161] The content providing device 300 has a proposal receiving unit 318 that receives proposals for editing graphics in digital content from the viewer device 100. The proposals for editing graphics are stored and managed as an editing candidate list in the storage unit 340 (see FIG. 6).

[0162] A distribution user can request an editing candidate list of graphics in digital content from the content providing device 300 via the management device 200. In response to this request, information on the editing candidate list is sent from the content providing device 300 to the management device 200.

[0163] The distribution user can modify the graphics in the digital content themselves, if necessary, based on the information in the editing candidate list, and then re-upload the modified digital content to the content providing device 300 via the management device 200.

[0164] The other configurations are the same as those of the first embodiment, and therefore the description thereof will be omitted.

[0165] It should be noted that methods by which a computer performs the information processing described in the first and second embodiments are also included within the scope of the present invention. Specifically, methods by which a computer performs the information processing performed by the viewer device 100 described above are also included within the scope of the present invention. Similarly, methods by which a computer performs the information processing performed by the management device 200 described above are also included within the scope of the present invention. Similarly, methods by which a computer performs the information processing performed by the content providing device 300 described above are also included within the scope of the present invention. Furthermore, it should be noted that programs that cause a computer to execute such methods are also included within the scope of the present invention.

[0166] Such a computer program can be stored on and provided to a computer in various types of non-transitory computer-readable media, including various types of tangible storage media.

[0167] Examples of non-transitory computer-readable media include magnetic recording media (e.g., flexible disks, magnetic tapes, hard disk drives), magneto-optical recording media (e.g., magneto-optical disks), CD-ROMs (Read Only Memory), CD-Rs, CD-R / Ws, and semiconductor memories (e.g., mask ROMs, PROMs (Programmable ROMs), EPROMs (Erasable PROMs), flash ROMs, and RAMs (Random Access Memory)).

[0168] The program may be provided to the computer by various types of transient computer-readable media. Examples of transient computer-readable media include electrical signals, optical signals, and electromagnetic waves. The transient computer-readable media can provide the program to the computer via a wired communication path such as an electrical wire or optical fiber, or via a wireless communication path.

[0169] In the above description, the broadcast user can be considered to be the same as the account for the broadcast user who is to operate the management device 200. In this case, in the above description, the "broadcast user" can be rephrased as the "account for the broadcast user." Similarly, the "viewed user" can be rephrased as the "account for the viewed user."

[0170] Content uploaded by a broadcast user may be linked to information identifying the broadcast user (broadcast user account) and recorded in the content providing device 300. This may allow only the broadcast user (broadcast user account) linked to a certain piece of content to obtain, from the content providing device (server) 300, the editing candidate list for that content that was transmitted to the content providing device 300 via the viewer device 100.

[0171] From all the above descriptions, it should be noted that at least the inventions described in the following appendices are clearly stated within this specification.

[0172] [Supplementary Note 1] A management device operated by a distribution user, comprising: uploading means for uploading digital content including characters, symbols and / or figures to be distributed to a viewer device for viewing by a viewing user to a server that is a content providing device in response to a request from the distribution user; means for acquiring from the server an editing candidate list obtained from the viewer device that can suggest editing of characters, symbols and / or figures in the digital content, the editing candidate list being a list of editing candidates for characters, symbols and / or figures in the digital content that the distribution user uploaded himself / herself; and selection means for selecting whether or not to reflect a request for editing of characters, symbols and / or figures in the digital content that the distribution user uploaded himself / herself using the uploading means, based on the editing candidate list.

[0173] [Supplementary Note 2] The management device according to Supplementary Note 1, wherein the digital content has display sections for a plurality of characters and / or symbols and characters and / or symbols associated with each of the display sections, and the editing candidate list is generated for each of the display sections.

[0174] [Supplementary Note 3] The management device according to Supplementary Note 1 or 2, wherein the digital content has a plurality of frames defined by areas obtained by dividing a single page into several parts, and the editing candidate list is generated for each of the frames.

[0175] [Supplementary Note 4] The management device according to any one of Supplementary Notes 1 to 3, wherein when the editing candidate list includes multiple candidates for editing characters, symbols, and / or figures in the digital content, the management device is configured to sort the editing candidate list in order of the number of votes received and display the list on a display unit.

[0176] [Supplementary Note 5] A content providing device comprising: means for receiving the digital content from the management device described in Supplementary Note 1; means for delivering the digital content to a viewer device; a suggestion receiving unit for receiving suggestions for editing characters, symbols and / or figures in the digital content from the viewer device; means for providing, in response to a request from the management device, to the management device operated by the delivery user who uploaded the digital content, a list of editing candidates for characters, symbols and / or figures in the digital content obtained from the viewer device; and means for receiving a selection by the selection means of the management device.

[0177] [Supplementary Note 6] A viewer device comprising: means for receiving digital content from the content providing device described in Supplementary Note 5; and a suggestion instruction unit capable of suggesting editing of characters, symbols and / or figures in the digital content provided from the content providing device.

[0178] [Supplementary Note 7] A content system comprising: a viewer device operated by a viewing user; a content providing device that provides content to said viewer device; and a management device operated by a distribution user, said management device having uploading means for uploading digital content including characters, symbols and / or figures to a server that is the content providing device, the digital content being to be distributed to the viewer device for viewing by the viewing user, said viewer device having a suggestion instruction unit that can suggest editing of characters and / or symbols in the digital content provided from said content providing device; and said management device having means for acquiring from said content providing device an editing candidate list of characters and / or symbols in the digital content obtained from said viewer device, said editing candidate list being a list of editing candidates for characters, symbols and / or figures in said digital content uploaded by said distribution user himself / herself; and selection means for selecting whether to reflect a request for editing of characters, symbols and / or figures in said digital content uploaded by said distribution user himself / herself using said uploading means, based on said editing candidate list.

[0179] [Supplementary Note 8] A method comprising the steps of: a management device uploading digital content including characters, symbols and / or figures to be distributed to a viewer device for viewing by a viewing user to a server which is a content providing device in response to a request from a distribution user; acquiring from the server an editing candidate list for characters, symbols and / or figures in the digital content, the editing candidate list being for characters, symbols and / or figures in the digital content uploaded by the distribution user himself / herself; and selecting, based on the editing candidate list, whether to reflect a request by the distribution user to edit characters, symbols and / or figures in the digital content uploaded by the distribution user himself / herself to the server.

[0180] [Supplementary Note 9] A method comprising the steps of: a content providing device receiving from a management device digital content including characters, symbols and / or figures to be distributed to a viewer device for viewing by a viewing user; distributing the digital content to the viewer device; receiving from the viewer device that provided the digital content a suggestion for editing the characters, symbols and / or figures in the digital content; providing, in response to a request from the management device, a list of editing candidates for the characters, symbols and / or figures in the digital content obtained from the viewer device to the management device operated by the distribution user who uploaded the digital content; and receiving from the management device a selection that reflects the request for editing the characters, symbols and / or figures in the digital content.

[0181] [Supplementary Note 10] A program that causes a computer to execute the method described in Supplementary Note 8 or 9.

[0182] [Supplementary Note 11] A viewer device having: means for receiving digital content from a content providing device; and a suggestion instruction unit capable of suggesting editing of characters, symbols and / or figures in the digital content provided from said content providing device, wherein said viewer device is configured, when a category for which editing is to be suggested is selected, to transition to a screen displaying the editing candidate list received from said content providing device if there is an editing candidate list linked to said category; and, when there is no editing candidate list linked to said category, to transition to a screen on which any characters and / or symbols can be suggested.

[0183] [Supplementary Note 12] The viewer device according to Supplementary Note 11, comprising a switching means for switching between a viewing mode in which the digital content provided from the server can be viewed and an editing request mode in which editing of characters, symbols and / or figures in the digital content can be suggested.

[0184] [Supplementary Note 13] The viewer device according to Supplementary Note 11 or 12, wherein the digital content has display sections for a plurality of characters and / or symbols, and characters and / or symbols associated with each of the plurality of display sections, and the suggestion instruction unit is configured to be able to request editing of the characters and / or symbols for each of the display sections.

[0185] [Supplementary Note 14] The viewer device according to Supplementary Note 13, wherein at least some of the plurality of display sections correspond to speech bubbles in the digital content.

[0186] [Supplementary Note 15] The viewer device according to any one of Supplementary Notes 11 to 14, wherein the suggestion instruction unit is configured to display original text and translations of characters and / or symbols in the digital content in a comparative manner.

[0187] [Supplementary Note 16] The viewer device described in any one of Supplementary Notes 11 to 15, wherein the digital content has a plurality of frames defined by areas obtained by dividing a single page into several parts, and the suggestion instruction unit is configured to be able to request editing of a figure for each of the frames.

[0188] [Supplementary Note 17] The viewer device according to any one of Supplementary Notes 11 to 16, wherein the digital content is a digital comic or an electronic book.

[0189] [Supplementary Note 18] A management device having means for acquiring, from a content providing device, an editing candidate list of characters, symbols and / or figures in digital content obtained from a viewer device described in any one of Supplementary Notes 11 to 17.

[0190] [Supplementary Note 19] A content providing device comprising a proposal receiving unit that receives, from the viewer device according to any one of Supplementary Notes 11 to 17, a proposal for editing characters, symbols, and / or graphics in the digital content.

[0191] [Supplementary Note 20] A content system comprising: a viewer device according to any one of Supplements 11 to 17; a content providing device that provides content to the viewer device; and a management device, wherein the management device has means for obtaining from the content providing device a list of requests for editing characters and / or symbols in digital content obtained from the viewer device via the content providing device.

[0192] [Supplementary Note 21] A method comprising the steps of: a viewer device receiving digital content from a content providing device; when a section of the digital content for which editing suggestions should be made is selected, if an editing candidate list linked to the section exists, transitioning to a screen displaying the editing candidate list received from the content providing device; and if an editing candidate list linked to the section does not exist, transitioning to a screen on which any characters and / or symbols can be suggested; and transmitting editing suggestions for characters, symbols and / or figures in the digital content to a server.

[0193] [Supplementary Note 22] A program that causes a computer to execute the method described in Supplementary Note 11.

[0194] [Supplementary Note 23] A viewer device having a suggestion instruction unit capable of suggesting editing of characters, symbols and / or figures in digital content provided from a server.

[0195] [Supplementary Note 24] The viewer device according to Supplementary Note 23, comprising a switching means for switching between a viewing mode in which the digital content provided from the server can be viewed and an editing request mode in which editing of characters, symbols and / or figures in the digital content can be suggested.

[0196] [Supplementary Note 25] The viewer device according to Supplementary Note 23 or 24, wherein the suggestion instruction unit is configured to be able to suggest any character and / or symbol.

[0197] [Supplementary Note 26] The viewer device according to any one of Supplementary Notes 23 to 25, wherein the suggestion instruction unit is configured to be able to select at least one editing suggestion from an editing candidate list acquired from a server.

[0198] [Supplementary Note 27] The viewer device described in any one of Supplementary Notes 23 to 26, wherein the digital content has display sections for a plurality of characters and / or symbols and characters and / or symbols associated with each of the plurality of display sections, and the suggestion instruction unit is configured to be able to request editing of the characters and / or symbols for each of the display sections.

[0199] [Supplementary Note 28] The viewer device according to Supplementary Note 27, wherein at least some of the plurality of display sections correspond to speech bubbles in the digital content.

[0200] [Appendix 29] The viewer device according to any one of Appendices 23 to 28, wherein the suggestion instruction unit is configured to display original and translated versions of characters and / or symbols in the digital content in comparison with each other, and to prompt the viewing user to suggest a correct translation.

[0201] [Supplementary Note 30] The viewer device described in any one of Supplementary Notes 23 to 29, wherein the digital content has a plurality of frames defined by areas obtained by dividing a single page into several parts, and the suggestion instruction unit is configured to be able to request editing of a figure for each of the frames.

[0202] [Supplementary Note 31] The viewer device according to any one of Supplementary Notes 23 to 30, wherein the digital content is a digital comic or an electronic book.

[0203] [Appendix 32] The viewer device described in any one of Appendices 23 to 31, wherein the digital content has a plurality of pages, the viewer device has a reading function that automatically reads out characters in the digital content, and the viewer device is configured to automatically display the next page after reading out the last character present on a currently displayed page of the digital content.

[0204] [Supplementary Note 33] A management device having means for acquiring, from a server, an editing candidate list of characters, symbols and / or figures in digital content obtained from a viewer device described in any one of Supplementary Notes 23 to 32.

[0205] [Supplementary Note 34] The management device according to Supplementary Note 33, comprising an uploading means for uploading content including characters, symbols and / or figures.

[0206] [Supplementary Note 35] A content providing device comprising a proposal receiving unit that receives, from the viewer device according to any one of Supplementary Notes 23 to 32, a proposal for editing characters, symbols, and / or figures in the digital content.

[0207] [Supplementary Note 36] A content system comprising: a viewer device; a content providing device that provides content to said viewer device; and a management device, wherein said viewer device has a suggestion instruction unit that can suggest editing of characters and / or symbols in digital content provided from said content providing device, and said management device has means for acquiring from said content providing device a list of requests for editing characters and / or symbols in digital content obtained from said viewer device via said content providing device.

[0208] [Supplementary Note 37] A method including a viewer device performing the steps of: receiving digital content from a server; and transmitting suggestions for editing characters, symbols, and / or figures in the digital content to the server.

[0209] [Supplementary Note 38] A method comprising the step of: a management device executing a step of obtaining, from a server, an editing candidate list of characters, symbols and / or graphics in digital content.

[0210] [Supplementary Note 39] A method comprising: a content providing device executing a step of accepting, from a viewer device that has provided digital content, a suggestion for editing characters, symbols, and / or graphics in the digital content.

[0211] [Supplementary Note 40] A program that causes a computer to execute the method according to any one of Supplementary Notes 37 to 39.

[0212] [Supplementary Note 41] A viewer device for visually viewing digital content having multiple pages, the viewer device having a reading function for automatically reading out characters in the digital content, the viewer device being configured to automatically display the next page after reading out the last character present on a currently displayed page of the digital content.

[0213] [Appendix 42] The viewer device described in Appendix 41, wherein the digital content has a plurality of frames defined by areas obtained by dividing a single page into several parts, and the reading function is configured to read aloud characters in the frame to be read aloud in order according to the ordering of the plurality of frames.

[0214] [Appendix 43] The viewer device described in Appendix 42, wherein the reading function is configured to move from the frame to be read to the next frame after a first specified time has elapsed if the frame to be read does not contain any characters.

[0215] [Supplementary Note 44] The viewer device according to Supplementary Note 43, wherein the first specified time is configured to be changeable by a user.

[0216] [Appendix 45] The viewer device described in Appendix 43 or 44, wherein the first specified time is determined based on at least one of the ratio of the frame size to the page size of the digital content, information on the user pausing the reading function, and a setting value set by the user.

[0217] [Supplementary Note 46] The viewer device according to any one of Supplementary Notes 41 to 45, wherein the reading function waits for a second specified time after reading out the characters in the frame to be read out.

[0218] [Supplementary Note 47] The viewer device according to Supplementary Note 46, wherein the second specified time is configured to be changeable by a user.

[0219] [Appendix 48] The viewer device described in any one of Appendices 41 to 47, wherein the reading function is configured to wait a third specified time before automatically displaying the next page if the frame to be read aloud is the last frame in a page of digital content.

[0220] [Supplementary Note 49] The viewer device according to Supplementary Note 48, wherein the third specified time is configured to be changeable by a user.

[0221] [Supplementary Note 50] A content providing device configured to provide the digital content to a viewer device according to any one of Supplementary Notes 41 to 49.

[0222] [Supplementary Note 51] A content system comprising: a viewer device; and a content providing device that provides digital content having a plurality of pages to the viewer device, wherein the viewer device has a reading function that automatically reads out characters in the digital content, and the viewer device is configured to automatically display the next page after reading out the last character present on a currently displayed page of the digital content.

[0223] [Supplementary Note 52] A method comprising: a viewer device performing a step of automatically reading out characters in digital content having multiple pages; said step including automatically displaying the next page on the viewer device after reading out the last character present on a currently displayed page of the digital content.

[0224] [Supplementary Note 53] A program that causes a computer to execute the method described in Supplementary Note 52.

[0225] [Supplementary Note 54] A management device operated by a distribution user account, comprising: uploading means for uploading digital content including characters, symbols and / or figures to be distributed to a viewer device for viewing by a viewing user to a server that is a content providing device in response to a request from the distribution user account; means for acquiring from the server an editing candidate list obtained from the viewer device that can suggest editing of characters, symbols and / or figures in the digital content, the editing candidate list being a list of editing candidates for characters, symbols and / or figures in the digital content that the distribution user account has uploaded itself; and selection means for selecting whether to reflect a request for editing characters, symbols and / or figures in the digital content that the distribution user account has uploaded itself using the uploading means, based on the editing candidate list.

[0226] It should be noted that the "program" in the above appendix can be replaced with a "recording medium" and / or a "non-transitory computer-readable medium."

[0227] As described above, the contents of the present invention have been disclosed through the embodiments, but the descriptions and drawings that form part of this disclosure should not be understood to limit the present invention. Various alternative embodiments, examples, and operating techniques will become apparent to those skilled in the art from this disclosure. Therefore, it should be noted that the technical scope of the present invention is defined only by the inventive features of the claims that can be properly understood from the above description.

[0228] This application claims priority based on Japanese Patent Application No. 2024-066429, filed on April 16, 2024, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

Claims

1. A management device operated by a distribution user, comprising: uploading means for uploading digital content including characters, symbols and / or figures to be distributed to a viewer device for viewing by a viewing user to a server, which is a content providing device, in response to a request from the distribution user; means for acquiring from the server an editing candidate list obtained from the viewer device that can suggest editing of characters, symbols and / or figures in the digital content, the editing candidate list being a list of editing candidates for characters, symbols and / or figures in the digital content uploaded by the distribution user himself / herself; and selection means for selecting whether to reflect the distribution user's request for editing of characters, symbols and / or figures in the digital content uploaded by the distribution user himself / herself using the uploading means, based on the editing candidate list.

2. The management device of claim 1, wherein the digital content has display sections for a plurality of characters and / or symbols and characters and / or symbols associated with each of the display sections, and the editing candidate list is generated for each of the display sections.

3. The management device according to claim 1, wherein the digital content has a plurality of frames defined by areas obtained by dividing a single page into several parts, and the editing candidate list is generated for each of the frames.

4. The management device of claim 1, wherein when the editing candidate list includes multiple candidates for editing characters, symbols, and / or graphics in the digital content, the management device is configured to sort the editing candidate list in order of the number of votes received and display the list on the display unit.

5. The viewer device according to claim 1, wherein the digital content is a digital comic or an electronic book.

6. A content providing device comprising: means for receiving the digital content from the management device according to claim 1; means for distributing the digital content to a viewer device; a proposal receiving unit for receiving from the viewer device a proposal for editing characters, symbols and / or figures in the digital content; means for providing the management device, operated by the distribution user who uploaded the digital content, with a list of editing candidates for characters, symbols and / or figures in the digital content obtained from the viewer device in response to a request from the management device; and means for receiving a selection made by the selection means of the management device.

7. A viewer device comprising: means for receiving the digital content from the content providing device described in claim 6; and a suggestion instruction unit capable of suggesting editing of characters, symbols and / or figures in the digital content provided from the content providing device.

8. The viewer device according to claim 7, wherein when a section for which editing suggestions should be made is selected, if there is an editing candidate list linked to the section, the viewer device is configured to transition to a screen displaying the editing candidate list received from the content providing device, and if there is no editing candidate list linked to the section, the viewer device is configured to transition to a screen on which any character and / or symbol can be suggested.

9. A viewer device as claimed in claim 7 or 8, comprising a switching means for switching between a viewing mode in which the digital content provided by the server can be viewed and an editing request mode in which editing of characters, symbols and / or figures in the digital content can be suggested.

10. A viewer device according to any one of claims 7 to 9, wherein the digital content has a plurality of pages, the viewer device has a reading function that automatically reads out characters in the digital content, and the viewer device is configured to automatically display the next page after reading out the last character present on the currently displayed page of the digital content.

11. A content system comprising: a viewer device operated by a viewing user; a content providing device that provides content to said viewer device; and a management device operated by a distribution user, having upload means for uploading digital content including characters, symbols and / or figures to a server that is the content providing device, the digital content being distributed to the viewer device for viewing by the viewing user, said viewer device having a suggestion instruction unit that can suggest editing of characters and / or symbols in the digital content provided from said content providing device; and said management device having means for acquiring from said content providing device an editing candidate list of characters and / or symbols in the digital content obtained from said viewer device, the editing candidate list being a list of characters, symbols and / or figures in the digital content uploaded by said distribution user himself / herself; and selection means for selecting whether to reflect a request by said distribution user to edit characters, symbols and / or figures in the digital content uploaded by himself / herself using said uploading means, based on said editing candidate list.

12. A method comprising the steps of: uploading digital content including characters, symbols and / or figures to be distributed to a viewer device for viewing by a viewing user to a server, which is a content providing device, in response to a request from a distribution user; obtaining from the server a list of editing candidates for characters, symbols and / or figures in the digital content, the list being a list of editing candidates for characters, symbols and / or figures in the digital content uploaded by the distribution user; and selecting, based on the list of editing candidates, whether to reflect the request from the distribution user to edit the characters, symbols and / or figures in the digital content uploaded by the distribution user to the server.

13. A method comprising the steps of: a content providing device receiving from a management device digital content including characters, symbols and / or figures to be distributed to a viewer device for viewing by a viewing user; distributing the digital content to the viewer device; receiving from the viewer device that provided the digital content a suggestion for editing the characters, symbols and / or figures in the digital content; providing, in response to a request from the management device, a list of editing candidates for the characters, symbols and / or figures in the digital content obtained from the viewer device to the management device operated by the distribution user who uploaded the digital content; and receiving from the management device a selection reflecting a request for editing the characters, symbols and / or figures in the digital content.

14. A program for causing a computer to execute the method according to claim 12 or 13.

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