Display device and control program

Abstract

A display device (20) comprises: a display unit (25); an input unit (24) that is for inputting an identification code associated with content to an input screen for the identification code; and a control unit (21) that, when authentication using the input identification code is performed and the content has become usable on the display device (20), causes the display unit (25) to display a related image, which is associated with the content, on at least one of the input screen and a startup screen of an application for playing the content, wherein while the control unit (21) is displaying the startup screen or the input screen, the input unit (24) accepts a user operation for changing the related image displayed on at least one of the startup screen and the input screen from a first related image to a second related image.

Description

Display device and control program

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

[0002] There is a conventionally known service in which an identification code associated with predetermined content is input into a display device owned by a user, and when authentication using the identification code is performed, the content can be downloaded and played back on the display device. Patent Document 1 describes an information providing system in which a serial number is input to download a complementary music file to a user terminal device, and that this information providing system can also be applied to the provision of video information.

[0003] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2002-14683

[0004] However, in the prior art as described above, there is room to improve the interest in using an application used for playing back content or the like.

[0005] One aspect of the present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and an object thereof is to improve the interest in using an application used for playing back content or the like.

[0006] In order to solve the above problems, a display device according to one aspect of the present invention is a display device including a display unit, and an input unit for inputting an identification code associated with content into an input screen for the identification code, and when authentication using the input identification code is performed and the use of the content becomes possible on the display device, a control unit for causing the display unit to display a related image associated with the content on at least one of the input screen and a start screen of an application for playing back the content, and the input unit receives a user operation for changing a related image displayed on at least one of the start screen and the input screen from a first related image to another second related image when the control unit is displaying the start screen or the input screen.

[0007] To solve the aforementioned problems, a display device according to one aspect of the present invention is a display device comprising a display unit, an input unit for inputting an identification code associated with content into an input screen for the identification code, and a control unit that, when authentication using the input identification code is performed and the content becomes available for use on the display device, outputs an associated sound associated with the content on at least one of the input screen and the startup screen of an application for playing the content, wherein the input unit accepts a user operation to change the associated sound output on at least one of the startup screen and the input screen from a first associated sound to another second associated sound when the control unit is displaying the startup screen or the input screen.

[0008] Each aspect of the present invention may be implemented by a computer, in which case a control program that enables the computer to implement the display device or server device by operating the computer as each part (software element) of the display device or server device, and a computer-readable recording medium on which the program is recorded, also fall within the scope of the present invention.

[0009] According to one aspect of the present invention, it is possible to improve the enjoyment of using applications used for content playback and the like.

[0010] This is an example of a block diagram showing the functional configuration of a system. This is an example of a table stored in the storage unit of a server device. This is an example of a sequence diagram showing the processing flow related to an example of system processing. This is an example of an input screen for identification codes and a content list screen in an application. This is an example of an application startup screen. This is a diagram showing an example of the procedure for a user to select and set an image to be output on an input screen.

[0011] One embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail below.

[0012] [1. Example of System 1 Configuration] Figure 1 is an example of a block diagram showing the functional configuration of System 1 according to this disclosure. System 1 is a system for transmitting video contained in arbitrary content from a server device 10 to a display device (external device) 20 and playing the video. In most cases, one or more channels of audio (music) contained in the content are associated with the video, and the display device 20 plays the audio in parallel with the video.

[0013] System 1 comprises a server device 10 and one or more display devices 20. The server device 10 is a device that functions as a server for supplying content and comprises a control unit 11, a storage unit 12, and a communication unit 13.

[0014] The control unit 11 is a control device that oversees the entire server device 10 and also operates as an acquisition unit 111. The acquisition unit 111 acquires an identification code associated with the content and information that identifies the display device 20 that is the source of the identification code. In this disclosure, the content including the aforementioned video is also simply referred to as "video content". However, it is not necessary for the content to include video, and it may be configured to include only audio. In addition, the content is associated with either or both of the main content, which is video or audio, as well as related images and / or related audio that are output on the startup screen of the application described later.

[0015] Furthermore, the identification code is a serial code (serial number) containing alphanumeric characters and symbols to identify the content. The identification code may be sold for a fee or provided free of charge. As will be explained in detail later, a single identification code may be associated with multiple content items. This means that a user can download multiple content items by entering a single identification code into the display device 20. Also, a single content item may be associated with multiple types of identification codes.

[0016] The storage unit 12 is a storage device that stores various types of information, for example, a table showing the correspondence between content and identification codes. The control unit 11 refers to the table and performs authentication using the identification code acquired by the acquisition unit 111. In other words, authentication is the process of determining whether the identification code acquired by the acquisition unit 111 is legitimate.

[0017] The communication unit 13 is an interface that performs communication processing with the display device 20, etc., based on control by the control unit 11. For example, the communication unit 13 transmits video content to the display device 20. The communication unit 13 may transmit the video to the display device 20 by streaming transmission, or it may transmit it all at once so that it is stored as chunk data in the display device 20. Streaming reception in the display device 20 is a type of download. Even when the display device 20 plays back video stored in the storage unit 22 and streaming reception does not occur, authentication using an identification code is performed before the video is played back.

[0018] Furthermore, it is desirable that the video and other data transmitted between the server device 10 and the display device 20 be encrypted before transmission and decrypted on the receiving device.

[0019] The display device 20 is a device capable of outputting video and audio, and can be implemented as, for example, a smartphone, tablet, personal computer, television, or game console. The display device 20 comprises a control unit 21, a storage unit 22, a communication unit 23, an input unit 24, and a display unit 25.

[0020] The control unit 21 is a control device that oversees the entire display device 20 and also operates as a display control unit 211. The display control unit 211 controls the screen display on the display unit 25. For example, the display control unit 211 displays video input from the server device 10 to the display device 20 on the display unit 25. The display device 20 also has an application installed for playing video and audio, and the input of the identification code is performed on an input screen displayed by the display control unit 211 within the application. The display control unit 211 also performs a process to display a startup screen when the application is started.

[0021] The storage unit 22 is a storage device that stores various types of information, including, for example, an already authenticated identification code and information that identifies the content associated with the identification code. Here, the information that identifies the content may be, for example, the content ID or the identification code associated with the content. The storage unit 22 also stores application data for playing video and audio.

[0022] The communication unit 23 is an interface that performs communication processing with the server device 10, etc., based on the control of the control unit 21. For example, the communication unit 23 transmits information to the server device 10 via the input unit 24 that identifies the content selected by the user.

[0023] The input unit 24 is a component for the user to input information to the display device 20, and can be implemented as, for example, a keyboard, other buttons, or a mouse. Alternatively, the input unit 24 may be a remote control or controller of a separate device from the display device 20. The user performs input operations such as identification codes and various selection operations via the input unit 24. The input unit 24 and the display unit 25 may be implemented as an integrated touch panel.

[0024] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 1, the input unit 24 may also include a camera 241 for capturing images. Alternatively, the camera 241 may be configured to read a two-dimensional code indicating an identification code. This reduces the effort required for the user to input the identification code.

[0025] The display unit 25 is a display panel that displays images, text, or objects based on control by the display control unit 211.

[0026] Furthermore, the function of a single component of System 1 may be realized by multiple other components, and the functions of multiple components of System 1 may be realized by a single other component. For example, System 1 may comprise multiple server devices 10, or the authentication of the aforementioned identification code may be performed by an authentication device separate from the server devices 10. In addition, some components of System 1 may be detachable from the server devices 10 or the display device 20.

[0027] [2. Example of Authentication Table] Next, a specific example of the table stored in the storage unit 12 of the server device 10 will be explained. Table 31 in Figure 2 is an example of a table showing the correspondence between content and identification codes.

[0028] For example, Table 31 shows that video content A includes videos from channels A1 to A3, and video content B includes videos from channels B1 to B3. The value in the "Identification Code" column indicates which identification code is required for authentication in order to download the corresponding channel's video to the display device 20. For example, to download the video from channel A3 to the display device 20, authentication using identification code "AAABBB222" or "AAABBB333" is required, and even if authentication using identification code "AAABBB111" is performed, the video from channel A3 cannot be downloaded.

[0029] Furthermore, the content may be associated with multiple types of identification codes and may include video from one or more channels defined for each type of identification code. The display device 20 allows the user to select and play video from any channel. For example, video content A is associated with a first type of identification code that allows only the video from channels A1 and A2 to be downloaded, and a second type of identification code that allows the video from channels A1 to A3 to be downloaded.

[0030] Furthermore, a single identification code may be associated with multiple contents, and at least one of these contents may include multi-channel video. For example, if authentication is performed using the identification code "AAABBB333", video content A and video content B will be available for download on the display device 20, which is the source of the identification code. It is desirable that the actual identification code be a more complex string than the one exemplified in Figure 2.

[0031] Furthermore, the video of each channel included in a given piece of content may be identical, or they may be identical except for the video format or bitrate, or their content may be different from each other. If at least the video of each channel is identical, then usually the content of the audio associated with each video, or the audio format or bitrate of said audio, will be different from each other. In one embodiment, at least two of the videos of each channel included in a given piece of content may be different from each other, and the audio associated with those two videos may be different from each other.

[0032] In one embodiment, at least two of the video channels in a given content may be video footage of a part or all of a specific subject filmed from different positions, and each video channel may be associated with audio corresponding to the filming position. Here, audio corresponding to the filming position is, for example, audio collected at the filming position, or audio that reproduces the collected audio. The audio corresponding to the filming position may also be immersive audio such as Dolby Atmos®, Auro-3D®, 360 Reality Audio®, or spatial audio.

[0033] This allows, for example, if the content is live footage of a singer, to reproduce the video and audio heard from different seating positions on each channel. Furthermore, for example, the video on one channel might be footage of the entire singer group as the subject, while the video on another channel might be footage of a member of the singer group as part of the subject.

[0034] Furthermore, in one embodiment, the selling price of the identification code that enables playback of the channel's video when viewed from a seat close to the subject, the singer, may be higher than the selling price of the identification code that enables playback of only the channel's video when viewed from a seat far away.

[0035] Table 32 is an example of a table showing the correspondence between an identification code and a display device 20 registered through authentication using that identification code.

[0036] In Table 32, the denominator of the value in the "Number of Registered Devices" column indicates the maximum number of display devices 20 that can be registered through authentication using the corresponding identification code. Furthermore, "registration" of a display device 20 means that the display device 20 that is the source of the identification code is stored as a display device 20 that can download the content associated with that identification code. Also, as indicated by the fact that the denominator may be 2 or more, a single identification code may be entered into each of multiple display devices 20, and the content may be downloadable on each of those display devices 20.

[0037] Furthermore, the numerator of the value in the "Number of Registered Units" column indicates how many display devices 20 are currently registered through authentication using the target identification code. For example, in the case of the identification code "AAABB111", the maximum number of 3 display devices 20 are already registered, so even if the identification code "AAABB111" is entered into another new display device 20, that display device 20 will not be registered. It is also desirable that the system be configured so that it is possible to unregister a display device 20 through operations via the input unit 24 of the display device 20. This allows switching the display device 20 that can download content even when the number of units that can be registered using a certain identification code has been reached.

[0038] Furthermore, the value in the "Registered Display Device" column is a value such as a MAC address that uniquely identifies an individual display device 20, and indicates a display device 20 that has been registered through authentication using the corresponding identification code.

[0039] Thus, the storage unit 12 of the server device 10 stores one or more authenticated identification codes in association with one or more pieces of information that identifies the display device 20. Furthermore, when the acquisition unit 111 acquires information that identifies the display device 20, it uses the identification codes stored in the storage unit 12 that are associated with the information that identifies the display device 20 to perform authentication processing. Here, the authentication processing may include, for example, authentication by the server device 10 alone, or authentication using another authentication device as described above.

[0040] Note that the identification code may be configured with an expiration date. In the above configuration, the storage unit 12 stores the expiration date of the identification code in association with the identification code. Also, for example, the expiration date may be determined by the period since the identification code was first used for authentication, or the date and time when the identification code becomes invalid may be predetermined. Also, different expiration dates may be set for each content or for each channel for a single identification code. Also, when the content is a real-time live video or a recorded live video, the identification code may be configured to be valid only during the live broadcast.

[0041] 〔3. Processing Example of System 1〕 Next, an example of the processing flow executed by system 1 will be described. In this example, the input of the above-described identification code and the reproduction of video and audio described later will be described as being performed using an application installed in the display device 20. FIG. 3 is an example of a sequence diagram showing the processing flow according to this example.

[0042] In S101 (step S101), the display control unit 211 of the display device 20 causes the display unit 25 to display an input screen for the identification code.

[0043] The screen 51 in FIG. 4 is a screen of the application and shows an example of an input screen for the identification code. In this example of the screen 51, an image associated with the content is not displayed. In the screen 51, the input forms 52 and 53 are input forms for inputting the identification code.

[0044] In the example of the screen 51, the content is a video of an event such as a live broadcast, and the input form 52 is a form for inputting a character string for identifying the event. The "event code" input to the input form 52 may be a common value for each event. Also, the input form 53 is a form for inputting "serial codes" that are different from each other individually.

[0045] As illustrated in input forms 52 and 53, a single identification code may be configured to include two or more character strings. For example, among the aforementioned "event code" and "serial code", only the "serial code" may be treated as the identification code.

[0046] Also, according to such a configuration of the present disclosure, as illustrated in screen 51, when a user downloads content, it is not necessarily required to input personal information and perform membership registration.

[0047] In S102, the control unit 21 acquires the identification code input by the user via the input unit 24.

[0048] In S103, the control unit 21 transmits the input identification code and the information identifying the own device to the server device 10 via the communication unit 23. The information identifying the own device includes information identifying the screen size of the display unit 25 in the display device 20. As the information identifying the screen size, information identifying the model of the display device 20 may be used. In the example of screen 51, when the button 54 is pressed, the process of this step S103 is executed. Buttons such as the button 54 displayed on the screen are an example of an object in the present disclosure.

[0049] In S104, the acquisition unit 111 of the server device 10 acquires each piece of information received via the communication unit 13, and the control unit 11 performs authentication using the identification code. If the authentication is successful, the process of S105 is subsequently executed. Also, the control unit 11 registers the display device 20, which is the transmission source of the identification code, in the storage unit 12 as a "registered display device" as illustrated in Table 32 of FIG. 2 in association with the identification code.

[0050] In S105, the control unit 11 transmits the video and audio of the content associated with the identification code used for authentication to the display device 20. If there are multiple videos of the content associated with the identification code used for authentication, or of the channels included in the content, the video of the channel to be transmitted first as the default may be defined. The control unit 11 also transmits the associated images and audio associated with the content to the display device 20. The associated images and audio are stored in the storage unit 22 of the display device 20. The associated images associated with the content may be images corresponding to the screen size of the display device 20. For example, if the display device 20 is a personal computer, the control unit 11 may transmit a horizontally oriented associated image to the display device 20, and if the display device 20 is a smartphone, it may transmit a vertically oriented associated image to the display device 20. The associated images may also be GIF images or the like, in which part or all of the image is animated. In a broader sense, the associated images in this embodiment may be still images or videos (moving images).

[0051] If authentication using the identification code fails, the control unit 11 will send information to the display device 20 indicating that authentication was unsuccessful, without transmitting video or audio. Examples of situations where authentication using the identification code fails include an error in the identification code or the number of registered devices reaching the upper limit.

[0052] In S106, the display control unit 211 of the display device 20 processes the video of the content received by the communication unit 23 to be displayed on the display unit 25. That is, when authentication using an identification code is performed, the display control unit 211 displays the video included in the content transmitted from the server device 10 on the display unit 25. At the same time, the control unit 21 plays the audio included in the content. The control unit 21 also stores information that identifies the content associated with the identification code for which authentication was successful in the storage unit 22.

[0053] In S107, the display control unit 211 terminates the process of displaying the content video on the display unit 25 when the content video has been played to completion or in response to user input. Then, the control unit 21 terminates the application for playing the video and audio in response to user input.

[0054] In S108, the control unit 21 starts the application in response to user operation. The display control unit 211 also displays a startup screen while the application is starting. The control unit 21 also outputs at least one of the associated images and associated sounds associated with the content on the startup screen.

[0055] The startup screen 60 in Figure 5 shows an example of a startup screen displayed on the display unit 25 in step S108. On the startup screen 60, related images associated with the content are displayed across the entire screen. Here, the person 61 included on the startup screen 60 is a performer appearing in the video content. The line "Hello!" written in the speech bubble 62 is a line of dialogue output by the control unit 21 from the speaker of a display device 20 (not shown) as an example of related audio, in the voice of person 61. In a broader sense, the related images or related audio associated with the content output on the startup screen, or on the identification code input screen as described later, may be images or audio of the singer or performer of the content, or of performers or characters appearing in the content. This can, for example, further enhance the enjoyment of using the application by displaying related images of a singer the user likes, and encourage playback of the content.

[0056] Furthermore, the text 63 included in the startup screen 60 includes the expiration date set in the content's identification code. In a broader sense, the control unit 21 may output a related image or related audio containing information about the expiration date to at least one of the startup screen and the identification code input screen. This helps to make the user aware of the expiration date by which the content can be played. Button 71 is a button for setting a change in the related image or related audio, and button 72 is a button for downloading and adding an outputtable related image or related audio. Details of these buttons 71 and 72 will be described later.

[0057] Furthermore, in order to enhance the sense of exclusivity, it is desirable that the associated images or sounds related to the content be configured to be output only on a dedicated application used to play the content. For example, this configuration can be achieved by storing the associated images or sounds in the storage unit 22 as data used by the application. From another perspective, the communication unit 13 of the server device 10 may be configured to transmit the associated images or sounds to the display device 20 after authentication using an identification code has been performed, so that they can be output only on an application installed on the display device 20 that plays the content.

[0058] It is not mandatory for the control unit 21 to terminate the application in response to user input after the display control unit 211 has finished the process of displaying the content's video on the display unit 25 in S107. The process in S109 may be executed immediately following the completion of the process of displaying the video on the display unit 25.

[0059] In S109, the display control unit 211 causes the identification code input screen to be displayed on the display unit 25. The control unit 21 also causes at least one of the associated images and associated audio associated with the content to be output on the identification code input screen. The input screen 64 in Figure 5 shows an example of the input screen displayed on the display unit 25 in step S109. The input screen 64 includes the performers 65a to 65d who appear in the video content. On the input screen 64, the associated images of the performers 65a to 65d are displayed as wallpaper, and the aforementioned input form 52, etc., are also included on the screen.

[0060] Furthermore, the control unit 21 may also output dialogue in the voice of any of the persons 65a to 65d as related audio from the speaker of the display device 20 on the input screen 64, or it may include information regarding the expiration date on the input screen 64. When an identification code is entered on the input screen 64, the processing from S102 is repeated for that identification code.

[0061] It is not mandatory for related images to be displayed on the startup screen and input screen; a configuration where only related audio is output is also acceptable.

[0062] Furthermore, the control unit 21 may be configured to output related images or related sounds only on either the startup screen or the input screen.

[0063] As described above, the control unit 21 according to this embodiment performs a process to output at least one of the associated images and associated sounds associated with the content on at least one of the startup screen and the input screen when authentication using the input identification code is performed and the content becomes available on the display device 20.

[0064] The processing flow based on the sequence diagram in Figure 3 has been explained above. According to this example configuration, the enjoyment of using applications for content playback and other purposes can be enhanced.

[0065] [4. Additional Notes] The configuration is not limited to the storage unit 22 of the display device 20 storing the associated images and sounds associated with the content in S105. The display device 20 may also acquire the associated images and sounds from the server device 10 using an API or the like immediately before outputting them, or it may be a configuration that requires authentication by the server device 10 at regular intervals.

[0066] Alternatively, instead of the processes in S101 and S102, the display control unit 211 may display a list of content associated with the authenticated identification code on the display unit 25, and the control unit 21 may identify the content selected via the input unit 24 from among the content included in the list. In this case, in S103, the communication unit 23 transmits information identifying its own device, the display device 20, and information identifying the selected content to the server device 10. In S104, the control unit 11 of the server device 10 authenticates that the identified display device 20 is registered using the identification code associated with the selected content. With this configuration, there is no need to re-enter an identification code that has already been successfully authenticated into the input unit 24, thus reducing the effort required from the user.

[0067] The screen 56 in Figure 4 is a screen of the aforementioned application, showing an example of a list screen of content associated with an authenticated identification code. In this screen, as exemplified by button 57, it may be possible to directly specify the channel to be played first.

[0068] Furthermore, the video for each channel may have multiple chapters set at fixed or arbitrary time intervals, and the playback position may be configured to jump to the beginning of the chapter selected by the user from the list. This applies not only when the display device 20 downloads and stores the video, but also when it receives it via streaming. The above configuration is realized when the control unit 11 of the server device 10 transmits information to the display device 20 indicating a list of chapters stored in the storage unit 12, and the control unit 21 of the display device 20 reads the video of the chapter selected by the user from the storage unit 22 or receives it via streaming from the server device 10.

[0069] Furthermore, the associated images or sounds output on the startup screen and input screen may correspond to the most recently authenticated identification code, that is, the associated images or sounds associated with the content associated with the most recently authenticated identification code. Alternatively, associated images or sounds corresponding to any already authenticated identification code may be output randomly, by day of the week, or on a daily basis. In addition, associated images or sounds associated with the most recently played content, or content with a high playback frequency, may be displayed on the startup screen and input screen on the display device 20.

[0070] Furthermore, the system may be configured to allow the user to select which associated image or sound to output on the startup screen or input screen from among the associated images or sounds corresponding to any of the already authenticated identification codes. In the above configuration, when authentication is performed using one or more identification codes and there are multiple associated images or sounds that can be output, the control unit 21 performs a process to output one or more associated images or sounds specified by the user operation on the input unit to at least one of the startup screen and the input screen. This makes it possible to output the associated image or sound desired by the user on both the startup screen and the input screen.

[0071] In one embodiment, the aforementioned button 71 included in the startup screen 60 and input screen 64 of Figure 5 is a button for changing at least one of the associated image and associated sound output on at least one of the startup screen and the input screen. In other words, the input unit 24 is configured to receive user operations to change the associated image displayed on at least one of the startup screen and the input screen from a first associated image to another second associated image, or to change the associated sound output on at least one of the startup screen and the input screen from a first associated sound to another second associated sound, when the control unit 21 (display control unit 211) is displaying the startup screen or the input screen.

[0072] Furthermore, as mentioned above, the associated image may be a still image or a video. That is, it may switch from a first associated image that is a still image to a second associated image that is a still image, or from a first associated image that is a still image to a second associated image that is a video. It may also switch from a first associated image that is a video to a second associated image that is a still image, or from a first associated image that is a video to a second associated image that is a video. Thus, at least one of the first and second associated images may be a video associated with the content.

[0073] To elaborate on the related images, the control unit 21 displays an object on either the startup screen or the input screen, which is an object exemplified by button 71, for initiating the setting to change the related image displayed on either the startup screen or the input screen from the first related image to the second related image. The input unit 24 accepts a user operation to select the object as a user operation to change from the first related image to the second related image. To elaborate on the related audio, the control unit 21 displays an object on either the startup screen or the input screen, which is an object exemplified by button 71, for initiating the setting to change the related audio output on either the startup screen or the input screen from the first related audio to the second related audio. The input unit 24 accepts a user operation to select the object as a user operation to change from the first related audio to the second related audio.

[0074] Furthermore, the aforementioned button 72 is for downloading and adding candidate related images or related audio that are displayed on at least one of the startup screen or the input screen. When button 72 is selected, the user is redirected to the download page for related images and related audio. The download page may be a page provided by the server device 10.

[0075] Regarding related images, the control unit 21 displays an object on the startup screen or input screen that includes a link to transition to a download page for another second related image, and is exemplified by button 72. The input unit 24 accepts a user operation to select the object as a user operation to change the related image displayed on at least one of the startup screen or input screen from the first related image to the second related image. Regarding related audio, the control unit 21 displays an object on the startup screen or input screen that includes a link to transition to a download page for another second related audio, and is exemplified by button 72. The input unit 24 accepts a user operation to select the object as a user operation to change the related audio output on at least one of the startup screen or input screen from the first related audio to the second related audio. Newly downloaded related images or related audio may be automatically set to be output the next time the startup screen or input screen is displayed, but this is not limited to this configuration.

[0076] Furthermore, the system may be configured to allow the user to change the associated images and associated sounds output on the startup screen and input screen by shaking the display device 20 while the startup screen or input screen is being displayed. In other words, the input unit 24 may be configured to accept a user operation to change the associated image displayed on at least one of the startup screen and input screen from a first associated image to a second associated image by shaking the display device 20 while the control unit 21 is displaying the startup screen or input screen. Also, the input unit 24 may be configured to accept a user operation to change the associated sound output on at least one of the startup screen and input screen from a first associated sound to a second associated sound by shaking the display device 20 while the control unit 21 is displaying the startup screen or input screen.

[0077] Furthermore, in the case where the input unit 24 and the display unit 25 are implemented as an integrated touch panel, that is, in the case where the display device 20 is implemented as a smartphone or tablet, the associated image may be configured to be changeable by a swipe operation on the associated image or the entire display screen. In other words, when the control unit 21 is displaying the startup screen or the input screen, the input unit 24 may be configured to accept a swipe operation by the user on the first associated image or the entire display screen, which changes the associated image displayed on at least one of the startup screen or the input screen from the first associated image to the second associated image, as a user operation for changing the associated image displayed on at least one of the startup screen or the input screen from the first associated image to the second associated image.

[0078] Figure 6 shows an example of the procedure for a user to select and set an image to be output on an input screen. Screen 74 is an example of an application settings screen. Screen 74 is displayed, for example, when button 71 is selected. If "Change wallpaper" is selected on screen 74, the user transitions to screen 65 for selecting the wallpaper on the input screen. Images 69a to 69d on screen 65 are associated images associated with a single piece of content. If image 69a is selected, the user transitions to screen 66 for setting the display size and position of image 69a. The frame 70 included in screen 66 is a guide used to change the display size and position of the associated image. If the display device 20 is a smartphone, it is preferable that the display size is changed by a pinch operation on the associated image, and the display position is changed by a drag operation on the associated image. Screen 67 shows an input screen that reflects the display size and position of the associated image determined on screen 66.

[0079] Furthermore, if multiple types of identification codes are associated with the content, the associated images and sounds that can be output on the startup screen or input screen, as well as their number, may correspond to the type of identification code. In this configuration, the control unit 21 processes the output of associated images or sounds corresponding to the type of identification code on at least one of the startup screen and the input screen. This results in a richer variety of associated images and sounds output on the startup screen or input screen, contributing to improved user satisfaction as a content feature. For example, the control unit 11 of the server device 10 may, when a first type of identification code is authenticated, send a first associated image to the display device 20 and not send a second associated image, and when a second type of identification code is authenticated, send a second associated image to the display device 20 and not send a first associated image. The control unit 21 may also output associated images or sounds containing information indicating the type of identification code, or information corresponding to the type of identification code, on at least one of the startup screen and the input screen.

[0080] Furthermore, the associated images and sounds that can be output by the display device 20 upon authentication of the identification code may be a selection randomly chosen by the control unit 11 of the server device 10 from a group of associated images and sounds stored in the storage unit 12. From another perspective, the user may make the content available by entering the identification code into the input screen, and in addition, the system may be configured to allow the user to randomly obtain associated images or sounds associated with the content as a so-called "gacha" (lottery). The probability of obtaining each associated image or sound available as a "gacha" may depend on the type of identification code.

[0081] If no authenticated identification code exists, for example, a startup screen containing only the application logo or the input screen shown in Figure 4, screen 51, will be displayed. In other words, for example, when the application starts before the processing in S101 in Figure 3, a startup screen containing only the application logo may be displayed. Even if an authenticated identification code exists, it is desirable to have a configuration that allows settings to be made, for example, from the settings screen shown in Figure 6, screen 74, to prevent the output of related images or sounds associated with the content on the startup screen and input screen.

[0082] Furthermore, if the validity period of the identification code has expired, the associated image and sound corresponding to that identification code may not be output by the display device 20. In other words, the control unit 21 may be configured to stop outputting the associated image or sound associated with the content when authentication using the identification code is canceled and the content becomes unusable on the display device 20. This helps to make the user aware that the validity period of the identification code has expired.

[0083] Furthermore, the skins of the content list screen exemplified in screen 56 and the settings screen exemplified in screen 74 may be configured to be changed to a skin corresponding to the authenticated identification code. In other words, the control unit 21 may be configured to change the skin of the application's operation screen to a skin associated with the content when the content becomes available on the display device 20. This can further enhance the enjoyment of using the application used for content playback, etc. A skin associated with content is, for example, a skin that gives the settings screen the same color scheme as the characters appearing in the content. The above configuration is realized in S105 when the control unit 11 of the server device 10 transmits information indicating the skin to the display device 20. Furthermore, the aspects of the system 1 related to the skin are the same as those described with respect to the associated images or sounds associated with the content.

[0084] [4. Software Implementation Example] The functions of the server device 10 and the display device 20 (hereinafter referred to as "devices") can be realized by a program that causes a computer to function as the device, and by a program that causes a computer to function as each control block of the device (particularly each part included in the control unit 11 and the control unit 21).

[0085] In this case, the device includes a computer having at least one control device (e.g., a processor) and at least one storage device (e.g., memory) as hardware for executing the program. By executing the program using this control device and storage device, each of the functions described in each of the embodiments is realized.

[0086] The program may be recorded on one or more computer-readable recording media, not temporary ones. These recording media may or may not be provided by the device. In the latter case, the program may be supplied to the device via any wired or wireless transmission medium.

[0087] Furthermore, some or all of the functions of each control block can also be implemented by logic circuits. For example, an integrated circuit in which logic circuits functioning as each of the control blocks are formed is also included in the scope of the present invention. In addition, it is also possible to implement the functions of each control block using, for example, a quantum computer.

[0088] Furthermore, each of the processes described in the above embodiments may be performed by AI (Artificial Intelligence). In this case, the AI ​​may operate on the control device, or it may operate on another device (for example, an edge computer or a cloud server).

[0089] [5. Summary] The display device (20) according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention is a display device comprising a display unit (25), an input unit (24) for inputting an identification code associated with content into an input screen for the identification code, and a control unit (21) which, when authentication using the input identification code is performed and the content becomes available for use on the display device, causes the display unit to display an associated image associated with the content on at least one of the input screen and the startup screen of an application for playing the content, wherein the input unit is configured to accept a user operation to change the associated image displayed on at least one of the startup screen and the input screen from a first associated image to another second associated image when the control unit is displaying the startup screen or the input screen.

[0090] In the display device according to embodiment 2 of the present invention, in embodiment 1 described above, the control unit may display an object including a link for transitioning to the download page for the second related image on the startup screen or the input screen, and the input unit may be configured to accept a user operation to select the object as a user operation for changing from the first related image to the second related image.

[0091] In the display device according to embodiment 3 of the present invention, in embodiment 1 or 2 described above, the control unit may display an object on the startup screen or the input screen for initiating a setting to change the first related image to the second related image, and the input unit may be configured to accept a user operation to select the object as a user operation for changing from the first related image to the second related image.

[0092] The display device according to embodiment 4 of the present invention is configured such that, in any of embodiments 1 to 3 above, the display unit and the input unit are an integrated touch panel, and the input unit is configured to accept a swipe operation by the user on the first related image or the entire display screen as a user operation to change from the first related image to the second related image, and the swipe operation to change from the first related image to the second related image.

[0093] In the display device according to embodiment 5 of the present invention, in any of embodiments 1 to 4 described above, the input unit may be configured to accept a user operation to change from the first associated image to the second associated image by shaking the display device body.

[0094] In any of the embodiments 1 to 5 described above, the display device according to embodiment 6 of the present invention may be configured such that the associated image is an associated image of the singer or performer of the content, or of a performer or character appearing in the content.

[0095] In the display device according to embodiment 7 of the present invention, in any of embodiments 1 to 6 described above, the control unit may be configured to stop outputting the associated image when authentication using the identification code is canceled and it becomes impossible to use the content on the display device.

[0096] In the display device according to embodiment 8 of the present invention, in any of embodiments 1 to 7 described above, the control unit may be configured to change the skin of the application's operation screen to the skin associated with the content when the content becomes available for use on the display device.

[0097] In any of the embodiments 1 to 8 described above, the display device according to embodiment 9 of the present invention is configured such that the content is associated with a plurality of types of identification codes, and the control unit outputs an associated image corresponding to the type of identification code to at least one of the startup screen and the input screen.

[0098] In any of the embodiments 1 to 9 described above, the display device according to embodiment 10 of the present invention is configured such that the identification code has an expiration date set, and the control unit outputs a related image containing information about the expiration date to at least one of the startup screen and the input screen.

[0099] In any of the above embodiments 1 to 10, the display device according to embodiment 11 of the present invention may be configured such that at least one of the first associated image and the second associated image is a video image associated with the content.

[0100] A display device (20) according to aspect 12 of the present invention is a display device comprising a display unit (25), an input unit (24) for inputting an identification code associated with content into an input screen for the identification code, and a control unit (21) which, when authentication using the input identification code is performed and the content becomes available for use on the display device, outputs an associated sound associated with the content on at least one of the input screen and the startup screen of an application for playing the content, wherein the input unit is configured to accept a user operation to change the associated sound output on at least one of the startup screen and the input screen from a first associated sound to another second associated sound when the control unit is displaying the startup screen or the input screen.

[0101] A control program according to aspect 13 of the present invention is a control program for causing a computer to function as a display device as described in any of aspects 1 to 11 above, and is a control program for causing the computer to function as the input unit and the control unit.

[0102] 1 System 10 Server device 11, 21 Control unit 12, 22 Storage unit 13, 23 Communication unit 20 Display device (external device) 24 Input unit 25 Display unit 111 Acquisition unit 211 Display control unit 241 Camera

Claims

1. A display device comprising a display unit, the display device comprising: an input unit for inputting an identification code associated with content into an input screen for the identification code; and a control unit that, when authentication using the input identification code is performed and the content becomes available for use on the display device, causes the control unit to display an associated image associated with the content on the display unit on at least one of the input screen and the startup screen of an application for playing the content, wherein the input unit receives a user operation to change the associated image displayed on at least one of the startup screen and the input screen from a first associated image to another second associated image when the control unit is displaying the startup screen or the input screen.

2. The display device according to claim 1, wherein the control unit displays an object on the startup screen or the input screen that includes a link for transitioning to the download page for the second related image, and the input unit accepts a user operation to select the object as a user operation for changing from the first related image to the second related image.

3. The display device according to claim 1, wherein the control unit displays an object on the startup screen or the input screen for initiating a setting to change the first associated image to the second associated image, and the input unit accepts a user operation to select the object as a user operation for changing from the first associated image to the second associated image.

4. The display device according to claim 1, wherein the display unit and the input unit are an integrated touch panel, and the input unit accepts a swipe operation by the user on the first related image or the entire display screen as a user operation to change from the first related image to the second related image, the swipe operation to change from the first related image to the second related image.

5. The display device according to claim 1, wherein the input unit accepts a user operation to change from the first associated image to the second associated image by shaking the display device body.

6. The display device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the associated image is an associated image of the singer or performer of the content, or a performer or character appearing in the content.

7. The display device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the control unit stops outputting the associated image when authentication using the identification code is canceled and the content becomes unusable on the display device.

8. The display device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the control unit changes the skin of the application's operation screen to the skin associated with the content when the content becomes available for use on the display device.

9. The display device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the content is associated with a plurality of types of identification codes, and the control unit causes the associated image corresponding to the type of identification code to be output to at least one of the startup screen and the input screen.

10. The display device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the identification code has an expiration date set, and the control unit causes the control unit to output a related image containing information regarding the expiration date to at least one of the startup screen and the input screen.

11. The display device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein at least one of the first associated image and the second associated image is a video associated with the content.

12. A display device comprising a display unit, the display device comprising: an input unit for inputting an identification code associated with content into an input screen for the identification code; and a control unit that, when authentication using the input identification code is performed and the content becomes available for use on the display device, causes the control unit to output associated audio associated with the content on at least one of the input screen and the startup screen of an application for playing the content, wherein the input unit accepts a user operation to change the associated audio output on at least one of the startup screen and the input screen from a first associated audio to another second associated audio when the control unit is displaying the startup screen or the input screen.

13. A control program for causing a computer to function as a display device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the computer functions as the input unit and the control unit.

Images