JP7500021B1 - Information processing device, information processing method, and program - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention makes it easier for users to find desired content.
[Solution] An information processing device is disclosed that includes a first output processing unit that outputs a first image including a user interface that allows selection of any one of a plurality of contents, a second output processing unit that outputs a second image including a first specific image related to the selected piece of content in response to a selection input by a user in an output state of the first image, and a third output processing unit that performs a first screen transition to a viewing screen on which a piece of content related to the first specific image of the second image can be viewed, or image switching to a second image including a first specific image related to another piece of content different from the piece of content among the plurality of contents in response to a predetermined input by the user in an output state of the second image.
[Selected figure] Figure 3

Description

The present disclosure relates to an information processing device, an information processing method, and a program.

A technology is known that generates and displays a content viewer interface that lists thumbnails of image content based on the shooting time, and in response to an interface conversion touch gesture input on the content viewer interface, converts the content viewer interface into a period-specific image content viewer interface in which multiple image contents are categorized and provided according to the classification period.

JP 2020-187751 A

However, with the conventional technology described above, it is difficult for users to find the content they want to watch among multiple pieces of content, regardless of the classification time.

Therefore, in one aspect, the present disclosure aims to make it easier for users to find desired content.

In one aspect, a first output processing unit outputs a first image including a user interface that allows any one of a plurality of contents to be selected;
a second output processing unit that outputs a second image including a first specific image related to the selected piece of content in response to a selection input by a user in an output state of the first image;
An information processing device is provided that includes a third output processing unit that, in response to a predetermined input by a user in an output state of the second image, performs a first screen transition to a viewing screen on which the one content related to the first specific image of the second image can be viewed, or image switching to the second image including the first specific image related to another content different from the one content among the multiple contents.

In one aspect, the present disclosure makes it easier for users to find desired content.

1 is a block diagram of a content distribution system according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 1 is a block diagram of processing circuitry for performing computer-based operations according to the present disclosure. 1 is a timing chart showing an example of a cooperation mode between a server device and a terminal device in a content distribution system. 4A to 4C are explanatory diagrams of screen transitions realized on a display unit of a terminal device. 1A to 1C are explanatory diagrams of screen transitions or image switching, and are diagrams showing corresponding screens etc. in a schematic manner. 1A to 1C are explanatory diagrams of screen transitions or image switching, and are diagrams showing corresponding screens etc. in a schematic manner. 1A to 1C are explanatory diagrams of screen transitions or image switching, and are diagrams showing corresponding screens etc. in a schematic manner. 1A to 1C are explanatory diagrams of screen transitions or image switching, and are diagrams showing corresponding screens etc. in a schematic manner. 1A to 1C are explanatory diagrams of screen transitions or image switching, and are diagrams showing corresponding screens etc. in a schematic manner. 1A to 1C are explanatory diagrams of screen transitions or image switching, and are diagrams showing corresponding screens etc. in a schematic manner. 1A to 1C are explanatory diagrams of screen transitions or image switching, and are diagrams showing corresponding screens etc. in a schematic manner. 1A to 1C are explanatory diagrams of screen transitions or image switching, and are diagrams showing corresponding screens etc. in a schematic manner. FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram of a screen transition in a comparative example. FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram of a screen transition in another embodiment. FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of information on a category selection screen. 4 is a schematic flowchart showing a process for realizing a characteristic part of the screen transition with reference to FIG. 3. 4 is a schematic flowchart showing a process for realizing a characteristic part of the screen transition with reference to FIG. 3. 4 is a schematic flowchart showing a process for realizing a characteristic part of the screen transition with reference to FIG. 3.

Each embodiment will be described in detail below with reference to the attached drawings. Note that in the attached drawings, for ease of viewing, only some of the parts with the same attribute may be labeled with reference symbols.

An overview of a content distribution system 1 according to one embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 1. FIG. 1 is a block diagram of the content distribution system 1 according to this embodiment.

The content distribution system 1 includes a server device 10 and one or more terminal devices 20. For simplicity, three terminal devices 20 are illustrated in FIG. 1, but the number of terminal devices 20 is arbitrary.

The server device 10 is, for example, an information processing device such as a server managed by an operator that provides one or more of the content distribution services. The terminal device 20 is, for example, a device used by a user, such as a mobile phone, a smartphone, a tablet terminal, a PC (Personal Computer), a head-mounted display, or a game device. A plurality of terminal devices 20 can be connected to the server device 10 via the network 3, typically in a different manner for each user.

The terminal device 20 is capable of executing a content viewing application according to this embodiment. The content viewing application may be received by the terminal device 20 from the server device 10 or a predetermined application distribution server via the network 3, or may be stored in advance in a storage device provided in the terminal device 20 or a storage medium such as a memory card that can be read by the terminal device 20. The server device 10 and the terminal device 20 are connected to each other via the network 3 so as to be able to communicate with each other. For example, the server device 10 and the terminal device 20 cooperate to execute various processes related to content viewing.

The network 3 may include a wireless communication network, the Internet, a Virtual Private Network (VPN), a Wide Area Network (WAN), a wired network, or any combination of these.

In the following, the content distribution system 1 realizes an example of an information processing device, but each element of a specific terminal device 20 (see the terminal communication unit 21 to the terminal control unit 25 in FIG. 1) may realize an example of an information processing device, or multiple terminal devices 20 may cooperate to realize an example of an information processing device. Also, the server device 10 may independently realize an example of an information processing device, or the server device 10 and one or more terminal devices 20 may cooperate to realize an example of an information processing device.

The viewing manner of the distributed content may be varied, and in the case of a terminal device 20 such as a smartphone, viewing may be possible via the display unit 23. Furthermore, viewing of the distributed content may be realized by utilizing the display function of a head-mounted display. For example, if the content is a manga, the content may be provided by sequentially drawing one frame or one page of the manga content on a display device that may be placed in the virtual space, or in the space. The display device in the virtual space may be in any form, and may be a screen installed in the virtual space, a large-screen display installed in the virtual space, a display of a mobile terminal in the virtual space, etc.

In this way, it is envisioned that the distributed content will not only be viewed directly (without going through a head-mounted display) via a smartphone, tablet, etc., but also viewed via a head-mounted display.

(Configuration of the server device)
The configuration of the server device 10 will be specifically described. The server device 10 is composed of a server computer. The server device 10 may be realized by a plurality of server computers working together. For example, the server device 10 may be realized by a server computer that provides various contents, a server computer that realizes various authentication servers, and the like working together. The server device 10 may also include a Web server. In this case, some of the functions of the terminal device 20 described later may be realized by a browser processing an HTML document received from the Web server and various programs associated therewith (JavaScript (registered trademark)).

As shown in FIG. 1, the server device 10 includes a server communication unit 11, a server storage unit 12, and a server control unit 13.

The server communication unit 11 includes an interface (see I/O interface 612, network controller 702, etc. in FIG. 1A) that communicates with an external device wirelessly or via a wired connection to send and receive information. The server communication unit 11 may include, for example, a wireless LAN (Local Area Network) communication module or a wired LAN communication module. The server communication unit 11 is capable of sending and receiving information to and from the terminal device 20 via the network 3.

The server storage unit 12 is, for example, a storage device, and stores various information and programs required for various processes related to content viewing.

The server control unit 13 may include a dedicated microprocessor or a CPU (Central Processing Unit) that realizes a specific function by loading a specific program, a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), etc. (see CPU 601 in FIG. 1A). For example, the server control unit 13 cooperates with the terminal device 20 to execute a content viewing application in response to a user operation on the display unit 23 (touch panel) of the terminal device 20.

(Configuration of terminal device)
The following describes the configuration of the terminal device 20. As shown in Fig. 1, the terminal device 20 includes a terminal communication unit 21, a terminal storage unit 22, a display unit 23, an input unit 24, and a terminal control unit 25.
The terminal communication unit 21 includes an interface (see the I/O interface 612, the network controller 702, etc. in FIG. 1A) that communicates with an external device wirelessly or wiredly and transmits and receives information. The terminal communication unit 21 may include a wireless communication module, a wireless LAN communication module, or a wired LAN communication module that supports mobile communication standards such as LTE (Long Term Evolution) (registered trademark), LTE-A (LTE-Advanced), a fifth generation mobile communication system, and UMB (Ultra Mobile Broadband). The terminal communication unit 21 is capable of transmitting and receiving information to and from the server device 10 via the network 3.

The terminal storage unit 22 includes, for example, a primary storage device and a secondary storage device. For example, the terminal storage unit 22 may include a semiconductor memory, a magnetic memory, an optical memory, or the like. The terminal storage unit 22 stores various information and programs used in content viewing related processing received from the server device 10. The information and programs used in content viewing related processing may be acquired from an external device via the terminal communication unit 21. For example, a content viewing application program may be acquired from a specified application distribution server. Hereinafter, the application program may also be simply referred to as an application.

The display unit 23 includes a display device such as a liquid crystal display or an organic EL (Electro-Luminescence) display (see also display 609 in FIG. 1A). The display unit 23 is capable of displaying a variety of images. The display unit 23 is configured, for example, with a touch panel, and functions as an interface that detects a variety of user operations. Note that the display unit 23 may be in a form built into a head-mounted display, as described above.

The input unit 24 may include physical keys, or may further include any input interface including a pointing device such as a mouse. The input unit 24 may also be capable of accepting non-contact user input such as voice input, gesture input, and gaze input. For gesture input, a sensor for detecting various states of the user (such as an image sensor, an acceleration sensor, or a distance sensor), a dedicated motion capture device that integrates sensor technology and a camera, or a controller such as a joypad may be used. The camera for gaze detection may also be disposed in a head-mounted display. As described above, the various states of the user are, for example, the user's orientation, position, movement, or the like. In this case, the user's orientation, position, and movement are concepts that include not only the orientation, position, and movement of the user's hands and body, but also the gaze direction, position, movement, or the like of the broadcasting user.

The terminal control unit 25 includes one or more processors. The terminal control unit 25 controls the operation of the entire terminal device 20.

The terminal control unit 25 transmits and receives information via the terminal communication unit 21. For example, the terminal control unit 25 receives various information and programs used in content viewing-related processing from at least one of the server device 10 and other external servers. The terminal control unit 25 stores the received information and programs in the terminal storage unit 22. For example, the terminal storage unit 22 may store a browser (Internet browser) for connecting to a web server.

The terminal control unit 25 launches a content viewing application in response to a user operation. The terminal control unit 25 cooperates with the server device 10 to execute content viewing-related processes. For example, the terminal control unit 25 may output a GUI (Graphic User Interface) that detects a user operation on the screen of the display unit 23. The terminal control unit 25 can detect a user operation via the input unit 24. For example, the terminal control unit 25 can detect various operations (operations corresponding to a tap operation, a long tap operation, a flick operation, a swipe operation, etc.) by a user's gesture. The terminal control unit 25 may transmit operation information to the server device 10.

FIG. 1A is a block diagram of a processing circuit 600 that executes computer-based operations according to the present disclosure. The processing circuit 600 described below is suitable as a hardware configuration that realizes the server communication unit 11 to the server control unit 13 of the server device 10 shown in FIG. 1. The processing circuit 600 described below is also suitable as a hardware configuration that realizes the terminal communication unit 21, the terminal storage unit 22, and the terminal control unit 25 of the terminal device 20 shown in FIG. 1.

The processing circuit 600 can be used to control any computer-based and cloud-based control process, and the descriptions or blocks in the flowcharts can be understood as representing modules, segments, or portions of code that include one or more executable instructions for implementing a particular logical function or step in the process, and alternative implementations are within the scope of the exemplary embodiments of the present invention that can perform functions in a different order than that shown or discussed, such as substantially simultaneously or in reverse order, depending on the functionality involved, as will be understood by those skilled in the art. The functions of the elements disclosed herein can be implemented using circuits or processing circuits that may include general-purpose processors, special-purpose processors, integrated circuits, ASICs (Application Specific Integrated Circuits), conventional circuits, and/or combinations thereof, configured or programmed to perform the disclosed functions. A processor is a processing circuit or circuit, since it includes transistors and other circuits therein. A processor may be a programmed processor that executes a program stored in memory 602. In this disclosure, a processing circuit, unit, or means is hardware that performs or is programmed to perform the functions described. The hardware may be any hardware disclosed herein or otherwise known that is programmed or configured to perform the functions referred to.
1A, the processing circuit 600 is connected to a display controller 606, a storage controller 624, a network controller 702, a memory 602, an I/O interface 612, and the like, which are connected via a bus 628. In this case, the processing circuit 600 is connected to a display 609 via the display controller 606, and is connected to a keyboard and mouse 614, a touch screen 616, and a peripheral device 618 via the I/O interface 612. In addition, the processing circuit 600 accesses a network 3 via the network controller 702.

In FIG. 1A, the processing circuit 600 includes a CPU 601 that executes one or more of the control processes discussed in this disclosure. Process data and instructions may be stored in memory 602. These processes and instructions may also be stored on a storage medium disk 604 (labeled "disk" in FIG. 1A), such as a hard disk drive (HDD) or a portable storage medium, or may be stored remotely. Furthermore, the developmental features described in the claims are not limited by the form of the computer-readable medium on which the instructions of the disclosed processes are stored. For example, the instructions may be stored on a CD, DVD, FLASH memory, RAM, ROM, PROM, EPROM, EEPROM, hard disk or other non-transitory computer-readable medium of an information processing device with which the processing circuit 600 communicates, such as a server or computer. The processes may also be stored in network-based storage, cloud-based storage, or other mobile-accessible storage and executable by the processing circuit 600.

Furthermore, the advanced features recited in the claims may be provided as utility applications, background daemons, or operating system components, or combinations thereof, that execute in conjunction with the CPU 601 and an operating system, such as Microsoft Windows (registered trademark), UNIX (registered trademark), Solaris (registered trademark), LINUX (registered trademark), Apple (registered trademark), MAC-OS (registered trademark), Apple iOS (registered trademark), and other systems known to those skilled in the art.

The hardware elements for implementing the processing circuit 600 may be implemented by various circuit elements. Furthermore, each function of the above-described embodiments may be implemented by a circuit including one or more processing circuits. The processing circuit includes a specifically programmed processor, for example, as shown in Figure XX, processor (CPU) 601. The processing circuit also includes devices such as application specific integrated circuits (ASICs) and conventional circuit components arranged to perform the functions mentioned.

In FIG. 1A, the processing circuit 600 may be a computer or a specific special purpose machine. The processing circuit 600 is programmed to execute processes for controlling the device in which it is implemented (server device 10 or terminal device 20).

Alternatively or additionally, CPU 601 may be implemented on a Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA), an ASIC, a Programmable Logic Device (PLD), or using discrete logic circuitry, as will be appreciated by those skilled in the art. Furthermore, CPU 601 may be implemented as multiple processors operating in parallel and in coordination to execute instructions for various processes.

The processing circuit 600 of FIG. 1A also includes a network controller 702, such as an Ethernet PRO network interface card, for interfacing with the network 3. As can be appreciated, the network 3 can be a public network, such as the Internet, or a private network, such as a local area network (LAN) or a wide area network (WAN), or any combination thereof, and can also include a Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) or an Integrated Services Digital Network (ISDN) sub-network. The network 3 can also be wired, such as an Ethernet network, a Universal Serial Bus (USB) cable, or wireless, such as a cellular network, including EDGE, 3G, 4G, and 5G wireless cellular systems. Additionally, the wireless network can be Wi-Fi (registered trademark), wireless LAN, Bluetooth (registered trademark), or other forms of wireless communication known in the art. Additionally, the network controller 702 can be compliant with other direct communication standards, such as Bluetooth (registered trademark), near field communication (NFC), infrared, etc.

Next, the content distribution system 1 will be further described with reference to FIG. 2 onward. Below, a case will be described in which the content to be distributed is manga content.

Figure 2 is a timing chart showing an example of a cooperation mode between the server device 10 and the terminal device 20 in the content distribution system 1. Figure 3 is an explanatory diagram of screen transitions realized on the display unit 23 of the terminal device 20. In Figure 3, each screen is shown simply in consideration of overall visibility, and details of each screen are explained in Figure 4 and subsequent figures. Figures 4 to 11 are explanatory diagrams of screen transitions or image switching, and are diagrams that show corresponding screens, etc.

As shown in FIG. 2, first, in a state where the content viewing application is running, the terminal device 20 generates various user information for user registration in response to corresponding user input, and transmits the information to the server device 10 (step S11). The various user information may be a user name, password, payment information, etc. The server device 10 receives the various users, issues a user ID, and performs user registration (step S31). That is, the server device 10 associates the various user information with the user ID.

When the content viewing application is running, the terminal device 20 logs in to the content viewing application in response to a corresponding user input (e.g., input of a password, etc.) (step S12). When the user logs in, the server device 10 generates information for a category selection screen G1 and transmits the information for the category selection screen G1 to the terminal device 20 (step S32). The terminal device 20 receives the information for the category selection screen G1 and outputs the category selection screen G1 (step S13).

As shown in FIG. 4, for example, the category selection screen G1 is a screen that displays multiple contents in a specific category (in FIG. 4, the category has the category name "Popularity Rising!"). The category selection screen G1 includes a user interface that allows the selection of any one of the corresponding multiple contents. The multiple contents are associated with buttons G401 to G412 that include pictures (cover images) corresponding to the respective covers, and a single piece of content may be selected by the user touching or long pressing the corresponding button. Note that, hereinafter, the buttons corresponding to each piece of content on the category selection screen G1 are also referred to as content buttons.

The category selection screen G1 may be scrollable, and the user may be able to select multiple pieces of content in other categories by scrolling the screen. The number of pieces of content that can be displayed in one category may be a fixed number (e.g., 12 pieces), may vary for each category, or may be changeable by the user.

In response to a selection input for any one piece of content (e.g., a long press input for a corresponding content button) in the output state of the category selection screen G1 (step S14), the terminal device 20 transmits information related to the selected content (hereinafter also referred to as "selected content information") to the server device 10 (step S15). Note that the selected content information may be information that can identify the selected content itself, or may be information that can identify a category related to the selected content (hereinafter also referred to as "selected category").

When the server device 10 receives the selected content information (step S33), it identifies the selected category and transmits pop-up screen G2 information relating to the multiple pieces of content belonging to the selected category to the terminal device 20 (step S34). The pop-up screen G2 information includes information for displaying a pop-up screen G2, which will be described later, and specifically may include information for displaying a pop-up image G7 (an example of a second image) relating to each of the multiple pieces of content in the selected category.

When the terminal device 20 receives the pop-up screen G2 information from the server device 10, it displays the pop-up screen G2 (an example of an operation screen including a second image) based on the received pop-up screen G2 information (step S16).

In this way, when the user selects any one of the contents on the category selection screen G1 (by pressing and holding the corresponding content selection button), the category selection screen G1 can be transitioned to the pop-up screen G2 (see arrow R30A in Figure 3).

The pop-up screen G2 includes a pop-up image G7 related only to the selected content, as shown in FIG. 5, for example. In other words, the pop-up image G7 includes information only about the selected content, and includes a picture G70 (image) related to the selected content (an example of a first specific image).

In this embodiment, as an example, the pop-up screen G2 is in the form of an enlarged pop-up image G7 popping up in front of the content selection screen. At this time, the brightness of the image of the content selection screen, which is the image on the background side, may be reduced (reduced compared to the brightness of the content selection screen) so that it is not noticeable.

The pop-up screen G2 has a function of making it easier for the user to visually recognize the cover information of the corresponding selected content. In other words, the pop-up screen G2 has a function of visually providing the user with more cover information about the selected content than the information that can be obtained from the content buttons on the category selection screen G1. This function of the pop-up screen G2 is also referred to as the "cover information transmission function."

The above-mentioned category selection screen G1 has a function that allows the user to easily view multiple contents in each category as a list, whereas the pop-up screen G2, as described above, has a cover information transmission function for only one content (selected content). Due to such differences in function, the cover information in the pop-up screen G2 may contain significantly more information than the cover information (an example of a second specific image) that may be added to the content button in the above-mentioned category selection screen G1.

The picture G70 related to the selected content in the pop-up image G7 may be the same or approximately the same as the cover picture (cover image) of the corresponding book, in order to enhance the cover information transmission function. Alternatively, the picture G70 related to the selected content may be, for example, a special modification made by the author to the cover picture of the corresponding book. Note that "approximately the same" is a concept that allows for differences due to differences in image resolution and printing dot gain, and differences to the extent that a picture corresponding to the obi that may be attached to the book when it is sold. On the other hand, "approximately the same" means that information that cannot be attached to a book, such as information display related to the services of the content distribution system 1 such as "free for a limited time" (see information display G400 in FIG. 4) is not attached.

In this embodiment, the picture G70 of the selected content in the pop-up image G7 matches the picture of the cover of the book, while the picture of the corresponding content in the above-mentioned content button is the picture of the cover of the book with information related to the services of the content distribution system 1 (for example, see the information display G400 in Figure 4, such as "Free for a limited time").

In this embodiment, since the content is manga content, the image that serves as the base for the pop-up image G7 and the images related to the content buttons (base image) is the cover image of a book as described above, but the base image can differ depending on the type of content. For example, if the content is a video, the base image can be a thumbnail image, and if the content is book content, the base image can be the cover image of the book. Furthermore, if the content is a game, the base image can be a representative image such as the cover of the game package, or an image of the game screen.

In order to enhance the cover information transmission function, the picture G70 relating to the selected content in the pop-up image G7 is preferably output to an area of 30% or more of the entire pop-up screen G2, more preferably, to an area of 50% or more, and even more preferably, to substantially the entire screen (e.g., an area of 75% or more) as shown in FIG. 6. This allows the user to easily visually check the details of the picture (schematically shown in FIG. 6 by the hatched area labeled "detailed picture"), the touch, the style, etc., and thus makes it easy to determine whether the selected content matches his or her preferences (whether he or she would like to read a little).

The size of the pop-up image G7 may be slightly smaller, and the background screen (a list of pictures (e.g. thumbnails) related to buttons G401 to G412) may be operable. In this case, the pop-up image G7 may be configured to allow the selected content to be changed by tapping any of buttons G401 to G412. Then, in the pop-up image G7 related to the newly selected content, the selected content may be displayed in order (see FIG. 7). In this case, the user can display the pop-up image G7 related to the new desired content without closing and reopening the pop-up screen G2.

The pop-up image G7 may be composed of a picture (image) G70 relating to the selected content, but may include other information relating to the selected content in a manner that does not overlap with the image relating to the selected content (i.e., does not impede the visibility of the picture relating to the selected content). The other information may include other main information that is not included in the cover information. In this case, the other main information may include, for example, the publisher name, author name, genre, description, etc., as shown in FIG. 5. The description may include plot information of the corresponding selected content, information on related content (other content by the same author), etc. Also, as shown in FIG. 6, the other information may mainly include a work description G71. Also, the pop-up screen may include, as other information, evaluation information (e.g., a quantified evaluation) and information on whether the content is registered as a favorite. Also, the pop-up screen may include, as other information, information related to the services of the content distribution system 1 (e.g., see the guide display G400 in FIG. 4, such as "Free for a limited time").

In the output state of the pop-up screen G2, the terminal device 20 responds to a content change input (an example of a second predetermined input) from the user (step S17) and changes the selected content within the selected category (step S18). That is, the terminal device 20 changes the pop-up image G7 according to the selected content. The content change input is arbitrary, but may include two types of input for reversing the direction of change. In this embodiment, as an example, as shown diagrammatically in FIG. 3, the content change input includes various inputs based on a flick operation in the left-right direction of the screen, and in this case, the two different types of inputs, a flick input in the left direction and a flick input in the right direction, change the selected content in opposite directions.

The change mode of the selected contents in the selection category may be any mode, and may be a mode in which the selected contents change regularly one by one. For example, FIG. 7 shows an example of a change mode of 12 contents in one category, as shown by arrows. In this case, for each flick input to the right, the selected contents change from top to bottom in a Z-shape when viewed from the front, and for each flick input to the left, the selected contents change in the opposite direction. In either case, the change may be repeated in the same mode after one revolution. In this case, when a predetermined condition is met, multiple contents may be changed. For example, initially, 12 specific contents can be selected as the selected contents in order, but when a predetermined condition is met, some or all of the specific 12 contents may be replaced with other contents. In this case, the other contents may be contents in the same category as the specific 12 contents, or may be contents in a different category. In the former case, the category change can be realized only on the category selection screen G1, and the role of each screen is clear. On the other hand, in the latter case, the category change is realized while maintaining the pop-up screen G2, improving convenience. The predetermined condition may be satisfied when the same multiple contents are displayed in order as selected contents in the pop-up image G7 for N times (where N is an integer equal to or greater than 1). Alternatively, the predetermined condition may be satisfied when an operation input is made to a specific button that may appear on the pop-up screen G2. In this case, the specific button may appear when the above-mentioned predetermined condition or a similar condition is satisfied.

In this way, in this embodiment, in the output state of the pop-up screen G2, the selected content can be changed within the selected category in response to a specified input from the user. The change in the selected content within the selected category (switching of the pop-up image G7) is then performed in a manner in which the pop-up images G7 relating to each of the multiple contents appear in a specified order. This allows the user to change the selected content while maintaining the output state of the pop-up screen G2.

In the following, when making a distinction, the selected content selected by the user by pressing and holding the content button on the category selection screen G1 is also referred to as the "initial selected content." In the output state of the pop-up screen G2, the user can change the initial selected content to another content (e.g., another content in the selected category) in response to a change input (described below).

In response to a viewer startup input (an example of a first predetermined input) from the user (step S19), the terminal device 20 transmits to the server device 10 a request for screen transition (an example of a first screen transition) to a viewing screen (hereinafter referred to as "viewer screen G3") on which the currently selected content can be viewed (step S20). The viewer screen G3 is a screen for viewing the content, and may include a screen for vertical and/or horizontal reading. The viewer screen G3 will be described later with reference to Figures 9 and 10.

The viewer launch input is different from the content change input described above, because it is an input that is possible while the pop-up screen G2 is being output, like the content change input described above. In this embodiment, as an example, the viewer launch input is a flick input in the upward direction of the screen, and a flick input in the downward direction of the screen realizes a transition (return) to the category selection screen G1 (see arrow R30B in FIG. 3). However, in other embodiments, the viewer launch input may be a flick input in the downward direction of the screen. In this case, the user can realize various desired screen transitions or image changes (changes in selected content) by selectively using up-down flick inputs and left-right flick inputs.

When the server device 10 receives a transition request to the viewer screen G3 from the terminal device 20 (step S35), the server device 10 transmits screen information of the viewer screen G3 related to the currently selected content to the terminal device 20 (step S36). At this time, the server device 10 may determine whether or not the user has the right to view the current content.

When the terminal device 20 receives image information for the viewer screen G3, it outputs the viewer screen G3 based on the received image information (step S21).

Now, referring to Figures 8 to 11 along with Figure 3, we will explain the viewer screen G3 as well as the screen transitions from the viewer screen G3.

When the terminal device 20 outputs the viewer screen G3 as described above, the user can view the currently selected content via the viewer screen G3. If the currently selected content is content that the user is viewing for the first time, a screen displaying the viewing conditions, etc. may be output (see arrows R31 and R32 in FIG. 3). FIG. 8 shows an example of a viewing conditions guidance screen G80 that displays (guides) the viewing conditions. The viewing conditions are arbitrary, and may be, for example, conditions based on charges, etc.

For a user who satisfies the viewing conditions, the terminal device 20 may output a viewer screen G3 so that the user can start viewing from the page continued from the previous time based on the read position information of the content for the corresponding user. For example, if the currently selected content is a content that the user is viewing for the first time, the terminal device 20 may output a viewer screen G3 from the first page of the first episode based on the corresponding read position information (in this case, read position information indicating the first viewing). FIG. 9 shows an example of a viewer screen G3 for the first episode. On the other hand, if the currently selected content has already been viewed by the user at least one episode, the terminal device 20 may output a viewer screen G3 from the page continued from the previous time based on the corresponding read position information (in this case, read position information indicating the most recent viewing). FIG. 10 shows an example of a viewer screen G3 for the second episode and onwards. Note that when reading continuously, it is possible to proceed from the first episode to the second episode and onwards (see arrow R33 in FIG. 3).

The viewer screen G3 for the first episode and the viewer screen G3 for the second episode and onwards have the same appearance, and only the frames of the manga displayed are different. However, although the viewer screen G3 for the first episode and the viewer screen G3 for the second episode and onwards both have close buttons BT71, BT72, the responses when the close buttons BT71, BT72 are operated may be different.

Specifically, the terminal device 20 realizes a screen transition to a pop-up screen G2 (an example of a second screen transition) in response to an end input (an input generated by operating the close button BT71) in the output state of the viewer screen G3 of the first episode (see arrow R37 in FIG. 3). At this time, the destination pop-up screen G2 may be the original pop-up screen G2, and may include a pop-up image G7 related to the currently selected content. On the other hand, the terminal device 20 realizes a screen transition to a details screen G4 (an example of a third screen transition) in response to an end input (an input generated by operating the close button BT72) in the output state of the viewer screen G3 of the second or subsequent episodes (see arrow R34 in FIG. 3). The details screen G4 may be a screen showing the viewing state of the currently selected content, as shown diagrammatically in FIG. 11. Note that the user may be able to perform a screen transition from such a details screen G4 to a viewer screen G3 to be viewed from a desired position (for example, any Nth episode) in the currently selected content by performing an appropriate operation.

In addition, the terminal device 20 may realize a direct transition from the category selection screen G1 to the details screen G4 in response to a selection confirmation input for a piece of content on the category selection screen G1 (see arrow R36 in FIG. 3). Such a transition is highly convenient for a user who has already confirmed that he or she will read the content. In this case, the selection confirmation input is different from the selection input for transitioning to the pop-up screen G2 described above. For example, if the selection input is a long press input on a corresponding content button, the selection confirmation input may be a tap input on the corresponding content button.

Here, the effects of the above-described embodiment over the comparative example and the modified example will be described with reference to FIG. 12 showing a comparative example and FIG. 13 showing a modified example.

Figure 12 is an explanatory diagram of screen transitions in the comparative example (screen transitions realized on the display unit 23 of the terminal device 20).

In the above-described embodiment, it is possible to transition from the viewer screen G3 to the pop-up screen G2, but as in the comparative example shown in FIG. 12, it may be possible to make it impossible to transition from the viewer screen G3 to the pop-up screen G2. In particular, in the comparative example, the pop-up screen G2 does not exist, and when a user selects a piece of content on the category selection screen G1, the specification is such that a transition is made to the viewer screen G3 related to the selected content via a viewing condition guide screen related to the selected content. Note that in the comparative example, when a user selects a piece of content on the category selection screen G1, the specification may be such that a transition is made to the viewer screen G3 related to the selected content (initial selected content).

In this comparative example, since the pop-up screen G2 is not used, the user can only see detailed pictures of the content (pictures on a relatively large screen) on the viewer screen G3. In such a case, the user is essentially required to select the content as well as the category on the category selection screen G1, which reduces convenience. In particular, in the case of manga content, image preferences are one of the important entry points for the user to decide whether or not to view the manga content. Therefore, in particular in the case of manga content, it is difficult for the user to determine whether the manga content is one that they like from the relatively small content button images on the category selection screen G1. As a result, the user may be forced to go back and forth between the category selection screen G1 and the viewer screen G3 multiple times until they find the desired content.

In contrast, according to this embodiment, as described above, for content that the user is interested in but has not yet decided whether to view, the user can transition from the category selection screen G1 to the viewer screen G3 via the pop-up screen G2. This allows the user to see a relatively large picture on the pop-up screen G2 and determine whether the content matches his or her preferences, thereby reducing the number of times the user transitions to the viewer screen G3 for content that the user loses interest in just by looking at the picture. As a result, according to this embodiment, it is possible to prevent the inconvenience that occurs in the comparative example, and also reduce the processing load by reducing the number of screen transitions.

Figure 13 is an explanatory diagram of screen transitions in a modified example (screen transitions realized on the display unit 23 of the terminal device 20).

In the above-described embodiment, it is possible to transition from the viewer screen G3 to the pop-up screen G2, but as in the modified example shown in FIG. 13, it may be possible to disable the transition from the viewer screen G3 to the pop-up screen G2. In this case, as shown by the arrow R12' in FIG. 13, it may be possible to transition from the viewer screen G3 to the category selection screen G1.

When the currently selected content is a content that the user is viewing for the first time, there is a possibility that it is a so-called "trial read." In the case of a trial read, the user may find that what he or she reads is not to their liking, and may want to give up reading further and look for other content. In this case, the user must perform a user operation each time, such as returning from the viewer screen G3 to the category selection screen G1, selecting the desired new content again, and transitioning to the viewer screen G3 via the pop-up screen G2, as in the modified example shown in FIG. 13. Such user operations increase the number of operations and can become cumbersome.

In contrast, according to this embodiment, the complication caused by such a modification can be reduced. That is, according to this embodiment, when the user wants to search for other content different from the content on the viewer screen G3, the user can return to the pop-up screen G2 and select the desired new content within the same category by flicking left or right on the pop-up screen G2 while looking at the pop-up image G7. This allows the user to efficiently find the desired content without feeling any complication.

Next, we will further explain some features of the above-mentioned embodiment.

Figure 14 is a diagram showing an example of information on the category selection screen G1. The information on the category selection screen G1 as shown in Figure 14 may be generated and managed by the server device 10.

The information on the category selection screen G1 may change dynamically in response to changes (additions, etc.) in content or changes (additions, etc.) in categories, and may differ for each user. For example, one or more of the multiple categories may include a specific category that may differ for each user. In this case, the specific category may relate to favorite content selected by the user or content recommended to the user. The favorite content may be content for which the user has activated a favorite mark (not shown) that may be associated with the pop-up screen G2 or the like. The number of favorite contents may be set to an upper limit or may be unlimited. In this case, for example, if the number of multiple contents in one category is 12, multiple favorite categories may be prepared when there are more than 12 favorite contents. Alternatively, in this case, the upper limit may be set to 12. In addition, the recommended content for the user may be automatically selected from content (works) of a similar genre based on the browsing history of the user, or may be automatically selected when a continuation story (i.e., a sequel, etc.) of a previously viewed content appears, or from different content by the same author. As mentioned above, the number of multiple contents in one category may be variable for each user, or may differ for each category.

FIGS. 15 to 17 are schematic flow charts showing the processing for realizing some of the characteristic screen transitions described above with reference to FIG. 3. The processing shown in FIG. 15 to 17 is executed, for example, by the terminal device 20, but some of the processing may be executed in cooperation with the server device 10.

In step S1500, the terminal device 20 determines whether or not a selection confirmation input (e.g., a tap input) for one piece of content has been made in the output state of the category selection screen G1. The category selection screen G1 is as described above. If the determination result is "YES", the process proceeds to step S1501, and otherwise the process proceeds to step S1502.

In step S1501, the terminal device 20 transitions the category selection screen G1 to a details screen G4 related to the content for which the selection confirmation input is made. The details screen G4 is as described above. When the details screen G4 is output, the terminal device 20 may execute various processes (not shown) in response to the input from the user on the details screen G4.

In step S1502, the terminal device 20 determines whether or not a category change input (e.g., a change input to the next category by a scroll operation) has been made in the output state of the category selection screen G1. If the determination result is "YES", the process proceeds to step S1503, and otherwise the process proceeds to step S1504.

In step S1503, the terminal device 20 updates the category selection screen G1 by outputting a category selection screen G1 that includes multiple content buttons in a new, different category.

In step S1504, the terminal device 20 determines whether or not a selection input has been made for a piece of content on the category selection screen G1. If the determination result is "YES", the process proceeds to step S1505; otherwise, the process for the current cycle ends and the process routine of FIG. 15 is started again in the next processing cycle.

In step S1505, the terminal device 20 transitions the category selection screen G1 to a pop-up screen G2 and proceeds to the processing routine of FIG. 16. At this time, the terminal device 20 outputs the pop-up screen G2 including the pop-up image G7 related to the initially selected content. The pop-up screen G2 is as described above.

In the processing routine shown in FIG. 16, in step S1600, the terminal device 20 determines whether or not a content change input has been made in the output state of the pop-up screen G2. The content change input is as described above. If the determination result is "YES", the process proceeds to step S1602, and otherwise the process proceeds to step S1604.

In step S1602, the terminal device 20 changes the selected content within the currently selected category while maintaining the output state of the pop-up screen G2. Then, in the next processing cycle, the processing routine of FIG. 16 is started again.

In step S1604, the terminal device 20 determines whether or not a viewer startup input has been made in the output state of the pop-up screen G2. The viewer startup input is as described above. If the determination result is "YES", the process proceeds to step S1606; otherwise, the process proceeds to step S1608.

In step S1606, the terminal device 20 transmits a transition request from the pop-up screen G2 to the viewer screen G3 to the server device 10, and proceeds to the processing routine shown in FIG. 17. Note that the viewer screen G3 is as described above.

In step S1608, the terminal device 20 determines whether or not a back input has been made in the output state of the pop-up screen G2. The back input may be, for example, an input based on a flick operation in the downward direction of the screen. If the determination result is "YES", the process proceeds to step S1609; otherwise, the process for the current cycle ends and the process routine of FIG. 16 is started again in the next processing cycle.

In step S1609, the terminal device 20 transitions from the pop-up screen G2 to the category selection screen G1, and proceeds to the processing routine shown in FIG. 15.

In the processing routine shown in FIG. 17, in step S1700, the terminal device 20 executes various viewing screen processes via the viewer screen G3. The various viewing screen processes may include, for example, processes performed when a transition request to the viewer screen G3 is rejected by the server device 10. In this case, an error screen or the like may be output to the terminal device 20. Below, a case will be described in which information on the viewer screen G3 is received from the server device 10 in response to a transition request to the viewer screen G3. In this case, the various viewing screen processes may include updating pages (turning or scrolling) in response to an input from the user to continue reading the manga content.

In step S1702, the terminal device 20 determines whether or not an end input has been made using the close buttons BT71, BT72 (see Figures 9 and 10) while the viewer screen G3 is in an output state. If the determination result is "YES", the process proceeds to step S1704; otherwise, the process for the current cycle ends and the process routine of Figure 17 is started again in the next processing cycle.

In step S1704, the terminal device 20 determines whether the current viewer screen G3 is the viewer screen G3 of the second or subsequent episode. In a modified example, the terminal device 20 may determine whether or not a predetermined number of pages or more of the first episode have been read. If it is the second or subsequent episode, it can be determined that there is a high possibility that the user will continue to read the content. Therefore, if the determination result is "YES", the process proceeds to step S1706. On the other hand, if it is not the second or subsequent episode, it can be determined that there is a high possibility that the user does not like the content and wants to look for other content. Therefore, if the determination result is "NO", the process proceeds to step S1708.

In step S1706, the terminal device 20 transitions the viewer screen G3 to a details screen G4 related to the content being viewed. The details screen G4 is as described above. When the details screen G4 is output, the terminal device 20 may execute various processes (not shown) on the details screen G4 in response to input from the user.

In step S1708, the terminal device 20 transitions the viewer screen G3 to the original pop-up screen G2 (the pop-up screen G2 including the pop-up image G7 related to the content being viewed) and proceeds to the processing routine of FIG. 16.

In this way, the process shown in FIG. 17 makes it possible to change the screen to which the user transitions in response to an end input via the close button depending on the degree to which the user has progressed in reading the content. This type of process is particularly suitable for manga content that can be broken down into predetermined chunks, including volumes or chapters. This is because it can be determined with high confidence that if the user has viewed more than one predetermined chunk (e.g., the first chapter), there is a high probability that the user will continue reading the content.

Although each embodiment has been described in detail above, it is not limited to a specific embodiment, and various modifications and changes are possible within the scope of the claims. It is also possible to combine all or some of the components of the above-mentioned embodiments.

For example, in the above-described embodiment, the specification has a category selection screen G1, and the pop-up screen G2 can be transitioned from the category selection screen G1, but this is not limited to this. For example, instead of the category selection screen G1, a screen on which multiple content buttons are arranged in a manner that is not classified by category may be used.

Furthermore, as described above, the above-mentioned embodiment can also be applied to content that can be provided through a virtual space. In this case, various screens such as the viewer screen G3 may be realized in the entire field of view through a head-mounted display, or may be realized through the screen of a display device in the above-mentioned virtual space. Furthermore, various inputs (e.g., flick input, etc.) may be realized by gesture input, etc.

1 Content distribution system 3 Network 10 Server device (first output processing unit, second output processing unit, third output processing unit, fourth output processing unit)
11 Server communication unit 12 Server storage unit 13 Server control unit 20 Terminal device (first output processing unit, second output processing unit, third output processing unit, fourth output processing unit)
21 Terminal communication unit 22 Terminal storage unit 23 Display unit 24 Input unit 25 Terminal control unit

Claims (17)

a first output processing unit that outputs a first image including a user interface that allows an arbitrary one of the plurality of contents to be selected;
a second output processing unit that outputs a second image including a first specific image related to a selected piece of content in response to a selection input by a user in an output state of the first image;
a third output processing unit that, in response to a first predetermined input by a user in an output state of the second image, executes a first screen transition to a viewing screen on which the one content related to the first specific image of the second image can be viewed, and, in response to a second predetermined input by a user in an output state of the second image, executes image switching to the second image including the first specific image related to another content different from the one content among the plurality of contents ;
and a fourth output processing unit that, in response to a first end input being made by a user while viewing via the viewing screen, executes a second screen transition from the viewing screen to an operation screen including the second image, and, in response to a second end input being made by the user while viewing via the viewing screen, executes a third screen transition from the viewing screen to a details screen including detailed information related to the content being viewed . The information processing device according to claim 1, wherein the second image includes an image in which the first specific image is superimposed on the first image. The first specific image is output over substantially the entire screen,
The information processing device according to claim 1 , wherein the first predetermined input includes an input based on a flick operation in an upward or downward direction on the screen, and the second predetermined input includes an input based on a flick operation in a left-right direction on the screen. The information processing device according to claim 1, wherein the image switching is performed in such a manner that the first specific images relating to each of the plurality of contents appear in a predetermined order. The information processing device according to claim 4 , wherein the image switching is executed only among the first specific images related to each of the plurality of contents while the second predetermined input is successive. The information processing device according to claim 5 , wherein the third output processing section changes the plurality of contents when a predetermined condition is satisfied after the image switching is performed. the first image includes a second specific image related to each of the plurality of contents;
The information processing apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the first specific image relating to one content is larger in size than the second specific image relating to the same content. the first specific image related to one content and the second specific image related to the same content are generated based on a same base image;
The information processing apparatus according to claim 7 , wherein the second specific image includes a predetermined information display superimposed on the base image. The base image includes at least one of a thumbnail image, a book cover image, and a manga cover image,
The information processing apparatus according to claim 8 , wherein the first specific image is made up of the base image. The information processing device according to claim 9 , wherein the second image includes other information related to the corresponding content in an area not overlapping with the first specific image. The information processing device according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of contents are selectable by category. The information processing apparatus according to claim 11 , wherein the categories include a specific category that may differ for each user. The information processing apparatus according to claim 12 , wherein the specific category relates to favorite contents selected by a user or contents recommended to the user. The plurality of contents includes manga content,
The information processing device according to claim 1 , wherein the viewing screen is a viewer screen on which the comic content can be read vertically or horizontally. The plurality of contents include manga contents that can be broken down into predetermined chunks including volumes or stories,
The information processing device according to claim 1 , wherein the fourth output processing unit executes the third screen transition in response to the second end input when the manga content being viewed has been viewed beyond one of the predetermined chunks. a first output process for outputting a first image including a user interface allowing selection of any one of the plurality of contents;
a second output process for outputting a second image including a first specific image related to the selected content in response to a selection input by a user in the output state of the first image;
a third output process for executing a first screen transition to a viewing screen on which the one content related to the first specific image of the second image can be viewed in response to a first predetermined input by a user in an output state of the second image, and executing image switching to the second image including the first specific image related to another content different from the one content among the plurality of contents in response to a second predetermined input by a user in an output state of the second image;
a fourth output process that, in response to a first end input by a user while viewing via the viewing screen, executes a second screen transition from the viewing screen to an operation screen including the second image, and, in response to a second end input by a user while viewing via the viewing screen, executes a third screen transition from the viewing screen to a details screen including detailed information related to the content being viewed. a first output processing step of outputting a first image including a user interface allowing selection of any one of the plurality of contents;
a second output processing step of outputting a second image including a first specific image related to the selected content in response to a selection input by a user in the output state of the first image;
a third output processing step of executing a first screen transition to a viewing screen on which the one content related to the first specific image of the second image can be viewed in response to a first predetermined input by a user in the output state of the second image, and executing image switching to the second image including the first specific image related to another content different from the one content among the plurality of contents in response to a second predetermined input by a user in the output state of the second image;
an information processing method executed by a computer, comprising: a fourth output processing step of, in response to a first end input by a user while viewing via the viewing screen, executing a second screen transition from the viewing screen to an operation screen including the second image, and, in response to a second end input by the user while viewing via the viewing screen, executing a third screen transition from the viewing screen to a details screen including detailed information related to the content being viewed .