Description
Title of Invention: INFORMATION PROCESSING DEVICE, IN¬
FORMATION PROCESSING METHOD AND PROGRAM
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATEDAPPLICATIONS
[0001] The present application claims priority from Japanese Patent Application No.
201 1173930 filed in the Japan Patent Office on August 9, 201 1, the entire contents of
which is hereby incorporated by reference.
Technical Field
[0002] The present disclosure relates to an information processing device, an information
processing method and a program.
Background Art
[0003] Various types of content exist on a communication network such as the Internet.
When utilizing content on the communication network, a user actively searches for the
content by using a web browser and the like.
Citation List
Patent Literature
[0004] PTL 1: JP2000-222090A
Summary
Technical Problem
[0005] However, in order to conduct a search effectively, a user is required to have search
skills such as choosing a good keyword and knowledge of each web site. For this
reason, it is troublesome for a user to search for content on the communication
network.
[0006] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2000-222090 discloses a technique
concerned with a graphical user interface, i.e. the so-called GUI. According to the
technique, an icon moves within a display area, and when a user selects an icon,
processing depending on the selected icon is executed. However, this technique merely
moves the icon within the display area, which does not save the user trouble at all.
Therefore, a technique with which a user can easily search for content on a commu
nication network has been desired.
Solution to Problem
[0007] According to the present disclosure, an information processing device is provided.
The information processing device has: a content acquisition unit configured to acquire
content through a communication network; and a control unit configured to perform
control of moving a content display image regarding the content within a display area
on which display of the content display image is allowed.
[0008] According to the present disclosure, an information processing method is provided.
The information processing method includes: acquiring content through a commu
nication network; and performing control of moving a content display image regarding
the content within a display area on which display of the content display image is
allowed.
[0009] According to the present disclosure, a program is provided. The program causes a
computer to perform: a content acquisition function that acquires content through a
communication network; and a control function that performs control of moving a
content display image regarding the content within a display area on which display of
the content display image is allowed.
[0010] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to move a content display image
regarding content within a display area.
[001 1] In accordance with one embodiment, an information processing device may include a
control unit to control movement of an image related to content within a predetermined
area of a display, and a display format of the image based on at least one of a category
of the content to which the image is related or meta-information corresponding to the
content to which the image is related.
[0012] In accordance with another embodiment, an information processing method may
include controlling, by a processor, movement of an image related to content within a
predetermined area of a display, and a display format of the image based on at least
one of a category of the content to which the image is related or meta-information cor
responding to the content to which the image is related.
[0013] In accordance with another embodiment, a non-transitory storage medium may be
recorded with a program executable by a computer, where the program includes con
trolling movement of an image related to content within a predetermined area of a
display, and a display format of the image based on at least one of a category of the
content to which the image is related or meta-information corresponding to the content
to which the image is related.
Advantageous Effects of Invention
[0014] According to the present disclosure, as described above, it is possible to move the
content display image within the display area. As a result, a user can conduct a search
of content by searching content display images for a desired content display image.
Therefore, the user can easily search for content on a network.
Brief Description of Drawings
[0015] [fig.l]Fig. 1 is an illustration diagram of an information processing system according
to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[fig.2]Fig. 2 is a block diagram of a communication device according to the em
bodiment.
[fig.3]Fig. 3 is a block diagram of a presentation control device according to the em
bodiment.
[fig.4]Fig. 4 is a sequence diagram of an example of processing by the information
processing system.
[fig.5]Fig. 5 is a flowchart of an example of processing by the information processing
system.
[fig.6]Fig. 6 is an illustration diagram of an example of an image displayed by the
communication device.
[fig.7]Fig. 7 is an illustration diagram of an example of an image displayed by the
communication device.
[fig.8]Fig. 8 is an illustration diagram of an example of an image displayed by the
communication device.
[fig.9]Fig. 9 is an illustration diagram of an example of an image displayed by the
communication device.
[fig. 10] Fig. 10 is an illustration diagram of an example of an image displayed by the
communication device.
[fig. 1l]Fig. 11 is an illustration diagram of an example of an image displayed by the
communication device.
[fig. 12] Fig. 12 is an illustration diagram of an example of an image displayed by the
communication device.
[fig.l3]Fig. 13 is an illustration diagram of an example of an image displayed by the
communication device.
[fig. 14] Fig. 14 is an illustration diagram of an example of an image displayed by the
communication device.
Description of Embodiments
[0016] A preferred embodiment of the present disclosure will be described in detail below
with reference to the attached drawings. It should be noted that in the specification and
the drawings, the same reference numeral is given to a component having substantially
the same function/configuration, and an overlapping description will be omitted.
[0017] The description will be given in the following order.
1. General Configuration
2. Configuration of Communication Device
3. Configuration of Presentation Control Device
4. Example of Processing by Information Processing System
[0018] <1. General Configuration>
First, a general configuration of an information processing system 10 according to an
embodiment of the present disclosure will be described based on Fig. 1. The in
formation processing system 10 has a communication device 20, a presentation control
device 30, a communication network 40 and a server 50.
[0019] The communication device 20 is a mobile device that a user can carry and performs a
wireless communication with the presentation control device 30. Hereinafter, a "user"
means a user of the communication device 20 unless otherwise specified.
[0020] Moreover, the communication device 20 can connect to the communication network
40 through a repeater (for example, a wireless LAN router, a base station) not shown.
The presentation control device 30 and the server 50 are connected to the commu
nication network 40. Therefore, the communication device 20 can also communicate
with them through the communication network 40.
[0021] Furthermore, the communication device 20 can obtain various types of content from
the server 50. In other words, the server 50 provides content to the communication
device 20 through a variety of web services.
[0022] The content provided by the server 50 is arbitrary. The content provided by the
server 50 is exemplified by image content, blog (including short blog and micro blog),
game, application, news, calendar (current date), schedule (schedule of user), message
from another user and the like. Besides the above-mentioned ones, the content
provided by the server 50 includes weather information, traffic information, coupon,
audio content (music, radio program etc.) and the like. Here, the image content is ex
emplified by television program, movie, animation, web page, picture, album
(collection of plural pictures), a scene from video, illustration, recipe, electronic book,
advertisement and the like. The web page is exemplified by a front page of web
service.
[0023] It should be noted that content in the present embodiment is provided with metainformation
of the content. The meta-information of content includes anything related
to the content. In a case where content is video content, for example, the metainformation
includes information indicating characters, director, scenario, author and
the like. In a case where content is audio content, the meta-information includes in
formation indicating artist, music title and the like.
[0024] According to the present embodiment, the meta-information includes preference of a
user for the content and rating of the content. The preference of a user for the content is
a value indicating the number of times the user has used (e.g. watched) the content. As
the number of times the user has used the content is increased, the value of the
preference becomes larger. The rating of the content is a value indicating evaluation of
the content by each user. As the evaluation of the content becomes higher, the value of
the rating becomes larger. Moreover, a time limit for display of the content, namely a
display time limit is set as the meta-information for some content such as coupon.
When the display time limit has passed since the content is displayed, the content is
deleted from a display panel. The display time limit with respect to coupon is usually
set to a very short time (one second, for example). The reason is to increase rarity
value of the coupon.
[0025] The communication device 20 displays a content display image regarding the
obtained content on a display area (display panel) 21a. The content display image can
be any image related to the content. For example, the content display image may be
content itself or may be an image showing overview of the content. In a case where the
content is audio content, the content itself cannot be displayed, and thus the content
display image is an image showing overview of the audio content, for example an
image with a music title and an artist name.
[0026] It should be noted that the communication device 20 can be any device as long as it
can connect to the communication network 40 and display the content display image
regarding the content. For example, the communication device 20 may be a desktop
computer, a laptop computer, a game machine or the like.
[0027] The presentation control device 30 presents various types of content. That is, the pre
sentation control device 30 displays image content and the like on a display area
(display panel) 33a and outputs audio content from a speaker not shown. In addition,
the presentation control device 30 performs a wireless communication with the com
munication device 20. Moreover, the presentation control device 30 is connected to the
communication network 40 and can communicate with the communication device 20
and the server 50 through the communication network 40.
[0028] The communication network 40 serves as a communication path with respect to the
communication device 20, the presentation control device 30 and the server 50. The
communication network 40 may be the Internet or may be a local network in a house
and a company.
[0029] It should be noted that while the information processing system 10 is provided with
one communication device, one presentation control device and one server in Fig. 1,
the number of each component is not limited to that.
[0030] <2. Configuration of Communication Device>
Next, a configuration of the communication device 20 will be described based on
Figs. 1 and 2. As shown in Fig. 2, the communication device 20 has a presentation unit
21, an input operation unit 22, a content acquisition unit 23, a storage unit 24 and a
control unit 25. That is, the communication device 20 has hardware structures
including a CPU, a ROM, a RAM, a touch panel, a display, a communication antenna
and the like, and the above-mentioned components are realized by the hardware
structures.
[0031] The presentation unit 2 1 is a so-called display and has the display area 21a. The pre
sentation unit 2 1 displays various types of image content and the like on the display
area 21a and outputs various types of audio content from a speaker not shown. For
example, the presentation unit 2 1 displays a content display image on the display area
21a and moves the content display image within the display area 21a. The details will
be described later. The input operation unit 22 is a so-called touch panel and outputs
operation information depending on an input operation by a user to the control unit 25.
[0032] The content acquisition unit 23 obtains various types of content through the commu
nication network 40. That is, the content acquisition unit 23 can connect to the commu
nication network 40 through a repeater. The content acquisition unit 23 connects to the
server 50 through the communication network 40 to obtain various types of content.
Moreover, the content acquisition unit 23 performs a wireless communication with the
presentation control device 30.
[0033] The storage unit 24 stores various types of information such as image information,
audio information and a program required for the communication device 20 to execute
various types of processing. The control unit 25 controls each component of the com
munication device 20. In particular, the control unit 25 performs: control of displaying
the content display image on the display area 21a; and control of automatically moving
the content display image within the display area 21a (i.e. control of changing a display
position of the content display image in the display area 21a). The details will be
described later. The program causes the communication device 20 to achieve the
above-mentioned functional blocks, especially the content acquisition unit 23 and the
control unit 25.
[0034] <3. Configuration of Presentation Control Device>
Next, a configuration of the presentation control device 30 will be described based on
Figs. 1 and 3. The presentation control device 30 has an image receiving unit 31, a pre
sentation unit 33, a storage unit 34, a communication unit 35 and a control unit 36.
That is, the presentation control device 30 has hardware structures including a CPU, a
ROM, a RAM, a hard disk drive, a display, a communication antenna and the like, and
the above-mentioned components are realized by the hardware structures.
[0035] The image receiving unit 3 1 receives broadcasting including various types of image
content and audio content and extracts desired content from the received broadcasting.
It should be noted that content included in the broadcasting is provided with the metainformation
of the content. The image receiving unit 31 outputs the extracted content
to the control unit 36.
[0036] The presentation unit 33 is a so-called display and has the display area (display
panel) 33a. The presentation unit 33 presents reference content. That is, the pre
sentation unit 33 displays image content included in the reference content on the
display area 33a and outputs audio content included in the reference content from a
speaker not shown.
[0037] The storage unit 34 stores various types of information such as various types of
image information, audio information and a program required for processing
performed by the presentation control device 30.
[0038] The communication unit 35 not only performs a wireless communication with the
communication device 20 but also performs a communication with the communication
device 20 and the server 50 through the communication network 40.
[0039] The control unit 36 controls each component of the presentation control device 30.
Moreover, the control unit 36 performs various types of preprocessing (for example,
image processing such as gamma processing) with respect to the reference content
supplied from the image receiving unit 31. The control unit 36 causes the presentation
unit 33 to present the reference content to which the preprocessing has been performed.
In addition, the control unit 36 stores the meta-information included in the reference
content in the storage unit 34.
[0040] <4. Example of Processing by Information Processing System>
Next, an example of processing by the information processing system 10 will be
described based on a sequence diagram shown in Fig. 4 and a flowchart shown in Fig.
5.
[0041] First, a user of the communication device 20 uses the communication device 20 to
cause the presentation control device 30 to present desired reference content. More
specifically, the user inputs operation information of designating the reference content
(for example, operation information designating a channel name) to the input operation
unit 22. The input operation unit 22 outputs the input operation information to the
control unit 25. The control unit 25 outputs the operation information to the content ac
quisition unit 23. The content acquisition unit 23 transmits the operation information to
the presentation control device 30. The communication unit 35 of the presentation
control device 30 receives the operation information and outputs the operation in
formation to the control unit 36. The control unit 36 causes the image receiving unit 3 1
to obtain the reference content designated by the operation information. The image
receiving unit 3 1 outputs the received reference content to the control unit 36. The
control unit 36 performs the preprocessing with respect to the reference content and
then causes the presentation unit 33 to present the reference content. Meanwhile, the
control unit 36 causes the storage unit 34 to store meta-information included in the
reference content.
[0042] Next, in Step S10, the control unit 25 of the communication device 20 generates
meta-information request that requests for the meta-information of the reference
content and outputs the meta-information request to the content acquisition unit 23.
The content acquisition unit 23 transmits the meta-information request to the pre
sentation control device 30.
[0043] In Step S20, the communication unit 35 of the presentation control device 30
receives the meta-information request and outputs the meta-information request to the
control unit 36. The control unit 36 obtains the meta-information from the storage unit
34 and outputs the meta-information to the communication unit 35. The commu
nication unit 35 transmits the meta-information to the communication device 20. The
content acquisition unit 23 of the communication device 20 receives the metainformation
and outputs the meta-information to the control unit 25. The control unit
25 causes the storage unit 24 to store the meta-information.
[0044] Next, in Step S30, the control unit 25 sets some search criteria to be used when the
server 50 searches for content.
[0045] More specifically, the control unit 25 sets the following criteria as first search
criteria; the content includes the meta-information, the preference of a user for the
content is higher than predetermined reference preference and the rating of the content
is higher than predetermined reference rating. Moreover, the control unit 25 sets the
following criteria as second search criteria; the preference of a user for the content is
higher than predetermined reference preference and the rating of the content is higher
than predetermined reference rating.
[0046] It should be noted that the communication device 20 may have a GPS function. In
this case, the control unit 25 can measure a current position of the communication
device 20 by using the GPS function and set the search criteria based on the measured
current position. That is, for example, the control unit 25 may incorporate an in
stallation position condition that the content is executed more than a predetermined
number of times within a 10 km radius from the communication device 20, into the
above-mentioned first search criteria and second search criteria. The communication
device 20 may have a voice taking-in function, namely a microphone. In this case, a
user inputs audio information by using the microphone. The control unit 25 may set the
input audio information as the meta-information of the content.
[0047] The control unit 25 outputs search criteria information regarding the first search
criteria and the second search criteria to the content acquisition unit 23. The content
acquisition unit 23 requests the server 50 for content. More specifically, the content ac
quisition unit 23 transmits the search criteria information to the server 50.
[0048] In Step S40, the server 50 searches content stored in itself for content satisfying the
first search criteria and content satisfying second search criteria, based on the search
criteria information. The server 50 may search for content not satisfying the search
criteria in a random manner. The server 50 transmits the retrieved content to the com
munication device 20. It should be noted that the content transmitted from the server
50 includes the meta-information described above. The content acquisition unit 23 of
the communication device 20 receives the content and outputs the content to the
control unit 25. The control unit 25 causes the storage unit 24 to store the content.
[0049] In Step S50, the control unit 25 performs content display processing shown in Fig. 6
with respect to a single or multiple pieces of content. That is, in Step S100, the control
unit 25 generates a content display image regarding the content. Here, the content
display image may be content itself or may be an image showing overview of the
content. Furthermore, the control unit 25 adjusts a size of the content display image
based on the preference of the user for the content and the rating of the content. More
specifically, the control unit 25 increases the size of the content display image as the
preference and the rating are higher.
[0050] Next, the control unit 25 determines whether or not the meta-information of the
content includes the above-mentioned display time limit, namely whether or not the
display time limit is set for the content. If no display time limit is set for the content,
the control unit 25 sets a display time limit. The control unit 25 causes the storage unit
24 to store the set display time limit as the meta-information of the content.
[0051] Based on the display time limit, the control unit 25 determines a migration route and
migration speed of the content display image within the display area 21a. For example,
the migration route is a route along which a pixel constituting a center of the content
display image passes through the display area 21a. A start point of the migration route
is an arbitrary point within the display area 21a, and an end point thereof is a point
outside the display area 21a. When a content display image reaches the end point, the
whole of the content display image is located outside the display area 21a (i.e. the
content display image disappears from the display area 21a). It should be noted that the
end point may also be a point within the display area 21a. In this case, the content
display image disappears within the display area 21a when reaching the end point. At
the time when the content display image disappears, there may be some kind of effect
(for example, the content display image bursts).
[0052] Moreover, the migration route is set such that the content display image migrates in
the display area 21a as randomly as possible. That is, a traveling direction regarding
the migration route changes in a random manner. As a result, the content display image
is displayed as if it floats within the display area 21a.
[0053] The migration speed is calculated by dividing a length of the migration route by the
display time limit. In the present embodiment, the migration speed is preferably set as
low as possible in order to provide the content display image with feeling of floating.
In addition, the migration speed being low brings a benefit that a user can select the
content display image more easily. It should be noted that the migration route and the
migration speed may be reviewed at regular time intervals. In this case, the migration
route and the migration speed are calculated based on a remaining time of the display
time limit.
[0054] Subsequently, the control unit 25 generates a migration image that migrates within
the display area 21a. The migration image has a cloud shape and its size is larger than
that of the content display image. It should be noted that the shape of the migration
image is not limited to the cloud shape. For example, the migration image may have a
shape of bubble soap.
[0055] Moreover, the control unit 25 may generate a content display image and performs the
same processing as described above with respect to content stored in the storage unit
24, namely so-called local content. Such the local content is exemplified by picture
content taken by a user and the like. It should be noted that the local content for which
the content display image is generated may be arbitrary or may be one satisfying the
search criteria described above. The display time limit of the local content may be set
or may not be set. If the display time limit is not set, the content display image for the
local content is not deleted from the table area 21a.
[0056] Next, the control unit 25 performs superimposed display of the migration image and
the content display image in the display area 21a. The content display image is placed
within the migration image. The control unit 25 moves the migration image and the
content display image along the above-mentioned migration route at the migration
speed within the display area 21a. As a result, the content display image migrates as if
it floats within the table area 21a. Therefore, a state in which the content display image
migrates is "floating state". In other words, the control unit 25 displays the content
display image in the floating state. When initiating the display of the content display
image, the control unit 25 turns on a time-to-replacement measurement timer and a
display time limit measurement timer. Details of the timers will be described later.
[0057] The control unit 25 moves the content display image and the migration image within
the display area 21a in parallel with the following processing from Step SI 10 to Step
S200.
[0058] Fig. 6 illustrates a display example. In this example, migration images 100a to 100k
are displayed and content display images 110a to 110k are overlaid on the migration
images 100a to 100k, respectively.
[0059] The content display image 110a shows coupon content. The content display image
110b shows schedule content. The content display image 110c shows weather in
formation. The content display image 1lOd shows calendar content.
[0060] The content display image 1lOe shows a web page, specifically a front page of a web
service. That is, the content display image 1lOe shows the web service itself instead of
content itself. The content display image 1lOf shows news content. It should be noted
that the content display image 11Of is not the news content itself but an image showing
overview of the news content, specifically an image showing a source of news and a
title of news.
[0061] The content display image 1lOg shows video content. The content display image
1lOh shows album content. It should be noted that the content display image 11Oh is
not the album content itself but an image showing overview of the album content,
specifically an image obtained by overlaying plural pieces of picture content. The
content display image 1lOi shows blog. It should be noted that the content display
image 1lOi is not the blog itself but an image showing overview of the blog,
specifically an image showing a part of the blog.
[0062] The content display image 1lOj shows picture content taken by a user among the
local content. It should be noted that the content display image 1lOj is not the picture
content itself but an image implying the picture content, specifically a camera image.
The content display image 110k shows audio content recorded by a user (stored in the
storage unit 24) among the local content. The content display image 110k is an image
implying the audio content, specifically a musical note image.
[0063] The content display image 110m shows audio content. The content display image
110m is not the audio content itself but an image showing overview of the audio
content, specifically an image showing a music name and an artist name.
[0064] As described above, the content display images 110a to 110k have respective sizes
depending on the preference of a user and the rating. In the present example, the
preference of a user and the rating with regard to the content display image 1lOg are
the highest.
[0065] As shown in Figs. 6 to 8, the content display image 110a to 110k migrate on the r e
spective migration routes set by the control unit 25 at the respective migration speeds
set by the control unit 25. It should be noted that since the display time limit with
respect to the coupon content is very short, the content display image 110a regarding
the coupon content immediately moves out of the display area 21a after being
displayed on the display area 21a. Moreover, since the content display image 1lOg is
related to the video content, its contents change from moment to moment during
migration.
[0066] In Step SI 10, the control unit 25 determines whether or not there is a selection
operation by a user. When determining that there is a selection operation by the user,
the control unit 25 proceeds to Step S120. When determining that there is no selection
operation by the user, the control unit 25 proceeds to Step SI60. It should be noted that
when the user finds a content display image regarding desired content, the user touches
the content display image. In this manner, the user performs the selection operation
with respect to the content display image.
[0067] In Step S120, the control unit 25 changes a state of the content display image
selected by the user to a fixed state. Here, the fixed state means a state that a display
position is fixed. It should be noted that the content display image is set to the fixed
state at a position where the user touches it. Moreover, the control unit 25 displays a
fixed image having a substantially rectangular shape and places the content display
image in the fixed state within the fixed image. Moreover, the control unit 25 displays
a pin image near the fixed image and overlays a point (needle portion) of the pin image
on the fixed image. As a result, the content display image and the fixed image are
secured by the pin image. Furthermore, the control unit 25 identifies the content shown
by the content display image and increases the preference of the user for the identified
content.
[0068] Fig. 9 illustrates a display example. In this example, the content display images 110c,
1lOd and 1lOg are set to the fixed state. The content display images 110c, 1lOd and
1lOg are placed within fixed images 200c, 200d and 200g, respectively. Pin images
210c, 210d and 210g are respectively displayed near the fixed images 200c, 200d and
200g, and their needle portions are respectively overlaid on the fixed images 200c,
200d and 200g.
[0069] Moreover, the user can move the content display image in the fixed state. More
specifically, the user keeps a finger touching the content display image in the fixed
state and moves the finger to a desired position within the display area 21a. The control
unit 25 displaces the content display image in the fixed state in accordance with the
motion of the user's finger. Fig. 10 illustrates a display example. In this example, the
content display image 110c is displaced to the upper right portion of the display area
21a. It should be noted that the control unit 25 may displace the content display image
in the floating state in accordance with a similar input operation. In this case, the
migration route and the migration speed with respect to the content display image after
the displacement are recalculated based on a remaining time of the display time limit.
[0070] Furthermore, the user can select processing with respect to the content display image
in the fixed state from execute, bookmark registration, save and delete. More
specifically, the user touches the content display image in the fixed state. In response
to the input operation, the control unit 25 displays a list including the processing
mentioned above. The user can select desired processing from the processing listed in
the list by touching a row indicating the desired processing. The control unit 25
executes the selected processing. More specifically, if execute is selected, the control
unit 25 executes the content corresponding to the content display image. If bookmark
registration is selected, the control unit 25 stores the content corresponding to the
content display image (or a web service providing the content) as a bookmark in the
storage unit 24. If save is selected, the control unit 25 saves the content corresponding
to the content display image to the storage unit 24. The saved content is not deleted
from the storage unit 24 by processing of Step S200 to be described later. If delete is
selected, the control unit 25 deletes the content display image from the display area
21a and further deletes the content corresponding to the content display image from the
storage unit 24.
[0071] Fig. 11 illustrates a display example. In this example, a list 300g is displayed with
respect to the content display image 1lOg. The list 300g includes a row 310g in which
a word "execute" is described, a row 3 1l g in which a word "bookmark" is described, a
row 312g in which a word "save" is described, and a row 313g in which a word
"delete" is described. Fig. 12 illustrates an example where the video content corre
sponding to the content display image 1lOg is executed. In this example, the video
content is displayed over the entire display area 21a.
[0072] It should be noted that if the content display image is an image implying the content,
the user cannot recognize the details of the content just by looking at the content
display image. Therefore, the control unit 25 performs the following processing. That
is, when the user touches the content display image, the control unit 25 displays a list
of the content implied by the content display image. The user selects desired content
from the content listed in the list. The control unit 25 executes the selected content.
[0073] Fig. 13 illustrates a display example. In this example, a list 300k is displayed with
respect to the content display image 110k. The list 300k includes a row 310k indicating
that the content display image corresponds to audio content, a row 3 1lk in which
words "music A" are described, a row 312k in which words "music B" are described, a
row 313k in which words "music C" are described, and a row 314k in which words
"music D" are described. The user selects a row in which a desired music among the
music A to D is described. The control unit 25 outputs the selected music from a
speaker not shown.
[0074] In Step SI 30, the control unit 25 determines whether or not a release operation has
been performed with respect to the content display image in the fixed state. When de
termining that the release operation has been performed, the control unit 25 proceeds to
Step S140. When determining that the release operation has not been performed, the
control unit 25 returns to Step S120. Here, the release operation is an operation of
pulling the pin image, for example. The user can perform the release operation by
touching the pin image with a finger and then moving the finger in a direction away
from the content display image in the fixed state.
[0075] In Step S140, the control unit 25 determines whether or not the display time limit
measurement timer indicates a time equal to or more than the display time limit. When
determining that the display time limit measurement timer indicates a time equal to or
more than the display time limit, the control unit 25 proceeds to Step S200. When de
termining that the display time limit measurement timer indicates a time less than the
display time limit, the control unit 25 proceeds to Step SI 50.
[0076] In Step SI 50, the control unit 25 changes the content display image in the fixed state
back to the floating state. Furthermore, the control unit 25 calculates the migration
route and the migration speed based on a remaining time of the display time limit (i.e.
a time obtained by subtracting the time indicated by the display time limit mea
surement timer from the display time limit). The control unit 25 moves the content
display image along the newly-calculated migration route at the newly-calculated
migration speed.
[0077] In Step SI 60, the control unit 25 determines whether or not the time-to-replacement
measurement timer indicates a time equal to or more than a predetermined timeto-
replacement. When determining that the time-to-replacement measurement timer
indicates a time equal to or more than the time-to-replacement, the control unit 25
proceeds to Step S170. When determining that the time-to-replacement measurement
timer indicates a time less than the predetermined time-to-replacement, the control unit
25 returns to Step SI 10.
[0078] In Step S170, the control unit 25 resets the value of the time-to-replacement mea
surement timer to zero and then restarts the time measurement by the timeto-
replacement measurement timer. Next, the control unit 25 determines whether or not
content of the same type as the content shown by the content display image (such
content is hereinafter referred to also as "replacement content") is stored in the storage
unit 24. When determining that any replacement content is stored in the storage unit
24, the control unit 25 proceeds to Step SI 80. When determining that no replacement
content is stored in the storage unit 24, the control unit 25 proceeds to Step S190.
[0079] In Step SI 80, the control unit 25 replaces the content display image by a content
display image regarding the replacement content. It should be noted that the size, the
migration route and the migration speed of the content display image are taken over by
the post-replacement content display image. Fig. 14 illustrates a display example. In
this example, the content display images 110b, 1lOf and 1lOg are replaced by content
display images 120b, 120f and 120g, respectively. It should be noted that control unit
25 may change a size of the post-replacement content display image based on the
preference of the user for the replacement content and the rating of the replacement
content. The control unit 25 may change the migration route and the migration speed in
accordance with the processing of Step SI00 described above.
[0080] In Step S190, the control unit 25 determines whether or not the display time limit
measurement timer indicates a time equal to or more than the display time limit. When
determining that the display time limit measurement timer indicates a time equal to or
more than the display time limit, the control unit 25 proceeds to Step S200. When de
termining that the display time limit measurement timer indicates a time less than the
display time limit, the control unit 25 returns to Step SI 10.
[0081] In Step S200, if the content display image remains within the display area 21a, the
control unit 25 deletes the content display image. Furthermore, the control unit 25
deletes the content shown by the content display image and content of the same type
from the storage unit 24. After that, the control unit 25 concludes the content display
processing.
[0082] In Step S60 shown in Fig. 4, the control unit 25 determines whether or not a prede
termined end-of-cycle condition is satisfied. Here, the end-of-cycle condition is ex
emplified by the following conditions: the reference content is changed; a prede
termined time has passed since the initiation of the processing of Step S50; or the
number of content stored in the storage unit 24 becomes less than a predetermined
number. When determining that the end-of-cycle condition is satisfied, the control unit
25 terminates the processing shown in Fig. 4 and newly starts the processing of Step
S10. When determining that the end-of-cycle condition is not satisfied, the control unit
25 returns to Step S50.
[0083] As described above, the information processing system 10 moves the content display
image within the display area 21a. Therefore, a user can conduct a search of content by
searching content display images for a desired content display image. In other words, a
user can conduct a search of content by only searching content display images for a
desired content display image. Therefore, a user can easily search for content on a
network. Furthermore, a user can perform such processing as bookmark registration,
save and delete with respect to the content by just performing various selection op
erations with respect to the content display image.
[0084] Moreover, the information processing system 10 determines a display format of the
content display image based on the meta-information of the content. Therefore, a user
can estimate the details of the meta-information of the content based on the display
format of the content display image.
[0085] More specifically, the information processing system 10 determines the size of the
content display image and the migration speed of the content display image as the
display format of the content display image. Therefore, a user can estimate the details
of the meta-information of the content based on the size and the migration speed of the
content display image.
[0086] Here, the meta-information of the content includes the preference of a user for the
content, the rating of the content and the display time limit. Therefore, a user can
estimate the preference of a user, the rating and the display time limit based on the
display format of the content display image.
[0087] Furthermore, the information processing system 10 sets the preference of a user for
content based on the number of times the content display image is selected by the user.
Therefore, a user can control the preference of the user for content just by selecting the
content display image.
[0088] Moreover, the information processing system 10 displays the content display image
within the migration image. Therefore, a user can easily recognize that the content
display image is in motion. In addition, the information processing system 10 can give
visual spice to the user.
[0089] Furthermore, during the migration of the content display image, the information
processing system 10 replaces the content display image by another content display
image. Therefore, a user can watch a large number of content display images. In
addition, the user is more likely to find desired content.
[0090] Moreover, the information processing system 10 changes the state of the content
display image to the fixed state based on an input operation (selection operation) by a
user. As a result, the user can watch a desired content display image in a relaxed way.
[0091] Furthermore, the information processing system 10 deletes the content display image
when the display time limit has elapsed. Therefore, a user can eliminate a content
display image that does not appeal to the user, by leaving such a content display image.
[0092] While a preferred embodiment of the present disclosure has been described in detail
above with reference to the attached drawings, a technical scope of the present
disclosure is not limited to the embodiment. It is obvious that a person ordinarily
skilled in the art of the present disclosure can come up with a variety of modification
examples and revised examples without departing from the scope of the technical idea
as described in the claims, and it will be understood that those examples are obviously
within the technical scope of the present disclosure.
[0093] In addition, the following configurations are included in the technical scope of the
present disclosure.
(1) . An information processing device comprising:a control unit to control movement
of an image related to content within a predetermined area of a display, and a display
format of the image based on at least one of a category of the content to which the
image is related or meta-information corresponding to the content to which the image
is related.
(2) . The information processing device of (1), wherein the meta-information includes
at least one of preference of a user for the content, a rating of the content or a time
limit for display of the content.
(3) . The information processing device of (2), wherein the preference is based on a
number of times the user uses a predetermined content.
(4) . The information processing device of (1), wherein the control unit displays a list
of processing operations with respect to the image, in response to an input operation
with respect to the image when the image is in a fixed state.
(5) . The information processing device of (4), wherein one of the processing operations
is selectable by an input operation at a location of the display indicating the one of the
processing operations.
(6) . The information processing device of (1), wherein the control unit controls the
movement of the image to set the image at a fixed position on the display.
(7) . The information processing device of (6), wherein the fixed position is at a
location of the display at which an input operation with respect to the image is
performed.
(8) . The information processing device of (6), wherein the control unit controls display
of another image near the image when the image is set at the fixed position.
(9) . The information processing device of (1), wherein the content and the metainformation
are from a server.
(10).The information processing device of (1), wherein the control unit controls r e
placement of content displayed within the image.
(11) . The information processing device of (10), wherein the content is replaced with
replacement content and the control unit controls displays of the replacement content
within the image based on meta-information corresponding to the replacement content.
(12) . The information processing device of (1), wherein the control unit controls
whether the image is displayed based on a time limit for display of the content
indicated by the meta-information.
(13) . The information processing device of (1), wherein the control unit controls the
movement of the image based on whether a release operation is performed when the
image is in a fixed state.
(14) . The information processing device of (13), wherein the release operation is an
input operation performed with respect to a predetermined second image displayed
near the image when the image is in a fixed state.
(15) . The information processing device of (1), wherein the control unit controls the
movement of the image based on a predetermined route and a predetermined speed de
termined from the meta-information.
(16) . The information processing device of (15), wherein the predetermined route and
the predetermined speed are determined based on a time remaining of a time limit for
display of the content when a setting of the image on the display is changed from a
fixed state to a moving state.
(17) . The information processing device of (15), wherein the predetermined route and
the predetermined speed are determined after the image is moved based on an
operation by a user when a setting of the image on the display is a fixed state.
(18) . The information processing device of claim 1, wherein the display format
includes size of the image.
(19) . An information processing method comprising: controlling, by a processor,
movement of an image related to content within a predetermined area of a display, and
a display format of the image based on at least one of a category of the content to
which the image is related or meta-information corresponding to the content to which
the image is related.
(20) . A non-transitory storage medium recorded with a program executable by a
computer, the program comprising: controlling movement of an image related to
content within a predetermined area of a display, and a display format of the image
based on at least one of a category of the content to which the image is related or metainformation
corresponding to the content to which the image is related.
PCT/JP2012/004333
Claims
An information processing device comprising:
a control unit to control movement of an image related to content
within a predetermined area of a display, and a display format of the
image based on at least one of a category of the content to which the
image is related or meta-information corresponding to the content to
which the image is related.
The information processing device of claim 1, wherein the metainformation
includes at least one of preference of a user for the content,
a rating of the content or a time limit for display of the content.
The information processing device of claim 2, wherein the preference is
based on a number of times the user uses a predetermined content.
The information processing device of claim 1, wherein the control unit
displays a list of processing operations with respect to the image, in
response to an input operation with respect to the image when the
image is in a fixed state.
The information processing device of claim 4, wherein one of the
processing operations is selectable by an input operation at a location of
the display indicating the one of the processing operations.
The information processing device of claim 1, wherein the control unit
controls the movement of the image to set the image at a fixed position
on the display.
The information processing device of claim 6, wherein the fixed
position is at a location of the display at which an input operation with
respect to the image is performed.
The information processing device of claim 6, wherein the control unit
controls display of another image near the image when the image is set
at the fixed position.
The information processing device of claim 1, wherein the content and
the meta-information are from a server.
The information processing device of claim 1, wherein the control unit
controls replacement of content displayed within the image.
The information processing device of claim 10, wherein the content is
replaced with replacement content and the control unit controls displays
of the replacement content within the image based on meta-information
corresponding to the replacement content.
The information processing device of claim 1, wherein the control unit
WO 2013/021544 PCT/JP2012/004333
controls whether the image is displayed based on a time limit for
display of the content indicated by the meta-information.
[Claim 13] The information processing device of claim 1, wherein the control unit
controls the movement of the image based on whether a release
operation is performed when the image is in a fixed state.
[Claim 14] The information processing device of claim 13, wherein the release
operation is an input operation performed with respect to a prede
termined second image displayed near the image when the image is in a
fixed state.
[Claim 15] The information processing device of claim 1, wherein the control unit
controls the movement of the image based on a predetermined route
and a predetermined speed determined from the meta-information.
[Claim 16] The information processing device of claim 15, wherein the prede
termined route and the predetermined speed are determined based on a
time remaining of a time limit for display of the content when a setting
of the image on the display is changed from a fixed state to a moving
state.
[Claim 17] The information processing device of claim 15, wherein the prede
termined route and the predetermined speed are determined after the
image is moved based on an operation by a user when a setting of the
image on the display is a fixed state.
[Claim 18] The information processing device of claim 1, wherein the display
format includes size of the image.
[Claim 19] An information processing method comprising:
controlling, by a processor, movement of an image related to content
within a predetermined area of a display, and a display format of the
image based on at least one of a category of the content to which the
image is related or meta-information corresponding to the content to
which the image is related.
[Claim 20] A non-transitory storage medium recorded with a program executable
by a computer, the program comprising:
controlling movement of an image related to content within a prede
termined area of a display, and a display format of the image based on
at least one of a category of the content to which the image is related or
meta-information corresponding to the content to which the image is
related.
AMENDED CLAIMS
received by the International Bureau on 08 November 201 2 (08.1 1.201 2)
[Claim 1] (amended)
An information processing device comprising:
a control unit to control movement of an image related to content
within a predetermined area of a display, whether the image is
displayed, and a display format of the image based on at least one of a
category of the content to which the image is related or meta-information
corresponding to the content to which the image is related.
[Claim 2] The information processing device of claim 1, wherein the metainformation
includes at least one of preference of a user for the content,
a rating of the content or a time limit for display of the content.
[Claim 3] The information processing device of claim 2, wherein the preference is
based on a number of times the user uses a predetermined content.
[Claim 4] The information processing device of claim 1, wherein the control unit
displays a list of processing operations with respect to the image, in
response to an input operation with respect to the image when the
image is in a fixed state.
[Claim 5] The information processing device of claim 4, wherein one of the
processing operations is selectable by an input operation at a location of
the display indicating the one of the processing operations.
[Claim 6] The information processing device of claim 1, wherein the control unit
controls the movement of the image to set the image at a fixed position
on the display.
[Claim 7] The information processing device of claim 6, wherein the fixed
position is at a location of the display at which an input operation with
respect to the image is performed.
[Claim 8] The information processing device of claim 6, wherein the control unit
controls display of another image near the image when the image is set
at the fixed position.
[Claim 9] The information processing device of claim 1, wherein the content and
the meta-information are from a server.
[Claim 10] The information processing device of claim 1, wherein the control unit
controls replacement of content displayed within the image.
[Claim 11] The information processing device of claim 10, wherein the content is
replaced with replacement content and the control unit controls displays
of the replacement content within the image based on meta-information
corresponding to the replacement content.
[Claim 12] The information processing device of claim 1, wherein the control unit
controls whether the image is displayed based on a time limit for
display of the content indicated by the meta-information.
[Claim 13] The information processing device of claim 1, wherein the control unit
controls the movement of the image based on whether a release
operation is performed when the image is in a fixed state.
[Claim 14] The information processing device of claim 13, wherein the release
operation is an input operation performed with respect to a prede¬
termined second image displayed near the image when the image is in a
fixed state.
[Claim 15] The information processing device of claim 1, wherein the control unit
controls the movement of the image based on a predetermined route
and a predetermined speed determined from the meta-information.
[Claim 16] The information processing device of claim 15, wherein the prede¬
termined route and the predetermined speed are determined based on a
time remaining of a time limit for display of the content when a setting
of the image on the display is changed from a fixed state to a moving
state.
[Claim 17] The information processing device of claim 15, wherein the prede¬
termined route and the predetermined speed are determined after the
image is moved based on an operation by a user when a setting of the
image on the display is a fixed state.
[Claim 18] The information processing device of claim 1, wherein the display
format includes size of the image.
(amended)
[Claim 19] An information processing method comprising:
controlling, by a processor, movement of an image related to content
within a predetermined area of a display, whether the image is
displayed, and a display format of the image based on at least one of a
category of the content to which the image is related or meta-in¬
formation corresponding to the content to which the image is related
(amended)
[Claim 20] A non-transitory storage medium recorded with a program executable
by a computer, the program comprising:
controlling movement of an image related to content within a prede
termined area of a display, whether the image is displayed, and a
display format of the image based on at least one of a category of the
content to which the image is related or meta-information corresponding
to the content to which the image is related.