JP2006108996A - Virtual communication space introduction system, virtual communication space introduction method, and computer program - Google Patents

Abstract

A communication means suitable for a viewer who views content is introduced.
An attribute common to a viewing information receiving unit 201 that acquires viewing information 76, which is information related to a viewing state when a viewer is viewing video or audio content, is shared with a service management device 2. Tables TL1 to TL3 for storing participation condition information indicating participation conditions for each group in which each member has participation, and groups in which the viewer can participate are viewing information 76 of the viewer and each group. A viewer grouping unit 202 that discriminates based on participation condition information, a service information notification unit 205 that notifies the viewer's terminal device of a virtual communication space for a group that has been discriminated that the viewer can participate, and Are provided.
[Selection] Figure 3

Description

  The present invention relates to a system for introducing a means for communicating with other viewers to viewers who view video content or audio content.

  In recent years, broadcasting called interactive television or interactive television has begun to spread. In addition, a provider such as an Internet provider uses a streaming server to start a service for providing viewers with video content or audio content (hereinafter simply referred to as “content”) by streaming delivery. ing. According to these methods, a content provider such as a broadcasting station or an Internet provider can not only distribute the content unilaterally but also acquire various information about the viewer.

In addition, various systems have been proposed for a long time as a means for a plurality of persons who are far away from each other to communicate in real time. Particularly in recent years, videophone and videoconferencing systems as described in Patent Documents 1 and 2 have been proposed. In addition, a system capable of exchanging character data in real time, such as a chat and an electronic bulletin board described in Patent Document 3, has been proposed.
JP 2002-199364 A JP 2004-72741 A JP 11-88863 A

  By the way, if the technology of interactive television and streaming server is used, even if the content provider and viewer can exchange information, viewers cannot communicate with each other. Therefore, if the invention described in Patent Document 3 is used, viewers watching the same program can communicate with each other by participating in a chat or an electronic bulletin board.

  However, in the invention described in Patent Document 3, as shown in FIG. 4 of the same document, an electronic bulletin board is provided for each program, and the program name is associated with the connection destination telephone number of the electronic bulletin board. Not too much. Therefore, viewers who have only the common point of “watching the same program” gather on the electronic bulletin board. In other words, viewers who do not know what other points in common gather. Then, the opinions expressed on the electronic bulletin board are diversified, and it becomes difficult for viewers to find other viewers who have the same topics and ideas as their own, so it is not possible to communicate well.

  SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In view of such problems, the present invention aims to introduce a communication means that is more suitable for a viewer who is viewing video content or audio content.

  A virtual communication space introduction system according to the present invention is a virtual communication space introduction system that introduces a virtual communication space that allows a plurality of persons to communicate with each other via a telecommunication line. The content viewing information acquisition means for acquiring content viewing information, which is information related to the viewing state when viewing content, and the participation conditions for each group in which members having attributes common to each other participate Determining participation condition information storage means for storing participation condition information, and the group in which the viewer can participate based on the content viewing information of the viewer and the participation condition information of each group; Participation possible group discrimination means and the participation possible A participation space notifying unit that notifies the viewer's terminal device of the virtual communication space for the group that has been determined that the viewer can participate by a loop determination unit. .

  Preferably, the participation space notifying unit causes the terminal device to display a list of names of the virtual communication spaces for the groups determined to be able to participate by the participation group determination unit and A code for connecting the terminal device to the virtual communication space selected from the inside is transmitted. For example, an HTML file in which a hyperlink to the virtual communication space is set in the name of the virtual communication space is transmitted.

  Group generating means for generating the group and a server providing at least one of a chat room, an electronic bulletin board, or a conference room as the virtual communication space, the group generated by the group generating means And an opening instruction means for instructing to open the virtual communication space. Furthermore, an administrator or a viewer may be able to set conditions regarding the group. In this case, for example, the participation condition information of the group to be generated is set by combining one or a plurality of conditions selected by an administrator or a viewer from a plurality of conditions prepared in advance. It is desirable to configure as follows.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to introduce more suitable communication means for a viewer who views video content or audio content.

  1 is a diagram illustrating an example of the overall configuration of the community service providing system 100, FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a functional configuration of the viewing information collection device 1, and FIG. 3 is an example of a functional configuration of the service management device 2. FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 1, a community service providing system 100 according to the present invention includes a viewing information collecting device 1, a service management device 2, an information registration providing device 3, a community service providing device 4, streaming servers 51 and 52, and a viewer. The terminal TR is configured.

  The community service providing system 100 is a system that provides a service for viewers viewing streaming content to communicate in real time. That is, it is a system for gathering a plurality of viewers to form a community. Hereinafter, a service providing such a community is referred to as a “community service”. In this embodiment, a case where community service is provided to a customer who subscribes to a certain Internet service provider (hereinafter referred to as “ISP”) will be described as an example.

  The viewing information collecting device 1, the service management device 2, the community service providing device 4, and the streaming server 51 are connected to each other via a communication line in the ISP. The information registration providing device 3 is connected to the service management device 2.

  The viewing information collecting device 1, the service management device 2, the information registration providing device 3, the community service providing device 4, and the streaming server 51 are provided in the ISP. In particular, the viewing information collecting apparatus 1 is provided for each ISP access point (AP).

  The streaming server 52 is provided outside the ISP, that is, in a network other than the ISP. Hereinafter, the streaming servers 51 and 52 are collectively referred to as “streaming server 5”.

  The community service providing device 4 is a server for providing community services such as chat, electronic bulletin board, and telephone conference to users. That is, software such as a chat server application, an electronic bulletin board server application, and a VoIP (Voice over IP) application is installed in the community service providing apparatus 4. Furthermore, hardware such as a speech synthesizer (mixer) is connected or built in. In addition, software or hardware for cooperation with the service management apparatus 2 is provided. An existing server machine or the like is used as the community service providing apparatus 4. A plurality of community service providing apparatuses 4 may be prepared, and chat, electronic bulletin board, and telephone conference services may be realized by separate community service providing apparatuses 4, respectively.

  The streaming server 5 performs streaming distribution of video content or audio content (hereinafter referred to as “streaming content”) to the viewer terminal TR. As the streaming server 5, an existing server for streaming delivery is used.

  The viewer terminal TR is installed with a Web browser, an application for reproducing streaming content, an application for performing a voice call over the IP network, and the like. Furthermore, a sound output device such as a display, a speaker or headphones, and a microphone are connected. As the viewer terminal TR, a personal computer, a workstation, a PDA (Personal Digital Assistant), a mobile phone terminal, or the like is used. The viewer terminal TR and the community service providing device 4 exchange data using a protocol such as SIP (Session Initiation Protocol).

  The viewing information collecting apparatus 1 includes a viewing request relay unit 101, a viewing request recording unit 102, a viewing information transfer unit 103, a content information providing unit 104, a content information updating unit 105, and a community service information providing unit 106 as shown in FIG. , And software and hardware for realizing the functions of the group generation request receiving unit 107 and the like are provided. This viewing information collection device 1 mainly performs processing for mediating exchange of various data performed between the viewer terminal TR, the service management device 2 and the streaming server 5. That is, it plays a role like a proxy server of the viewer terminal TR.

  The service management device 2 includes a viewing information receiving unit 201, a viewer grouping unit 202, a community service detecting unit 203, a service providing device cooperation unit 204, a service information notification unit 205, and a viewer group generation unit 206 as shown in FIG. And software and hardware for realizing functions such as the viewer group setting unit 207 are provided. This service management device 2 mainly analyzes information related to viewing of streaming content by the user of the viewer terminal TR, settings related to user grouping, chat, electronic bulletin board, and telephone conference, and notification of various information to the user. Process for such as.

  As the viewing information collection device 1 and the service management device 2, a workstation or a personal computer may be used. In this case, computer programs and data for realizing the respective functions are installed in the hard disk, these computer programs and data are loaded into the RAM as necessary, and the computer programs are executed by the CPU. Or, the hardware for realizing each function is added.

  The information registration / providing device 3 is used to manage information related to analysis results obtained by the processing of the service management device 2 and to provide the information to the service management device 2 as necessary.

  FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining an example of the overall processing flow of the community service providing system 100.

  Before describing the processing contents of the devices constituting the community service providing system 100 in detail, the overall processing flow of the community service providing system 100 will be briefly described with reference to FIG.

  A user who wants to view streaming content connects his / her viewer terminal TR to the viewing information collecting device 1 of the nearest access point by dial-up or the like, and inputs a transmission request for a list of streaming content. Then, the transmission request is notified to the service management apparatus 2 via the viewing information collecting apparatus 1 (# 1, # 2 in FIG. 4).

  The service management apparatus 2 stores information related to streaming content provided from the streaming server 5 inside and outside the ISP. The list of streaming contents is transmitted to the requesting viewer terminal TR via the viewing information collecting apparatus 1 (# 3, # 4). Thereby, a list of streaming contents is displayed on the viewer terminal TR.

  When the user selects any streaming content from the list, the viewer terminal TR requests the viewing information collecting apparatus 1 to distribute the streaming content (# 5). The viewing information collecting apparatus 1 instructs the streaming server 5 that is the distribution source to distribute the streaming content to the viewer terminal TR that is the request source (# 6). If distribution is possible, the streaming server 5 notifies the viewer terminal TR via the viewing information collecting device 1 (# 7, # 8). Then, distribution of the streaming content data to the viewer terminal TR is started. Note that such data may be distributed via the viewing information collecting apparatus 1 or may be distributed without being interposed.

  While the user is viewing the streaming content, information indicating the situation is appropriately transmitted from the viewer terminal TR to the service management device 2 via the viewing information collection device 1 (# 9, # 10).

  The service management apparatus 2 is provided with a plurality of groups in which users who satisfy predetermined requirements can participate. When the service management device 2 receives the information regarding the viewing status of the streaming content at the viewer terminal TR, the service management device 2 determines a group in which the user of the viewer terminal TR can participate based on the information, and identifies the user as the user. Group into groups.

  In addition, a user who is a viewer of streaming content can communicate with other users using a chat room, an electronic bulletin board, a conference room, or the like. Hereinafter, a space that is virtualized so that a plurality of users can communicate with each other via an electronic communication line, such as a chat room, an electronic bulletin board, or a conference room, is referred to as a “virtual communication space”. The virtual communication space is provided by the community service providing device 4.

  The service management device 2 and the community service providing device 4 perform processing for generating a group and a virtual communication space by exchanging data with each other (# 11, # 12).

  When the user performs a predetermined operation, the viewer terminal TR requests the service management device 2 for a list of virtual communication spaces via the viewing information collection device 1 (# 13, # 14). The service management device 2 transmits a list of virtual communication spaces of the group in which the user is grouped to the requesting viewer terminal TR via the viewing information collecting device 1 (# 15, # 16).

  When the user selects one of the virtual communication spaces from the list, the viewer terminal TR and the community service providing device 4 that provides the virtual communication space are connected to start using the service (# 17).

  Next, with regard to the processing contents of the apparatus of the community service providing system 100, processing for preparation for providing the content distribution service and community service, processing for streaming data distribution, processing for group setting, viewers This will be described in more detail by roughly dividing the process for joining a group and the generation of a group by a viewer.

[Preparation process for providing content distribution service and community service]
5 shows an example of the grouping list table TL1, FIG. 6 shows an example of the key item table TL2, FIG. 7 shows an example of the search means table TL3, and FIG. 8 shows an example of the viewer group information table TL4. FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of the service list table TL5.

  The content information update unit 105 in FIG. 2 generates and manages content list information CLT indicating streaming content distributed by the streaming server 5 provided in the ISP and in other networks. The content list information CLT is generated as follows, for example.

  Each streaming server 5 provides information including the name (content name) of the streaming content to be distributed, the genre, the distribution time, and link information (for example, URL) indicating the storage location of the streaming content data. It transmits to the management apparatus 2. The “delivery time” indicates the period for continuing the delivery and the time required for one viewing in the case of streaming content delivered by VOD (Video On Demand), and in the case of streaming content delivered live. Indicates the broadcast start date and time and end date and time. The service management device 2 transfers the received information to each viewing information collection device 1.

  The content information update unit 105 generates content list information CLT by classifying each streaming content based on the information transferred from the service management device 2 according to the genre or the distribution time.

  The latest information regarding the streaming content is appropriately transferred from the service management apparatus 2. The content information update unit 105 performs maintenance of the content of the existing content list information CLT (addition, deletion, or change of streaming content) based on the transferred information each time.

  It should be noted that the content list information CLT may be generated centrally by the service management device 2 instead of being generated for each viewing information collection device 1.

  The viewer group setting unit 207 in FIG. 3 sets a group to which a user having a predetermined common point can participate, and as shown in FIG. 5, group-specific key item information 71 regarding the group is stored in the grouping list table TL1. Register with.

  “Group serial number” of the key item information 71 for each group is identification information for identifying the group from other groups. “Group name” is the name of the group. As the group name, it is desirable to use a name that represents the theme to be discussed in the group and the attributes of those who are eligible to participate. The “executability flag” indicates whether or not the process of assigning a user to the group may be executed, that is, whether or not the group is currently used. “1” means that the group is currently used, and “0” means that the group is not used.

  The “key item number” indicates the number of a key item used to determine the conditions for eligibility to participate in the group. For example, (a) the streaming content “baseball broadcast AA-BB” was viewed (b) continuously for 60 minutes or more, and (c) the scene was viewed at 19:45 on June 29, 2004. If it is desired to set three participation qualification conditions (ie, key items) for a group, the key item numbers of these three key items may be set in the “key item number” field.

  The contents of these key items are defined by key item-specific information 72 and search means information 73. As shown in FIG. 6, the key item-specific information 72 is stored in the key item table TL2. The search means information 73 is stored in the search means table TL3 as shown in FIG. In FIG. 7, the search means table TL3 is divided into three stages for the sake of space.

  In FIG. 6, “key item number” is identification information for identifying a key item (that is, key item-specific information 72). “Item name” is the name of the key item. “Search means identification number” indicates a search means identification number corresponding to the search means information 73 used for the key item. The “search means information” is information indicating whether or not the attribute of the key item is satisfied when the user has the attribute, that is, information of the search condition for searching for a user that matches the key item. Means.

  In FIG. 7, “search means identification number” is identification information for identifying the search means information 73. “Search means name” indicates the name of the search means information 73. In the fields after “content name matching presence / absence”, information indicating the conditions for eligibility to participate in the group is stored (set) as follows.

  In “content name matching / non-matching” and “content name matching character string”, conditions regarding the content name of the streaming content that the user is viewing are set. That is, in the “content name matching character string”, it is set what kind of content name of the streaming content the user who is the target of determination of whether or not to qualify for participation is permitted to participate in the group. In the “content name matching presence / absence”, a matching method between the content name set in the “content name matching character string” and the content name of the streaming content viewed by the user is set. When “content name matching presence / absence” is “1”, it means that participation in the group is permitted only when the two match completely. When it is “2”, it means that participation in the group is permitted if it does not completely match but partially matches. When it is “0”, it means that the matching of the condition regarding the content name matching character string is not performed (that is, this condition is ignored).

  In “viewing start date / time comparison presence / absence” and “viewing start date / time comparison value”, a condition regarding the date and time (date and time) of viewing start of the streaming content viewed by the user is set. That is, the “viewing start date / time comparison value” is set to the date / time for comparison (matching) with the date / time when the user who is the target of participation determination starts viewing the streaming content. In the “viewing start date comparison presence / absence”, a matching method between the date set in the “viewing start date comparison value” and the date when the user started viewing is set. When the viewing start date / time comparison presence / absence is “1”, it means that participation in the group is permitted only when both have the same value. “2” means that when the former date and time ≧ the latter date and time, that is, when viewing starts before the date and time set in the viewing start date and time comparison value, participation in the group is permitted. . “3” means that when the former date and time ≦ the latter date and time, that is, when viewing starts after the date and time set in the viewing start date and time comparison value, participation in the group is permitted. . If it is “0”, it means that the condition relating to the viewing start date is not matched.

  In the “viewing end date comparison presence / absence” and “viewing end date comparison value”, a condition related to the viewing end date of the streaming content being viewed by the user is set. That is, the “viewing end date / time comparison value” is set to the date / time for comparison with the date / time when the user who is the target of participation determination ends the viewing of the streaming content. In “viewing end date comparison presence / absence”, a matching method between the date set in the “viewing end date comparison value” and the date when the user finished viewing is set. The meanings of the values set in the presence / absence of viewing end date / time comparison are the same as in the case of “presence / absence of viewing date / time comparison”. That is, “1” means that participation in the group is permitted only when both have the same value. “2” means that the former date / time ≧ the latter date / time is permitted, and “3” means that the former date / time ≦ the latter date / time. Means to accept participation in If it is “0”, it means that the condition relating to the viewing end date is not matched.

  In the “viewing duration comparison presence / absence” and “viewing duration comparison value”, a condition regarding the length of the viewing time of the streaming content that the user is viewing is set. That is, the “viewing duration comparison value” is set with the time for which the user who is the target of participation determination is watching the streaming content or for comparing with the viewing time. In “viewing duration comparison presence / absence”, a matching method between the time set in the “viewing duration comparison value” and the time that the user is watching or watching is set. When the viewing duration comparison presence / absence is “1”, when the former time ≦ the latter time, that is, when the user is viewing or watching the streaming content for the duration of the viewing duration comparison value or more. Means that you will be allowed to join the group. In the case of “2”, it means that the participation in the group is permitted when the former time ≧ the latter time. When it is “0”, it means that matching of the condition regarding the viewing duration is not performed.

  In “viewing state comparison presence / absence”, a condition matching method for a user attribute (such as the user's viewer terminal TR attribute or personal information) set in the field after “viewer IP comparison presence / absence” is set. Is done. When the viewing state comparison presence / absence is “1”, it means that matching is performed between the conditions set in these fields and the attributes of the user after starting viewing. When it is “2”, it means that matching with the attribute of the user after the end of viewing is performed. In the case of “3”, it means matching with the user attribute from the start of viewing to the end of viewing. When it is “4”, it means that matching with the attribute of the user is performed from the start of viewing to the end of viewing or while viewing is interrupted. When it is “0”, it means that these matching is not performed.

  In the “viewer IP comparison presence / absence” and “viewer IP comparison list”, conditions regarding the IP address of the user's viewer terminal TR are set. That is, in the “viewer IP comparison list”, what IP address is given to the viewer terminal TR is set to be permitted to join the group. In “viewer IP comparison presence / absence”, a matching method is set between the IP address set in the viewer IP comparison list and the IP address of the viewer terminal TR of the user who is the target of participation determination. When the presence / absence of the viewer IP comparison is “1”, if the latter is included in the former, it means that eligibility to participate in the group is recognized. “2” means that if the latter is not included in the former, participation in the group is permitted. When it is “0”, it means that matching of the condition regarding the IP address is not performed.

  In addition, the search means table TL3 is a field for setting conditions related to the model of the user's viewer terminal TR, the Web browser, plug-in software, the communication speed, the user's age, sex, residential area, and preferences. Is provided.

  For example, when it is desired to set a group for grouping users who satisfy all the key items of the conditions (a) to (c) described above, the grouping list table TL1 (see FIG. 5), the key item table TL2 ( 6) and the following information may be registered in the search means table TL3 (see FIG. 7).

  First, the key item-specific information 72 for (a) to (c) is registered one by one in the key item table TL2. In FIG. 6, as the key item-specific information 72 of (a), (b), and (c), the key item-specific information 72 having key item numbers “1”, “2”, and “3”, respectively. Is registered.

  Search means information 73 for setting detailed search conditions for these key items is registered in the search means table TL3. For the key item (a), search means information 73 such as a record whose search means identification number is “1” is set. In particular, since this key item relates to the content name, it is necessary to correctly set “content matching presence / absence” and “content name matching character string”. Other fields may be invalidated by setting the value of the field “˜presence / absence” to “0”. For the key items (b) and (c), search means information 73 such as a record having search means identification numbers “2” and “3” is registered.

  Then, group-specific key item information 71 such as a record having a group sequence number “1” is registered in the grouping list table TL1. An appropriate group name (for example, “baseball broadcast AA × BB long-time viewer group”) is set in “group name”, and three keys registered in the key item table TL2 are set in “key item number”. The key item numbers of the item-specific information 72, that is, “1”, “2”, “3” are set. However, since participation is permitted when all the key items are satisfied, “1 and 2 and 3” is used using the “and” operator. If any one of a plurality of key items is satisfied, the “or” operator may be used to allow participation.

  The “executability flag” is set to “1” when the group is used immediately. In the case of later use, “0” is set here, and it is reset to “1” after the start of use. In this way, the group setting is completed.

  The set group is used to determine users who can participate in a virtual communication space (such as a chat room, an electronic bulletin board, or a conference room). This will be described later.

  The viewer group setting unit 207 in FIG. 3 generates one viewer group information 74 for each set group, and registers this in the viewer group information table TL4 as shown in FIG. The viewer group information 74 is used for recording members (viewers, users) grouped in the group.

  “Viewer group information serial number” of the viewer group information 74 is identification information for identifying the viewer group information 74 from other viewer group information 74. “Group sequence number” indicates the group sequence number of the group-specific key item information 71 corresponding to the viewer group information 74. The “viewer list” indicates viewer identifiers of users grouped in the group. The contents of the viewer list are updated in real time according to information regarding the viewing status of the streaming content acquired from each viewer terminal TR. This will be described later.

  Part or all of the grouping list table TL1, the key item table TL2, the search means table TL3, and the viewer group information table TL4 may be managed by the information registration providing device 3 (see FIG. 1). In particular, when it is desired to use resources such as the CPU and storage area of the service management apparatus 2 effectively, it is desirable that the information registration / providing apparatus 3 manage these information. The same applies to the service list table TL5 described later.

  In setting groups, the service management apparatus 2 may automatically perform all steps, or an administrator may perform some steps, or both may be used in combination. When the service management apparatus 2 automatically performs, a group may be set based on the content name and distribution time of the streaming content indicated in the content list information CLT. The administrator may reset the automatically set group conditions. Note that a viewer, that is, a user of the viewer terminal TR can also set a group. This will be described later.

  In addition, the information registration providing device 3 is provided with a service list table TL5 for registering service information 75 as shown in FIG. This service information 75 is registered for each virtual communication space provided by the community service providing apparatus 4.

  In FIG. 9, “community serial number” is identification information for identifying the virtual communication space related to the service information 75. “Viewer group information sequence number” indicates the viewer group information sequence number (see FIG. 8) of the viewer group information 74 of the group that is allowed to participate in the virtual communication space. When it is desired to allow participation of a plurality of groups, the group information sequence numbers of these groups may be set.

  The “providing method” indicates by which means the virtual communication space is provided (chat, electronic bulletin board, telephone conference, etc.). “Providing period” indicates a period during which the virtual communication space is provided to the viewer, that is, an opening period. “Available number of people” indicates the range of the number of people who can use the virtual communication space at one time (upper limit or lower limit).

  The setting of the contents of the service information 75 may be automatically performed by the service management apparatus 2 or may be performed by an administrator. In the former case, for example, the following may be set based on the group-specific key item information 71 or the viewer group information 74 corresponding to the group related to the viewer group information serial number of the service information 75.

  If the number of key items set in the key item number of the group-specific key item information 71 is equal to or greater than a predetermined number, a chat room and a conference room are prepared as a method for providing a virtual communication space for the group. If it is less than the number, only a chat room may be prepared. Alternatively, if the number of users shown in the “viewer list” of the viewer group information table TL4 is equal to or greater than a predetermined number, a chat room and a conference room are prepared, and if less than a predetermined number, only a chat room is prepared. You may make it do.

  The above-described processing such as new registration, update, and deletion of group-specific key item information 71, key item-specific information 72, search means information 73, viewer group information 74, and service information 75 is performed as necessary. It is executed as appropriate.

[Processing when streaming data is distributed]
A user who wants to view the streaming content connects the viewer terminal TR to the nearest access point and inputs a predetermined URL into the Web browser. Then, the viewer terminal TR makes a request to the viewing information collecting apparatus 1 installed at the access point to transmit the Web page related to the URL by an HTTP / Get request or the like.

  In the viewing information collecting apparatus 1, the content information providing unit 104 in FIG. 2 receives, as an HTTP / Get response to the request, a list of streaming content relayed by itself, that is, the latest generated or updated by the content information updating unit 105 The content list information CLT is transmitted to the viewer terminal TR by the HTTP protocol or the like. That is, the content information providing unit 104 functions as a Web server that distributes the content list information CLT.

  A list of streaming contents is displayed on the viewer terminal TR that has received the contents list information CLT. The user can select a streaming content and make a distribution request by clicking a hyperlink or a button corresponding to the desired streaming content.

  When the user selects streaming content, the viewer terminal TR requests the viewing information collecting apparatus 1 of the access point to distribute the streaming content.

  Then, the viewing request relay unit 101 instructs the streaming server 5 that is the distribution source of the streaming content to perform streaming distribution of the streaming content data.

  Then, the data distributed from the streaming server 5 is transferred to the requesting viewer terminal TR. That is, the viewing request relay unit 101 relays the distribution request and streaming content data made between the viewer terminal TR and the streaming server 5. It also relays requests such as stop (end of viewing), rewind, and fast forward.

  RTP (Real-time Transport Protocol), RTCP (RTP Control Protocol), and the like are used as protocols for performing transmission / reception of distribution requests and streaming content data.

  The streaming server 5 may be installed in the ISP, or may be installed in another network. The streaming content data may be transmitted to the viewer terminal TR without going through the viewing information collecting apparatus 1. However, in order to realize the function of the viewing request recording unit 102 described below, a request for streaming content always passes through the viewing information collecting apparatus 1.

  In this way, the viewer terminal TR receives the streaming content data desired by the user and reproduces the video or audio.

[Process for group setting]
FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of the viewer-specific streaming viewing information table TL6.

  The viewing request recording unit 102 in FIG. 2 is information (hereinafter referred to as “viewing information 76”) indicating the content of a request related to streaming content distribution from the viewer terminal TR to the streaming server 5 relayed by the viewing request relay unit 101. Is recorded in the viewer-specific streaming viewing information table TL6 as shown in FIG. Each time a request regarding reproduction of streaming content is received from the viewer terminal TR, viewing information 76 is generated and registered in the viewer-specific streaming viewing information table TL6. In FIG. 10, the viewer-specific streaming viewing information table TL6 is divided into two stages for convenience of space.

  In FIG. 10, “viewer identifier” is identification information for identifying the user (viewer) who made the request. As the viewer identifier, for example, the IP address of the viewer terminal TR of the user is used. However, when the IP address of the viewer terminal TR changes each time the dial-up is performed, a user account or the like given to the user by the ISP is used.

  The “viewing content name” indicates the content name of the streaming content related to the request. “Latest operation identification information” indicates what request the user made for the streaming content. When the latest operation identification information is “1”, it means that a request to start viewing the streaming content has been made. “2” means that a request to end viewing has been made. “3” means that a request to stop viewing has been made. In the case of “4”, it means that a request to resume the interrupted viewing / listening is made.

  “Viewing start date / time” and “viewing end date / time” indicate the date and time when the streaming content was started to be viewed, respectively. The former is registered when a viewing start request is made, and the latter is registered when a viewing end request is made.

  “Control protocol type” indicates a protocol used for performing streaming control. The “transfer protocol type” indicates a protocol used for transferring streaming data. “Participating group information” indicates the group serial number of the group in which the requesting user is participating. “Latest information update date” indicates the date when the viewing information 76 was acquired. In addition, the viewing information 76 includes information on the number of transmitted packets (the amount of data transferred from the viewer terminal TR in the direction of the streaming server 5) and the number of received packets (the amount of data transferred from the streaming server 5 in the direction of the viewer terminal TR). It is.

  The viewing information 76 is generated in real time every time a request regarding reproduction of streaming content from the user is received, and transmitted to the service management apparatus 2 by the viewing information transfer unit 103 in real time. After transmitting the viewing information 76 to the service management device 2, the viewing information 76 may be deleted from the viewer-specific streaming viewing information table TL6.

  In the service management apparatus 2, the viewing information 76 transmitted from the viewing information collecting apparatus 1 is received by the viewing information receiving unit 201 in FIG.

  The viewer grouping unit 202 performs processing for assigning the user related to the viewing information 76 received by the viewing information receiving unit 201 to any one or a plurality of groups indicated in the grouping list table TL1 of FIG. That is, a grouping process for users who are viewers of streaming content is performed. This process is executed in the following procedure every time the viewing information 76 is received.

  Each key item corresponding to the “key item number” of the first group shown in the grouping list table TL1 is called from the key item table TL2 (see FIG. 6). Further, the retrieval means information 73 set in each key item is called from the retrieval means table TL3 (see FIG. 7). And it is discriminate | determined whether a user can participate in the group by matching the conditions shown by these search means information 73 and the content of the received viewing information 76. FIG.

  For example, the user can participate in a group whose group sequence number is “1” in the grouping list table TL1 (that is, a group of members having all the conditions (a), (b), and (c)). Is determined as follows.

  Key items having key item numbers “1”, “2”, and “3” are set in the group. Therefore, key item-specific information 72 corresponding to these key items is extracted from the key item table TL2. Further, the search means information 73 corresponding to the search means identification number of the key item specific information 72 is extracted from the search means table TL3.

  As a result, search means information 73 having search means identification numbers “1”, “2”, and “3” is obtained. The contents of each search means information 73 and the contents of viewing information 76 are compared. According to the search means information 73 whose search means identification number is “1”, it is required that the content name “Baseball Relay AA-BB Battle” and the content name of the streaming content that the user is viewing match completely. Therefore, it is checked whether or not the content name shown in the viewing information 76 is “Baseball Relay AA-BB Battle”. Further, according to the search means information 73 whose search means identification number is “2”, the viewing time is required to be 60 minutes or more. Therefore, the viewing time is calculated from the viewing start date and time and the current date and time shown in the viewing information 76, and it is checked whether or not the value is 60 minutes or more. Further, according to the search means information 73 whose search means identification number is “3”, it is requested that the viewing starts before 19:45 on June 29, 2004 (that is, the scene at that date and time is watched). Is done. Therefore, it is checked whether or not the viewing start date / time indicated in the viewing information 76 is before that date / time.

  The three key items set in this group are combined by an “and” operator. Therefore, when all the above three requirements are satisfied, the user is grouped into the group. In addition, when connected by the operator “or”, grouping is performed if any one of them is satisfied.

  For other groups indicated in the grouping list table TL1, grouping processing is performed in the same manner.

  If it is determined that grouping is possible (that is, participation in the group is possible), the viewer identifier of the user is added to the viewer list of the viewer group information 74 (see FIG. 8) of the group. On the other hand, if the viewer identifier has already been stored, but the result of this grouping process indicating that participation in the group is not possible, the viewer identifier of the user is deleted from the viewer list.

  Note that it may not be possible to determine whether or not the condition of the key item is satisfied only by the content of the viewing information 76 (see FIG. 10). For example, it is a case where a key item indicating conditions relating to age, sex, residential area, or preference is used. In such a case, the viewer's personal information may be acquired from an ISP customer management database or the like and determined based on this.

  In addition, when the item “who watched the previous broadcast (of series content such as a series drama)” is set as a key item, not only the latest viewing information 76 but also from this Old viewing information 76 is also required. Therefore, the service management apparatus 2 temporarily stores the latest viewing information 76 in the RAM, and moves the viewing information 76 once used for grouping processing to a recording medium such as a hard disk for a long time. Save it. Then, it is loaded into the RAM as necessary.

[Processing to make viewers join the group]
The service providing apparatus cooperation unit 204 in FIG. 3 issues an instruction to manage the virtual communication space, and uses the viewer group information table TL4 (see FIG. 8) and the service list table TL5 (see FIG. 9) as the community service providing apparatus. By transmitting together with 4, the processing for realizing the virtual communication space is linked. If these tables have been transmitted before, only the information indicating the changes may be transmitted.

  The community service providing apparatus 4 performs processing for opening a virtual communication space such as a chat room, an electronic bulletin board, and a telephone conference room according to the contents of the table received from the service providing apparatus cooperation unit 204. Then, service establishment information 77 indicating link information (for example, URL) indicating the name and network address of the established virtual communication space is transmitted to the service management apparatus 2.

  Further, if there is a virtual communication space that has already been established and has been deleted from the newly received service list table TL5, the virtual communication space is closed.

  When the user who is viewing the streaming content wants to use the virtual communication space, he / she operates the viewer terminal TR and inputs a predetermined URL to the Web browser. Then, the community service information providing unit 106 (see FIG. 2) of the viewing information collecting device 1 connected to the viewer terminal TR provides the service management device 2 with a virtual communication space of a group in which the user can participate. Inquire.

  When the community service detection unit 203 in FIG. 3 receives an inquiry from the viewing information collecting apparatus 1, the community service detection unit 203 uses the viewer group information table TL4 (see FIG. 8) and the service as the virtual communication space in which the current user can participate (use). Detection is based on the list table TL5 (see FIG. 9). That is, first, a group whose viewer identifier is included in the “viewer list” is extracted from the viewer group information table TL4. Then, the virtual communication space for the group is extracted from the service list table TL5. The virtual communication space extracted in this way is a virtual communication space that can be used by the current user.

  Alternatively, the latest viewing information 76 of the user may be acquired from the viewer terminal TR, and the virtual communication space may be detected using the acquired information as follows. That is, the group to which the user belongs is determined by matching the acquired viewing information 76 with the condition of the key item of each group (search means information 73). Then, the virtual communication space of the group is detected from the service list table TL5.

  Then, usable service list information SLT indicating the name and link information of the virtual communication space detected by the community service detecting unit 203 is transmitted to the viewing information collecting apparatus 1 by the service information notifying unit 205, and the community shown in FIG. It is transmitted to the viewer terminal TR by the service information providing unit 106. As a result, a list of virtual communication spaces available to the user is displayed on the viewer terminal TR.

  When the user selects a desired virtual communication space from the list (available service list information SLT), the viewer terminal TR provides the virtual communication space based on the link information indicated in the service establishment information 77. Connect to the service providing device 4.

  Then, the community service providing apparatus 4 determines whether or not the user can use the virtual communication space based on the latest viewer group information table TL4 (see FIG. 8) acquired from the service management apparatus 2. Determine. That is, it is determined whether or not the viewer identifier of the user is included in the “viewer list” of the viewer group information 74 of the virtual communication space. If it is included, processing for making the user use the virtual communication space is executed. If it is not included, use is denied.

  As described above, the user can exchange information with other users using the virtual communication space. Moreover, one community is formed by a plurality of users gathering in one virtual communication space.

  In the above example, information on the list of virtual communication spaces provided to the user is managed by the service management device 2, but may be managed by each community service providing device 4. In this case, the viewing information collecting apparatus 1 inquires of each community service providing apparatus 4 about a virtual communication space that can be used by the user.

  In the above example, a method of transmitting a list of virtual communication spaces in response to a request from a user, that is, a PULL type transmission method is used. However, a PUSH type may be used. That is, for example, the detection process by the community service detection unit 203 may be periodically executed, and the detection result may be transmitted to the viewer terminal TR each time. Alternatively, both the PUSH type and the PULL type can be used in combination. For other information transmitted and received between the two devices, either the PUSH type or the PULL type may be used, or both may be used. In addition, the timing at which transmission / reception is performed may be set in each piece of information.

[Group generation process by viewers]
As described above, the group is generated by the service management apparatus 2 or the administrator, but can also be performed by the user of the viewer terminal TR, that is, the viewer.

  A user who desires to create a group by himself inputs a predetermined URL in the web browser of the viewer terminal TR. Then, in the viewing information collecting device 1 to which the viewer terminal TR is connected, the group generation request accepting unit 107 in FIG. 2 connects to the service management device 2 and acquires the key item table TL2 (see FIG. 6). A list of registered key items is displayed on the viewer terminal TR.

  The user freely combines these key items to determine the participation qualification (participation condition) of the group to be generated. Furthermore, a group name etc. are determined. When the information on the determined items is input to the viewer terminal TR, the viewer terminal TR transmits the information as group generation instruction information 78 to the viewing information collecting apparatus 1. The group generation request reception unit 107 transfers this group generation instruction information 78 to the service management apparatus 2.

  In the service management apparatus 2, when the viewer group generation unit 206 in FIG. 3 receives the group generation instruction information 78, the viewer group generation unit 206 adds new group-specific key item information 71 to the grouping list table TL1 (see FIG. 5). Issue one. In the group-specific key item information 71, the contents of the group generation instruction information 78 and the issued group serial number are registered. Further, new viewer group information 74 is added to the viewer group information table TL4 (see FIG. 8), and one viewer group information sequence number is issued. In the viewer group information 74, the viewer group information sequence number and the group sequence number of the group-specific key item information 71 registered in the grouping list table TL1 are registered. In this way, a group desired by the user is generated.

  Furthermore, a virtual communication space is set for the users grouped in the generated group. That is, the service information 75 is registered in the service list table TL5 (see FIG. 9). In addition, it is possible to register service information 75 of various providing methods (means for realizing a virtual communication space) for one group. However, in order to reduce the processing load of the community service providing apparatus 4, when the user generates a group, it is desirable to limit the providing method to chat or an electronic bulletin board.

  This service information 75 is transmitted to the community service providing apparatus 4 by the service providing apparatus cooperation unit 204. The community service providing device 4 opens a virtual communication space based on the service information 75. In parallel with this, the viewer grouping unit 202 executes grouping processing to detect users who can participate in the generated group.

  11 is a flowchart for explaining an example of the overall processing flow of the viewer terminal TR, FIG. 12 is a flowchart for explaining an example of the overall processing flow of the community service providing apparatus 4, and FIG. 13 is a viewing information collecting apparatus. FIG. 14 is a flowchart for explaining an example of the overall processing flow of the service management apparatus 2.

  Next, the flow of processing for each device of the community service providing system 100 will be described with reference to flowcharts. The step numbers shown in parentheses in FIGS. 11 to 14 correspond to the step numbers in FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 11, the viewer terminal TR connects to the nearest access point, acquires a list of streaming contents, and displays it on the display (# 101). When the user selects streaming content to view from the list and clicks the start button, the streaming content data is distributed from the streaming server 5 that is the distribution source (# 102, # 103).

  When the distribution of the streaming content starts, the viewing information 76 is transmitted to the service management apparatus 2 every time the user designates an action such as pause, playback, and stop until the distribution ends (# 104).

  The viewer terminal TR acquires and displays a list of virtual communication spaces that can be used (participated) by the user who views the streaming content from the viewing information collecting apparatus 1 (# 105). When the user selects a virtual communication space to be used from the list and clicks the start button, the viewer terminal TR requests the community service providing apparatus 4 to start using the virtual communication space (# 106). . Thereby, communication (VoIP communication or chat etc.) between the viewer terminal TR and the viewer terminal TR of another user is started via the community service providing apparatus 4 (# 107).

  As shown in FIG. 12, the community service providing apparatus 4 receives the viewer group information table TL4 (see FIG. 8), which is information related to user grouping, from the service management apparatus 2 (# 201). A virtual communication space is set up (# 202). In order to provide information regarding the virtual communication space to each user, information regarding installation is transmitted to the service management apparatus 2 (# 203).

  Each time the latest viewer group information table TL4 is transmitted, a process of newly installing a required virtual communication space or closing a virtual communication space that is no longer necessary is executed.

  In parallel with the processing such as setting and closing of the virtual communication space, it waits for reception of a request for using the virtual communication space from the viewer terminal TR (# 204). When the usage request is received (# 205), it is checked whether or not the requesting user can use the virtual communication space based on the viewer group information table TL4 and the service list table TL5 (see FIG. 9). To do. If it is available, the user is associated with the virtual communication space (# 206). The same process is performed when there is a use request from the viewer terminal TR of another user. As described above, the community service providing apparatus 4 starts relaying communication (such as VoIP communication or text communication such as chat or electronic bulletin board) between the plurality of viewer terminals TR (# 207).

  In FIG. 13A, the viewing information collecting apparatus 1 is always waiting for receiving a streaming content distribution request from the viewer terminal TR (# 301). When the distribution request is received (# 302), the distribution server 5 is instructed to distribute the streaming content desired by the user (# 303). When a response indicating that the distribution is started is received from the streaming server 5 (# 304), the processing unit provided in the viewing information collecting apparatus 1 for relaying the viewing information 76 to the service management apparatus 2 (viewing in FIG. 2). This is notified to the information transfer unit 103) (# 305). Also, before or after or in parallel with this, the response is transmitted to the requesting viewer terminal TR (# 306). Thereby, the process for streaming delivery from the streaming server 5 to the viewer terminal TR is completed.

  In FIG. 13B, the viewing information transfer unit 103 of the viewing information collecting apparatus 1 is always waiting for the notification in step # 305 in FIG. 13A (# 311). When the notification is received, a process of relaying the viewing information 76 to the service management apparatus 2 is started. That is, every time the viewing information 76 is received from the viewer terminal TR receiving the distribution of the streaming content (# 312), it is transferred to the service management apparatus 2 (# 313).

  In addition, the service management apparatus 2 is inquired about a virtual communication space that can be used by the user viewing the streaming content (# 314). When the answer is received (# 315), screen data (for example, HTML data for a web page) including a list of virtual communication spaces and selection buttons is generated and transmitted to the viewer terminal TR of the user. (# 316).

  In FIG. 14A, the service management apparatus 2 is always waiting to receive the viewing information 76 transferred from the viewing information collecting apparatus 1 (# 401). When the viewing information 76 is received (# 402), it is stored in the RAM (# 403), and a processing unit (viewer grouping unit 202 in FIG. 3) provided in the service management apparatus 2 for executing the grouping process. Is notified that the viewing information 76 has been received (# 404).

  In FIG. 14B, the viewer grouping unit 202 of the service management apparatus 2 is waiting for the notification in step # 404 in FIG. 14A (# 411). When such notification is received, grouping of the users who are viewing the streaming content is performed based on the viewing information 76 received in step # 402 of FIG. 14A (# 412). That is, a group in which the user can participate is selected from the grouping list table TL1 (see FIG. 5), and the user is added to the viewer list (see FIG. 8) of the viewer group information 74 of the group. . Then, the viewer group information 74 is notified to the community service providing apparatus 4 (# 413).

  In addition, the service management device 2 is always waiting to receive information regarding the installation or closure of the virtual communication space, which is transmitted from the community service providing device 4 (# 414). When such information is received (# 415), a list of virtual communication spaces that can be used by the user is transmitted to the viewing information collecting apparatus 1 as necessary (# 416).

  According to the present embodiment, virtual communication spaces with various participation conditions are prepared, and a virtual communication space according to the latest viewing information of the viewer can be introduced. Therefore, the viewer can participate in a virtual communication space more suitable for him / her than before and can communicate with other viewers. Moreover, since users with many common points can gather in the same virtual communication space, communication can be performed smoothly. Furthermore, since the community is actively performed, it is possible to promote the improvement of the usage rate of the service provided by the ISP.

  Also, the viewer can generate a group and a virtual communication space only by combining key items prepared in advance. Therefore, it is possible to easily communicate with other users who are closer to their own preferences.

  In the present embodiment, the streaming server 5 is used as the content distribution means, but other distribution means may be used as long as the viewer's viewing information 76 can be transmitted to the service management apparatus 2. For example, cable broadcasting or digital high-vision broadcasting may be used. In this case, the content may be received using the set-top box as the viewer terminal TR and the viewing information 76 may be transmitted to the service management apparatus 2. Alternatively, the content distributed by terrestrial broadcasting may be received by a personal computer with a built-in TV tuner, and the viewing information 76 may be transmitted to the service management apparatus 2.

  In the present embodiment, the audio conference call has been described as an example. However, a video conference and audio conference call, that is, a video conference can also be applied to the present invention.

  In this embodiment, the viewing information collection device 1 is provided for each ISP access point, but it may be provided in a proxy server or gateway installed in the Internet or an intranet. Alternatively, the viewer terminal TR may directly transmit / receive information to / from the service management device 2 without going through the viewing information collecting device 1.

  In order to effectively use the resources of the community service providing apparatus 4, the virtual communication space in which the number of participants or utterances has become a predetermined number or less may be closed. In this case, it is desirable to send a message to the effect that it will be closed soon to the viewer terminal TR of the participating viewers via the service management device 2 and the viewing information collecting device 1. Alternatively, the closing process may be executed after obtaining confirmation from the viewer that it may be closed.

  In addition, the configuration of the community service providing system 100, the viewing information collection device 1, the service management device 2, the information registration providing device 3, the community service providing device 4, the streaming server 5, and the viewer terminal TR, the contents of the processing, the processing contents, and the processing The order, table configuration, and the like can be changed as appropriate in accordance with the spirit of the present invention.

The following additional notes are disclosed with respect to the embodiment described above.
(Supplementary note 1) A virtual communication space introduction system for introducing a virtual communication space for communicating with each other via a telecommunication line.
Content viewing information acquisition means for acquiring content viewing information that is information relating to a viewing state when the viewer is viewing video or audio content;
For each group in which members having attributes common to each other participate, participation condition information storage means for storing participation condition information indicating participation conditions in the group;
A group that can be participated in, and a group that can participate in the group, based on the content viewing information of the viewer and the participation condition information of each group;
Participation space notification means for notifying the terminal device of the viewer of the virtual communication space for the group determined that the viewer can participate by the participation group determination means;
A virtual communication space introduction system characterized by having.
(Supplementary Note 2) The participation space notifying unit displays on the terminal device a list of names of the virtual communication spaces for the group determined to be able to participate by the participation group determination unit, and the list Transmitting a code for connecting the terminal device to the virtual communication space selected from
Appendix 1 Virtual communication space introduction system.
(Supplementary Note 3) Group generation means for generating the group;
The virtual communication space for the group generated by the group generation means is opened for a server that provides at least one of a chat room, an electronic bulletin board, or a conference room as the virtual communication space. And having an opening command means.
The virtual communication space introduction system according to Supplementary Note 1 or Supplementary Note 2.
(Supplementary Note 4) The group generation means sets the participation condition information of the group to be generated by combining one or more conditions selected by the operator from among a plurality of conditions prepared in advance. ,
Appendix 3 Virtual communication space introduction system.
(Supplementary Note 5) The content viewing information acquisition unit acquires the content viewing information each time the viewer starts, pauses, or ends the viewing of the content.
The virtual communication space introduction system according to any one of appendix 1 to appendix 4.
(Appendix 6) A virtual communication space providing system for providing a virtual communication space for a plurality of persons to communicate with each other via a telecommunication line,
Content viewing information acquisition means for acquiring content viewing information, which is information relating to a state when the viewer is viewing video or audio content;
For each group in which members having attributes common to each other participate, participation condition information storage means for storing participation condition information indicating participation conditions in the group;
A group that can be participated in, and a group that can participate in the group, based on the content viewing information of the viewer and the participation condition information of each group;
Participation space notifying means for notifying the viewer's terminal device of a list of the virtual communication space for the group determined that the viewer can participate by the participation group determining means;
Terminal connection means for connecting the viewer's terminal device to the virtual communication space selected by the viewer from the list;
A virtual communication space providing system characterized by comprising:
(Appendix 7) A virtual communication space introduction method for introducing a virtual communication space for a plurality of persons to communicate with each other via a telecommunication line,
For each group in which members having attributes common to each other participate, participation condition information indicating a participation condition to the group is stored in advance in the participation condition information storage unit,
Receiving content viewing information, which is information related to the viewing state when the viewer is viewing video or audio content, from the terminal device of the viewer;
The group in which the viewer can participate is determined based on the content viewing information of the viewer and the participation condition information of each group,
Notifying the viewer's terminal device of the virtual communication space for the group that has been determined that the viewer can participate;
Virtual communication space introduction method characterized by this.
(Supplementary note 8) A computer program used in a computer for introducing a virtual communication space for communication between a plurality of persons via a telecommunication line,
A process of accessing participation condition information storage means for storing participation condition information indicating participation conditions in the group for each group in which members having attributes common to each other participate;
Processing for obtaining content viewing information, which is information related to viewing status when the viewer is viewing video or audio content;
A process of determining the group in which the viewer can participate based on the content viewing information of the viewer and the participation condition information of each group;
A process of notifying the viewer's terminal device of the virtual communication space for the group that has been determined that the viewer can participate;
A computer program for causing a computer to execute.

  The present invention is suitably used by a business operator who distributes content to viewers to enhance customer service for viewers.

It is a figure which shows the example of the whole structure of a community service provision system. It is a figure which shows the example of a functional structure of a viewing-and-listening information collection apparatus. It is a figure which shows the example of a functional structure of a service management apparatus. It is a figure explaining the example of the flow of the whole process of a community service provision system. It is a figure which shows the example of a grouping list table. It is a figure which shows the example of a key item table. It is a figure which shows the example of a search means table. It is a figure which shows the example of a viewer group information table. It is a figure which shows the example of a service list table. It is a figure which shows the example of the streaming viewing information table classified by viewer. It is a flowchart explaining the example of the flow of the whole process of a viewer terminal. It is a flowchart explaining the example of the flow of the whole process of a community service provision apparatus. It is a flowchart explaining the example of the flow of the whole process of a viewing-and-listening information collection apparatus. It is a flowchart explaining the example of the flow of the whole process of a service management apparatus.

Explanation of symbols

1 Viewing information collection device (virtual communication space introduction system)
2 Service management device (virtual communication space introduction system)
3 Information registration and provision device (virtual communication space introduction system)
71 Key item information by group (participation condition information)
72 Information by key item (participation condition information)
73 Search means information (participation condition information)
76 Viewing Information (Content Viewing Information)
103 viewing information transfer unit (content viewing information acquisition means)
106 Community service information provider (participation space notification means)
201 viewing information receiving unit (content viewing information acquisition means)
202 Viewer grouping unit (groups that can participate)
204 Service providing device cooperation unit (opening command means)
205 Service information notification part (participation space notification means)
206 Viewer group generation unit (group generation means)
207 Viewer group setting section (group generation means)
TL1 grouping list table (participation condition information storage means)
TL2 key item table (participation condition information storage means)
TL3 search means table (participation condition information storage means)

Claims (5)

A virtual communication space introduction system for introducing a virtual communication space in which a plurality of persons communicate with each other via a telecommunication line,
Content viewing information acquisition means for acquiring content viewing information that is information relating to a viewing state when the viewer is viewing video or audio content;
For each group in which members having attributes common to each other participate, participation condition information storage means for storing participation condition information indicating participation conditions in the group;
A group that can be participated in, and a group that can participate in the group, based on the content viewing information of the viewer and the participation condition information of each group;
Participation space notification means for notifying the terminal device of the viewer of the virtual communication space for the group determined that the viewer can participate by the participation group determination means;
A virtual communication space introduction system characterized by having. The participation space notifying unit displays a list of names of the virtual communication spaces for the group determined to be able to participate by the participation group determining unit on the terminal device and is selected from the list Transmitting a code for connecting the terminal device to the virtual communication space
The virtual communication space introduction system according to claim 1. Group generating means for generating the group;
The virtual communication space for the group generated by the group generation means is opened for a server that provides at least one of a chat room, an electronic bulletin board, or a conference room as the virtual communication space. And having an opening command means.
The virtual communication space introduction system according to claim 1 or 2. A virtual communication space introduction method for introducing a virtual communication space in which a plurality of persons communicate with each other via a telecommunication line,
For each group in which members having attributes common to each other participate, participation condition information indicating a participation condition to the group is stored in advance in the participation condition information storage unit,
Receiving content viewing information, which is information related to the viewing state when the viewer is viewing video or audio content, from the terminal device of the viewer;
The group in which the viewer can participate is determined based on the content viewing information of the viewer and the participation condition information of each group,
Notifying the viewer's terminal device of the virtual communication space for the group that has been determined that the viewer can participate;
Virtual communication space introduction method characterized by this. A computer program used in a computer for introducing a virtual communication space for communicating between each other via a telecommunication line,
A process of accessing participation condition information storage means for storing participation condition information indicating participation conditions in the group for each group in which members having attributes common to each other participate;
Processing for obtaining content viewing information, which is information related to viewing status when the viewer is viewing video or audio content;
A process of determining the group in which the viewer can participate based on the content viewing information of the viewer and the participation condition information of each group;
A process of notifying the viewer's terminal device of the virtual communication space for the group that has been determined that the viewer can participate;
A computer program for causing a computer to execute.

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