CN101779459B - Video distribution device and video distribution method - Google Patents

Abstract

A video distribution apparatus that distributes video to a receiving apparatus by communication or broadcasting, comprising: a delivery member; associating a plurality of thumbnail data generated from the video data and a plurality of text data generated from subtitle data accompanying the video on a time axis to be previously distributed to the receiving apparatus; a request receiving section that receives a video distribution request including time information of text data selected from the text data displayed in the receiving apparatus from the receiving apparatus; a video distribution unit that, when the distribution request is received, specifies a distribution start position of the video data based on the time information, and distributes the video data to be distributed; and a processing unit configured to perform a predetermined process on the specified portion of the video data distributed by the video distribution unit.

Description

Video distribution device and video distribution method

technical field

The present invention relates to a video distribution device and a video distribution program for distributing images by communication or broadcasting. the

This application is based on the patent application No. 2007-211441 filed in Japan on August 14, 2007, the patent application No. 2007-211442 filed in Japan on August 14, 2007, and the patent application 2007 filed in Japan on August 14, 2007 - No. 211459 claims priority, and its content is cited in this specification. the

Background technique

Data of programs broadcast as television broadcasts include video data and audio data. In addition, since the program data to be broadcast is included as video data, subtitles (introduction of program titles, characters, etc., or Japanese subtitles in overseas works) may be included which cannot be selected on the user side. In addition, subtitle data which can be selected on the user side to be displayed may be included in broadcast program data. Such optional subtitle data is generally called Closed Caption (Closed Caption), which is mainly developed for the hearing-impaired. It includes not only the dialogue of the actors like the Japanese subtitles in overseas works, but also includes explanations such as BGM and sound effects. . the

For example, in NTSC (National Television Standards Committee: National Television System Committee) analog terrestrial broadcasting, 525 scanning lines are used in video signals, and in the 525 lines, each field (field) (consisting of two fields) The first 21 entries of 1 frame) are allocated to an interval (interval) for starting scanning called VBI (Vertical Blanking Interval: Vertical Blanking Interval). Closed captions are transmitted by multiplexing character codes on entry 21 of the VBI for each field. Then, about 60 characters per second are transmitted for 2 kinds of character groups using each field. the

In addition, the transmission of subtitle information on digital TV broadcasting consists of, for example, domestic regulations, namely, terrestrial digital TV broadcasting operating regulations, technical documents (ARIB TR-B14), BS/broadband CS digital broadcasting operating regulations, technical documents (ARIB TR-B15 ) stipulates that subtitle information can be transmitted simultaneously with the transmission of video information by using a transport stream for subtitle information. Then, in a receiver for digital television broadcasting, codes corresponding to subtitle information are decoded to generate characters and graphics constituting subtitles, which are superimposed on the video and displayed. In digital television broadcasting, there is a technique of internally storing text information transmitted simultaneously with transmission of video information using a transport stream for subtitle information, and displaying and viewing the internally stored text information at any time on a TV monitor, thereby Even if the user does not take a record of the displayed subtitles, it is possible to utilize the information of the subtitles. (For example, refer to Patent Document 1). the

In recent years, television broadcasts have been viewed on portable terminals such as mobile phones and PDAs (Personal Digital Assistants). In addition, it is also possible to record a program recorded by a recording device at home on a recording medium installed in a portable device, and to reproduce the recorded program from the recording medium. In this way, broadcast subtitle data comes to be used in various services. In addition, television broadcasting itself is also received by various devices, and a configuration is provided in which the received programs can be browsed. the

However, although TV broadcasts are received by various devices, and programs broadcast by the TV broadcasts are recorded on predetermined recording media and viewed on portable devices, the capacity of the recording media on which the programs are recorded is limited. Furthermore, if a recording medium that can be mounted (built-in) in a portable device is added, the capacity of the recording medium that can be used is further limited. the

Therefore, if you browse programs on a portable device, you can only browse a short program (only a part of the program can be viewed), and if you increase the compression rate to record a long program, the video will be rough and the image quality will be reduced. question. There is also the problem of not being popular because of this. Therefore, there is a demand for a function that allows viewing of long-time programs and multiple programs, and prevents image quality from deteriorating, even on portable devices. the

In order to solve such a problem, the following information processing device is disclosed: In order to be able to browse a long-time program in a portable device, the program of the TV broadcast instructed by the mobile phone is recorded, and the recorded program is By converting and displaying thumbnail image data and text data associated with time information, the content of the program can be grasped (for example, refer to Patent Document 2). the

Patent Document 1: JP-A-2003-078889 Gazette

Patent Document 2: JP-A-2006-253960 Gazette

Contents of the invention

The problem to be solved by the invention

Conventionally, there is known a video distribution system including a video distribution device that distributes video content such as video data via a network, and a receiving device that receives and displays the video content distributed from the video distribution device via the network. the

However, in conventionally known video distribution devices, regarding the viewing history information of the entire video content distributed to the receiving device, although it can be known whether there are many users who are interested in the entire content, it cannot be accurately determined whether there are many users interested in the entire content. The section in which the user holds an interest. the

Therefore, there is a problem that it is not possible to identify a portion of the entire video content that many users are interested in, and to perform predetermined processing such as collection and use of viewing history information for the identified portion. the

The present invention was made in view of such a problem, and an object of the present invention is to provide a video distribution capable of specifying a portion of interest to a plurality of users from the entire video content, and performing predetermined processing such as collection of viewing history information on the specified portion System and Video Distribution Program. the

method used to solve the problem

The present invention is a video distribution device, which distributes video to a receiving device through communication or broadcasting, and is characterized in that it includes: a thumbnail image distribution part; a plurality of thumbnail image data generated based on the video data; A plurality of text data generated by the subtitle data of the video is correlated on the time axis, thereby being distributed to the receiving device in advance; the request receiving part receives a video distribution request from the receiving device, and the video distribution request includes The time information of the text data selected in the text data displayed in the receiving device; the video distribution part, when receiving the distribution request, determines the distribution start position of the video data according to the time information, and performs distribution of video data to be distributed; and processing means for performing predetermined processing on a specific portion of the video data distributed by the video distribution means. the

The processing means of the present invention is characterized in that it is a history information collecting means that collects viewing history information for a specific portion of the video data distributed by the video distribution means. the

The processing unit of the present invention is a key video generating unit, which generates the key scene of the video data according to the determined part of the video data delivered by the video delivery unit. the

The processing unit of the present invention is a comment and evaluation information storage unit, which transmits the comment information or comments inputted in the receiving device to the specified part of the video data distributed by the video distribution unit. Information is associated and thus stored. the

The present invention is a video distribution program characterized by causing a computer of a video distribution device for distributing a video to a receiving device by communication or broadcasting to execute a thumbnail distribution step of distributing a plurality of thumbnail data generated based on the video data. , and a plurality of text data generated according to the subtitle data accompanying the video are associated on the time axis, thereby being distributed to the receiving device in advance; the request receiving step is to receive a video distribution request from the receiving device, and the video The distribution request includes time information of text data selected from text data displayed on the receiving device; the video distribution step, when the distribution request is received, determines the time information of the video data according to the time information a delivery start location, and delivery of the video data to be delivered; and a processing step of performing predetermined processing for a specified portion of the video data delivered in the video delivery step. the

The processing step of the present invention is characterized in that it is a history information collecting step of collecting viewing history information on a specified portion of the video data distributed in the video distribution step. the

The processing step of the present invention is characterized in that the processing step is a highlight video generating step of generating a highlight of the video data based on a specified part of the video data distributed in the video distribution step. Scenes. the

The processing step of the present invention is characterized in that the processing step is a comment and evaluation information storage step, and the specified part of the video data distributed in the video distribution step is stored in the receiving device. The input and transmitted comment information or evaluation information is associated and stored. the

Invention effect

According to the present invention, the following effects can be achieved: from the entire video content, a part that a plurality of users are interested in can be determined, and the determined part can be analyzed, and the viewing history information can be collected, or key scenes can be generated, or annotation information or evaluation information can be correlated. processing as prescribed by the Federation. the

Description of drawings

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of an embodiment of the present invention. the

FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing the operations of the delivery device 1 and the receiving device 23 shown in FIG. 1 . the

FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing the operations of the delivery device 1 and the receiving device 23 shown in FIG. 1 . the

FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing the operations of the delivery device 1 and the receiving device 23 shown in FIG. 1 . the

FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the operations of the delivery device 1 and the receiving device 23 shown in FIG. 1 . the

FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram showing the functions of the receiving device 23 shown in FIG. 1 . the

Label description

1...distribution device, 2...control unit, 3...input and output unit, 4...storage unit, 5...text/thumbnail distribution unit, 6...video/sound/text distribution unit, 8...communication unit, 23...receiving device, 24...control unit, 25...input unit, 26...display device, 27...communication unit, 28...storage unit , 29...text/thumbnail display unit, 33...video/sound/text display unit, 30, 34...data buffer

Detailed ways

Hereinafter, a video distribution system according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of this embodiment. In this figure, reference numeral 1 is a distributing device for distributing video, sound, text, and the like. Reference numeral 2 is a control unit that collectively controls the processing operations of the delivery device 1 . Reference numeral 3 is an input/output unit that performs input/output of various data in addition to input of content data. Reference numeral 4 is for storing text/thumbnail image distribution, display software 9, video/sound/text distribution, display software 10, content data 11, 12, 13, distribution, display unit software management data 14, content management data 15, user Storage unit for management data 16, content, user additional data 17, etc. Reference numeral 5 is a text/thumbnail distribution unit for distributing text and thumbnails. Reference numeral 6 is a video/audio/text distribution unit for distributing video, audio, and text. Reference numeral 7 is a content and user additional data receiving and delivering unit that receives data such as comments and evaluations given by users to the content, and distributes summarized data. Reference numeral 8 is a communication unit for broadcasting or communicating information. the

The prescribed processing unit 50 includes a historical information collection unit 51, a highlight video generation unit 52, comments, and an evaluation information storage unit 53, and the video/sound/text distribution unit 6 distributes the video to the receiving device 23 via the communication unit 8. The determined portion of the video data of the data is subjected to predetermined processing. the

The history information collection unit 51 collects viewing history information for a specific portion of the video data distributed by the video/audio/text distribution unit 6 to the receiving device 23 via the communication unit 8 . the

The highlight video generation unit 52 generates a highlight scene of the video data according to the determined part of the video data delivered by the video/sound/text delivery unit 6 to the receiving device 23 via the communication unit 8 . the

The annotation and evaluation information storage unit 53 correlates the comment information inputted and transmitted by the receiving device 23 with the evaluation information for the specified part of the video data distributed by the video/audio/text distribution unit 6 to the receiving device 23 via the communication unit 8 and store it. the

Text/thumbnail image distribution and display software 9 is software for realizing text/thumbnail image distribution and display processing. The video/audio/text distribution and display software 10 is software for realizing video, audio, and text distribution and display processing. The content data 11 is content data composed of video, audio, text, thumbnail images, and other data, and each data is distributed from the distribution device 1 via communication means. The content data 11 is composed of: video data (moving image data) 18 that also includes a collection of time-switched still images; audio data 19 that is linked to the video in time; Text data 20 linked to video or sound; thumbnail image data 21, which is still image data in which the video has been reduced; and other data 22, which are roughly divided into overall information data such as the name and summary of the entire content, and part of the scene description related to the content. , BGM, title name and other independent information data, and time-linked with video or sound. the

Distribution/display unit software management data 14 is data for managing text/thumbnail distribution and display unit software and video/audio/text distribution and display software. The content management data 15 is data for managing the content data 11-13. The user management data 16 is data for managing user information. The content and user-added data 17 are data such as comments and evaluations added by the user to the content. the

Reference numeral 23 is a receiving device for receiving and displaying video, audio, text, etc. delivered by the delivery device 1, and is constituted by, for example, a mobile phone terminal or the like. Reference numeral 24 is a control unit for collectively controlling the processing operations of the receiving device 23 . Label 25 is composed of dial key and function key, etc., and carries out the input unit of man-machine contact (man machine interface) with the user. Reference numeral 26 is a display device constituted by a liquid crystal display or the like for displaying content data and the like to the user. Reference numeral 27 is a communication unit that receives broadcasts and communicates information between delivery devices 1 . Reference numeral 28 is a storage unit for storing text/thumbnail image display software 38, video/sound/text display software 39, content data 40, 41, 42, and the like. the

Reference numeral 29 is a text/thumbnail display unit that uses text/thumbnail display software 38 to read text data and thumbnail data in the content data from the storage unit 28 via the data buffer 30 and display them in the display device 26. The text display unit 31 and the thumbnail display unit 32 are constituted. The text display unit 31 displays text data in the content data on the display device 26 . For the text data, display control such as line feed and page change is performed in response to operation input in the input unit 25 using data stored in the storage unit 28 or data acquired via the communication unit 27 . The thumbnail image display unit 32 displays thumbnail image data and other data among the content data. Thumbnail image data and other data use data stored in the storage unit 28 and data acquired via the communication unit 27 . The individual information data among thumbnail image data and other data are displayed in conjunction with text data. the

Reference numeral 33 is to use video/sound/text display software 39 to read video data, sound data, text data, etc. in the content data from the storage unit 28 via the data buffer 34 and display it on the video/sound in the display device 26. / The text display unit is composed of a video display unit, a sound output unit, and a text display unit. The video display unit 35 displays video data among the content data. Display control of video data such as playback, stop, fast forward, and rewind is performed in response to operation input in the input unit 25 using data stored in the storage unit 28 or data acquired via the communication unit 27 . The sound output unit 36 displays sound data in the content data. As audio data, data stored in the storage unit 28 and data obtained via the communication unit 27 are used. The audio data and the video data are outputted in conjunction with each other, or the audio data is output first and the video follows and displayed in an interlocking manner. The text display unit 37 displays text data and other data in the content data. As text data and other data, data stored in storage unit 28 or data obtained via communication unit 27 is used. Individual information data among text data and other data is displayed in conjunction with video data or audio data. the

The text/thumbnail image display software 38 is software that realizes processing of displaying on the display device 26 using text data and thumbnail image data in content data. The text/thumbnail display software 38 is acquired from the delivery device 1 via the communication unit 27 and stored in the storage unit 28 . This software is called up and used when viewing content data through the text/thumbnail display unit 29 in response to a request from the user. The text/thumbnail display software 38 is changed through version upgrade, and the latest software is sequentially acquired from the delivery device 1 via the communication unit 27 . the

The video/sound/text display software 39 is software that realizes processing of displaying in the display unit 26 using video data, sound data, text data, etc. among content data. The video/audio/text display software 39 is acquired from the delivery device 1 via the communication unit 27 and stored in the storage unit 28 . This software is called up and used when viewing content data through the video/audio/text display unit 33 at the user's request. The video/audio/text display software 39 is changed through version upgrade, and the latest software is sequentially acquired from the delivery device 1 via the communication unit 27 . the

The text/thumbnail image display unit 29 expresses the content of the video content with text and thumbnails, etc., and the text and thumbnails are synchronized on the time axis, and the pages to be displayed are sent forward and backward, so that the content of the video content can be easily viewed. In addition, the text is used for retrieval so that places in the video content matching desired keywords can be determined. In addition, the video/sound/text display unit 33 expresses the content of the video content through video, sound, text, etc., and the video, sound, text, etc. are synchronized on the time axis. The respective data in the two display units of the text/thumbnail display unit 29 and the video/sound/text display unit 33 are synchronized on the time axis, and at a specified time, the two display units can be switched synchronously, which can be The text/thumbnail display unit 29 confirms the content before and after, and accurately designates the place where the user wants to watch and listen to the part, so that the playback of video and audio can be started from the designated place. the

Next, referring to FIG. 6, the content browsing function in the receiving device 23 shown in FIG. 1 will be described. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a content browsing function in the receiving device 23 shown in FIG. 1 . The receiving device 23 has three functions of a metadata search function, a reading mode function, and a viewing mode function. the

(1) Metadata retrieval function

Through the input of keywords, it is possible to precisely (pin point) the function of reaching the place you want to watch in the program. Metadata is generated using subtitle data and provided as text. the

For example, if "ていえん (garden)" is entered as a search keyword, the metadata of the entire program can be searched thoroughly, and scenes in the program "Garden in Japan" can be searched. the

(2) Reading mode function

It is a function for quickly viewing information by displaying text (caption data) and still images (thumbnails) in association, and scrolling and page switching are possible. Since the text and still images are downloaded in advance, it can be viewed "anytime, anywhere" even in places where radio waves cannot reach. the

(3) Watch mode function

It is a function that if you click a text part in the viewing mode function, the moving image starting at that point in time can be reproduced, and it has fast forward/rewind/search functions. Movie reproduction includes a function for reproducing video content previously stored in the receiving device 23, and a function for reproducing data streams through communication or broadcasting. In the case of playback by data stream, moving image playback can be performed for a long time, and the point where viewing was interrupted is stored, and viewing can be resumed easily. the

The reading mode and viewing mode can be switched in conjunction, and the reading mode can be used to search for a moving image to be viewed. the

Next, referring to FIG. 2 , the operation of correctly extracting points of interest to multiple users by the delivery device 1 shown in FIG. 1 from all the video contents viewed on the receiving device 23 will be described. FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing the operation of the delivery device 1 shown in FIG. 1 to accurately extract points of interest to multiple users from all video contents viewed on the receiving device 23 . First, the text/thumbnail distribution unit 5 transmits thumbnails (reduced still images) and text information (subtitle information) accompanying each thumbnail to the receiving device 23 via the communication unit 8 in response to a request from the receiving device 23 (step S1). Receiving it, the receiving device 23 receives the thumbnail image and text information transmitted from the delivery device 1 via the communication unit 27, and stores it in the storage unit 28, thereby being held as the content data 40 of the thumbnail image and text information ( Step S2). At this point of time, video (moving image) data 43 and sound data 44 are not stored in the storage unit 28, and only text data 45 and thumbnail image data 46 are stored. the

Next, if the user operates the input unit 25 to instruct to display the received thumbnail and text, the text display unit 31 reads out the text 45 stored in the storage unit 28 and displays it on the display device 26, and the thumbnail The display unit 32 reads out the thumbnail image data 46 stored in the storage unit 28, and displays it on the display device 26 (step S3). Both text data 45 and thumbnail image data 46 are given time information (elapsed reproduction time from the beginning of the content), and based on this time information, text and thumbnail images are displayed synchronously. The "read mode" shown in FIG. 6 is thus executed. the

Next, when the user operates the input unit 25 to scroll the text/thumbnail screen up and down, and performs an operation for selecting a desired part of the moving image, the control unit 24 transmits to the delivery device 1 a text message containing the selected text. The video distribution request command of the time information (S4). If receiving this moving image distribution request instruction (step S5), then video/sound/text distribution unit 5 determines the position of distribution start according to the time information contained in the received moving image distribution request instruction, and starts from this distribution start position. Video (moving image) data, audio data, and text (subtitle) data are read out, and moving image data composed of the video data, audio data, and text data are streamed and delivered via the communication unit 8 (step S6). the

The receiving device 23 receives the streamed video data via the communication unit 27 , and stores the received video data in the storage unit 28 . Thus, video data 43, sound data 44, and text data 45 are stored in storage unit 28, and in parallel with this, video/sound/text display unit 33 reads video data 43, Voice data 44 and text data 45 are displayed on the display device 26 (step S7). Thereby, transition from the reading mode shown in FIG. 6 to the viewing mode allows viewing of moving images starting from the portion selected on the thumbnail/text screen. the

Next, when the user performs a display switching operation through the input unit 25, the control unit 24 transmits a video distribution stop command to the distribution device 1 (step S8). Upon receiving the movie distribution stop command, the video/audio/text distribution unit 6 stops the distribution operation of the movie data (step S9). Here, the video/sound/text distribution unit 6 stores the distribution history information as the content management data 15 of the storage unit 4 (step S10), wherein the distribution history information consists of the distribution start time information of the moving image distributed by the stream (for determining the activity The playback position of the video is constituted by elapsed time from the beginning of the moving picture), delivery stop time information, and identification information for specifying the content. This delivery history information is regarded as the part watched by the user and becomes the viewing history information. the

Then. When the browsing operation of the video is terminated, the receiving device 23 ends the processing together with the delivery device 1 (steps S11, S12). On the other hand, if the browsing operation is continued, the receiving device 23 returns to step S3 to display thumbnails/texts on the display device 26 . In addition, the distribution device 1 returns to step S5, and waits for the reception of a video distribution request command. The moving picture distribution history information that is distributed next is stored in the storage unit 4 , and a plurality of distribution history information (viewing history information) is stored as the content management data 15 of the storage unit 4 . the

In this way, the reading mode and viewing mode can be switched in conjunction, and since the reading mode is used to retrieve the moving image you want to watch, the identification information for identifying the moving image to be delivered, the distribution start position and the delivery stop position of the moving image Since it is stored as viewing history information, points of interest to a plurality of users can be accurately extracted from all video contents viewed. the

In the conventional technology, when watching a pre-stored program or stream-based VOD (Video On Demand) viewing of a long video content such as a broadcast program, it is possible to extract the information in the content by recording the access history. Where there are many users. the

However, there is a problem that it is difficult to accurately extract points of interest of many users within the content since access is usually concentrated at the beginning of the content. the

In the present embodiment, it is possible to accurately extract places of interest to multiple users from all video contents. the

Referring to FIG. 3 , the operation of correctly extracting points of interest to multiple users from all video contents viewed on the receiving device 23 shown in FIG. 1 and transmitting them to the distribution device 1 will be described. FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing the operation of correctly extracting points of interest to multiple users from all the video contents viewed on the receiving device 23 and transmitting them to the distribution device 1 . In FIG. 3 , the same operations as those shown in FIG. 2 are given the same reference numerals. the

In addition, the text/thumbnail image distribution unit 5 transmits thumbnails (reduced still images) and text information (subtitle information) accompanying each thumbnail to the receiving device 23 via the communication unit 8 in response to a request from the receiving device 23 (step S1). Receiving it, the receiving device 23 receives the thumbnail and text information sent from the delivery device 1 via the communication unit 27, and stores it in the storage unit 28, thereby holding it as the thumbnail and text content data 40 (step S2) . At this point in time, video (moving image) data 43 and sound data 44 are not stored in the storage unit 28, and only text data 45 and thumbnail image data 46 are stored. the

Next, if the user operates the input unit 25 to instruct to display the received thumbnail and text, the text display unit 31 reads out the text 45 stored in the storage unit 28 and displays it on the display device 26, and the thumbnail The display unit 32 reads out the thumbnail image data 46 stored in the storage unit 28, and displays it on the display device 26 (step S3). Both text data 45 and thumbnail image data 46 are given time information (elapsed reproduction time from the beginning of the content), and based on this time information, text and thumbnail images are displayed synchronously. The "read mode" shown in FIG. 6 is thus executed. the

Next, when the user operates the input unit 25 to scroll the text/thumbnail screen up and down, and performs an operation for selecting a desired part of the moving image, the control unit 24 transmits to the delivery device 1 a text message containing the selected text. The video distribution request command of the time information (S4). If receiving this moving image distribution request instruction (step S5), then video/sound/text distribution unit 5 determines the position of distribution start according to the time information contained in the received moving image distribution request instruction, and starts from this distribution start position Reading of video (moving image) data, audio data, and text (subtitle) data is started, and moving image data composed of the video data, audio data, and text data is streamed via the communication unit 8 (S6). the

The receiving device 23 receives the streamed video data via the communication unit 27 , and stores the received video data in the storage unit 28 . Thus, video data 43, sound data 44, and text data 45 are stored in storage unit 28, and in parallel with this, video/sound/text display unit 33 reads video data 43, Voice data 44 and text data 45 are displayed on the display device 26 (step S7). Thereby, transition from the reading mode shown in FIG. 6 to the viewing mode allows viewing of moving images starting from the portion selected on the thumbnail/text screen. the

Next, when the user performs a display switching operation through the input unit 25, the control unit 24 transmits a video distribution stop command to the distribution device 1 (step S8). Upon receiving the movie distribution stop command, the video/audio/text distribution unit 6 stops the distribution operation of the movie data (step S9). Here, the video/sound/text display unit 33 uses the distribution start time information (the elapsed time from the beginning of the moving picture for specifying the reproduction position of the moving picture) and the delivery stop time information of the moving picture to be streamed together with the information for determining the reproduction position of the moving picture. Viewing history information composed of content identification information is temporarily stored in the storage unit 29 (step S21). the

Then, it is judged whether to end the browsing operation (steps S22, S23), and if the browsing operation is continued, the receiving device 23 returns to step S3 to display the thumbnail/text on the display device 26. As a result, the viewing mode shown in FIG. 6 is shifted to the reading mode, and the distribution device 1 returns to step S5, and waits for a video distribution request command to be received. This operation is repeated, and the viewing history distribution information to be delivered next is temporarily stored in the storage unit 28 , whereby a plurality of viewing history information items are temporarily stored in the storage unit 28 . the

On the other hand, when the browsing operation of the video is completed, the control unit 24 of the receiving device 23 transmits the viewing history information temporarily stored in the storage unit 28 to the delivery device 1 via the communication unit 27 (step S24). Receiving this, the control unit 2 of the distribution device 1 receives the viewing history information sent by the receiving device 23 via the communication unit 8, and stores the received viewing history information as the content management data 15 of the storage unit 4 (step S25). Then, both the receiving device 23 and the delivery device 1 end the processing. the

In addition, in the operation shown in FIG. 3 , an example of stream distribution of moving images was shown, but in step S1, when the distribution device 1 transmits thumbnails and text to the receiving device 23, the moving images may also be streamed together. If the text accompanying the thumbnail is selected, the reproduction start position of the moving image is determined based on the time information of the selected text, and the reproduction of the previously received moving image is started from the reproduction start position. At this time, when the display operation switching operation (step S8) shown in FIG. What is necessary is just to transmit the viewing history information stored in advance to the delivery device 1 (step S24). the

In this way, the reading mode and viewing mode can be switched in conjunction, and since the reading mode is used to search for moving images that you want to watch, the identification information for identifying the moving images to be distributed, the distribution start position and the distribution stop position of the moving images are used as Since the viewing history information is stored, it is possible to accurately extract points of interest of multiple users from all the video contents being viewed. the

As described above, by accurately extracting points of interest of multiple users, the following new viewing methods can be performed. the

(1)Audio-visual access to the top part of the ranking

In the video content, based on the multi-user video viewing and listening, it is provided in the form of a message, so that the user can use the text/thumbnail display unit 29 or the video/sound/text display unit 33 of the receiving device 23. directly into the place. the

(2) Enrichment of content that accesses high-ranking parts

In the video content, the place where the video is watched by multiple users is collected, and the associated accompanying information is added to the high-ranking part of the access ranking to enrich the content part, and additionally guide to the related CM or related e-commerce The link information can achieve a high degree of content utilization. the

(3) Access to the continuous viewing of the top part of the ranking

Among the video contents, where there are many video viewings based on the aggregate number of users, only the high-ranked parts can be continuously viewed and viewed. In addition, user's access data may be used as data for automatically providing highlight scenes of video content. the

In the conventional technology, when watching a pre-stored program or stream-based VOD (Video On Demand) viewing of a long video content such as a broadcast program, it is possible to add comments or evaluate the entire content, Or actions such as recommending to friends. the

However, for actions such as adding annotations to certain scenes or certain parts of the video content, making comments, or recommending to friends, it is necessary to express time such as "30 seconds from the beginning of the part that has passed 10 minutes from the start of the program". However, it is not easy for other users to access the part. In addition, it is also difficult to collect data from multiple users. the

In this embodiment, comments, comments, recommendations to friends, etc. can be easily added to specific parts in the content, and other users can easily access these specific parts. the

Referring to FIG. 4 , an operation for easily adding annotations and adding evaluations to specified parts among all the video contents viewed in the receiving process 23 shown in FIG. 1 will be described. FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing an operation for easily adding annotations and ratings to specific portions of all video contents viewed on the receiving device 23 shown in FIG. 1 . In FIG. 4 , the same operations as those shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 are given the same reference numerals. the

In addition, the text/thumbnail image distribution unit 5 transmits thumbnails (reduced still images) and text information (subtitle information) accompanying each thumbnail to the receiving device 23 via the communication unit 8 in response to a request from the receiving device 23 (step S1). Receiving it, the receiving device 23 receives the thumbnail and text information sent from the delivery device 1 via the communication unit 27, and stores it in the storage unit 28, thereby holding it as the thumbnail and text content data 40 (step S2) . At this point in time, video (moving image) data 43 and sound data 44 are not stored in the storage unit 28, and only text data 45 and thumbnail image data 46 are stored. the

Next, if the user operates the input unit 25 to instruct to display the received thumbnail and text, the text display unit 31 reads out the text 45 stored in the storage unit 28 and displays it on the display device 26, and the thumbnail The display unit 32 reads out the thumbnail image data 46 stored in the storage unit 28, and displays it on the display device 26 (step S3). Both text data 45 and thumbnail image data 46 are given time information (elapsed reproduction time from the beginning of the content), and based on this time information, text and thumbnail images are displayed synchronously. The "read mode" shown in FIG. 6 is thus executed. the

Next, when the user operates the input unit 25 to scroll the text/thumbnail screen up and down, and performs an operation for selecting a desired part of the moving image, the control unit 24 transmits to the delivery device 1 a text message containing the selected text. The video distribution request command of the time information (step S4). If receiving this moving image distribution request instruction (step S5), then video/sound/text distribution unit 5 determines the position of distribution start according to the time information contained in the received moving image distribution request instruction, and starts from this distribution start position Video (moving image) data, audio data, and text (subtitle) data are read, and moving image data composed of the video data, audio data, and text data are streamed via the communication unit 8 (step S6). the

The receiving device 23 receives the streamed video data via the communication unit 27 , and stores the received video data in the storage unit 28 . Thus, the video data 43, the sound data 44, and the text data 45 are stored in the storage unit 28, and in parallel with this, the video/sound/text display unit 33 reads out the video data 43, the text data 45 from the storage unit 28 via the data buffer 34. Voice data 44 and text data 45 are displayed on the display device 26 (step S7). Thereby, transition from the reading mode shown in FIG. 6 to the viewing mode allows viewing of moving images starting from the portion selected on the thumbnail/text screen. the

Next, when the user performs a display switching operation through the input unit 25, the control unit 24 transmits a video distribution stop command to the distribution device 1 (step S8). Upon receiving the movie distribution stop command, the video/audio/text distribution unit 6 stops the distribution operation of the movie data (step S9). Here, commentary or evaluation information on the viewed moving image is input from the input unit 25 . The video/audio/text display unit 33 uses the distribution start time information (the elapsed time from the beginning of the moving picture for specifying the playback position of the moving picture) and the distribution stop time information of the streaming moving picture to determine the contents. The identification information, comment information, and evaluation information are temporarily stored in the storage unit 29 (step S31). Comment information and evaluation information are composed of comments or evaluation information input from the input unit 25 . the

Then, it is judged whether to continue the browsing operation (steps S32, S33). If the browsing operation is to be continued, the receiving device 23 returns to step S3 to display the thumbnail/text on the display device 26. As a result, the viewing mode shown in FIG. 6 is shifted to the reading mode. In addition, the distribution device 1 returns to step S5, and waits for the reception of a video distribution request command. This operation is repeated to temporarily store annotation information and evaluation information on moving images received and distributed in storage unit 28 , whereby a plurality of annotation information and evaluation information are temporarily stored in storage unit 28 . the

On the other hand, when the browsing operation of the video ends, the control unit 24 of the receiving device 23 transmits the annotation information and evaluation information temporarily stored in the storage unit 28 to the delivery device 1 via the communication unit 27 (step S34). Receiving it, the control unit 2 of the distribution device 1 receives the comment information and evaluation information sent by the receiving device 23 via the communication unit 8, and stores the received comment information and evaluation information as the content of the storage unit 4 and the user additional data 17 ( Step S35). Then, both the receiving device 23 and the delivery device 1 end the processing. the

In addition, in the operation shown in FIG. 4 , an example of streaming moving images was shown, but in step S1, when the distribution device 1 transmits thumbnails and text to the receiving device 23, the moving images may also be streamed together. If the text accompanying the thumbnail is selected, the reproduction start position of the moving image is determined based on the time information of the selected text, and the reproduction of the previously received moving image is started from the reproduction start position. At this time, when the display operation switching operation (step S8) shown in FIG. What is necessary is just to send the comment or evaluation information inside 23 to the delivery device 1 (step S34). the

In this way, the reading mode and viewing mode can be switched in conjunction, and since the reading mode is used to search for moving images that you want to watch, the identification information for identifying the moving image to be delivered, the delivery start position and delivery stop position of the moving image, And annotation information and evaluation information are stored as content and user added data, so it is possible to add annotations or evaluations to specific parts of all video contents to be viewed. Additionally, annotations attached to certain portions of the video content may be provided to other users. In addition, the evaluations attached to certain parts of the video content are aggregated with the evaluations of other users, so that information can be provided to other users in a summary form. the

Next, referring to FIG. 5 , an operation of recommending a specific portion to a friend from among all video contents viewed on the receiving device 23 shown in FIG. 1 will be described. FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing an operation of recommending a specific portion to a friend from among all video contents viewed on the receiving device 23 shown in FIG. 1 . In FIG. 5 , the same operations as those shown in FIGS. 2 to 4 are given the same reference numerals. the

In addition, the text/thumbnail image distribution unit 5 transmits thumbnails (reduced still images) and text information (subtitle information) accompanying each thumbnail to the receiving device 23 via the communication unit 8 in response to a request from the receiving device 23 (step S1). Receiving it, the receiving device 23 receives the thumbnail and text information sent from the delivery device 1 via the communication unit 27, and stores it in the storage unit 28, thereby holding it as the thumbnail and text content data 40 (step S2) . At this point in time, video (moving image) data 43 and sound data 44 are not stored in the storage unit 28, and only text data 45 and thumbnail image data 46 are stored. the

Next, if the user operates the input unit 25 to instruct to display the received thumbnail and text, the text display unit 31 reads out the text 45 stored in the storage unit 28 and displays it on the display device 26, and the thumbnail The display unit 32 reads out the thumbnail image data 46 stored in the storage unit 28, and displays it on the display device 26 (step S3). Both text data 45 and thumbnail image data 46 are given time information (elapsed reproduction time from the beginning of the content), and based on this time information, text and thumbnail images are displayed synchronously. The "read mode" shown in FIG. 6 is thus executed. the

Next, when the user operates the input unit 25 to scroll the text/thumbnail screen up and down, and performs an operation for selecting a desired part of the moving image, the control unit 24 transmits to the delivery device 1 a text message containing the selected text. The video distribution request command of the time information (step S4). If receiving this moving image distribution request instruction (step S5), then video/sound/text distribution unit 5 determines the position of distribution start according to the time information contained in the received moving image distribution request instruction, and starts from this distribution start position Start reading video (moving image) data, audio data, and text (subtitle) data, and stream the moving image data composed of the video data, audio data, and text data via the communication unit 8 (step S6). the

The receiving device 23 receives the streamed video data via the communication unit 27 , and stores the received video data in the storage unit 28 . Thus, video data 43, sound data 44, and text data 45 are stored in storage unit 28, and in parallel with this, video/sound/text display unit 33 reads video data 43, Voice data 44 and text data 45 are displayed on the display device 26 (step S7). Thereby, transition from the reading mode shown in FIG. 6 to the viewing mode allows viewing of moving images starting from the portion selected on the thumbnail/text screen. the

Next, when the user performs a display switching operation through the input unit 25, the control unit 24 transmits a video distribution stop command to the distribution device 1 (step S8). Upon receiving the movie distribution stop command, the video/audio/text distribution unit 6 stops the distribution operation of the movie data (step S9). Here, when the user performs an operation from the input unit 25 for instructing to recommend the movie watched to a friend, the video/audio/text display unit 33 displays the distribution start time information (for specifying the movie) of the movie to be streamed. The elapsed time from the beginning of the reproduction position of the moving picture), delivery stop time information, and identification information for specifying the content are transferred to the control unit 24. Receiving it, the control unit 24 transmits the content recommendation information composed of the distribution start time information and the distribution stop time information of the moving image transferred from the video/sound/text display unit 33, and the identification information for specifying the content to the recipient of the friend. terminal (other receiving terminal) (step S41). This information is transmitted using information communication means such as e-mail. the

Then, it is judged whether to continue the browsing operation (steps S42, S43). If the browsing operation is continued, the receiving device 23 returns to step S3 to display thumbnails/texts on the display device 26. As a result, the viewing mode shown in FIG. 6 is shifted to the reading mode. In addition, the distribution device 1 returns to step S5, and waits for the reception of a video distribution request command. the

On the other hand, other receiving devices held by the friend receive the content recommendation information (step S44), and the control unit 24 of the other receiving devices sends a content distribution instruction to the distribution device 1 (step S45), the content distribution instruction includes the recommended content The information includes delivery start time information and delivery stop time information of moving images, and identification information for specifying content. If the content distribution instruction is received (step S46), the video/sound/text distribution unit 5 of the distribution device 1 will be based on the distribution start time information and distribution stop time information of moving images contained in the received content distribution instruction, and the information used to determine The identification information of the content determines the content to be delivered, and determines the delivery start position, and reads the video (moving image) data, audio data, and text (subtitle) data from the delivery start position to the delivery stop position, so that via communication The unit 8 stream-distributes the video data composed of the video data, audio data, and text data (step S47). the

The other receiving device 23 receives the streaming video data via the communication unit 27 and stores the received video data in the storage unit 28 . Thus, video data 43 , sound data, and text data 45 are stored in the storage unit 28 . In parallel with this, video/sound/text display unit 33 reads out video data 43, sound data 44, and text data 45 from storage unit 28 via data buffer 34, and displays them on display unit 26 (step S48). Thereby, moving images recommended by friends can be browsed. the

Next, when the user of another receiving device 23 performs an operation to terminate the display from the input unit 25, the control unit 24 transmits a display termination command to the delivery device 1 (step S49). Upon receiving the display termination command, the video/audio/text distribution unit 6 stops the distribution operation of moving image data (step S50). the

In addition, in the operation shown in FIG. 5 , an example in which moving images are distributed by streaming is shown, but in step S1, when the distribution device 1 transmits thumbnails and texts to the receiving device 23, the moving images may be combined together. All the images are delivered to the receiving device 23, and when the text accompanying the thumbnail is selected, the playback start position of the moving image is determined based on the time information of the selected text, and the playback of the moving image received in advance starts from the playback start position. . In this case, the content recommendation information may be transmitted to another receiving device 23 (step S34 ) every time the operation for transmitting the content recommendation information (step S41 ) shown in FIG. 5 is performed. When distributing the video to another receiving device, it is not limited to the streaming distribution (step S47 ), and all the video of the recommended part may be downloaded and displayed. the

In this way, the reading mode and viewing mode can be switched in conjunction, and since the reading mode is used to search for moving images that you want to watch, the user who watched the distributed moving images will recommend the favorite parts to friends, so by using the The content recommendation information of the recommended content is sent to other receiving devices held by friends, so that the recommended user can directly access the recommended part of the video. the

Next, a case where a highlight scene is generated from all video contents will be described. The key scene is generated in conjunction with the above-mentioned text/thumbnail display unit 33, as follows. the

(1) Use the access ranking of multiple users

Based on the results of the collection operation of the viewing history information shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 , in the video content, only the high-ranking part of the access ranking is automatically used as the key scene, where the video content is viewed by multiple users. This enables video distribution and digest viewing. the

(2) Additional identified users

Based on the result of the annotation addition action shown in FIG. 4, the determined user selects the part considered to be the key point, attaches the annotation to the part and sends it to the distribution device 1, and the distribution device 1 distributes the video of the key scene to other users, so that We perform digest viewing and hearing. the

(3) A combination of (1) and (2)

A combination of a highlight scene selected by the user and a scene with a lot of viewing is used as data for digest viewing. the

(4) Each of (1), (2), and (3) is attached to the delivery side

For each of the above (1), (2), and (3), the delivery side further adds planned highlight scenes and the like to generate highlight scenes on both the delivery side and the viewing side. the

In this way, based on the information for specifying the highlight scene selected by the user and the scene with a lot of viewing and listening, the highlight scene can be generated from all video contents, so the highlight scene for digest viewing can be easily selected, and the preferred highlight scene can be delivered to the user. . the

In the conventional technology, when watching a pre-stored program or stream-based VOD (Video On Demand) viewing of long video content such as a broadcast program, it is possible to collect only important scenes and continuously watch a digest audiovisual. At this time, it is the content provider who decides the highlight scene, and the user generally performs fixed viewing based on the determined data, and there is a problem that it is difficult to view a summary of the highlight scene mutually generated by the content provider and the user. the

In the present embodiment, the content provider and the user create highlight scenes mutually, and various digests can be viewed and heard in one content. the

In addition, the program for realizing the function of the processing unit in FIG. 1 may be recorded in a computer-readable recording medium, and the computer system may read and execute the program recorded in the recording medium to perform video distribution processing. . In addition, the "computer system" described here is assumed to include hardware such as an OS and peripheral devices. In addition, the "computer system" may also include a WWW system having a home page providing environment (or a display environment). In addition, the "computer-readable recording medium" refers to removable media such as floppy disks, magneto-optical disks, ROMs, and CD-ROMs, and storage devices such as hard disks built into computer systems. In addition, the "computer-readable recording medium" also includes volatile memory (RAM) inside a server and a computer system serving as a client when the program is transmitted via a network such as the Internet or a communication line such as a telephone line. The recording medium that holds the program for a certain period of time. the

In addition, the above-mentioned program may be transmitted from a computer system storing the program in a storage device or the like to another computer system via a transmission medium or via a transmission wave in a transmission medium. Here, the "transmission medium" for transmitting the program is a medium having an information transmission function such as a network (communication network) such as the Internet or a communication line (communication line) such as a telephone line. In addition, the above-mentioned program may be a program for realizing some of the functions described above. In addition, a program that realizes the above function by combining with a program already recorded in the computer system, a so-called differential file (difference program) may also be used. the

Industrial availability

The present invention can be applied to a video distribution device, a video distribution program, etc. that can specify a portion of the entire video content that a plurality of users are interested in, and perform predetermined processing such as collection of viewing history information on the specified portion. the

Claims (6)

1. A video distribution device for distributing video to a receiving device through communication or broadcasting, characterized in that it comprises: The thumbnail distribution means associates on the time axis a plurality of thumbnail data generated based on the video data and a plurality of text data generated based on the subtitle data accompanying the video, and distributes them to the recipient in advance. device; request receiving means for receiving a video distribution stop request for requesting stop of distribution of the video from the receiving device after receiving a video distribution request from the receiving device, wherein the video distribution request includes The time information of the selected text data in the displayed text data; The video distribution component, when receiving the video distribution request, determines the distribution start position of the video data based on the time information, and starts to distribute the video data, and when receiving the video distribution stop request Next, determine the distribution stop position of the video data, and stop the distribution of the video data; and a history information collection unit that collects a viewing history consisting of information related to the delivery start position to the delivery stop position of the video data delivered by the video delivery unit, and identification information specifying the video information. 2. The video distribution device according to claim 1, comprising: A highlight video generating unit generates a highlight scene of the video data based on the delivery start position to the delivery stop position of the video data delivered by the video delivery unit. 3. The video distribution device according to claim 1, comprising: Annotation and evaluation information storage means for sending the annotation information or evaluation information inputted in the receiving device from the distribution start position to the distribution stop position of the video data distributed by the video distribution means associated for storage. 4. A video distribution method, which is a video distribution method of a video distribution device that distributes video to a receiving device through communication or broadcasting, the video distribution method is characterized in that, correlating on the time axis a plurality of thumbnail data generated based on the video data and a plurality of text data generated based on the subtitle data accompanying the video, so as to distribute to the receiving device in advance; After receiving a video distribution request from the receiving device, receiving a video distribution stop request for requesting a stop of distribution of the video from the receiving device, wherein the video distribution request includes text data displayed in the receiving device The time information of the text data selected in ; When the video distribution request is received, based on the time information, determine the distribution start position of the video data, and start distribution of the video data, and when the video distribution stop request is received, determine the distribution start position of the video data the delivery stop position of the video data, and stop delivery of the video data; and Viewing history information including information on the delivery start position to the delivery stop position of the video data and identification information specifying the video is collected. 5. The video distribution method as claimed in claim 4, characterized in that, A key scene of the video data is generated based on the delivery start position to the delivery stop position of the video data. 6. The video distribution method as claimed in claim 4, wherein: The video data is stored in association with comment information or evaluation information input and transmitted from the delivery start position to the delivery stop position.

Images