JP2001320532A - Still image sales method and still image sales system using moving images - Google Patents

Abstract

(57) [Summary] [Problem] Still image sales method and still image sales method capable of obtaining a desired still image from a moving image distributed over a network, and providing and managing paid or free still images Provide system. SOLUTION: A moving image is displayed on a network connection terminal 3 via the Internet 1. In the content site 2, a content holder 4 is connected to supply a moving image file.
The user designates capturing of a desired moving image as a still image, and a still image with an advertisement is distributed. When the purchase price is settled, a still image without advertisement is delivered. You can also request production of goods such as printed matter containing still images.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

[0001] 1. Field of the Invention [0002] The present invention relates to a method and a system for selling still images via the Internet.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, IP (Information) for providing characters and various multimedia information via the Internet has been known.
Various contents are distributed to users by a company called an “ion provider”. Of these contents, the content itself such as an image is important, and the image quality of the image, the content of the image, and the like are to be evaluated, thereby creating value.

[0003] Software represented by these images, etc.
It is generally called content software and includes not only still images but also moving images such as movies and animations. What is common to these contents software is that the amount of information is relatively large, and various data transfer methods are used to distribute the contents software from the IP side to the user.

[0004] As one method of this data transfer, for example, the distribution of a moving image by streaming is performed, and even if the downloading of the entire moving image file is not completed by streaming, the moving image can be reproduced. It has become. Since the file size of content software, especially moving images, is relatively large, it is very time inefficient to wait for playback until the download from the IP side is completed. By distributing content software such as a moving image as streaming data, even a relatively large data can be reproduced without a waiting time.

[0005] In addition, a moving image file is input to a capture tool constituted by hardware, signal processing is performed by the capture tool, and a still image is taken into a personal computer in the form of a still image file.

[0006]

However, the prior art as described above has the following problems to be solved.

As a problem on the user side, since the data of the moving image file is transmitted via the Internet with high compression, the image quality of a still image obtained by a user with a capture tool or the like is not satisfactory and high quality. Did not.

[0008] For this reason, still images composing a moving image cannot be said to have high commercial value as content software.
For paid distribution, user satisfaction is low and the number of users decreases. In addition, if a video file is distributed with high quality without being compressed, the data amount of the video file is too large, it takes a long time to transmit, and a lot of waiting time occurs on the user side. In addition, various conditions, such as an arithmetic processing speed and a memory capacity, required for a personal computer are severe.

On the other hand, as a problem on the IP side, since a still image can be freely created on the user side by the capture tool, it is difficult to manage content software. For this reason, even if the moving image file is distributed for a fee, the user is dissatisfied with the low image quality. On the other hand, in order to distribute a moving image with high image quality, as described above, in addition to the strict conditions required for a personal computer, a plurality of still images are created by the user without permission.
It is difficult for the user to manage to prevent these actions on the user side.

Further, a still image obtained by a user using a capture tool or the like must be viewed on a screen or printed and viewed by a printer or the like. I couldn't enjoy it.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made in view of these problems, and it is possible to obtain a desired still image from a moving image distributed over a network, and to provide and manage a still or free still image. It is an object to provide a still image selling method and a still image selling system.

[0012]

According to the first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a still image sales system which distributes a moving image to a purchaser via a network and sells a still image of the moving image. A method wherein when a desired still image is selected by the purchaser, a fine image corresponding to the selected still image is provided to the purchaser via the network. The still image sales method is the solution.

Further, according to the present invention described in claim 2,
2. The fine image according to claim 1, wherein the fine image includes an image other than a desired image when the purchaser selects a free offer, and the fine image is provided when a pay offer is selected. The still image sales method described above is a solution.

According to the third aspect of the present invention,
A still image selling method for distributing a moving image to a purchaser via a network and selling a still image of the moving image, wherein when a desired still image is selected by the purchaser, the selected still image is A printing method in which a fine image corresponding to an image is provided to the purchaser is provided as a solution.

Further, according to the present invention described in claim 4,
A still image sales system for distributing a moving image to a purchaser via a network and selling a still image of the moving image, a moving image server for storing the moving image and distributing the moving image to the purchaser, and a fine image of the moving image And a still image server for storing the still image server and providing the still image server in response to the request of the purchaser.

Further, according to the present invention described in claim 5,
5. The still image server according to claim 4, wherein the still image server provides the character or the graphic in a superimposed manner when the purchaser selects the free provision, and the fine image is provided when the purchaser selects the pay provision. 5. The image sales system is the solution.

Further, according to the present invention described in claim 6,
A still image sales system that distributes a moving image to a purchaser via a network and sells a still image of the moving image, a moving image server for storing the moving image and delivering the moving image to the purchaser, and selecting the purchaser Ordering means for ordering the production of a printed matter on which the fine image of the still image is arranged, and the still picture selling system is characterized in that the printed matter is provided to the purchaser.

[0018]

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a still picture selling method and a still picture selling system using moving pictures according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram for explaining a still image selling method and a still image selling system according to an embodiment.

In this embodiment of the still picture selling method and still picture selling system, a net user (member) who has registered as a member accesses the content site 2 via the Internet 1 through the net connection terminal 3 and then obtains the desired content. Video distribution to be performed. The moving image selected from the content holder 4 by the selection of the distribution is provided to the network connection terminal 3 via the content site 2. The administrator of the content holder 4 receives the compensation from the content site 2 by maintaining and managing the content holder 4 and providing the content, thereby generating sales revenue.

When a net user performs an image capturing operation at the network connection terminal 3 when a screen desired to be captured as a still image is displayed during reproduction of the moving image thus distributed,
The still image of the same frame as the screen to be captured is stored as a high-quality still image with "SAMPLE characters" or "with advertisement" from the content holder 4 in which the still image is stored.

Here, the still image of a moving image provided to the member refers to, for example, one frame unit when the moving image is a movie, or a cell image unit in animation or the like, or other moving images. In the provision method, it refers to a still image in screen units at the timing selected by the member among the moving images.

Then, the user selects a member option and saves still image data (internal or external storage) 9
Or create various goods using still image data 10
Select If you select Still Image Data Save 9,
Save the ad with the selected still image,
Alternatively, select whether to save the one without advertisement.

If the user selects to save a still image with an advertisement, the still image data can be saved free of charge. This storage destination can be either internal storage or storage in an external storage device. In addition, characters such as “SAMPLE” may be inserted instead of the still image including the advertisement. On the other hand, when the user wants to save the still image data without the advertisement, the user can save the still image data without the advertisement by paying the price using the settlement means provided by the settlement function provider 5. By providing such a payment function to the content site 2, the payment function provider 5 receives a payment fee as a consideration.

The advertiser 8 pays an advertisement fee to the advertisement agency 7, and the advertisement agency 7 puts an advertisement in a still image provided free of charge by a member. Thus, the advertisement effect is obtained through the Internet 1 by inserting the advertisement into the still image.

When the user selects various goods creation 10 using still image data, an order screen (not shown) is displayed on the member's network connection terminal 3. When the send button is pressed after filling in the necessary information on the order screen, an order acceptance confirmation screen of the goods manufacturer is displayed, and the date of completion, the receiving place, the price and the like can be confirmed. The member can specify various receiving methods such as receiving at a photographer / convenience store 6 in his / her neighborhood or mailing to his / her home. In addition, by taking a still image externally stored by an external storage device using a smart media or the like, for example, to a partner shop with a goods manufacturer, processing such as image printing or goods processing can be performed.

Next, the configuration of an embodiment of a still image sales system will be described with reference to FIG. The configuration of the still image sales system shown in FIG. 2 includes an access unit 11 for connecting to a communication network such as the Internet, a recording medium 12 such as a smart media, a member terminal 13, a communication network 14 such as the Internet, Site 15, application server 16, video server 17, still image server 18, advertisement server 19, ID management server 20, automatic thumbnail creation module 21, image merge module 22, watermark module 23, authentication And a module 24.

As described above with reference to FIG. 1, when the member accesses the content site 15 through the communication network 14 such as the Internet at the member terminal 13, the identity is confirmed with the ID management server 20. . Next, a moving image is selected by software started from the application server 16, information is sent to the moving image server 17, and the moving image is reproduced. When the member presses the still image capture button,
A still image is displayed by the still image server 18 based on the information on the frame of the moving image at the time of pressing.

Here, if "no advertisement" is designated in "data storage", ID information is transmitted from the ID management server 20 to a settlement server (not shown), and the settlement procedure is completed.
Also, when "Create print" is designated, the ID management server 2
From 0, the member information is displayed in the order screen, and the order information is transmitted to the goods manufacturer.

The moving image server 17 stores low-quality moving images and attributes related to the moving images. The attribute includes a category in addition to information on a video such as a title and an author. The category is a keyword-like one related to the video, and may be, for example, a large group such as a movie, an animation, or a live image, or a small group such as a robot or a witch girl specialized in animation. . This category may be set in a plurality of types, and a frame number of an image used as a thumbnail of the automatic thumbnail generation module 21 described later may be stored.

The still image server 18 stores a selected still image of a moving image, that is, a still image for one frame. The still image and the moving image frame are matched, and have a function of inputting a number that can identify one frame of the moving image and outputting a corresponding still image. The number of still images to be output is not limited to one, and still images for several frames may be output, or slow-moving moving images may be output.

The ID management server 20 stores user information for specifying a member to use. The user information includes not only general information items such as an address, a name, an age, a telephone number, e-mail, and gender, but also a member's preference tendency. The preference input here corresponds to the attribute of the moving image of the moving image server 17 and is used on the moving image selection screen displayed on the member terminal 13. When registering as a member, an ID and a password corresponding to the user information are issued.

The advertisement server 19 is a server in which characters or images of advertisements to be included in still images are stored. Alternatively, the category selected according to the member's preference may be saved, and an advertisement included in this category may be included in the image.

The automatic thumbnail generation module 21 is a module for generating a screen for displaying a thumbnail image by using the moving image server 17 and the ID management server 20.
When the member's ID number is input, the user accesses the ID management server 20 and acquires the preference of the member using it as category information. Make the first frame of the video with the same attribute as the category the thumbnail. The video server 17
If the frame number of the image to be used as the thumbnail is stored in the file, it may be used. When a plurality of thumbnail images are arranged, and a thumbnail is selected, link information for loading the moving image is added and output to the screen.

The image merging module 22 is a module for adding an advertisement character or an image to a still image. If there is a category in the advertisement, an advertisement of the same category as the category of the attribute of the target video may be inserted.

The authentication module 24 receives the I
This module authenticates whether D and the password are registered in the ID management server 20.

The watermark module 23 is a module for adding watermark information to a still image to prevent unauthorized use.

FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining one example of a screen display according to the embodiment of the still picture selling system of the present invention.

First, as a preparation, the member must register as a member before using the member. A list of items required for member registration stored in the ID management server 20 is displayed, and a user who wishes to register as a member inputs necessary items for each item and transmits the items to the ID management server 20 again. After storing the information input by the user, the ID management server 20 issues an ID and a password and transmits the ID and the password to the user.

User authentication screen 25 and moving picture selection screen 2
In 6, the user first enters the service (still image sales)
Access a site operated by. The site uses the authentication module 24 to prompt for authentication. The user inputs an ID and a password registered in advance. When the authentication from the authentication module 24 is approved by this input, the ID is transmitted to the thumbnail automatic generation module 21.

The automatic thumbnail generation module 21
The user accesses the D management server 20 to acquire the user's preference. The thumbnail automatic generation module 21 accesses the ID management server 20 and acquires the user's preference. The thumbnail automatic generation module 21 creates a thumbnail page that suits the preference and sends it to the user. The user selects his favorite thumbnail image.

Next, on the screen capture screen 27, when there is a favorite moving picture scene, the user presses the screen capture button. The client side (the terminal operated by the user) transmits a key (frame number, time code, etc.) for uniquely determining the scene to the image merging module 22. The image merge module 22 transmits an image in which an image such as an advertisement character or an advertisement is added to a still image to the user. The user can view the transmitted still image, and can freely save the transmitted (advertised) image using a function of a browser.

Next, on the data storage screen 28, the user enters a settlement procedure screen 29 by pressing a purchase button. Payment methods are credit card, telephone charge,
You can select from payment methods such as prepaid cards.
The user may input contents sufficient to execute the settlement method, and may use the individual member information of the ID management server 20 if necessary. When the settlement is correctly completed, the still image containing the watermark information (without the advertisement) is transmitted to the user through the watermark module 23. The still image transmitted in this manner is stored on the storage screen 30.

Next, on the goods order screen 31, the user moves to this goods order screen 31 by pressing down various kinds of goods creation buttons. Goods that can be selected include cards such as trading cards and telephone cards, or tableware such as mugs and dishes, and / or T
This includes clothing such as shirts and handkerchiefs, and stationery such as brush cases, notebooks, and posters. The user
Choose your favorite from those goods. Also, enter the method of receiving the manufactured goods (by mail or at a convenience store, etc.), the receiving date, etc., and select the send button.

Next, on the printing company order confirmation screen 33, the order contents received by the printing company are displayed in order to confirm the order data inputted on the order data input screen 32. The user confirms the displayed content, and if there is no difference from the content ordered by himself, selects the completion button. The order is confirmed by selecting the completion button.

It should be noted that the purchase and sale of the ordered goods is completed by paying the goods when the goods are received, but if a payment method other than this is desired, the screen moves to the settlement procedure screen 29.
Payment methods such as credit card, simultaneous withdrawal of telephone charges, prepaid card, cash on delivery, bank transfer, and postal money order can be selected. The user may make an input sufficient to execute the settlement method, and use the information of the ID management server 20 if necessary. When the payment is completed correctly, create an order slip. This order slip is automatically
It may be sent to the merchandise seller.

According to the still image selling method and still image selling system of the embodiment described above, the user can select and watch his or her favorite moving image via the Internet, and Can easily obtain a high-quality still image at a favorite timing or scene.

On the IP side, by superimposing an ID such as watermark information added to a still image, an effect of suppressing unauthorized use of the distributed still image can be expected.

Further, marketing data can be collected based on the information of the user obtained by the procedure for selling the still image, and the relationship between the attribute of the still image and the attribute of the user who likes the still image can be obtained.

If the video work on which the moving picture is based is an animation or a movie, these video works can be repeatedly delivered as moving picture data, so that the revenue from the reuse of digital contents composed of these moving picture files can be obtained. Increase is expected.

In addition, rare and valuable video works are distributed according to the user's preference, and the activation of communication using still images can be realized with the increase in these distributions. Business fields can be expanded.

The embodiments described above are described for facilitating the understanding of the present invention, and are not described for limiting the present invention. Therefore, the still image selling method and the still image selling system disclosed in the above embodiments are intended to include all design changes and equivalents belonging to the technical scope of the present invention.

[0052]

According to the present invention, a desired still image can be obtained from a moving image distributed over a network, and a still image sales method and a still image method capable of providing and managing a still or free still image. An image sales system can be provided.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating a still image selling method and a still image selling system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating a configuration of a still image sales system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining one example of a screen display of the still image selling system according to the embodiment of the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Internet, 2 ... Content site, 3 ... Net connection terminal, 4 ... Content holder, 5 ... Payment function provider, 16 ... Application server, 17 ... Video server, 18 ... Still image server, 19 ... Advertising server, 20 ... I
D management server, 21 ... thumbnail automatic creation module,
22 image merge module, 23 watermark module, 24 authentication module

 ──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continued on the front page (72) Inventor Kazuhiko Sato 3-19-2 Nishi-Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo East Japan Nippon Telegraph and Telephone Corporation (72) Inventor Tomoji Inoue 3--19 Nishishinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo No. 2 East Nippon Telegraph and Telephone Corporation (72) Inventor Masaki Minami 2-3-1 Otemachi, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo Nippon Telegraph and Telephone Corporation F-term (reference) 5B049 BB11 BB49 CC05 CC08 CC36 DD01 DD04 EE01 EE07 FF02 FF03 FF04 FF08 GG04 GG07 5C062 AA08 AA29 AE01 BC01 BD06

Claims (6)

[Claims] 1. A still image selling method for distributing a moving image to a purchaser via a network and selling a still image of the moving image, wherein when the buyer selects a desired still image, A still image selling method comprising: providing a fine image corresponding to the selected still image to the purchaser via the network. 2. The fine image is provided including an image other than the desired image when the purchaser selects a free offer, and the fine image is provided when a pay offer is selected. The method for selling still images according to claim 1. 3. A still image selling method for distributing a moving image to a purchaser via a network and selling a still image of the moving image, wherein a desired still image is selected by the purchaser. A still image selling method, wherein a printed matter having a fine image corresponding to the selected still image is provided to the purchaser. 4. A still image sales system for distributing a moving image to a purchaser via a network and selling a still image of the moving image, comprising: a moving image server for storing the moving image and distributing the moving image to the purchaser; And a still image server for storing the detailed image of the moving image and providing the image in accordance with the request of the purchaser. 5. The still image server, wherein when the purchaser selects a free offer, the still picture server superimposes and provides a character or a graphic, and when the payer chooses a pay offer, the fine image is provided. 5. The still image sales system according to 4. 6. A still image sales system for distributing a moving image to a purchaser via a network and selling a still image of the moving image, comprising: a moving image server for storing the moving image and delivering the moving image to the purchaser; Ordering means for ordering the production of printed matter on which the fine image of the still image is arranged by the purchaser, wherein the printed matter is provided to the purchaser.