JP3155377U - Live image distribution / relay device - Google Patents

Abstract

Disclosed is a relay device that distributes and relays an image captured from an IEEE 1394 compatible input device, thereby clearly displaying fine characters and the like so that it can be easily read or distributed at a relay destination. An IEEE 1394 compatible input device that captures an image; a capture function that captures image data from the IEEE 1394 compatible input device to a storage device; a desktop distribution function that transmits and receives image data displayed on a desktop from the storage device; and A computer having a videophone function for establishing a session in a peer-to-peer manner as a transmission / reception communication means and a monitor that visualizes and displays image data of the computer, and delivers or relays a clear image in real time. . [Selection] Figure 1

Description

  The present invention relates to an apparatus for distributing an image taken from a camera using the Internet and further relaying the image.

  With the development of communication technology, a teleconferencing system has been realized in which voices and images are exchanged in real time as if distant people are meeting together using the Internet.

  As described in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. H10-228707, an invention is also disclosed regarding a system for capturing moving image data using a USB (Universal Serial Bus) as an interface between a camera having a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) unit and a personal computer.

  However, when an image displayed on a computer desktop is distributed or relayed, an image taken from a USB-compatible input device is not displayed clearly and is very difficult to read.

  Therefore, instead of distributing and relaying images captured from USB-compatible input devices, it distributes and relays images captured from IEEE 1394-compatible input devices, thereby clearly displaying and delivering fine characters. Or to make it easier to read at the relay destination.

  In order to solve the above problems, the present invention provides an IEEE 1394 compatible input device that captures an image, a capture function that captures image data from the IEEE 1394 input device to a storage device, and image data displayed on the desktop from the storage device. A computer having a desktop distribution function for transmitting and receiving data, and a videophone function for establishing a session in a peer-to-peer manner as a communication means for the transmission and reception, and a monitor that visualizes and displays image data of the computer, and displays a clear image in real time. A live image distribution / relay apparatus is characterized in that it is distributed or relayed.

  In the present invention, by using an IEEE 1394 compatible input device, small characters can be delivered clearly, and the image after relaying is also clear.

It is a figure which shows the structure of the whole live image delivery and relay apparatus which is this invention. It is a figure which shows the structure of the computer of the delivery / relay apparatus of the live image which is this invention. It is a figure which shows the example of the desktop delivery software type | mold of the delivery / relay apparatus of the live image which is this invention. It is a figure which shows the case where a USB corresponding | compatible input apparatus is used together in the example of the desktop delivery software type | mold of the live image delivery / relay apparatus which is this invention. It is a figure which shows the example of the video telephone software type with desktop distribution software of the live image distribution / relay apparatus which is this invention. It is a figure which shows the case where a USB compatible input device is used together in the example of the video phone software type with built-in desktop distribution software of the live image distribution / relay device according to the present invention.

  The live image distribution / relay device according to the first embodiment of the present invention captures image data from an IEEE 1394 compatible input device or a USB compatible input device that captures an image, and the IEEE 1394 compatible input device or the USB compatible input device to a storage device. A computer having a capture function, a desktop distribution function for transmitting and receiving image data displayed on the desktop from the storage device, and a videophone function for establishing a session in a peer-to-peer manner as the transmission and reception communication means; and image data of the computer It consists of a monitor that visualizes and displays, and delivers or relays clear images in real time.

  A live image distribution / relay device according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention captures image data from an IEEE 1394-compatible input device or a USB-compatible input device that captures an image, and the IEEE 1394-compatible input device or USB-compatible input device to a storage device. A computer having a videophone function with a built-in desktop distribution function that establishes a session by a peer-to-peer method as a communication means when transmitting and receiving image data displayed on the desktop from the storage device, and a visual display of the image data of the computer And a clear image is distributed or relayed in real time.

  FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an overall configuration of a live image distribution / relay apparatus according to the present invention.

  The live image distribution / relay device 1 is formed by connecting a plurality of computers 2, 3, 4, and 5 via a computer network such as the Internet 6, and images taken by each computer with an IEEE 1394-compatible input device 7 or the like are transmitted to other computers. By displaying on the monitor 8 in real time, images can be shared between computers.

  IEEE 1394 is a high-speed serial bus standard, and is also called a fire wire, eye link, or DV (digital video) terminal. Examples of the IEEE 1394-compatible input device 7 include a DV camera that captures an image.

  For example, when the distribution source is the computer 2 and the distribution destinations are the computer 3 and the computer 4, images taken by a DV camera connected to the computer 2 can be displayed on the monitor 8 of the computer 3 and the monitor 8 of the computer 4.

  When the relay source is the computer 3 and the relay destination is the computer 5, the image distributed to the computer 3 can be displayed on the monitor 8 of the computer 5. A single distribution source or relay source can have a plurality of distribution destinations or relay destinations.

  Which computer on the network is the distribution source is arbitrary, and other computers can be the distribution destination. Further, which computer on the network is the relay source is arbitrary, and other computers can be the relay destination.

  Note that the image includes data such as a still image, a moving image, and sound. Analog data is converted into digital data when it is taken into a computer, and data is transmitted and received between computers.

  FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a computer configuration of a live image distribution / relay apparatus according to the present invention.

  The computer 2 includes a central processing unit 2a, an input device 2b, a storage device 2c, an output device 2d, a communication means 2e, and the like, such as a PC (personal computer). The same applies to the computer 3, the computer 4, and the computer 5.

  The central processing unit 2a manages the input device 2b, the storage device 2c, the output device 2d, the communication means 2e, etc., and controls the operation. Note that a memory is provided as a work area for extracting necessary data from the storage device 2c and executing processing.

  The input device 2b captures data and stores it in the storage device 2c, and corresponds to the IEEE 1394-compatible input device 7, the USB-compatible input device 7a, and the like.

  The storage device 2c is auxiliary storage such as a hard disk or various media, and can also construct a database. An input program 9 for taking in data and an output program 10 for displaying and transferring data are introduced.

  The input program 9 includes IEEE 1394 capture software 9a, USB capture software 9b, and the like. The output program 10 includes video phone software 10a, desktop distribution software 10b, other video phone software 10c, and other systems. There are a desktop distribution software 10d, a video phone software 10e with a built-in desktop distribution software, a video phone software 10f with a built-in desktop distribution software, and the like.

  The output device 2d visualizes and displays the data extracted from the storage device 2c, and corresponds to the monitor 8 or the like.

  The communication means 2e exchanges data and the like with the outside of the computer 2, and takes in external data and stores it in the storage device 2c, or sends out data in the storage device 2c to the outside. As a communication method, a peer-to-peer protocol 6a is used.

  FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of a desktop distribution software type of a live image distribution / relay device according to the present invention.

  The computer 2 is a distribution source, the computer 3 is a distribution destination and a relay source, and the computer 4 is a relay destination.

  The computer 2, the computer 3, and the computer 4 are connected to an IEEE 1394-compatible input device 7 such as a DV camera as the input device 2 b, and IEEE 1394 capture software 9 a is introduced as the input program 9.

  Further, the monitor 8 is connected as the output device 2d, and the videophone software 10a and the desktop distribution software 10b, or the other system videophone software 10c and the other system desktop distribution software 10d are introduced as necessary as the output program 10.

  Note that the video phone software 10a and the desktop distribution software 10b are used for distribution between the computer 2 and the computer 3, and the other video phone software 10c and the other system desktop distribution software 10d are used for the relay between the computer 3 and the computer 4. Is used.

  The IEEE 1394 capture software 9a has a function of taking an image taken by the IEEE 1394 compatible input device 7 from the IEEE 1394 compatible input device 7 connected to the IEEE 1394 terminal (DV terminal) of the computer 2 and storing it in the storage device 2c as image data. It is a program having

  The video phone software 10a is a program having a function of establishing a session from connection to disconnection to a computer network such as the Internet 6 and controlling communication so that data such as images and sounds can be transmitted and received in real time via the network. .

  The other videophone software 10c communicates with the videophone software 10a in a separate session, but the function is the same.

  The desktop distribution software 10b is a program having a function of receiving an image on the desktop of the computer 2 from another computer or transmitting it to another computer. A session is established independently of the videophone software 10a.

  All of the computer 2, the computer 3, and the computer 4 have an environment for connecting to a computer network such as the Internet 6.

  The IEEE 1394 capture software 9 a is activated on the computer 2, and an image taken into the desktop environment of the computer 2 from the IEEE 1394 compatible input device 7 is displayed on the monitor 8.

  The desktop is a lowermost screen of an OS (Operating System) having a GUI (Graphical User Interface).

  The videophone software 10a is activated on the computer 2 and a session for connecting the network with the peer-to-peer protocol 6a is started. The computer 3 can also use the videophone function between the computer 2 and the computer 3 by starting the videophone software 10a, authenticating with a password set by the computer 2, and entering the session.

  When the desktop distribution software 10b is started on each of the computer 2 and the computer 3 and the distribution is requested by entering the password set by the computer 2 in the computer 3, an image on the desktop of the computer 2 is transmitted on the desktop of the computer 3. And displayed on the monitor 8 of the computer 3.

  Next, the other videophone software 10c is activated on the computer 3, and another session for connecting the network with the peer-to-peer protocol 6a is started. The computer 4 can also use the videophone function between the computer 3 and the computer 4 by starting the other videophone software 10a, authenticating with a password set by the computer 3, and entering the other session.

  When the other desktop distribution software 10d is activated on each of the computer 3 and the computer 4 and the distribution is requested by entering the password set by the computer 3 in the computer 4, the image on the desktop of the computer 3 is displayed on the desktop of the computer 4. And displayed on the monitor 8 of the computer 4.

  Furthermore, since the image on the desktop of the computer 2 is distributed on the desktop of the computer 3, the image is relayed on the desktop of the computer 4 and displayed on the monitor 8 of the computer 4.

  FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a case where a USB-compatible input device is used together in an example of a desktop image distribution software type of a live image distribution / relay device according to the present invention.

  In the case of the live image distribution / relay device 1a, USB capture software 9b may be introduced into the computer 2 or the like, and the USB compatible input device 7a may be used in combination. The USB compatible input device 7 a can be used in place of the IEEE 1394 compatible input device 7 or simultaneously with the IEEE 1394 compatible input device 7.

  USB is a serial bus standard, and examples of the USB-compatible input device 7a include a PC camera and an analog camera (via analog-digital conversion means).

  The USB-compatible input device 7a is inferior in sharpness as compared to the IEEE 1394-compatible input device 7, and is used as an auxiliary to the IEEE 1394-compatible input device 7 when sharpness is not required.

  FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of a videophone software type with built-in desktop distribution software of a live image distribution / relay device according to the present invention.

  The live image distribution / relay apparatus 1b introduces the video phone software 10e with the desktop distribution software in place of the video phone software 10a and the desktop distribution software 10b as the output program 10, and the other video phone software 10c and the other system desktop. In place of the distribution software 10d, video phone software 10f with other desktop distribution software is introduced.

  The IEEE 1394 capture software 9 a is activated on the computer 2, and an image taken into the desktop environment of the computer 2 from the IEEE 1394 compatible input device 7 is displayed on the monitor 8.

  The computer 2 starts the video phone software 10e with built-in desktop distribution software, and starts a session for connecting the network with the peer-to-peer protocol 6a. The computer 3 can also use the videophone function between the computer 2 and the computer 3 by starting the videophone software 10e with built-in desktop distribution software and authenticating with the password set by the computer 2 and entering the session. .

  At this point, the image on the desktop of the computer 2 is ready for distribution on the desktop of the computer 3 and can be displayed on the monitor 8 of the computer 3 when distribution is started.

  Next, the computer 3 activates the video phone software 10f with other desktop distribution software and starts another session for connecting the network with the peer-to-peer protocol 6a. The computer 4 starts the video phone software 10f with other desktop distribution software and authenticates with the password set by the computer 3 and enters the other session to use the video phone function between the computer 3 and the computer 4. be able to.

  At this time, the image on the desktop of the computer 3 is ready for distribution on the desktop of the computer 4 and can be displayed on the monitor 8 of the computer 4 when distribution is started.

  Further, since the image on the desktop of the computer 2 can be distributed on the desktop of the computer 3, it can be relayed on the desktop of the computer 4 and displayed on the monitor 8 of the computer 4.

  FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a case where a USB-compatible input device is used together in an example of a videophone software type with built-in desktop distribution software of a live image distribution / relay device according to the present invention.

  In the case of the live image distribution / relay device 1c, USB capture software 9b may be introduced into the computer 2 or the like, and the USB compatible input device 7a may be used in combination. The USB compatible input device 7 a can be used in place of the IEEE 1394 compatible input device 7 or simultaneously with the IEEE 1394 compatible input device 7.

1 live image distribution / relay device 1a live image distribution / relay device 1b live image distribution / relay device 1c live image distribution / relay device 2 computer 2a central processing unit 2b input device 2c storage device 2d output device 2e communication means 3 Computer 4 Computer 5 Computer 6 Internet 6a Peer-to-Peer Protocol 7 IEEE1394 Compatible Input Device 7a USB Compatible Input Device 8 Monitor 9 Input Program 9a IEEE1394 Capture Software 9b USB Capture Software 10 Output Program 10a Videophone Software 10b Desktop Distribution Software 10c Other system videophone software 10d Other system desktop distribution software 10e Videophone software with built-in desktop distribution software 10f Other system desktop distribution software Built-in videophone software

JP-A-10-232924

Claims (3)

IEEE 1394 compatible input device for taking images;
A videophone that establishes a session by a peer-to-peer system as a capture function that captures image data from the IEEE1394-compliant input device to a storage device, a desktop distribution function that transmits and receives image data displayed on a desktop from the storage device, and a communication means for the transmission and reception A computer with
A monitor that visualizes and displays the image data of the computer,
A live image distribution / relay device characterized in that a clear image is distributed or relayed in real time.   2. The live image distribution / relay apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the computer has a video phone function with a built-in desktop distribution function instead of the video phone function and the desktop distribution function.   The live image distribution / relay device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the computer has a USB capture function and captures an image from the USB-compatible input device 7a.

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