JP2004328341A - Image information utilization system, method and program - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To make it possible to inform an information provider about that there is no image information that a user desires and request the provider to provide pertinent information by utilizing widely spreading devices and systems such as a mobile phone with digital camera. <P>SOLUTION: The image information photographed by a mobile phone 100 with a digital camera is stored in a storage device 104 of an image information server 103 through a communication network 105. When a user will refer to image information stored in the storage device, the user requests the image information server from a user terminal including a mobile phone 101 through the communication network and acquires desired image information, and the image information server requests image information providers carrying mobile phones with digital cameras to provide the image information in the case that the desired image information does not exist in the storage device. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2005,JPO&NCIPI

Description

[0001]
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a video information utilization system, method and program, and more particularly to a video information utilization system and method for storing video information captured by a mobile phone with a digital camera so that an unspecified number of users can refer to it. , And programs.
[0002]
[Prior art]
Cellular phones have become widespread and popular, and everyone is using them. In addition, as mobile phones have become more sophisticated, i-mode and other Internet connections have become commonplace. In addition, mobile phones equipped with digital cameras have been released, and it has become possible to exchange images and videos between mobile phones, and it is expected to become increasingly popular in the future.
[0003]
However, the exchange of video / moving picture information on a current mobile phone is performed on a one-to-one basis, and the other party is a person in a limited range such as a family member or an acquaintance, and does not leave the area of a videophone.
[0004]
A system has been proposed in which video information is actively shared in common with the above-mentioned conventional usage mainly using a telephone function (for example, see Patent Document 1).
[0005]
In this example, a system is disclosed in which, for example, video information on road traffic at a main place is acquired in real time and is distributed to a user terminal.
[0006]
[Patent Document 1]
JP-A-2002-48554 (pages 3 and 4, FIG. 1)
[0007]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
As described above, in the conventional method of using video information, video information based on a predetermined specification is provided to the user. In this case, no consideration is given to changing the video information in response to a user's request on an occasional basis, or acquiring and providing new video information.
[0008]
Conventionally, video information is often collected and stored in a purpose-oriented manner, and even if an unspecified user accesses casually, video information that is sufficiently fitted is not always provided.
[0009]
An object of the present invention is to notify a video information provider when there is no video information desired by a video information user by using a widely used device / system such as a mobile phone with a digital camera. An object of the present invention is to provide a video information utilization system, a method, and a program for requesting the provision of the relevant information.
[0010]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
A video information utilization system according to the present invention comprises: a video information providing unit for transmitting video information including audio via a communication network; a video information utilization unit for capturing desired video information via the communication network; And obtains the video information transmitted by the video information providing means via a storage device, and stores the obtained video information in a storage device. Is transmitted to the video information utilizing means, and when the desired video information does not exist, the video information providing means which may have the video information is notified to request the provision of the video information. Means and a communication network interconnecting the video information providing means, the video information utilizing means, and the video information utilizing means.
[0011]
Further, in the video information utilization system of the present invention, the video information providing means generates video information of an image of an arbitrary subject and transmits the video information to the video information utilization means via the communication network. It is a telephone.
[0012]
Further, in the video information utilization system of the present invention, the video information utilization means includes a storage device for storing the video information received from the video information providing means, and stores the video information corresponding to the request of the video information utilization means. Video information which is extracted from a storage device and transmitted to a request source, and when the video information corresponding to the request does not exist in the storage device, a video information requesting the video information providing means to provide the video information corresponding to the request It is a server.
[0013]
Further, in the video information utilization system of the present invention, the video information utilization means requests desired video information from the video information utilization means via the communication network, and the video information exists in the video information utilization means. In some cases, it is characterized by a mobile phone and a personal computer having a function of receiving it.
[0014]
Also, the video information utilization method of the present invention is characterized in that video information captured by a mobile phone with a digital camera is stored in a storage device of a video information server via a communication network, and the video information stored in the storage device is referred to. Request from the user terminal including a mobile phone to the video information server via the communication network, the user terminal obtains the desired video information, the video information server stores the desired video information in the storage device If not, a request is made to a video information provider having a digital camera-equipped mobile phone to provide the relevant video information.
[0015]
Further, in the video information utilization method of the present invention, when the video information requested by the video information user does not exist in the storage device, the video information server transmits the video corresponding to the video information user via the communication network. Notify that the information does not exist, further inquire whether to wait for the acquisition of the video information, when there is a response from the video information user to wait for the acquisition of the video information, the mobile phone with a digital camera It is characterized by requesting the possessed video information provider to provide the relevant video information.
[0016]
The video information utilization program of the present invention is a video information utilization program for operating a video information server that collects video information captured by a mobile phone with a digital camera and distributes the collected video information to a desired user terminal. A user including a mobile phone via the communication network when storing video information captured by a mobile phone with a digital camera via a network in a storage device of a video information server and referring to the video information stored in the storage device A request is received from a terminal, the user terminal transmits desired video information, and if the desired video information does not exist in the storage device, the video information provider corresponding to a mobile phone with a digital camera It is characterized by requesting provision of video information.
[0017]
Further, in the video information utilization program according to the present invention, if the video information requested by the video information user does not exist in the storage device, the video information server transmits the video corresponding to the video information user via the communication network. Notify that the information does not exist, further inquire whether to wait for the acquisition of the video information, when there is a response from the video information user to wait for the acquisition of the video information, the mobile phone with a digital camera It is characterized by requesting the possessed video information provider to provide the relevant video information.
[0018]
That is, according to the present invention, a video camera and a moving image (including audio) are captured using a digital camera-equipped mobile phone and stored in the center server for each information content, and the video information can be used by an unspecified number of people.
[0019]
In addition, current video information is limited to video information on televisions, the Internet, and the like, and depends on the thinking of the sender. If the present invention is realized, anyone can be a provider of video / moving image information. In addition, when a general person becomes an information provider, enormous information can be used, and the user can arbitrarily pull out and browse the information.
[0020]
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
[0021]
FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram showing one embodiment of the present invention. In the figure, a video information utilization system according to the present invention includes a mobile phone 100 with a digital camera, a normal mobile phone 101, a personal computer 102 at home, work, etc., a video information server 103 for managing and operating this system, It comprises a storage device 104 for storing moving image information, and a communication network 105 such as the Internet for interconnecting them.
[0022]
The mobile phone 100 with a digital camera is a device for capturing video and moving image information. It is a device that can capture video and moving image information such as events in the information provider's living area, scenery of commuting to work, scenery at a travel destination, and audio information can be added as needed.
[0023]
A server (video information server; hereinafter, sometimes referred to as a server) 103 is a device for operating and managing this system, and stores video and moving image information transmitted from the mobile phone 100 with a digital camera in the storage device 104. Store and save each time.
[0024]
The mobile phone 101 is a mobile phone that can capture images, moving images, and the like, and that can be connected to the Internet. The personal computer 102 is a device connected to the Internet at a workplace, home, or the like.
[0025]
A user can use a mobile phone 101 or a personal computer 102 to retrieve necessary information via a communication network 105 such as the Internet.
[0026]
The communication network 105 such as the Internet uses an i-mode or the like on the mobile phone 100 with a digital camera and the mobile phone 101, and the personal computer 102 and the server 103 use an Internet or the like via a dedicated line or a line such as ISDN. I do.
[0027]
The information required by the user is, for example, what kind of situation is the actual site where the train accident occurred, what is the weather on the road to go, what traffic conditions are on the expressway, accidents, events (festival, Fireworks, concerts, etc.). Also, as the number of information providers increases, the information required by the users increases.
[0028]
In FIG. 1, a video information provider uses a mobile phone with a digital camera 100 to store video and moving image (including voice messages) information of the information provider's living area and travel destination using a server 103 via the Internet or the like. The information is recorded and stored in the device 104 for each information.
[0029]
Unspecified individuals can use the mobile phone 101, the personal computer 102, and the like to transmit video and moving image information (for example, weather, events, festival scenery, traffic jams on expressways, commuting scenery, etc.) in their respective areas to the Internet. And the like, from the server 103.
[0030]
At the beginning of the service, the video information provider has a contracted person provide stable supply of video and moving image information such as events in each region. In addition, as this service spreads to the general public, general individuals other than the contractor will be provided with video and moving image information through the digital camera-equipped mobile phone 100 to increase the amount of information.
[0031]
The video and moving image information is added with a comment or the like by the voice of the information provider and is stored in the server 103 from the mobile phone 100 with a digital camera.
[0032]
The user narrows down the use range based on the time of the area, location, and the like, and receives provision of video and moving image information.
[0033]
FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing the operation of storing video information.
[0034]
First, the information provider accesses the server 103 using the communication function such as the i-mode with the digital camera-equipped mobile phone 100 (step A1).
[0035]
The server 103 requests input of items (hereinafter, collectively referred to as “keyword”) such as a place and a situation regarding the video / video information to be taken in by the information provider. At that time, the server 103 displays a menu for inputting a keyword on the mobile phone with digital camera 100.
[0036]
The keywords are the major items such as sightseeing spots, transportation, place names, etc., displayed on the mobile phone 100 with a digital camera. Prompts for input. Finally, select and narrow down to XX sightseeing spots, XX amusement parks, XX stadiums, XX venues, etc.
[0037]
The same applies to the means of transportation, place names, etc., and if it is a means of transportation, a request is made to narrow down to XX railway station XX interchange, XX expressway XX interchange, and the like.
[0038]
After the location is narrowed down, the user is requested to input keywords for the situation of the location, such as season, weather, and accident. Further, it is possible to easily input up to this point by a selection method (step A2).
[0039]
These keywords are used as search keys for information provided by the information provider.
[0040]
The information provider uses the digital camera-equipped mobile phone 100 to enter a keyword according to the above-described menu, and finally enters a comment (step A3).
[0041]
Next, the information provider transmits to the server 103 the video / video of the environment around the user and the voice (hereinafter referred to as video / video) as necessary using the mobile phone 100 with a digital camera. Step A4).
[0042]
The server 103 organizes and classifies the received video / video information in association with the previously input keyword, and accumulates / stores the information in the storage device 104. Further, a time stamp is added to the information received at this time (step A5).
[0043]
The problem here is how to provide information stably and continuously over a wide area. In order to resolve this concern, at the beginning of the launch of this service, we will recruit information providers, make a contract and provide them with information on a regular basis. In addition, information provision is widely open to the general public, and video and moving image information can be arbitrarily transmitted to the server 103. Thus, when this service starts to be recognized by the general public, an enormous amount of video and moving image information will be accumulated.
[0044]
FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing an operation using video information.
[0045]
First, the user uses the mobile phone 101 to access the server 103 using a communication function such as i-mode. The user of the personal computer 102 accesses the server 103 using a communication function such as ISDN (step B1).
[0046]
The server 103 requests the user to input a keyword for searching for necessary video / video information (step B2).
[0047]
The user selects a necessary keyword according to a menu displayed by the server 103 on the mobile phone 101 or the personal computer 102 (step B3).
[0048]
A variety of search methods are available, such as searching by address, searching by rail or highway, or directly searching for famous sightseeing spots.
[0049]
The server 103 extracts video / moving image information from the storage device 104 based on the search information (step B4) and distributes it to the mobile phone 101 or the personal computer 102 (step B5).
[0050]
At this time, when the server 103 detects the presence of the video / moving image information that is just being accumulated, the server 103 waits for the completion of the input so that the distribution can be performed, and the video can be handled as close to live as possible. The completion of the input is detected by, for example, monitoring periodically (for example, every few seconds) or the like, and during that time, a message such as “Please wait a little” is displayed on the mobile phone 101 or the personal computer 102.
[0051]
The user can timely use the weather at the destination, the state of the event venue, traffic jam information, accident information, and the like based on the video / video information.
[0052]
FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing the operation when no video information exists. That is, an operation in a case where the user has selected necessary video / moving image information in the procedure of FIG. 3, but there is no information associated with the selected keyword in the storage device 104 of the server 103 will be described.
[0053]
In this case, the server 103 displays on the mobile phone 101 or the personal computer 102 of the user that there is no video / video information stored or stored in the storage device 104, and selects “request”. A button is also displayed (step C1).
[0054]
Here, the “request” means that, when the video / video information is selected but the corresponding information is not in the storage device 104 of the server 103, the process waits until the information is input. The user who has received the display may cancel the access as it is, but can click the button to notify the server 103 of the request (step C2).
[0055]
When the user notifies the request, the server 103 assigns a request number to the request and notifies the user of the request number. The user will use this number next time. At this time, if the user notifies the server 103 of the mail address, the user can be notified when the video / moving image information is stored in the server 103 (step C3).
[0056]
The server 103 determines whether or not there is an information provision contractor resident in an area, a railway, a tourist spot, or the like corresponding to the request content, based on a keyword related to the place selected by the user in the information search (step B3 in FIG. 3). An appropriate person is selected from the information provision contractor database in the server 103 (step C4).
[0057]
In addition, the information provision contractor database is a system that recruits information providers who provide information in a fixed manner when launching the service and signs a contract.When concluding the contract, the information provider's mobile number and e-mail An address is registered, and keyword information of a station, a tourist spot, or the like that can provide information is stored.
[0058]
The selection of the appropriate information provider described above may be performed by selecting only the information provider having a keyword that matches the keyword related to the case where the user has selected in the information search, or may be an ambiguous one having a certain range. It may be the same.
[0059]
In the latter case, for example, a method is also conceivable in which a database for converting place names and station names into latitude and longitude is provided in the storage device of the server 103, and the vicinity of the keywords such as sightseeing spots and stations is compared in latitude and longitude. In this case, even if the user selects the station name "Shinjuku", the information provider registered with the keyword of the station name "Yoyogi" will also be selected. There is also a method of converting a place name, a station name, or the like into a postal code, and selecting an information provider based on the correspondence.
[0060]
Based on this database, the relevant information provision contractor is notified of the necessity of the video / moving image information by e-mail or the like by adding the request number and the keyword selected by the user (step C5).
[0061]
The information provider that has received the notification uses the mobile phone with digital camera 100 to acquire video / moving image information that matches the keyword of the user, and transmits it to the server 103. In this case, it may be transmitted by a method such as attaching it to a reply to the notification received in step C5 (step C6).
[0062]
The server 103 accumulates and stores the video / moving picture information based on the request number (step C7).
[0063]
After a certain period of time after the request, the user goes to the server 103 for a search and receives the distribution of the video / video information based on the request number. Further, the user who has notified the mail address at the time of the request receives a notification when the video / video information is accumulated from the server 103, and then goes to the server 103 to search and receive the video / video information (step C8).
[0064]
Also, if the server 103 notifies the information provision contractor, but there is no response within a certain period of time, or if all the selected information provision contractors receive a notification that information cannot be provided, the area corresponding to the request content, along the railway, If there is no information provision contractor residing at a sightseeing spot or the like (step C9), the server 103 displays the corresponding information provision request number and the keyword selected by the user on the bulletin board on the homepage of this service, and provides the necessary information. A request to provide video / moving image information is raised (step C10).
[0065]
The general information provider arbitrarily checks the bulletin board on this homepage (step C11), and if the place where the user is located is the area requested by the user, along the railway, a sightseeing spot, etc., video / video as necessary. Provide information. That is, an e-mail with the video / moving picture information attached is transmitted to the address posted on the bulletin board on the homepage (step C12).
[0066]
The server 103 periodically monitors whether the video / video information for the request is provided by a general information provider. If provided, it is stored based on the request number (same as step C7).
[0067]
After a certain period of time after the request, the user goes to the server 103 for a search and receives the distribution of the video / video information based on the request number. The user who has notified the mail address at the time of the request receives a notification when the video / video information has been stored from the server 103, and then goes to the server 103 to search and receive the video / video information (same as step C8).
[0068]
The above-mentioned video information utilization system is destined for the number of information providers, and for this reason, general information providers are given some kind of reward. Therefore, the number of accesses to the video / video information provided by the general information provider and stored and stored in the storage device 104 of the server 103 is counted, and the general information provider is given a profit or the like according to the counted number. Do.
[0069]
In addition, if the number of information providers with mobile phones equipped with digital cameras increases and succeeds in capturing video and video information from a wide range of locations nationwide, an unspecified number of users will be able to access video and video at specific locations in a timely manner. You can see information.
[0070]
Various specific examples are assumed for the video information utilization system according to the present invention, and these will be exemplified below.
[0071]
(Example 1) A user goes to a sightseeing spot to see the autumn leaves. Or I'm worried about the current weather. At this time, the user accesses the server in the i-mode or the like, and if there is video / moving image information, the user can immediately know the autumn leaves information of the target tourist destination. This provides guidance for subsequent actions.
[0072]
(Example 2) There is no video / video information that the user wants to know. At this time, the request is set up on the bulletin board of the server. If this business model penetrates, an unspecified number of people will access this server, so if they see the request on the bulletin board and match the content, they can provide video / video information. .
[0073]
(Example 3) People who live in areas with famous sightseeing spots throughout the country, people who regularly use a certain railway or highway, people who work at ballparks, amusement parks, golf courses, etc. As a contract. Then, we will provide you with video / moving picture information and make it a stable source of video / moving picture information.
[0074]
(Example 4) When a general information provider encounters an event such as an accident in his daily life (for example, when he discovers a traffic accident, a fire, etc.), he accesses the server and provides video / moving picture information. At this time, the server records the information provider, and pays a certain reward according to the number of accesses to the provided video / moving image information. As a result, the number of information providers can be increased.
[0075]
(Example 5) Even if a general information provider does not encounter an event or the like, if there is something he is interested in, he accesses the server and provides video / moving image information. As in (Example 4), a certain reward is paid according to the number of accesses.
[0076]
(Example 6) An information provider provides video / video information and stores / stores the video / video information in a server, so that an unspecified number of users can view the video / video information being stored / stored. As a result, the user can see the current live video and it is no different from the live video.
[0077]
【The invention's effect】
As described above in detail, according to the present invention, when the video information desired by the user does not exist in the storage device, there is provided a means for immediately notifying the information provider and obtaining the relevant video information. Therefore, it is possible to respond to a user's request in a timely manner. Therefore, the satisfaction of the video information user can be improved, and the utilization of the video information can be promoted.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram showing one embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing an operation of accumulating video information.
FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing an operation using video information.
FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing an operation when no video information exists.
[Explanation of symbols]
Reference Signs List 100 Mobile phone with digital camera 101 Mobile phone 102 Personal computer 103 Video information server 104 Storage device 105 Communication network

Claims (8)

A video information providing unit for transmitting video information including audio via a communication network; a video information using unit for capturing desired video information via the communication network; and the video information providing unit via the communication network. The video information to be transmitted is acquired and stored in a storage device, and the storage device is searched based on the request of the video information utilization means. If desired video information is present, it is transmitted to the video information utilization means. If the desired video information does not exist, the video information providing means that notifies the video information providing means that may have the video information and requests the provision of the video information; A video information utilization system comprising: said video information utilization means; and a communication network interconnecting said video information utilization means. 2. The mobile phone with a digital camera according to claim 1, wherein said video information providing means generates video information obtained by photographing an arbitrary subject, and transmits the video information to said video information utilization means via said communication network. A video information utilization system characterized by being a telephone. 3. The video information utilization system according to claim 1, wherein said video information utilization means includes a storage device for storing the video information received from said video information providing means, and said video information corresponds to a request of said video information utilization means. Extracts information from the storage device and sends it to the request source. If the video information corresponding to the request does not exist in the storage device, requests the video information providing means to provide the video information corresponding to the request. A video information utilization system, characterized in that the video information server is a video information server. 4. The video information utilization system according to claim 1, wherein said video information utilization means requests desired video information from said video information utilization means via said communication network, and said video information is said video information. A video information utilization system characterized by being a mobile phone and a personal computer having a function of receiving the utilization information when present. Utilization including storing a mobile phone via the communication network when storing video information captured by a mobile phone with a digital camera via a communication network in a storage device of a video information server and referring to the video information stored in the storage device Request from the user terminal to the video information server, the user terminal obtains the desired video information, the video information server, if the desired video information does not exist in the storage device, a mobile phone with a digital camera A video information utilization method characterized by requesting the possession of a video information provider to provide the relevant video information. 6. The video information utilization method according to claim 5, wherein when the video information requested by the video information user does not exist in the storage device, the video information server transmits the video corresponding to the video information user via the communication network. Notify that the information does not exist, further inquire whether to wait for the acquisition of the video information, when there is a response from the video information user to wait for the acquisition of the video information, the mobile phone with a digital camera A video information utilization method characterized by requesting a video information provider possessing the relevant video information. A video information utilization program that operates a video information server that collects video information captured by a mobile phone with a digital camera and distributes it to desired user terminals. Storing the obtained video information in a storage device of a video information server, receiving a request from a user terminal including a mobile phone via the communication network when referring to the video information stored in the storage device, Transmitting the desired video information, and when the desired video information does not exist in the storage device, requests the video information provider having a mobile phone with a digital camera to provide the relevant video information. Video information utilization program. 8. The video information utilization program according to claim 7, wherein when the video information requested by the video information user does not exist in the storage device, the video information server transmits the video image to the video information user via the communication network. Notify that the information does not exist, further inquire whether to wait for the acquisition of the video information, when there is a response from the video information user to wait for the acquisition of the video information, the mobile phone with a digital camera A video information utilization program characterized by requesting a video information provider possessing the relevant video information.

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