JP2002197312A - Content searching system for image recording products - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a content searching system for image recording products capable of showing a part of image of a movie or the like recorded in an image recording products such as a video cassette or a video disk, e.g. DVD for fully appealing customers contents of the product and for increasing image software sales. SOLUTION: This system is provided with a data storage part storing image data recorded in image recording products such as video cassettes, video disks, a data extracting means extracting data in the data storage part according to input by a searcher, and an image indicating means indicating the extracted data on a display as an image. The data extracting means extracts a part of scenes from a product specified by the searcher.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an apparatus for retrieving contents of an image-recorded product, and more particularly, to a method for retrieving a part of an image such as a movie recorded on an image-recorded product such as a video cassette or a video disk (eg, a DVD). The present invention relates to an image recording merchandise content retrieving apparatus that can be shown to a customer, thereby sufficiently appealing the content of the work to the customer and greatly increasing sales of video software.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, there are many stores that sell and rent image recording products such as video cassettes and video disks on which movies and the like are recorded. The customer who entered the store grasped the outline of the content by looking at the title, the textual description, and the photograph attached to the box containing the image-recorded product, and decided whether to purchase or rent. However, even if you look at the textual description, photos, etc., you cannot actually feel the power and atmosphere of the video, so even if it is a good work, the lack of appeal of the content will not lead to an increase in sales. was there. Further, when a large number of products are displayed in a store, it is difficult for a customer to find a desired work, and even if it can be found, it takes a considerable time.

[0003]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and has been made in consideration of a part of an image of a movie or the like recorded on an image recording product such as a video cassette or a video disk (eg, a DVD). It is an object of the present invention to provide a content search device for image-recorded products, which can show the contents of the work to the customer sufficiently, thereby greatly increasing the sales of the video software.

[0004]

According to the first aspect of the present invention,
A data storage unit for storing image data recorded on an image recording product such as a video cassette, a video disk, etc .; a data extracting means for extracting data in the data storage unit in response to a searcher's input; and a display unit for displaying the extracted data. And a video display unit for displaying a video as a video, wherein the data extraction unit extracts a part of a scene from a work designated by a searcher, and is a content search device for an image recording product.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, the data extracting means includes a work extracting means for extracting a work to be browsed on the display, and a scene extracting means for extracting a scene to be browsed from the extracted works. 2. An apparatus for retrieving contents of an image-recorded product according to claim 1, further comprising means.

The invention according to claim 3 is characterized in that the scene extracting means randomly extracts a scene to be browsed from the works extracted by the work extracting means. It is a product content search device.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, the image display means displays the content of a predetermined number of works or less to one searcher. It is a search device.

The invention according to claim 5 is characterized in that the video display means displays the contents of a single work a predetermined number of times or less, and displays the contents one time within a predetermined time. It is an apparatus for retrieving the contents of the described image-recorded product.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a work designating section for designating a work to be purchased or rented, and a goods position display means for displaying, on a display, an in-store arrangement position of an image recording product in which the specified work is recorded. The content retrieval device for image-recorded products according to claim 1, comprising:

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, there is provided a card reader for reading the expiration date recorded on a card, and judging whether or not the reading time is within the expiration date and judging that the time is within the expiration date. 2. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a use permitting means for permitting use of the apparatus only when the operation is performed. By providing these inventions, the above problems are completely solved.

[0011]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an apparatus for retrieving contents of an image-recorded product according to the present invention. An image recording merchandise content retrieval device (1) (hereinafter, referred to as a content retrieval device) according to the present invention is an image (mainly a moving image) recorded on an image recording product (not shown) such as a video cassette or a video disk. A data storage unit (3) for storing voice data, data extraction means (4) for extracting data in the data storage unit (3) in response to a searcher's input, and a display (5) for the extracted data The data extracting means (4) extracts some scenes from the work specified by the searcher, and the searcher performs a product search. In this case, an input is performed from an input unit (21) composed of a touch panel or the like. Hereinafter, these components will be sequentially described in detail.

The image recording product according to the present invention is an image recording medium for sale or rent (rental) in which images (mainly moving images) and audio data such as movies and television programs are recorded. This image-recorded product is displayed in a store where the content search device (1) according to the present invention is installed.

The data storage section (3) stores the image / audio data recorded on the image recording product. The form of the data storage unit (3) is not particularly limited. For example, the data storage unit (3) can be configured by a data compression unit that compresses image and audio data and a storage unit including various storage devices, or It can also be composed of a hard disk of high capacity. Since the data storage unit (3) can store a large amount of data, it can store the contents of many works.

The data extracting means (4) extracts the image data in the data storage section (3) in accordance with the input of the searcher, and preferably also extracts the audio data along with the image data. This data extracting means (4) functions according to the input of the searcher. The data extracting means (4) is positioned as one function of the CPU (Central Processing Unit) (22).

The data extracting means (4) is a work extracting means (7) for extracting a work to be browsed on the display (5), and a scene extracting means for extracting a scene to be browsed from the extracted works. (8). The work extracting means (7) is for extracting a work that the searcher wants to browse from among a number of works, and performs, for example, the following processing.

In the example shown in FIG. 2, first, an initial screen (20) having several selection menus is displayed on the display (5) (see FIG. 1). The selection menu is, for example,
"New release", "DVD (genre) (input)", "Video (genre) (input)", "CD
Menus such as "Album (genre) (input)", "CD single (genre) (input)", and "input and search". When the searcher selects, for example, “DVD (genre) (input)” from among them, the display (5)
Displays a work selection screen (9) as shown in FIG. This work selection screen (9) displays a large number of works (24) as still images, and displays titles, performers, directors, photographs and pictures that appeal the contents for each work.
The searcher selects what he or she wants to browse from among them. Next, a work introduction screen (10) as shown in FIG. 4 is displayed. This screen includes an image display unit (11).

The scene extracting means (8) extracts a scene to be browsed from the works extracted by the work extracting means (7). The scene extracting means (8) includes two means, an automatic random extracting means and a manual extracting means. The automatic random extraction means is for automatically and randomly extracting a scene to be browsed by a machine. If you want the automatic random extraction means to work,
On the work introduction screen (10), press the button of "automatic random extraction" (25). Then, the scene extracting means (8)
Extracts randomly the scenes to be browsed from the works specified by the searcher.

Normally, the operation of extracting the climax scene or the like must be performed by the hands of an image editor or the like, and this operation is a heavy burden on the image editor. If the machine automatically performs random extraction as in (1), the burden can be eliminated. In the case of random extraction, scenes that do not meet the searcher's intention may be extracted, but if the number of extractions is set to a plurality of times and each scene is displayed, the searcher's intention is Can be along. The randomly extracted scene is displayed on the video display section (11) in the work introduction screen (10) described above. When audio data is also extracted, audio is output from the speaker (12).

On the other hand, the manual extracting means has a searcher designate a scene to be browsed, and extracts a scene to be browsed based on the designated scene. If you want the manual extraction function to work, use the work introduction screen (1
In step 0), the "manual extraction" button (26) is pressed. Then, the scene extraction means (8) displays options such as “opening scene”, “climax scene”, “ending scene”, “performer introduction scene” on the display (5). Select one of them. Then, the scene extracting means (8)
The scene corresponding to the input is extracted. The extracted scene is displayed on the video display section (11) in the work introduction screen (10). When audio data is also extracted, audio is output from the speaker (12).

In any case, the video projected on the video display section (11) is only a part of the scene of the work, but not the whole scene.

The image display means (6) displays the data (scene) extracted by the scene extraction means (8) as an image on the display (5). In the present invention, as a function of the CPU (22), an audio output unit (13) can be provided in addition to the video display unit (6). In this case, the audio output unit (13) is The sound of the scene extracted by (8) is output to the speaker (1).
2) Or output from headphones (not shown). By outputting images and sounds, the contents of the work can be sufficiently appealed to the searcher, and the searcher's willingness to purchase or rent can be stimulated.

It is preferable that the image display means (6) displays the contents of a predetermined number of works or less for one searcher. This is for preventing only one person from monopolizing the use of the content search device (1). By providing this function, the available time of one person is limited, and the content search device (1) is provided to many people. ) Can be used. The upper limit number of times of display is preferably, for example, about three times. Normally, the data extracting means (4) extracts only the scenes for the time and the number of times defined as described above. In this case, the video display means (6) should just show the scene extracted by the data extraction means (4).

It is preferable that the video display means (6) displays the content not more than a predetermined number of times for one work, and displays the content once within a predetermined time. This is also to prevent only one person from monopolizing the use of the device (1). This makes it possible to limit the available time of one person and to have many people use the content search device (1). it can. In addition, the reason that the number of times the content is displayed for one work is “predetermined number” means that the number of times may not be one, and for example, two or three times, for example. It means that the use of is possible. Normal,
One content display is performed for about one minute, but the content cannot be sufficiently grasped by only one minute in many cases. Therefore, the content can be sufficiently grasped by setting the number of times of browsing a plurality of times. However, this number is also limited. Although the upper limit number is not particularly limited, it is, for example, about three times.

Further, a content search device (1) according to the present invention.
As shown in FIG. 1, a work designating section (21) for designating a work to be purchased or rented, and a display position (5) of an image recording product in which the designated work is recorded in a store.
And a product position display means (15) for displaying the product position. The work designating section (21) is for a searcher who has become interested in the work by browsing the video and listening to the sound adapted thereto and has decided to purchase or rent the work, and to designate the work. is there. Designation Department (21)
Can be composed of, for example, a purchase decision button or a rental decision button (not shown) provided on the work introduction screen (10), and can be positioned as a part of the input section (21).

The commodity position display means (15) is for indicating where the designated commodity is located in the store. The product position display means (15) is positioned as one function of the CPU (22), and is, for example, a "map in store" button (1) provided on the work introduction screen (10) shown in FIG.
6) By pressing (when using a touch panel) or clicking (when using a mouse), an in-store map (27) as shown in FIG. 5 is displayed on the display (5),
The location of the corresponding product is displayed therein. Thus, the searcher can immediately go to the product to be purchased or rented, and can purchase or rent the product smoothly. The product position information displayed by the product position display means (15) is stored in various storage devices in the content search device (1).
When the clerk changes the position of the product, the position is appropriately changed according to the destination.

Further, a content search device (1) according to the present invention.
Is a card reader (18) that reads the expiration date recorded on a card (not shown), determines whether the time (date and time) of reading is within the expiration date, and determines whether the time (date and time) is within the expiration date. It is preferable to include a use permitting means (19) for permitting use of the content search device (1) only when it is determined that the content is within. The card is a magnetic card or an IC card or the like on which data necessary for using the content search device (1) is recorded, and includes a user name, a member number, a password, a use period, and a use period. Data such as the user's past history (for example, information on works that the user has purchased or rented in the past, user preferences) and the like. A person who intends to use the content search device (1) inserts a card into the card insertion slot of the content search device (1). Then, the card reader (18) reads the recorded content of the card, and the use permitting means (19) compares the read use expiration date with the current time. As a result, if it is determined that the current time is within the use time limit, a signal for permitting use is issued, and the above-described operations can be performed.

Next, the operation of the content search device (1) will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. As an input means operated by the searcher in the content search device (1), for example, a touch panel or a mouse can be used. First, a searcher inserts his / her own card into a card insertion slot (not shown) of the content search device (1). The card reader (18) reads the recorded data (step ST1), and the use permitting means (19) judges the availability based on the read data (step S1).
T2). As a result, if it can be used, the initial screen (20) is displayed on the display (5) (step ST3). If it is not available, return to the start and request the insertion of a legitimate card. If the past history of the user is recorded on the card, the past data may be used to analyze what kind of genre the user prefers.

After step ST3, the searcher selects a desired menu from a plurality of menus displayed on the initial screen (20) (step ST4). In the example shown in FIG. 2, when the user selects from among buttons indicating the type of storage medium, genre, and recently released works, or inputs a key by himself (in the illustrated example, the user presses the "input and search" button (30)) , A screen displaying a keyboard appears, so input the information), thereby specifying the work to be viewed. In the case of key input, in addition to the work name,
By directly inputting the actor's name and the artist's name, the related works can be selected. In addition, in the initial screen (20) shown in FIG. 2, when the button (28) indicating “type of storage medium” and the button (29) indicating “recently released work” are pressed, the viewer is The work to be viewed is determined on the work selection screen (9) shown in FIG.

On the work selection screen (9), a large number of titles (31), pictures, pictures (32) and the like indicating the contents of the work are displayed (step ST5). The user presses (in the case of a touch panel) or clicks (in the case of using a mouse) a portion where a work to be viewed is displayed (step ST6). Then
The work extracting means (7) extracts the work from the data storage section (3) (step ST7), and displays a work introduction screen (10) (see FIG. 4) on the display (5) (step ST8). This screen includes an image display unit (11).

The "automatic random extraction" button is pressed on the work introduction screen (10) (step ST9). Then, the scene extracting means (8) randomly extracts a scene to be browsed from the works designated by the searcher (step ST10). The randomly extracted scene is displayed on the video display section (11) in the work introduction screen (10) by the operation of the video display means (6) (step ST1).
1). If the audio data is also extracted, the operation of the audio output means (13) causes the speaker (1) to operate.
A voice is output from 2).

On the other hand, when the "manual extraction" button is pressed on the work introduction screen (10) (step ST1)
In 2), the scene extracting means (8) displays, for example, options such as "opening scene", "climax scene", "ending scene", and "performer introduction scene" on the display (5) (step ST13). . The searcher selects one of them (step ST14).
Then, the scene extracting means (8) extracts a scene corresponding to the input (step ST15). The extracted scene is displayed on the video display section (11) in the work introduction screen (10) (step ST16). When audio data is also extracted, audio is output from the speaker (12) by the operation of the audio output means (13).
Thus, the operation of the content search device (1) ends.

According to the content retrieval apparatus (1) for image-recorded products according to the present invention, a part of an image such as a movie recorded on an image-recorded product such as a video cassette, a video disk, or the like can be converted according to a customer's request. You can show it to that customer. As a result, the content of the work can be sufficiently appealed to the customer, and the sales of the video software can be greatly increased.

In the present invention, a screen on which the contents of a product specified by the customer is displayed, that is, a display screen of a specific work specified by the customer (for example, a title, a model number, etc. of the work is displayed) is displayed. It can also be printed out by a printer (21) (see FIG. 1). By taking the output print to a cash register in a store, the user can immediately purchase or rent the corresponding product.

[0034]

According to the present invention, a part of an image of a movie or the like recorded on an image recording product such as a video cassette or a video disk (for example, a DVD) can be shown to the customer as desired by the customer. it can. As a result, the content of the work can be sufficiently appealed to the customer, and the sales of the video software can be greatly increased.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of an image recording merchandise content search device according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of an initial screen according to the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of a work selection screen according to the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a work introduction screen according to the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of a work position display screen according to the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the operation of the content search device according to the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

 1 ····· Content retrieval device for image-recorded products 3 ····· Data storage unit 4 ····· Data extraction means 5 ····· Display 6 ····· Video display means 7 ··· ··· Work extraction means 8 ···· Scene extraction means 15 ··· Work position display means 18 ··· Card reader 19 ··· Use permission means 21 ··· Input section (work specification section) )

──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continued on the front page (51) Int.Cl. ⁷ Identification symbol FI Theme coat ゛ (Reference) G07F 17/16 G07F 17/16 H04N 5/445 H04N 5/445 Z 5/45 5/45 5/76 5 / 76 BF term (reference) 5B075 KK54 KK63 MM21 ND12 PQ02 PQ04 5C025 AA30 CA02 CA06 CA09 CB10 DA10 5C052 AA01 AB04 AC08 CC11 DD04 DD08 EE08

Claims (7)

[Claims] 1. A data storage unit for storing image data recorded on an image recording product such as a video cassette or a video disk, a data extracting unit for extracting data in the data storage unit in response to a searcher's input, Video display means for displaying the extracted data as a video on a display, wherein the data extraction means extracts a part of a scene from a work designated by a searcher. apparatus. 2. The data extracting means includes a work extracting means for extracting a work to be browsed on the display, and a scene extracting means for extracting a scene to be browsed from the extracted works. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the contents are searched for. 3. The apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the scene extracting means randomly extracts a scene to be browsed from the works extracted by the work extracting means. 4. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the video display means displays the content of a predetermined number of works or less to one searcher. 5. The image recording product according to claim 1, wherein the video display means displays contents of a single work a predetermined number of times or less, and displays the contents one time within a predetermined time. Content search device. 6. A product designating section for designating a work to be purchased or rented, and a product position display means for displaying, on a display, an in-store arrangement position of an image-recorded product containing the specified work. The content retrieval device for image-recorded products according to claim 1, wherein: 7. A card reader for reading the expiration date recorded on the card, and determining whether or not the reading time is within the expiration date, and determining whether the time is within the expiration date. 2. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a use permitting unit for permitting use.