JP2003032643A - Moving image correcting system, client, moving image correcting method, program and recording medium - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a moving image correcting system which can effectively use a network. SOLUTION: This moving image correcting system 1 is provided with a client 10 and a server 20 which are connected with each other via a network so as to enable data communication. The client 10 is provided with an extraction part 11 which extracts a still image for preview from among moving images as objects of correction processing, and a transmission part 12 of a still image for preview which transmits an extracted still image for preview to the server. The server 20 applies a prescribed correction processing to the transmitted still image for preview, and returns the image to which the prescribed correction processing is applied to the client 10. After that, an operator of the client 10 judges whether or not the correction processing realizes a desired result when the still image for preview is displayed on an image display part 15 of the client 10, and decides whether correction processing to the whole of the moving images is continued.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a client-server type system (hereinafter also referred to as a moving image correction system) that performs a moving image correction process.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, in a client-server type system (moving image correction system) for performing moving image correction processing, a moving image to be corrected is transmitted from a client to a server via a network, and the server side The moving image is corrected and the result is returned.

[0003]

However, since the moving image transfer process and the moving image correction process generally require a relatively long time, in such a moving image correction system, the result of the correction process by the server is desired. If not, there is a problem that the transmission operation of the entire moving image and the correction process of the entire moving image are wasted.
That is, there is a problem that the use of the network becomes inefficient, such as wasting the network fee and operating time.

Therefore, in view of the above problems, it is an object of the present invention to provide a moving image correction system capable of efficiently using a network.

[0005]

In order to achieve the above object, the invention of claim 1 is a moving image correction system including a client and a server which are mutually connected so as to enable data communication via a network. Then, the client directs the extracting unit for extracting a preview still image, which is a preview still image, from the moving image to be corrected, and the extracted preview still image toward the server. A preview still image transmitting unit for transmitting via the network, the server performing a predetermined correction process on the preview still image transmitted from the client; A post-correction still image transmission unit that transmits the preview still image that has been subjected to a predetermined correction process to the client. And wherein the Rukoto.

The invention of claim 2 is a client in a moving image correction system, and an extracting means for extracting a preview still image that is a preview still image from a moving image to be corrected. Preview still image transmitting means for transmitting the preview still image to the server via the network, and post-correction still image reception for receiving the preview still image corrected by the server via the network Means and are provided.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a moving image correction method using a moving image correction system including a client and a server which are connected to each other so that data communication can be performed via a network. Extracting a preview still image, which is a preview still image, from the moving image to be corrected, and transmitting the extracted preview still image to the server via the network; The client receives the preview still image that has been subjected to the predetermined correction processing by the server, and the client receives the preview still image.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, the computer is a client in the moving image correction system, and an extracting unit for extracting a preview still image, which is a preview still image, from the moving image to be corrected. Preview still image transmitting means for transmitting the extracted preview still image to the server via the network, and corrected after receiving the preview still image corrected by the server via the network It is a program for causing a still image receiving unit to function as a client.

According to a fifth aspect of the invention, in the program according to the fourth aspect, the extracting means randomly extracts the still image for preview from the moving image.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the program according to the fourth aspect, the extracting means analyzes the scenes of the moving image, and at least one still image representing each scene is displayed as the preview still image. It is characterized by extracting as.

According to a seventh aspect of the invention, in the program according to the fourth aspect of the invention, the extracting means selects, from among the plurality of still images included in the moving image, a still image that is not compressed in the time axis direction. It is characterized in that it is extracted as a still image for preview.

According to an eighth aspect of the invention, in the program according to the fourth aspect of the invention, the preview still image transmitting means transmits the extracted still image for preview as an attached file of a mail. .

According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, in the program according to the fourth aspect, the computer is displayed on the image display means for displaying the preview still image subjected to the correction processing, and on the image display means. Determination information inputting means for inputting determination information about the preview still image, and transmitting the moving image to the server through the network when the preview still image is accepted. And a program for operating as a client, which further comprises a moving image transmission unit.

According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, in the program according to the ninth aspect, the moving image transmitting means, when the judgment still image input means inputs that the preview still image is acceptable, the moving image. In addition to this, another moving image is transmitted to the server via the network as a target of the correction process.

The invention of claim 11 is a computer-readable recording medium in which the program according to any one of claims 4 to 10 is recorded.

[0016]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION <1. First Embodiment><Outline of Configuration> FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a configuration of a moving image correction system 1 according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

As shown in FIG. 1, the moving image correction system 1 includes a plurality of clients 10 and a server 20. Further, each client 10 and the server 20 are connected to each other via the network N so that data communication is possible.

Here, the "network" is a communication line network for data communication, and specifically, the Internet, LAN, WAN, CATV, ICN (Inter-Community).
ityNetwork), etc., are various communication line networks configured by electric communication lines (including optical communication lines). The connection form to the network may be a constant connection using a dedicated line or a temporary connection such as a dial-up connection using a telephone line such as an analog line or a digital line (ISDN). Good. Moreover, the transmission method may be either a wireless method or a wired method.

The moving image correction system 1 is a client-server type system for performing moving image correction processing. Specifically, the moving image to be corrected is transmitted from the client 10 to the server 20 via the network N. Then, the server 20 side corrects the moving image and returns it to the client 10 side. As will be described later, the client 10 extracts a preview still image, which is a preview still image, from the moving image to be corrected, and transmits the preview still image to the server 20 via the network. The transmitted still image for preview is subjected to predetermined correction processing and returned to the client 10. Then, the client 10 displays the returned still image for preview. The operator of the client 10 sees the displayed still image for preview and determines whether or not the correction process for the moving image may be continuously performed. If the correction process does not produce the desired result, it is efficient because the entire moving image transmission process does not have to be performed. In this case, the network N
The amount of data flowing upward can be reduced, and the network can be used efficiently.

<Client and Server> Next, the client 10 will be described. FIG. 2 is a conceptual diagram showing the hardware configuration of the client 10. The client 10 includes a CPU 2, a storage unit 3 including a semiconductor memory and a hard disk, a media drive 4 for reading information from various recording media, a display unit 5 including a monitor, an input unit 6 including a keyboard and a mouse, and other devices. It is configured by a computer system (hereinafter, also simply referred to as “computer”) including a communication unit 7 and the like that communicate with the computer.

The CPU 2 is connected to the storage unit 3, the media drive 4, the display unit 5, the input unit 6, the communication unit 7, etc. via the bus line BL and the input / output interface IF. The media drive 4 is a CD-RO.
The information recorded in the portable recording medium 9 such as M, DVD (Digital Versatile Disk), and flexible disk is read.

The client 10 reads a software program recorded on the recording medium 9 (hereinafter, also simply referred to as "program"), and executes the program as a CP.
By executing using U2 or the like, it functions as the client 10 that realizes various operations described below. Note that the program having each function is not limited to being supplied (or distributed) via the recording medium 9, and is not limited to L
Network (communication line) such as AN or Internet
It may also be supplied (or distributed) to this computer via the communication unit 7.

The server 20 is also composed of a computer having the same hardware structure as described above. Then, the server 20 functions as the server 20 that realizes various operations described below by reading a predetermined program and executing the program.

FIG. 3 shows a client 10 and a server 2.
It is a functional block diagram of 0. First, the function of the client 10 will be described with reference to FIG.

The client 10 includes an extracting unit 11, a preview still image transmitting unit 12, and a corrected still image receiving unit 1.
4, an image display unit 15, a determination information input unit 16, a moving image transmitting unit 17, and a corrected moving image receiving unit 18.

The extraction unit 11 extracts a still image for preview (hereinafter referred to as "preview still image") from a plurality of still images forming a moving image to be corrected.

The preview still image transmitting unit 12 transmits the extracted preview still image to the server 20 via the network N.

The post-correction still image receiving unit 14 is connected to the server 20.
The preview still image that has been subjected to the correction processing (in other words, the preview still image after the correction processing) is received via the network N.

The image display unit 15 displays the preview still image transmitted from the server after being subjected to a predetermined correction process by the server.

The judgment information input unit 16 receives the judgment result (judgment information) input by the operator for the corrected preview still image displayed on the image display unit 15.

The moving image transmitting unit 17 transmits the moving image to the server 20 via the network N when the operator inputs that the corrected still image for preview is judged to be acceptable.

The corrected moving image receiving unit 18 receives, via the network N, the moving image transmitted to the server 20 and subjected to a predetermined correction process (in other words, the corrected moving image).

On the other hand, the server 20 has a preview still image receiving unit 22, a correction processing unit 23, a corrected still image transmitting unit 24, a moving image receiving unit 27, and a corrected moving image transmitting unit 28.

The preview still image receiving unit 22 receives the preview still image transmitted from the preview still image transmitting unit 12 via the network N.

The correction processing unit 23 performs a correction process on the preview still image received by the preview still image receiving unit 22. Further, the correction processing unit 23
Correction processing is also performed on the moving image received by the moving image receiving unit 27.

The post-correction still image transmitting unit 24 transmits the post-correction still image for preview to the client 10.

The moving image receiving section 27 receives the moving image transmitted from the moving image transmitting section 17 via the network N.

The post-correction moving image transmission unit 28 is provided in the correction processing unit 23.
In (1), the moving image subjected to the correction processing (in other words, the moving image after the correction processing) is transmitted to the client 10.

<Operation> FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing the operation in the moving image correction system 1.

First, as shown in step S10, the client 10 accesses the server 20. And
Authentication information obtained in advance (user name, password, etc.)
When the user (operator) of the client 10 inputs
The server 2 determines whether the user is an “authorized user”.
It is judged by 0.

When the server 20 determines that the accessing user is a formal user (in other words, a registered user), the server 20 is in a state of accepting a command from the user. Then, it progresses to the following step S20. On the other hand, when it is determined that the user is not an authorized user, the server 2
0 indicates data for displaying a message prompting to perform user registration on a separate user registration screen from the client 10
Reply to. A display for prompting user registration is displayed on the client 10, and the operator (user) of the client 10 determines whether or not to perform user registration.

Next, in step S20, the extraction unit 11 of the client 10 extracts a preview still image (hereinafter referred to as "preview still image") from the moving image to be corrected. Here, a case where the data format of the moving image to be corrected is the Motion JPEG format is illustrated.

FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining the Motion JPEG format. In the Motion JPEG format, a plurality of continuous still images (hereinafter, also referred to as “frames”) Fi (i = i) that configures the moving image MP to be corrected.
1 ,. ． ． , M; M is the total number of frames)
It has a data structure compressed in the PEG format.

Specifically, a plurality of continuous still images (frames) Fi (i = 1, ...
Of M), only some of the still images are extracted as preview still images. Here, it is assumed that, out of the plurality of still images, still images at intervals of 100 are extracted as preview still images. For example, M = 2
In the case of 000, 2000 ÷ 100 = 20 preview still images are extracted.

Then, in step S30, the preview still image transmitting unit 12 of the client 10 transmits the preview still image extracted in step S20 to the server 20 via the network N.

Specifically, these 20 preview still images extracted above are transmitted to the server 20. In this way, only some of the still images Fi of the plurality of still images Fi forming the moving image MP are stored in the server 20.
First, the amount of data to be transmitted can be suppressed. Further, as will be described later, when it becomes unnecessary to transmit the entire moving image MP, the amount of data to be transmitted can be reduced to about 1/100 as compared with the case of transmitting the entire moving image MP.

FIG. 6A is an example showing an example of the contents of the transmission data D1 at the time of transmitting the preview still image. The transmission data D1 includes a "command" indicating that this data is data for transmitting a preview still image, the number of preview still images to be transmitted ("the number of transmissions"), and each preview still image. It is composed of image data. For example, "command"
Is represented by a predetermined character symbol or the like to indicate that this transmission data is for transmitting a preview still image, and “the number of transmissions” represents the number of preview still images to be transmitted. The data of each still image for preview is represented by a numeral, and is represented by sequentially repeating a numerical value indicating the size (number of bytes) of each still image for preview and its actual data according to the number of transmitted sheets.

In this transmission data D1, F
A general-purpose protocol such as TP (File Transfer Protocol) can be used. Also, other transmission data D
The same applies to 2, D3 and D4.

After that, the preview still image receiving unit 22 of the server 20 receives the preview still image transmitted from the preview still image transmitting unit 12 via the network N. Then, the correction processing unit 2 of the server 20
3 performs a correction process on the preview still image received by the preview still image receiving unit 22. As this correction process, various known techniques such as a process for correcting color cast and a process for correcting lightness can be used. Here, it is assumed that the hue is corrected so that the lightness is not changed before and after the correction. Further, the post-correction still image transmission unit 24 of the server 20 transmits the preview still image after the correction process to the client 10 (step S40).

FIG. 6B shows an example of the contents of the transmission data D2 when the preview still image is returned. The transmission data D2 includes a “command” indicating that this data is data for returning the preview still image after correction processing to the client 10, and the preview still image after correction processing to be returned. It is composed of the number of sheets (“number of replies”) and the data of each preview still image after the correction processing. The transmission data D2 has a similar structure to the transmission data D1.
This is different from the transmission data D1 in that the preview still image “after correction processing” is transmitted.

The post-correction still image receiving unit 14 of the client 10 receives the preview still image that has been subjected to the correction processing in the server 20 (in other words, the preview still image after the correction processing) via the network N.

Thereafter, in step S50, the image display unit 15 of the client 10 displays the preview still image after the correction processing. Specifically, 20 (= M / 1
(00 = 2000/100) correction still images for preview are sequentially displayed at predetermined intervals (for example, at 1 second intervals). As a result, the corrected still image for preview is presented to the operator (user). In addition,
After the last (20th) preview still image is displayed, the first (1st) preview still image is displayed again in order, that is, these multiple preview still images are circulated. Is preferably displayed as

The operator checks the corrected still image for preview displayed on the image display unit 15 and confirms whether the corrected image has a desired result. And
The operator subsequently determines whether or not to perform the same correction processing on the entire moving image, and inputs the determination result (determination information) for the corrected preview still image displayed on the image display unit 15. Yes (step S60). More specifically, the operator uses the determination information input unit 16 of the client 10 to input the determination information (pass / failure information) by the operator regarding the corrected preview still image displayed on the image display unit 15. To do.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing the image display unit 15 and the like. The image display unit 15 is provided in the display unit 5 of the client 10 and has a function of displaying the corrected preview still image. Further, below the image display unit 15, a continue button 16a and a stop button 16b are displayed. It is possible to press either one of the continue button 16a and the stop button 16b by operating the mouse. Here, the determination button 16a, the stop button 16b, and the input unit 6 such as a mouse cooperate to make the determination information input unit 16
Has been realized.

When the operator inputs in step S60 that the corrected preview still image is determined to be unacceptable (specifically, when the stop button 16b is pressed), An end command is transmitted to the server 20 to end the series of processes (step S70).

On the other hand, when the operator inputs that the corrected still image for preview is determined to be acceptable in step S60 (specifically, when the continue button 16a is pressed), the client The video transmitting unit 17 of 10 transmits the video to be corrected to the server 20 via the network N (step S8).
0, S90, S100).

There are cases where the moving image to be corrected is not limited to the above moving image. Specifically, it is assumed that there is a moving image to which the same correction process should be performed in addition to the moving image from which the still image for preview is extracted.
Therefore, here, prior to the moving image transmission operation, it is confirmed whether or not there is another moving image to be subjected to the same correction processing, and when such a moving image is present, the correction processing is performed. A case will be described in which a plurality of moving images are collectively transmitted after additionally specifying and determining the moving images to be transmitted.

Specifically, in step S75 (FIG. 4), as shown in FIG.
Is displayed on the screen, such as "Are there other files that should be subjected to the same correction processing?", And the operator's judgment as to whether or not there is a file to be additionally sent and the input of the judgment result are prompted. .

When there are "files to be additionally transmitted", the operator designates one or more files to be additionally transmitted by using a file addition designation screen (not shown). By doing so, a plurality of moving images to be transmitted are confirmed. If there is no “file to be additionally transmitted”, it is determined that only one moving image from which the above-mentioned preview still image has been extracted is transmitted. As a result, it is possible to collectively transmit a plurality of moving images to be corrected.

Since the data transmission of the moving image occupies the resources of the server 20 for a long time,
Before transmission, it is preferable to confirm whether or not a moving image (more specifically, moving image data) may be currently transmitted. here,
A case will be described in which the moving image data is transmitted from the client 10 to the server 20 after the moving image data transmission permission is given by the server 20.

Specifically, in step S80, the client 10 transmits a command to start transmission of all moving images, in other words, a command for requesting permission of moving image transmission (moving image transmission permission request command). .

In step S90, the server 20 receiving this command determines whether to permit the transmission, and transmits the permission command to the client 10.

The client 10 waits until the permission command is received, and when the permission command is received, the client 10 starts the transmission of all moving images in step S100. This transmission operation is performed by the moving image transmission unit 17 of the client 10.

FIG. 6C shows transmission data D when transmitting a moving image.
It is an example which shows an example of the content of 3. The transmission data D3 is
This data is composed of a “command” indicating that the moving image is data to be transmitted, the number of moving images to be transmitted (“the number of transmitted moving images”), and data of each moving image. For example, the "command" is expressed by a character symbol or the like that is predetermined to indicate that this transmission data is for transmitting a moving image,
Is represented by a number representing the number of videos to be transmitted, and the data of each video is the size of each video (byte count).
It is expressed by sequentially repeating a numerical value indicating the number and its actual data according to the number of transmitted moving images.

Here, the case where the client 10 stands by until receiving the permission command from the server 20 is illustrated, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example,
The server 20 may transmit the disapproval command to the client 10, and the client 10 may perform error processing.

After that, in step S110, the server 20 receives the moving image transmitted from the client 10 and sequentially corrects the received moving image.
Specifically, the moving image receiving unit 27 receives the moving image transmitted from the moving image transmitting unit 17 via the network N, and the correction processing unit 23 performs a correction process on the moving image received by the moving image receiving unit 27. . In this correction process, the server 20 determines that each moving image has a plurality of data formats (Mot
(ion JPEG, MPEG, ...) Of which format the data is recognized, and the moving image is corrected by performing routine processing according to the recognition result.

Here, although the server 20 determines the data format of each moving image, the server 10 recognizes the format of each moving image on the client 10 side and adds it to the transmission data D3 to transmit the data. It is also possible to reduce the load on the 20 side. For example, for each moving image in FIG. 6C, the information regarding the format of each moving image may be transmitted in addition to the size and actual data of each moving image. In this case, the server 20 can obtain an advantage that the data format need not be recognized.

After that, in step S120, the post-correction video transmission unit 28 of the server 20 transmits the video subjected to the correction processing in the correction processing unit 23 (in other words, the video after the correction processing) to the client 10.

FIG. 6D is an example showing an example of the contents of the transmission data D4 at the time of replying this moving image. Transmission data D4
The client 1
It is composed of a “command” indicating that the data is for replying to 0, the number of corrected moving images to be returned (“returned moving image number”), and the data of each moving image after the correction processing. To be done. This transmission data D4 has a similar structure to the transmission data D3, but "after correction processing".
Is different from the transmission data D3 in that the moving image is transmitted.

Then, the corrected moving image receiving section 18 of the client 10 receives the moving image transmitted to the server 20 and subjected to the predetermined correction processing (in other words, the corrected moving image) via the network N. Then, step S7
The process proceeds to 0 to end the series of processes.

As a result, the client 10 can obtain a moving image that has been appropriately corrected.

As described above, according to the moving image correction system 1, the client 10 extracts a preview still image, which is a preview still image, from the moving image to be corrected, and the extracted preview image is extracted. The still image for preview is transmitted to the server 20 via the network N, and the still image for preview, which has been subjected to a predetermined correction process in the server 20, is received. Therefore, the client 10
The operator can use the preview still image that has been subjected to the predetermined correction processing to determine whether or not the predetermined correction processing should be performed on the entire moving image. At this time, since the preview still image after the correction process, which is a determination factor, is obtained by transmitting and receiving the still image extracted from the moving image between the client and the server via the network, a relatively small amount. It can be obtained by sending and receiving data. Further, when it is determined that the correction processing does not need to be performed on the entire video, unnecessary transmission operation and unnecessary correction processing operation for the video can be avoided, so that the network can be used efficiently. It is also possible to reduce the load on the server 20.

In the above embodiment, when the operator inputs in step S60 that the corrected still image for preview is determined to be unacceptable, the series of processes is terminated (step S70). However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, after re-adjusting various parameters related to the correction process on the client 10 side, the server 20 performs the correction process on the preview still image again, and the client 10 receives the re-adjusted preview still image. Good.

<2. Second Embodiment> In the first embodiment, the case where the preview still images are extracted from the plurality of still images forming the moving image at a predetermined number of intervals has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this. This second
The embodiment will exemplify a case where a preview still image is randomly extracted from a moving image.

The moving image correction system according to the second embodiment is
It has the same configuration as the moving image correction system of the first embodiment, and its processing procedure is also the same. Below, it demonstrates centering around difference.

The second embodiment differs from the first embodiment in the extraction process of step S20 (FIG. 4).

When a predetermined number of still images are extracted as preview still images as in the first embodiment,
May be affected by flicker phenomenon. For example, when the cycle of the fluorescent lamp and the cycle of the extraction interval are out of phase with each other, this deviation may cause a light-dark cycle.

Therefore, in the second embodiment, the preview still images are not extracted at regular intervals (for example, every 100 images), but the preview still images are extracted at random (at random intervals). The occurrence of such a light-dark cycle is prevented. More specifically, the preview still images are extracted at an interval of any one of the numbers 1 to 100 obtained by random number generation from 100 consecutive frames. For example, as shown in FIG. 9, when 25, 83, 35, ... Are sequentially generated by random numbers, the 25th still image out of the first 100 is extracted as a still image for preview, and the next still image is extracted. 83 out of 100 (ie 101 to 200 total)
The still image of the total 183 of the first image is extracted as a still image for preview, and the 35th image of the next 100 images (that is, the total of the 201st to 300th images is totaled). 235th still image) is extracted as a still image for preview. In this way, by randomly extracting the still image for preview, it is possible to prevent the occurrence of a light-dark cycle that may occur when the period of the fluorescent lamp and the phase of the constant period in the extraction interval are deviated, and after the correction processing It is possible to display the appropriate still image for preview on the client 10.

<3. Third Embodiment> In the third embodiment, a case will be exemplified in which a scene of a moving image is analyzed to generate scene information and a still image for preview is extracted based on the generated scene information.

The moving image correction system according to the third embodiment is
It has the same configuration as the moving image correction system of the first embodiment, and its processing procedure is also the same. Below, it demonstrates centering around difference.

The third embodiment is different from the first embodiment in the extraction processing of step S20 (FIG. 4).

The moving image has a characteristic that it contains a plurality of scenes. Therefore, in the third embodiment, a case will be described in which an appropriate preview still image is displayed by utilizing this characteristic and extracting representative still image data of each scene as a preview still image.

Here, in analyzing the scene,
For simplification, each color component of each frame (R (red),
Of the G (green) and B (blue) components), the case where the average gradation value of the G component is used is illustrated. The average brightness of each frame may be obtained from the linear sum of the average gradation values of the three color components, and the average brightness of each frame may be used.

The client 10 uses the G of each frame.
The change with time of the average gradation value of the component is analyzed, and a point where the average gradation value of the G component changes discontinuously is searched for.
Then, this change point is recognized as a change point of the scene, and the head frame of the scene is extracted as a still image for preview. This utilizes the property that the average gradation value changes continuously in the same scene, while the average gradation value changes discontinuously at the joints (scene transitions) of different scenes. .

FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining an example of this analysis result and the operation of extracting a preview still image using the analysis result. When such an analysis result is obtained, for example, F1, F60, which are the first frames of each scene,
F252 and F301 are sequentially extracted as preview still images.

Thus, at least one still image representing each scene (here, the first frame of each scene)
By extracting as a still image for preview,
The preview still image for each scene can be accurately selected and determined.

Here, the case where the first frame of each scene is extracted as the preview still image is illustrated, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the last frame of each scene may be extracted as the preview still image. good. Furthermore, a predetermined number of frames may be extracted from each scene.

<4. Fourth Embodiment> In the first embodiment described above, for a motion JPEG format moving image in which each frame included in the moving image is easily extracted, for previewing at a predetermined number of intervals from a plurality of still images forming such a moving image. Although the case of extracting a still image has been exemplified, in the fourth embodiment, a case of extracting a still image for preview of a moving image of MPEG format in which it is relatively difficult to extract each frame in the moving image will be described.

The moving image correction system according to the fourth embodiment is
It has the same configuration as the moving image correction system of the first embodiment, and its processing procedure is also the same. Below, it demonstrates centering around difference.

The fourth embodiment is different from the first embodiment in the extraction process of step S20 (FIG. 4).

FIG. 11 is a diagram for explaining the structure of a moving picture data file in MPEG format. The MPEG format file is the smallest unit (Group
of pictures). The group Gj, which is the minimum unit, expresses a continuous frame that expresses a moving image within a part of the entire moving image MP, and image information about one reference frame (reference frame) Pj. And the difference information with respect to the reference frame Pj.

In the fourth embodiment, the reference frame Pj existing at the head of the group Gj is extracted as a still image for preview.

If, as in the first embodiment, a still image for preview is extracted from a plurality of continuous still images forming the moving image MP every predetermined number of frames, the frames to be extracted are other than the reference frame. It may correspond to the frame. At this time, since it is required to restore the frames other than the first frame (that is, the reference frame) of each group Gj in consideration of the difference information, the processing becomes heavy.

On the other hand, in the fourth embodiment, since the reference frame Pj, which is a still image that is not compressed in the time axis direction, is used, it is not necessary to consider the difference information, and the still image for preview is relatively easy. Can be extracted.

<5. Fifth Embodiment> In the first embodiment, the case where the command and the data are transmitted using the protocol such as FTP has been illustrated. However, in the fifth embodiment, the protocol related to the mail transmission (more specifically, , SMTP) to transmit data.

The moving image correction system according to the fifth embodiment is
It has the same configuration as the moving image correction system of the first embodiment, and its processing procedure is also the same. Below, it demonstrates centering around difference.

FIG. 12 is a flow chart showing the operation of the moving image correction system according to the fifth embodiment.

The fifth embodiment is different from the first embodiment in that the preview still image transmission process (step S30B) and the moving image transmission process (step S100).
Different in B).

First, in step S30B, the preview still image is transmitted by using SMTP (Simple Mail Transf
er Protocol). Specifically, the preview still image transmission unit 12 automatically creates a mail with the preview still image attached as an attachment file, and sends the mail with the attached file to a predetermined address of the server 20. . Then, the server 20 receives the mail with the attachment file, and extracts the still image for preview attached to the received mail. afterwards,
Similar to the first embodiment, the extracted still image for preview is subjected to correction processing and returned to the client 10.

The transmission of the moving image in step SP100B is also performed using SMTP. Specifically, the video transmission unit 17 automatically creates a mail with a video attached as an attachment file, and sends the mail with the attachment file to a predetermined address of the server 20. Then, the server 20 receives the email with the attached file,
Retrieve the video attached to the received email. After that, similarly to the first embodiment, correction processing is performed on the extracted moving image, and the corrected moving image is returned to the client 10.

The mail transmission / reception system has a relatively long history and is relatively stable. Therefore, by using the mail transmission / reception system as described above, it is possible to stably transmit / receive the preview still image and moving image.

<6. Modifications> The embodiments of the present invention have been described above, but the present invention is not limited to the above-described contents, and various modifications can be made.

For example, in each of the above embodiments, an example in which the client 10 is configured by a computer such as a so-called personal computer has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this, and a mobile telephone or the like is configured as a client. May be.

[0104]

As described above, the claims 1 to 1 are as follows.
According to the invention described in 1, the client extracts a preview still image, which is a still image for preview, from the moving image to be corrected, and directs the extracted still image for preview to the server. It is possible to receive the preview still image that has been transmitted via the network and has undergone a predetermined correction process in the server. Therefore,
By transmitting / receiving a relatively small amount of data, it is possible to determine whether or not a predetermined correction process should be performed on a moving image, so that the network can be used efficiently.

In particular, according to the invention described in claim 5, since the extracting means randomly extracts the preview still image from the moving image, the occurrence of the light-dark cycle is prevented, and the appropriate preview after the correction processing is performed. It is possible to acquire a still image for use.

According to the invention described in claim 6, since the extracting means extracts at least one still image representing each scene as a preview still image, a still image corresponding to each scene is previewed. The still image can be selected accurately.

Further, according to the invention of claim 7,
Since the extracting means extracts a still image that is not compressed in the time axis direction from the plurality of still images included in the moving image as a still image for preview, the still image for preview can be relatively easily obtained without considering the difference information. It becomes possible to extract images.

According to the invention described in claim 8, since the preview still image transmitting means transmits the extracted preview still image as an attachment file of the mail, the preview still image is stably transmitted. can do.

Further, according to the invention of claim 9,
The moving image transmitting means transmits the moving image to the server via the network when the preview still image displayed on the image display means is input to the effect that the image is acceptable. Therefore, it is possible to avoid unnecessary transmission operation and unnecessary correction processing operation for a moving image, and thus it is possible to use the network more efficiently.

According to the invention described in claim 10,
When the judgment information inputting unit inputs that the preview still image is acceptable, the moving image transmitting unit transmits another moving image in addition to the moving image to the server as a correction processing target via the network. Therefore, it is possible to collectively transmit a plurality of moving images to be corrected.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a configuration of a moving image correction system 1 according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a conceptual diagram showing a hardware configuration of a client 10 and a server 20.

FIG. 3 is a functional block diagram of a client 10 and a server 20.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing an operation in the moving image correction system 1.

FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a Motion JPEG format.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of contents of transmission data.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an image display unit 15 and the like.

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a screen for confirming the existence of a file to be additionally transmitted.

FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating extraction of a preview still image according to the second embodiment.

FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating extraction of a preview still image according to the third embodiment.

FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an MPEG format.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing an operation according to the moving image correction system of the fifth embodiment.

[Explanation of symbols]

1 Video correction system 9 recording media 10 clients 16a Continue button 16b Cancel button 20 servers D1, D2, D3, D4 transmission data Fi frame Gj group MP video N network Pj reference frame

Claims (11)

[Claims] 1. A moving image correction system comprising a client and a server mutually connected so as to enable data communication via a network, wherein the client selects from among the moving images to be corrected, An extracting unit that extracts a preview still image that is a preview still image; and a preview still image transmitting unit that transmits the extracted preview still image to the server via the network. The server sends correction processing means for performing a predetermined correction process to the preview still image transmitted from the client, and the preview still image subjected to the predetermined correction process to the client. And a still image transmitting unit after correction, the moving image correction system. 2. A client in a moving image correction system, wherein the extracting means extracts a still image for preview, which is a still image for preview, from a moving image to be corrected, and the extracted still image for preview. A preview still image transmitting unit for transmitting to the server via the network, and a corrected still image receiving unit for receiving the preview still image corrected by the server via the network. A client characterized by that. 3. A moving image correction method using a moving image correction system including a client and a server which are connected to each other so as to enable data communication via a network, wherein the client is a target of correction processing. Extracting a still image for preview which is a still image for preview from the moving image, and transmitting the extracted still image for preview to the server via the network; and the client, the server And a step of receiving the preview still image that has been subjected to the predetermined correction process according to step 1. 4. A extracting device for extracting a preview still image, which is a preview still image, from a moving image to be corrected, which is a client in a moving image correcting system, and extracting the preview. Preview still image transmitting means for transmitting the still image for use to the server via the network, and post-correction still image receiving means for receiving the preview still image corrected by the server via the network A program for functioning as a client including. 5. The program according to claim 4, wherein the extraction unit randomly extracts the preview still image from the moving image. 6. The program according to claim 4, wherein the extracting unit analyzes the scenes of the moving image and extracts at least one still image representing each scene as the preview still image. And the program. 7. The program according to claim 4, wherein the extraction unit extracts, as the preview still image, a still image that has not been compressed in the time axis direction from a plurality of still images included in the moving image. A program characterized by: 8. The program according to claim 4, wherein the preview still image transmitting unit transmits the extracted preview still image as an attachment file of a mail. 9. The program according to claim 4, wherein
An image display unit that displays the preview still image that has been subjected to the correction processing; a determination information input unit that inputs determination information about the preview still image displayed on the image display unit; A program for functioning as a client, further comprising: a moving image transmitting unit that transmits the moving image to the server via the network when the fact that the preview still image is passed is input. 10. The program according to claim 9, wherein the moving picture transmission means, in addition to the moving picture, another moving picture, when the judgment information input means inputs that the preview still image is acceptable. Is also transmitted as a target of the correction processing to the server via the network. 11. A computer-readable recording medium in which the program according to any one of claims 4 to 10 is recorded.