JP2003091647A - Information processing device, information list drawing- up method and program, and recording medium storing information list drawing-up program - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an interface capable of being easily understood by a user, and having high convenience in application such as retrieval by listing up delivered contents. SOLUTION: In a personal broadcasting system, a user terminal stores the delivery and/or the contents preproduced for delivery in the local such as a hard disc, acquires various information incidental to the stored contents, and creates a delivery history file including the contents. The user terminal reads and lists up the created delivery history file to make my-delivery album. The user terminal displays a my-delivery album window 170 on a display part when a my-delivery album button mounted on a guidance bar 152 displayed on the display part is pressed.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention provides for an information processing apparatus for delivering content to a client via a predetermined network, and for content and / or delivery delivered to a client via a predetermined network. The present invention relates to an information list construction method for listing prototype contents, an information list construction program, and a recording medium on which the information list construction program is recorded.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, as the network environment such as the so-called Internet has been remarkably improved, various applications using information processing devices such as personal computers connectable to these networks have been developed. There is.

As one of such applications, there is a service for delivering a content consisting of desired video and / or audio data to a plurality of clients such as personal computers via a predetermined network. In such a service, a user who is a distributor can distribute desired content to a plurality of clients by operating his / her terminal and accessing a predetermined server.

[0004]

By the way, in the above-mentioned service, the user who is the distributor can store the distributed contents locally in the hard disk or the like of his / her own terminal to leave a distribution history.

However, in such a service, since only the distributed contents are stored locally, it is impossible to leave various information attached to the contents such as the distributed date and time and the contents. Therefore, in such a service, when the user who was the distributor tries to browse and appreciate the content stored at a later date, he / she cannot know what the content is, and the content is searched. It was also difficult.

[0006] The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and lists distributed contents,
(EN) Provided are an information processing device capable of providing an interface that is easy to understand for a user and exhibits excellent convenience, an information list construction method, an information list construction program, and a recording medium on which the information list construction program is recorded. To aim.

[0007]

An information processing apparatus according to the present invention which achieves the above-mentioned object is an information processing apparatus for distributing contents to clients via a predetermined network, and is a distribution and / or distribution. Recording means for recording the prototyped content in preparation for, and distribution history creating means for acquiring various information incidental to the content and creating distribution history information including the content recorded in the recording means,
The distribution history information created by the distribution history creating means is read and listed up, and a list up means for constructing an information list is provided.

In the information processing apparatus according to the present invention as described above, the distribution history information including the contents and various information incidental to the contents is read and listed by the list-up means to construct an information list.

Further, the information list construction method according to the present invention which achieves the above-mentioned object is an information list for listing contents distributed to clients via a predetermined network and / or contents prepared as a prototype for distribution. A construction method, in which the content recorded as a trial for distribution and / or distribution is recorded in a recording means,
Obtaining various kinds of information incidental to the content, creating a distribution history information including the content recorded in the recording means, a distribution history creating step, and reading the distribution history information created in this distribution history creating step, and listing it. And a list-up step of constructing an information list.

In the information list construction method according to the present invention as described above, the distribution history information including the content and various information incidental to the content is read and listed up to construct the information list.

Further, an information list construction program according to the present invention which achieves the above-mentioned object is a computer control for listing contents distributed to clients via a predetermined network and / or contents prepared experimentally for distribution. A possible information list construction program, which records distribution and / or prototype contents prepared for distribution in a recording unit, acquires various kinds of information incidental to the content, and a distribution history including the content recorded in the recording unit. It is characterized by including a distribution history creating process for creating information, and a listing process for reading and listing the distribution history information created by this distribution history creating process and constructing an information list.

When the information list construction program according to the present invention as described above is executed, the distribution history information including the content and various information incidental to the content is read and listed up to construct the information list.

Furthermore, a recording medium in which the information list construction program according to the present invention which achieves the above-mentioned object is recorded is made as a trial in preparation for the content distributed to the client via a predetermined network and / or the distribution. A recording medium in which a computer-controllable information list construction program for listing contents is recorded, wherein the information list construction program records distribution and / or a prototype content prepared for distribution in a recording means and A distribution history creating process for acquiring various kinds of additional information and creating distribution history information including the contents recorded in the recording means, and a distribution history information created by this distribution history creating process is read and listed up to create an information list. And a list-up processing for constructing

When the recording medium on which the information list construction program according to the present invention is recorded is executed, the distribution history information including the contents and various kinds of information incidental to the contents is read and listed up to obtain the information list. Providing an information list construction program for constructing.

[0015]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Specific embodiments to which the present invention is applied will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings.

In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1, for example, a digital video camera (Digital Video Camera;
Video and / or audio data obtained by shooting by the user terminal 10 including an information processing device such as a personal computer to which a DV is attached or a personal computer to which a digital video camera is connected, or stored in the user terminal 10. Edited video and /
Alternatively, contents consisting of voice data are transmitted via the so-called Internet 2 to personal computers and personal digital assistants (hereinafter referred to as PDA).
Say. ) Such as a plurality of client terminals 20 ₁ , 2
The personal broadcasting system 1 realizes a personal casting service for live distribution to 0 ₂ , 20 ₃ , ...

In the personal broadcasting system 1, the user terminal 10 stores video and / or audio data that has been live-delivered and / or sampled in the past as a file in a hard disk, a predetermined recording medium or the like, and these video and / or audio data are stored.
Alternatively, the contents including audio data are listed as a my-delivery album, and a my-delivery album function that allows viewing and viewing in album format is installed. In particular, the user terminal 10 can list not only video and / or audio data but also various information incidental to the program as a distribution history and post it in a my distribution album. Further, the user terminal 10 can obtain feedback information for the program, list the feedback information also as distribution history, and post it in the my distribution album. Furthermore, the user terminal 10 can list not only the past distribution history but also future reservation information that is scheduled to be distributed in time series and post it in the my distribution album.

First, here, such a user terminal 1 will be described.
Prior to a detailed description of 0, the personal broadcast system 1 will be described.

As shown in FIG. 1, the personal broadcasting system 1 includes a user terminal 10 for delivering contents, and a plurality of client terminals 20 ₁ , 20 ₂ , for receiving and viewing the contents delivered by the user terminal 10. Two
0 ₃ , ..., And a streaming distribution server 4 described later.
A server-based reservation management center 30 that manages reservation information for using the content distribution function of 0, and the content distributed by the user terminal 10 to a plurality of client terminals 20 ₁ , 20 ₂ , 20 ₃ , ... And a streaming distribution server 40 that distributes to the client.

A digital video camera is attached to or connected to the user terminal 10, and video and / or audio data captured by the digital video camera is transmitted while being compressed in real time based on a predetermined encoding format. The user terminal 10 can also transmit edited video and / or audio data recorded on a hard disk (not shown) or the like.

Specifically, the user terminal 10 includes an ISP (Internet Service Provider) (not shown), a telephone line network 3a, a cable television network 3b, or an ADSL (As).
The environment is such that the Internet 2 can be connected via a public line network 3 composed of a ymmetric digital subscriber line network 3c. At this time, the user terminal 10 may be wired or wireless as long as it can connect to the Internet 2. For example, the user terminal 10 is a so-called personal handyphone system (hereinafter referred to as PH).
It is called S. ) Etc., it is also possible to connect to the Internet 2. The user terminal 10 needs to reserve the distribution of the content with respect to the server use reservation management center 30 before transmitting the content including the video and / or audio data. The user terminal 10 accesses the server use reservation management center 30 via the public line network 3 and the Internet 2 to request the use of the streaming distribution function of the content by the streaming distribution server 40, the number of viewers, and viewing. A reservation is made by registering predetermined reservation information such as a person password.

When the user terminal 10 accepts the reservation and transmits the content consisting of video and / or audio data to the streaming distribution server 40, the user terminal 10 stores the content via the public line network 3 and the Internet 2. It is transmitted to the streaming distribution server 40. In addition, the user terminal 10 establishes a transmission path with the streaming distribution server 40 by making a PPP (Point to Point Protocol) connection to an access port of the server connection dedicated network 4 via the public line network 3, for example. Content can also be transmitted to the streaming distribution server 40 via this transmission path. Further, as described later, the user terminal 10 can also record the transmitted content locally, such as a hard disk, which is a recording unit (not shown), as necessary.

Client terminal 20₁, 20_Two, 2
0_Three, ... are personal computers and
An environment that can connect to the Internet 2 such as mobile information terminals
Information processing device. Client terminal 20₁，
20_Two, 20_Three, ... are the viewer passwords
By entering the specified information such as
That can enter the system 1 as a viewing terminal
It Client terminal 20 ₁, 20_Two, 20_Three・ ・ ・
Are respectively reserved and registered by the user terminal 10.
When the content distribution start date and time is reached, the streaming
Content distribution server 40 via Internet 2
Content is delivered and the delivered content is received. So
Then, the client terminal 20₁, 20_Two, 20_Three・ ・ ・
・ Receive the received contents in real time
Decode and display via a display screen or speaker
Output.

The server use reservation management center 30 manages reservation information for the user terminal 10 to use the streaming distribution function of contents by the streaming distribution server 40. When the user terminal 10 registers predetermined reservation information, the server use reservation management center 30 receives the streaming distribution server 40 by the user terminal 10.
Book for use. In addition, the server use reservation management center 3
0 is the streaming distribution server 4 via the dedicated line 5.
0 and is connected to the streaming distribution server 40 via the dedicated line 5 in the authentication process for the user terminal 10 and the client terminals 20 ₁ , 20 ₂ , 20 ₃ , ... Send and receive data.

The streaming distribution server 40 receives the content transmitted from the user terminal 10 via the Internet 2 or the server connection dedicated network 4, and the plurality of client terminals 2 via the Internet 2.
Streaming distribution is performed for 0 ₁ , 20 ₂ , 20 ₃ , ... At this time, the streaming distribution server 40
Is the server use reservation management center 30 via the dedicated line 5.
Are connected to the user terminal 10 and the client terminals 20 ₁ , 20 ₂ , 20 ₃ , ... At the time of authentication processing, mutual authentication is performed with the use reservation management center 30 via the dedicated line 5. Send and receive data. When the distribution start date and time of the content reserved and registered by the user terminal 10 is reached, the streaming distribution server 40 receives the content transmitted from the user terminal 10 via the Internet 2 or the server connection dedicated network 4 and stores it in a buffer (not shown). While storing, this content is read from the buffer, and the client terminal 2 that has made a distribution request
Deliver to 0 ₁ , 20 ₂ , 20 ₃ , ...

In such a personal broadcasting system 1, the user who is the distributor of the content is the user terminal 10
The live distribution of the content is reserved by accessing the server use reservation management center 30 via and registering the reservation information described above.

Specifically, in the personal broadcast system 1, the WWW of the website that provides the service of the personal broadcast system 1 on the display screen of the user terminal 10.
(World Wide Web) A window for browsing is displayed, the user performs user registration in the personal broadcasting system 1 via the user terminal 10, and the user ID provided
Enter (IDentification) and password to log in. As a result, in the personal broadcast system 1, the display screen of the user terminal 10 is displayed, for example, in FIGS.
A predetermined window for making a reservation for content distribution as shown in is displayed.

Specifically, as shown in FIG. 2, the user terminal 10 connects the box describing the program title of the content to be distributed, the type of the distribution server 40 as the distribution environment, that is, any connection to the network. A new program reservation window consisting of items for selecting whether to use the method is displayed on the display screen. In the personal broadcasting system 1, the input program title is posted in the program list on the website. In the personal broadcasting system 1, the distributable distribution band and the connection method are determined according to the selected distribution environment. Further, the user terminal 10 is shown in FIG.
As shown in, from the combo box for selecting and inputting the desired delivery date, the distribution start time and the distribution time or distribution end time that is the time length of the content, or the distribution channel for distributing the content. Display the new program reservation window on the display screen. In the personal broadcast system 1, the limit on the number of viewers who can view at the same time is determined according to the distribution channel. Further, in addition to the new program reservation window, the user terminal 10 displays a program introduction page edit window for introducing the details of the content to be distributed on the display screen, as shown in FIG. The user terminal 10 displays a program introduction page edit window including a box in which a viewer password is described and, in addition, a box in which a program title, a distributor name, a subtitle, a production staff, a program summary, and a program detail are described as necessary. Display on the display screen. In the personal broadcasting system 1, these various types of input information are posted on the program introduction page on the website. Further, although not shown, the user terminal 10 displays a new program reservation window for inputting a credit card number or the like required for distribution charge on the display screen. Then, when all the necessary items are input, the user terminal 10 presents a distributor password unique to the distributor together with the desired delivery date, the reserved time, the distribution channel, and the viewer password, as shown in FIG. The displayed new program reservation window is displayed on the display screen.

As described above, in the personal broadcast system 1, the user inputs predetermined reservation information through the window displayed on the display screen of the user terminal 10 and specifies that the personal identification of the credit card number is successful. Scheduled live delivery of content by date and time. In the personal broadcast system 1, when a reservation for live distribution is accepted, the user presses a reservation file download button provided in the new reservation window shown in FIG. It is downloaded from the usage reservation management center 30 to the user terminal 10. In this reservation setting file, in addition to the set reservation information, I of the distribution server 40 performing live distribution is set.
A P (Internet Protocol) address and port, a user ID, a password, etc. are described. In the personal broadcasting system 1, the user terminal 10 executes a live distribution application program, which will be described later, to automatically read the information, so that the live distribution can be performed without the user's setting.

Then, in the personal broadcasting system 1,
From the user terminal 10 to the server use reservation management center 30, the reservation confirmation as to whether or not to actually make the reserved live distribution is performed by a predetermined time before the distribution start date and time, for example, about 3 hours before. Specifically, in the personal broadcasting system 1, the user terminal 10 displays a WWW browsing window for accessing the server use reservation management center 30 on the display screen, and the user selects a predetermined window through this window. Reservation confirmation is performed by inputting the information. In the personal broadcasting system 1, the reservation is confirmed accordingly. In the personal broadcast system 1, the user needs to notify the client, who wants to view the content, of information necessary for viewing the content, such as a viewer password, in advance by the delivery start date and time.

In the personal broadcasting system 1,
Before the delivery start date and time, for example, about 5 minutes before,
The user terminal 10 and the streaming distribution server 40 are connected to each other, and at the same time when the digital video camera attached to or connected to the user terminal 10 shoots, the video and / or audio data is compressed in real time based on a predetermined encoding format. While being sent. In the personal broadcast system 1, when the client, who is a viewer, reaches the distribution start date and time, he / she inputs predetermined information such as a viewer password, so that the client terminals 20 ₁ , 2
The contents can be received and viewed via 0 ₂ , 20 ₃ , ...

As described above, the personal broadcasting system 1 is composed of video and / or audio data obtained by shooting by the user terminal 10 or edited video and / or audio data accumulated in the user terminal 10. Content
Via the Internet 2, the client terminal 20 ₁ ,
It is possible to realize a personal casting service in which live distribution is performed for 20 ₂ , 20 ₃ , ...

In the personal broadcasting system 1, after the user terminal 10 has made the above-mentioned reservation and setting of the live distribution and before the actual distribution is started, the effects required for the program and the user terminal 10 are set. It is possible to preset and register archive files recorded on the hard disk of the. At this time, the user terminal 10
Can perform various settings using a predetermined guide function described later. In addition, in the personal broadcasting system 1,
Outside the reserved time, the user terminal 10 can take a trial shot of the content to be live-distributed to the hard disk. At this time, the user terminal 10
As in the case of actual distribution, various effects are applied to the content, and video and / or audio data obtained by shooting with the digital video camera 60 that can be selected as an input source and video recorded on the hard disk. And / or switching with audio data can be performed.

In the personal broadcasting system 1,
Connection between the user terminal 10 and the streaming distribution server 40
Continuity is established and content is being delivered live
Then, by the user terminal 10, effect operation and file
Depending on the switching operation, etc.
These operations are reflected, and finally the client terminal 2
0 ₁, 20_Two, 20_ThreeAlso displayed on the display screen in
Is projected. In the case of personal broadcasting system 1, at the end of distribution
When the time is reached, the content distribution will automatically end,
Client terminal 20₁, 20_Two, 20_Three, ...
The program ends on the display screen. Personal broadcasting system
In 1, the content that has been delivered is
Information about the hard disk on the user terminal 10.
Recorded on a user interface or a predetermined recording medium.
By playing the details of the distribution history and the distributed contents,
You can browse and view in album format.

Now, in the following, the user terminal 10 constituting such a personal broadcasting system 1 will be described in detail. Note that, for convenience of description, the user terminal 10 provided with a digital video camera will be described below.

As shown in FIG. 6, the user terminal 10 is a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 5 which is a control means for executing various arithmetic processes and controlling the respective parts as a whole.
1 and R functioning as a work area for the CPU 51
An AM (Random Access Memory) 52, a read-only memory (ROM) 53 for storing information including various programs executed by the CPU 51, and a CP
HDD (Hard Disk Driv) for recording and / or reproducing various programs such as an operating system (Operating System) and application programs executed by U51 and data on a hard disk
e) 54, a display unit 55 which is a display means for displaying various information on a display screen, a display interface 56 for exchanging data between the display unit 55 and the CPU 51, and various information by the user. An operation unit 57 for inputting, and an operation interface 58 for exchanging data between the operation unit 57 and the CPU 51,
A network interface 59 for exchanging data with an external device connected to the Internet 2 or a server connection-dedicated network 4 via the public line network 3 described above, and video and / or audio data obtained by photographing a subject. And a codec 61 that performs compression encoding and decoding based on a predetermined encoding and decoding format such as so-called real format.
The user terminal 10 includes a CPU 51,
RAM 52, ROM 53, HDD 54, display interface 56, operation interface 58, network interface 59, digital video camera 6
0 and the codec 61 are connected via the bus 62.

When the user terminal 10 is connected without the digital video camera 60 attached, the user terminal 10 is connected to the bus 62 via a predetermined interface. Further, although not shown, the user terminal 10 may include a drive or the like that records and / or reproduces various types of information on a removable recording medium, if necessary.

The CPU 51 has a RAM via the bus 62.
52, ROM 53, HDD 54, display interface 56, operation interface 58, network interface 59, digital video camera 60, and codec 61. The CPU 51 centrally controls each unit and executes an operating system and various application programs recorded in the HDD 54 and the like. In particular, the CPU 51 performs processing and control regarding reservation of content distribution to the server use reservation management center 30, transmission of content to the streaming distribution server 40, and recording of the transmitted content on the hard disk.

The RAM 52 functions as a work area when the CPU 51 executes various programs.
Under the control of 1, various data are temporarily stored.

The ROM 53 stores information including various programs. The various programs stored in the ROM 53 are read and executed under the control of the CPU 51.

Under the control of the CPU 51, the HDD 54 records and / or reproduces various programs such as an operating system and application programs and data on the hard disk. Especially HD
Under the control of the CPU 51, the D54 records the transmitted content in the hard disk, as described later. The HDD 54 can also record the edited video and / or audio data in the hard disk, and reproduces the video and / or audio data under the control of the CPU 51.

The display unit 55 is, for example, an LCD (Liquid C
It is composed of a crystal display) and a CRT (Cathode Ray Tube), and displays various information such as data recorded in the HDD 54 on the display screen under the control of the CPU 51. In particular, the display unit 55, under the control of the CPU 51, a WWW browsing window for accessing the server use reservation management center 30 and the distribution server 40,
The display screen displays a predetermined graphical user interface such as a predetermined window for executing various application programs for performing various processes including processing for the content to be transmitted.

The display interface 56 is the CPU 5
Data is exchanged between 1 and the display unit 55. That is, the display interface 56 supplies various information supplied from the CPU 51 via the bus 62 to the display unit 55.

The operation unit 57 accepts an operation by a user using a user interface such as a keyboard, a pointing device such as a mouse, and a so-called jog dial, and sends a control signal indicating an operation content to the CPU 51 via the operation interface 58. Supply to.

The operation interface 58 is the CPU 5
Data is exchanged between 1 and the operation unit 57. That is, the operation interface 58 supplies the control signal supplied from the operation unit 57 to the CPU 51 via the bus 62.

The network interface 59 is C
Under the control of the PU 51, it functions as an interface for communicating with the outside. That is, the network interface 59 is provided for exchanging data between the user terminal 10 and an external device connected to the Internet 2 or the server connection dedicated network 4 via the public line network 3. In particular, the network interface 59 transmits the content to the outside under the control of the CPU 51 and also transmits and receives various information such as the above-mentioned reservation information and reservation ID.

The digital video camera 60 has a predetermined optical system for photographing an object and a CCD (Charge Coupl).
ed Devices) and other devices for photoelectric conversion. The video and / or audio data captured by the digital video camera 60 is supplied to the codec 61 via the bus 62 under the control of the CPU 51.

The codec 61 compresses the video and / or audio data supplied from the digital video camera 60 via the bus 62 under the control of the CPU 51, based on a predetermined coding format such as a real format. To convert. At this time, the codec under the control of the CPU 51 compresses and encodes the video and / or audio data in real time. In addition, the codec can also decode data that is compression-encoded based on a predetermined encoding format such as a real format.

Such a user terminal 10 is shown in FIG.
As shown in, a live distribution application that consists of multiple modules including the functional modules described below.
The program is recorded in a hard disk, which is a holding unit, and the live distribution application program is executed by the CPU 51 to perform live distribution of the content. The live distribution application program can be provided also by a predetermined recording medium such as a so-called compact disc (CD) or a digital versatile disc (DVD), and is also available on the Internet or the like. It can also be provided by a transmission medium.

In the live distribution application program, generally, a function expansion plug-in module in which the interface defined on the main module 101, which is a higher-level management module which is the basis of the live distribution application program, is implemented. There are various functional modules and various normal modules that handle various hardware without supporting the interface defined on the main module 101.

The function module is a predetermined graphical
The user interface, that is, the panel module having the panel window described above, and the module having no graphical user interface are roughly classified. The panel module having the graphical user interface is the main module 101.
It has a window managed by, and provides a graphical user interface to the user by displaying the window on the display unit 55. On the other hand, a module that does not have a graphical user interface does not have a window managed by the main module 101, and mainly provides functions to other modules. Also, a module that does not have a graphical user interface may present various statuses on the main module 101.

In the figure, a rectangle with rounded apex represents a normal module that does not support the interface defined on the main module 101, and a rectangle with a rounded apex and shaded main module 101. It is assumed that the functional modules that support the interfaces defined above are represented and that the shaded rectangles represent the functions and panel modules that support the interfaces defined on the main module 101.

That is, the live distribution application
In the program, as a normal module, the special button module 106 and the jog dial module 1
07, control module 109, capture module 117, effect filter module 1
18 and effect DLL (Dynamic Link Library) 1
19 and a filter module 120 other than the effect module are provided, and the functional modules include a functional module manager module 102, a reservation information module 108, a live setting manager module 110, a net connect module 111, and a battery checker module 114. A scenario template manager module 115, a live core module 116, and a chat module with effect video 121 are provided, and a panel manager module 103, a toolbar manager module 104, a status bar manager module 105, as functions and panel modules. Source panel module 1
22, a source file panel module 123, an effect audio panel module 124, an effect video panel module 125, a live panel module 126, and a playlist panel module 12.
And 7 are provided.

In the live distribution application program, the special button module 106 and the jog dial module 107 are configured as input modules, and the reservation information module 108, the control module 109, and the live setting module 11 are included.
0, net connect module 111, registry 11
2, the file 113 is configured as a reservation module, the live core module 116 and the capture module 117 are configured as live modules, and the effect filter module 118 and the effect DLL 11 are included.
9, and a filter module 120 other than the effect filter is configured as an effect module.

The main module 101 is an execution module which is the basis of a live distribution application program. The main module 101 manages a plurality of functional modules. In the live distribution application program, all modules are developed on this main module 101. Main module 101
Runs the expanded various modules as multi-thread. Further, the main module 101 also executes processing of hardware such as a special button and a jog dial, which are hardware provided specially. Further, the main module 101 also manages communication between a plurality of functional modules, management of a plurality of panel modules, and the like.

Specifically, the main module 101 is
Live distribution application program is CPU51
When executed by, the main window displayed on the display unit 55 is created. In the live distribution application program, this main window exists as the only parent window, and each panel window and the like exist as child windows attached to this main window. In the live distribution application program, there are various messages notified from the operating system only to the main window. However, if these messages are required by various functional modules, the main module 101 It also performs a relay operation.

In such a main module 101,
As the manager module, the function module manager module 102 and the panel manager module 10
3, a toolbar manager module 104, and a status bar manager module 105 are incorporated. In the live distribution application program, the main module 101 only creates and provides a main window, and various manager modules manage various functional modules and panel windows. Therefore, the main module 101
Also kicks each manager module.

The function module manager module 102, which is one of the manager modules, reads the placement information of each function module from the registry 112. That is, the functional module manager module 102
A list of functional modules to be read by the main module 101 is acquired. This placement information includes information about the graphical user interface of each functional module, the module priority order, and the like.

The function module manager module 102 also initializes each function module. That is, the function module manager module 102 reads and initializes each function module based on the arrangement information of each function module read from the registry 112. When the functional module manager module 102 finishes reading the functional modules, the functional module manager module 102 notifies the functional modules of the information. As a result, after receiving this message, each functional module can perform an initialization process involving inter-module communication. When each functional module completes the initialization process involving inter-module communication, it notifies the main module 101 via the functional module manager module 102. Function module manager module 102
Upon receiving the notifications from all the functional modules, the module notifies each functional module again that the initialization of each functional module is completed.

Further, the functional module manager module 102 carries out a relay operation of inter-module communication. That is, in the live distribution application program, all inter-module communication is performed via the functional module manager module 102. When performing inter-module communication, each functional module requests that effect to the main module 101 via the functional module manager module 102. At this time, each functional module passes the information indicating the functional module of the communication destination and the data chunk to the main module 101 via the functional module manager module 102. The main module 101 that has received this request performs a relay operation to the functional module of the communication destination via the functional module manager module 102.

The panel manager module 103, which is one of the manager modules, stores the layout information of panel windows in the registry 112, as will be described later.
Read from and associate each module with the panel window.

Further, the toolbar manager module 104, which is one of the manager modules, has a display unit 5
The toolbar information regarding the toolbar displayed in 5 is read from the registry 112, and the toolbar is displayed in the display unit 55.
To display.

Further, the status bar manager module 105, which is one of the manager modules, distributes the status bar area, which is an area for displaying various states on the display unit 55. That is, the status bar manager module 105 distributes the status bar to the requested functional module. The status bar manager module 105 also receives a bitmap or character string from a module that needs to be displayed on the display unit 55 and displays it on the status bar.

The main module 101 incorporating the various manager modules as described above creates a main window and manages various functional modules.

The special button module 106 is for notifying the application of the control of a special button which is specially provided hardware and a hardware event. The application side can always know the state of the special button via the special button module 106. Specifically, special button module 1
06 initializes the special button. In addition, the special button module 106 distributes a message indicating a user's operation on the special button to the active modules.
Further, the special button module 106 manages information displayed on the display unit 55 as an explanation regarding the special button from each module, and the explanation for the active module is
The special button explanation display area, which is an area for displaying the explanation, is displayed on the display unit 55. Furthermore, the special button module 106 monitors the inverted state of the display unit 55 and switches the window mode accordingly.

The jog dial module 107 controls a jog dial (not shown). The application side always uses this jog dial module 1
It is possible to access the function of the jog dial via 07. Specifically, the jog dial module 107
Initializes the jog dial. Further, the jog dial module 107 distributes a message indicating a user's operation on the jog dial to active modules. Furthermore, the jog dial module 107
The information displayed on the display unit 55 as an explanation regarding the jog dial from each module is managed, and the explanation for the active module is displayed in the jog dial explanation display area which is an area for displaying the explanation on the display unit 55.

The reservation information module 108 manages the above-mentioned reservation information. When a live distribution reservation is made in the live distribution application program, reservation information is encrypted and recorded in the registry 112. The reservation information module 108 includes a registry 112
Is monitored and the reservation information recorded in the registry 112 is acquired using the control module 109 described later. Furthermore, the reservation information module 108 also performs a lexical analysis of the value of the reservation information, and provides each module with meaningful information instead of a character string.

The control module 109 is an ActiveX control for accessing the reservation information recorded in the registry 112. The control module 109 reads the reservation information from the registry 112 and supplies it to the reservation information module 108.

The live setting module 110 is
Information about live distribution is managed and dialogs for various settings are displayed on the display unit 55. In the live distribution application program, all the set information is recorded in the registry 112. Each module that needs this set information is acquired via the live setting module 110.

The net connect module 111 performs various controls such as monitoring of the connection state to the network including the Internet 2, acquisition of the radio wave state when connecting to the Internet 2 using the above-mentioned PHS, and the above-mentioned status. The request is made to display the radio wave status to the bar. Net connect module 111
Does not have a graphical user interface, and a status bar manager module 105 in which a bitmap showing a radio wave state of PHS and a character string showing a network state are incorporated in the main module 101.
Supply to.

Battery checker module 114
Is to acquire the remaining amount state of a battery (not shown) attached to the user terminal 10 and request the above-mentioned status bar to display the remaining amount state. It should be noted that the battery checker module 114 treats the user terminal 10 as having no remaining battery level when no battery is attached to the user terminal 10. The battery checker module 114 does not have a graphical user interface and supplies a bit map indicating the remaining battery level to the status bar manager module 105 incorporated in the main module 101.

The scenario template manager module 115 manages a program scenario template for live distribution. Here, the scenario template is a file list that is a list of video and / or audio files recorded in the file 113 that can be selected as an input source during live distribution, and an effect filter module 1 described later that can be enabled during live distribution.
A video effect list, which is a list of video effects supplied from 18, and an audio effect list, which is a list of audio effects supplied from the effect filter module 118 that can be enabled during live distribution. The scenario template manager module 115 manages each list constituting the scenario template. Then, the scenario template manager module 115 supplies the file list to the source file panel module 123 described later via the main module 101, and supplies the video effect list to the effect video panel module 125 described later via the main module 101, The audio effect list is supplied to the effect audio panel module 124 described later via the main module 101.

The live core module 116 is a function module related to live. Live core module 1
16 manages a capture module 117 described later. The module using the capture module 117 sends a control command to the live core module 116 according to the purpose of use such as adding a source, adding an effect, or controlling the start and end of a live. Issue.

The capture module 117 is an implementation mode of an application program for using the digital video camera 60. The capture module 117 does not have a graphical user interface, and the viewfinder screen of the digital video camera 60 can be pasted on the display unit 55. The capture module 117 also has a function of constructing a designated filter graph when a filter is registered.

The effect filter module 118 is
It is a filter that applies various effects to an input image and / or audio data from the digital video camera 60 or a microphone (not shown). In the live distribution application program, all the modules that actually apply effects are DLL-based, and the effect filter module 118 has a function of reading the effect DLL 119 installed in a predetermined folder and switching these. . The live distribution application program is also provided with a filter module 120 other than the effect filter.

The effect DLL 119 is a module for applying an effect to image and / or audio data.

Chat module 1 with effect video
Reference numeral 21 denotes client terminals 20 ₁ , 20 ₂ , 20 ₃ , ...
..Communication between a chat application program for performing so-called chat as two-way communication with and a live distribution application program, and the effect of the chat application program is reflected in the live distribution application program Is to be implemented. That is, in the personal broadcasting system 1, the user terminal 10
The live distribution application program is executed by the distributor, and the chat application program is executed by the user terminal 10 and the client terminals 20 ₁ , 20 ₂ , 20 ₃ , ... It is possible to perform a chat between a user who is a viewer and a client who is a viewer while displaying mutual video data on the display screen.
In other words, the personal broadcasting system 1 includes the user terminal 1
By providing the chat module 121 with effect video in the live distribution application program executed by 0, it is possible to realize the viewer participation type personal casting service.

The source panel module 122 is equipped with a panel window for previewing, via the display unit 55, video and / or audio data which is an input source obtained by shooting with the digital video camera 60, for example. In addition to the preview, the source panel module 122 also implements a graphical user interface such as buttons for setting the digital video camera 60.

Source File Panel Module 123
Implements a panel window for previewing a moving image file registered in the file list managed by the above-mentioned scenario template manager module 115 via the display unit 55. In addition to the preview, the source file panel module 123 also implements a graphical user interface for selecting and setting a file list.

Effect audio panel module 1
24 implements a panel window for auditioning the audio effect list managed by the scenario template manager module 115 described above. The effect audio panel module 124 also implements a graphical user interface for selecting and setting an audio effect list in addition to the audition.

Effect Video Panel Module 125
Implements a panel window for previewing the video effect list managed by the scenario template manager module 115 described above. In addition to the preview, the effect video panel module 125 also implements a graphical user interface for selecting a video effect list and setting an effect template.

The live panel module 126 implements a panel window for monitoring video and / or audio data to be distributed. In addition to the monitor, the live panel module 126 also mounts a graphical user interface for starting and ending a live, setting a master volume and the like.

The playlist panel module 127
A panel window for displaying distribution history and reservation information on the display unit 55 is installed. That is, in the live distribution application program, the distributed contents can be recorded on the hard disk or the like, but the playlist panel module 127 allows the contents to be browsed and viewed in the album format as described later. The distribution history and reservation information are displayed on the display unit 55.

As described above, the live distribution application program is composed of a plurality of modules including functional modules, and carries out live distribution of contents.

Although not shown, the live distribution application program may be provided with another module such as a hard disk checker module which acquires the remaining capacity of the hard disk and requests the status bar to display the remaining capacity. Further, the live distribution application program can increase the number of panel windows displayed on the display unit 55 by adding panel modules corresponding to other functions. That is, each panel module is provided corresponding to each panel window described later.

Now, the user terminal 10 having the live distribution application program composed of such various modules is equipped with a multi-window function which is a function of simultaneously displaying a plurality of independent windows on the display screen. If you execute the live distribution application program, it will be displayed as a graphical user interface during live distribution.
A window having a predetermined configuration is displayed on the display unit 55. The functions provided as a graphical user interface in the user terminal 10 include display of the above-mentioned main window, display of a plurality of panel windows constituting a window as a main screen corresponding to each functional module, and display of a panel window as a setting screen, and Switching, display of a guidance bar, which is a guidance member described later that is provided with buttons for activating a predetermined guide, display of a status bar for displaying various states,
Also, there is a guidance window display described later.

Specifically, the user terminal 10 displays a window as shown in FIG. 8 on the display unit 55, for example. In this window, a guidance bar 152 created by each manager module incorporated in the main module 101 and each manager module incorporated in the main module 101 are provided on the above-mentioned main window 151 created by the above-mentioned main module 101. A status bar 153 to be created and a plurality of panel windows 154a, 154b, 15 created by each functional module
4c, 154d, 154e are arranged. In this window, a horizontally long strip-shaped guidance bar 152 is arranged at the upper part, and a horizontally long strip-shaped status bar 153 is arranged at the lower part so that the guidance bar 152 and the status bar 153 sandwich the upper and lower parts. Multiple panel windows 154a, 154b, 154 divided vertically according to each function.
c, 154d, 154e are arranged side by side to display the display unit 5
It is displayed in 5. Hereinafter, such a screen configuration will be referred to as a distribution layout. Here, each panel window 154a, 154b, 154c, 154d, 1
54e is implemented as one window independent of each other.

In the figure, the panel window is a sound panel window 154a for performing operations relating to sound, and the operation is related to image data obtained by shooting with the digital video camera 60 selectable as an input source. A camera input panel window 154b, a main monitor panel window 154c for performing an operation relating to live distributed video and / or audio data, and an operation relating to an image data recorded on a hard disk selectable as an input source. A file input panel window 154d and an effect panel window 154e for performing an effect-related operation are displayed.

The guidance bar 152 has two types of guides, that is, two guide buttons for activating a program production guide and a distribution guide, which will be described later, and a plurality of direct buttons for directly activating each function. Implement. The guidance bar 152 will be described later in detail.

The status bar 153 is, for example, a radio wave state when connecting to the Internet 2 using the above-mentioned PHS, a connection state when performing the above-mentioned PPP connection, a remaining battery state, and a remaining hard disk state. Implement the area to display.

The sound panel window 154a has a plurality of icons 154a ₁ for showing a list of audio data such as wav files registered to be played as background music during live distribution.
A button 154a ₂ for selecting these icons, a button 154a ₃ for reproducing or stopping the audio data corresponding to the selected icon, and the like are mounted. The sound panel window 154a will be described later.
A part of a panel window (not shown) as a setting screen is shared and configured as a subset of the panel window as the setting screen. The panel window as a setting screen has a button to add the selected audio data to the list, a button to delete the audio data from the list, a button to delete all the audio data from the list, etc. .

The camera input panel window 154b is
Digital video camera 6 selectable as input source
Preview area 15 for displaying a preview image for previewing video data obtained by shooting with 0
4b ₁ , a button 154b ₂ for setting the input source to video data obtained by shooting with the digital video camera 60, and audio data obtained by shooting with the digital video camera 60, can be selected as an input source 154b for applying so-called post-recording to video data recorded on a hard disk
₃ and a button 154b for activating the setting application program of the digital video camera 60
Implement ₄ etc.

Main monitor panel window 154c
Is a preview area 154c ₁ for previewing video and / or audio data to be delivered live, and a button 154 for starting or stopping trial shooting and actual delivery.
c ₂ , a button 154c ₃ for temporarily stopping the video and / or audio data, a button 154c ₄ for performing a mute process on the audio data, and a time display area 154c ₅ for displaying the distribution elapsed time, the remaining time, and the like. Etc. are implemented.

File input panel window 154d
Is a thumbnail area 154d ₁ for displaying a thumbnail image showing a list of video data recorded on a hard disk that can be selected as an input source, a preview area 154d ₂ for displaying a preview image for previewing the video data, and a list A button 154d ₃ for selecting a thumbnail image as a symbol, a button 154d ₄ for reproducing or stopping the video data corresponding to the selected thumbnail image, and the like are mounted. The file input panel window 154d will be described later.
As a setting screen, a part of a panel window (not shown) is shared here, and is configured as a subset of the panel window as the setting screen.

The effect panel window 154e is
A thumbnail area 154e ₁ for displaying a thumbnail image for showing a list of various effect materials to be applied to the video and / or audio data being delivered live, a button 154e ₂ for selecting these thumbnail images, and the selected thumbnail image A button 154e ₃ for executing or canceling the effect corresponding to the above, a box 154e ₄ for inputting a character string to be displayed as a telop in real time as an effect, etc. As will be described later, the effect panel window 154e shares a part of a panel window (not shown) serving as a setting screen, and is configured as a subset of the panel window serving as the setting screen. A panel window as a setting screen is provided with a button for adding an effect material to the list, a button for deleting an effect material from the list, a button for deleting all effect material from the list, and the like.

As described above, in order to express the sharing of various functions, the user terminal 10 divides a window as a main screen in the vertical direction for each function into a panel window 154a corresponding to each function. 154b, 154c, 1
54d and 154e are displayed on the display unit 55. This allows the user to intuitively and easily carry out the operation for each function and the necessary buttons. For example, the user may pay attention only to the effect panel window 154e when performing the process related to the effect.

Now, these panel windows 154
Some of a, 154b, 154c, 154d, and 154e have items that require various settings by the user, and the panel window shares a part of the panel window as a setting screen for performing the setting. , Is configured as a subset of the panel window as this setting screen. Specifically, in the user terminal 10, the panel windows 154a, 154b, 154c, 154
Sound panel window 154 of d and 154e
a, the file input panel window 154d, and the effect panel window 154e each have a panel window as a setting screen. User terminal 10
Is a sound panel window 154a, a file input panel window 154d, and an effect panel window 154e that constitute a window as a main screen.
And the panel window 154 as a setting screen corresponding to these, in order to clarify the relationship.
Of a, 154b, 154c, 154d, 154e,
Panel windows that are not set are contracted in the horizontal direction on the display screen and moved to both ends of the display screen while being minimized into strips, while panel windows that are set are displayed while being expanded in the horizontal direction on the display screen. It is moved to the vicinity of the center of the screen and displayed on the display unit 55 so that the area required for the setting screen can be visually recognized. Hereinafter, such a screen configuration will be referred to as a setting layout.

For example, when the user terminal 10 performs an operation relating to video data recorded on a hard disk that can be selected as an input source, as shown in FIG.
Sound panel window 154a, camera input panel window 154b, main monitor panel window 1
54c and the effect panel window 154e,
Each of them is minimized and moved to both ends of the display screen, while the file input panel window 154d is expanded in the horizontal direction on the display screen, and the panel window 154d 'for setting the file input panel window 154d is exposed. The display unit 55 is displayed.

Newly exposed panel window 154
d ', the browser area 154d 5 for selecting material for registering image data as a list recorded in the selectable hard disk as an input _source, and displays a preview image for previewing the video data selected A preview area 154d ₆ , a button 154d ₇ for playing or stopping video data corresponding to the selected preview image, a button 154d ₈ for adding the selected video data to the list, and the like are mounted.

In this way, the user terminal 10 displays the panel window 154d 'as such a setting screen on the display section 55. This allows the user to search for desired video data and add it as an input source. The added video data is additionally displayed as a thumbnail image in the thumbnail area 154d ₁ in the file input panel window 154d that constitutes the window as the main screen.

The panel windows 154a, 154b, 154c, 154d on the display screen accompanying the transition from the distribution layout to the setting layout and the transition from the setting layout to the distribution layout,
The opening / closing operation of 154e is performed based on the following rules.

That is, in the user terminal 10, the panel windows other than the setting target are horizontally minimized, and only the icon indicating the type of the panel window is displayed in the minimized panel window. All items such as various buttons provided inside the converted panel window are hidden. In the user terminal 10, the minimization of the panel window and the normalization movement of the panel window to the normal size are displayed by animation, and an icon indicating the type displayed in each panel window is displayed.
The panel window is always displayed at the centered position according to the width of the panel window, including the animation of the opening / closing operation of the panel window.

Panel windows 154a, 154b, 154c, 154 that open and close based on such rules.
Specifically, d and 154e operate as shown in FIGS. In addition, here, the panel window 1
A case will be described in which the file input panel window 154d among 54a, 154b, 154c, 154d, and 154e is the setting target. In addition, in these FIG. 10 to FIG. 14, the panel windows 154a, 154
The circles shown at the bottom of b, 154c, 154d, and 154e are icons indicating the type of panel window.

First, in the user terminal 10, FIG.
As shown in FIG. 11, when the slide is started with the distribution layout as the initial state, as shown in FIG. 11, the panel windows 154a, 154b, 154c, 1 that are not the setting targets
54e slides toward both ends of the display screen while contracting laterally on the display screen. In response to this, in the user terminal 10, the file input panel window 154d to be set extends in the horizontal direction on the display screen, and the contents of the panel window 154d 'as the setting screen described above are made visible. . At this time, the user terminal 10
, The effect panel window 154e arranged on the right side of the file input panel window 154d.
The file input panel window 154d also slides to the right on the display screen in response to the slide to the right end of the display screen.

Then, in the user terminal 10, as shown in FIG.
As shown in 2, the panel window 15 that is not the setting target
When 4a, 154b, 154c, 154e are minimized at both ends of the display screen and the file input panel window 154d to be set is maximized, the slide is finished and the setting by the user is made possible. At this time, in the user terminal 10, various items in the panel windows 154a, 154b, 154c, 154e that are not the setting target are hidden.

Then, in the user terminal 10, as shown in FIG.
When the setting by the user in the setting layout shown in 2 is completed, the slide starts. In the user terminal 10, as shown in FIG. 13, the panel windows 154a, 154b, 154c, 154e that are not the setting target slide laterally on the display screen and slide toward the center of the display screen. In response to this, in the user terminal 10, the file input panel window 15 to be set is set.
4d contracts in the horizontal direction on the display screen, and the contents of the panel window 154d 'serving as the setting screen described above are gradually hidden. At this time, in the user terminal 10,
As the effect panel window 154e arranged on the right side of the file input panel window 154d slides leftward on the display screen, the file input panel window 154d also slides leftward on the display screen.

Then, in the user terminal 10, as shown in FIG.
As shown in 4, the panel window 15 that is not the setting target
When 4a, 154b, 154c, and 154e are normalized at a predetermined position on the display screen, and the file input panel window 154d to be set is also normalized, the slide is finished and the layout at distribution is started. At this time,
On the user terminal 10, various hidden items in the panel windows 154a, 154b, 154c, and 154e that are not set are displayed.

In the user terminal 10 for opening and closing the panel window as described above, the panel windows which are independent windows are mounted corresponding to the independent panel modules in the above-mentioned live distribution application program. . User terminal 1
0 executes the live distribution application program to resize or change the position of each panel window associated with the opening / closing operation.

That is, the user terminal 10 uses the above-mentioned main module 101 and the panel manager module 103 incorporated in this main module 101 in the live distribution application program,
It issues control commands to each panel module and manages the layout information of each panel window, that is, the positional information on the display screen, and displays multiple panel windows as a whole as one linked application window. It is displayed on the section 55. The user terminal 10
In order to determine the position and size of each panel window on the display screen by the panel manager module 103, a layout definition file, which is layout information corresponding to the size of the current display screen, is read from the registry 112 as the layout information described above. The panel windows are arranged based on the coordinate information shown in the layout definition file.

For example, when the size of the display screen is small, the user terminal 10 displays an icon 154a ₁ , preview areas 154b ₁ and 154d ₂ , as shown in FIG.
The thumbnail areas 154d ₁ , 154e ₁ etc. are made smaller than those shown in FIG. 8 to make the entire main screen smaller.
In the user terminal 10, such processing is also performed by the panel manager module 103 based on the layout definition file read from the registry 112.

Specifically, the user terminal 10 opens and closes each panel window by executing the live distribution application program and performing the series of processes shown in FIGS. 16 to 18.

First, when the user terminal 10 activates the live distribution application program, the user terminal 10 performs a series of processes shown in FIG.

That is, the user terminal 10 acquires information indicating the size of the display screen, that is, the resolution by the panel manager module 103 in step S1 as shown in FIG.

Subsequently, the user terminal 10 performs step S2.
At, the panel manager module 103 reads a layout definition file corresponding to the resolution of the display screen from the registry 112.

Then, the user terminal 10 carries out step S3.
In step 3, the panel manager module 103 instructs each panel module to initialize and display each panel window, and the series of processing ends.

Thus, when the user terminal 10 starts the live distribution application program, it initializes and displays each panel window under the control of the panel manager module 103.

Subsequently, when the user terminal 10 shifts from the distribution layout to the setting layout, FIG.
A series of processing shown in is performed.

First, as shown in the figure, the user terminal 10 sends the main module 101 in step S11.
Asks each panel module whether or not the layout at the time of setting may be changed.

Then, the user terminal 10 operates in step S1.
If the result of the inquiry in 2 is that the layout at the time of setting should not be performed, the series of processing is terminated as it is.

On the other hand, the user terminal 10 performs step S12.
If the result of the inquiry is that the layout may be shifted to the setting layout, the processing shifts to step S13,
The main module 101 notifies each panel module of the shift to the setting-time layout.

Then, the user terminal 10 operates in step S1.
4, under the control of the main module 101,
Reset the position and size of each panel window on the display screen and perform animation processing.

Then, the user terminal 10 executes step S1.
5, under the control of the main module 101,
It is determined whether or not the animation process is completed.

If it is determined that the animation processing has not ended, the user terminal 10 repeats the processing from step S14.

On the other hand, when it is determined that the animation processing has been completed, the user terminal 10 proceeds to step S1.
In 6, the main module 101 notifies each panel module that the transition to the setting-time layout is completed, and the series of processes is completed.

The user terminal 10 can shift from the distribution layout to the setting layout by going through such a series of processing.

Subsequently, when the user terminal 10 shifts from the setting layout to the distribution layout, FIG.
A series of processing shown in is performed.

First, as shown in the figure, the user terminal 10 sends the main module 101 in step S21.
Asks each panel module whether to exit the layout at the time of setting and shift to the layout at the time of distribution.

Subsequently, the user terminal 10 performs step S2.
If the result of the inquiry in 2 is that the layout at the time of setting must not be exited, a series of processing is terminated.

On the other hand, the user terminal 10 operates in step S22.
In the case where, as a result of the inquiry, it is acceptable to exit the default layout, the process proceeds to step S23, and the main module 101 notifies each panel module that the default layout is exited.

Subsequently, the user terminal 10 performs step S2.
4, under the control of the main module 101,
Reset the position and size of each panel window on the display screen and perform animation processing.

Then, the user terminal 10 carries out step S2.
5, under the control of the main module 101,
It is determined whether or not the animation process is completed.

If it is determined that the animation processing has not ended, the user terminal 10 repeats the processing from step S24.

On the other hand, when it is determined that the animation processing has been completed, the user terminal 10 proceeds to step S2.
In step 6, the main module 101 notifies each panel module of the fact that the transition to the distribution layout has been completed by exiting the setting layout, and the series of processing is terminated.

The user terminal 10 can shift from the setting layout to the distribution layout by undergoing such a series of processing.

As described above, the user terminal 10 seamlessly shifts the panel window which constitutes the window as the main screen and the panel window as the setting screen, and performs grouping of the functions in the unit of the panel window. Since it is possible to visually display, on the display unit 55, the panel window that configures the window as a window and the panel window as the setting screen as the same panel window, it is possible to clarify the relationship between the main screen and the setting screen. Therefore, it is possible to provide the user with a graphical user interface which is entertaining and easy to understand. In addition, the user terminal 10
By hiding various items in the panel window that is not the setting target in the layout at the time of setting, the number of unnecessary items does not unnecessarily increase, and it is possible to suppress user operation mistakes and confusion.

Further, since the user terminal 10 controls each panel window by each panel module and the main module 101 that controls the layout, it is possible to provide a flexible layout according to the size of the display screen. Furthermore, the user terminal 10 can easily add the number of panel windows displayed on the display unit 55 only by additionally mounting the panel module corresponding to the function and the layout definition file.

Next, the guide function of the user terminal 10 will be described.

The user terminal 10 allows the user to easily enjoy the personal casting service even in a situation requiring a complicated operation or a novice user, and the operation procedure can be performed by a beginner or an expert. In order to provide sufficient support to the user who wants to check the contents, the user is provided with a predetermined guide function that presents a guide to assist the user in understanding the function of the live distribution application program.

In outline, the guide function assigns a number to each of a plurality of functions prepared by the live distribution application program and makes them buttons, and these buttons are grouped and displayed on the display unit 55. Thus, if the user performs an operation according to the procedure presented when the user presses these buttons using the mouse or the like, the necessary functions can be naturally enjoyed. The guide function is such that when a button is pressed using a mouse or the like, a guide text corresponding to the button is displayed on the display unit 55.

Specifically, as shown in FIG. 19, the user terminal 10 is provided with a horizontally elongated guidance bar 152 at the upper part of the window.
When the user presses each button 2 using a mouse or the like, or when the live distribution application program is activated as necessary, a guide window 160 as an explanatory window is displayed on the display unit 55. In the user terminal 10, the guide window 1 is displayed on the display unit 55.
The state in which 60 is displayed is referred to as "guide mode".

As shown in FIG. 20, the guide window 160 is a single window having a simple structure, in which guide sentences corresponding to each guide described later are described.

When the user terminal 10 starts the live distribution application program for the first time, the user terminal 10 displays on the display unit 55 a guide window 160 for start-up in which guide texts explaining how to use the live distribution application program are described. Provides a guide mode. In the user terminal 10, the user explicitly guides the guide window 160.
Unless the setting for not displaying is performed, a guide window 160 for startup is displayed on the display unit 55 every time the live distribution application program is started.

Further, the user terminal 10 is equipped with two types of guides, that is, a program production guide and a distribution guide, and displays a guide window 160 in which guide texts for explanation corresponding to these guides are described. Display at 55.

The program production guide is a guide provided for the purpose of easily setting a function for making the program more full-scale among the functions of the live distribution application program. Therefore, in the user terminal 10, even if the user does not operate the function belonging to this program production guide,
It is possible to run the program. Specifically, the program production guide supports six types of functions: a load function, a logo creation function, a file function, an effect creation function, a sound function, and a save function.

On the other hand, the distribution guide is a guide provided for the purpose of easily setting functions that must be performed in order to actually perform live distribution on the Internet 2. Therefore, by operating the user terminal 10 in accordance with this distribution guide, even a novice user can easily perform necessary settings without performing an incorrect operation. Specifically, the distribution guide supports five types of functions: a reservation function, a distribution setting function, a connection / distribution function, a chat function, and a my distribution album function.

These program production guides and distribution guides are activated by the user pressing various buttons provided on the guidance bar 152 described above using a mouse or the like. That is, as described above, the guidance bar 152 has two guide buttons for activating the program production guide and the distribution guide and a plurality of direct buttons for directly activating each function.

Specifically, as shown in detail in FIG. 21, the guidance bar 152 has a program production guide button 152 ₁ indicated by "?" For activating the program production guide.
When, and a delivery guide button 152 ₈ which is represented by "?" For starting the delivery guide. Further, the guidance bar 152 is a load button 152 ₂ sequentially numbered from “1” to “6” as a direct button for directly activating each function belonging to the program production guide.
Create logo button 152 ₃ , File button 152 ₄ , Effect create button 152 ₅ , Sound button 15
2 _6, and provided with a save button 152 _7, delivery guide belonging to each function as a direct button to start directly, sequentially from "1" to "5" reservation button 152 numbering is up to _9, Delivery setting button 15
2 comprising _10, connection and distribution button _{152 11,} chat button _{152 12,} and the my distribution album button _{152 13.}

[0148] program production guide button 152 _1, is used to start the program production guide. User terminal 10
, When program production guide button 152 ₁ the user presses with a mouse or the like, full-scale of 6 type described above are used to produce a program function, i.e., the load function, logo creating function, file functions A guide window 160 in which guide texts describing the effect creating function, the sound function, and the saving function are described is displayed on the display unit 55.

Load button 152_TwoIs involved in program production
Is for directly activating the load function that
"1" is displayed as a number in the function that belongs to the group production guide.
It is displayed on the display screen. Here, the load function is
With combinations of materials and effects that have already been saved
It is a function to read a certain program template. In addition,
The live function is a live distribution application program.
It is also a function to restore the default state of the system when purchased. example
For example, in the user terminal 10, using the load function,
Load the original template in advance before creating the program
I'm going to edit this template and save it
Makes it easier to create new templates
Becomes The user terminal 10 is loaded by the user.
152 _TwoIs pressed using a mouse, etc.
Noh is executed and a predetermined dialog is displayed on the display unit 55.
In addition, in the guide mode, about the load function
Guide window with detailed guide text
C 160 is displayed on the display unit 55.

[0150] logo creating button 152 _3, is intended to directly launch the logo creation functions related to program production, as a number of features that belong to the program production guide "
2 "is displayed on the display screen. Here, the logo creation function is a function of setting a title logo of a program which is always desired to be displayed throughout the program. For example, in actual television broadcasting, "L" indicating live broadcasting
The characters "ive", the symbol mark of the program, etc. may be displayed on the display screen, but the user terminal 10 can easily perform the same processing by using the logo creation function. User terminal 10
Is, when the logo creating button 152 ₃ by the user is pressed using the mouse or the like, perform the logo creating function, and displays on the display unit 55 a predetermined dialog such, the guide mode, the logo creating function in detail The guide window 160 in which the explained guide text is described is displayed on the display unit 55.

[0151] file button 152 _4, is intended to directly launch the file functions related to program production, as a number of features that belong to the program production guide "
3 "is displayed on the display screen. Here, the file function means that the video and / or audio data stored in the hard disk of the user terminal 10 is prepared in a list in advance, and these video and This is a function of using the audio data as a material for live distribution, that is, in a live distribution application program, a digital video camera is installed in an environment where a digital video camera is attached or connected like the user terminal 10. Live images and /
Alternatively, the audio data and the stored video and / or audio data can be switched and distributed.
Further, in the live distribution application program, in an environment where a digital video camera is not attached or connected, it is possible to perform live distribution using only the stored video and / or audio data.
The user terminal 10 can easily perform such processing by using the file function. The user terminal 10, the file button 152 ₄ the user presses with a mouse or the like, and execute the file function, the setting time of layout given dialog or above panel window 154d 'is a visible state In addition to displaying on the display unit 55, in the guide mode, the display window also displays the guide window 160 in which the guide sentence describing the file function in detail is described.

[0152] effect creating button 152 ₅ is intended to directly start the effect creating functions related to program production, "4" as the number of the features that belong to the program production guide is being displayed on the display screen . here,
The effect creating function is a function for applying various special effects such as changing the video data and synthesizing a plurality of video data. As the effect on the video data, a picture effect, a bitmap effect, a telop and the like are provided. The picture effect is to process the video data itself to give a special effect such as sepia or mosaic. The bitmap effect is to superimpose animation and still image data using an arbitrary bitmap. Furthermore, a telop is a superposition of an arbitrary character string on video data. In the user terminal 10, the special effect can be easily applied by using the effect creating function. The user terminal 10 has an effect creation button 1 depending on the user.
When 52 ₅ is pressed by using a mouse or the like, performs the effect creating function, and displays on the display unit 55 when setting layout panel window for a given dialog or effect setting is a visible state, In the guide mode, the guide window 160 in which the guide text describing the effect creating function in detail is described is displayed on the display unit 55.

[0153] sound button 152 _6, is intended to directly launch the sound functions related to program production, as a number of features that belong to the program production guide "
5 "is displayed on the display screen. Here, the sound function is a function of synthesizing audio data according to the taste of the user by using various audio effects.
In the user terminal 10, by using the sound function, it is possible to easily register and synthesize audio data used as an audio effect. Further, in the user terminal 10, it is possible to individually set a loop for the registered voice data, and by setting the loop, it becomes possible to handle it like background music. The user terminal 10, when the sound button 152 ₆ the user presses with a mouse or the like, performs a sound function, a predetermined dialog and the setting time of layout panel window for sound settings are the visible states In the guide mode, the guide window 16 displays guide text that describes the sound function in detail in the guide mode.
0 is displayed on the display unit 55.

[0154] save button 152 _7, it is intended to directly start the storage functions related to program production, "6" as the number of the features that belong to the program production guide is being displayed on the display screen. Here, the save function is created by executing the procedure according to the numbers "1" to "5" described above, that is, the load function, the logo creating function, the file function, the effect creating function, and the sound function. This is a function that saves various materials for programs to a hard disk etc. all at once. In the user terminal 10, various materials saved using the save function serve as the program template described above. As described above, in the user terminal 10, if the program template is read using the load function, the state at the time of saving can be recalled at any time. Further, in the user terminal 10, it is also possible to temporarily save the result during editing and perform the procedure later. Furthermore, in the user terminal 10, when saving the program template, a name according to the user's taste can be added, and even if the program template is increased, it can be easily searched. The user terminal 10, when the save button 152 ₇ the user presses with a mouse or the like, to perform a save function, and displays on the display unit 55 a predetermined dialog such, the guide mode, in detail saving function The guide window 160 in which the explained guide text is described is displayed on the display unit 55.

[0155] The distribution guide button 152 _8, is used to start the delivery guide. The user terminal 10, the delivery guide button 152 ₈ the user presses with a mouse or the like, always 5 type described above must be performed in order to perform the live distribution functions, namely, reservation function, the distribution setting function, A guide window 160 in which guide texts describing the connection / delivery function, the chat function, and the my delivery album function are described is displayed on the display unit 55.

[0156] reservation button 152 _9, is intended to directly start the reservation functions related to Live, "1" as the number of the features that belong to the distribution guide is being displayed on the display screen. Here, the reservation function is a function of making a reservation for using the content distribution function of the streaming distribution server 40 described above. In the user terminal 10, it becomes possible to easily perform the reservation procedure by using the reservation function. User terminal 10
Is the reservation button 152 ₉ the user presses with a mouse or the like, perform the reserved function, and displays on the display section 55 a window for a given WWW browsing described above, the guide mode, the reservation function The guide window 160 in which the guide text described in detail is described is displayed on the display unit 55.

The distribution setting button 152 ₁₀ is for directly activating the distribution setting function relating to live distribution, and is "2" as the number in the function belonging to the distribution guide.
Is displayed on the display screen. Here, the distribution setting function is a function of performing various settings according to the communication environment of the user terminal 10 required for performing live distribution after making a reservation. In the user terminal 10, it becomes possible to easily set the distribution by using the distribution setting function. The user terminal 10 executes the distribution setting function when the distribution setting button 152 ₁₀ is pressed by the user using a mouse or the like, displays a predetermined wizard-type dialog on the display unit 55, and distributes in the guide mode. The guide window 160 in which the guide text describing the setting function in detail is described is displayed on the display unit 55.

The connection / distribution button 152 ₁₁ is for directly activating the connection / distribution function related to live distribution, and "3" is displayed as a number in the function belonging to the distribution guide on the display screen. There is. Where the connection
The distribution function is a function of performing trial shooting performed by pressing the button 154c ₂ on the main monitor panel window 154c described above and connection and distribution related to actual distribution. In the user terminal 10, the outside time reserved, the button 154c ₂ is prototype with the actual distribution, i.e., is a button for starting the trial taking, when it reaches the distribution start date and time reserved, automatic Transits to a button to start distribution. And
In the user terminal 10, when the delivery end date and time is reached, the connection is automatically disconnected and the delivery is automatically stopped.
The button 154c ₂ automatically changes to a button for starting the trial shooting. In the user terminal 10, it is possible to easily perform such processing related to connection and distribution by using the connection / distribution function. The user terminal 10 has a connection / distribution button 152 ₁₁ by the user.
When is pressed with a mouse or the like, the connection / delivery function is executed, and in the guide mode, the guide window 160 in which the guide text describing the connection / delivery function in detail is described is displayed on the display unit 55.

The chat button 152 ₁₂ is for directly activating a chat function related to live distribution, and is "4" as a number in the function belonging to the distribution guide.
Is displayed on the display screen. Here, as described above, the chat function is a function of delivering a program that incorporates interactive communication such as a viewer participation type program. By using the chat function in the user terminal 10, it is possible to easily realize the viewer participation type personal casting service. The user terminal 10 has a chat button 152 by the user.
_{When 12} is pressed using a mouse or the like, the chat application program described above is started and
In the guide mode, the guide window 160 in which the guide text describing the chat function in detail is described is displayed on the display unit 55.

The my distribution album button 152 ₁₃ is for directly activating the my distribution album function related to live distribution, and "5" is displayed on the display screen as the number in the function belonging to the distribution guide. There is. Here, the details of the my distribution album function will be described later, but the contents distributed in the past and / or the trial shooting and the reservation information of the distribution schedule are accumulated in the hard disk or the like so that the album can be viewed and viewed. It is a function. In the user terminal 10, it is possible to easily build a my distribution album, which will be described later, by using the my distribution album function. When the user presses the My distribution album button 152 ₁₃ with the mouse or the like, the user terminal 10 displays a predetermined window as the My distribution album on the display unit 55, and in the guide mode, about the My distribution album function. The display unit 5 displays the guide window 160 in which the guide text described in detail is described.
Display in 5.

As described above, in the guidance bar 152, the load button 152 ₂ , the logo creation button 15
2 ₃ , file button 152 ₄ , effect creation button 152 ₅ , sound button 152 ₆ , and save button 1
52 _7, respectively, are being sequentially numbering arranged according to standard procedures of a series of program production operations.
Therefore, in the user terminal 10, the user has a function of the live distribution application program for making the program more full-scale by pressing these various buttons in order of numbers to execute the respective functions. It is possible to set all. As a result, the user can immediately determine what function can be performed by simply looking at the various buttons arranged side by side, and can easily enjoy these functions that require complicated operations. Is possible.

On the other hand, in the guidance bar 152,
Reservation button 152 ₉ , delivery setting button 152 ₁₀ , connection / delivery button 152 ₁₁ , chat button 152 ₁₂ ,
And my distribution album button _{152 13,} respectively,
They are numbered and arranged side by side according to the standard procedure of a series of distribution operations. Therefore, the user terminal 1
In 0, the user presses these various buttons in the order of numbers to execute each function, thereby setting all the functions of the live distribution application program that must be performed in order to perform live distribution. It becomes possible. With this, the user can immediately determine what function needs to be performed by looking at the various buttons arranged side by side, even if the user is a beginner who does not understand complicated various setting operations. It is possible to easily make various settings without making a mistake.

Further, in the user terminal 10, since the guide window 160 in which the guide text for explanation corresponding to each function is described is displayed on the display section 55, the user can obtain online help including a large amount of help text. You can operate without hesitation even if you do not start it up.
Even if the setting is not performed, the operation procedure and contents of each function can be presented to the user.

The user terminal 10 does not necessarily need to press various buttons provided on the guidance bar 152 in numerical order. That is, the user only needs to press the desired button that requires the guide.

Further, as described above, the user terminal 10 has the file button 152 ₄ and the effect creation button 1
52 _5, and when the sound button 152 ₆ is pressed, the panel window for various settings is displayed on the display unit 55 when setting the layout that is a visible state. That is, the user terminal 10 has a file input panel window 154 having a panel window as a setting screen.
d, an effect panel window 154e, a sound panel window 154a, and a file button 152
₄ , the effect creation button 152 ₅ , and the sound button 152 ₆ are linked.

[0166] For example, the user terminal 10, when the effect creating button 152 ₅ is pressed, as shown in FIG. 22, the sound panel window 154a, the camera input panel window 154b, the main monitor panel window 154c, and file input Panel window 1
54d are respectively minimized and moved to the left end of the display screen, while the effect panel window 154e is expanded in the horizontal direction on the display screen, and the panel window for setting the effect panel window 154e is exposed. The set-time layout moved to is displayed on the display unit 55. Then, in the guide mode, the user terminal 10 has a guide window 160.
Is displayed on the display unit 55, the contents of the guide window 160 are updated to the guide text that describes the effect creating function in detail and displayed on the display unit 55. In the non-guide mode, the user terminal 10 does not display the guide text, which describes the effect creating function in detail, on the display unit 55 because the guide window 160 is not displayed on the display unit 55.

[0167] Thus, the user terminal 10, the file button 152 _4, when the effect creating button 152 ₅ and the sound button 152 _6, is pressed, causing interlocking the operation guide function corresponding to each function Due to
It is possible to save the trouble of searching for a desired help sentence from the online help and provide a more user-friendly interface.

Furthermore, the user terminal 10 can trace various items such as various buttons on the display screen with a mouse or the like, that is, when the mouse is over, display the tool tip help. At this time, in the user terminal 10, the guide window 160 is displayed on the display unit 55.
, That is, in the guide mode, it is assumed that the user is a beginner and the wording of the tool tip help can be detailed. on the other hand,
In the user terminal 10, the guide window 160 is displayed on the display unit 5.
When not displayed in 5, that is, in the non-guide mode, it is assumed that the user is an expert and the wording of the tool tip help can be simplified. It is redundant to present long and detailed sentences to the technician as a tooltip help wording, and
The area occupied by the tooltips on the display screen also increases as the text lengthens, so that the complexity is inevitable.

For example, the user terminal 10 has the button 15 on the main monitor panel window 154c described above.
When 4c ₂ is moused over, the wording of the tool tip help is changed as follows according to the guide mode and the non-guide mode. That is, in the guide mode, the user terminal 10 has a long and detailed sentence such as “start or stop distribution during the time when the distribution is reserved, and start or stop trial shooting outside the reserved time.” On the other hand, in the non-guide mode, a short and simple wording such as "start / stop distribution (trial shooting)" is displayed.

As described above, the user terminal 10 changes the content of the tooltip help according to the guide mode and the non-guide mode to present a more understandable language to a beginner who needs a guide. On the other hand, the tool tip help can be made to function as an auxiliary sentence for an expert to confirm the function of the button.

Next, the my distribution album function will be described.

The user terminal 10 stores at least the video and / or audio data that has been live-delivered and / or sampled in the past as a file in a hard disk, a predetermined recording medium, or the like, and a content composed of these video and / or audio data. Can be listed as a my-distributed album, which is an information list, and can be viewed and viewed in the album format. At this time, the user terminal 10 not only stores video and / or audio data stored in the hard disk or the like, but also various information accompanying the program, for example, program title, delivery date / time, program summary, delivery band, delivery time, and hard disk. It is possible to list file information such as the size of video and / or audio data recorded in, etc. and publish it in my distribution album. Further, the user terminal 10 acquires feedback information for the program such as the audience rating and impressions from the viewer from the predetermined live distribution service site, that is, the streaming distribution server 40 after the program ends, and also lists these information. You can post it on my distribution album. Further, the user terminal 10 can list not only such past distribution history but also future reservation information that is scheduled to be distributed in chronological order. In the user terminal 10, such a my distribution album function is installed.

[0173] Specifically, the user terminal 10 pushes down the my distribution album button 152 ₁₃ provided on the guidance bar 152 described above, for example, as shown in FIG.
, The above-mentioned panel windows 154a, 1
Instead of 54b, 154c, 154d, and 154e, the my distribution album window 170 is displayed on the display unit 55.

[0174] My distribution album window 170, reserved for a list of the future of the reservation information is a distribution schedule a thumbnail area 171 ₁ to display the thumbnail images for a list of video and / or audio data area 17
A list area 171 for collectively displaying the 1 and ₂ in a time series and displaying them, for previewing the first still image data constituting the video and / or audio data selected from the list using a mouse or the like. Preview area 17
2. The video displayed in the preview area 172 and / or
Or button 1 to play or pause audio data
73, a button 174 for stopping the video and / or audio data displayed in the preview area 172, and a button 1 for deleting the video and / or audio data from the list.
75, and a program summary area 1 for displaying a program summary of the video and / or audio data displayed in the preview area 172.
76 etc. are mounted. Further, in the my distribution album 170, in the property area attached to the preview area 172, the program title, distribution start date and time, distribution end date and time, thumbnail image file name, video and / or audio data file name, video and / or Alternatively, various information such as the size of audio data, the program outline, and the distribution band is described. In this distribution album 170, still image data is not displayed in the preview area 172 when the reservation information is selected.

[0175] Such a my distribution album window 1
The user terminal 10 displaying 70 on the display unit 55 builds a my distribution album by recording the following information as a distribution history file, which is distribution history information, on a hard disk or the like.

First, when the user terminal 10 performs live distribution at the reserved date and time, the distributed video and / or audio data is recorded as a file in the hard disk or the like. When recording the video and / or audio data on the hard disk or the like, the user terminal 10 is controlled by the CPU 51, which functions as a distribution history creating unit, to display a thumbnail image of the first still image data forming the video data. And display it as a list in my distribution album.

Further, the user terminal 10 has a CPU which functions as a distribution history creating means when the live distribution is completed.
Under the control of 51, the distribution time and the size of the video and / or audio data recorded on the hard disk or the like are acquired, and these pieces of information are stored in the distribution history file together with the reservation information. The distribution history file includes the program title, distribution start date and time, distribution end date and time, thumbnail image file name, video and / or audio data file name, video and / or audio data size, program summary, and distribution band. Various information is described. Under the control of the CPU 51, which functions as a list-up means, the user terminal 10 reads the distribution history file for each program and lists it to construct a my-distribution album.

Further, when the live distribution is interrupted in the middle, the user terminal 10 records the video and / or audio data up to the interrupted time as one file on the hard disk or the like, and when the live distribution is resumed, Video and / or audio data is newly created as a file. Accordingly, the user terminal 10 can easily search for video and / or audio data even when one video and / or audio data is divided into a plurality of times for live distribution.

Furthermore, the user terminal 10 has a CPU functioning as a distribution history creating means after the live distribution is completed.
By downloading the program distribution information file from the streaming distribution server 40 under the control of 51, feedback information for the distributed program can be obtained. The program distribution information file contains a bulletin board (Bulletin Board) from viewers such as the total number of viewers, the number of viewers at regular time intervals, audience rating, and impressions about the program.
System) and various feedback information such as log data indicating chat contents when the above chat application program is started at the same time. The user terminal 10 is controlled by the CPU 51 that functions as a list-up means.
The program distribution information file for each program is read, and a My distribution album is constructed by listing it.

The user terminal 10 for acquiring such various information constructs a my distribution album by going through a series of processing shown in FIGS. 24 to 26.

First, as shown in FIG. 24, the user terminal 10 activates the browser for connecting to the Internet 2 in step S31 as described above, and performs live distribution to the server use reservation management center 30. Make a reservation for.

Subsequently, the user terminal 10 carries out step S3.
In 2, as described above, the reservation setting file is downloaded from the server use reservation management center 30 under the control of the CPU 51 functioning as the distribution history creating means.

Subsequently, the user terminal 10 carries out step S3.
At 3, the live distribution application program is started.

Then, the user terminal 10 carries out step S3.
4, the CPU 5 functioning as a listing means
Under the control of 1, the distribution history file stored in the hard disk is read and the past live distribution history is listed in My distribution album.

Further, the user terminal 10 carries out step S35.
51, which functions as a listing means
Under the control of, the downloaded reservation setting file is read, and in step S36, the reservation information described in the reservation setting file, that is, the program title,
Distribution start date and time, distribution end date and time, program summary, etc. are listed in My distribution album.

Then, as shown in FIG. 25, the user terminal 10 connects to the Internet 2 in step S37, and determines in step S38 whether or not the reserved delivery start date and time has been reached.

If the reserved delivery start date and time has not been reached, the user terminal 10 repeats the process of step S38. When the reserved delivery start date and time is reached, the process moves to step S39 and the user When the button 154c _{2 on the} monitor panel window 154c is pressed, live distribution is started.

Then, the user terminal 10 carries out step S4.
0, after the start of distribution, under the control of the CPU 51 functioning as a distribution history creating unit, the first still image data forming the video data is acquired as a thumbnail image and recorded in the hard disk or the like, and in step S41. , Recording the delivery start date and time including the time on a hard disk or the like.

Subsequently, the user terminal 10 carries out step S4.
In 2, it is determined whether or not the reserved delivery end date and time has been reached.

If the reserved delivery end date and time has not been reached, the user terminal 10 repeats the process of step S42. When the reserved delivery end date and time is reached, the process moves to step S43, and the user terminal 10 terminates the live distribution by the button 154c ₂ in the monitor panel window 154c is depressed.

Then, the user terminal 10 carries out step S4.
In 4, the distributed video and / or audio data is recorded and stored in the hard disk or the like, and in step S45, the distribution end date and time including the time is recorded in the hard disk or the like.

Then, as shown in FIG. 26, the user terminal 10 controls the size of the video and / or audio data recorded in the hard disk under the control of the CPU 51 functioning as the distribution history creating means in step S46. In step S47, a distribution history file is created, and the program title, distribution start date and time, distribution end date and time,
File name of thumbnail image, file name of video and / or audio data, size of video and / or audio data,
Record the program outline and distribution band.

Then, the user terminal 10 carries out step S4.
8, the CPU 5 functioning as a listing means
Under the control of step 1, the distribution history file saved in the hard disk in step S47 is read again, and the live distribution history is listed in the my distribution album.

Subsequently, the user terminal 10 carries out step S4.
9, the CPU 5 functioning as a distribution history creating unit
Under the control of step 1, the program distribution information file is downloaded from the streaming distribution server 40, and step S5
0, the CPU 5 functioning as a listing means
Under the control of 1, the program distribution information file downloaded is read and various feedback information such as log data indicating the number of viewers and chat contents is acquired.

Subsequently, the user terminal 10 carries out step S5.
1, the CPU 5 functioning as a distribution history creating unit
Under the control of 1, the various feedback information described in the program distribution information file acquired in step S50 is added to the distribution history file of the corresponding program.

Then, the user terminal 10 carries out step S5.
In 2, the CPU 5 functioning as a listing means
Under the control of 1, the distribution history file saved in the hard disk is read again, the live distribution history is listed in my distribution album, and in step S53, the live distribution application program is terminated and a series of processing is terminated. .

The user terminal 10 obtains live-delivered video and / or audio data and various information relating to the video and / or audio data by performing such a series of processing, and constructs a my-delivery album. be able to. Note that the user terminal 10 can also be constructed by performing the same processing for the my distribution album for the video and / or audio data for which the trial shooting has been performed.

The user terminal 10 constructs the my distribution album in this way, and as described above, the my distribution album button 152 ₁₃ provided on the guidance bar 152.
When is pressed by the user using a mouse or the like, the my distribution album window 170 shown in FIG. 23 is displayed on the display unit 55. When the user selects a desired video and / or audio data from the video and / or audio data listed in the my distribution album window 170 by using the mouse or the like, the user terminal 10 preview area 172. The first still image data is displayed on the screen, and the user uses a mouse or the like to press the button 173
When is pressed, video and / or audio data is reproduced. Thereby, the user can browse and appreciate desired video and / or audio data.

As described above, the user terminal 10 can list the distribution history and reservation information in chronological order by implementing the my distribution album function, which is easy for the user to understand and is used for searching or the like. Can provide an interface that exhibits excellent convenience.

As described above, the personal broadcasting system 1
In the above, the user terminal 10 has performed live distribution and / or
Or, the video and / or audio data that has been taken by trial shooting is stored as a file in a hard disk or a predetermined recording medium, and when the contents consisting of these video and / or audio data are listed as a my distribution album, they are attached to the program. It is possible to provide an excellent interface that allows viewing and viewing in album format by building various distribution information and feedback information and building reservation albums related to future distribution and reservation information related to future distribution in a time series. it can.

The present invention is not limited to the above embodiment. For example, in the above-described embodiment, the present invention is described as being applied to the user terminal 10 including an information processing device such as a personal computer to which a digital video camera is attached or connected, but the present invention has a photographing function. In addition, any electronic device having a display screen can be applied.

For example, the present invention is a video camera equipped with a short-range wireless communication function such as so-called Bluetooth (Bluetooth (trademark)) and connectable to the Internet via a mobile phone or a modem adapter without using a personal computer. , Mobile phone with camera, or PD with camera
It can also be applied to various information processing devices such as A. That is, in the above-described embodiment, the description of the digital video camera is used, but the present invention is
For example, the present invention can be applied when various cameras are used, such as a USB (Universal Serial Bus) camera or a camera built in a notebook personal computer.

In the above-described embodiment, the user terminal 10 has been described as executing the live distribution application program including the various modules shown in FIG. 7, but the present invention is not limited to this. As a matter of course, the application program may include modules for other functions. Therefore, the present invention can display the panel windows corresponding to various functions.

Further, in the above-described embodiment, a plurality of panel windows 154 are obtained by vertically dividing a window as a main screen for each of a plurality of functions on the display screen.
Although a, 154b, 154c, 154d, and 154e are described as being displayed on the display unit 55 so as to be arranged side by side, the present invention displays, for example, a window as a main screen for each of a plurality of functions. A window as the main screen is divided and arranged side by side in a predetermined direction on the display screen, such as displaying a plurality of panel windows obtained by dividing the screen horizontally. It can also be applied when displaying on. The present invention is
When the windows as the main screen are divided horizontally in the display screen and displayed side by side, and when transitioning from the layout at the time of distribution to the layout at the time of setting, set each panel window in a predetermined direction. That is, it means to extend or contract in the vertical direction, which is the horizontal direction and the vertical direction.

Further, according to the present invention, the various buttons provided on the guidance bar are not limited to those shown in FIG. 21, but buttons corresponding to various functions may be provided as necessary.

In the above-described embodiment, the guidance bar 152 and the status bar 153 are respectively
Although described as a horizontally long strip shape and arranged in the upper and lower portions of the window, the present invention may be in the form of a pallet or the like for the form of these guidance bar and status bar, Also, the arrangement in the window is not limited to this.

As described above, it goes without saying that the present invention can be appropriately modified without departing from the spirit thereof.

[0208]

As described in detail above, the information processing apparatus according to the present invention is an information processing apparatus for delivering contents to clients via a predetermined network, and is prepared for delivery and / or delivery. Recording means for recording the prototyped content, distribution history creating means for acquiring various information incidental to the content, and creating distribution history information including the content recorded in the recording means, and a distribution history creating means The distribution history information is read and listed up, and a listing means for constructing an information list is provided.

Therefore, the information processing apparatus according to the present invention reads the distribution history information including the contents and various information incidental to the contents by the list-up means, and makes a list to construct the information list.
It is possible to provide an interface that is easy for the user to understand and has excellent convenience in applications such as search.

The information list construction method according to the present invention is an information list construction method for listing the contents distributed to the client via a predetermined network and / or the prototype contents prepared for distribution. A distribution history creating step of recording distribution and / or a prototype content prepared for distribution in a recording unit, acquiring various information accompanying the content, and creating distribution history information including the content recorded in the recording unit, The distribution history information created in this distribution history creating step is read and listed up to build an information list.

Therefore, the information list construction method according to the present invention reads the distribution history information including the contents and various kinds of information incidental to the contents and lists them.
By constructing the information list, it is possible to provide an interface that is easy to understand for the user and exhibits excellent convenience for applications such as searching.

Further, the information list construction program according to the present invention is a computer-controllable information list construction program for listing contents distributed to clients via a predetermined network and / or contents prepared as a prototype for distribution. And delivery and /
Alternatively, a distribution history creating process of recording the content produced as a prototype for distribution in the recording means, acquiring various information accompanying the content, and creating distribution history information including the content recorded in the recording means, and the distribution history The distribution history information created in the creation process is read and listed, and a list-up process for constructing an information list is provided.

Therefore, when the information list construction program according to the present invention is executed, the distribution history information including the contents and various kinds of information incidental to the contents is read and listed up, and the information list is constructed, whereby the user It is possible to provide an interface that is easy to understand, and has excellent convenience for applications such as search.

Furthermore, the recording medium in which the information list construction program according to the present invention is recorded is a computer for listing contents distributed to clients via a predetermined network and / or contents prepared as a trial for preparation for distribution. A recording medium in which a controllable information list construction program is recorded, wherein the information list construction program records distribution and / or a trial-produced content in preparation for distribution in a recording means and acquires various kinds of information incidental to the content. Then, a distribution history creating process for creating distribution history information including the content recorded in the recording means, and a list-up process for reading and listing the distribution history information created by the distribution history creating process to build an information list. With.

Therefore, when the recording medium recording the information list construction program according to the present invention is executed,
It is possible to provide an information list construction program for constructing an information list by reading and listing distribution history information including content and various information incidental to this content. Therefore, a device in which this information list construction program is installed can provide an interface that is easy for the user to understand and has excellent convenience in applications such as searching.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a personal broadcasting system shown as an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a new program reservation window displayed on a display unit of a user terminal included in the personal broadcasting system, and illustrates a new program reservation window for inputting a program title and the like of content to be distributed. It is a figure.

FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining a new program reservation window displayed on the display unit, and is a diagram for explaining a new program reservation window for inputting delivery date and time.

FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a program introduction page edit window displayed on the display unit.

FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a new program reservation window displayed on the display unit, which is a diagram illustrating a new program reservation window for connection setting.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of the user terminal.

FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a live distribution application program installed in the user terminal.

FIG. 8 is a diagram for explaining the contents of a window displayed on the display unit, and is a diagram for explaining a layout during distribution.

FIG. 9 is a diagram for explaining the contents of the window displayed on the display unit, and is a diagram for explaining the setting layout.

FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining the opening / closing operation of the panel window, and is a diagram for explaining the distribution layout in the initial state.

FIG. 11 is a diagram for explaining the opening / closing operation of the panel window, and is a diagram for explaining the state during the transition from the distribution layout to the setting layout.

FIG. 12 is a diagram for explaining the opening / closing operation of the panel window, and is a diagram for explaining a state in which the transition from the distribution layout to the setting layout has been completed.

FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining the opening / closing operation of the panel window, and is a diagram for explaining the state during the transition from the setting layout to the distribution layout.

FIG. 14 is a diagram for explaining the opening / closing operation of the panel window, and is a diagram for explaining a state in which the transition from the setting layout to the distribution layout has been completed.

FIG. 15 is a diagram for explaining the contents of the window displayed on the display unit, and is a diagram for explaining the layout at the time of distribution when the size of the display screen is small.

FIG. 16 is a flowchart illustrating a series of processes when a live distribution application program is started by the user terminal to initialize and display each panel window.

FIG. 17 is a flowchart illustrating a series of processes performed when the user terminal shifts from a layout at distribution to a layout at setting.

FIG. 18 is a flowchart illustrating a series of processes performed when the user terminal shifts from a setting layout to a distribution layout.

FIG. 19 is a diagram for explaining the contents of the window displayed on the display unit, and is a diagram for explaining the manner in which the guide window is displayed.

FIG. 20 is a diagram for explaining the configuration of a guide window.

FIG. 21 is a diagram for explaining the configuration of a guidance bar.

FIG. 22 is a diagram for explaining the contents of the window displayed on the display unit, in which the operation corresponding to each function and the guide function are interlocked when a direct button provided on the guidance bar is pressed. It is a figure for explaining.

FIG. 23 is a diagram for explaining the content of the window displayed on the display unit, and is a diagram for explaining the appearance of the My Distribution Album window.

FIG. 24 is a flowchart illustrating a series of processes when constructing a my-distributed album by the user terminal, and is a diagram illustrating a process of listing reservation information in the my-distributed album.

FIG. 25 is a flowchart illustrating a series of processes for constructing a my-distributed album by the user terminal, and is a diagram illustrating steps subsequent to the process shown in FIG. 24.

FIG. 26 is a flowchart illustrating a series of processes when constructing a my-distributed album by the user terminal, and is a diagram illustrating steps subsequent to the process shown in FIG. 25.

[Explanation of symbols]

1 Personal broadcasting system, 2 Internet, 10
  User terminal, 20 ₁, 20_Two, 20_Three・ ・ ・ Ku
Client terminal, 30 server use reservation management center,
  40 streaming distribution server, 51 CPU,
  52 RAM, 53 ROM, 54 HDD,
55 display unit, 56 display interface, 5
7 operation part, 58 operation interface, 59
  Network interface, 60 digital
Video camera, 61 codec, 101 main
Module, 102 Function module manager module
Tools, 103 panel manager module, 1
04 Toolbar Manager Module, 105
Status bar manager module, 122 sources
Panel module, 123 source file panel module
Jules, 124 effects audio panel module
125 effect video panel module,
  126 live panel modules, 127 plays
List panel module, 151 main window
C, 152 Guidance bar, 152₁  Program production
Guide button, 152_Two  Load button, 152_Three
  Create logo button, 152_Four  File button, 1
52₅  Create effect button, 152₆  sound
Button, 152₇  Save button, 152₈  Delivery
Id button, 152₉  Book button, 152₁₀  
Delivery setting button, 152₁₁  Connect / Distribute button,
152₁₂  Chat button, 152_Thirteen  My delivery
Album button, 153 Status bar, 154
a Sound panel window, 154b With camera
Power panel window, 154c Main monitor panel
Window, 154d file input panel window
C, 154d 'panel window, 154e d
Fact panel window, 160 guide windows
C, 170 My distribution album window

Front page continuation (51) Int.Cl. ⁷ Identification code FI theme code (reference) G06F 3/00 651 G06F 3/00 651A 17/30 110 17/30 110F 170 170Z 220 220 220B 220C (72) Inventor Takanori Nishimura 6-7-35 Kita-Shinagawa, Shinagawa-ku, Tokyo Soni Corporation (72) Inventor Junko Fukuda 6-7-35, Kita-Shinagawa, Shinagawa-ku, Tokyo (72) Inventor Keiichi Yoshioka Tokyo 6-735 Kita-Shinagawa, Shinagawa-ku, Sony Corporation (72) Inventor, Makoto Joma 6-7-35, Kitagawa-Shinagawa, Shinagawa-ku, Sony Corporation (72), Junichiro Sakata, Shinagawa-ku, Tokyo Kitashinagawa 6-735 Sony Corporation F-term (reference) 5B075 KK07 ND16 NK14 NK44 PQ46 PR03 UU40 5E501 AA02 AB15 AC33 BA05 CA03 CB02 CB09 DA17 EA02 EA10 EA12 EA13 EA17 FA03 FA04 FA06 FA09 FA13 FA14 FA22 FA22

Claims (28)

[Claims] 1. An information processing apparatus for delivering a content to a client via a predetermined network, comprising: recording means for recording distribution and / or prototype content prepared for distribution; and various types of incidental to the content. A distribution history creating unit that acquires information and creates distribution history information including the content recorded in the recording unit, and the distribution history information created by the distribution history creating unit is read and listed up, and an information list is displayed. An information processing apparatus comprising: a list-up means to be constructed. 2. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the list-up means reads past distribution history information and lists it. 3. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the distribution history creating means acquires future reservation information to be distributed, and the listing means lists the reservation information. . 4. The content is video data, and the distribution history creating means configures the video data.
Acquire the still image data of the first sheet as a thumbnail image,
The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the name of the thumbnail image is described as the distribution history information. 5. The delivery history creating means acquires a delivery start date and time, a delivery end date and time, and a size of the delivered content, and sets the delivery start date and time, the delivery end date and time, and the size of the delivered content to the above. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the information processing apparatus is described as distribution history information. 6. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the distribution history creating means acquires feedback information for the distributed content and describes the feedback information as the distribution history information. 7. A display means for displaying various information on a display screen, and a control means for displaying the information list constructed by listing by the listing means on the display means so that the content can be viewed and viewed. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: 8. An information list construction method for listing contents distributed to a client via a predetermined network and / or contents prepared for preparation for distribution, which is prepared for distribution and / or distribution In the distribution history creating step of recording the content in the recording means, acquiring various information incidental to the content, and creating distribution history information including the content recorded in the recording means, and the distribution history creating step. An information list construction method comprising: a list-up step of reading the created distribution history information and listing it to build an information list. 9. The information list construction method according to claim 8, wherein in the listing step, past distribution history information is read and listed. 10. The information list according to claim 8, wherein in the distribution history creating step, future reservation information to be distributed is acquired, and in the listing step, the reservation information is listed. How to build. 11. The content is video data, and in the delivery history creating step, the first still image data forming the video data is acquired as a thumbnail image, and the name of the thumbnail image is the delivery history information. The information list construction method according to claim 8, wherein the information list construction method is described as follows. 12. The distribution history creation step acquires a distribution start date and time, a distribution end date and time, and a size of the distributed content, and the distribution start date and time, the distribution end date and time, and the size of the distributed content are 9. The information list construction method according to claim 8, wherein the information list is described as distribution history information. 13. The information list construction method according to claim 8, wherein in the distribution history creating step, feedback information for the distributed content is acquired, and the feedback information is described as the distribution history information. 14. A display step is provided for displaying an information list built up by the list-up step in a display means for displaying various information on the display screen so that the content can be viewed and viewed. The information list construction method according to claim 8. 15. A computer-controllable information list construction program for listing contents distributed to clients via a predetermined network and / or contents prepared as a trial in preparation for distribution, which is used for distribution and / or distribution. A distribution history creating process for recording the prepared prototype content in a recording unit, acquiring various information incidental to the content, and creating distribution history information including the content recorded in the recording unit, and the distribution history An information list construction program, comprising: a list-up process for reading and listing up the distribution history information created in the creation process to build up an information list. 16. The information list construction program according to claim 15, wherein in the listing process, past distribution history information is read and listed. 17. The information list according to claim 15, wherein in the distribution history creating process, future reservation information to be distributed is acquired, and in the listing process, the reservation information is listed. Construction program. 18. The content is video data, and in the distribution history creation process, the first still image data constituting the video data is acquired as a thumbnail image, and the name of the thumbnail image is the distribution history information. 16. The information list construction program according to claim 15, characterized in that 19. In the distribution history creation process, a distribution start date and time, a distribution end date and time, and a size of the distributed content are acquired, and the distribution start date and time, the distribution end date and time, and the size of the distributed content are 16. The information list construction program according to claim 15, which is described as distribution history information. 20. The information list construction program according to claim 15, wherein in the distribution history creation processing, feedback information for the distributed content is acquired and the feedback information is described as the distribution history information. 21. A display process is provided for displaying an information list created by the list-up process and constructed on a display means for displaying various information on the display screen so that the content can be viewed and viewed. The information list construction program according to claim 15. 22. A recording medium on which a computer controllable information list construction program for recording contents distributed to clients via a predetermined network and / or contents prepared experimentally for distribution is recorded, The information list construction program records distribution and / or trial-produced contents in preparation for distribution in recording means, acquires various kinds of information incidental to the contents, and a distribution history including the contents recorded in the recording means. An information list construction program comprising: a distribution history creating process for creating information; and a listing process for reading and listing the distribution history information created in the distribution history creating process to build an information list. A recording medium on which is recorded. 23. The recording medium storing the information list construction program according to claim 22, wherein in said list-up processing, past distribution history information is read and listed. 24. The information list according to claim 22, wherein in the distribution history creating process, future reservation information to be distributed is acquired, and in the listing process, the reservation information is listed. A recording medium on which a construction program is recorded. 25. The content is video data, and in the distribution history creating process, the first still image data constituting the video data is acquired as a thumbnail image, and the name of the thumbnail image is the distribution history information. 23. A recording medium on which the information list construction program according to claim 22 is recorded. 26. In the delivery history creation process, a delivery start date and time, a delivery end date and time, and a size of the delivered content are acquired, and the delivery start date and time, the delivery end date and time, and the size of the delivered content are 23. A recording medium storing the information list construction program according to claim 22, which is described as distribution history information. 27. The information list construction program according to claim 22, wherein in the distribution history creating process, feedback information for the distributed content is acquired and the feedback information is described as the distribution history information. Recording medium. 28. The information list construction program allows the content to be browsed and viewed from the information list constructed by listing in the listing processing.
23. The recording medium storing the information list construction program according to claim 22, comprising display processing for displaying various information on a display screen.