JP2003319356A - Contents transmission/reception method and contents transmission/reception system - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To solve a problem in a conventional unidirectional contents transmission method that has provided difficulty and inefficiency to a busy favorite entrainer because the favorite entertainer has to make events for many days when the favorite entertainer makes a live (event) comprising a set of lecture and questions and answers for a plurality of districts. <P>SOLUTION: A contents transmission/reception method of this invention distributes contents from a first point to a plurality of second points and making a two-way video conference between a second point among the plurality of second points and the first point, acquires contents at the first point, distributes the acquired contents to the plurality of second points at a predetermined time of delay, and conducts a two-way video conference for a predetermined time between the plurality of second points and the first point with a predetermined time of delay after completing the acquisition of the contents at the first point. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2004,JPO

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a content transmission / reception method that combines one-way distribution of content from a certain point to a plurality of points and bidirectional video conference between a certain point and a plurality of points. .

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, in the broadcasting industry or the like, one content has been unidirectionally distributed to a plurality of points. Therefore, the content could be enjoyed by people in all regions. For example, if the content is a filming of a popular talent lecture, the lecture will be enjoyed by people in various regions.

In addition, there has been a video conference system for bidirectionally transmitting and receiving contents. By using a video conference system, people in remote places can easily and properly communicate in real time.

On the other hand, for example, there are many viewers who want to have a place for questions and answers (two-way talk live place) in real time after a popular talent gives a lecture. In such cases, the talent will typically spend a number of days in multiple regions and live with a set of lectures and questions. Usually, a live with a lecture and a question and answer session is held in one area per day.

[0005]

However, for example, when a popular talent performs a live (event) that sets a lecture and a question and answer at a plurality of points, as described above, the event takes many days. The problem was that it was difficult and inefficient for the busy popular talent. In addition, the event organizer has a problem that the appearance fee of the talent becomes huge.

[0006]

In order to solve the above problems, the present invention distributes contents from one first point to a plurality of second points, and one of a plurality of second points is used. A content transmission / reception method of performing a two-way video conference between two points and a first point, in which the content is acquired at the first point, and the acquired content is distributed to each of a plurality of second points with a certain delay. After the content is acquired at the first point, a two-way video conference is performed between each of the plurality of second points and the first point for a fixed time and with a fixed delay. It is possible to realize an event that efficiently and inexpensively combines a one-way distribution of content from a certain point to a plurality of points and a two-way video conference between a certain point and a plurality of points.

Further, the first point stores information corresponding to a plurality of second points, and when a two-way video conference is held, the information corresponding to the second point where the video conference is held is taken out. By outputting the information, the information tailored to each second point can be output to the viewer, and the viewer's satisfaction can be obtained.

Further, according to a charge calculation method for calculating a charge for providing content based on the content transmission schedule and / or the video conference schedule,
Efficient and appropriate performance fees and event fees can be calculated.

[0009]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION Embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. Note that, in the present embodiment, components using the same reference numerals and steps in the flowcharts perform the same functions, and thus the description once described may be omitted.

(Embodiment 1) FIG. 1 is a system configuration diagram of a content transmitting / receiving system according to the present embodiment. The content transmission / reception system includes one first information transmission / reception device 11 and n second information transmission / reception devices 12.
The codes of the n second information transmitting / receiving devices are all “12”.

The first information transmission / reception device 11 includes a content acquisition unit 1101, a content transmission unit 1102, a first video conference function unit 1103, a content transmission schedule storage unit 1104, a content transmission control unit 1105, a video conference schedule storage unit 1106, and a first video conference schedule storage unit 1106. It has one video conference function control unit 1107.

The content acquisition unit 1101 acquires content including video and audio. Content acquisition unit 110
1 is usually realized by a video camera that captures an image, a microphone that acquires sound, and software that controls those hardware. However, the content acquisition unit 1101
A process of reading the content from the recording medium may be performed, and the content acquisition unit 1101 may receive the content via a network or broadcast. That is,
The “acquisition” here may mean obtaining content by a video camera or the like, but may also mean obtaining content by some means from the outside. When the content acquisition unit 1101 acquires the content from outside by some means, another device having a video camera or the like directly acquires the content.
The data structure of the content does not matter.

The content transmission section 1102 transmits the content acquired by the content acquisition section 1101 to the second information transmission / reception device 12. The content transmission unit 1102 can be realized by a broadcasting unit that broadcasts content or a wireless or wired communication unit. The broadcasting means also includes CATV and means for performing satellite broadcasting. The communication means also includes means for performing internet broadcasting.

The first video conference function section 1103 holds a two-way video conference with the second information transmitting / receiving device 12 which is one of the n second information transmitting / receiving devices. The first video conference function unit 1103 is realized by a so-called video conference system. Video conferencing systems include video cameras and microphones. Since the video conference system is an existing technology, detailed description will be omitted. In addition, the first video conference function unit 1
The video camera and the microphone configuring the 103 and the video camera and the microphone configuring the content acquisition unit 1101 may be the same hardware. It should be noted that a video conference generally refers to a bi-directional transmission / reception of content including video and audio between a plurality of points. Therefore, in TV broadcasting, live broadcasts are often broadcast between the studio and the external news gathering place, but bidirectional transmission and reception of content between such studio and the external news gathering place is also included in the video conference. Be done.

Content transmission schedule storage unit 110
Reference numeral 4 stores a content transmission schedule which is a schedule for transmitting content to each of the n second information transmitting / receiving devices. The content transmission schedule storage unit 1104 may be a non-volatile recording medium such as a hard disk or a volatile recording medium. The data structure of the content transmission schedule does not matter. A specific example of the content transmission schedule will be described below.

The content transmission control unit 1105 instructs the content transmission unit 1102 to transmit the content according to the content transmission schedule stored in the content transmission schedule storage unit 1104. The content transmission control unit 1105 can be usually realized by software, but may be realized by hardware (dedicated circuit).

Video conference schedule storage unit 1106
Stores a video conference schedule, which is a schedule for a video conference between the second information transmitting / receiving device 12 and the first information transmitting / receiving device 11, which is one of the n second information transmitting / receiving devices. The video conference schedule storage unit 1106 is
A non-volatile recording medium such as a hard disk or a volatile recording medium may be used. The data structure of the video conference schedule does not matter. A concrete example of the video conference schedule will be described below.

The video conference function control unit 1107 follows the first video conference function unit 1 according to the video conference schedule stored in the video conference schedule storage unit 1106.
103 is instructed to hold a two-way video conference with the second information transmitting / receiving device 12 which is one of the n second information transmitting / receiving devices. Video conference function control unit 1107
Can usually be realized by software, but may be realized by hardware (dedicated circuit).

The second information transmitting / receiving device 12 has a content receiving section 1201, a content output section 1202, and a second video conference function section 1203.

The content receiving section 1201 receives content from the first information transmitting / receiving device 11. The content receiving unit 1201 can be realized by means for receiving broadcast (for example, tuner and its driver software), or wireless or wired communication means.

The content output unit 1202 outputs the content received by the content receiving unit 1201. The content output unit 1202 is realized by a display that outputs video and a speaker that outputs audio. A large display is suitable for the display.

The second video conference function section 1203 holds a two-way video conference with the first information transmitting / receiving device 11.
The second video conference function unit 1203 may be the same implementation means as the first video conference function unit 1103.

The operation of the first information transmitting / receiving apparatus 11 according to this embodiment will be described below. The first information transmission / reception device 11 performs the operation of acquiring and accumulating the content and the operation of transmitting the content independently and partially in parallel. Further, the first information transmitting / receiving device 11 performs the video conference function and the operation of transmitting the content independently and in parallel. The operation of the first information transmitting / receiving device 11 to acquire the content is as follows. Content acquisition unit 11
01 acquires and stores contents. A non-volatile medium such as a hard disk or a magnetic tape is suitable as a medium in which the content acquisition unit 1101 stores the content, but a volatile medium may be used. In addition, the content acquisition unit 11
It is desirable that the medium in which 01 stores content has a large capacity. This is because it is necessary to have a storage capacity capable of accumulating contents including video and audio. The medium in which the content acquisition unit 1101 stores the content may be inside the content acquisition unit 1101 (in the first information transmitting / receiving apparatus 11) or outside the first information transmitting / receiving apparatus 11. .

The operation of the first information transmitting / receiving apparatus 11 for transmitting contents will be described below with reference to the flowchart of FIG. Note that the operation of the flowchart of FIG. 2 is started along with the start of the content acquisition.

(Step S201) The content transmission control unit 1105 has the content transmission schedule storage unit 11
The content transmission schedule is acquired from 04.

(Step S202) 1 is substituted into the counter i.

(Step S203) The content transmission control section 1105 judges whether or not the i-th second information transmitting / receiving apparatus exists. If the i-th second information transmitting / receiving apparatus exists, the process proceeds to step S204, and if the i-th second information transmitting / receiving apparatus does not exist, the process ends.

(Step S204) The content transmission control section 1105 acquires the current time. The first information transmission / reception device 11 includes a clock (not shown).
The content transmission control unit 1105 acquires the current time from the clock.

(Step S205) Based on the content transmission schedule acquired in step S201 and the current time acquired in step S204, the content transmission control unit 1105 determines the time to transmit the content to the i-th second information transmitting / receiving device. Determine if there is. If it is time to transmit the content to the i-th second information transmitting / receiving apparatus, the procedure goes to step S206. If it is not time to transmit the content to the i-th second information transmitting / receiving apparatus, step S2.
Return to 04.

(Step S206) The content transmission control section 1105 instructs the content transmission section 1102 to transmit the content to the i-th second information transmitting / receiving apparatus. That is, the content transmission routine is executed. The content transmission routine is executed in parallel, independent of steps S201 to S207. Go to step S207. The content transmission routine will be described below.

(Step S207) The counter i is incremented. It returns to step S203.

The content transmission routine will be described below.

(Step S2061) The content transmitter 1102 opens a call between the first information transceiver 11 and the i-th second information transceiver. Opening a call refers to performing preprocessing for transmitting content.

(Step S2062) The content transmission section 1102 acquires the content acquired by the content acquisition section 1101 or the content accumulated by the content acquisition section 1101. Normally, when transmitting content to the first second information transmitting / receiving device, the content transmitting unit 1
102 transmits the content acquired by the content acquisition unit 1101 as it is to the first second information transmitting / receiving apparatus.
This is because the content is normally transmitted to the first second information transmitting / receiving apparatus in synchronization with the content acquisition. Further, when transmitting the content to the second and subsequent second information transmitting / receiving devices, the content transmitting section 1102 reads out and transmits the content accumulated by the content acquiring section 1101. This is because there is a delay time from acquisition of content to transmission. Such delay is managed by the content transmission schedule. The content transmission unit 110
The data size of 2 for acquiring the content is such that the content can be transmitted in time (the content looks like a smooth moving image on the second information transmitting / receiving device).

(Step S2063) Content transmitter 1102 determines whether or not the content to be transmitted has been completed. If the content to be transmitted is not completed, the procedure goes to step S2064. If the content to be transmitted is completed, the procedure goes to step S2065.

(Step S2064) The content transmitter 1102 transmits the content acquired in step S2062. It goes to step S2062.

(Step S2065) The content transmitter 1102 closes the call between the first information transceiver 11 and the i-th second information transceiver. Closing a call means performing post-processing to send the content.

Hereinafter, one first information transmitting / receiving device 11 and n
The operation of each second information transmitting / receiving device 12 performing a video conference will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. After the above content acquisition is completed, the operation of the flowchart of FIG. 3 is started. "After the above content acquisition is completed"
The term may be immediately after the content acquisition is completed or after a certain time has elapsed after the content acquisition is completed.
The schedule is stored in the video conference schedule storage unit 1106. However, “after the content acquisition is completed” is preferably immediately after the content acquisition is completed. This is because when a performer (person) appears in the content, the performer can effectively use the time.

(Step S301) The video conference function control unit 1107 causes the video conference schedule storage unit 1106.
Get video conference schedule from.

(Step S302) 1 is substituted into the counter i.

(Step S303) The video conference function control unit 1107 determines whether or not the i-th second information transmitting / receiving device exists. If the i-th second information transmitting / receiving apparatus exists, the process proceeds to step S304, and if the i-th second information transmitting / receiving apparatus does not exist, the process ends.

(Step S304) The video conference function control unit 1107 acquires the current time. The first information transmitter / receiver 11 holds a clock, which is not shown.
The video conference function control unit 1107 acquires the current time from the clock.

(Step S305) Based on the video conference schedule acquired in step S301 and the current time acquired in step S304, the video conference function control unit 1107 determines the time at which the video conference with the i-th second information transmitting / receiving device is to be performed. Determine if there is. If it is time to make a video conference, the procedure goes to step S306, and if it is not time to make a video conference, the procedure returns to step S304.

(Step S306) The first video conference function unit 1103 opens a call with the second video conference function unit 1203 of the i-th second information transmitting / receiving device 12. Opening a call means
It refers to performing preprocessing for conducting a video conference.

(Step S307) The first video conference function unit 1103 makes a video conference with the second video conference function unit 1203 of the i-th second information transmitting / receiving device 12. That is, both devices bidirectionally send and receive content including video and audio.

(Step S308) The video conference function control unit 1107 acquires the current time and determines whether to end the video conference based on the current time and the video conference schedule acquired in step S301. If the video conference is ended, the process goes to step S309, and if the video conference is not ended, the process returns to step S307.

(Step S309) The first video conference function unit 1103 closes the call to the second video conference function unit of the i-th second information transmitting / receiving device 12. Closing a call means performing post-processing for ending the video conference.

(Step S310) Increment i. It returns to step S303.

The operation of the first information transmitting / receiving apparatus 11 has been described above. The operation of the second information transmitting / receiving device 12 will be described below. The content receiving unit 1201 of the second information transmitting / receiving device 12 receives the content, and the content output unit 1202 outputs the content received by the content receiving unit 1201. Based on the above, the second information transmitting / receiving apparatus 12 is based on the control of the first information transmitting / receiving apparatus 11,
Although the content is received and output, the second information transmitting / receiving apparatus 12 may trigger the first information transmitting / receiving apparatus 11 to receive and output the content. In such a case, the i-th second information transmitting / receiving apparatus holds in advance the schedule for the i-th second information transmitting / receiving apparatus to receive the content from the first information transmitting / receiving apparatus 11.

The second video conference function unit 1203 is
Under the control of the first information transmitting / receiving device 11, the video conference is started and ended. However, the second information transmitting / receiving device 1
The video conference may be started and ended by triggering the first information transmitting / receiving device 11 from 2. In such cases,
The i-th second information transmitting / receiving apparatus holds in advance a schedule in which the i-th second information transmitting / receiving apparatus has a video conference with the first information transmitting / receiving apparatus 11.

The specific operation of the content transmission / reception system of this embodiment will be described below. The content transmission / reception system includes one first information transmission / reception device and n
Each of the first information transmitting / receiving device and the second information transmitting / receiving device has a video camera, a microphone, a speaker, and a display. An outline of the content transmission / reception system is shown in FIG. One first information transmission / reception device exists in a certain place "studio 1". Studio 1 has a popular talent α. Then, the talent α gives a lecture for one hour, for example. The contents of the one-hour lecture are acquired and accumulated by the first information transmitting / receiving device as contents including video and audio. The content includes video and audio of the lecture of talent α. The content transmission schedule shown in FIG. 5 is stored in the first information transmitting / receiving device. Further, the video conference schedule shown in FIG. 6 is stored in the first information transmitting / receiving device. Also, the lecture of the talent α will be started at 14:00.

In the above situation, the first information transmitting / receiving apparatus acquires the content of the lecture of the talent α started from 14:00, and the apparatus identifier “255.168.
It is transmitted from 14:00 to the second information transmitting / receiving apparatus identified by "1.1". That is, to the second information transmitting / receiving device at the point A,
Content acquisition and content transmission in real time. Then, the first information transmitting / receiving device stores the acquired content. In the second information transmitting / receiving device at the point A, there are many viewers, and many viewers are
You can watch the lecture.

Next, at 14:10, the first information transmitting / receiving apparatus starts transmitting the content to the second information transmitting / receiving apparatus at the point B. The transmission of the content to the second information transmitting / receiving apparatus at the point B is the transmission of the content to the second information transmitting / receiving apparatus at the other point including the point A.
It is done independently. The transmission of the content to the second information transmitting / receiving device at the point B is performed until 15:10. In this case, the first information transmitting / receiving device transmits the content acquired 10 minutes ago to the second information transmitting / receiving device at the point B. That is, when compared with the content transmission to the second information transmitting / receiving apparatus at the point A, the content is transmitted with a delay of 10 minutes. Further, the first information transmitting / receiving device reads out the stored content and transmits it to the second information transmitting / receiving device at the point B. Then, the second information transmitting / receiving device at the point B outputs the content, and many viewers at the point B can view the content.

Further, at 17:20, the first information transmitting / receiving apparatus similarly starts transmitting the content to the second information transmitting / receiving apparatus at the Z point, and the viewer at the Z point views the content. it can.

As described above, the first information transmitting / receiving apparatus at a certain point transmits the acquired contents (1 hour lecture of the popular talent α) to the apparatuses at two or more points with a delay. Then, since the device at each point outputs the content, many viewers at each point can view the content.

Next, the first information transmission / reception device of the studio 1 and the second information transmission / reception device of each point sequentially hold a video conference. That is, the first information transmitting / receiving device of the studio 1 is shown in FIG.
According to the schedule, the video conference system is activated in order from the second information transmitting / receiving device at the point A. Specifically, from 15:00 to 15:10, a video conference is held between the second information transmitting / receiving apparatus at the point A and the first information transmitting / receiving apparatus in the studio 1. Then, the viewer at the point A asks the talent α about the lecture, and the talent α answers the question. The talent α and the viewer can actually have a conversation using the video conference system.

At 15:10, the video conference between point A and studio 1 ends, and point B and studio 1 end.
The video conference will be started. Then, until 15:20, the viewer at the point B can ask the talent α about the lecture. At the point B, the reception of the content of the lecture of the talent α is finished at 15:10, so that the viewer at the point B thinks that the talent gave the lecture in real time and the question and answer time came.

Then, at 18:20, similarly, Z
A video conference between the point and Studio 1 begins. Then, at the Z point, the reception of the content of the lecture of the talent α is finished at 18:20, so that the viewer at the Z point thinks that the talent gave the lecture in real time and the question and answer time came.

From the above, the schedule of the contents transmission of the lecture and the start of the interactive talk live is as shown in FIG.

As described above, according to the present embodiment, contents that combine one-way distribution of content from a certain point to a plurality of points and two-way video conference between a certain point and a plurality of points are efficiently transmitted and received. it can. Specifically, for example, viewers at multiple locations can enjoy a set of one-way live and two-way talk live of popular talent as if they were real-time. In addition, even for popular talent, it is possible to provide live and interactive talk live as a set to a large number of viewers at multiple points in a short time.

In the present embodiment, one first information transmitting / receiving device performs content transmission and video conference, but the device for content transmission and video conference may be physically different devices. Similarly, although the second information transmitting / receiving device performs content reception and video conference, the device for content reception and video conference may be a physically different device. This is the same in the other embodiments.

In the present embodiment, the first information transmitting / receiving device manages the content transmission schedule and the video conference schedule, and the content transmission and the video conference are performed based on the schedule. You may manage your schedule. That is,
According to the content transmission / reception method below, the same effects as the effects described above can be obtained. The content transmission / reception method is to distribute content from one first point to a plurality of second points, and perform a two-way video conference between one of the plurality of second points and the first point. A method of transmitting and receiving content, in which content is acquired at the first location,
After distributing the acquired content to each of the multiple second points for a certain period of time, and after completing the content acquisition at the first point, set a fixed time between each of the multiple second points and the first point. It is a content transmission / reception method of performing a two-way video conference while delaying for a certain time. It should be noted that it is not essential to delay the content delivery to the plurality of second points for a certain period of time, and all contents should be transmitted to the plurality of second points before the video conference with the plurality of second points is started. Good. Then, it is preferable to hold a two-way video conference between each of the plurality of second points and the first point for a fixed time and with a fixed delay. There is no need to hold a meeting. However, it is assumed that the video conferences between each of the plurality of second points and the first point are not overlapped and performed in parallel. This also applies to the second embodiment.

Further, in the present embodiment, the first point and the second point indicate different distant places, but they may be considered as indicating one or more devices existing at a certain place. Based on such a premise, the present embodiment describes the following content transmitting / receiving method. It is a content transmission / reception method in which content is distributed from a first location to a plurality of second locations, and a two-way video conference is performed between a second location of one of the plurality of second locations and the first location. , The content is acquired at the first point, the content is distributed to each of the plurality of second points with a predetermined time delay, and after the content is acquired at the first point, the plurality of second points are acquired. Content transmission / reception method for performing a two-way video conference between each of the above and the first point for a predetermined time and with a predetermined time delay. This also applies to the second embodiment.

In the present embodiment, the video conference is held at the first point and the second point.
It may be one first point and a plurality of second points. This also applies to the second embodiment.

Further, in the present embodiment, a situation where a video conference is held at the first point and the second point is separately transmitted to the viewer at the third point, and the viewer at the third point is also a one-way event. You can enjoy the etc. The third point means, for example, a home (or a television receiver located at home) where a viewer who cannot go to the event site can watch the event. This also applies to the second embodiment.

Further, although the specific example in the present embodiment is a talent event, another example may be used.
For example, after the lecture video is transmitted in one direction, a question and answer session between the instructor and the students at home may be conducted in a video conference. In such an example, if the technique of content transmission according to the present embodiment is used, a lecture that looks like a one-to-one lecture can be efficiently conducted. This also applies to the second embodiment.

Further, although the first point is one in this embodiment, there may be a plurality of points. This also applies to the second embodiment.

Further, various processes in this embodiment may be realized by software and provided by software download. Further, such software may be recorded in a recording medium such as a CD-ROM and distributed. The provision of such a system includes provision by software in the same manner in other embodiments.

(Second Embodiment) FIG. 8 is a system configuration diagram of a content transmitting / receiving system according to the present embodiment. The content transmission / reception system has one first information transmission / reception device 81 and n second information transmission / reception devices 12.
The codes of the n second information transmitting / receiving devices are all “12”.

The first information transmission / reception device 81 includes a content acquisition unit 1101, a content transmission unit 1102, a first video conference function unit 1103, a content transmission schedule storage unit 1104, a content transmission control unit 1105, a video conference schedule storage unit 1106, and a television. The conference function control unit 1107, the information storage unit 8101, and the information output unit 8102 are included.

The information storage unit 8101 stores information corresponding to n second information transmitting / receiving devices. Information storage unit 8
101 may be a non-volatile recording medium such as a hard disk or a volatile recording medium. The structure of the information stored in the information storage unit 8101 does not matter. Further, the information may be any type such as video, text, and audio. Specific examples of the information will be described below. The information storage unit 8101 stores information corresponding to points where n second information transmitting / receiving devices exist, and indirectly stores information corresponding to n second information transmitting / receiving devices. Is also good.

The information output unit 8102 stores information corresponding to the second information transmission / reception device for the video conference, in the information storage unit 810.
1 and outputs the information. Note that it is preferable that the information output unit 8102 output the information as information that configures the screen of the video conference. Information output unit 8102
Can be realized by software that acquires information corresponding to the second information transmitting / receiving device that performs a video conference and a display such as a PDP. However, the information output unit 8102 may be realized by software or the like that does not include a display and instructs an external display to output information.

The operation of the first information transmitting / receiving apparatus 81 according to this embodiment will be described below. The operation of transmitting the content by the first information transmitting / receiving apparatus 81 is the same as the operation described in the first embodiment. One first information transmitting / receiving device 8
An operation in which 1 and n second information transmitting / receiving devices 12 hold a video conference will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

(Step S901) The video conference function control unit 1107 causes the video conference schedule storage unit 1106.
Get video conference schedule from.

(Step S902) 1 is substituted into the counter i.

(Step S903) The video conference function control unit 1107 determines whether or not the i-th second information transmitting / receiving device exists. If the i-th second information transmitting / receiving apparatus exists, the process proceeds to step S904, and if the i-th second information transmitting / receiving apparatus does not exist, the process ends.

(Step S904) The video conference function control unit 1107 acquires the current time. The first information transmitter / receiver 81 holds a clock (not shown).
The video conference function control unit 1107 acquires the current time from the clock.

(Step S905) Based on the video conference schedule acquired in step S901 and the current time acquired in step S904, the video conference function control unit 1107 determines the time at which the video conference with the i-th second information transmitting / receiving device is performed. Determine if there is. If it is time to make a video conference, the procedure goes to step S906. If it is not time to make a video conference, the procedure returns to step S904.

(Step S906) Information output unit 8102
Acquires the information corresponding to the i-th second information transmitting / receiving apparatus from the information storage unit 8101.

(Step S907) Information output unit 8102
Outputs the information acquired in step S906.

(Step S908) The first video conference function unit 1103 opens a call with the second video conference function unit 1203 of the i-th second information transmitting / receiving device 12. Opening a call means
It refers to performing preprocessing for conducting a video conference.

(Step S909) The first video conference function unit 1103 makes a video conference with the second video conference function unit 1203 of the i-th second information transmitting / receiving device 12. That is, both devices bidirectionally send and receive content including video and audio.

(Step S910) The video conference function control unit 1107 acquires the current time and determines whether to end the video conference based on the current time and the video conference schedule acquired in step S901. If the video conference is ended, the process goes to step S911, and if the video conference is not ended, the process returns to step S909.

(Step S911) The first video conference function unit 1103 closes the call to the second video conference function unit of the i-th second information transmitting / receiving device 12. Closing a call means performing post-processing for ending the video conference.

(Step S912) i is incremented. It returns to step S903.

The specific operation of the content transmission / reception system of this embodiment will be described below. The content transmission / reception system includes one first information transmission / reception device and n
Each of the first information transmitting / receiving device and the second information transmitting / receiving device has a video camera, a microphone, a speaker, and a display. An outline of the content transmission / reception system is shown in FIG. One first information transmission / reception device exists in a certain place "studio 1". Studio 1 has a popular talent α. Then, the talent α gives a lecture for one hour, for example. The contents of the one-hour lecture are acquired and accumulated by the first information transmitting / receiving device as contents including video and audio. The content includes video and audio of the lecture of talent α. The content transmission schedule shown in FIG. 5 is stored in the first information transmitting / receiving device. Further, the video conference schedule shown in FIG. 6 is stored in the first information transmitting / receiving device. Also, the lecture of the talent α will be started at 14:00. Further, FIG. 10 shows the information stored in the information storage unit. The information storage unit stores a plurality of records each having a spot identifier for identifying a spot and information. Then, the first information transmitting / receiving apparatus acquires and transmits the content, and the second information transmitting / receiving apparatus controls the schedule such as receiving and outputting the content, and the first information transmitting / receiving apparatus and the second information transmitting / receiving apparatus at each point The control such as the schedule of the video conference is the same as that described in the first embodiment. In the present embodiment,
The second information transmission / reception device for performing a video conference, or information corresponding to the location where the device is present is stored. The first information transmission / reception device acquires the information at the time of the video conference, and the second information transmission / reception device. Is different in that it is output to the viewer at the point where is present. Now, when the information corresponding to the point identifier shown in FIG. 10 is stored and the second information transmitting / receiving apparatus at the point A and the first information transmitting / receiving apparatus hold a video conference, the first information transmitting / receiving apparatus is Hello everyone!
Talent α. Please ask more and more questions. Information unique to the A point is acquired and transmitted to the second information transmitting / receiving device at the A point. Then, the second information transmitting and receiving apparatus of the A point is, "This is everybody Hello! Talent α of A point. Please more and more questions." That outputs an A point of specific information. Similarly, if the second information transmitting and receiving apparatus and the first information transmitting and receiving apparatus of the B point makes a TV conference, the first information transmitting and receiving device is referred to as "everyone of B point Hello! Is talent α. Please more and more questions." Information specific to the B point is acquired and transmitted to the second information transmitting / receiving device at the B point. Then, the second information transmitting and receiving apparatus of point B, "is everybody Hello! Talent α of the B point. Do more and more questions." That outputs the B point of specific information.

As described above, according to the present embodiment, one-way distribution of contents from a certain point to a plurality of points and bidirectional video conference between a certain point and a plurality of points can be performed as in the first embodiment. Since the combined contents can be transmitted and received efficiently and the information tailored to each point can be output to the viewer in the video conference, the viewer at each point can obtain more enjoyable contents. Specifically, for example, viewers at multiple locations can enjoy live entertainment and interactive talk live as a set in real time, and in interactive talk live, information tailored to each location is output to the viewer. can do. In addition, even for popular talent, it is possible to provide live and interactive talk live as a set to a large number of viewers at multiple points in a short time.

In the present embodiment, the information stored in the information storage unit is text data, but it may be voice data or the like in addition to moving images and still images.

Further, in the present embodiment, the first information transmission / reception device manages the content transmission schedule and the video conference schedule, and the content transmission and the video conference are performed based on the schedule. May be managed. That is, according to the following content transmitting / receiving method, the above effects can be obtained. The content transmission / reception method is to distribute content from one first point to a plurality of second points, and perform a two-way video conference between one of the plurality of second points and the first point. A method of transmitting and receiving content, in which information corresponding to a plurality of second points is stored in advance, content is acquired at the first point, and the content is distributed to each of the plurality of second points while delaying for a certain time. After the content has been acquired at the first point, a two-way video conference is held between each of the plurality of second points and the first point for a fixed time and with a fixed delay. This is a content transmission / reception method of extracting and outputting information corresponding to the second point where the video conference is held, when performing the. It should be noted that it is not essential to delay the content delivery to the plurality of second points for a certain period of time, and all contents should be transmitted to the plurality of second points before the video conference with the plurality of second points is started. Good. Then, it is preferable to hold a two-way video conference between each of the plurality of second points and the first point for a fixed time and with a fixed delay. There is no need to hold a meeting. However, it is assumed that the video conferences between each of the plurality of second points and the first point are not overlapped and performed in parallel.

(Third Embodiment) FIG. 11 is a block diagram of a charge calculation device according to the present embodiment. The charge calculation device includes a content transmission schedule storage unit 1104, a video conference schedule storage unit 1106, and an input reception unit 111.
01, a charge calculation unit 11102, and a charge output unit 11103.

The input accepting unit 11101 accepts the input of a calculation command, which is a command for calculating a charge related to content provision. The input receiving unit 11101 can be realized by, for example, a keyboard and its driver software, a mouse and its driver software, or the like. The fee related to the content provision may be any fee related to the content provision, such as the appearance fee of the performer, the event fee of the event organizer, the rental fee for lending a device for transmitting and receiving the content, etc. There is a charge.

The charge calculation unit 11102 includes an input reception unit 11
When 101 receives the input of the calculation command, the charge related to the content provision based on the content transmission schedule stored in the content transmission schedule storage unit 1104 and / or the video conference schedule stored in the video conference schedule storage unit 1106. To calculate. The charge calculation unit 11102 can be usually realized by software, but may be realized by hardware (dedicated circuit).

The charge output unit 11103 is the charge calculation unit 11
The charge calculated by 102 is output. The output may be a display on a display, may be a print on a printer, and may be a voice output. The charge output unit 11103 is a display and its driver software,
Alternatively, it may be realized by a printer and its driver software.

The operation of the charge calculation device will be described below with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

(Step S1201) Input acceptance unit 111
01 determines whether or not an input of a calculation command, which is a command for calculating a charge, has been received. If the input of the calculation command is accepted, the process proceeds to step S1202. If the input of the calculation command is not accepted, the process returns to step S1201.

(Step S1202) Charge Calculation Unit 111
02 acquires the content transmission schedule stored in the content transmission schedule storage unit 1104.

(Step S1203) Charge Calculation Unit 111
02 acquires the video conference schedule stored in the video conference schedule storage unit 1106.

(Step S1204) Charge calculation unit 111
02 calculates a charge based on the content transmission schedule acquired in step S1202 and the video conference schedule acquired in step S1203.

(Step S1205) Charge output unit 111
03 outputs the fee calculated in step S1204.

The specific operation of the charge calculation device according to the present embodiment will be described below. First, it is assumed that the content transmission schedule shown in FIG. 5 is stored in the charge calculation device. Further, it is assumed that the video conference schedule shown in FIG. 6 is stored in the charge calculation device. And
The charge calculation formula shown in FIG. 13 is stored in the charge calculation part 11102, and the charge calculation part 11102 uses the content transmission schedule shown in FIG.
It is assumed that the fee is calculated by applying the video conference schedule shown in. Note that, for example, it is assumed that the charge calculation formula is a formula for calculating the appearance charge of a performer.

According to FIG. 13, the charge for the performers calculated from the content transmission schedule is "1
000 yen x time (unit: minutes) ", and the additional charge after the second point is" 1000 yen x time (unit: minutes) x 0.
1 ". It is the same whether the performer needs labor at one point or a plurality of points for transmitting the content. However, for example, the second point and after in consideration of the portrait right of the performer. A small fee will be added to the content transmission. Since the content is transmitted to 21 points according to the content transmission schedule of FIG. 5, if the formula of FIG. 13 is applied to the content transmission schedule of FIG. 5, “1000 yen × 60 minutes × [1+
(21-1) x 0.1] = 180,000 yen ".

According to FIG. 13, the performer's fee calculated from the video conference schedule is "total time of video conference schedule (unit: minutes) x 2000 yen". The total time of the video conference schedule is 21
Since it is 0 minutes, "210 minutes x 2000 yen = 420000
It becomes a "yen".

Then, the cast fee of the performer is 600,000 yen since it is the sum of the performer's fee calculated from the content transmission schedule and the cast's fee calculated from the video conference schedule.

As described above, according to the present embodiment, it is possible to efficiently calculate the fee for providing the content based on the content transmission schedule and / or the video conference schedule.

In the present embodiment, the fee for providing the content may be calculated only from the content transmission schedule or the video conference schedule. Further, the calculation of the fee for providing the content is not limited to the formula of FIG. 13, even if it is calculated from the content transmission schedule and the video conference schedule.

Further, in the present embodiment, the charge calculation device is separated from the first information transmission / reception device in the first and second embodiments, but it may be included in the first information transmission / reception device. .

Further, various processes in this embodiment may be realized by software and provided by software download. Further, such software may be recorded in a recording medium such as a CD-ROM and distributed. When the various processes in the present embodiment are implemented by software, the software implements the following charge calculation method. In other words, the software
A fee calculation method for calculating a fee for providing content based on the content transmission schedule and / or the video conference schedule stored in the first information transmitting / receiving apparatus described in the first or second embodiment is realized.

[0108]

According to the present invention, it is possible to efficiently provide content to a plurality of points by combining one-way content transmission and two-way video conference.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a system configuration diagram of a content transmission / reception system according to a first embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing the operation of the first information transmitting / receiving apparatus according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing the operation of the first information transmitting / receiving apparatus in the first embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an outline of a content transmission / reception system according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of a content transmission schedule according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of a video conference schedule according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of a content transmission / reception schedule according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 8 is a system configuration diagram of a content transmitting / receiving system according to the second embodiment.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing the operation of the first information transmitting / receiving apparatus according to the second embodiment.

FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of information stored in an information storage unit according to the second embodiment.

FIG. 11 is a block diagram of a charge calculation device according to the third embodiment.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing the operation of the charge calculation device in the third embodiment.

FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a charge calculation formula according to the third embodiment.

[Explanation of symbols]

11, 81 First information transmission / reception device 12 Second information transceiver 1101 Content acquisition unit 1102 Content transmission unit 1103 First video conference function section 1104 Content transmission schedule storage unit 1105 Content transmission control unit 1106 Video conference schedule storage 1107 Video conference function control unit 1107 First video conference function control unit 1201 Content receiver 1202 Content output unit 1203 Second video conference function section 8101 Information storage unit 8102 Information output unit 11101 Input reception section 11102 Charge calculation part 11103 Charge output section

Continued front page    (72) Inventor Takashi Morimoto             1006 Kadoma, Kadoma-shi, Osaka Matsushita Electric             Sangyo Co., Ltd. (72) Inventor Eiji Iwakata             1006 Kadoma, Kadoma-shi, Osaka Matsushita Electric             Sangyo Co., Ltd. (72) Inventor Kentaro Shimizu             1006 Kadoma, Kadoma-shi, Osaka Matsushita Electric             Sangyo Co., Ltd. (72) Inventor Akira Saito             1006 Kadoma, Kadoma-shi, Osaka Matsushita Electric             Sangyo Co., Ltd. (72) Inventor Yoichi Ogata             1006 Kadoma, Kadoma-shi, Osaka Matsushita Electric             Sangyo Co., Ltd. (72) Inventor Hiroyuki Hiki             2-3-4 Akasaka, Minato-ku, Tokyo Yoshimoto Kogyo Co., Ltd.             Company headquarters in Tokyo (72) Inventor Akihiko Haruyama             2-3-4 Akasaka, Minato-ku, Tokyo Yoshimoto Kogyo Co., Ltd.             Company headquarters in Tokyo (72) Inventor Tatsuo Okutani             2-3-4 Akasaka, Minato-ku, Tokyo Yoshimoto Kogyo Co., Ltd.             Company headquarters in Tokyo F term (reference) 5C064 AA02 AA06 AC04 AC08 AC11                       AC12 AD16                 5K015 AA10 AB01 AF03 JA01

Claims (8)

[Claims] 1. A content transmission / reception method of delivering content from a first location to a plurality of second locations, and performing a two-way video conference between one of the plurality of second locations and the first location. That is, the content is acquired at the first point, the acquired content is distributed while being delayed by a predetermined time to each of the plurality of second points, and after the content is acquired at the first point, A content transmitting / receiving method for performing a two-way video conference between each of the plurality of second points and the first point during the predetermined time and while delaying the predetermined time. 2. A content transmission / reception method for delivering content from a first location to a plurality of second locations, and performing a two-way video conference between one of the plurality of second locations and the first location. That is, the content is acquired at the first point, the acquired content is distributed to each of the plurality of second points while being delayed by a certain time, and after the content is acquired at the first point, the plurality of A method of transmitting and receiving content, comprising performing a two-way video conference between each of the second points and the first point for the fixed time and while delaying the fixed time. 3. The first point stores information corresponding to the plurality of second points, and when the two-way video conference is held, information corresponding to the second point where the video conference is held. 3. The content transmitting / receiving method according to claim 1, wherein the content is extracted and output. 4. A content transmission / reception system having a first information transmission / reception device and n second information transmission / reception devices,
The first information transmission / reception device includes a content acquisition unit that acquires content including video and audio, a content transmission unit that transmits the content acquired by the content acquisition unit to the second information transmission / reception device, and the n second A schedule for transmitting a content to each of the n second information transmitting / receiving devices and a first video conference function unit for performing a two-way video conference with one second information transmitting / receiving device among the information transmitting / receiving devices. A content transmission schedule storage unit that stores a content transmission schedule; a content transmission control unit that instructs the content transmission unit to transmit content according to the content transmission schedule stored in the content transmission schedule storage unit; a second information transmitting / receiving device of one of the n second information transmitting / receiving devices, and One information transmitting / receiving device stores a video conference schedule, which is a schedule for performing a video conference, and the first video conference function unit according to the video conference schedule stored in the video conference schedule storage unit. And a video conference function control unit for instructing to perform a two-way video conference with one of the n second information transmission / reception devices. The device performs a two-way video conference between a content receiving unit that receives content including video and audio, a content output unit that outputs the content received by the content receiving unit, and the first information transmitting / receiving device. A content transmission / reception system having a second video conference function unit. 5. The content transmission schedule is a schedule for transmitting content to the n second information transmitting / receiving apparatuses with a predetermined time delay in transmitting the content, and the video conference schedule, The information transmission / reception system according to claim 4, wherein the information transmission / reception system is a schedule for performing a video conference by delaying a time at which the video conference is performed with the n second information transmission / reception devices by a predetermined time. 6. The content transmission schedule is a schedule for transmitting content to the n second information transmitting / receiving devices by delaying a time at which the content is transmitted by a fixed time, and the video conference schedule is
The information transmission / reception system according to claim 4, wherein the schedule is such that the time when the video conference is performed with the n second information transmission / reception devices is delayed by a fixed time period and the video conference is performed. 7. The first information transmission / reception device stores information corresponding to the second information transmission / reception device that holds a video conference with an information storage unit that stores information corresponding to the n second information transmission / reception devices. The content transmission / reception system according to claim 4, further comprising an information output unit that acquires and outputs the information. 8. A fee calculation method for calculating a fee for providing the content based on a content transmission schedule and / or a video conference schedule stored in the first information transmitting / receiving apparatus according to claim 4. ..