JP2006203844A - Communication quality estimation method and apparatus, and program - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To easily estimate total quality at a present spot from quality factor values relating to video/audio signals transmitted between spots. <P>SOLUTION: On the basis of correspondence relation between quality factor values relating to video/audio signals transmitted between arbitrary two spots and inter-spot quality for the video/audio signals, an inter-spot quality estimation means 11A estimates the inter-spot quality corresponding to quality factor values obtained for video/audio signals transmitted between the present spot and each of the other spots in multi-spot communication, and on the basis of a correspondence relation between each of the inter-spot quality for each of video/audio signals transmitted between the present spot and each of the other spots and the total quality for each of video/audio signals displayed and reproduced at the present spot, a total quality estimation means 11B estimates the total quality corresponding to the inter-spot quality obtained in the inter-spot quality estimation means 11A. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to a data communication technique, and more particularly to a communication quality estimation technique method for estimating overall quality in multipoint communication in which video / audio signals are transmitted between multipoints.

  With the widespread use of real-time application services such as IP telephones and video distribution, attention has been paid to techniques for estimating communication quality provided by these real-time application services. In particular, it is necessary to accurately estimate the communication quality when performing quality evaluation, quality design, or quality management during the development or operation of these services and devices.

As one of the real-time application services, for example, there is a multipoint communication service such as a multipoint TV conference or a multipoint IP conference call. In this type of multipoint communication service, a plurality of different terminals perform packet communication between multipoints in an Any-to-Any form, that is, multipoint communication, via a packet network.
For this reason, in multipoint communication, the quality of the video / audio signal transmitted from each point to its own point may differ depending on the quality factor related to the video / audio signal transmitted between the points.

Specific examples of quality factors include differences in network quality such as packet loss and transmission delay time of video / audio signals transmitted between each point, performance differences between terminal devices provided at each point, and video and audio to be transmitted. There are different encoding methods, encoding methods, or transmission methods.
Also, in addition to the quality of video and audio that is directly seen and heard at your location, the quality of video / audio signals between other locations other than your location is good or bad. May be affected.
Furthermore, in multipoint communication such as distance lectures, distance education, and conferences, quality may be affected by differences in the conversational position of the presenter who is attracting attention or the listener who is not attracting attention.

  Conventionally, for multi-point communication, taking into account the above-mentioned characteristics, subjective evaluation is performed for all combinations of quality factors related to audio-video signals transmitted between each point. The total quality when a plurality of video / audio signals transmitted from a point are displayed and reproduced at the local point has been obtained (for example, see Non-patent Document 1).

The applicant has not yet found prior art documents related to the present invention by the time of filing other than the prior art documents specified by the prior art document information described in this specification.
Yamazaki, Morita, Hayashi, Aida, Takeichi, Doi, “Effects of communication quality variations on subjective quality in multipoint video conferencing”, IEICE Technical Report CQ99-57, The Institute of Electronics, Information and Communication Engineers, December 15, 1999 Day

However, in such conventional communication quality estimation technology, in order to obtain total quality when a plurality of video / audio signals transmitted from each point in multipoint communication are displayed and reproduced at the own point, There is a problem that it takes a lot of labor and time because it is necessary to perform a subjective evaluation by the subject for all combinations of quality factors relating to audio and video signals transmitted in the network.
The present invention is to solve such a problem, and a communication quality estimation method, apparatus, and the like that can easily estimate the total quality at its own point from the quality factor values related to video / audio signals transmitted between the points, And aims to provide a program.

  In order to achieve such an object, a communication quality estimation method according to the present invention is based on a correspondence relationship for quality estimation stored in advance in a storage unit, and a plurality of other points different from the own point by an arithmetic processing unit. Stored in a storage unit in a communication quality estimation method used in a communication quality estimation apparatus that estimates the total quality for video / audio signals from other points that are displayed and reproduced at the local point during multipoint communication with Based on the correspondence between the quality factor value for the video / audio signal transmitted between any two points and the point-to-point quality for the video / audio signal, the local point and each other point A point-to-point quality estimation step for estimating the point-to-point quality corresponding to each quality factor value obtained with respect to the video / audio signal transmitted between the two points, and between the own point and each other point stored in the storage unit while The point-to-point quality obtained in the point-to-point quality estimation step based on the correspondence between the point-to-point quality for each transmitted video / audio signal and the total quality for each video / audio signal displayed and reproduced at its own point And an overall quality estimation step for estimating the overall quality corresponding to the above.

  Another communication quality estimation method according to the present invention is based on the correspondence relationship for quality estimation stored in advance in the storage unit, and the multiple processing points between the plurality of other points different from the own point by the arithmetic processing unit. Two arbitrary points stored in the storage unit in the communication quality estimation method used in the communication quality estimation apparatus for estimating the total quality for video / audio signals from other points displayed and reproduced at the local point during inter-point communication Based on the correspondence between the quality factor value for video / audio signals transmitted between them and the point-to-point quality for the video / audio signals, it was transmitted between the local point and each other point during the multipoint communication. The point-to-point quality estimation step for estimating the point-to-point quality corresponding to each quality factor value obtained for the video / audio signal, and the point-to-point quality estimation value obtained in the point-to-point quality estimation step By linearly based on the constant corresponding to the degree of influence of the addition, those having an overall quality estimation step of estimating the overall quality of each video / audio signal is reproduced and displayed in its own location.

  Another communication quality estimation method according to the present invention is based on the correspondence relationship for quality estimation stored in advance in the storage unit, and the multiple processing points between the plurality of other points different from the own point by the arithmetic processing unit. Two arbitrary points stored in the storage unit in the communication quality estimation method used in the communication quality estimation apparatus for estimating the total quality for video / audio signals from other points displayed and reproduced at the local point during inter-point communication Based on the correspondence between the quality factor value for video / audio signals transmitted between them and the point-to-point quality for the video / audio signals, it was transmitted between the local point and each other point during the multipoint communication. The point-to-point quality estimation step for estimating the point-to-point quality corresponding to each quality factor value obtained for the video / audio signal, and the point-to-point quality estimation value obtained in the point-to-point quality estimation step By integrating based on the impact constants corresponding to, those having an overall quality estimation step of estimating the overall quality of each video / audio signal is reproduced and displayed in its own location.

  Another communication quality estimation method according to the present invention is based on the correspondence relationship for quality estimation stored in advance in the storage unit, and the multiple processing points between the plurality of other points different from the own point by the arithmetic processing unit. Two arbitrary points stored in the storage unit in the communication quality estimation method used in the communication quality estimation apparatus for estimating the total quality for video / audio signals from other points displayed and reproduced at the local point during inter-point communication Based on the correspondence between the quality factor value for video / audio signals transmitted between them and the point-to-point quality for the video / audio signals, it was transmitted between the local point and each other point during the multipoint communication. The point-to-point quality estimation step that estimates the point-to-point quality corresponding to each quality factor value obtained for the video / audio signal, and the point-to-point quality value obtained in the point-to-point quality estimation step The total quality of each video / audio signal reproduced and displayed at its own location is estimated by linearly adding the sorted quality values based on constants corresponding to the degree of influence on the total quality. A quality estimation step.

  Another communication quality estimation method according to the present invention is based on the correspondence relationship for quality estimation stored in advance in the storage unit, and the multiple processing points between the plurality of other points different from the own point by the arithmetic processing unit. Two arbitrary points stored in the storage unit in the communication quality estimation method used in the communication quality estimation apparatus for estimating the total quality for video / audio signals from other points displayed and reproduced at the local point during inter-point communication Based on the correspondence between the quality factor value for the video / audio signal transmitted between them and the point-to-point quality for the video / audio signal, between the own point and each other point and each other point during the multi-point communication A point-to-point quality estimation step for estimating the point-to-point quality corresponding to each quality factor value obtained with respect to the video / audio signal transmitted between the point and the own point and each other point stored in the storage unit and It is obtained in the inter-point quality estimation step based on the correspondence between the inter-point quality for each video / audio signal transmitted between other points and the total quality for each video / audio signal displayed and reproduced at its own point. And a total quality estimation step for estimating a total quality corresponding to the quality between the points.

  Another communication quality estimation method according to the present invention is based on the correspondence relationship for quality estimation stored in advance in the storage unit, and the multiple processing points between the plurality of other points different from the own point by the arithmetic processing unit. In a communication quality estimation method used in a communication quality estimation apparatus that estimates the overall quality of video / audio signals from other points that are displayed and reproduced at the local point during point-to-point communication, a remark is made based on video / audio signals from other points. Between the speaker discrimination step for discriminating the person, the quality factor value related to the video / audio signal transmitted between two arbitrary points, and the point-to-point quality for the video / audio signal, stored in the storage unit Either one is selected based on the judgment result in the speaker discrimination step and corresponds to each quality factor value obtained for the video / audio signal transmitted between the local point and each other point during the multipoint communication. You The point-to-point quality estimation step for estimating the point-to-point quality based on the correspondence, and each point for each video / audio signal transmitted between the own point and each other point stored in the storage unit Total quality estimation step for estimating the total quality corresponding to the inter-point quality obtained in the inter-point quality estimation step based on the correspondence relationship between the inter-point quality and the total quality for each video / audio signal displayed and reproduced at the local point It is equipped with.

  Further, the communication quality estimation apparatus according to the present invention is based on the correspondence relationship for quality estimation stored in advance in the storage unit, between multiple points between a plurality of other points different from the own point by the arithmetic processing unit. In a communication quality estimation device that estimates the total quality for video / audio signals from other points that are displayed and reproduced at the local point during communication, transmission between any two points stored in the storage unit in the arithmetic processing unit Video / audio signal transmitted between its own point and each other point at the time of the multipoint communication based on the correspondence between the quality factor value regarding the video / audio signal to be transmitted and the inter-point quality for the video / audio signal The point-to-point quality estimation means for estimating the point-to-point quality corresponding to each quality factor value obtained with respect to each of the video / transmission between the own point and each other point stored in the storage unit For audio signals The total quality corresponding to the inter-point quality obtained by the inter-point quality estimation means is estimated based on the correspondence between the inter-point quality and the total quality for each video / audio signal displayed and reproduced at the local point. Quality estimation means.

  In addition, another communication quality estimation apparatus according to the present invention is based on the correspondence relationship for quality estimation stored in advance in the storage unit, and the multiple processing points between a plurality of other points different from the own point by the arithmetic processing unit. In a communication quality estimation device that estimates the overall quality for video / audio signals from other points that are displayed and reproduced at the local point during point-to-point communication, the arithmetic processing unit stores between any two points stored in the storage unit Based on the correspondence between the quality factor value related to the video / audio signal transmitted at the point and the point-to-point quality for the video / audio signal, the video transmitted between the local point and each other point during the multipoint communication / The point-to-point quality estimation means for estimating the point-to-point quality corresponding to each quality factor value obtained for the voice signal, and the influence of the point-to-point quality value obtained by the point-to-point quality estimation means on the overall quality According to the degree By linear addition on the basis of the number, in which and a comprehensive quality estimation means for estimating the overall quality of each video / audio signal is reproduced and displayed in its own location.

  In addition, another communication quality estimation apparatus according to the present invention is based on the correspondence relationship for quality estimation stored in advance in the storage unit, and the multiple processing points between a plurality of other points different from the own point by the arithmetic processing unit. In a communication quality estimation device that estimates the overall quality for video / audio signals from other points that are displayed and reproduced at the local point during point-to-point communication, the arithmetic processing unit stores between any two points stored in the storage unit Based on the correspondence between the quality factor value related to the video / audio signal transmitted at the point and the point-to-point quality for the video / audio signal, the video transmitted between the local point and each other point during the multipoint communication / The point-to-point quality estimation means for estimating the point-to-point quality corresponding to each quality factor value obtained for the voice signal, and the influence of the point-to-point quality value obtained by the point-to-point quality estimation means on the overall quality According to the degree By integrating based on the number, but with a total quality estimation means for estimating the overall quality of each video / audio signal is reproduced and displayed in its own location.

  In addition, another communication quality estimation apparatus according to the present invention is based on the correspondence relationship for quality estimation stored in advance in the storage unit, and the multiple processing points between a plurality of other points different from the own point by the arithmetic processing unit. In a communication quality estimation device that estimates the overall quality for video / audio signals from other points that are displayed and reproduced at the local point during point-to-point communication, the arithmetic processing unit stores between any two points stored in the storage unit Based on the correspondence between the quality factor value related to the video / audio signal transmitted at the point and the point-to-point quality for the video / audio signal, the video transmitted between the local point and each other point during the multipoint communication / Point-to-point quality estimation means for estimating the point-to-point quality corresponding to each quality factor value obtained for the audio signal, and the point-to-point quality value obtained by the point-to-point quality estimation means according to the quality of the quality Sorting and sorting And a total quality estimation means for estimating the total quality for each video / audio signal reproduced and displayed at its own point by linearly adding the quality values based on constants corresponding to the degree of influence on the total quality. Is.

  In addition, another communication quality estimation apparatus according to the present invention is based on the correspondence relationship for quality estimation stored in advance in the storage unit, and the multiple processing points between a plurality of other points different from the own point by the arithmetic processing unit. In a communication quality estimation device that estimates the overall quality for video / audio signals from other points that are displayed and reproduced at the local point during point-to-point communication, the arithmetic processing unit stores between any two points stored in the storage unit Based on the correspondence between the quality factor value related to the video / audio signal transmitted at the point and the point-to-point quality for the video / audio signal, between the own point and each other point and between each other point during the multipoint communication. A point-to-point quality estimation means for estimating the point-to-point quality corresponding to each quality factor value obtained with respect to the video / audio signal transmitted in the above, between the own point and each other point stored in the storage unit, and Between each other The point-to-point quality obtained by the point-to-point quality estimation means is calculated based on the correspondence between the point-to-point quality for each video / audio signal and the total quality for each video / audio signal displayed and reproduced at its own point. Comprehensive quality estimation means for estimating the corresponding total quality.

  In addition, another communication quality estimation apparatus according to the present invention is based on the correspondence relationship for quality estimation stored in advance in the storage unit, and the multiple processing points between a plurality of other points different from the own point by the arithmetic processing unit. In a communication quality estimation device that estimates the overall quality of video / audio signals from other points that are displayed and reproduced at the local point during point-to-point communication, the arithmetic processing unit is a speaker based on the video / audio signals from other points Of the correspondence between the speaker discriminating means for discriminating between the quality factor value relating to the video / audio signal transmitted between any two points and the quality between the points corresponding to the video / audio signal. Corresponding to each quality factor value obtained for the video / audio signal transmitted between the own point and each other point during the multipoint communication. Point-to-point quality The point-to-point quality estimation means for estimating each point based on the response relationship, and the point-to-point quality and the point-to-point for each video / audio signal transmitted between the point and each other point stored in the storage unit Comprehensive quality estimating means for estimating the overall quality corresponding to the inter-point quality obtained by the inter-point quality estimating means based on the correspondence relationship with the overall quality for each video / audio signal displayed and reproduced in is there.

  In addition, the program according to the present invention is automatically executed during multi-point communication between a plurality of other points different from the own point by the arithmetic processing unit based on the correspondence relationship for quality estimation stored in advance in the storage unit. A video / audio signal transmitted between two arbitrary points stored in a storage unit in a computer of a communication quality estimation device that estimates the total quality of video / audio signals from other points displayed and reproduced at the point Each quality obtained for the video / audio signal transmitted between the local point and each other point during the multipoint communication based on the correspondence between the quality factor value for the point and the inter-point quality for the video / audio signal A point-to-point quality estimation step for estimating the point-to-point quality corresponding to the factor value, and each location for each video / audio signal stored between the local point and each other point stored in the storage unit Total quality estimation step for estimating the total quality corresponding to the inter-point quality obtained in the inter-point quality estimation step based on the correspondence relationship between the inter-point quality and the total quality for each video / audio signal displayed and reproduced at the local point Are executed.

  Further, another program according to the present invention is a multipoint communication between a plurality of other points different from the own point by the arithmetic processing unit based on the correspondence relationship for quality estimation stored in advance in the storage unit. Video / video transmitted between any two points stored in the storage unit in the computer of the communication quality estimation device that estimates the overall quality for video / audio signals from other points that are sometimes displayed and reproduced at the local point. Based on the correspondence between the quality factor value for the audio signal and the inter-point quality for the video / audio signal, it is obtained for the video / audio signal transmitted between the local point and each other point during the multi-point communication. The point-to-point quality estimation step for estimating the point-to-point quality corresponding to each quality factor value, and the point-to-point quality value obtained by the point-to-point quality estimation means are set to constants according to the degree of influence on the total quality. Base By linear addition can, in which so as to perform the overall quality estimation step of estimating the overall quality of each video / audio signal is reproduced and displayed in its own location.

  Further, another program according to the present invention is a multipoint communication between a plurality of other points different from the own point by the arithmetic processing unit based on the correspondence relationship for quality estimation stored in advance in the storage unit. Video / video transmitted between any two points stored in the storage unit in the computer of the communication quality estimation device that estimates the overall quality for video / audio signals from other points that are sometimes displayed and reproduced at the local point. Based on the correspondence between the quality factor value for the audio signal and the inter-point quality for the video / audio signal, it is obtained for the video / audio signal transmitted between the local point and each other point during the multi-point communication. The point-to-point quality estimation step for estimating the point-to-point quality corresponding to each quality factor value, and the point-to-point quality value obtained by the point-to-point quality estimation means are set to constants according to the degree of influence on the total quality. Base By integrating comes, is obtained so as to perform the overall quality estimation step of estimating the overall quality of each video / audio signal is reproduced and displayed in its own location.

  Further, another program according to the present invention is a multipoint communication between a plurality of other points different from the own point by the arithmetic processing unit based on the correspondence relationship for quality estimation stored in advance in the storage unit. Video / video transmitted between any two points stored in the storage unit in the computer of the communication quality estimation device that estimates the overall quality for video / audio signals from other points that are sometimes displayed and reproduced at the local point. Based on the correspondence between the quality factor value for the audio signal and the inter-point quality for the video / audio signal, it is obtained for the video / audio signal transmitted between the local point and each other point during the multi-point communication. The point-to-point quality estimation step for estimating the point-to-point quality corresponding to each quality factor value, and the point-to-point quality value obtained by the point-to-point quality estimation means are classified according to the quality of the quality Each item And performing a total quality estimation step for estimating the total quality for each video / audio signal reproduced and displayed at the local point by linearly adding the values based on constants corresponding to the degree of influence on the total quality. It is a thing.

  Further, another program according to the present invention is a multipoint communication between a plurality of other points different from the own point by the arithmetic processing unit based on the correspondence relationship for quality estimation stored in advance in the storage unit. Video / video transmitted between any two points stored in the storage unit in the computer of the communication quality estimation device that estimates the overall quality for video / audio signals from other points that are sometimes displayed and reproduced at the local point. Based on the correspondence between the quality factor value for the audio signal and the inter-point quality for the video / audio signal, the video / audio transmitted between the local point and each other point and between each other point during the multi-point communication A point-to-point quality estimation step for estimating the point-to-point quality corresponding to each quality factor value obtained for the signal, and transmission between the own point and each other point and between each other point stored in the storage unit Be done The point-to-point quality obtained in the point-to-point quality estimation step is based on the correspondence between the point-to-point quality for each video / audio signal and the total quality for each video / audio signal displayed and reproduced at the local point. And a total quality estimation step for estimating the corresponding total quality.

  Further, another program according to the present invention is a multipoint communication between a plurality of other points different from the own point by the arithmetic processing unit based on the correspondence relationship for quality estimation stored in advance in the storage unit. Speaker identification to determine the speaker based on the video / audio signal from another point to the computer of the communication quality estimation device that estimates the total quality for the video / audio signal from each other point that is sometimes displayed and reproduced at the local point Speaker identification of any of the correspondence between the step and the quality factor value related to the video / audio signal transmitted between any two points and the quality between the points for the video / audio signal stored in the storage unit The point-to-point quality corresponding to each quality factor value obtained with respect to the video / audio signal transmitted between the local point and each other point during the multipoint communication is selected based on the determination result in the step. The point-to-point quality estimation step for estimating each point based on the relationship, and the point-to-point quality for each video / audio signal stored between the own point and each other point stored in the storage unit and the own point A total quality estimation step for estimating a total quality corresponding to the inter-point quality obtained in the inter-point quality estimation step based on a correspondence relationship with the total quality for each video / audio signal to be displayed and reproduced. It is a thing.

  According to the present invention, based on the quality factor-point-to-point quality relationship obtained in advance, the point-to-point quality related to the video / audio signal is estimated from the quality factor value related to the video / audio signal transmitted between the points. Later, based on the inter-point quality-total quality relationship obtained in advance, the total quality is estimated from the inter-point quality. It is possible to estimate the overall quality of video / audio signals for multipoint communication without performing such subjective evaluation.

Next, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
[First Embodiment]
First, a communication quality estimation apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the communication quality estimation apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
This communication quality estimation device 10 is composed of an information processing device having a computer as a whole, and from the quality factors related to each video / audio signal transmitted between each point performing multipoint communication, the points related to each video / audio signal. The inter-site quality is estimated, and the overall quality at the local point is estimated from the inter-point quality.

The communication quality estimation apparatus 10 includes an arithmetic processing unit 11 and a storage unit 12.
The arithmetic processing unit 11 has a microprocessor such as a CPU and its peripheral circuits, and reads and executes a predetermined program, thereby realizing various functional means by cooperating the hardware and the program.

The arithmetic processing unit 11 includes a point-to-point quality estimation unit 11A and a comprehensive quality estimation unit 11B as the functional units.
The point-to-point quality estimation unit 11A is a functional unit that estimates the point-to-point quality indicating the communication quality of the video signal from the quality factor value related to the video / audio signal transmitted between the points.
The total quality estimation unit 11B estimates the total quality when a plurality of video / audio signals transmitted from each point are displayed and reproduced at the local point based on the inter-point quality obtained by the inter-point quality estimation unit 11A. Functional means.

The storage unit 12 includes a storage device such as a memory or a hard disk, and stores various information and programs used in the arithmetic processing unit 11.
In particular, the storage unit 12 stores, as various information, the correspondence between the quality factor value related to the video / audio signal transmitted between any two points and the point-to-point quality for the video / audio signal, that is, the quality factor-point-to-point quality. And the correspondence between the point-to-point quality for each video / audio signal transmitted between each point and the total quality for each video / audio signal displayed and reproduced at its own point, that is, the point-to-point quality-total quality relationship And remember.

  In the point-to-point quality estimation unit 11A and the total quality estimation unit 11B of the arithmetic processing unit 11, the quality factor-point-to-point quality relationship and the point-to-point quality-to-point quality relationship, which are derived in advance and stored in the storage unit 12, Based on this, the inter-point quality and total quality are estimated.

The communication quality estimation device 10 has an input / output interface unit for exchanging various types of information with an external device or a storage medium, and an operation / display interface unit for exchanging various types of information with an operator. However, these configurations are the same as those of a general information processing apparatus such as a personal computer, and detailed description thereof is omitted here.
The video / audio signal referred to in this embodiment is a signal including at least a video signal or an audio signal transmitted between communication terminals, and may be a signal including both a video signal and an audio signal.

[Operation of First Embodiment]
Next, the operation of the communication quality estimation apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 2 is a configuration example of multipoint communication.
In the multipoint communication shown in FIG. 2, communication terminals 51 to 53 are arranged at three points 1 to 3, respectively. In the following, a case will be described as an example in which the overall quality is estimated when the point 1 is the own point and the video / audio signals from the point 2 and the point 3 that are other points are displayed and reproduced at the point.

First, in the arithmetic processing unit 11 of the communication quality estimation apparatus 10, the inter-point quality estimation unit 11 </ b> A receives video / sent between the point 1 and the point 2 based on the quality factor-point-to-point quality relationship in the storage unit 12. Video transmitted between point 1 and point 2 by estimating the point-to-point quality corresponding to the packet loss rate L _1-2 in the transmission section of point 1 and point 2 input as the quality factor value of the audio signal / obtain quality Q _1-2 of the voice signal (the point between the quality estimation step).

Similarly, the point-to-point quality estimation unit 11A inputs the quality factor value of the video / audio signal transmitted between the point 1 and the point 3 based on the quality factor-point-to-point quality relationship in the storage unit 12. Estimate the point-to-point quality corresponding to the packet loss rate L _1-3 in the transmission section between point 1 and point 3, and calculate the quality Q _1-3 of the video / audio signal transmitted between point 1 and point 3 Obtain (inter-point quality estimation step).

At this time, with respect to the quality factor-point-to-point quality relationship, a subjective quality evaluation experiment was performed in advance using the correspondence between the quality of the video / audio signal transmitted between the points and the quality factor value as the video / audio quality estimation function F1. Then, the model may be modeled, and a model indicating the video / audio quality estimation function F1 may be stored in the storage unit 12.
For example, when the quality factor is packet loss, a video / audio quality estimation function F1 which is a relational expression between the quality Q _nm of the video / audio signal and the packet loss rate L _nm is expressed by the following formula (1). Here, n−m is a symbol that represents between two points, point n and point m.
Q _nm = F1 (L _nm ) (1)
nm: Symbol between points

An embodiment of a subjective quality evaluation experiment for deriving the video / audio quality estimation function F1 will be described. A multipoint communication system connecting three points shown in FIG. 2 is configured, and packet loss rates between the points are set independently. In this subjective quality evaluation experiment, the video / audio signal system and the display reproduction method were under the following conditions.
・ Video signal: MPEG4, 1 Mbps, 2 CIF images are displayed in parallel on CRT ・ Audio signal: 7kHz band audio, monaural mixed sound playback through headphones

  In the subjective quality assessment test, 24 people in their 20s and 30s, each with 3 people (1 person at each location), received a “grade 5: very good”, “grade 4: good”, and “grade 3: both The conversation test is evaluated using a five-level quality scale of “I cannot say”, “Score 2: Bad”, and “Score 1: Very Bad”. As subjective quality, the total quality when video / audio signals transmitted from two other points than the local point are displayed and reproduced at the local point, and the video / audio transmitted from the point 2 reproduced and displayed at the local point The point-to-point quality of the audio signal and the point-to-point quality of the video / audio signal transmitted from the point 3 reproduced and displayed at the own point are evaluated. The overall quality and the quality between points shall be the average value of the evaluator's scores.

The relational expression F1 between the packet loss rate L _nm and the video / audio signal quality Q _{nm is} the relationship between the packet loss rate between point 1 and point 2 and the quality between points, and the packet loss rate between point 1 and point 3. It is calculated from the relationship between quality and the point. The function type of the video / audio quality estimation function F1 is derived from the least square regression of the packet loss rate and the subjective quality. FIG. 3 shows the correspondence between the packet loss rate and video / audio quality. As another method of obtaining the relational expression F1, from the relationship between the packet loss rate and the total quality when the packet loss rate between the point 1 and the point 2 and the packet loss rate between the point 1 and the point 3 are equal. You may ask for it.

Next, in the arithmetic processing unit 11 of the communication quality estimation device 10, the point 1 obtained by the inter-point quality estimation unit 11A based on the inter-point quality-total quality relationship of the storage unit 12 by the total quality estimation unit 11B. Estimate the total quality corresponding to the quality Q _1-2 of the video / audio signal transmitted between point 1 and point ₂ and the quality Q _1-3 of the video / audio signal transmitted between point 1 and point 3, The total quality QT of the video / audio signal displayed and reproduced at the point 1 is obtained (total quality estimation step).

At this time, regarding the inter-point quality-total quality relationship, the quality Q _nm of the video / audio signal transmitted between the local point and other points, and the video / audio signals at a plurality of points are displayed and reproduced at the local point. In this case, the relationship of the total quality QT is modeled in advance by a subjective evaluation experiment as a total quality estimation function F2 expressed by the following equation (2), and a model indicating the total quality estimation function F2 is stored in the storage unit 12. Just keep it.
QT = F2 ( _Q1-2 , _Q1-3 ) (2)

The following formulas (3), (4), and (5) are shown as examples of specific function types of the overall quality estimation function F2. a ₁ to a ₈ are constants indicating the degree of influence of the quality Q between points on the overall quality QT, and are obtained by a method such as least square regression based on the result of the subjective evaluation experiment.
QT = a ₁ Q _2-1 + a ₂ Q _3-1 + a ₃ (3)
QT = a ₄ Q _2-1 × Q _3-1 + a ₅ (4)
QT = a ₆ Q _good + a ₇ Q _bad + a ₈ (5)
Expression (3) is a linear function in which the quality between each point affects the overall quality, and the total quality is obtained by linearly adding the quality values between the points based on constants corresponding to the degree of influence on each overall quality. QT is calculated. Equation (4) is a function type that affects the overall quality in a non-linear manner as a function of the product of the quality between the points, and integrates the quality values between the points based on constants corresponding to the degree of influence on the overall quality. Thus, the total quality QT is calculated. Expression (5) is obtained by converting the inter-point quality between the point 1 and the point 2 and the inter-point quality between the point 1 and the point 3 into a good inter-point quality Q _good and a bad inter-point quality Q _bad . This is a linear function in which virtual point-to-point quality is obtained by classification, and the effect of _good quality between points Q _good and bad point quality Q _bad on the overall quality is different. Here, the quality between each point is sorted according to the quality of the quality, such as by sorting by quality value, and each sorted quality value is based on a constant according to the degree of influence on the total quality. Total quality QT is calculated by linear addition.

The overall quality estimation function F2 is preliminarily used by using least square regression between the overall quality obtained in the subjective quality evaluation experiment described in the inter-point quality estimation unit 11A and the inter-point quality output from the inter-point quality estimation unit 11A. To derive.
As an example, when Expression (4) is used, FIG. 4 shows a correspondence relationship between the measured value of the total quality as learning data for deriving the function and the estimated value of the total quality obtained from the function F2. The correlation coefficient between the measured value of the total quality and the estimated value of the total quality is 0.97. FIG. 5 shows the result of applying the present embodiment to non-learning data and estimating the total quality. The correlation coefficient between the measured value of the total quality as non-learning data and the estimated value of the total quality using this estimation method of Equation (4) is 0.96, which is a good estimation result.

  As described above, in the present embodiment, the multipoint communication is performed based on the correspondence between the quality factor value regarding the video / audio signal transmitted between any two points and the quality between the points for the video / audio signal. Occasionally the point-to-point quality corresponding to each quality factor value obtained for the video / audio signal transmitted between the own point and each other point is estimated and transmitted between the own point and each other point. Based on the correspondence between the quality between each point for video / audio signals of the video and the total quality for each video / audio signal displayed / reproduced at the local point, the total corresponding to the point-to-point quality obtained in the point-to-point quality estimation step Since the quality is estimated, it is no longer necessary to perform subjective evaluation by the subject for all combinations of quality factors of the audio / video signal transmitted between the points, and the video / sound transmitted between the points. The overall quality of the own point from the quality factor values for the signal can be easily estimated.

[Second Embodiment]
Next, a communication quality estimation apparatus according to the second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the communication quality estimation apparatus according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

This communication quality estimation device 20 is composed of an information processing device having a computer as a whole, and from the quality factors related to each video / audio signal transmitted between each point performing multipoint communication, the points related to each video / audio signal. The inter-site quality is estimated, and the overall quality at the local point is estimated from the inter-point quality.
In the first embodiment described above, the case where the total quality is estimated based on the quality factor between the own point and each other point has been described as an example. In the present embodiment, a case will be described in which the overall quality is estimated in consideration of between other points.

The communication quality estimation device 20 has the same configuration as the communication quality estimation device 10 of FIG. 1, and includes an arithmetic processing unit 21 and a storage unit 22 instead of the arithmetic processing unit 11 and the storage unit 12.
The arithmetic processing unit 21 includes a microprocessor such as a CPU and peripheral circuits thereof, and reads and executes a predetermined program, thereby realizing various functional means by cooperating the hardware and the program.

The arithmetic processing unit 21 has a point-to-point quality estimation unit 21A and a comprehensive quality estimation unit 21B as the functional units.
The inter-point quality estimation unit 21A is a functional unit that estimates the inter-point quality indicating the communication quality of the video signal from the quality factor value related to the video / audio signal transmitted between the points including other points.
The overall quality estimation means 21B displays and reproduces a plurality of video / audio signals transmitted from each point at its own point based on the inter-point quality between points including the other points obtained by the inter-point quality estimation unit 21A. It is a functional means for estimating the total quality in the case of being performed.

The storage unit 22 includes a storage device such as a memory or a hard disk, and stores various information and programs used by the arithmetic processing unit 21.
In particular, the storage unit 22 is, as the various types of information, like the storage unit 12, the correspondence between the quality factor value related to the video / audio signal transmitted between any two points and the point-to-point quality for the video / audio signal, That is, in addition to the quality factor-point-to-point quality relationship, the inter-point quality for each video / audio signal transmitted between each point including other points and the total for each video / audio signal displayed and reproduced at its own point The correspondence relationship with the quality, that is, the inter-point quality-total quality relationship is stored.

  In the point-to-point quality estimation unit 21A and the total quality estimation unit 21B of the arithmetic processing unit 21, the quality factor-point-to-point quality relationship and the point-to-point quality-total quality relationship, which are derived in advance and stored in the storage unit 22, are obtained. Based on this, the inter-point quality and total quality are estimated.

The communication quality estimation device 20 has an input / output interface unit for exchanging various information with an external device or a storage medium, and an operation / display interface unit for exchanging various information with an operator. However, these configurations are the same as those of a general information processing apparatus such as a personal computer, and detailed description thereof is omitted here.
The video / audio signal referred to in this embodiment is a signal including at least a video signal or an audio signal transmitted between communication terminals, and may be a signal including both a video signal and an audio signal.

[Operation of Second Embodiment]
Next, the operation of the communication quality estimation apparatus according to the second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 7 is a configuration example of multipoint communication.
In the multipoint communication shown in FIG. 7, communication terminals 51 to 53 are arranged at three points 1 to 3, respectively. In the following, a case will be described as an example in which the overall quality is estimated when the point 1 is the own point and the video / audio signals from the point 2 and the point 3 that are other points are displayed and reproduced at the point.

First, in the arithmetic processing unit 21 of the communication quality estimation apparatus 20, the inter-point quality estimation unit 21 </ b> A uses the video / transmitted data between the points 1 and 2 based on the quality factor-point-to-point quality relationship in the storage unit 22. Video transmitted between point 1 and point 2 by estimating the point-to-point quality corresponding to the packet loss rate L _1-2 in the transmission section of point 1 and point 2 input as the quality factor value of the audio signal / obtain quality Q _1-2 of the voice signal (the point between the quality estimation step).

Similarly, the point-to-point quality estimation unit 21A inputs the quality factor value of the video / audio signal transmitted between the point 1 and the point 3 based on the quality factor-point-to-point quality relationship in the storage unit 22. Estimate the point-to-point quality corresponding to the packet loss rate L _1-3 in the transmission section between point 1 and point 3, and calculate the quality Q _1-3 of the video / audio signal transmitted between point 1 and point 3 Obtain (inter-point quality estimation step).

Further, the point input as the quality factor value of the video / audio signal transmitted between the points 2 and 3 based on the quality factor-point-to-point quality relationship in the storage unit 22 by the point-to-point quality estimation unit 21A The point-to-point quality corresponding to the packet loss rate L _2-3 in the transmission section between 1 and point 3 is estimated, and the quality Q _2-3 of the video / audio signal transmitted between point 1 and point 3 is obtained ( Point-to-point quality estimation step).
The quality factor-point-to-point quality relationship used for estimation of these point-to-point quality is the same as in the first embodiment described above, and the relationship between the quality of the video / audio signal transmitted between the points and the quality factor value. Is previously modeled as a video / audio quality estimation function F1 by performing a subjective quality evaluation experiment, and a model indicating the video / audio quality estimation function F1 may be stored in the storage unit 22.

Next, in the arithmetic processing unit 21 of the communication quality estimation apparatus 20, the point 1 obtained by the inter-point quality estimation unit 21A based on the inter-point quality-total quality relationship in the storage unit 22 by the total quality estimation unit 21B. Quality Q _{1-2 of} video / audio signal transmitted between point 2 and point 2, Quality Q _1-3 of video / audio signal transmitted between point 1 and point 3, and between point 2 and point 3 The total quality corresponding to the quality _Q2-3 of the video / audio signal transmitted at the point 1 is estimated, and the total quality QT of the video / audio signal displayed and reproduced at the point 1 is obtained (total quality estimation step).

At this time, with regard to the inter-point quality-total quality relationship, the quality Q _nm of the video / audio signal transmitted between the points and the total quality QT when the video / audio signals at a plurality of points are displayed and reproduced at the own point. Is previously modeled as a total quality estimation function F3 expressed by the following formula (6) from a subjective evaluation experiment, and a model indicating the total quality estimation function F3 may be stored in the storage unit 22.
QT = F3 ( _Q1-2 , _Q1-3 , _Q2-3 ) (6)

  The total quality estimation function F3 is derived using least square regression between the total quality obtained in the subjective quality evaluation experiment described in the first embodiment and the inter-point quality output from the inter-point quality estimation means 21A. To do.

  As described above, in the present embodiment, the multipoint communication is performed based on the correspondence between the quality factor value regarding the video / audio signal transmitted between any two points and the quality between the points for the video / audio signal. Sometimes the point-to-point quality corresponding to each quality factor value obtained for the video / audio signal transmitted between the point and each other point and between other points is estimated respectively, and between the point and each other point and It is obtained in the inter-point quality estimation step based on the correspondence between the inter-point quality for each video / audio signal transmitted between other points and the total quality for each video / audio signal displayed and reproduced at its own point. The total quality corresponding to the quality between the points is estimated.

  This eliminates the need for subject's subjective evaluation for all combinations of quality factors of audio and video signals transmitted between the points, and from the quality factor values regarding the video / audio signals transmitted between the points. You can easily estimate the overall quality at your location.

[Third Embodiment]
Next, refer to FIG. A communication quality estimation apparatus according to the third embodiment of the present invention will be described. FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a communication quality estimation apparatus according to the third exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

This communication quality estimation apparatus 30 is composed of an information processing apparatus having a computer as a whole, and from the quality factors related to each video / audio signal transmitted between each point performing multipoint communication, the points related to each video / audio signal. The inter-site quality is estimated, and the overall quality at the local point is estimated from the inter-point quality.
In the first embodiment described above, the case where the total quality is estimated based on the quality factor between the own point and each other point has been described as an example. Further, in the above-described second embodiment, the case where the total quality is estimated in consideration of the distance between other points has been described. In the present embodiment, a case will be described in which the total quality is estimated in consideration of the conversational position of the communication partner at another point.

The communication quality estimation device 30 is provided with an arithmetic processing unit 31 and a storage unit 32 similar to the arithmetic processing unit 11 and the storage unit 12 of the communication quality estimation device 10 of FIG. Further, a speaker discriminating unit 33 for discriminating a speaker is provided.
The arithmetic processing unit 31 has a microprocessor such as a CPU and its peripheral circuits, and reads and executes a predetermined program, thereby realizing various functional means by cooperating the hardware and the program.

The arithmetic processing unit 31 includes a point-to-point quality estimation unit 31A and an overall quality estimation unit 31B as the functional units.
The point-to-point quality estimation unit 31A is a functional unit that estimates the point-to-point quality indicating the communication quality of the video signal from the quality factor value related to the video / audio signal transmitted between the points including other points.
The overall quality estimation unit 31B displays and reproduces a plurality of video / audio signals transmitted from each point at its own point based on the point-to-point quality including the other points obtained by the point-to-point quality estimation unit 31A. It is a functional means for estimating the total quality in the case of being performed.

The storage unit 32 includes a storage device such as a memory or a hard disk, and stores various information and programs used in the arithmetic processing unit 31.
In particular, the storage unit 32 includes, as various types of information, a quality factor value related to a video / audio signal transmitted between two arbitrary points, which is associated with speaker identification information, and a point-to-point quality for the video / audio signal. Correspondence relationship, that is, quality factor-point-to-point quality relationship for each speaker discriminating information, and inter-point quality for each video / audio signal transmitted between each point and each video / audio signal displayed and reproduced at its own point Correspondence relationship with the overall quality for, that is, the inter-point quality-total quality relationship is stored.

  The speaker discriminating unit 33 includes a configuration similar to that of the arithmetic processing unit 31 or a dedicated signal processing circuit, and uses a video / audio signal of the communication partner at another point to determine whether the communication partner is speaking or operating. It is means for determining and generating speaker discrimination information indicating the discrimination result.

  In the inter-point quality estimation means 31A and the overall quality estimation means 31B of the arithmetic processing unit 31, the quality factor corresponding to the above-described speaker discrimination information is derived from the quality factor-inter-point quality relationship derived in advance and stored in the storage unit 32. The point-to-point quality relationship is selected, and the point-to-point quality and the total quality are estimated based on the quality factor-the point-to-point quality relationship and the point-to-point quality-to-total quality relationship.

The communication quality estimation device 30 has an input / output interface unit for exchanging various types of information with an external device or a storage medium, and an operation / display interface unit for exchanging various types of information with an operator. However, these configurations are the same as those of a general information processing apparatus such as a personal computer, and detailed description thereof is omitted here.
The video / audio signal referred to in this embodiment is a signal including at least a video signal or an audio signal transmitted between communication terminals, and may be a signal including both a video signal and an audio signal.

[Operation of Third Embodiment]
Next, the operation of the communication quality estimation apparatus according to the third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG.

The speaker discriminating unit 33 discriminates a speaker who is speaking or operating from a video / audio signal transmitted from the point 2 and a participant who is not speaking (listener), and the speaker discriminating information of the point 2 is obtained. Obtain (speaker discrimination step). As an example, as a means for obtaining information for identifying a speaker who is speaking or operating, a method in which a voiced voice section exceeds a predetermined threshold, or an average value of inter-frame difference signals of a video signal Is used as a speaker when the value exceeds a predetermined threshold. In the determination of the speaker, the determination is not limited to only the binary of the person who is speaking and the person who is not speaking, and the speaker determination information may be expressed in multiple values.
Similarly, the video / audio signal transmitted from the point 3 is analyzed, and a speaker who speaks or operates and a participant who does not speak (listener) are discriminated, and speaker discriminating information of the point 3 is obtained.

In the arithmetic processing unit 31 of the communication quality estimation unit 30, the inter-point quality estimation unit 31 </ b> A determines any one of the quality factor-inter-point quality relationships stored in advance in the storage unit 32 based on the speaker discrimination information of the point 2. Based on the selected quality factor-point-to-point quality relationship, it is transmitted between point 1 and point 2, which is input as the quality factor value of the video / audio signal transmitted between point 1 and point 2. The quality Q _1-2 of the video / audio signal to be obtained is obtained (step-to-point quality estimation step based on the speaker discrimination information).

  Similarly, in the arithmetic processing unit 31 of the communication quality estimation unit 30, the inter-point quality estimation means 31 </ b> A determines any one of the quality factor-inter-point quality relationships stored in advance in the storage unit 32 as a speaker at the point 3. Based on the discriminating information, based on the selected quality factor-point-to-point quality relationship, points 1 and 3 are input as quality factor values of video / audio signals transmitted between point 1 and point 3. The quality QT of the video / audio signal transmitted between them is obtained (inter-point quality estimation step based on the speaker discrimination information).

  The quality factor used for estimating the quality between points and the quality relationship between points are the same as in the first embodiment described above, and the quality and quality factors of the video / audio signal of the speaker or non-speaker at each point. A subjective quality evaluation experiment is performed in advance as a video / audio quality estimation function F1 to model the relationship with the value, and a model indicating the video / audio quality estimation function F1 corresponding to each speaker discrimination information is stored in the storage unit 32. Store it.

Next, in the arithmetic processing unit 31 of the communication quality estimation unit 30, the point 1 obtained by the inter-point quality estimation unit 31A based on the inter-point quality-total quality relationship of the storage unit 32 by the total quality estimation unit 31B. The total quality corresponding to the quality Q _1-2 of the video / audio signal transmitted between the point 1 and the point ₂ and the quality Q _1-3 of the video / audio signal transmitted between the point 1 and the point 3 is estimated. The overall quality QT of the video / audio signal displayed and reproduced at the point 1 is obtained (total quality estimation step).

As an example, a case where a listener is included in the communication partner will be taken up. Considering whether the person is a listener or speaker, the relationship between the total quality estimate when using the quality factor-point-to-point quality relationship corresponding to the speaker discrimination information and the actual value of the total quality as non-learning data Is shown in FIG. The correlation coefficient between the measured value of the total quality and the estimated value of the total quality is 0.96.
On the other hand, without considering whether it is a listener or a speaker, the estimated value of the total quality when using the quality factor-point-to-point quality relationship where all communication partners at other points are speakers, non-learning data and FIG. 10 shows the relationship with the measured value of the total quality. The correlation coefficient between the measured value of the total quality and the estimated value of the total quality is 0.94. By considering the speaker discrimination information, a more accurate estimation result is obtained.

  Thus, in the present embodiment, based on the correspondence between the quality factor value regarding the video / audio signal transmitted between the two points corresponding to the speaker discrimination information and the point-to-point quality for the video / audio signal, Estimate the inter-point quality corresponding to each quality factor value obtained for the video / audio signal transmitted between the local point and each other point during the multi-point communication, and between the own point and each other point The point-to-point quality obtained in the point-to-point quality estimation step based on the correspondence between the point-to-point quality for each video / audio signal transmitted at the point and the total quality for each video / audio signal displayed and reproduced at the point Since the total quality corresponding to the quality is estimated, it is no longer necessary to perform subjective assessment by the subject for all combinations of quality factors of audio and video signals transmitted between each point, and between each point The overall quality of the own point can be easily estimated from the quality factor value related to the video / audio signals to be sent.

[Extension of each embodiment]
In each embodiment described above, the case where the quality factor-point-to-point quality relationship and the point-to-point quality-total quality relationship are respectively formulated by functions has been described as an example, but the present invention is not limited thereto. What is necessary is just to express with a well-known inference model, for example, inference models, such as fuzzy, neuro, and a case base.
The communication quality estimation apparatus may be provided with means for formulating a quality factor-point-to-point quality relationship and point-to-point quality-overall quality relationship with functions, and a means for generating an inference model.

Further, the quality factor value is not limited to the packet loss rate, and any value may be used as long as it is a factor related to the quality of the video / audio signal transmitted between arbitrary points. Two or more quality factors may be used in combination.
Specific examples of quality factors include differences in network quality such as packet loss and transmission delay time of video / audio signals transmitted between each point, performance differences between terminal devices provided at each point, and video and audio to be transmitted. There are different encoding methods, encoding methods, or transmission methods.

  Further, in each of the embodiments described above, the case where the communication quality estimation apparatus is provided as an apparatus separate from the communication terminals arranged at each point has been described as an example. However, the communication quality estimation apparatus according to the present invention is described. The configuration, the communication quality estimation method, or the program may be incorporated into any communication terminal.

Moreover, about each quality factor value, what was measured with the communication terminal may be notified to a communication quality estimation apparatus via a data communication network, and total quality may be estimated in real time.
Further, in each of the embodiments described above, three points have been described as examples. However, the above-described embodiments can be applied to multipoint communication performed at four or more points in the same manner as described above. .

It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the communication quality estimation apparatus concerning the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a structural example of the multipoint communication concerning the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is explanatory drawing which shows the correspondence of a packet loss rate and video / audio quality. It is explanatory drawing which shows the correspondence of the total quality (actual value) used as learning data, and the total quality (estimated value) used with the communication quality estimation apparatus concerning the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is explanatory drawing which shows the correspondence of the total quality (measured value) made into the non-learning data, and the total quality (estimated value) used with the communication quality estimation apparatus concerning the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the communication quality estimation apparatus concerning the 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a structural example of the multipoint communication concerning the 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the communication quality estimation apparatus concerning the 3rd Embodiment of this invention. Explanatory drawing which shows the correspondence of the total quality (measured value) made into non-learning data and the total quality (estimated value) using speaker discriminating information used with the communication quality estimation apparatus concerning the 3rd Embodiment of this invention. It is. Explanatory drawing which shows the correspondence of the total quality (measured value) used as non-learning data, and the total quality (estimated value) which does not use speaker discrimination | determination information used with the communication quality estimation apparatus concerning the 3rd Embodiment of this invention. It is.

Explanation of symbols

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 ... Communication quality estimation apparatus, 11 ... Operation processing part, 11A ... Inter-point quality estimation means, 11B ... Comprehensive quality estimation means, 12 ... Memory | storage part, 20 ... Communication quality estimation apparatus, 21 ... Operation processing part, 21A ... Between points Quality estimation means, 21B ... Total quality estimation means, 22 ... Storage section, 30 ... Communication quality estimation apparatus, 31 ... Calculation processing section, 31A ... Inter-point quality estimation means, 31B ... Total quality estimation means, 32 ... Storage section, 33 ... Speaker discrimination unit.

Claims (18)

Based on the correspondence relationship for quality estimation stored in advance in the storage unit, each of the other displayed and reproduced at the local point by the arithmetic processing unit during multi-point communication between the local point and a plurality of other points different from the local point In the communication quality estimation method used in the communication quality estimation apparatus for estimating the total quality for video / audio signals from a point,
Based on the correspondence between the quality factor value related to the video / audio signal transmitted between any two points stored in the storage unit and the point-to-point quality for the video / audio signal, the multipoint communication is performed. A point-to-point quality estimation step for estimating the point-to-point quality corresponding to each quality factor value obtained for the video / audio signal transmitted between the own point and each other point;
The inter-point quality for each video / audio signal transmitted between the local point and each other point and the overall quality for each video / audio signal displayed and reproduced at the local point, stored in the storage unit A communication quality estimation method, comprising: an overall quality estimation step for estimating an overall quality corresponding to the inter-point quality obtained in the inter-point quality estimation step based on the correspondence relationship. Based on the correspondence relationship for quality estimation stored in advance in the storage unit, each of the other displayed and reproduced at the local point by the arithmetic processing unit during multi-point communication between the local point and a plurality of other points different from the local point In the communication quality estimation method used in the communication quality estimation apparatus for estimating the total quality for video / audio signals from a point,
Based on the correspondence between the quality factor value related to the video / audio signal transmitted between any two points stored in the storage unit and the point-to-point quality for the video / audio signal, the multipoint communication is performed. A point-to-point quality estimation step for estimating the point-to-point quality corresponding to each quality factor value obtained for the video / audio signal transmitted between the own point and each other point;
Each video / audio signal reproduced and displayed at its own point by linearly adding the point-to-point quality value obtained in the point-to-point quality estimation step based on a constant corresponding to the degree of influence on the total quality. A communication quality estimation method comprising: an overall quality estimation step for estimating an overall quality for. Based on the correspondence relationship for quality estimation stored in advance in the storage unit, each of the other displayed and reproduced at the local point by the arithmetic processing unit during multi-point communication between the local point and a plurality of other points different from the local point In the communication quality estimation method used in the communication quality estimation apparatus for estimating the total quality for video / audio signals from a point,
Based on the correspondence between the quality factor value related to the video / audio signal transmitted between any two points stored in the storage unit and the point-to-point quality for the video / audio signal, the multipoint communication is performed. A point-to-point quality estimation step for estimating the point-to-point quality corresponding to each quality factor value obtained for the video / audio signal transmitted between the own point and each other point;
By integrating the inter-point quality values obtained in the inter-point quality estimation step based on constants corresponding to the degree of influence on the total quality, each video / audio signal reproduced and displayed at its own point A communication quality estimation method comprising: an overall quality estimation step for estimating the overall quality. Based on the correspondence relationship for quality estimation stored in advance in the storage unit, each of the other displayed and reproduced at the local point by the arithmetic processing unit during multi-point communication between the local point and a plurality of other points different from the local point In the communication quality estimation method used in the communication quality estimation apparatus for estimating the total quality for video / audio signals from a point,
Based on the correspondence between the quality factor value related to the video / audio signal transmitted between any two points stored in the storage unit and the point-to-point quality for the video / audio signal, the multipoint communication is performed. A point-to-point quality estimation step for estimating the point-to-point quality corresponding to each quality factor value obtained for the video / audio signal transmitted between the own point and each other point;
The inter-point quality value obtained in the inter-point quality estimation step is classified according to the quality of the quality, and the sorted quality values are linear based on constants corresponding to the degree of influence on the total quality. A communication quality estimation method comprising: a total quality estimation step of estimating a total quality for each video / audio signal reproduced and displayed at the local point by adding. Based on the correspondence relationship for quality estimation stored in advance in the storage unit, each of the other displayed and reproduced at the local point by the arithmetic processing unit during multi-point communication between the local point and a plurality of other points different from the local point In the communication quality estimation method used in the communication quality estimation apparatus for estimating the total quality for video / audio signals from a point,
Based on the correspondence between the quality factor value related to the video / audio signal transmitted between any two points stored in the storage unit and the point-to-point quality for the video / audio signal, the multipoint communication is performed. A point-to-point quality estimation step for estimating the point-to-point quality corresponding to each quality factor value obtained with respect to the video / audio signal transmitted between the own point and each other point and between each other point;
The inter-point quality for each video / audio signal stored in the storage unit and transmitted between the local point and each other point and between each other point and each video / audio displayed and reproduced at the own point A communication quality estimation method comprising: a total quality estimation step for estimating a total quality corresponding to the inter-point quality obtained in the inter-point quality estimation step based on a correspondence relationship with the total quality for the signal. . Based on the correspondence relationship for quality estimation stored in advance in the storage unit, each of the other displayed and reproduced at the local point by the arithmetic processing unit during multi-point communication between the local point and a plurality of other points different from the local point In the communication quality estimation method used in the communication quality estimation apparatus for estimating the total quality for video / audio signals from a point,
A speaker determination step of determining a speaker based on the video / audio signal from the other point;
One of the correspondence relationships between the quality factor value related to the video / audio signal transmitted between any two points and the quality between the points corresponding to the video / audio signal, stored in the storage unit, is the speaker determination step. The point-to-point quality corresponding to each quality factor value obtained for the video / audio signal transmitted between the local point and each other point during the multipoint communication is selected based on the determination result A point-to-point quality estimation step based on
The inter-point quality for each video / audio signal transmitted between the local point and each other point and the overall quality for each video / audio signal displayed and reproduced at the local point, stored in the storage unit A communication quality estimation method, comprising: an overall quality estimation step for estimating an overall quality corresponding to the inter-point quality obtained in the inter-point quality estimation step based on the correspondence relationship. Based on the correspondence relationship for quality estimation stored in advance in the storage unit, each of the other displayed and reproduced at the local point by the arithmetic processing unit during multi-point communication between the local point and a plurality of other points different from the local point In a communication quality estimation device that estimates the overall quality of video / audio signals from a point,
The arithmetic processing unit includes:
Based on the correspondence between the quality factor value related to the video / audio signal transmitted between any two points stored in the storage unit and the point-to-point quality for the video / audio signal, the multipoint communication is performed. Point-to-point quality estimation means for estimating the point-to-point quality corresponding to each quality factor value obtained for the video / audio signal transmitted between the own point and each other point;
The inter-point quality for each video / audio signal transmitted between the local point and each other point and the overall quality for each video / audio signal displayed and reproduced at the local point, stored in the storage unit A communication quality estimation apparatus comprising: an overall quality estimation unit that estimates an overall quality corresponding to the inter-point quality obtained by the inter-point quality estimation unit based on the correspondence relationship. Based on the correspondence relationship for quality estimation stored in advance in the storage unit, each of the other displayed and reproduced at the local point by the arithmetic processing unit during multi-point communication between the local point and a plurality of other points different from the local point In a communication quality estimation device that estimates the overall quality of video / audio signals from a point,
The arithmetic processing unit includes:
Based on the correspondence between the quality factor value related to the video / audio signal transmitted between any two points stored in the storage unit and the point-to-point quality for the video / audio signal, the multipoint communication is performed. Point-to-point quality estimation means for estimating the point-to-point quality corresponding to each quality factor value obtained for the video / audio signal transmitted between the own point and each other point;
Each video / audio signal reproduced and displayed at its own point by linearly adding the point-to-point quality value obtained by the point-to-point quality estimation means based on a constant corresponding to the degree of influence on the total quality. A communication quality estimation device comprising: overall quality estimation means for estimating the overall quality with respect to. Based on the correspondence relationship for quality estimation stored in advance in the storage unit, each of the other displayed and reproduced at the local point by the arithmetic processing unit during multi-point communication between the local point and a plurality of other points different from the local point In a communication quality estimation device that estimates the overall quality of video / audio signals from a point,
The arithmetic processing unit includes:
Based on the correspondence between the quality factor value related to the video / audio signal transmitted between any two points stored in the storage unit and the point-to-point quality for the video / audio signal, the multipoint communication is performed. Point-to-point quality estimation means for estimating the point-to-point quality corresponding to each quality factor value obtained for the video / audio signal transmitted between the own point and each other point;
By integrating the inter-point quality values obtained by the inter-point quality estimation means based on constants corresponding to the respective influences on the total quality, each video / audio signal reproduced and displayed at its own point A communication quality estimation device comprising: overall quality estimation means for estimating overall quality. Based on the correspondence relationship for quality estimation stored in advance in the storage unit, each of the other displayed and reproduced at the local point by the arithmetic processing unit during multi-point communication between the local point and a plurality of other points different from the local point In a communication quality estimation device that estimates the overall quality of video / audio signals from a point,
The arithmetic processing unit includes:
Based on the correspondence between the quality factor value related to the video / audio signal transmitted between any two points stored in the storage unit and the point-to-point quality for the video / audio signal, the multipoint communication is performed. Point-to-point quality estimation means for estimating the point-to-point quality corresponding to each quality factor value obtained for the video / audio signal transmitted between the own point and each other point;
The point-to-point quality estimation means obtained by the point-to-point quality estimation means is sorted according to the quality of the quality, and the sorted quality values are linearly added based on constants according to the degree of influence on the total quality. And a total quality estimation means for estimating a total quality for each video / audio signal reproduced and displayed at the local point. Based on the correspondence relationship for quality estimation stored in advance in the storage unit, each of the other displayed and reproduced at the local point by the arithmetic processing unit during multi-point communication between the local point and a plurality of other points different from the local point In a communication quality estimation device that estimates the overall quality of video / audio signals from a point,
The arithmetic processing unit includes:
Based on the correspondence between the quality factor value related to the video / audio signal transmitted between any two points stored in the storage unit and the point-to-point quality for the video / audio signal, the multipoint communication is performed. A point-to-point quality estimation means for estimating the point-to-point quality corresponding to each quality factor value obtained for the video / audio signal transmitted between the own point and each other point and between each other point;
The inter-point quality for each video / audio signal stored in the storage unit and transmitted between the local point and each other point and between each other point and each video / audio displayed and reproduced at the own point Comprehensive quality estimation means for estimating the overall quality corresponding to the inter-point quality obtained by the inter-point quality estimation means based on a correspondence relationship with the overall quality for the signal. . Based on the correspondence relationship for quality estimation stored in advance in the storage unit, each of the other displayed and reproduced at the local point by the arithmetic processing unit during multi-point communication between the local point and a plurality of other points different from the local point In a communication quality estimation device that estimates the overall quality of video / audio signals from a point,
The arithmetic processing unit includes:
A speaker discriminating means for discriminating a speaker based on the video / audio signal from the other point;
One of the correspondence relations between the quality factor value relating to the video / audio signal transmitted between any two points and the quality between the points for the video / audio signal, stored in the storage unit, is determined by the speaker discriminating means. The point-to-point quality corresponding to each quality factor value obtained for the video / audio signal transmitted between the local point and each other point during the multipoint communication is selected based on the determination result A point-to-point quality estimation means for estimating each based on
The inter-point quality for each video / audio signal transmitted between the local point and each other point and the overall quality for each video / audio signal displayed and reproduced at the local point, stored in the storage unit A communication quality estimation apparatus comprising: an overall quality estimation unit that estimates an overall quality corresponding to the inter-point quality obtained by the inter-point quality estimation unit based on the correspondence relationship. Based on the correspondence relationship for quality estimation stored in advance in the storage unit, each of the other displayed and reproduced at the local point by the arithmetic processing unit during multi-point communication between the local point and a plurality of other points different from the local point To the computer of the communication quality estimation device that estimates the overall quality of the video / audio signal from the point,
Based on the correspondence between the quality factor value related to the video / audio signal transmitted between any two points stored in the storage unit and the point-to-point quality for the video / audio signal, the multipoint communication is performed. A point-to-point quality estimation step for estimating the point-to-point quality corresponding to each quality factor value obtained for the video / audio signal transmitted between the own point and each other point;
The inter-point quality for each video / audio signal transmitted between the local point and each other point and the overall quality for each video / audio signal displayed and reproduced at the local point, stored in the storage unit A program for executing an overall quality estimation step for estimating an overall quality corresponding to the inter-point quality obtained in the inter-point quality estimation step based on the correspondence relationship. Based on the correspondence relationship for quality estimation stored in advance in the storage unit, each of the other displayed and reproduced at the local point by the arithmetic processing unit during multi-point communication between the local point and a plurality of other points different from the local point To the computer of the communication quality estimation device that estimates the overall quality of the video / audio signal from the point,
Based on the correspondence between the quality factor value related to the video / audio signal transmitted between any two points stored in the storage unit and the point-to-point quality for the video / audio signal, the multipoint communication is performed. A point-to-point quality estimation step for estimating the point-to-point quality corresponding to each quality factor value obtained for the video / audio signal transmitted between the own point and each other point;
Each video / audio signal reproduced and displayed at its own point by linearly adding the point-to-point quality value obtained by the point-to-point quality estimation means based on a constant corresponding to the degree of influence on the total quality. And a total quality estimation step for estimating a total quality for. Based on the correspondence relationship for quality estimation stored in advance in the storage unit, each of the other displayed and reproduced at the local point by the arithmetic processing unit during multi-point communication between the local point and a plurality of other points different from the local point To the computer of the communication quality estimation device that estimates the overall quality of the video / audio signal from the point,
Based on the correspondence between the quality factor value related to the video / audio signal transmitted between any two points stored in the storage unit and the point-to-point quality for the video / audio signal, the multipoint communication is performed. A point-to-point quality estimation step for estimating the point-to-point quality corresponding to each quality factor value obtained for the video / audio signal transmitted between the own point and each other point;
By integrating the inter-point quality values obtained by the inter-point quality estimation means based on constants corresponding to the respective influences on the total quality, each video / audio signal reproduced and displayed at its own point A program for executing an overall quality estimation step for estimating overall quality. Based on the correspondence relationship for quality estimation stored in advance in the storage unit, each of the other displayed and reproduced at the local point by the arithmetic processing unit during multi-point communication between the local point and a plurality of other points different from the local point To the computer of the communication quality estimation device that estimates the overall quality of the video / audio signal from the point,
Based on the correspondence between the quality factor value related to the video / audio signal transmitted between any two points stored in the storage unit and the point-to-point quality for the video / audio signal, the multipoint communication is performed. A point-to-point quality estimation step for estimating the point-to-point quality corresponding to each quality factor value obtained for the video / audio signal transmitted between the own point and each other point;
The inter-point quality value obtained by the inter-point quality estimation means is classified according to the quality of the quality, and the sorted quality values are linear based on constants according to the degree of influence on the total quality. A total quality estimation step for estimating a total quality for each video / audio signal reproduced and displayed at the local point by adding. Based on the correspondence relationship for quality estimation stored in advance in the storage unit, each of the other displayed and reproduced at the local point by the arithmetic processing unit during multi-point communication between the local point and a plurality of other points different from the local point To the computer of the communication quality estimation device that estimates the overall quality of the video / audio signal from the point,
Based on the correspondence between the quality factor value related to the video / audio signal transmitted between any two points stored in the storage unit and the point-to-point quality for the video / audio signal, the multipoint communication is performed. A point-to-point quality estimation step for estimating the point-to-point quality corresponding to each quality factor value obtained with respect to the video / audio signal transmitted between the own point and each other point and between each other point;
The inter-point quality for each video / audio signal stored in the storage unit and transmitted between the local point and each other point and between each other point and each video / audio displayed and reproduced at the own point A program for executing an overall quality estimation step for estimating an overall quality corresponding to the inter-point quality obtained in the inter-site quality estimation step based on a correspondence relationship with the overall quality for the signal. Based on the correspondence relationship for quality estimation stored in advance in the storage unit, each of the other displayed and reproduced at the local point by the arithmetic processing unit during multi-point communication between the local point and a plurality of other points different from the local point To the computer of the communication quality estimation device that estimates the overall quality of the video / audio signal from the point,
A speaker determination step of determining a speaker based on the video / audio signal from the other point;
One of the correspondence relationships between the quality factor value related to the video / audio signal transmitted between any two points and the quality between the points corresponding to the video / audio signal, stored in the storage unit, is the speaker determination step. The point-to-point quality corresponding to each quality factor value obtained for the video / audio signal transmitted between the local point and each other point during the multipoint communication is selected based on the determination result A point-to-point quality estimation step based on
The inter-point quality for each video / audio signal transmitted between the local point and each other point and the overall quality for each video / audio signal displayed and reproduced at the local point, stored in the storage unit A program for executing an overall quality estimation step for estimating an overall quality corresponding to the inter-point quality obtained in the inter-point quality estimation step based on the correspondence relationship.

Images