JP2013066045A - Information processing system, information processor, and information processing program - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an information processor which is configured to reproduce a moving image to which a requirement of an operator for one of image quality, resolution, and frame rate or a combination among them for the moving image is applied when the moving image is to be reproduced by a plurality of moving image reproduction devices by synchronizing the devices.SOLUTION: Requirement transmission means of an information processor transmits a requirement for one of image quality, resolution and frame rate or a combination among them for a moving image to be reproduced by synchronizing with other information processors, to a moving image transmitter on the basis of operations by an operator. Moving image reception means receives the moving image converted by the moving image transmitter on the basis of the requirement transmitted by the requirement transmission means. Reproduction means reproduces the moving image received by the moving image reception means.

Description

  The present invention relates to an information processing system, an information processing apparatus, and an information processing program.

There is a technique for synchronizing the playback of moving images with a plurality of moving image playback devices.
As a technology related to this, for example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2004-151867 has an object to synchronize recording and / or reproduction of a connection destination and a broadcast program, and to specify a broadcast program to be recorded and / or reproduced from the connection destination. Broadcasting with the connection destination can be performed at any time without any restrictions on the recording and playback of the same broadcast program by synchronizing the recording and playback of the broadcast program with the connection destination and sending and receiving the synchronization request. Simultaneous playback of programs can be performed together with a call, and with such a configuration, recording and / or playback of a broadcast program can be synchronized with the connection destination, and broadcast programs to be recorded and / or played can be designated from the connection destination. It is disclosed that the convenience of a device having a communication function, a broadcast reception function, and a broadcast program recording and / or playback function is improved.

  In addition, for example, in Patent Document 2, it is an object to synchronize content reproduction operations for a plurality of devices in a state where the same content can be simultaneously distributed to a plurality of devices on a network. In a state where the same content can be simultaneously delivered to one content playback device, when a user operation is performed on one content playback device, the content playback device that has received the user's operation transmits content playback to the content server. When a notification of an event relating to a state change is issued, and the content server receives the notification of the event, the content server controls a content playback device other than the content playback device. Disclosed to match the playback state of the device That.

  Further, for example, Patent Document 3 has an object to realize comprehensive image quality adjustment by only one operation without independently operating two of an image format and a frame rate. In typical image quality adjustment, parameter conversion data that defines the encoding bit rate and encoding frame rate applicable for each image format is stored in advance in the storage unit, and the image quality adjustment parameter is input from the parameter input unit. It is disclosed that an adjustment unit determines an encoding frame rate and an image quality format by referring to parameter conversion data in a storage unit using the input image quality adjustment parameter as a key, and outputs them to a video encoding processing unit. Has been.

JP 2010-206414 A JP 2009-253889 A JP 2000-165864 A

  In the present invention, when a moving image is played back synchronously by a plurality of moving image playback devices, a moving image reflecting an operator's request for one or a combination of image quality, resolution, and frame rate for the moving image is reflected. An object of the present invention is to provide an information processing system, an information processing apparatus, and an information processing program that are reproduced.

The gist of the present invention for achieving the object lies in the inventions of the following items.
According to the first aspect of the present invention, a band acquisition unit that acquires a band in communication with a plurality of video playback devices, and a plurality of video playback devices synchronize videos based on the bandwidth acquired by the band acquisition unit. Band determining means for determining a band in communication for reproduction, request receiving means for receiving a request for one or a combination of image quality, resolution, and frame rate for moving images from the moving image reproducing device, or the band determining A video conversion means for converting a video encoding parameter based on the bandwidth determined by the means and the request received by the request receiving means; and according to the bandwidth determined by the bandwidth determination means, each video playback device On the other hand, a moving picture transmitting apparatus having moving picture transmitting means for transmitting the moving picture converted by the moving picture converting means. And any one of image quality, resolution, and frame rate for a video to be played back in synchronization with another video playback device based on an operation of the operator with respect to the request reception unit of the video transmission device, or any of these A moving image having request transmitting means for transmitting a request for a combination, moving image receiving means for receiving the moving image transmitted by the moving image transmitting means of the moving image transmitting apparatus, and reproducing means for reproducing the moving image received by the moving image receiving means An information processing system comprising a playback device.

  The invention according to claim 2 is that a band acquisition unit that acquires a band in communication with a plurality of video playback devices, and that the video is synchronized by the plurality of video playback devices based on the band acquired by the band acquisition unit. Band determining means for determining a band in communication for reproduction, request receiving means for receiving a request for one or a combination of image quality, resolution, and frame rate for moving images from the moving image reproducing device, or the band determining A video conversion means for converting a video encoding parameter based on the bandwidth determined by the means and the request received by the request receiving means; and according to the bandwidth determined by the bandwidth determination means, each video playback device On the other hand, it comprises a moving picture transmitting means for sending the moving picture converted by the moving picture converting means. Is an information processing apparatus to be.

  According to a third aspect of the present invention, any one or a combination of image quality, resolution, and frame rate for a moving image that is reproduced in synchronization with another information processing device based on an operation of the operator with respect to the moving image transmission device. A request transmission means for transmitting a request for the video, a video reception means for receiving a video converted by the video transmission device based on the request transmitted by the request transmission means, and a reproduction of the video received by the video reception means An information processing apparatus comprising playback means for performing the above-described operation.

  According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, the request receiving means receives a request for one or a combination of image quality, resolution, and frame rate of each frame of the moving image, and the moving image converting means is the request receiving means. The information processing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the encoding parameter of the moving image is converted for each frame based on the request received by.

  In the fifth aspect of the present invention, when the request receiving unit receives a request while the moving image transmitting unit is transmitting a moving image, the moving image converting unit applies to the moving image not yet transmitted. 5. The information processing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the encoding parameter of the moving image is converted based on the request.

  The invention of claim 6 stores the request received by the request receiving means so that the moving picture conversion means can convert the encoding parameter of the moving picture based on the request when the moving picture is transmitted next time. The video conversion means further comprises a video encoding parameter that is converted based on the band determined by the band determination means and the request stored in the storage means. The information processing apparatus according to any one of 2, 4, and 5.

  According to the seventh aspect of the present invention, when a new video playback device that plays back the video in synchronization is connected while the video transmission means is transmitting the video, the bandwidth acquisition means The bandwidth determination unit obtains a bandwidth in communication with the device, and the bandwidth determination unit reproduces the video in synchronization with a plurality of video playback devices including the new video playback device based on the bandwidth acquired by the bandwidth acquisition unit. The information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 2, 4, 5, and 6, wherein a band in communication for communication is determined.

  The invention according to claim 8 is a second moving image receiving means for receiving the second moving image transmitted by the moving image transmitting apparatus, and a moving image storage for storing the second moving image received by the second moving image receiving means. And the second moving image received by the second moving image receiving means has a higher image quality than the first moving image received by the moving image receiving means. When it is detected that the reception of the second moving image by the second moving image receiving unit is completed while the first moving image received by the receiving unit is being reproduced, the reproduction of the first moving image is performed. The information processing apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the information processing apparatus stops and reproduces the second moving image stored by the moving image storage unit.

  According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a bandwidth acquisition unit that acquires a bandwidth in communication with a plurality of video playback devices, and a video that is acquired by the plurality of video playback devices based on the bandwidth acquired by the bandwidth acquisition unit. Bandwidth determining means for determining a bandwidth in communication for synchronous playback; request receiving means for receiving a request for any one of image quality, resolution, and frame rate for a moving image, or a combination thereof from the moving image reproducing device; Based on the band determined by the band determining unit and the request received by the request receiving unit, the moving image converting unit that converts the encoding parameter of the moving image, and each moving image according to the band determined by the band determining unit A moving picture transmitting means for sending the moving picture converted by the moving picture converting means to the playback apparatus; An information processing program for causing Te.

  According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, any one of image quality, resolution, and frame rate for a moving image to be reproduced in synchronization with another information processing device based on an operator's operation with respect to the moving image transmitting device, or Request transmission means for transmitting a request for these combinations, video reception means for receiving a video converted by the video transmission device based on the request transmitted by the request transmission means, received by the video reception means It is an information processing program for functioning as a reproduction means for reproducing a moving image.

  According to the information processing system of claim 1, when a moving image is reproduced synchronously by a plurality of moving image reproducing devices, the operator's operation for any one of image quality, resolution, and frame rate for the moving image, or a combination thereof. A video that reflects the request can be played.

  According to the information processing apparatus of the second aspect, in the case where a plurality of moving image reproducing devices reproduce a moving image synchronously, an operator's operation for any one of image quality, resolution, and frame rate for the moving image or a combination thereof A moving image reflecting the request can be transmitted.

  According to the information processing device of claim 3, when a moving image is reproduced in synchronization by a plurality of moving image reproducing devices, an operator's operation for any one of image quality, resolution, and frame rate for the moving image, or a combination thereof. A video that reflects the request can be played.

  According to the information processing apparatus of the fourth aspect, it is possible to transmit a moving image in which the operator's request is reflected for each frame of the moving image.

  According to the information processing apparatus of the fifth aspect, it is possible to transmit a moving image reflecting an operator's request even during transmission of the moving image.

  According to the information processing apparatus of the sixth aspect, it is possible to reproduce the moving image according to the request in the previous reproduction.

  According to the information processing device of the seventh aspect, even when the number of moving image playback devices increases during the transmission of the moving image, the moving image can be played back synchronously.

  According to the information processing apparatus of the eighth aspect, the first moving image is reproduced first, and the information processing device after the reception of the second moving image has the second image quality higher than that of the first moving image. Will be able to play videos.

  According to the information processing program of claim 9, when a moving image is reproduced in synchronization by a plurality of moving image reproducing devices, an operator's operation for any one of image quality, resolution, and frame rate for the moving image, or a combination thereof. A moving image reflecting the request can be transmitted.

  According to the information processing program of the tenth aspect, in the case where a moving image is reproduced in synchronism with a plurality of moving image reproducing devices, an operator's operation for any one of image quality, resolution, and frame rate for the moving image, or a combination thereof. A video that reflects the request can be played.

It is a conceptual module block diagram about the structural example of 1st Embodiment. It is explanatory drawing which shows the system configuration example in the case of implement | achieving 1st Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the process example by 1st Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the process example by 1st Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the process example by 1st Embodiment. It is explanatory drawing which shows the example of a data structure of a moving image information table. It is explanatory drawing which shows the example of a data structure of a user profile table. It is explanatory drawing which shows the example of a data structure of a session management table. It is explanatory drawing which shows the example of a data structure of a reproduction | regeneration moving image file management information table. It is a flowchart which shows the process example by this Embodiment. It is explanatory drawing which shows the example of a moving image display screen. It is explanatory drawing which shows the example of the request | requirement of the frame rate with respect to a moving image display screen. It is explanatory drawing which shows the example of the request | requirement of the frame rate with respect to a moving image display screen. It is explanatory drawing which shows the example of a reproduction | regeneration moving image file management information table. It is a conceptual module block diagram about the structural example of 2nd Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the process example by 2nd Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the process example by 2nd Embodiment. It is explanatory drawing which shows the example of a data structure of a moving image file management table. It is a block diagram which shows the hardware structural example of the computer which implement | achieves this Embodiment.

Hereinafter, examples of various preferred embodiments for realizing the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
FIG. 1 is a conceptual module configuration diagram of a configuration example according to the first embodiment.
The module generally refers to components such as software (computer program) and hardware that can be logically separated. Therefore, the module in the present embodiment indicates not only a module in a computer program but also a module in a hardware configuration. Therefore, the present embodiment is a computer program for causing these modules to function (a program for causing a computer to execute each procedure, a program for causing a computer to function as each means, and a function for each computer. This also serves as an explanation of the program and system and method for realizing the above. However, for the sake of explanation, the words “store”, “store”, and equivalents thereof are used. However, when the embodiment is a computer program, these words are stored in a storage device or stored in memory. It is the control to be stored in the device. Modules may correspond to functions one-to-one, but in mounting, one module may be configured by one program, or a plurality of modules may be configured by one program, and conversely, one module May be composed of a plurality of programs. The plurality of modules may be executed by one computer, or one module may be executed by a plurality of computers in a distributed or parallel environment. Note that one module may include other modules. Hereinafter, “connection” is used not only for physical connection but also for logical connection (data exchange, instruction, reference relationship between data, etc.). “Predetermined” means that the process is determined before the target process, and not only before the process according to this embodiment starts but also after the process according to this embodiment starts. In addition, if it is before the target processing, it is used in accordance with the situation / state at that time or with the intention to be decided according to the situation / state up to that point. In addition, the description having the meaning of “do B when it is A” is used in the meaning of “determine whether or not it is A and do B when it is judged as A”. However, the case where it is not necessary to determine whether or not A is excluded.
In addition, the system or device is configured by connecting a plurality of computers, hardware, devices, and the like by communication means such as a network (including one-to-one correspondence communication connection), etc., and one computer, hardware, device. The case where it implement | achieves by etc. is also included. “Apparatus” and “system” are used as synonymous terms. Of course, the “system” does not include a social “mechanism” (social system) that is an artificial arrangement.
In addition, when performing a plurality of processes in each module or in each module, the target information is read from the storage device for each process, and the processing result is written to the storage device after performing the processing. is there. Therefore, description of reading from the storage device before processing and writing to the storage device after processing may be omitted. Here, the storage device may include a hard disk, a RAM (Random Access Memory), an external storage medium, a storage device via a communication line, a register in a CPU (Central Processing Unit), and the like.

  The information processing system according to the first embodiment reproduces a moving image in synchronization with a plurality of client devices 150, and includes a server device 100 and a client device 150 as shown in the example of FIG. ing. Server apparatus 100 and client apparatus 150 are connected via a communication line. The server apparatus 100 has a function as a moving picture transmission apparatus, and the client apparatus 150 has a function as a moving picture reproduction apparatus. There are a plurality of client devices 150.

  The server device 100 includes a moving image file repository 110, a bandwidth measurement module 115, a moving image quality adjustment module 120, a synchronous viewing session management module 125, and a moving image streaming module 130. In addition, each module in the server device 100 may be realized as an individual information processing device (for example, a server device), or as a plurality of information processing devices each including a plurality of modules. It may be realized.

  The moving image file repository 110 is connected to the moving image quality adjustment module 120. The moving image file repository 110 stores moving images (moving image data). Further, a streaming video generated from the video may be stored.

The bandwidth measurement module 115 is connected to the video quality adjustment module 120, the video streaming module 130, and the streaming playback module 170. The bandwidth measurement module 115 acquires a bandwidth in communication with the plurality of client devices 150. Based on the obtained bandwidth, the plurality of client devices 150 determine a bandwidth in communication for reproducing a moving image in synchronization.
For example, determining by selecting the lowest bandwidth, subtracting a predetermined value from the lowest bandwidth, a predetermined value (less than 1) to the lowest bandwidth There are things such as multiplication.
In addition, when a new client device 150 that plays back the moving image in synchronization is connected while the moving image streaming module 130 is transmitting the moving image, the bandwidth measurement module 115 communicates with the client device 150. The bandwidth in communication for reproducing a moving image synchronously by a plurality of client devices 150 including the new client device 150 may be determined based on the obtained bandwidth.

The moving image quality adjustment module 120 is connected to the moving image file repository 110, the bandwidth measurement module 115, the synchronous viewing session management module 125, the moving image streaming module 130, and the quality adjustment operation reception module 165. The moving image quality adjustment module 120 receives a request for one or a combination of image quality, resolution, and frame rate for the moving image from the quality adjustment operation receiving module 165 of the client device 150. Then, based on the bandwidth determined by the bandwidth measurement module 115 and the received request, a streaming moving image for converting the encoding parameter of the moving image is generated. Note that “converting the encoding parameter of a moving image” includes converting the moving image.
The moving image quality adjustment module 120 receives a request for one or a combination of image quality, resolution, and frame rate of each frame of the moving image, and based on the received request, the moving image encoding parameter is set for each frame. May be converted.
In addition, when the video quality adjustment module 120 receives a request while the video streaming module 130 is transmitting a video, the video quality adjustment module 120 applies a request to a video that has not yet been transmitted. Thus, the encoding parameter of the moving image may be converted.
The video quality adjustment module 120 stores the received request in the storage module so that the video quality adjustment module 120 can convert the encoding parameter of the video based on the request when the video is transmitted next time, The encoding parameter of the moving image may be converted based on the bandwidth determined by the bandwidth measuring module 115 and the request stored in the storage module. Here, “when a moving image is transmitted next time” refers to a case where there is an instruction to reproduce the same moving image as the current moving image in the next new session.

The synchronous viewing session management module 125 is connected to the moving image quality adjustment module 120 and the synchronous viewing command transmission / reception module 160. The synchronized viewing session management module 125 receives the operation of the operator for the moving image when the moving image is being reproduced while being synchronized between the plurality of client devices 150. Then, instruction information relating to the operation (for example, information (command, event, etc.) indicating an operation such as reproduction or pause is referred to as “operation” hereinafter) is stored in the storage module.
For example, the synchronous viewing session management module 125 manages which user and which user is watching what video is synchronized as session information. In addition, the synchronous viewing command issued in the session is received and transferred to the synchronous viewing command transmission / reception module 160 of the client device 150 used by a user other than the issuer. This function realizes synchronous viewing.
Further, the stored operation may be transmitted in accordance with a request from the client device 150. For example, the synchronous viewing session management module 125 records the synchronous viewing command together with the generation timing (occurrence time, elapsed time after starting the reproduction of the moving image, etc.), and when there is a request from the client device 150, It transmits to the client device 150.

  The video streaming module 130 is connected to the bandwidth measurement module 115, the video quality adjustment module 120, and the streaming playback module 170. The video streaming module 130 transmits the streaming video converted by the video quality adjustment module 120 to the streaming playback module 170 of the client device 150 according to the bandwidth determined by the bandwidth measurement module 115. The video streaming module 130 transmits a streaming video to the plurality of client devices 150. For example, when there is a streaming video corresponding to the video data specified by the user (operator, viewer, etc.) in the video file repository 110, the video streaming module 130 transmits the streaming video. If there is no streaming video in the video file repository 110, the video quality adjustment module 120 generates a streaming video from the original video data in the video file repository 110, and transmits the generated streaming video. To do.

  The client device 150 includes a synchronous viewing command transmission / reception module 160, a quality adjustment operation reception module 165, and a streaming playback module 170. This is used by the user to view a moving image.

The synchronous viewing command transmission / reception module 160 is connected to the synchronous viewing session management module 125. The synchronous viewing command transmission / reception module 160 requests an operation stored in the synchronous viewing session management module 125 of the server apparatus 100, and receives an operation transmitted by the synchronous viewing session management module 125 of the server apparatus 100 according to the request. . Then, the streaming reproduction module 170 is controlled to reproduce the moving image and the operation based on the received operation.
For example, the synchronous viewing command transmission / reception module 160 reproduces the session based on the recording received from the synchronous viewing session management module 125.
Then, when an operation is performed on the moving image by the operator, the synchronous viewing command transmission / reception module 160 transmits the operation to the synchronous viewing session management module 125 of the server device 100.

The quality adjustment operation reception module 165 is connected to the moving image quality adjustment module 120. The quality adjustment operation accepting module 165 instructs the moving image quality adjusting module 120 of the server device 100 to select one of the image quality, resolution, and frame rate for the moving image to be reproduced in synchronization with the other client devices 150 based on the operation of the operator. Send a request for one or a combination of these.
Further, the quality adjustment operation receiving module 165 may transmit a request for one or a combination of the image quality, resolution, and frame rate of each frame of the moving image.
In addition, the quality adjustment operation reception module 165 receives the moving image quality adjustment module 120 of the server apparatus 100 while the streaming playback module 170 is playing back the moving image (or while the streaming playback module 170 is receiving the moving image). Then, a request for the moving image may be transmitted.

The streaming playback module 170 is connected to the bandwidth measurement module 115 and the video streaming module 130. The streaming playback module 170 receives the moving image transmitted by the moving image streaming module 130 of the server device 100. Then, the received streaming video is played back. This streaming moving image is a moving image converted by the moving image quality adjustment module 120 of the server apparatus 100 based on the request transmitted by the quality adjustment operation receiving module 165.
Also, the streaming playback module 170 accepts a synchronous viewing command operation from the user and notifies the synchronous viewing command transmission / reception module 160.
The streaming playback module 170 displays a moving image window on the display device (liquid crystal display, touch panel, etc.) of the client device 150, and plays the moving image in the moving image window.

FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a system configuration when the first embodiment is realized.
The server apparatus 100, the client apparatus 150A, the client apparatus 150B, and the client apparatus 150C are connected via the communication line 200, respectively. Of course, the number of client devices 150 is not limited to three as in the example of FIG. 2, but may be more or two.
For example, when communicating remotely, it has become common to use moving images to accurately convey information to the other party. There is a system in which users in distant places communicate with each other while watching a certain moving image content synchronously (users communicate with each other using a telephone, a telephone via the Internet, a TV conference system, etc.).
When streaming video from a certain server, the image quality and frame rate must be reduced due to the network bandwidth and communication delay. Therefore, a method of sending a moving image in advance and exchanging only operations (commands, events, etc.) such as reproduction and pause has been proposed in the above-mentioned patent documents.

However, for example, when it is desired to share information quickly due to an emergency trouble, this method may take time to transfer a moving image file (especially in the case of international communication, etc.), and emergency response may not be possible. More specifically, there are cases in which it is necessary to immediately inform the development center in Japan about problems occurring at overseas factories and discuss them. The present embodiment is also used in such a case. In other words, as an example of how this embodiment is used, when performing synchronized viewing of videos between remote locations, low-quality videos may be used immediately in an emergency, so that they can be used immediately and transfer is in time or later. When looking back on the pattern of synchronous viewing, use a high-quality video.
Since the moving images are reproduced while being synchronized between the client devices 150, the operators of the respective moving image reproducing devices are viewing the same moving image at the same time. Therefore, for example, communication is performed in real time such as by telephone while viewing the same video.
Each of the client devices 150 may have the same performance, but may have different performance. Further, the communication line between the server apparatus 100 and the client apparatus 150 may have the same performance, but may have different performance.

3 to 5 are flowcharts showing an example of processing according to the first embodiment.
First, as a premise of the processing according to the present embodiment, a moving image file is stored in the moving image file repository 110, and an identifier that can be uniquely identified in the present embodiment (hereinafter also referred to as a moving image ID (IDentification)). Is allocated. The user searches and acquires the moving image ID of the moving image to be viewed in the moving image file repository 110 through a user interface (CGI program or the like).
For example, the moving image information table 400 is stored in the moving image file repository 110. FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the data structure of the moving image information table 400. The moving image information table 400 includes a moving image ID column 410, a moving image name column 420, a keyword column 430, and a moving image file storage location column 440. The moving image ID column 410 stores a moving image ID. The movie name column 420 stores the name of the movie. The keyword column 430 stores a keyword attached to the moving image. The moving image file storage location column 440 stores a storage location (specifically, a file name, a URL (Uniform Resource Locator), etc.) where the moving image is stored in the moving image file repository 110. The moving image information table 400 is searched according to a user search instruction (for example, specification of a keyword or the like), and the corresponding moving image ID is acquired.

In step S302, the synchronous viewing command transmission / reception module 160 receives a session ID (an identifier that can uniquely identify a session in the present embodiment) and a moving image ID that is a reproduction target. More specifically, in the synchronous viewing command transmission / reception module 160, client software that operates on the client device 150 for performing synchronous viewing is activated in response to a user operation, and a session name (set by the user is set as a session ID). An arbitrary name, for example, “Troubleshooting meeting” or the like, and a moving image ID that is desired to be viewed synchronously (when a new session is created and not necessary when participating in an existing session, the same applies hereinafter) are accepted. Here, the session refers to a series of operations, processing, communication, and the like from the start to the end of synchronous video viewing processing. Making a session means starting a new process of synchronous viewing of a moving image, and a session ID is given. To participate in a session refers to associating a user ID with the session ID for a video that has already been processed for synchronous viewing.
In step S304, the synchronous viewing command transmission / reception module 160 transmits the user ID, the session ID, and the moving image ID to the synchronous viewing session management module 125. More specifically, the synchronous viewing command transmission / reception module 160 is connected to the synchronous viewing session management module 125 of the server device 100, and is a user ID (an identifier that can uniquely identify a user in the present embodiment. The method is not particularly limited), and a session ID and a moving image ID are transmitted.
In step S306, the synchronous viewing session management module 125 receives the user ID, session ID, and moving image ID transmitted from the synchronous viewing command transmission / reception module 160.

In step S308, the synchronous viewing session management module 125 determines whether or not the session ID is an existing session ID. If it exists, the process proceeds to step S310. Otherwise, the process proceeds to step S312.
More specifically, the synchronous viewing session management module 125 holds a session management table 600. Thereby, the user participating in the session and the video (ID) viewed in the session are associated with each other and held. As a specific example, FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram showing a data structure example of the session management table 600. The session management table 600 includes a session ID column 610, a participating user ID list column 620, a moving image ID column 630, a session start time column 640, and a session bit rate column 650. The session ID column 610 stores the session ID of the moving image currently being viewed. The participating user ID list field 620 stores user IDs for a plurality of people participating in the session. The moving image ID column 630 stores a moving image ID of a moving image that is synchronously viewed in the session. The session start time column 640 stores the start time of the session (may include year, month, day, hour, minute, second, and may include time less than a second). The session bit rate column 650 stores information on bandwidth (bandwidth, bandwidth, bit rate, etc.) that can be used by each user. These calculations are performed by the processing from step S310 to step S332 (the information is blank until calculated).

In step S310, the synchronous viewing session management module 125 adds the user ID to the corresponding session management table 600. In other words, this is a case of participating in an existing session, and the user ID is added to the participating user ID list field 620 of the session management table 600.
In step S312, the synchronous viewing session management module 125 generates a session management table 600 and records the session start time in the session start time column 640 of the session management table 600. That is, a new session is created, a new instance of the session management table 600 is created, and the session start time that is the current time is recorded in the session start time column 640 of the session management table 600.

In step S314, the synchronous viewing command transmission / reception module 160 determines whether or not the session participation is successful. If successful, the process proceeds to step S316, otherwise proceeds to step S356. It should be noted that the notification of whether or not the session participation is successful from the synchronous viewing session management module 125 (if the instance of the session management table 600 has been created or if the user ID can be stored in the existing session management table 600, it is successful. Otherwise, it is not a success.) The synchronous viewing command transmission / reception module 160 receives and makes a determination.
In step S356, the synchronous viewing command transmission / reception module 160 presents to the user that it cannot participate in the session. Thereafter, the process ends (step S399).

In step S316, the synchronous viewing command transmission / reception module 160 notifies the streaming playback module 170 of the session ID.
In step S318, the streaming playback module 170 specifies a use bandwidth. Note that the process of step S318 may not be performed. For example, 128k, 256k, 512k, 1 Mbps, or the like may be selected by an operator's operation as an optional bandwidth.
In step S320, the streaming playback module 170 notifies the video streaming module 130 of the session ID and the used bandwidth. Of course, if the used bandwidth is not designated in step S318, the used bandwidth is not notified.

In step S322, the bandwidth measurement module 115 determines whether or not the use bandwidth is specified. If so, the process proceeds to step S330; otherwise, the process proceeds to step S324.
In step S324, the bandwidth measurement module 115 determines whether or not the use bandwidth is set in the user profile. If it is set, the process proceeds to step S326. Otherwise, the process proceeds to step S328. The bandwidth measurement module 115 may hold user profile information and store the bandwidth therein. FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the data structure of the user profile table 500. The user profile table 500 has a user ID column 510 and a bit rate column 520. The user ID column 510 stores a user ID that is information that can uniquely identify a user in the present embodiment. The bit rate column 520 stores a bandwidth that can be used by the user. The user ID column 510 may be a client device ID that is information that can uniquely identify the client device 150 in the present embodiment, instead of a user ID. In this case, the bit rate column 520 stores a bandwidth that can be used for communication with the client device.
In step S326, the bandwidth measurement module 115 extracts the used bandwidth corresponding to the user ID from the user profile.

In step S328, the bandwidth measurement module 115 measures the bandwidth. If there is no explicit designation from the user and the use bandwidth is not stored in the user profile, the bandwidth measurement module 115 measures the bandwidth. The method may be a method generally used in a TV conference system or a streaming system. For example, the server transmits a packet of a certain size at a predetermined time interval between the server and the client, and estimates the bandwidth from the interval actually received by the server or the client.
In step S330, the bandwidth measurement module 115 notifies the user viewing bandwidth to the synchronous viewing session management module 125.
In step S332, the synchronous viewing session management module 125 records the usage bandwidth of the user.
In step S334, the bandwidth measurement module 115 sets the bandwidth in the session from the user's used bandwidth. For example, as described above, it may be set by selecting the lowest bandwidth among the usage bandwidths of a plurality of users, or a predetermined value from the lowest bandwidth among the usage bandwidths. , Subtracting the lowest band, and multiplying the lowest band by a predetermined value (value less than 1).

In step S336, the video streaming module 130 notifies the video quality adjustment module 120 of the session ID.
In step S338, the moving image quality adjustment module 120 acquires the moving image ID and the bandwidth from the synchronous viewing session management module 125.
In step S340, the moving image quality adjustment module 120 acquires a moving image corresponding to the moving image ID from the moving image file repository 110.

In step S <b> 342, the moving image quality adjustment module 120 converts the moving image into a reproduction file (streaming moving image) that matches the bandwidth, and passes it to the moving image streaming module 130. Perform necessary conversions such as streaming formats. Format conversion includes, for example, processing for reducing the image quality, reducing the resolution, and degrading the frame rate in order to reduce the amount of data.
The moving image quality adjustment module 120 also stores a reproduction moving image file management information table 700. FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the data structure of the playback moving image file management information table 700. The playback video file management information table 700 has a session ID column 710, an original video file column 720, a frame column 730, and a playback video file column 740. The session ID column 710 stores a session ID. The original moving image file column 720 stores the file name of the moving image (original version) to be reproduced in the session. The frame column 730 stores the frame number in the moving image. The reproduction moving image file column 740 stores the file name of the moving image for streaming. The frame column 730 and the playback movie file column 740 indicate that the movie of the frame in the frame column 730 in the original movie is converted and the streaming movie in the playback movie file column 740 is generated. Yes. In other words, in the session ID of the session ID column 710, it is recorded that the playback video file in the playback video file column 740 is streamed from what frame to what frame of the frame column 730. The example shown in FIG. 9 shows an initial state. Thereafter, the moving image for each frame is converted in accordance with a request from the user. This will be described later using the example of FIG.

In step S344, the moving picture streaming module 130 transmits a reproduction file to the streaming reproduction module 170.
In step S346, the streaming playback module 170 receives the playback file transmitted from the video streaming module 130.
In step S348, the streaming playback module 170 plays back the playback file.
In step S350, it is determined whether or not an end operation has been performed. If there is, the process proceeds to step S352, and otherwise, the process returns to step S344. For example, the user operation includes an operation such as closing a moving image window displayed by the streaming playback module 170.
In step S352, the synchronous viewing command transmission / reception module 160 notifies the synchronous viewing session management module 125 of withdrawal from the session.
In step S354, the synchronous viewing session management module 125 receives the withdrawal notification (including the user ID), and deletes the user ID of the operator who has left the session management table 600.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing an example of processing according to this embodiment. This flowchart shows a processing example when a new user participates in the session while streaming is started and a streaming moving image is being reproduced. Specifically, when a new user is added in the processes of steps S344 to S348 in the flowcharts shown in the examples of FIGS. 3 to 5, the process according to the flowchart shown in the example of FIG. 10 is performed.
In step S802, the moving image streaming module 130 receives the reproduction file corresponding to the session ID from the moving image quality adjustment module 120, and starts streaming. Specifically, the playback file is transmitted according to the playback video file management information table 700.
In step S804, the video streaming module 130 plays the frame to the end, or a connection is received from a new user, or the session ends (the end of the session means that no user is participating in the session. Continue streaming until it means).
In step S806, the moving image streaming module 130 determines whether or not the transmission of the frame to be dealt with has ended. If completed, the process proceeds to step S808. Otherwise, the process proceeds to step S810.

In step S808, the moving image streaming module 130 searches the reproduction moving image file starting from the next frame of the corresponding session ID from the moving image quality adjustment module 120, starts streaming, and returns to the processing from step S804. Specifically, the next reproduction file is transmitted according to the reproduction moving image file management information table 700.
In step S810, the synchronous viewing session management module 125 determines whether or not a connection from a new user has come. If it has come, the process proceeds to step S812. Otherwise, the process proceeds to step S814.
In step S812, the synchronous viewing session management module 125 determines whether or not it is necessary to create a new entry and change the used bandwidth. If there is, the process proceeds to step S816; otherwise, the process proceeds to step S814. move on. Specifically, it is determined whether or not communication with the client device 150 of the new user is possible within the bandwidth in the session bit rate column 650 of the session management table 600. In other words, if the bandwidth of communication with the client device 150 of the new user is equal to or greater than the bandwidth in the session bit rate column 650 of the session management table 600, it is determined that communication is possible as it is. If it is determined that communication is possible, a new user ID is added to the participating user ID list field 620 of the session management table 600.

In step S814, the moving picture streaming module 130 determines whether or not the session has ended. If it has ended, the process ends (step S899). Otherwise, the process returns to step S804.
In step S816, the moving picture streaming module 130 interrupts the current streaming, changes the used bandwidth, starts streaming the file corresponding to the new entry, and returns to the processing from step S804. The change of the used bandwidth here may be performed in the same manner as in step S334 described above. To create a new entry, a new row is added to the session management table 600, a new user ID is added to the participating user ID list field 620 of the session management table 600, and the session bit rate of the session management table 600 is set. The changed use bandwidth is stored in the column 650.

The example of a display on the display apparatus of the client apparatus 150 is shown. FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of the moving image display screen 900. The moving image display screen 900 displays a moving image player window 910, a frame list 940, and a quality adjustment area 930. The streaming playback module 170 displays a video player window 910 and a frame list 940. The quality adjustment operation receiving module 165 displays the quality adjustment area 930. The moving image player window 910 reproduces the moving image for streaming. Further, when the seek pointer 925 on the seek bar 920 is moved by the user's operation, a moving image in accordance with the position is reproduced. In addition, buttons for operations such as playback, pause, and volume adjustment may be displayed. The frame list 940 displays a representative image for each frame (for example, the first image in the frame). The position of each frame is a position as a standard for adjustment by the frame rate adjustment area 932, the resolution adjustment area 934, and the image quality adjustment area 936 in the quality adjustment area 930.
The quality adjustment area 930 includes a frame rate adjustment area 932, a resolution adjustment area 934, and an image quality adjustment area 936. This can be changed by a user operation.

For example, when the user wants to view frames 1 to 3 with high image quality (that is, to deteriorate the frame rate), the user operates the frame rate adjustment area 932 using the mouse cursor 1000 and sets the frame rate for frames 1 to 3. Adjustment is performed so that the frame rate adjustment area 932 shown in the example of FIG. 12 is changed to the state of the frame rate adjustment area 932 shown in the example of FIG.
When receiving a user operation, the quality adjustment operation reception module 165 notifies the moving image quality adjustment module 120 of the server apparatus 100 of a request such as what quality is to be degraded from what frame to what frame.
In response to the notification request, the moving image quality adjustment module 120 cuts out the corresponding frame from the original moving image file, performs conversion according to the request, and creates a new reproduction moving image file. In other words, parameters that degrade the quality specified by the user are used at the time of creation. Of course, the moving image of the frame that has not yet been transmitted by the moving image streaming module 130 is converted. The adjustment from the example of FIG. 12 to the example of FIG. 13 is a case where transmission has not yet started, or when transmission of a moving image has already ended, but transmission from the second time onward is performed. This corresponds to the case where transmission after the first time is not performed.
Then, when the corresponding frame is reproduced, the converted moving image file for reproduction is streamed. Of course, since the moving picture streaming module 130 knows the frame currently being transmitted, if the converted moving picture file frame has been converted, the reproducing moving picture file may be transmitted. Also, the reproduction moving image file management information table 700 is updated. For example, the reproduced moving image file management information table 700 illustrated in FIG. 9 becomes the reproduced moving image file management information table 700 illustrated in FIG. Specifically, the moving image streaming module 130 transmits along the reproduction moving image file management information table 700.

  The processing described using the examples of FIGS. 11 to 14 is performed before the processing according to the flowchart shown in the example of FIG. 10 is started, that is, if the processing is completed by step S342 of the flowchart shown in the example of FIG. Good. Alternatively, in the flowchart shown in the example of FIG. 10, for example, it may be performed before the process of step S <b> 814 is started even after No is determined in step S <b> 810.

The reproduction moving image file management information table 700 stored in the moving image quality adjustment module 120 is updated during the session when such a request from the quality adjustment operation receiving module 165 is received.
Then, even after the session ends, the data of the playback video file management information table 700 is retained, and the client device 150 sends the server device 100 to the server device 100 at another opportunity (when the next synchronous viewing session for the same video occurs). When connected, when a session ID is accepted, streaming is performed based on the stored reproduction video file management information table 700. Explaining with the above example, even if the adjustment operation by the quality adjustment operation receiving module 165 is not performed, the Movie 1-3 is reproduced in the frames 1 to 3 and the Movie 1 to 6 is reproduced in the frames 4 to 6. -1 is reproduced.

The quality that can be adjusted by the user is as follows.
(1) Frame rate Reducing the frame rate maintains the resolution and image quality.
(2) Resolution (number of pixels) Lowering the resolution maintains the frame rate and image quality.
(3) Image quality By reducing the image quality, the frame rate and resolution are maintained.
(4) A combination of two or more of these

FIG. 15 is a conceptual module configuration diagram of a configuration example according to the second embodiment.
The information processing system according to the second embodiment reproduces a moving image in synchronization with a plurality of client devices 150, and includes a server device 100 and a client device 150 as shown in the example of FIG. ing. In addition, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected to the site | part same as 1st Embodiment, and the overlapping description is abbreviate | omitted.

  The server apparatus 100 includes a moving image file repository 110, a bandwidth measurement module 115, a moving image quality adjustment module 120, a synchronous viewing session management module 125, a moving image streaming module 130, and a moving image file transfer module 1314.

The moving image file repository 110 is connected to the moving image quality adjustment module 120 and the moving image file transfer module 1314. The moving image file repository 110 stores moving images (second moving images). Further, a streaming moving image (first moving image) generated from the moving image may be stored. Note that the streaming video has a lower quality than the original video (second video). For example, the resolution is lowered, the frame rate is adjusted, the resolution is adjusted, and the compression rate is adjusted. That is, the encoding parameter of the moving image is determined based on the request for any one of the image quality, the resolution, the frame rate, or the combination of the bandwidth and the moving image determined by the bandwidth measurement module 115 in the first embodiment. Is to convert.
For example, the high image quality and low image quality here include the following.
(1) When adjusting the frame rate, a high frame rate compared to a predetermined standard is referred to as high image quality, and a frame rate that is lower than the predetermined standard is referred to as low image quality.
(2) When the resolution is adjusted, a higher resolution than a predetermined standard is referred to as a high image quality, and a lower resolution than a predetermined standard is referred to as a low image quality.
(3) When the data compression rate is adjusted using the lossy compression method, a low compression rate compared to a predetermined standard is referred to as high image quality, and the compression rate is compared to a predetermined standard. Higher image quality is called low image quality.

The moving image file transfer module 1314 is connected to the moving image file repository 110 and the moving image file receiving module 1364. The moving image file transfer module 1314 transmits the original version of the moving image stored in the moving image file repository 110 to the moving image file receiving modules 1364 of the plurality of client devices 150. Here, the original moving image to be transmitted is the original moving image of the streaming moving image transmitted by the moving image streaming module 130. The original version of the moving image is transmitted to the same client device 150 together with the transmission of the moving image for streaming by the moving image streaming module 130. That is, there is a period in which the server apparatus 100 transmits a streaming moving image to the client device 150 and transmits a moving image (original version) using a part of the remaining communication band. For example, a streaming video may be played a plurality of times (that is, a plurality of times of transmission / reception is performed), or playback may be stopped, stopped, or slow played by an operator's operation during playback. . Therefore, the high-quality moving image may be received while the streaming moving image is being viewed. Further, a part of the above-described band may be used for transmitting the original version of the moving image. In that case, the bandwidth of the streaming video is reduced accordingly.
The moving image file transfer module 1314 transmits a moving image (original version) with higher image quality than the streaming moving image transmitted by the moving image streaming module 130.

  The client device 150 includes a synchronous viewing command transmission / reception module 160, a quality adjustment operation reception module 165, a streaming playback module 170, a moving image file receiving module 1364, and a moving image file storage module 1366.

The moving image file receiving module 1364 is connected to the streaming reproduction module 170, the moving image file transfer module 1314, and the moving image file storage module 1366. The moving image file receiving module 1364 receives the original version of the moving image (the original moving image of the streaming moving image currently being played, the second moving image) transmitted by the moving image file transfer module 1314 of the server apparatus 100. The moving image received by the moving image file receiving module 1364 is the original version of the streaming moving image received by the streaming playback module 170. Therefore, as described above, the moving image received by the moving image file receiving module 1364 has higher image quality than the moving image received by the streaming playback module 170. Then, when the reception is completed, the moving image file reception module 1364 notifies the streaming reproduction module 170 of the completion of reception.
The moving image file storage module 1366 is connected to the moving image file reception module 1364. The moving image file storage module 1366 stores the moving image (original version) received by the moving image file receiving module 1364.

The streaming playback module 170 is connected to the bandwidth measurement module 115, the video streaming module 130, and the video file reception module 1364. In addition to the processing by the streaming playback module 170 in the first embodiment, the streaming playback module 170 performs the second playback by the video file reception module 1364 while playing back the streaming video received by the streaming playback module 170. When it is detected that the video has been received, the playback of the streaming video is stopped and the original video stored in the video file storage module 1366 is played back. That is, the streaming playback module 170 plays back either the streaming video or the video stored in the video file storage module 1366. When playing back the movie (original version) stored by the movie file storage module 1366, playback the movie (original version) from the scene where the streaming movie playback was stopped (seek to the current playback frame). To do.
Further, the streaming playback module 170 may reproduce the moving image and the operation based on the operation received by the synchronous viewing command transmission / reception module 160 according to the control of the synchronous viewing command transmission / reception module 160. In reproducing the moving image, it is determined whether or not the moving image is stored by the moving image file storage module 1366. If it is determined that the moving image is stored, the moving image is reproduced.
When the second embodiment is realized, the system configuration example shown in the example of FIG. 2 is obtained as in the first embodiment.

FIG. 16 is a flowchart illustrating a processing example according to the second exemplary embodiment. This processing is performed after step S344 shown in the example of FIG. 5 and during NO in the determination of step S350.
In step S1402, the synchronous viewing session management module 125 transmits the moving image ID to the moving image file transfer module 1314.
In step S <b> 1404, the moving image file transfer module 1314 receives the moving image ID transmitted from the moving image file receiving module 1364 of the client device 150 and extracts the moving image file corresponding to the moving image ID from the moving image file repository 110.
In step S 1406, the moving image file transfer module 1314 transmits the moving image file to the moving image file reception module 1364 of the client device 150.

Corresponding to step S1406, the moving image file receiving module 1364 of the client device 150 stores the moving image file in the moving image file storage module 1366. When the reception of the moving image file is completed, the streaming playback module 170 is notified together with the file path name of the reception destination. The association between the moving image ID and the path name of the acquired moving image file is stored in the moving image file management table 1600 (saved in a file or the like). FIG. 18 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the data structure of the moving image file management table 1600. The moving image file management table 1600 has a moving image ID column 1610 and a moving image file storage location column 1620. The movie ID column 1610 stores the movie ID of a movie that has been received. The moving image file storage location column 1620 stores the moving image storage location (the moving image file path name).
When the streaming playback module 170 receives the notification of the completion of the video reception from the video file reception module 1364, the streaming playback module 170 opens the video file that exists in the notified file path, and the current frame of the streaming video that has been played back until then. Seek to continue playback. This process will be described in detail using the flowchart shown in the example of FIG.

FIG. 17 is a flowchart illustrating a processing example according to the second exemplary embodiment (client device 150).
In step S1502, the streaming playback module 170 continues streaming reception.
In step S1504, the moving image file receiving module 1364 determines whether or not the receiving of the moving image file is completed. If completed, the process proceeds to step S1506. Otherwise, the process from step S1502 is performed.

In step S1506, the streaming playback module 170 temporarily stores the current frame position, the playback state (whether paused or playing), and the position of the mouse pointer.
In step S1508, the streaming playback module 170 opens the moving image file in the destination file path, closes the streaming connection, and replaces the moving image file with the opened moving image window.
In step S1510, the streaming playback module 170 matches the frame position with the temporarily stored frame position.

In step S1512, the streaming playback module 170 adjusts the position of the mouse pointer to the temporarily stored position.
In step S1514, the streaming playback module 170 determines the temporarily stored playback state. If paused, the streaming playback module 170 proceeds to step S1516. If playback is in progress, the streaming playback module 170 proceeds to step S1518.
In step S1516, the streaming playback module 170 pauses the moving image.
In step S1518, the streaming playback module 170 plays back the moving image.
Thereafter, the processing of step S350 and subsequent steps in the flowchart illustrated in FIG. 5 is performed by playing the moving image (original version) instead of playing the moving image for streaming.

  Note that the hardware configuration of the computer on which the program according to the present embodiment is executed is a general computer as illustrated in FIG. 19, specifically, a personal computer, a computer that can be a server, or the like. That is, as a specific example, the CPU 1901 is used as a processing unit (calculation unit), and the RAM 1902, the ROM 1903, and the HD 1904 are used as storage devices. For example, a hard disk may be used as the HD 1904. Bandwidth measurement module 115, video quality adjustment module 120, synchronous viewing session management module 125, video streaming module 130, synchronous viewing command transmission / reception module 160, quality adjustment operation reception module 165, streaming playback module 170, video file transfer module 1314, video CPU 1901 for executing a program such as a file receiving module 1364, a RAM 1902 for storing the program and data, a ROM 1903 for storing a program for starting the computer, an HD 1904 as an auxiliary storage device, a keyboard, An accepting device 1906 that accepts data based on user operations on a mouse, touch panel, etc., an output device 1905 such as a CRT, liquid crystal display, etc. Tsu network interface card such as a communication line interface for connecting to the communication network 1907, and, and a bus 1908 for exchanging data by connecting them. A plurality of these computers may be connected to each other via a network.

Among the above-described embodiments, the computer program is a computer program that reads the computer program, which is software, in the hardware configuration system, and the software and hardware resources cooperate with each other. Is realized.
Note that the hardware configuration illustrated in FIG. 19 illustrates one configuration example, and the present embodiment is not limited to the configuration illustrated in FIG. 19, and is a configuration capable of executing the modules described in the present embodiment. I just need it. For example, some modules may be configured by dedicated hardware (for example, ASIC), and some modules may be in an external system and connected via a communication line. A plurality of systems shown in FIG. 5 may be connected to each other via communication lines so as to cooperate with each other. In particular, in addition to personal computers, information appliances, copiers, fax machines, scanners, printers, and multifunction machines (image processing apparatuses having two or more functions of scanners, printers, copiers, fax machines, etc.) Etc. may be incorporated.
Note that the technology described in the background art may be adopted as the processing content of each module.

The program described above may be provided by being stored in a recording medium, or the program may be provided by communication means. In that case, for example, the above-described program may be regarded as an invention of a “computer-readable recording medium recording the program”.
The “computer-readable recording medium on which a program is recorded” refers to a computer-readable recording medium on which a program is recorded, which is used for program installation, execution, program distribution, and the like.
The recording medium is, for example, a digital versatile disc (DVD), which is a standard established by the DVD Forum, such as “DVD-R, DVD-RW, DVD-RAM,” and DVD + RW. Standard “DVD + R, DVD + RW, etc.”, compact disc (CD), read-only memory (CD-ROM), CD recordable (CD-R), CD rewritable (CD-RW), Blu-ray disc ( Blu-ray Disc (registered trademark), magneto-optical disk (MO), flexible disk (FD), magnetic tape, hard disk, read-only memory (ROM), electrically erasable and rewritable read-only memory (EEPROM (registered trademark)) )), Flash memory, Random access memory (RAM) SD (Secure Digital) memory card and the like.
The program or a part of the program may be recorded on the recording medium for storage or distribution. Also, by communication, for example, a local area network (LAN), a metropolitan area network (MAN), a wide area network (WAN), a wired network used for the Internet, an intranet, an extranet, etc., or wireless communication It may be transmitted using a transmission medium such as a network or a combination of these, or may be carried on a carrier wave.
Furthermore, the program may be a part of another program, or may be recorded on a recording medium together with a separate program. Moreover, it may be divided and recorded on a plurality of recording media. Further, it may be recorded in any manner as long as it can be restored, such as compression or encryption.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 100 ... Server apparatus 110 ... Movie file repository 115 ... Bandwidth measurement module 120 ... Movie quality adjustment module 125 ... Synchronous viewing session management module 130 ... Movie streaming module 150 ... Client device 160 ... Synchronous viewing command transmission / reception module 165 ... Accepting quality adjustment operation Module 170 ... Streaming playback module 200 ... Communication line 1314 ... Movie file transfer module 1364 ... Movie file reception module 1366 ... Movie file storage module

Claims (10)

Bandwidth acquisition means for acquiring bandwidth in communication with a plurality of video playback devices;
Based on the band acquired by the band acquisition unit, a band determination unit that determines a band in communication for reproducing a moving image synchronously by the plurality of moving image reproduction devices;
Request receiving means for receiving a request for any one or a combination of image quality, resolution, and frame rate for a moving image from the moving image playback device;
A moving image converting unit that converts a moving image encoding parameter based on the band determined by the band determining unit and the request received by the request receiving unit;
A moving picture transmission device having a moving picture transmission means for sending the moving picture converted by the moving picture conversion means to each of the moving picture reproduction devices according to the band determined by the band determination means;
With respect to the request receiving means of the video transmission device, based on an operator's operation, for any one of image quality, resolution, and frame rate for a video to be played back in synchronization with another video playback device, or a combination thereof A request transmission means for transmitting the request;
Video receiving means for receiving the video transmitted by the video transmitting means of the video transmitting device;
An information processing system comprising: a moving image reproducing apparatus having reproducing means for reproducing the moving image received by the moving image receiving means. Bandwidth acquisition means for acquiring bandwidth in communication with a plurality of video playback devices;
Based on the band acquired by the band acquisition unit, a band determination unit that determines a band in communication for reproducing a moving image synchronously by the plurality of moving image reproduction devices;
Request receiving means for receiving a request for any one or a combination of image quality, resolution, and frame rate for a moving image from the moving image playback device;
A moving image converting unit that converts a moving image encoding parameter based on the band determined by the band determining unit and the request received by the request receiving unit;
An information processing apparatus comprising: a moving picture transmitting means for transmitting the moving picture converted by the moving picture converting means to each of the moving picture reproducing devices in accordance with the band determined by the band determining means. Request transmission for transmitting a request for one or a combination of image quality, resolution, and frame rate for a moving image to be reproduced in synchronization with another information processing device to the moving image transmission device based on an operation of the operator Means,
A moving image receiving means for receiving the moving image converted by the moving image transmitting device based on the request transmitted by the request transmitting means;
An information processing apparatus comprising: a reproducing unit that reproduces the moving image received by the moving image receiving unit. The request receiving means receives a request for one or a combination of image quality, resolution, and frame rate of each frame of the moving image,
The information processing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the moving image conversion unit converts an encoding parameter of a moving image for each frame based on the request received by the request receiving unit. When the request receiving unit receives a request while the moving image transmitting unit is transmitting a moving image, the moving image converting unit encodes the moving image based on the request with respect to the moving image that has not yet been transmitted. The information processing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the parameter is converted. Storage means for storing the request received by the request receiving means so that the moving picture conversion means can convert the encoding parameter of the moving picture based on the request when the moving picture is transmitted next time. ,
6. The moving image encoding means converts moving image encoding parameters based on the bandwidth determined by the bandwidth determining means and the request stored in the storage means. The information processing apparatus according to one item. When a new video playback device that plays back the video synchronously is connected while the video transmission means is transmitting the video,
The band acquisition means acquires a band in communication with the video playback device,
The band determining unit determines a band in communication for synchronously reproducing a moving image by a plurality of moving image reproducing devices including the new moving image reproducing device, based on the band acquired by the band acquiring unit. The information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 2, 4, 5, and 6. Second moving image receiving means for receiving the second moving image transmitted by the moving image transmitting device;
A moving image storage means for storing the second moving image received by the second moving image receiving means;
The second moving image received by the second moving image receiving means has a higher image quality than the first moving image received by the moving image receiving means;
When the moving image reproducing apparatus detects that the second moving image receiving unit has finished receiving the second moving image while reproducing the first moving image received by the moving image receiving unit, The information processing apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the reproduction of the first moving image is stopped and the second moving image stored in the moving image storage unit is reproduced. Computer
Bandwidth acquisition means for acquiring bandwidth in communication with a plurality of video playback devices;
Based on the band acquired by the band acquisition unit, a band determination unit that determines a band in communication for reproducing a moving image synchronously by the plurality of moving image reproduction devices;
Request receiving means for receiving a request for any one or a combination of image quality, resolution, and frame rate for a moving image from the moving image playback device;
A moving image converting unit that converts a moving image encoding parameter based on the band determined by the band determining unit and the request received by the request receiving unit;
An information processing program for causing each of the moving image playback devices to function as a moving image transmitting unit that transmits the moving image converted by the moving image converting unit according to the band determined by the band determining unit. Computer
Request transmission for transmitting a request for one or a combination of image quality, resolution, and frame rate for a moving image to be reproduced in synchronization with another information processing device to the moving image transmission device based on an operation of the operator Means,
A moving image receiving means for receiving the moving image converted by the moving image transmitting device based on the request transmitted by the request transmitting means;
An information processing program for causing a moving image received by the moving image receiving unit to function as a reproducing unit.

Images