JP2024031431A - Content sales device, content sales method, and content sales program - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a new content sales device that can sell content corresponding to purchasers' requests.SOLUTION: A plurality of cameras are arranged three-dimensionally to surround a center point set in a shooting area, and each camera in the plurality of cameras is arranged to point to the center point. When a purchaser of content purchases content by selecting an angle of a direction in which any one of the plurality of cameras is positioned, a sales control unit 100 sells as content image data generated by the camera corresponding to the selected angle stored in an image storage unit 102. When the purchaser purchases content by selecting an angle of a direction between any two adjacent cameras of the plurality of cameras, the sales control unit 100 sells as content composite image data generated by a composite image generation unit 103.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 18

Description

The present invention relates to a content sales device, a content sales method, and a content sales program.

Images of a subject taken with multiple cameras may be sold as content.

Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2005-101980

It is desired that a new content sales device, a new content sales method, and a new content sales program be introduced that can sell content according to the needs of purchasers.

In the present invention, a plurality of cameras are three-dimensionally arranged so as to surround a center point set in a photographing area, each camera of the plurality of cameras is arranged so as to face the center point, and each of the cameras is arranged so as to face the center point. an image storage unit that stores image data generated by a camera photographing a subject located at the center point; a composite image generation unit that generates composite image data corresponding to image data obtained by photographing the subject from a position between the cameras, and an angle in the direction in which one of the plurality of cameras is located by the content purchaser; When purchasing content by selecting one of the plurality of cameras, image data generated by a camera corresponding to the selected angle stored in the image storage unit is sold as content, and the purchaser selects one of the plurality of cameras. Provided is a content sales device comprising: a sales control unit that sells composite image data generated by the composite image generation unit as content when purchasing content by selecting a direction angle between two adjacent cameras. do.

In the present invention, a plurality of cameras are three-dimensionally arranged so as to surround a center point set in a shooting area, each camera of the plurality of cameras is arranged to face the center point, and the content sales An image storage unit included in the server stores image data generated by each camera photographing a subject located at the center point, and a composite image generation unit included in the content sales server stores image data generated by photographing a subject located at the center point of the plurality of cameras, and a composite image generation unit included in the content sales server A sales control unit included in the content sales server generates composite image data corresponding to image data of the subject photographed from a position between two adjacent cameras, based on image data generated by at least two cameras that match each other. However, when a content purchaser selects an angle in the direction in which one of the plurality of cameras is positioned and purchases the content, the angle corresponding to the selected angle stored in the image storage unit is selected. Image data generated by a camera is sold as content, and the sales control unit allows the purchaser to select an angle between two adjacent cameras from among the plurality of cameras and purchase the content. When doing so, a content sales method is provided in which the composite image data generated by the composite image generation unit is sold as content.

The present invention provides a computer equipped with a content sales server, in which a plurality of cameras are three-dimensionally arranged so as to surround a center point set in a shooting area, and each camera of the plurality of cameras faces the center point. storing in an image storage unit image data generated by each camera photographing a subject located at the center point; and at least two adjacent cameras of the plurality of cameras generate image data. a step of generating composite image data corresponding to image data of the subject photographed from a position between two adjacent cameras based on the image data; When purchasing content by selecting the angle in the direction in which the camera is located, selling image data stored in the image storage unit and generated by the camera corresponding to the selected angle as content; When purchasing content by selecting a direction angle between any two adjacent cameras of the plurality of cameras, the content sales program causes the content sales program to execute the step of selling the composite image data as content. provide.

According to the content sales device, content sales method, and content sales program of the present invention, it is possible to sell content that meets the needs of purchasers.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a content sales device according to the first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of arrangement of a plurality of cameras. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of buyers of content from each angle. FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing the content sales method according to the first embodiment and the process that the content sales program according to the first embodiment causes a computer to execute. FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing a content sales device according to the second embodiment. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a moving center point that moves within the imaging area. FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the content sales method according to the second embodiment and the process that the content sales program according to the second embodiment causes a computer to execute. FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing a content sales device according to the third embodiment. FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an example of a state in which image quality deterioration occurs. FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing the content sales method according to the third embodiment and the process that the content sales program according to the third embodiment causes a computer to execute. FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing a content sales device according to the fourth embodiment. FIG. 12 is a diagram showing a state in which angles are selected at each of two center points within the imaging area. FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an example in which the direction of the angle selected at one of the two center points in the imaging region matches the direction of the connecting line connecting the two center points. FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing the content sales method according to the fourth embodiment and the process that the content sales program according to the fourth embodiment causes a computer to execute. FIG. 15 is a block diagram showing a content sales device according to the fifth embodiment. FIG. 16 is a diagram illustrating an example of a state in which the camera cannot photograph a subject due to the presence of an obstacle. FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing the content sales method according to the fifth embodiment and the process that the content sales program according to the fifth embodiment causes a computer to execute. FIG. 18 is a block diagram showing a content sales device according to the sixth embodiment. FIG. 19 is a diagram showing an example of three-dimensional arrangement of a plurality of cameras in the sixth embodiment. FIG. 20A is a diagram showing a preferred method for setting a three-dimensional angle by the three-dimensional division angle setting unit in the sixth embodiment. FIG. 20B is a diagram showing a comparative example of a three-dimensional angle setting method in the sixth embodiment. FIG. 21 is a flowchart showing the content sales method according to the sixth embodiment and the process that the content sales program according to the sixth embodiment causes a computer to execute.

Hereinafter, a content sales device, a content sales method, and a content sales program according to each embodiment will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

<First embodiment>
In FIG. 1, a content sales server 10A, an image transmission device 30, and purchaser terminals 40a to 40c are connected to a network 20. Typically, network 20 is the Internet. Any purchaser terminal that does not specify any one of the purchaser terminals 40a to 40c and other purchaser terminals will be referred to as a purchaser terminal 40. The number of purchaser terminals 40 connected to the network 20 is arbitrary. The purchaser terminal 40 may be a personal computer, a tablet terminal, or a smartphone.

The content sales server 10A is a content sales device according to the first embodiment, and executes the content sales method according to the first embodiment. The content sales server 10A may be configured by a computer, and a central processing unit (CPU) may execute the content sales program according to the first embodiment stored in a non-temporary storage medium.

The content sales server 10A includes a sales control section 100, a communication section 101, an image storage section 102, a composite image generation section 103, a center point setting section 104, a camera angle information storage section 105, a division angle setting section 106, and a management ledger holding section 107. , a payment processing section 108, and a time management section 109.

For example, eight cameras C0 to C315 are connected to the image transmitting device 30. As shown in FIG. 2, as an example, the cameras C0 to C315 are arranged concentrically at equal angular intervals toward the inside of the imaging area Sa. Here, the cameras C0 to C315 are arranged toward the center point Ctr of the imaging area Sa. Any camera that does not specify any one of the cameras C0 to C315 will be referred to as camera C. Camera C is arranged toward the center point Ctr, which means that at the horizontal center of the angle of view of camera C, a line perpendicular to the angle of view is located on the center point Ctr.

The center point Ctr in the first embodiment is fixed. The angles in the direction connecting the center point Ctr and the cameras C0 to C315 are respectively 0 degrees, 45 degrees, 90 degrees, 135 degrees, 180 degrees, 225 degrees, 270 degrees, and 315 degrees. Any number of cameras C may be used. The plurality of cameras C may be arranged in an elliptical shape, and do not necessarily need to be arranged at equal angular intervals.

Returning to FIG. 1, the cameras C0 to C315 photograph the object located at the center point Ctr from the above-mentioned mutually different angular directions, and supply image data to the image transmitting device 30. The image data is moving image data. Image transmitting device 30 transmits image data to content sales server 10A via network 20. The content sales server 10A sells image data generated by the cameras C0 to C315 or composite image data generated based on the image data generated by the cameras C0 to C315 to a purchaser as content.

The image data generated by the cameras C0 to C315 may be directly supplied to the content sales server 10A.

The communication unit 101 receives image data transmitted from the image transmitting device 30. The image storage unit 102 stores the received image data. When the content sales server 10A performs live distribution of content, the image storage unit 102 temporarily stores image data. When the content sales server 10A distributes content on demand, the image storage unit 102 stores image data.

The composite image generation unit 103 may generate composite image data based on the image data stored (stored) in the image storage unit 102. The coordinates of the center point Ctr on the plane are set in the center point setting section 104. The camera angle information storage unit 105 stores each angle information of the cameras C0 to C315.

The camera angle information storage unit 105 may store each angle information set in advance. The camera angle information storage unit 105 stores coordinates of the cameras C0 to C315 on a plane, and stores angle information in which each angle is calculated based on the coordinates of the center point Ctr and the coordinates of the cameras C0 to C315. You may. The sales control unit 100 may calculate each angle information of the cameras C0 to C315, and the camera angle information storage unit 105 may store the angle information.

In the division angle setting section 106, the unit of angle of image data sold as content when viewed in the circumferential direction from the center point Ctr in FIG. 2 is set. That is, in the division angle setting unit 106, it is set how many times in the circumferential direction of 360 degrees image data is to be sold as content. When the division angle setting unit 106 is set to 5 degrees, the content sales server 10A selects 0 degrees, 5 degrees, 10 degrees, 15 degrees, 20 degrees..., 335 degrees, 340 degrees, 345 degrees, 350 degrees. , 355-degree image data can be sold as content.

Selling content may mean transferring ownership of the content.

The management ledger holding unit 107 holds a management ledger that manages the ID of each content in association with the ID of the purchaser. The payment processing unit 108 processes payments when selling content. The time management unit 109 manages the time of content. When the content sales server 10A distributes content live, the time management unit 109 manages the time that the current time progresses. When the content sales server 10A distributes content on demand, the time management unit 109 manages the time from the start to the end of the content.

A purchaser who wishes to purchase content selects an angle from which to purchase the content using one of the purchaser terminals 40. When the communication unit 101 receives a request to purchase content at an angle of 0 degrees, for example, from one of the purchaser terminals 40, the sales control unit 100 selects the camera C0 stored in the image storage unit 102 and arranged at an angle of 0 degrees. sells the image data it generates. Similarly, when the communication unit 101 receives a request to purchase content at an angle of 45 degrees, the sales control unit transmits the image data generated by the camera C45 arranged at an angle of 45 degrees, which is stored in the image storage unit 102. Sell.

In this way, when the communication unit 101 receives a request to purchase content from any of the angles at which the cameras C0 to C315 are arranged, the sales control unit selects the contents stored in the image storage unit 102. Image data generated by camera C placed at any angle is sold.

As shown in FIG. 2, when the communication unit 101 receives a request to purchase content at an angle θ between an angle of 45 degrees and an angle of 90 degrees, the sales control unit 100 causes the composite image generation unit 103 to Composite image data generated based on image data generated by camera C45 and image data generated by camera C90 is sold. The composite image generation unit 103 generates composite image data based on image data generated by at least two cameras C adjacent in the circumferential direction, from a position between the two cameras C adjacent in the circumferential direction to a center point Ctr. This corresponds to image data taken of a photographed subject.

In this way, when the sales control unit 100 receives a request to purchase content at an angle θ between the angles at which two cameras C adjacent to each other in the circumferential direction are arranged, the sales control unit 100 The generation unit 103 sells composite image data generated based on image data generated by the two cameras C.

As described above, the purchaser can use the angles set in the division angle setting section 106, such as 5 degrees, 10 degrees, 15 degrees, and 20 You can purchase composite image data of 335 degrees, 340 degrees, 345 degrees, 350 degrees, and 355 degrees.

Only one purchaser can purchase image data of each angle or composite image data in one time period. As an example, as shown in FIG. 3, for content with an angle of 0 degrees, a purchaser who owns the purchaser terminal 40a purchases image data from time t0, which is the start time of the content, to time t2. During the period from time t2 to time t4, a purchaser who owns the purchaser terminal 40b purchases image data, and from time t4 to time t5, which is the end time of the content, a purchaser who owns the purchaser terminal 40c purchases image data. You are purchasing image data.

In the content with an angle of 5 degrees, a purchaser who owns a purchaser terminal 40d (not shown in FIG. 1) purchases the composite image data during the entire period from time t0 to time t5. For content at an angle of 10 degrees, the purchaser terminals 40e, 40f, and 40g, which are not shown in FIG. The purchaser who owns the composite image data has purchased it.

The sales control unit 100 manages the ID of the content for each angle and time zone by associating it with the ID of the purchaser, as shown in FIG. 3, using the management ledger held in the management ledger holding unit 107. In the management ledger, IDs of content for each angle and time period and IDs of purchasers are recorded in association with each other. Only one purchaser may be able to purchase the image data of each angle or the composite image data at any given time. In this case, the ID of the content for each angle and the ID of the purchaser are recorded in association with each other in the management ledger.

The composite image data generated based on the image data generated by the two adjacent cameras C is inferior in image quality to the image data generated by the cameras C0 to C315. Therefore, it is preferable for the content sales server 10A to set the selling price when selling the composite image data lower than the selling price when selling the image data generated by the cameras C0 to C315 as is. The payment processing unit 108 manages the selling price when the image data generated by the cameras C0 to C315 and the composite image data generated by the composite image generation unit 103 are sold.

The selling price of the composite image data may be uniform, or the selling price may be set higher at angles close to the angles of cameras C0 to C315, such as 5 degrees, 40 degrees, 50 degrees, etc., than at other angles. . Individual selling prices may be set for each angle.

The content sales method executed by the content sales server 10A and the process that the content sales program causes the sales control unit 100 to execute will be explained using the flowchart shown in FIG. When the content sales server 10A starts operating, the sales control unit 100 determines in step S1 whether there is a desire to purchase content from any of the purchaser terminals 40. If there is no desire to purchase the content (NO), the sales control unit 100 repeats the process of step S1.

If there is a desire to purchase the content in step S1 (YES), the sales control unit 100 determines in step S2 whether or not the angle for purchase has been selected. If the angle to be purchased is not selected (NO), the sales control unit 100 repeats the process of step S2. If the angle to purchase is selected (YES), the sales control unit 100 determines in step S3 whether the selected angle is the angle at which the camera C is arranged.

If the angle selected in step S3 is the angle at which the camera C is arranged (YES), the sales control unit 100 sets the sales price of the image data generated by the camera C on the purchaser terminal 40 in step S4. is presented, and the process proceeds to step S6. If the angle selected in step S3 is not the angle at which camera C is arranged (NO), the sales control unit 100 presents the sales price of the composite image data in step S5, and the process proceeds to step S6. Migrate.

Sales control unit 100 determines whether the content has been purchased in step S6. If the content is not purchased (NO), the sales control unit 100 repeats the processing of steps S1 to S6. If the content is purchased (YES), the sales control unit 100 causes the payment processing unit 108 to execute payment processing in step S7, and subsequently transmits the content to the purchaser in step S8. In step S9, the sales control unit 100 updates the management ledger by recording the ID of the purchased content and the ID of the purchaser in association with each other in the management ledger.

Sales control unit 100 determines whether to end sales of the content in step S10. If the sales of the content is not ended (NO), the sales control unit 100 repeats the processing of steps S1 to S10. If the sale of the content is ended (YES), the sales control unit 100 ends the process. Note that in the flowchart shown in FIG. 4, when an angle is selected, the sales price is shown, but first, multiple pairs of angles and sales prices are shown on the user interface, and the purchaser selects the sales price. The flow may be such that one of the sets is selected. The angles may be represented graphically, and the purchaser may be able to purchase the content after checking the images for each angle.

As described above, the content sales server 10A, which is the content sales apparatus according to the first embodiment, includes the sales control section 100, the image storage section 102, and the composite image generation section 103. The image storage unit 102 stores image data generated by each camera C when a plurality of cameras C arranged to face the center point Ctr set in the photographing area Sa photograph a subject located at the center point Ctr. Remember. The composite image generation unit 103 generates image data obtained by photographing a subject from a position between two circumferentially adjacent cameras, based on image data generated by at least two circumferentially adjacent cameras C among the plurality of cameras C. Generate composite image data corresponding to .

Assume that a content purchaser selects the angle of the direction in which one of the plurality of cameras C is positioned and purchases the content. At this time, the sales control unit 100 sells the image data generated by the camera C corresponding to the selected angle stored in the image storage unit 102 as content. Assume that a purchaser selects an angle between two circumferentially adjacent cameras C among a plurality of cameras C and purchases content. At this time, the sales control unit 100 sells the composite image data generated by the composite image generation unit 103 as content.

The sales control unit 100 sells the image data stored in the image storage unit 102 at a first sales price, and sells the composite image data generated by the composite image generation unit 103 at a second sales price lower than the first sales price. It is better to sell at a selling price of .

The division angle setting unit 106 sets the angle unit for selling content in the circumferential direction of 360 degrees, with the angle in a predetermined direction in the shooting area Sa viewed from the center point Ctr being 0 degrees. Therefore, the angle at which content is sold can be arbitrarily set in units of 1 degree or 5 degrees. The sales control unit 100 sells content in units of angles set in the division angle setting unit 106. Therefore, the content sales server 10A can sell content in units of arbitrary angles.

It is preferable that the sales control unit 100 sells each angle of content to only one purchaser in one time period. The sales control unit 100 may sell the content of each angle to only one purchaser at all times.

In the content sales method according to the first embodiment, the image storage unit 102 stores image data, and the composite image generation unit 103 generates composite image data. In the content sales method according to the first embodiment, the sales control unit 100 sells image data as content and sells composite image data as content. The content sales method according to the first embodiment sells the image data stored in the image storage unit 102 at a first sales price, and sells the composite image data generated by the composite image generation unit 103 at the first sales price. It is better to sell at a lower second selling price.

The content sales program according to the first embodiment causes the computer included in the content sales server 10A to execute the steps of storing image data and generating composite image data. The content sales program according to the first embodiment causes a computer included in the content sales server 10A to execute the steps of selling image data as content and selling composite image data as content. The content sales program according to the first embodiment causes the steps of selling image data at a first selling price and selling composite image data at a second selling price lower than the first selling price. Good.

According to the content sales server 10A, the content sales method, and the content sales program according to the first embodiment, it is possible to sell content that meets the needs of content purchasers. In the content sales server 10A, content sales method, and content sales program according to the first embodiment, content may be sold at an appropriate price depending on the state of the content. The state of the content here refers to the quality of image quality or the level of image quality depending on the angle.

<Second embodiment>
In FIG. 5, a content sales server 10B is connected to the network 20 instead of the content sales server 10A shown in FIG. In FIG. 5, the same parts as those in FIG. 1 are given the same reference numerals, and their explanation may be omitted. The content sales server 10B is a content sales device according to the second embodiment, and executes the content sales method according to the second embodiment. The content sales server 10B executes the content sales program according to the second embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 5, the content sales server 10B includes a specific target tracking unit 110. The specific target tracking unit 110 tracks a specific target among the subjects being photographed. The purchaser terminal 40 receives any of the image data generated by the cameras C0 to C315, and the purchaser specifies a specific object. The purchaser terminal 40 can specify a specific object by color, shape, or the like. The specific object is a specific performer photographed by the cameras C0 to C315.

The sales control unit 100 receives information on a specific target specified by the communication unit 101 and instructs the specific target tracking unit 110 to track the specific target. The sales control unit 100 instructs the center point setting unit 104 to set the position of any of the specific objects tracked by the specific object tracking unit 110 as the center point.

As shown in FIG. 6, the center point setting unit 104 sets the movement center point Mctr based on the specific object that the specific object tracking unit 110 follows. The moving center point Mctr may be, for example, the center point of a specific object having a predetermined size. As shown in FIG. 6, the movement center point Mctr moves from the position indicated by the black circle to the position indicated by the two-dot chain line. The movement center point Mctr moves as the specific object moves.

When the sales control unit 100 receives a purchase request for the content at the angle θ, it sells the image data or composite image data at the angle θ to the purchaser regardless of the position of the movement center point Mctr. In the second embodiment, even if the purchaser purchases content with an angle θ of 0 degrees, it is necessary to sell composite image data based on the position of the movement center point Mctr. Therefore, in the second embodiment, it is preferable that the selling price is not different between the image data and the composite image data, but is set to be a uniform selling price.

The content sales method executed by the content sales server 10B and the process that the content sales program causes the sales control unit 100 to execute will be described using the flowchart shown in FIG. In FIG. 7, the same processes as those in FIG. 4 are given the same reference numerals, and their explanations may be omitted.

When the content sales server 10B starts operating, the sales control unit 100 determines in step S1 whether there is a desire to purchase content from any of the purchaser terminals 40. If there is no desire to purchase the content (NO), the sales control unit 100 repeats the process of step S1. If there is a desire to purchase content in step S1 (YES), sales control unit 100 determines in step S21 whether a specific target has been set as the center point.

If the specific object is set as the center point in step S21 (YES), the sales control unit 100 sets the center point to set any position of the specific object as the movement center point Mctr in step S22. 104. Subsequently, the sales control unit 100 determines in step S23 whether the angle to purchase has been selected. If the angle to be purchased is not selected (NO), the sales control unit 100 repeats the process of step S23. If the purchase angle is selected (YES), the sales control unit 100 presents the sales price of the content in step S24, and moves the process to step S6.

If the specific target is not set as the center point in step S21 (NO), the sales control unit 100 sets a fixed position similar to that in FIG. Move to S2. The processing in steps S2 to S10 is the same as steps S2 to S10 in FIG.

As described above, the content sales server 10B, which is the content sales apparatus according to the second embodiment, includes the specific object tracking unit 110 that follows a specific object among the objects photographed by the plurality of cameras C. The center point setting unit 104 sets the position of one of the specific objects tracked by the specific object tracking unit 110 as the center point Mctr. The composite image generation unit 103 generates an image of a subject photographed from a position at a predetermined angle in any direction from the center point Mctr, with a predetermined direction set at an angle of 0 degrees from the center point Mctr of a specific object that may be moving. Generate composite image data corresponding to the data.

When a content purchaser selects an angle in any direction from the center point Mctr to purchase content, the sales control unit 100 controls the image data stored in the image storage unit 102 or the composite image generation unit 103 to generate the content. The synthesized image data will be sold as content.

In the content sales method according to the second embodiment, a specific target tracking unit 110 tracks a specific target among subjects photographed by a plurality of cameras C, and a center point setting unit 104 The position of any specific object followed by is set as the center point Mctr. In the content sales method according to the second embodiment, when a content purchaser selects an angle in any direction from the center point Mctr to purchase content, image data stored in the image storage unit 102 or a composite image The composite image data generated by the generation unit 103 is sold as content.

The content sales program according to the second embodiment causes a computer included in the content sales server 10B to execute the steps of following a specific object among the subjects and setting the position of one of the specific objects as the center point Mctr. . The content sales program according to the second embodiment causes a computer included in the content sales server 10B to execute a step of selling image data or composite image data stored in the image storage unit 102 as content.

According to the content sales server 10B, the content sales method, and the content sales program according to the second embodiment, even if the center point Mctr, which may move, is set as the center point, the request of the content purchaser is met. You can sell content according to your needs.

<Third embodiment>
In FIG. 8, a content sales server 10C is connected to the network 20 instead of the content sales server 10B shown in FIG. In FIG. 8, parts that are the same as those in FIG. 5 are given the same reference numerals, and their explanations may be omitted. The content sales server 10C is a content sales device according to the third embodiment, and executes the content sales method according to the third embodiment. The content sales server 10C executes the content sales program according to the third embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 8, the content sales server 10C includes a specific object disappearance determination unit 111. As shown in FIG. 9, it is assumed that the center point Mctr moves from the position indicated by the black circle to the position indicated by the two-dot chain line. The center point Mctr indicated by a black circle is located within the viewing angle Va of the camera C0. Although not shown, the center point Mctr indicated by a black circle is located within the viewing angle Va of the camera C45. When the center point Mctr is located at the position indicated by the black circle and the angle selected by the purchaser is the angle θ shown in FIG. Composite image data can be generated.

However, when the center point Mctr moves to a position indicated by a two-dot chain line that deviates from the viewing angle Va of the camera C0, the composite image generation unit 103 generates composite image data based on the image data generated by the cameras C0 and C45. I can't. Then, the composite image generation unit 103 generates composite image data based only on the image data generated by the camera C45, or generates composite image data based on the image data generated by the camera C45 and image data generated by other cameras C. It is necessary to generate image data. The other camera C is a camera C whose viewing angle includes the center point Mctr located at the position indicated by the two-dot chain line, and is, for example, the camera C315.

The specific object disappearance determination unit 111 has information on the viewing angle of each camera C, and receives information on the position of the moving center point Mctr set by the center point setting unit 104. The specific object disappearance determination unit 111 detects a state of image quality deterioration due to a specific object being tracked by the specific object tracking unit 110 deviating from the viewing angle of one of the two circumferentially adjacent cameras C. Determine whether or not it has occurred. The specific target disappearance determination unit 111 may be provided within the sales control unit 100.

The sales control unit 100 sets the sales price of the composite image data when the specific object disappearance determination unit 111 determines that a state of image quality deterioration has occurred to the sales price of the composite image data when it is determined that a state of image quality deterioration has not occurred. It is best to sell at a discounted price. It is preferable that the sales control unit 100 sells the composite image data at a discount price with a discount rate set according to the length of time during which the state of image quality deterioration has occurred.

The content sales method executed by the content sales server 10C and the process that the content sales program causes the sales control unit 100 to execute will be explained using the flowchart shown in FIG. In FIG. 10, the same processes as those in FIG. 4 or 7 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and their explanations may be omitted.

Following step S23, the specific object disappearance determination unit 111 determines in step S31 whether there is time for image quality deterioration due to the specific object moving out of the viewing angle of one of the two cameras C. Determine whether or not. If there is no time for image quality deterioration to occur (NO), the sales control unit 100 presents the normal sales price of the content in step S32, and moves the process to step S6. If there is time for image quality deterioration to occur (YES), the sales control unit 100 presents a discount price for the content in step S33, and moves the process to step S6. The processing in steps S6 to S10 is the same as steps S6 to S10 in FIG.

In FIG. 10, illustration of step S25 and S2 to S5 in FIG. 7 is omitted.

As described above, the content sales server 10C, which is the content sales apparatus according to the third embodiment, includes the specific object disappearance determination unit 111. The specific object disappearance determination unit 111 determines whether the center point Mctr is out of the viewing angle of the first camera, which is one of the two cameras C adjacent to each other in the circumferential direction, depending on the position of the center point Mctr in the photographing area. Determine whether a condition has occurred. In this state, composite image data with degraded image quality must be generated. Thereby, the specific target disappearance determination unit 111 determines whether or not a state of image quality deterioration has occurred.

The composite image generation unit 103 generates composite image data based on image data generated by two circumferentially adjacent cameras C when the specific object disappearance determination unit 111 does not determine that a state of image quality deterioration occurs.

When the specific object disappearance determination unit 111 determines that a state of image quality deterioration has occurred, the composite image generation unit 103 combines the image data generated by the second camera, or the image data generated by the second camera and the third Composite image data is generated based on the image data generated by the camera. The second camera is the other camera C of the two circumferentially adjacent cameras whose center point Mctr does not deviate from the viewing angle. The third camera is any camera C other than the first and second cameras whose center point Mctr is within the viewing angle.

In the content sales method according to the third embodiment, a specific object disappearance determination unit 111 included in the content sales server 10C detects image quality deterioration caused by a specific object deviating from the viewing angle of one of the two cameras C. Determine whether a condition has occurred. In the content sales method according to the third embodiment, when the specific object disappearance determination unit 111 determines that a state of image quality deterioration has occurred, only the image data generated by the second camera or the image generated by the second camera Composite image data is generated based on the data and image data generated by the third camera.

The content sales program according to the third embodiment determines whether or not a state of image quality deterioration occurs due to a specific object being out of the viewing angle of one of the two cameras C in a computer included in the content sales server 10C. Execute the step that determines. When the content sales program according to the third embodiment determines that a state of image quality deterioration has occurred in the computer, the content sales program displays only the image data generated by the second camera, or the image data generated by the second camera and the third image data. The step of generating composite image data based on the image data generated by the camera is executed.

According to the content sales server 10C, the content sales method, and the content sales program according to the third embodiment, even if the center point Mctr, which may move, is set as the center point, the content sales server 10C, the content sales method, and the content sales program according to the content sales You can sell your content. Furthermore, according to the content sales server 10C, the content sales method, and the content sales program according to the third embodiment, even if the center point Mctr is out of the viewing angle of the camera C, image data from other cameras C, etc. can be used. Composite image data can be generated.

<Fourth embodiment>
In FIG. 11, a content sales server 10D is connected to the network 20 instead of the content sales server 10A shown in FIG. In FIG. 11, parts that are the same as those in FIG. 1 are given the same reference numerals, and their explanations may be omitted. The content sales server 10D is a content sales device according to the fourth embodiment, and executes the content sales method according to the fourth embodiment. The content sales server 10D executes the content sales program according to the fourth embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 11, the center point setting unit 104 has a first center point and a second center point set as fixed center points. Three or more center points may be set in the center point setting section 104. As shown in FIG. 12, fixed center points Ctr1 and Ctr2 are set within the imaging area Sa. A content purchaser can select one of the center points Ctr1 and Ctr2, select an angle in either direction from the selected center point, and purchase the content.

In FIG. 12, angle θ1 is selected at center point Ctr1, and angle θ2 is selected at center point Ctr2. Even if the angle θ1 and the angle θ2 are the same, the center point Ctr1 and the center point Ctr2 are at different positions, so the contents provided to the purchaser are different from each other. Therefore, according to the content sales server 10D, content can be sold to different purchasers at the center point Ctr1 and the center point Ctr2, with exceptions to be described later.

The exception will be explained using FIG. 13. In FIG. 13, the connecting line connecting the center point Ctr1 and the center point Ctr2 is referred to as a connecting line CCL. Assume that the purchaser selects the angle θ at the center point Ctr1. In FIG. 13, the direction of the angle θ selected by the purchaser matches the direction of the connecting line CCL. Assume that another purchaser selects the angle θ at the center point Ctr2. Then, the content purchased by the purchaser who selected the angle θ at the center point Ctr1 and the content purchased by the purchaser who selected the angle θ at the center point Ctr2 are substantially the same content.

Therefore, when the direction selected from the selected center point of the center points Ctr1 and Ctr2 matches the direction of the connecting line CCL connecting the center points Ctr1 and Ctr2, the sales control unit 100 , the content with the selected direction angle θ is sold to only one purchaser in one time period. Since the content whose angle θ coincides with the connecting line CCL is sold to only one purchaser, it is preferable to set the content at a premium price higher than the normal selling price.

The content sales method executed by the content sales server 10D and the process that the content sales program causes the sales control unit 100 to execute will be explained using the flowchart shown in FIG. In FIG. 14, the same processes as those in FIG. 4 are given the same reference numerals, and their explanations may be omitted.

Following step S1, sales control unit 100 determines in step S41 whether a center point and an angle have been selected. If the center point and angle are not selected (NO), the sales control unit 100 repeats the process of step S41. If the center point and angle are selected (YES), the sales control unit 100 determines in step S42 that the direction of the selected angle is the direction of the connecting line CCL connecting the selected center point and other center points. Determine whether it matches or not.

If the two do not match in step S42 (NO), the sales control unit 100 presents the normal sales price of the content in step S43, and moves the process to step S6. If the two match in step S42 (YES), the sales control unit 100 presents the premium price of the content in step S44, and moves the process to step S6. The processing in steps S6 to S10 is the same as steps S6 to S10 in FIG.

As described above, a plurality of center points are set in the center point setting unit 104 of the content sales server 10D, which is the content sales apparatus according to the fourth embodiment. A content purchaser selects one of the plurality of center points, selects an angle in any direction from the selected center point, and purchases the content. The sales control unit 100 sells as content the image data stored in the image storage unit 102 or the composite image data generated by the composite image generation unit 103, which corresponds to the selected angle at the selected center point.

In the content sales method according to the fourth embodiment, image data stored in the image storage unit 102 or composite image data generated by the composite image generation unit 103 corresponding to a selected angle at a selected center point is used as content. to be sold as. The content sales program according to the fourth embodiment sends image data or composite image data stored in the image storage unit 102 corresponding to the selected angle at the selected center point to the computer included in the content sales server 10D. Run the steps to sell it as content.

According to the content sales server 10D, the content sales method, and the content sales program according to the fourth embodiment, content can be sold at each of a plurality of central points in accordance with the requests of content purchasers.

<Fifth embodiment>
In FIG. 15, a content sales server 10E is connected to the network 20 instead of the content sales server 10A shown in FIG. In FIG. 15, parts that are the same as those in FIG. 1 are given the same reference numerals, and their explanations may be omitted. The content sales server 10E is a content sales device according to the fifth embodiment, and executes the content sales method according to the fifth embodiment. The content sales server 10E executes the content sales program according to the fifth embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 15, the content sales server 10E includes an obstacle determination unit 112. The obstacle determining unit 112 determines whether or not there is an obstacle that obstructs photographing the subject located at the center point Ctr, based on the image data generated by each camera C supplied from the image storage unit 102. For example, if a subject being photographed by camera C disappears at a certain time and reappears after a predetermined period of time, it can be determined that photographing of the subject was prevented by an obstacle at that time. By registering features such as the color or shape of the subject, it is possible to detect that the subject has disappeared.

In FIG. 16, it is assumed that the purchaser has selected the angle θ between the camera C0 and the camera C45, and that an obstacle Obs exists between the center point Ctr and the camera C45. At this time, the composite image generation unit 103 cannot generate composite image data using the image data generated by the camera C0 and the image data generated by the camera C45. In this case, the composite image generation unit 103 generates composite image data based only on the image data generated by the camera C0, for example. The composite image generation unit 103 may generate composite image data based on the image data generated by the camera C0 and, for example, the image data generated by the camera C90.

If an obstacle Obs exists in front of the camera C0, the camera C0 cannot generate image data of the subject located at the center point Ctr. In this case, the composite image generation unit 103 may generate composite image data as a substitute for the image data generated by the camera C0, based on the image data generated by the two cameras C other than the camera C0.

The content sales method executed by the content sales server 10E and the process that the content sales program causes the sales control unit 100 to execute will be described using the flowchart shown in FIG. In FIG. 17, the same processes as those in FIG. 4 are given the same reference numerals, and their explanations may be omitted. The flowchart shown in FIG. 17 shows processing when delivering content on demand.

Following step S2, sales control unit 100 determines in step S51 whether or not there is a time when an obstacle exists. If there is no time for the obstacle to exist (NO), the sales control unit 100 presents the normal sales price of the content in step S52, and moves the process to step S6. If there is time for the obstacle to exist (YES), the sales control unit 100 presents a discount price for the content in step S53, and moves the process to step S6. The processing in steps S6 to S10 is the same as steps S6 to S10 in FIG.

As described above, the content sales server 10E, which is the content sales apparatus according to the fifth embodiment, has an obstacle determination unit that determines the presence or absence of an obstacle that obstructs the photographing of the subject when each camera C photographs the subject. 112. The obstacle determination unit 112 determines that there is an obstacle when the camera C selected to generate composite image data photographs the subject. At this time, the composite image generation unit 103 generates composite image data based on image data generated by one or more other cameras C that can photograph the subject without being affected by obstacles.

The sales control unit 100 sets the sales price of the composite image data when an obstacle exists to the composite image data generated based on the image data generated by the two selected circumferentially adjacent cameras C when no obstacle exists. It is better to sell the image data at a discount price that is lower than the selling price of the image data. The sales control unit 100 preferably sells composite image data at a discount price even when there is an obstacle and the composite image data is sold as a substitute for the image data generated by the cameras C0 to C315.

In the content sales method according to the fifth embodiment, an obstacle determination unit 112 included in the content sales server 10E determines whether there is an obstacle that obstructs the photographing of the subject when each camera C photographs the subject. In the content sales method according to the fourth embodiment, a composite image generation unit 103 included in the content sales server 10E generates images using one or more other cameras C that can photograph a subject without being affected by obstacles. Generate composite image data based on the image data.

The content sales program according to the fifth embodiment causes a computer included in the content sales server 10E to execute a step of determining the presence or absence of an obstacle that obstructs the photographing of a subject when each camera C photographs the subject. The content sales program according to the fifth embodiment includes a step of generating composite image data based on image data generated by one or more other cameras C capable of photographing a subject without being affected by obstacles. Execute.

According to the content sales server 10E, the content sales method, and the content sales program according to the fifth embodiment, even if there is an obstacle that obstructs photographing a subject, the content can be sold in accordance with the requests of the content purchaser. can do. In the fifth embodiment, the moving center point Mctr may be used instead of the center point Ctr.

<Sixth embodiment>
In FIG. 18, a content sales server 10F is connected to the network 20 instead of the content sales server 10A shown in FIG. In FIG. 18, parts that are the same as those in FIG. 1 are given the same reference numerals, and their explanations may be omitted. The content sales server 10F is a content sales device according to the sixth embodiment, and executes the content sales method according to the sixth embodiment. The content sales server 10E executes the content sales program according to the sixth embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 19, in the sixth embodiment, a plurality of cameras C are three-dimensionally arranged so as to surround a center point Sctr set in the photographing area. Here, the plurality of cameras C is 13 cameras C1 to C13, but the number of cameras C is not limited. A center point Sctr is set at a distance z in the height direction from the center point Hctr of the horizontal plane H1. If the coordinates of the center point Hctr are (x, y), the coordinates of the center point Sctr are (x, y, z).

Each camera C is arranged to face the center point Sctr. Camera C is arranged toward the center point Sctr, which means that a line perpendicular to the angle of view of the camera C at the center in the horizontal and vertical directions points toward the center point Sctr.

As shown in FIG. 18, the content sales server 10F includes a camera position information storage section 115 instead of the camera angle information storage section 105, and a three-dimensional division angle setting section 116 instead of the division angle setting section 106. The camera position information storage unit 115 stores the three-dimensional positions of the cameras C1 to C13 shown in FIG. The three-dimensional division angle setting unit 116 sets a sphere S1 having a predetermined radius centered on the center point Sctr, and sets a three-dimensional angle as described later. The radius of the sphere S1 is, for example, 1 m.

As shown in FIG. 20A, the three-dimensional division angle setting unit 116 divides the surface of the sphere S1 into unit areas Ua having a predetermined area, and divides the surface of the sphere S1 into unit areas Ua having a predetermined area, and divides the surface of the sphere S1 into unit areas Ua in a direction connecting the center point Sctr and the center Uctr of each unit area Ua. A plurality of three-dimensional angles are set for S1. In the example shown in FIG. 20A, the unit area Ua is circular, but it may be polygonal.

FIG. 20B shows another method of setting multiple angles. As shown in FIG. 20B, a three-dimensional angle is set in a direction connecting the center point Sctr and the intersection Int of a plurality of latitudes and a plurality of meridians set on the sphere S1. The three-dimensional angle is represented by an angle θ in the longitude direction and an angle φ in the latitude direction. When a plurality of three-dimensional angles are set as shown in FIG. 20B, the closer the intersection points Int are to the two poles, the closer the intersections Int are, so the angles cannot be set evenly. Therefore, it is preferable to set a plurality of angles using the method shown in FIG. 20A.

In FIG. 18, the image storage unit 102 stores image data generated by each camera C photographing a subject located at the center point Sctr. The composite image generation unit 103 generates a composite image corresponding to image data obtained by photographing a subject from a position between two adjacent cameras C, based on image data generated by at least two adjacent cameras C among the plurality of cameras C. Generate data.

Assume that a content purchaser selects the angle of the direction in which one of the plurality of cameras C is positioned and purchases the content. At this time, the sales control unit 100 sells the image data generated by the camera C corresponding to the selected angle stored in the image storage unit 102 as content. Assume that a content purchaser selects an angle between two adjacent cameras C among a plurality of cameras C and purchases the content. At this time, the sales control unit 100 sells the composite image data generated by the composite image generation unit 103 as content.

The sales control unit 100 sells the image data stored in the image storage unit 102 at a first sales price, and sells the composite image data generated by the composite image generation unit 103 at a second sales price lower than the first sales price. It is better to sell at a selling price of .

The content sales method executed by the content sales server 10F and the process that the content sales program causes the sales control unit 100 to execute will be explained using the flowchart shown in FIG. In FIG. 21, the same processes as those in FIG. 4 are given the same reference numerals, and their explanations may be omitted.

Following step S1, sales control unit 100 determines in step S61 whether a three-dimensional angle for purchase has been selected. If a three-dimensional angle is not selected (NO), the sales control unit 100 repeats the process of step S61. If a three-dimensional angle is selected (YES), the sales control unit 100 moves the process to step S3. The processing in steps S3 to S10 is the same as steps S3 to S10 in FIG.

As described above, in the sixth embodiment, the plurality of cameras C are three-dimensionally arranged so as to surround the center point Sctr set in the photographing area, and each camera in the plurality of cameras C surrounds the center point Sctr. It is placed to face. The content purchaser selects a three-dimensional angle from the center point Sctr.

The sales control unit 100 in the content sales server 10F, which is the content sales device according to the sixth embodiment, stores image data generated by the camera C corresponding to the selected three-dimensional angle stored in the image storage unit 102. Sell. Furthermore, the sales control unit 100 sells composite image data generated by the composite image generation unit 103 that corresponds to the selected three-dimensional angle.

The content sales server 10F divides the sphere S1 into unit areas Ua having a predetermined area, and sets a plurality of three-dimensional angles with respect to the sphere S1 in a direction connecting the center point Sctr and the center of each unit area Ua. It is preferable to include a three-dimensional division angle setting section 116 for setting the three-dimensional division angle. The sales control section 100 sells the content for each angle set in the three-dimensional division angle setting section 116.

In the content sales method according to the sixth embodiment, a sales control unit 100 included in a content sales server 10F sells image data generated by a camera C corresponding to a selected angle stored in an image storage unit 102 as content. do. The content sales method according to the sixth embodiment sells composite image data generated by the composite image generation unit 103 as content.

The content sales program according to the sixth embodiment includes a step of selling image data generated by the camera C corresponding to the selected angle stored in the image storage unit 102 as content to a computer included in the content sales server 10F. Let it run. The content sales program according to the sixth embodiment causes a computer included in the content sales server 10F to execute a step of selling composite image data as content.

According to the content sales server 10F, the content sales method, and the content sales program according to the sixth embodiment, it is possible to sell content that corresponds to three-dimensional angles in accordance with the requests of content purchasers.

The present invention is not limited to the first to sixth embodiments described above, and various modifications can be made without departing from the gist of the present invention.

10A, 10B, 10C, 10D, 10E, 10F Content sales server (content sales device)
20 Network 30 Image transmitting device 40a, 40b, 40c Purchaser terminal 101 Communication unit 102 Image storage unit 103 Composite image generation unit 104 Center point setting unit 105 Camera angle information storage unit 106 Division angle setting unit 107 Management ledger holding unit 108 Payment processing Section 109 Time management section 110 Specific object tracking section 111 Specific object disappearance determination section 112 Obstacle determination section 115 Camera position information storage section 116 Three-dimensional division angle setting section C0 to C13, C45, C90, C135, C180, C225, C270, C315 camera

Claims (5)

A plurality of cameras are arranged three-dimensionally so as to surround a center point set in a photographing area, each camera of the plurality of cameras is arranged so as to face the center point, and each camera is arranged so as to surround the center point set in the photographing area. an image storage unit that stores image data generated by photographing a subject located at a point;
A composite image generation unit that generates composite image data corresponding to image data obtained by photographing the subject from a position between the two adjacent cameras, based on image data generated by at least two adjacent cameras in the plurality of cameras. and,
When a content purchaser selects the angle of the direction in which one of the plurality of cameras is located and purchases the content, the camera corresponding to the selected angle stored in the image storage unit is When the generated image data is sold as content and the purchaser selects an angle between two adjacent cameras among the plurality of cameras to purchase the content, the composite image generation unit a sales control department that sells the composite image data generated by the system as content;
A content sales device comprising: The sales control unit sells the image data stored in the image storage unit at a first sales price, and sells the composite image data generated by the composite image generation unit at a first sale price lower than the first sales price. 2. The content sales device according to claim 1, which sells the content at a sales price of 2. Three-dimensional division, in which a sphere surrounding the center point is divided into unit areas having a predetermined area, and a plurality of three-dimensional angles are set with respect to the sphere in a direction connecting the center point and the center of each unit area. It further includes an angle setting section,
The content sales device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the sales control unit sells the content for each angle set in the three-dimensional division angle setting unit. A plurality of cameras are three-dimensionally arranged so as to surround a center point set in a shooting area, each camera of the plurality of cameras is arranged so as to face the center point, and the content sales server provides an image. a storage unit stores image data generated by each camera photographing a subject located at the center point;
A composite image generation unit included in the content sales server generates image data of the subject photographed from a position between two adjacent cameras, based on image data generated by at least two adjacent cameras of the plurality of cameras. Generate corresponding composite image data,
When a content purchaser selects an angle in a direction in which one of the plurality of cameras is positioned and purchases content, a sales control unit included in the content sales server stores information in the image storage unit when the content purchaser selects an angle in a direction in which one of the plurality of cameras is positioned. The image data generated by the camera corresponding to the selected angle is sold as content,
When the purchaser selects a direction angle between any two adjacent cameras among the plurality of cameras and purchases content, the sales control unit selects a composite image generated by the composite image generation unit. A content sales method that sells image data as content. On the computer equipped with the content sales server,
A plurality of cameras are arranged three-dimensionally so as to surround a center point set in a photographing area, each camera of the plurality of cameras is arranged so as to face the center point, and each camera is arranged so as to surround the center point set in the photographing area. storing image data generated by photographing a subject located at a point in an image storage unit;
Based on image data generated by at least two adjacent cameras in the plurality of cameras, generating composite image data corresponding to image data obtained by photographing the subject from a position between the two adjacent cameras;
When a content purchaser selects the angle of the direction in which one of the plurality of cameras is located and purchases the content, the camera corresponding to the selected angle stored in the image storage unit is selling the generated image data as content;
When the purchaser selects a direction angle between any two adjacent cameras of the plurality of cameras to purchase content, selling the composite image data as content;
A content sales program that runs.

Images