JP3917141B2 - Video information supply device, video information reception device, and video information editing device - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a video information supply device that supplies video information via a communication line, a video information reception device that receives video information supplied via a communication line, and a video information supplied via a communication line. The present invention relates to a video information editing apparatus.

  Conventionally, various video information has been broadcast and broadcast on television and other media. In many cases, such video information is completed as a single video work by selecting appropriate video information from video information taken at different locations and times in advance and editing the video information as material. .

  In addition, as pre-photographed video information used as a material in editing such a video work, there is information prepared as general-purpose video information without particularly limiting the purpose of use.

On the other hand, in recent years, communication lines such as so-called Internet have been proposed as means for supplying and distributing video information, and as described in Patent Document 1, video serving as a material of a video work through such communication lines is proposed. Information is circulating.
Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2003-018566

  By the way, as described above, pre-captured video information used as material in editing a video work is often stored by a plurality of photographers, so it is scattered and stored in various places. Yes. Therefore, it is often difficult to obtain desired video information.

  In addition, when distributing video information that is the material of a video work through a communication line such as the Internet, the distributed video information is easily copied in large quantities, so the copyright of the photographer is accurately protected. It becomes difficult.

  As described above, since there is a situation in which the photographer's copyright is not properly protected, the video information is increasingly stored and it becomes more difficult to obtain the necessary video information.

  Therefore, the present invention is proposed in view of the above-described circumstances, and pre-captured video information used as a material in editing a video work while ensuring sufficient protection of the photographer's copyright. Video information supply device, video information receiving device, and video information editing, which can facilitate the acquisition of video information necessary for editing video works and facilitate the editing work. The object is to provide an apparatus.

  In order to solve the above-described problems, a video supply apparatus according to the present invention supplies video information to a video information receiving apparatus, and stores video information and inventory information of the video information in a storage. In accordance with a procedure stored in the sample video creation information memory, sample video creation means for creating a sample video from the video information, and billing information relating to the video information in accordance with a procedure stored in the billing information processing information memory Billing information processing means for processing, transmission control means for controlling transmission of the video information, the inventory information, the sample video and the billing information to the video information receiving means in accordance with the procedure stored in the transmission control information memory; The transmission control means follows the procedure stored in the transmission control information memory, and sends the inventory information from the video information storage means. The video information receiving device outputs the sample video according to the video information selected by the video information receiving device based on the inventory information, and causes the sample video creating means to create the sample video receiving means. The video information specified by the video information receiving device and billing information corresponding to the start point and end point of the video information are processed by the billing information processing means and transmitted to the video information receiving device. The video information is read from the video information storage means from the designated start point to the end point and transmitted to the video information receiving device, at least the sample video creation means existing in the same or different place, and Billing information processing means and the transmission control means.

  It is preferable that the transmission control unit transmits the inventory information, the sample video, or the video information after the video information receiving apparatus is authenticated.

  It is preferable that the transmission control means transmits the video information after payment is made based on the billing information.

  The video information receiving apparatus according to the present invention has video information storage means for storing video information and catalog information of the video information, the video information, the catalog information, a sample video created from the video information, and Video information is received from a video information supply device that supplies billing information relating to the video information, and according to a procedure stored in a reception control information memory, reception control means for controlling reception from the video information supply device; An input means for inputting a control signal to the reception control means; and a display means for displaying a signal output from the reception control means. The reception control means is a procedure stored in the reception control information memory. The video information selected from the video information supply device, displayed on the display means, and selected by the input means based on the catalog information Notifying the video information supply device, receiving the sample video corresponding to the selected video information from the video information supply device and displaying it on the display means, video information designated by the input means and a starting point And the video information transmitting device, the specified video information and the charging information corresponding to the start point and the end point are received from the video information supply device and displayed on the display means, The designated video information is received from the designated start point to the end point from the video information supply device.

  It is preferable that the reception control unit receives the inventory information, the sample video, or the video information from the video information supply device after performing authentication.

  Preferably, the reception control means receives the video information after a payment is made based on the billing information.

  It is preferable to include at least the reception control means, the input means, and the display means that exist in the same or different places.

  The video information editing apparatus according to the present invention includes video information storage means for storing video information and catalog information of the video information, and a sample video created from the video information, the catalog information, and the video information. Receiving and editing video information from the supplied video information supply device, and receiving control means for controlling reception from the video information supply device according to the procedure stored in the reception control information memory, and an edit processing information memory Editing processing means for editing video information along a timeline, input control means for inputting a control signal to the receiving control means and the editing processing means, the reception control means and the editing processing means. Display means for displaying a signal output from the reception control means, wherein the reception control means displays the inventory information in accordance with a procedure stored in the reception control information memory. Received from the video information supply device and displayed on the display means, notifies the video information supply device of the video information selected by the editing processing means based on the inventory information, and the selected video information The corresponding sample video is received from the video information supply device and displayed on the display means, the video information designated by the editing processing means, the start point and the end point are notified to the video information transmission device, and the designated The video information and the billing information corresponding to the start point and end point are received from the video information supply device and displayed on the display means, and the designated video information is terminated from the designated start point. From the video information supply device, and the editing processing means follows the procedure stored in the editing processing information memory according to the input by the input means on the display means. Select inventory information by arranging the inventory information to the timeline to specify the start and end points with the video information by editing the sample image along the time line.

  Preferably, the video information supply device further supplies billing information related to the video information.

  It is preferable that the reception control unit receives the inventory information, the sample video, or the video information from the video information supply device after performing authentication.

  Preferably, the reception control means receives the video information after a payment is made based on the billing information.

  Preferably, the editing processing unit renders the video information supplied from the video information supply device.

  It is preferable to include at least reception control means, editing processing means, input means, and display means that exist in the same or different places.

A plurality of inventory information (or index information and thumbnail information) representing each of a plurality of materials is received from a server on a communication line, and at least a material number N of the inventory information is stored in a memory (storage device) and displayed. Displaying on the device;
In response to selection of one piece of catalog information in the display by the user, storing the material number N of the catalog information in the memory 21c and transmitting it to the server;
The sample image of the material corresponding to the material number N and the in-time ti / out-time to of the material are received from the server, and the in-time ti / out-time to is associated with the material number N and stored in the material information memory 21c. Storing the sample image in association with the material number N in the image memory 26a;
The in-time ti / out-time to are read from the material information memory 21c, and this data is displayed on the display screen together with the material number N (or a representative image of the sample image corresponding to the material number) and numerical display and image display. And steps to
In response to an input from the user via the image display (or to the display), the in-time ti / out-time to in the material information memory 21c is updated, and according to the updated memory contents, Updating the numerical display of intime ti / outtime to;
The updated intime ti / outtime to is read from the material information memory 21c, the charge for the material between the intime ti / outtime to is calculated, the calculation result is stored in the material information memory 21c, and the charge Displaying numerical values on the display device;
Reading the material number N and the in-time ti / out-time to from the material information memory 21c in response to a purchase decision input from the user, and transmitting to the server;
In response to the transmission, the authentic image data between the in-time ti and the out-time to in the authentic image data of the material number N is received from the server side, and the authentic image data is stored in the image memory 26a. When,
A video information receiving method.

A plurality of inventory information (or index information and thumbnail information) representing each of a plurality of materials is received from a server on a communication line, and at least a material number N of the inventory information is stored in a memory (storage device) and displayed. Means for displaying on the device;
Means for storing the material number N of the catalog information in the memory 21c and transmitting it to the server in response to selection by the user of one catalog information in the display;
The sample image of the material corresponding to the material number N and the in-time ti / out-time to of the material are received from the server, and the in-time ti / out-time to is associated with the material number N and stored in the material information memory 21c. Means for storing the sample image in the image memory 26a in association with the material number N;
The in-time ti / out-time to are read from the material information memory 21c, and this data is displayed on the display screen together with the material number N (or a representative image of the sample image corresponding to the material number) and numerical display and image display. Means to
In response to an input from the user via the image display (or to the display), the in-time ti / out-time to in the material information memory 21c is updated, and according to the updated memory contents, Means for updating the numerical display of intime ti / outtime to,
The updated intime ti / outtime to is read from the material information memory 21c, the charge for the material between the intime ti / outtime to is calculated, the calculation result is stored in the material information memory 21c, and the charge Means for displaying numerical values on the display device;
Means for reading out the material number N and the in-time ti / out-time to from the material information memory 21c in response to a purchase decision input from the user and transmitting them to the server;
Means for receiving, from the server side, genuine image data between the in-time ti and the out-time to within the genuine image data of the material number N in response to the transmission, and storing the genuine image data in the image memory 26a When,
A video information receiving apparatus.

a) displaying a timeline on the display device;
b) A plurality of inventory information (or index information and thumbnail information) representing each of a plurality of external materials is received from a server on the communication line, and at least the material number N of the inventory information is stored in a memory (storage device). And displaying on the display device;
c) When the user drags and drops one item of the display information to an appropriate position on the timeline, the context of the other material on the timeline is stored in the array memory 53b. And sending the material number N to the server;
d) The sample image of the external material corresponding to the material number N and the in-time ti / out-time to of the material corresponding to the material number N are received from the server, and the in-time ti / out-time to is associated with the material number N and the material information memory Storing the sample image in the image memory 56a in association with the material number N;
e) Read intime ti / outtime to of material number N in the material information memory 51c and use the timeline (preferably together with the material number or representative image of the sample image) for the intime ti / outtime to. A step of displaying an image as the upper width;
f) updating the in-time ti / out-time to in the material information memory 21c by the user changing the width on the timeline by an input means (for example, a mouse);
g) updating the material arrangement order in the arrangement memory 53a in response to a user instruction to update the context of the plurality of materials on the timeline;
h) performing c) -g) on the internal material stored in the storage device inside the editing device (however, the server is replaced with the internal storage device);
i) A single array arranged on the timeline by reading the material arrangement order from the arrangement memory 53a and reading the in-time ti / out-time to from the material information memory 51c in accordance with an instruction from the user. Rendering a plurality of internal materials and one or more external materials (sample material from a server) as a series of videos;
j) (Preferably, the in-time ti / out-time to of the external material N is read from the material memory, the charge of the material between the in-time ti / out-time to is calculated, and the calculation result is stored in the material information memory 21c. And a step of numerically displaying the charge on the display device together with the material number N),
k) reading the external material number N and the in-time ti / out-time to from the material information memory 51c in response to a purchase decision input from the user, and transmitting them to the server;
l) Read the array data from the array memory, read the internal material image corresponding to the material number N and the in-time ti / out-time to of the selected internal material from the internal material memory 57a, and select from the server Reading out the external material image corresponding to the material number N of the external material and the intime ti / outtime to, and creating one file as a complete package;
A method for creating video information.

a) means for displaying a timeline on the display device;
b) A plurality of inventory information (or index information and thumbnail information) representing each of a plurality of external materials is received from a server on the communication line, and at least the material number N of the inventory information is stored in a memory (storage device). And means for displaying on the display device;
c) When the user drags and drops one item of the display information to an appropriate position on the timeline, the context of the other material on the timeline is stored in the array memory 53b. And means for transmitting the material number N to the server;
d) The sample image of the external material corresponding to the material number N and the in-time ti / out-time to of the material corresponding to the material number N are received from the server, and the in-time ti / out-time to is associated with the material number N and the material information memory Means for storing in 51c and storing the sample image in the image memory 56a in association with the material number N;
e) Read intime ti / outtime to of material number N in the material information memory 51c and use the timeline (preferably together with the material number or representative image of the sample image) for the intime ti / outtime to. Means for displaying an image as the upper width;
f) means for updating the in-time ti / out-time to in the material information memory 21c by the user changing the width on the timeline by an input means (for example, a mouse);
g) means for updating a material arrangement order in the arrangement memory 53a in response to a user instruction to update the context of a plurality of materials on the timeline;
h) means for executing c) -g) on the internal material stored in the storage device inside the editing apparatus (however, the server is replaced with the internal storage device);
i) A single array arranged on the timeline by reading the material arrangement order from the arrangement memory 53a and reading the in-time ti / out-time to from the material information memory 51c in accordance with an instruction from the user. Or means for rendering a plurality of internal materials and one or more external materials (sample material from a server) as a series of videos;
j) (Preferably, the in-time ti / out-time to of the external material N is read from the material memory, the charge of the material between the in-time ti / out-time to is calculated, and the calculation result is stored in the material information memory 21c. And a means for numerically displaying the charge on the display device together with the material number N),
k) means for reading out the external material number N and the in-time ti / out-time to from the material information memory 51c in response to a purchase decision input from the user and transmitting them to the server;
l) Read the array data from the array memory, read the internal material image corresponding to the material number N and the in-time ti / out-time to of the selected internal material from the internal material memory 57a, and select from the server Means for reading out the external material image corresponding to the material number N of the external material and the in-time ti / out-time to and creating one file as a complete package;
A video information creating apparatus having

  According to the present invention, it is possible to consolidate pre-captured video information used as material in editing video works, etc., while ensuring sufficient protection of the photographer's copyright, etc. Acquisition of necessary video information can be facilitated, and editing can be facilitated.

  Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

[Configuration of video information supply device]
In this embodiment, the video information supply apparatus according to the present invention is configured to store and store video information in a server computer and supply it to a plurality of users through a communication line.

  FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a video information supply device and a video information reception device according to the present embodiment.

  A video information supply apparatus 10 according to the present invention includes a material information memory 11 serving as video information storage means for storing and storing video information. The material information memory 11 sequentially stores and stores video information materials having sufficient image quality for use in, for example, television broadcasting in the material storage 11a.

  In this material information memory 11, each video information stored in the material storage 11a is stored as a data file, and is managed by a file name (material number). That is, any video information can be read by designating a file name (material number).

  The material information memory 11 also stores catalog information corresponding to video information. This list information is composed of directory information indicating a hierarchical structure of video information (material file), thumbnails obtained by reducing the video information, and the like.

  The material information memory 11 is controlled by a transmission control unit 12 serving as a transmission control unit. The transmission control unit 12 performs control such as reading of video information from the material information memory 11 based on the procedure stored in the transmission control information memory 12a. When the transmission control unit 12 reads video information from the material information memory 11, the transmission control unit 12 can read not only one video information (one file) but also a part of one video information. It has become. That is, by specifying the start point (start time) and the end point (end time) in one piece of video information, it is possible to read out only the video information from the start point to the end point.

  The video information read out from the material information memory 11 in this way is encrypted by the interface 13 and then output to the outside of the video information supply device 10 to receive the video information through the communication line 30 such as the Internet or LAN. Sent to the device 20. Also in the interface 13, the transmission control unit 12 controls the timing for outputting the video information read from the material information memory 11 to the outside.

  Further, the video information supply device 10 is based on the video information read from the material information memory 11 and creates sample video that serves as sample video creation means for creating a sample video having a lower image quality (resolution) than the video information. Part 14. In accordance with the procedure stored in the sample creation information memory 14a, the image quality of the sample video is reduced in accordance with the deterioration degree parameter supplied from the deterioration degree parameter memory 14b. For example, “sample (sample)” or the like is added. In accordance with the additional information supplied from the information memory 14c, characters indicating that the video information is not real video information (main video information) are superimposed (inserted). It is not possible.

  The sample video is encrypted by the interface 13, output to the outside of the video information supply device 10, and sent to the video information reception device 20 through the communication line 30.

  Further, the video information supply apparatus 10 includes a billing information processing unit 15 serving as billing information processing means for processing billing information related to video information. The billing information processing unit 15 follows the procedure stored in the billing information processing information memory 15a, for example, the minute (second) unit price of video information read out from the material information memory 11 and output to the outside, and the output time ( Product of minutes and seconds) as billing information. The minute (second) unit price of the video information may be different for each video information (material file).

  The billing information is encrypted by the interface 13, output to the outside of the video information supply device 10, and sent to the video information reception device 20 through the communication line 30.

  Further, the transmission control unit 12 receives a file name (material number) for specifying video information and a start point (start time) of the specified video information from the video information receiving device 20 outside the video information supply device 10. And designation information for designating the end point (end time). The file name (material number), the start point, and the end point are stored in the material number memory 121, the start point memory 123, and the end point memory 125 in the transmission control unit 12. Such designation information is sent from the external video information receiving device 20 to the transmission control unit 12 via the interface 13.

  Further, authentication information indicating a user ID and a password is sent to the transmission control unit 12 from the video information receiving device 20 outside the video information supply device 10. This authentication information is sent from the external video information receiving device 20 to the transmission control unit 12 via the interface 13. When receiving the authentication information, the transmission control unit 12 collates with, for example, a list of authentication information stored in advance in the transmission control information memory 12a, and authenticates whether or not the sent authentication information is authentic.

[Operation of video information supply device]
Hereinafter, the operation of the video information supply apparatus 10 will be described.

  FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing the operation of the video information supply apparatus.

  In step S11, the transmission control unit 12 authenticates the user ID and password sent as authentication information from the external video information receiving device 20 via the interface 13 according to the procedure stored in the transmission control information memory 12a. Authenticate whether or not there is. Then, if the authentication information is authentic, the transmission control unit 12 proceeds to the next step S12. Otherwise, the transmission control unit 12 remains at this step S11.

  In step S12, the transmission control unit 12 reads the inventory information for searching and selecting the video information from the material information memory 11 and transmits it to the video information receiving device 20 according to the procedure stored in the transmission control information memory 12a. .

  In step S <b> 13, the transmission control unit 12 causes the sample video creation unit 14 to create a sample video corresponding to the video information selected based on the catalog information notified from the video information receiving device 20. The creation of the sample video is performed by the sample video creation unit 14 in accordance with the procedure stored in the sample video creation information memory 14a and the deterioration degree parameter stored in the deterioration degree parameter memory 14b and the additional information stored in the additional information memory 14c. It is done using.

  In step S <b> 14, the transmission control unit 12 transmits the sample video created by the sample video creation unit 14 to the video information receiving device 20.

  In step S15, the transmission control unit 12 charges based on the designated video information notified from the video information receiving device 20 and the designated information indicating the start point and the end point in accordance with the procedure stored in the transmission control information memory 12a. Information is processed in the billing information processing unit 15.

  In step S16, the transmission control unit 12 transmits the charging information processed in the charging information processing unit 15 in step S15 to the video information receiving device 20 according to the procedure stored in the transmission control information memory 12a. 15 makes the settlement processing for the billing information.

  This payment is a so-called “online payment”, and the payment is completed when the user inputs a credit card number or the like. The same applies to the settlement in the following description.

  In step S17, the transmission control unit 12 reads the video information designated by the designation information from the designated start point to the end point from the material information memory 11 in accordance with the procedure stored in the transmission control information memory 12a to obtain the video information. It transmits to the receiving device 20.

  The configuration and operation of the video information supply apparatus described above are basically as follows.

A video memory for storing a plurality of video information, each video information, a video memory having a material number and a plurality of frame information (and time information associated with the frame information),
A catalog information memory (11a) for creating and storing a plurality of catalog information respectively corresponding to the plurality of video information;
A sample video memory (11a) for creating and storing a sample video of the video information based on at least one video information of the plurality of video information and video information processing information for processing the video information; ,
The material number of the video information, the start point (start time or start frame, etc.), and the end point (end time or end frame, etc.) are received from the client terminal, and the material number memory (121) for storing each is received. Point memory (123), end point memory (125),
Based on the material number, start point, and end point, a download memory (11a) that reads from the video memory from the start point to the end point of the corresponding video information and stores it together with its identifier;
A billing information memory for creating and storing billing information based on the material number, start point, and end point;
Have
In response to a request from the client terminal, the inventory information is transmitted (for example, to the client terminal),
In response to a request from the client terminal, the sample information is read from the sample video memory (for example, to the client terminal) and transmitted.
In response to a request from a client terminal, the video information and the billing information are transmitted (for example, to the client terminal).
Video information supply device.

In the step of storing a plurality of video information in the video memory, each video information has a material number and a plurality of frame information (and time information associated with the frame information),
Creating a plurality of inventory information respectively corresponding to the plurality of video information and storing them in an inventory information memory (11a);
In response to a request from a client terminal, transmitting the inventory information (for example, to the client terminal);
A sample video of the video information is created based on at least one video information of the plurality of video information and video information processing information for processing the video information, and stored in the sample video memory (11a). Steps,
In response to a request from a client terminal, reading the sample information from the sample video memory (for example, to the client terminal) and transmitting,
The material number, start point (start time or start frame, etc.) and end point (end time or end frame, etc.) of the video information are received from the client terminal, and the material number memory (121) and start point memory (123) are received. ), Storing each in the end point memory (125);
Reading from the video memory from the start point to the end point of the corresponding video information based on the material number, the start point, and the end point, and storing them in the download memory (11a) together with their identifiers;
Creating billing information based on the material number, start point, end point, and storing it in the billing information memory;
Transmitting the video information and the billing information (for example, to the client terminal) in response to a request from the client terminal;
A method for supplying video information.

[Configuration of video information receiver]
In this embodiment, a video information receiving apparatus according to the present invention is configured to receive video information stored and stored in a server computer through a communication line.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the video information receiving apparatus 20 of the present embodiment is connected to the transmission control unit 12 of the video information supply apparatus 10 described above, and performs reception control according to the procedure stored in the reception control information memory 21 a. A control unit 21 is provided.

  The reception control unit 21 includes a material designating unit 21b for designating a material and a list material designating unit 21d for designating an arrangement (list) of materials. The material designation unit 21b stores the designated material (material number) in the material designation information memory 21c. The list material designation unit 21d stores a list (array) of materials in the list material designation information memory 21e. The reception control unit 21 is connected to the communication line 30 and the interface 13 of the video information supply device 10 via the interface 22, and is connected to the transmission control unit 12 of the video information supply device 10 via the interface 13. Yes.

  The interface 22 decodes the video information, sample video, and billing information sent via the interface 13 of the video information supply apparatus 10 and sends them to the editing processing unit 23. The details of the operation in the editing processing unit 23 are the same as those of the editing processing unit 53 in the video information editing apparatus 50 described later (see FIG. 12).

  A display unit 24 is connected to the reception control unit 21. The display unit 24 is composed of, for example, a CRT, LCD, etc., and displays video information, inventory information, and billing information supplied from the editing processing unit 23.

  The reception control unit 21 is connected to an input unit 25 such as a keyboard and a mouse for the user to input a user ID, a password, and other information to the reception control unit 21.

  An editing material memory 26 is connected to the editing processing unit 23. The editing material memory 26 accumulates and stores sample images, video information, and the like sent from the video information supply device 10 and output from the editing processing unit 23 in the editing material storage 26a.

[Operation of video information receiver]
The operation of this video information receiving apparatus will be described below.

  FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing the operation of the video information receiving apparatus.

  In step S21, the reception control unit 21 transmits a user ID and a password to the transmission control unit 12 of the video information supply apparatus 10 according to the procedure stored in the reception control information memory 21a to obtain authentication.

  FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a pre-authentication window displayed on the display unit.

  The edit processing unit 23 displays a window 100 </ b> A having a “login” button 103 on the display unit 24 in a state before authentication. When the button 103 is pushed by operating the mouse of the input unit 25, for example, an authentication window 105 is popped up and displayed on the display unit 24. The authentication window 105 has an area for inputting a user ID and a password.

  When a user ID and password are input by operating, for example, a keyboard of the input unit 25, the user ID and password are displayed on the authentication window 105. The user ID and password input in this way are sent as authentication information from the editing processing unit 23 to the reception control unit 21 and further sent to the transmission control unit 12 of the video information supply apparatus 10.

  When the transmission control unit 12 authenticates the user ID and password of the authentication information as authentic, the reception control unit 21 proceeds to the next step S22, and otherwise stops the process at this step S21.

  In step S22, the reception control unit 21 receives the catalog information from the transmission control unit 12 of the video information supply device 10 according to the procedure stored in the reception control information memory 21a. The edit processing unit 23 displays the catalog information received by the reception control unit 21 on the display unit 24. At this time, the editing processing unit 23 stores this list information in the editing material information memory 26.

  FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a hierarchical structure of the catalog information.

  The catalog information is classified into a hierarchical structure according to the genre and content of the video. With such a hierarchical structure, desired video information can be easily reached.

  FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a window for displaying the catalog information.

  The edit processing unit 23 displays the window 100B in which the catalog information is displayed on the display unit 24.

  This window 100B has a directory display area 107 that indicates a directory having a hierarchical structure of the catalog information, and a thumbnail display area 109 that displays thumbnails in the directory selected in the directory display area 107.

  Next, as shown in FIG. 3, in step S23, the reception control unit 21 follows the procedure stored in the reception control information memory 21a and displays the selection result of the video information by the user based on the displayed inventory information. 10 transmission control units 12.

  The video information is selected by selecting one thumbnail 115 displayed in the thumbnail display area 109 of the window 100B by operating, for example, a mouse of the input unit 25. The material number of the thumbnail selected in this way is sent to the reception control unit 21 by the editing processing unit 23, and this material number is further notified to the transmission control unit 12 of the video information supply apparatus 10 by the reception control unit 21.

  In step S24, the reception control unit 21 receives the sample video transmitted from the transmission control unit 12 of the video information supply device 10 according to the selection result of the video information according to the procedure stored in the reception control information memory 21a.

  The sample video is displayed on the display unit 24 by the editing processing unit 23 and stored in the editing material information memory 26.

  FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a sample video displayed on the display unit.

  When one thumbnail 115 is selected by clicking in the thumbnail display area 109 of the window 100C displayed on the display unit 24, a sample video corresponding to this thumbnail 115 is downloaded from the video information supply device 10 to the video information receiving device 20. The sample video display window 111 pops up on the window 100C, and the sample video is displayed as a moving image on the sample video display window 111.

  In step S25, as shown in FIG. 3, the reception control unit 21 follows the procedure stored in the reception control information memory 21a to specify video information and start and end points by the user based on the sample video in the specified video information. Is sent to the transmission control unit 12.

  This material designation is performed by the editing processing unit 23. That is, the material designation information memory 21c has a material number memory, a start point memory, and an end point memory (not shown). Further, the arrangement (list) of the materials is also performed by the list material designation unit 21d of the reception control unit 21 according to the list material designation information stored in the list material designation information memory 21e.

  FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating the designation of the start point and end point in the video information.

  Designation of the start point and end point in the video information is performed by designating the start point (in point) and end point (out point) in the time code of the sample video on the display unit 24. This is performed by, for example, an input operation with the mouse of the input unit 25 for the editing processing unit 23.

  The video information designated in this way and the designation information indicating the start point and the end point thereof are sent from the edit processing unit 23 to the reception control unit 21, and from the reception control unit 21 to the transmission control unit 12 of the video information supply device 10. Will be notified.

  In step S26, the reception control unit 21 receives the billing information transmitted from the transmission control unit 12 of the video information supply device 10 according to the procedure stored in the reception control information memory 21a. This billing information is displayed on the display unit 24 by the editing processing unit 23, and settlement is performed as described above.

  FIG. 9 is a diagram for explaining the billing information displayed on the display unit.

  The accounting information is displayed on the display unit 25 by displaying the designated video information (material number. And the time and amount from the start point to the end point of the video information.

  In step S27, as shown in FIG. 3, the reception control unit 21 performs transmission control according to the specified video information and the specified information indicating the start point and end point according to the procedure stored in the reception control information memory 21a. The video information transmitted from the unit 12 is received. This video information is stored in the editing material memory 26 by the editing processing unit 23.

  FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example in which video information is supplied.

  This figure shows a state in which video information (material file) designated by the user is supplied from the video information supply device 10 to the video information reception device 20 via the communication line 30.

  FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram illustrating another example in which video information is supplied.

  In this figure, video information (material file) designated by the user is supplied from the video information supply device 10 to the video information receiving device 20 by mail.

  As described above, the supply of the video information from the video information supply device 10 to the video information reception device 20 in step S27 is not limited to the communication line 30, and various methods such as mail or courier can be applied.

  The above-described configuration and operation of the video information receiving apparatus are basically as follows.

As a video information receiver,
A video sample information memory (26) for storing reception information such as video sample information including a material number received from the server and a plurality of frames and a frame number identifying each frame;
Temporary start frame number storage memory for storing a start frame number and an end frame number for specifying a plurality of frames to be acquired from the video information represented by the video sample information in response to an input from the input means (21c) and provisional end frame number storage memory (21c);
A temporary selection material number storage memory (21c) for storing the material number;
A temporary frame number storage memory (21c) for storing the number of frames between the start frame and the end frame calculated based on the value of each temporary memory;
A temporary charge storage memory for storing a charge corresponding to the number of frames calculated based on the value of the temporary frame number storage memory;
A graph memory for storing graph data corresponding to a graph for graphically displaying the positions of the start frame and the end frame with respect to the entire frame region included in the video information specified by the material number;
A confirmed start frame number storage memory (21c) and a confirmed end frame number storage memory (21c) for storing the determined start frame number and end frame number in response to an input from the input means;
A confirmed selection material number memory (21c) for storing the material number;
A determined frame number storage memory (21c) for storing the number of frames between the determined start frame and end frame calculated based on the value of each determined memory;
A fixed fee storage memory for storing a fixed fee corresponding to the fixed frame number calculated based on the value of the fixed frame number storage memory;
Have
Based on the value of each temporary storage memory and the graph data from the graph memory, the position of the start frame and the end frame with respect to the entire frame area of the video information is displayed on the display device as a graph, and the number of frames And charge (with numerical values) along with the graph display,
In response to an input from the input means, the confirmed selection material number, the confirmed start frame number, and the confirmed end frame number are transmitted to the server,
Receiving video information corresponding to the confirmed selection material number, the confirmed start frame number, and the confirmed end frame number from the server;
Video information receiver.

In the video information reception method,
Receiving video sample information including a material number and a plurality of frames and a frame number specifying each frame from the server, and storing the received information in the video sample information memory (26);
In response to input from the input means, a start frame number and end frame number for specifying a plurality of frames to be acquired from the video information represented by the video sample information are stored in a temporary start frame number storage memory ( 21c) and the temporary end frame number storage memory (21c), the material number is stored in the temporary selection material number storage memory (21c), and the start calculated based on the value of each temporary memory The number of frames between the frame and the end frame is stored in the temporary frame number storage memory (21c), and the fee corresponding to the number of frames calculated based on the value of the temporary frame number storage memory is the temporary fee. Storing in the storage memory;
Storing, in a graph memory, graph data corresponding to a graph for graphically displaying the positions of the start frame and the end frame with respect to the entire frame region included in the video information specified by the material number;
Based on the value of each temporary storage memory and the graph data from the graph memory, the position of the start frame and the end frame with respect to the entire frame area of the video information is displayed on the display device as a graph, and the number of frames And displaying charges (eg, numerically) with the graph display;
According to the input from the input means, the confirmed start frame number and end frame number are stored in the confirmed start frame number storage memory (21c) and the confirmed end frame number storage memory (21c), and the material number is confirmed and selected. Store in the material number memory (21c), and store the number of frames between the determined start frame and end frame calculated based on the value of each determined memory in the determined frame number storage memory (21c). Storing a fixed fee corresponding to the fixed frame number calculated based on the value of the fixed frame number storage memory in the fixed fee storage memory;
In response to an input from the input means, transmitting the confirmed selection material number, the confirmed start frame number, and the confirmed end frame number to the server;
Receiving from the server video information corresponding to the confirmed selection material number, the confirmed start frame number, and the confirmed end frame number;
A video information receiving method.

[Configuration of video information editing device]
In this embodiment, the video information editing apparatus according to the present invention is configured so that the video information received from the video information supply apparatus and the video information stored and stored by the internal video information storage means can be edited. It is.

  FIG. 12 is a block diagram illustrating a video information supply device and a video information editing device according to the present embodiment.

  The video information editing device 50 according to the present invention includes a reception control unit 51, an interface 52, an editing processing unit 53, a display unit 54, an input unit 55, and an editing material information memory 56, like the video information receiving device 20 described above. is doing. Each of these units performs the same operations as the reception control unit 21, the interface 22, the editing processing unit 23, the display unit 24, the input unit 25, and the editing material information memory 26 in the video information receiving device 20.

  In the present embodiment, the video information editing apparatus 50 further includes an internal material information memory 57 serving as internal material information storage means for storing and storing video information. The internal material information memory 57 stores and stores in the internal material storage 57a video signals that the user of the video information editing apparatus 50 has photographed, video signals purchased from the outside, and the like.

  The reception control unit 51 controls reading of video information from the internal material information memory 57 according to the procedure stored in the reception control information memory 51a. When the video information is read from the internal material information memory 57, the reception control unit 51 can read not only one video information (one file) but also a part of one video information. It is like that. That is, by specifying the start point (start time) and the end point (end time) in one piece of video information, it is possible to read out only the video information from the start point to the end point. Such material designation for the video information is performed in the material designation unit 51b of the reception control unit 51 in accordance with the material designation information stored in the material designation information memory 51c. The material arrangement (list) is performed in the list material designation unit 51d of the reception control unit 51 according to the list material designation information stored in the list material designation information memory 51e.

  The edit processing unit 53 includes an arrangement setting unit 53a that sets an arrangement (list) of materials, and a timeline material creation unit 53b that creates a timeline of materials.

  The edit processing unit 53 edits video information input via the interface 52 and video information read from the internal material information memory 57.

  The display unit 54 is controlled by the reception control unit 51 to display video information input via the interface 52, video information read from the internal material information memory 57, and video information output from the editing processing unit 53.

[Operation of video information editing device]
The operation of this video information editing apparatus will be described below.

  FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing the operation of the video information editing apparatus.

  In step S31, the reception control unit 51 transmits a user ID and a password to the transmission control unit 12 of the video information supply apparatus 10 according to the procedure stored in the reception control information memory 51a to obtain authentication.

  FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating windows displayed on the display unit before and after authentication.

  At this time, in the pre-authentication window 200A displayed on the display unit 54, an image display area 215 for displaying an image, an authentication information input area 201 for inputting authentication information for a user ID and password for authentication, and internal material information An internal inventory information display area 203 in which the inventory information read from the memory 57 is displayed as a thumbnail and a timeline editing area 205 for editing the video information along the timeline are displayed.

  When the user ID and password are input from the input unit 55, these are displayed in the authentication information input area 201 and further sent to the transmission control unit 12 of the video information supply apparatus 10 by the reception control unit 51. When the transmission control unit 12 authenticates the user ID and password, the reception control unit 51 proceeds to the next step S22, and otherwise stops the process at this step S31.

  In step S32, the reception control unit 51 receives the inventory information transmitted from the transmission control unit 12 of the video information supply device 10 according to the procedure stored in the reception control information memory 51a. The edit processing unit 53 displays this list information on the display unit 54. At this time, the edit processing unit 53 stores the edit material information memory 56.

  In the post-authentication window 200B shown in FIG. 14, the authentication information input area 201 in the pre-authentication window 200A is replaced with an external inventory information display area 207. The external inventory information display area 207 includes a directory display area 207a that displays a directory having a hierarchical structure of inventory information and a thumbnail display area 207b that displays thumbnails of the inventory information. In the thumbnail display area 207b, thumbnails of the catalog information included in the directory selected in the directory display area 207a are displayed.

  In step S33, the reception control unit 51 notifies the transmission control unit 12 of the video information supply apparatus 10 of the video selected based on the catalog information according to the procedure stored in the reception control information memory 51a.

  FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating selection of video information by dragging a thumbnail onto the timeline.

  In the timeline editing area 205 of the window 200C, by selecting one thumbnail 251 displayed in the thumbnail display area 207b of the external inventory information display area 207 and moving it on the timeline 209, the inventory information of the thumbnail 251 is displayed. The video information corresponding to can be selected. This is performed by the user dragging the thumbnail 251 using the mouse of the input unit 55, for example, and dropping the thumbnail 251 on the timeline 209. As a result, the first bar 209a is displayed on the timeline 209.

  Similarly, by dragging and dropping one thumbnail 253 displayed in the internal inventory information display area 203 onto the limeline 209, video information (internal video information) corresponding to the thumbnail 253 can be selected. . As a result, the second bar 209b is displayed on the lime line 209.

  These first and second bars 209a and 209b indicate the start point (start time) and end point (end time) of the video information and the internal video information on the timeline.

  When the thumbnails 251 and 253 are dragged and dropped on the timeline 209 for the first time, the in-time and out-time stored in the time-line information memory 53a default to the first time and the last time of the video information. Is set.

  Such video editing work in the timeline editing area 205 is performed under the control of the editing processing unit 53.

  The edit processing unit 53 stores the material number of the thumbnail 251 in the selected external inventory information display area 207 as the active thumbnail memory in the timeline information memory 53a. At the same time, in accordance with the position on the dropped timeline 209, the array information indicating the context of other image information previously placed on the timeline 209 is stored in the array information memory 53b. To do.

  Further, the edit processing unit 53 sends the material number of the selected thumbnail 251 to the reception control unit 51, and this material number is further transmitted by the reception control unit 51 to the transmission control unit 12 of the video information supply apparatus 10. The In this way, the video information editing device 51 notifies the video information supply device 10 of the video information selection result based on the catalog information.

  In step S34, the reception control unit 51 receives the sample video transmitted from the transmission control unit 12 of the video information supply device 10 according to the selection result of the video information according to the procedure stored in the reception control information memory 51a.

  The editing control unit 53 stores the received sample video in the editing material storage 56 a of the editing material information memory 56 in association with the material number of the catalog information. Then, the video 211 after the preview rendering is displayed on the timeline 209.

  Also, the edit processing unit 53 calculates the usage fee for each video information based on the start point and end point of the sample video (material number) stored in the timeline information memory 53a, and charges it in relation to the material number. The information is stored in an information storage unit (not shown), and is displayed in the billing information display area 213 popped up on the window 200C together with the material number and time.

  In step S35, the user inputs video information (material number) to be used and designation information indicating the start point and end point of each video information. This is performed by operating the bars 209a and 209b on the timeline 200 in the timeline editing unit 205 with the mouse of the input unit 55, for example.

  The reception control unit 51 receives the designated video information and its start point and end point from the editing processing unit 53, and sends the designated video information and its start point and end point to the transmission control unit 12 of the video information supply device 10. Send to.

  In step S36, when a rendering instruction from the user is input to the edit processing unit 53 from the input unit 55, the edit processing unit 53 reads the material number, the array information, and the start point from the timeline information memory 53a and the array information memory 53b. Based on the end point, the sample video read from the editing material information memory 56 and the internal video information read from the internal material information memory 57 are displayed in the video display area 215 as a series of continuous dynamic videos. .

  With the above configuration, the user can obtain the video information of the video information supply apparatus 10 displayed in the external inventory information display area 207 and the video information stored in the internal material information memory 57 displayed in the internal inventory information display area 202. By referring to the respective catalog information (thumbnail), various combinations (context, start point, end point) can be examined, and the most appropriate combination as a video can be determined.

FIG. 16 is a conceptual diagram of an operation in which the sample video and internal video information are edited.

  Note that the edited video information is not of a quality that can be used in television broadcasting or the like as it is, but is only used as a preview.

  In step S <b> 37, the reception control unit 51 receives final billing information from the transmission control unit 12 of the video information supply apparatus 10 according to the procedure stored in the reception control information memory 51 a and sends it to the editing processing unit 53. The edit processing unit 53 displays this billing information on the display unit 54 and decides to purchase. As a result, the reception control unit 51 and the editing processing unit 53 perform settlement of this billing information.

  In step S38, the reception control unit 51 follows the procedure stored in the reception control information memory 51a, and according to the designated video information and the designation result of the start point and end point thereof, the transmission control unit of the video information supply device 10 12 receives video information (genuine information that is not graded, such as a sample video, also referred to as this video information). Upon receiving the video information, the edit processing unit 53 receives various information (material number, in-time / out-time, material) of the sample video stored in the timeline information memory 53a and the array information memory 53b in the editing result in step S35. The received series of main images are rendered based on the arrangement). By this rendering, various video information (main video) is combined to create a file as a single work. The video information edited in this way is called “complete package” and can be used as it is in, for example, television broadcasting. FIG. 17 is a schematic diagram showing the above operation.

  Here, the editing processing unit 53 combines the internal video information (main video) read from the internal material information memory 57 of the video information editing device 50 with the video information supplied from the video information supply device 10. Can also be rendered.

  As illustrated in FIG. 17, the editing processing unit 53 stores the complete package in which the main video is rendered in the material editing information memory 56 based on the editing work in step S <b> 35.

  The configuration and operation of the video information editing apparatus described above are basically as follows.

A memory (56) for storing an external video catalog including the material number and an internal video catalog;
A memory for storing graphic information having an external video catalog frame and an internal video catalog area frame that define areas for displaying the external video catalog and the internal video catalog respectively;
A memory for storing timeline graphic information;
A first video memory (53a) for storing a material number, a start frame, and an end frame of the first video located at the first position on the timeline on the screen;
A second video memory (53a) for storing the material number, start frame, and end frame of the second video located at the second position on the timeline on the screen;
An arrangement memory (53b) for storing the positional relationship between the first position and the second position on the timeline on the screen;
At least one of the first video and the second video is an external video, and at least one sample video memory for storing a sample video of the external video (which has a plurality of frames including the start frame and end frame). 56a)
An internal video data memory (57a) for storing internal video data having a plurality of frames;
Rendering means for sequentially reading and displaying the end frame from the start frame of the first video and the second video on the timeline on the display device in accordance with the positional relationship between the first position and the second position;
Read transmission means for reading out a material number, a start frame, and an end frame number of an external video, which is at least one of the first video and the second video, to a read server in response to an input;
A real external video storage memory (56) for storing a real external video corresponding to the material number, start frame, and end frame received from the server;
A video information editing apparatus.

Storing the external video inventory including the material number and the internal video inventory in the memory (56);
Storing graphic information having an external video catalog frame and an internal video catalog area frame defining areas for displaying the external video catalog and the internal video catalog respectively in the first graphic memory;
Storing timeline graphic information in a second graphic memory;
In response to an operation of dragging and dropping the external catalog in the external video inventory frame and the internal video inventory area frame to the first position on the timeline, the material number of the first video located in the first position, start Storing the frame and end frame in the first video memory (53a);
In response to an operation of dragging and dropping the external video inventory or the internal video inventory in the external video inventory frame and the internal video inventory area frame to the second position on the timeline, the second video positioned at the second position Storing the material number, start frame, and end frame of the second video memory (53a);
Storing the positional relationship between the first position and the second position on the timeline on the screen in the arrangement memory (53b);
When the first video and the second video are external videos, a sample video of the external video downloaded from an external server in response to the drag / drop operation (it has a plurality of frames including the start frame and end frame) ) In the sample video memory (56a);
Storing internal video data having a plurality of frames in an internal video data memory (57a);
In response to a command from the input means, the start frame and the end frame of the first video and the second video on the timeline are sequentially read out and displayed on the display device according to the positional relationship between the first position and the second position. Rendering steps to
In response to a command from the input means, a step of reading out a material number, a start frame, and an end frame number of an external video that is at least one of the first video and the second video and transmitting them to a server;
Storing in a video storage memory (56) a complete package including a real external video corresponding to the material number, start frame, and end frame received from the server;
A video information editing method comprising:

[First embodiment]
FIG. 18 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of the first embodiment.

  In this embodiment, a client 301 serving as a video information receiving device or a video information editing device, a web server 302, and a data server 303 are connected via the Internet 300. In the present embodiment, the web server 302 and the data server 303 constitute a video information distribution apparatus.

  The client 301 is a personal computer terminal operated by a user. This client 301 has the same function as the video information receiving apparatus shown in FIG. 1 or the video information editing apparatus shown in FIG.

  The web server 302 is a server that serves as an interface for selling video information (material files) via the Internet 300. The web server 302 includes database functions such as user management and material management. The web server 302 has the functions of the transmission control unit 12, the transmission control information memory 12a, the interface 13, the charging information processing unit 15, and the charging information processing information memory 15a in the video information distribution apparatus 10, for example.

  The data server 303 is responsible for data management for video information sales and an interface for downloading video information. The data server 303 includes, for example, a transmission control unit 12, a transmission control information memory 12a, an interface 13, a sample video creation unit 14, a sample video creation information memory 14a, a deterioration degree parameter memory 14b, and additional information in the video information distribution apparatus 10. It has the function of the memory 14c.

  In the figure, an original data storage 303a for storing video material and a download data storage 303b for storing video information to be downloaded are shown. These original data storage 303 a and download data storage 303 b correspond to the material storage 11 a of the video information distribution apparatus 10.

  The original data storage 303a is connected to or stored in the data server 303, and accumulates all video information as original data. This original data storage 303a cannot be browsed from the Internet 300.

  The download data storage 303 b is connected to or built in the data server 303, and the video information to be downloaded to the client 301 among the video information stored in the original data storage 303 a is controlled by the transmission control unit 12. Store. This download data storage 303 b can be browsed via the Internet 300.

  Here, the transmission control unit 12, the transmission control information memory 12 a, and the interface 13 are assigned necessary functions in the web server 302 and the data server 303. The Internet 300 corresponds to the communication line 30 in FIG.

  FIG. 19 is a flowchart showing a procedure for selling video information in the first embodiment.

  In step S <b> 41, the client 301 identified by the authentication in the web server 302 confirms the order of the video information (material file) to the web server 302 via the Internet 300. This order specifies not only one piece of video information (one file) but also a part of the video information from one start point (start time) to an end point (end time) in one piece of video information. be able to.

  In step S42, based on the order from the client 301, the web server 302 requests the data server 303 via the Internet 300 to store the ordered video information in the download data storage 303b. Which file the video information corresponds to is investigated by the database function of the material information memory 11 of the web server 302.

  In step S43, in response to a request from the web server 302, the data server 303 reads the video information file from the original data storage 303a and stores it in the download data storage 303b. When there is an order for a part of the video information, the start frame (start point) to the end frame (end point) of the corresponding file are cut out from the original data storage 303a, and this part is stored in the download data storage 303b. To store. The data server 303 provides security so that the file stored in the download data storage 303b can be accessed only when a specific authentication key is used in a specific period.

  In step S44, the data server 303 notifies the web server 302 via the Internet 300 that the preparation of the material information is completed, together with the file name, storage location, and authentication key of the video information.

  In step S <b> 45, the web server 302 notifies the client 301 by e-mail via the Internet 300 that the preparation for download is completed along with the URL of the data server 303 and the authentication procedure.

  In step S46, the client 301 connects to the data server 303 via the Internet 300 and receives authentication in accordance with the download completion notification from the web server 302.

  In step S47, the client 301 downloads the purchased material from the download storage 303a via the Internet 300.

[Second Embodiment]
FIG. 20 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of the second embodiment.

  In this embodiment, a video information sales company 310 comprising a web server 311, a streaming server 312 and a data server 313, a first production 320 comprising a data server 321, and a second production comprising a data server 322 and a streaming server 323. 320, a third production 330 including a data server 331 and a streaming server 332, and a fourth production including a streaming server / data server 341 are connected via the Internet 300.

  The streaming server provides sample video as streaming data. The streaming server includes, for example, the transmission control unit 12, the transmission control information memory 12a, the interface 13, the sample video creation unit 14, the sample video creation information memory 14a, the deterioration degree parameter memory in the video information providing apparatus 10 illustrated in FIG. 14b and the function of the additional information memory 14c.

  The data server provides video information (material file). This data server has functions of a transmission control unit 12, a transmission control information memory 12 a, and an interface 13 in the video information providing apparatus 10.

  Similar to the first embodiment, the web server 311 is a server that serves as an interface for selling image information. This web server has, for example, the functions of a transmission control unit 12, a transmission control information memory 12a, an interface 13, a charging information processing unit 15, and a charging information processing information memory 15a in the video information distribution apparatus 10.

  Although not shown in FIG. 20, one or more clients that order image information from the web server 311 and download purchased video information are connected to the Internet 300.

  The specific configuration of this embodiment is as follows. The video information sales company 310 operates the web server 311, the streaming server 312, and the data server 313 independently. The data server 313 stores and manages only video information deposited from a production that does not have its own server. The streaming server 312 stores and manages streaming data of all videos of the video information sales company 310 and the production regardless of whether each production has its own server.

  The first production 320 manages and distributes only the original data (video information / material file) of the video owned by the company with the data server 320 within the company. Since the first production 320 provides its own streaming data from the streaming server 312 of the video information sales company 310, a streaming server management fee is generated for the video information sales company 310.

  The second production 330 manages and distributes the original data of the video owned by the company by the data server 322 in the company, and also manages all of the videos owned by the other production and video information sales companies 310 as well as the video information of the company. The streaming data of the video information is also distributed from the in-house streaming server 322. This streaming server 322 is a mirror server of the streaming server 312 in the video information sales company 310. A streaming mirror server management fee is generated from the video information sales company 310 for the streaming server 312.

  In the third production 330, since it is difficult to secure a plurality of lines for reasons such as cost, the data server 331 and the streaming server 332 share the same line. The function of the third production 330 is the same as that of the second production 320 described above. However, such a configuration as the third production 330 is inappropriate when there are a large number of videos and there are many orders because traffic is limited by the shared line.

  The fourth production 340 operates a streaming server / data server 341 that combines a streaming server function and a data server function. This streaming server data server 341 distributes only its own video information as streaming. Therefore, for the streaming server / data server 341, there is no cost associated with the streaming server to the video information sales company 310.

  A production (not shown) that does not have its own server stores its own video information in the data server 313 of the video information sales company 310, so a data server management fee is incurred for the video information sales company 310.

  In this embodiment, the number of data servers is not limited to one as in the first embodiment, but for each owner of video information (material file) such as production, a data server (download data storage / original data storage) And the video information that the user has is managed by this data server.

  The procedure for purchasing video information in this embodiment is the same as the procedure in the first embodiment shown in FIG. 19 except that there are a plurality of data servers. That is, which video information is stored in which data server is managed by the database of the web server 311 of the video information sales company 310, and when the web server 311 receives an order from a client, the web server 311 corresponds. The data server is requested to store the ordered material information in a download storage connected to or built in the data server. When the material information ordered from the client extends over a plurality of databases, the web server 311 requests a plurality of corresponding data servers to store the video information in the download storage. Then, the web server 311 collects notifications indicating that the storage has been completed from the respective data servers, and sends notifications indicating that the preparation for downloading has been completed to the client.

It is a block diagram which shows the structure of a video information supply apparatus and a video information reception apparatus. It is a flowchart which shows operation | movement of a video information supply apparatus. It is a flowchart which shows operation | movement of a video information receiver. It is a figure which shows the window before the authentication displayed on the display part. It is a figure which shows the hierarchical structure of inventory information. It is a figure which shows the window which displays inventory information. It is a figure which shows the sample image | video displayed on the display part. It is a figure explaining designation | designated of the starting point and end point in video information. It is a figure explaining the accounting information displayed on the display part. It is a schematic diagram which shows an example by which video information is supplied. It is a schematic diagram which shows the other example to which video information is supplied. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of a video information supply apparatus and a video information editing apparatus. It is a flowchart which shows operation | movement of a video information editing apparatus. It is a figure which shows the window displayed on a display part before and behind authentication. It is a figure which shows selection of the video information by dragging a thumbnail on a timeline. It is a conceptual diagram of a series of operations in which the sample video and internal video information are edited. FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram showing a state in which video information read from video information and internal material information memory is edited and displayed in the video information editing apparatus. It is a figure which shows the schematic structure of a 1st Example. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of the sales of the video information in a 1st Example. It is a figure which shows the schematic structure of a 2nd Example.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Image | video information supply apparatus 11 Material information memory 12 Transmission control part 13 Interface 14 Sample image | video preparation part 15 Charge information processing part 20 Image | video information receiving apparatus 21 Reception control part 22 Interface 23 Editing process part 24 Display part 25 Input part 26 Editing material information Memory 30 Communication line 50 Video information editing device 51 Reception control unit 52 Interface 53 Editing processing unit 54 Display unit 55 Input unit 56 Material editing memory 57 Internal material information memory

Claims (2)

External video information, inventory information of the external video information, and a video information supply device that supplies a sample video created from the external video information are connected via a communication line, and the internal video information and the inventory information of the internal video information are stored. A video information editing device comprising a stored internal storage device, and editing external video information supplied from the video information supply device and internal video information stored in the internal storage device,
Reception control means for controlling reception from the video information supply device;
Editing processing means for arranging the sample video and the internal video information along a timeline;
Input means for inputting a control signal to the reception control means and the editing processing means;
Display means for displaying a video signal output from the reception control means and the editing processing means;
Have
The reception control means receives inventory information of the external video information from the video information supply device,
The editing processing means displays the inventory information of the external video information received by the reception control means in the external inventory information display area 207 on the display means, and the internal video information stored in the internal storage device Is displayed in the internal inventory information display area 203 on the display means, and based on the control signal input from the input means, the external or the display information is displayed at an appropriate position on the timeline displayed on the display means. By dragging and dropping the inventory information of the internal video information, the context of the sample video or the internal video information corresponding to the inventory information on the timeline, the start point and the end point are set,
The reception control means notifies the video information supply device of the material number, start point and end point of the sample video set by the editing processing means, and the material number from the video information supply device,
A sample video corresponding to the start point and the end point is received, and billing information corresponding to the material number, the start point and the end point is received and displayed on the display means,
The editing processing means changes the context, start point and end point set along the timeline, and based on the context, start point and end point, the sample video received by the reception control means and Combining the internal video information stored in the internal storage device to create a preview as a series of videos and displaying them on the display means;
The reception control means notifies the video information supply apparatus to that effect when a control signal for settlement of the billing information is input from the input means, and the material number, start point and end point from the video information supply apparatus. To receive external video information corresponding to
The editing processing means renders a combination of the external video information received by the reception control means and the internal video information stored in the internal storage device based on the context, start point and end point, and renders the complete package. A video information editing device characterized by creating a series of video information files. A video information creation method for creating video information using the video information editing apparatus according to claim 1,
a) displaying a timeline on a display device;
b) receiving a plurality of inventory information representing each of a plurality of external materials from a server on a communication line, storing at least a material number N of the inventory information in a memory, and displaying the information on a display device;
c) In response to the user dragging and dropping one piece of list information in the display to an appropriate position on the timeline, the arrangement data with other materials on the timeline is stored in the arrangement memory 53b. And sending the material number N to the server;
d) A sample image of the external material corresponding to the material number N and the in-time ti / out-time to of the material corresponding to the material number N are received from the server, and the in-time ti / out-time to is associated with the material number N in the material information memory. 51c and store the sample image in the material number N
Storing in the image memory 56a in association with
e) Intime ti / outtime t of material number N in the material information memory 51c
a step of reading o and displaying the in-time ti / out-time to as images,
f) updating the in-time ti / out-time to in the material information memory 21c by an input from the user;
g) updating a material arrangement order in the arrangement memory 53a in response to an instruction to update arrangement data of a plurality of materials on the timeline by a user;
h) performing c) -g) on the internal material stored in the storage device inside the editing device (however, the server is replaced with the internal storage device);
i) In response to an instruction from the user, the material arrangement order is read from the arrangement memory 53a,
In addition, by reading the in-time ti / out-time to from the material information memory 51c, a series of sample materials corresponding to one or more internal materials and one or more external materials arranged on the timeline Creating and displaying a preview as a video of
j) The in-time ti / out-time to of the external material N is read from the material memory, the charge of the material between the in-time ti / out-time to is calculated, and the calculation result is stored in the material information memory 21c. Displaying the charge numerically on the display device together with the material number N;
k) reading the external material number N and the in-time ti / out-time to from the material information memory 51c in response to a purchase decision input from the user, and transmitting them to the server;
l) Read the array data from the array memory, read the internal material image corresponding to the material number N of the selected internal material and the in-time ti / out-time to from the internal material memory 57a, and select from the server External material number N and intime t
receiving an external material image corresponding to i.outtime to and creating one file as a complete package;
A method for creating video information.