JP7486091B2 - Virtual server, video editing method, and video editing system - Google Patents

Description

This disclosure relates to a virtual server, a video editing method, and a video editing system.

Patent Document 1 discloses a compact system that allows an editor to easily edit videos on a network without having to learn how to operate special video editing software when editing video material present on the network. The system disclosed in Patent Document 1 is configured so that the edited content is stored on the video editing server (the place where the editing is performed). In other words, the edited content is stored in a location different from the location where the editing material is stored.

JP 2009-21883 A

Meanwhile, television broadcasting stations and the like edit videos to be broadcast on television, and the edited videos may contain incidents, accidents, and the like. In consideration of the risk of such videos being leaked, television broadcasting stations and the like generally edit videos on an on-premise editing terminal installed in the editing room, and keep related data on a specific server.

In other words, the number of video editing tasks that can be performed is limited by the number of editing terminals installed. While it would be possible to increase the number of editing terminals to perform more editing tasks, the cost of editing terminals is generally high.

One possible solution would be to allow editing work to be done from the personal terminals of employees, etc. However, in the system disclosed in Patent Document 1, the edited content is stored on a server separate from the server on which the material is stored, making it difficult to ensure sufficient security. Therefore, when editing videos from personal terminals, it is important to take measures to prevent information leaks.

Non-limiting examples of the present disclosure contribute to providing a virtual server, a video editing method, and a video editing system that are low-cost, reduce video leaks, and increase the number of video editing tasks.

A virtual server according to one embodiment of the present disclosure communicates with an editing server that stores an editing file that communicates with a first terminal, communicates with a second terminal, assigns a virtual client to the second terminal, edits the editing file based on an operation of the second terminal, stores the editing file edited based on an operation of the second terminal in the editing server, communicates with the second terminal at a communication speed lower than the communication speed between the first terminal and the editing server, and communicates with the editing server at a communication speed higher than the communication speed with the second terminal.

A video editing method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes communicating with an editing server that stores an editing file that communicates with a first terminal, communicating with a second terminal, assigning a virtual client to the second terminal, editing the editing file based on an operation of the second terminal, saving the editing file edited based on the operation of the second terminal in the editing server, communicating with the second terminal at a communication speed lower than the communication speed between the first terminal and the editing server, and communicating with the editing server at a communication speed higher than the communication speed with the second terminal.

A video editing system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes an editing server that stores an edited file, and a virtual server that communicates with the editing server, the editing server communicates with a first terminal, the virtual server communicates with the editing server and a second terminal, assigns a virtual client to the second terminal, edits the edited file based on an operation of the second terminal, the virtual server saves the edited file edited based on an operation of the second terminal in the editing server, and the virtual server communicates with the second terminal at a communication speed lower than the communication speed between the first terminal and the editing server, and communicates with the editing server at a communication speed higher than the communication speed with the second terminal.

These comprehensive or specific aspects may be realized as a system, device, method, integrated circuit, computer program, or recording medium, or as any combination of a system, device, method, integrated circuit, computer program, and recording medium.

According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, it is possible to reduce video leaks at low cost and increase the number of video editing tasks.

Further advantages and benefits of an embodiment of the present disclosure will become apparent from the specification and drawings. Such advantages and/or benefits may be provided by some of the embodiments and features described in the specification and drawings, respectively, but not necessarily all of them need be provided to obtain one or more identical features.

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of a configuration of a video editing system according to an embodiment. FIG. 1 is a diagram for explaining an example of the general operation of a video editing system; A diagram showing an example of a block configuration of an editing server, a terminal, a virtual server, and a terminal. Sequence diagram showing an example of the operation of a video editing system Sequence diagram showing an example of the operation of a video editing system

Below, the embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings as appropriate. However, more detailed explanation than necessary may be omitted. For example, detailed explanation of already well-known matters or duplicate explanation of substantially identical configurations may be omitted. This is to avoid the following explanation becoming unnecessarily redundant and to make it easier for those skilled in the art to understand.

The accompanying drawings and the following description are provided to enable those skilled in the art to fully understand the present disclosure, and are not intended to limit the subject matter described in the claims.

Figure 1 shows an example of the configuration of a video editing system according to an embodiment. As shown in Figure 1, the video editing system has an editing server 1, a terminal 2, a virtual server 3, and terminals 4a to 4c.

The video editing system is installed, for example, in a television broadcasting station or a video production company (hereinafter, sometimes referred to as a broadcasting station, etc.). The video editing system generates (edits) videos to be broadcast on television in response to the operation of the terminals 2, 4a to 4c. Note that the videos may also be referred to as images or pictures.

The editing server 1 is an on-premise server, and is managed and operated by a broadcasting station or the like. Videos captured by a camera are stored in the editing server 1. Edited videos are also stored in the editing server 1. Unedited videos captured by a camera may be referred to as shot material. Edited videos may be referred to as OA (On Air) material. The OA material is broadcast on television.

Editing server 1 stores editing files. Editing files contain information related to video editing, such as information for cutting out a portion of the shot footage, text information to be inserted into the shot footage, and audio information to be inserted into the shot footage. In the example of FIG. 1, editing server 1 stores editing files P1 and P2.

The editing file is created based on the operation of the terminals 2, 4a to 4c. The editing server 1 edits the video footage in accordance with the editing file, and generates the OA material to be broadcast on television.

Terminal 2 is an on-premise terminal, and is managed and operated by a broadcasting station or the like. Terminal 2 has a function of editing videos stored in editing server 1. Terminal 2 is connected to editing server 1 via a broadband network. For example, terminal 2 is connected to editing server 1 via a network such as a wired LAN (Local Area Network). By connecting via a broadband network, high-capacity, high-speed communication is achieved.

Terminal 2 is installed, for example, in an editing room of a broadcasting station or the like. Terminal 2 has higher specifications and is more expensive than terminals 4a to 4c. For example, terminal 2 has higher (more) video editing functions than terminals 4a to 4c, and is connected at high resolution and with a broadband communication bandwidth, so it is more expensive. For this reason, there are limitations on the number of terminals 2 that can be installed and the number of people who can perform editing work.

The virtual server 3 is an on-premise server, and is managed and operated by a broadcasting station or the like. The virtual server 3 is connected to the editing server 1, for example, via a broadband network such as a wired LAN. The virtual server 3 is also connected to the terminals 4a to 4c, for example, via a narrowband network such as a wireless LAN. For example, a connection by Wi-Fi (registered trademark) is conceivable. Such a convenient narrowband network such as Wi-Fi is a network with a small capacity and low communication speed compared to the broadband network that connects the terminal 2 and the editing server 1.

The communication bandwidth between the virtual server 3 and the terminals 4a to 4c is lower than the communication bandwidth between the editing server 1 and the terminal 2. In addition, the communication bandwidth between the virtual server 3 and the terminals 4a to 4c is lower than the communication bandwidth between the editing server 1 and the virtual server 3.

The virtual server 3 runs virtual clients and relays the exchange of information between the terminals 4a to 4c and the editing server 1. In the example of Figure 1, virtual clients C1 to C5 are running.

The virtual client running on the virtual server 3 is a screen transfer type virtual client. For example, the virtual client streams video data of the shot material and OA material stored in the editing server 1 without downloading it. The virtual client transmits the streamed screen information to the terminals 4a to 4c.

For example, the virtual client receives operation information (input data) from terminals 4a to 4c. The virtual client transmits information corresponding to the received operation information to the editing server 1. For example, protocols such as RDP (Remote Desktop Protocol) and HTTP (Hypertext Transfer Protocol) may be used to exchange screen information and operation information.

The virtual server 3 provides terminals 4a to 4c with the function of editing videos stored in the editing server 1. The video editing functions that can be executed by terminals 4a to 4c are lower (fewer) than those of terminal 2, and they perform simple video editing.

The terminals 4a to 4c are used, for example, by employees of a broadcasting station or the like. Unlike the terminal 2 which is installed in an editing room, the terminals 4a to 4c are mobile. Employees of the broadcasting station or the like can use the terminals 4a to 4c to perform simple video editing, for example, at their own desks or in a conference room.

In the following, when there is no need to distinguish between terminals 4a to 4c, they will simply be referred to as terminal 4. In addition, in the following, the operators of terminals 2 and 4 may be referred to as users. Terminal 2 may be referred to as an editing terminal, an on-premises terminal, or an on-premises PC (Personal Computer). Terminal 4 may be referred to as a personal desk terminal, a personal desk PC, or a personal terminal. The communication bandwidth may be rephrased as, for example, communication speed.

Figure 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of the general operation of a video editing system. In Figure 2, the same components as in Figure 1 are given the same reference numerals. Note that while the virtual server 3 in Figure 1 runs five virtual clients C1 to C5, in Figure 2 it runs three virtual clients C1 to C3.

As shown by arrow A1 in Figure 2, terminal 4 accesses virtual server 3.

If there are no available virtual clients, virtual server 3 notifies terminal 4 that access is not possible, as shown by arrow A2.

On the other hand, if there is a free virtual client, the virtual server 3 assigns the free virtual client to the terminal 4 that has accessed it. For example, the virtual server 3 assigns the virtual client C3 to the terminal 4. This allows the terminal 4 to indirectly access the editing server 1 via the virtual client C3.

For example, terminal 4 accepts a video playback operation from a user. Terminal 4 transmits operation information of the playback operation accepted from the user to virtual client C3 as indicated by arrows A1 and A3. Based on the operation information of the playback operation, virtual client C3 accesses the video data of the shot materials and OA materials on editing server 1 as indicated by arrow A4. Virtual client C3 streams the video data of the shot materials and OA materials on editing server 1 that it has accessed, and transmits the streamed screen information to terminal 4 as indicated by arrow A5. Terminal 4 displays a video based on the screen information transmitted from virtual server 3 on a display device.

For example, terminal 4 also accepts from a user an editing operation of an editing file on editing server 1. Terminal 4 transmits operation information of the editing operation accepted from the user to virtual client C3 as indicated by arrows A1 and A3. Virtual client C3 edits the editing file on editing server 1 based on the operation information of the editing operation as indicated by arrow A4.

The user can display the screen information of the video streamed by the virtual server 3 on the display device of the terminal 4 and edit the edited file on the editing server 1. This allows the user to, for example, cut out unnecessary video parts from the television broadcast or insert text into the video.

Note that it is difficult for terminal 4 to instruct some editing content on the editing file in editing server 1 due to specifications, narrowband network, etc. In other words, terminal 4 can edit less content than terminal 2 can.

As shown by arrow A6, terminal 2 can directly access editing server 1. For example, terminal 2 can access shot material and OA material on editing server 1, download them, and play them. Terminal 2 can also access editing files on editing server 1 and directly edit the editing files. Terminal 2 can also instruct editing server 1 to generate a video in accordance with the editing file.

Here, the installation environment of terminal 2 and terminal 4 will be explained. As explained in FIG. 1, terminal 2 has high specifications and is expensive. Therefore, increasing the number of terminals 2 places a heavy burden on broadcasting stations and the like. Therefore, since editing tasks that require high specifications like terminal 2 are limited, we focused on using inexpensive personal terminals 4. However, using terminals 4 outside the editing room of a broadcasting station or the like is difficult from a compliance standpoint because confidential information such as videos related to incidents and accidents is handled. In consideration of these, the video editing system shown in FIG. 1 utilizes virtual server 3, making it possible to introduce many personal terminals 4 at low cost, as well as comply with compliance and enable simple editing of videos from personal terminals 4.

For example, the virtual server 3 in FIG. 1 operates a screen transfer type virtual client to stream the video on the editing server 1 and transmit the screen information of the played video to the terminal 4. This makes it possible to reduce the amount of data communication to the terminal 4. For example, the communication bandwidth of the terminal 4 does not need to be as high as that of the terminal 2, making it possible to reduce costs. The terminal 4 may be a personal computer, etc.

In addition, the video editing system in FIG. 1 provides an environment in which multiple users can use the terminals 4 to perform editing work by setting the communication band (one communication band) between the virtual server 3 and the editing server 1 to a broadband band, and setting the communication band between the virtual server 3 and the terminals 4 to a narrower band such as Wi-Fi than the communication band between the virtual server 3 and the editing server 1. This allows the video editing system in FIG. 1 to keep costs down.

In addition, the virtual server 3 in FIG. 1 streams the video on the editing server 1 and transmits screen information of the played video to the terminal 4. The virtual server 3 also receives operation information from the terminal 4 and edits the edited file on the editing server 1. As a result, the terminal 4 does not directly access the editing server 1 (it accesses it indirectly via the virtual server 3), so leakage of the video and edited file to the outside can be suppressed. Furthermore, the data of the video and edited file does not remain on the virtual server 3 and the terminal 4. As a result, leakage of the video and edited file to the outside can be suppressed.

Figure 3 shows an example of a block configuration of an editing server 1, a terminal 2, a virtual server 3, and a terminal 4.

The editing server 1 has a communication unit 11, a control unit 12, and a memory unit 13.

The communication unit 11 communicates with the terminal 2, for example, via a broadband network such as a wired LAN. The communication unit 11 also communicates with the virtual server 3, for example, via a broadband network such as a wired LAN.

The control unit 12 controls the entire editing server 1. The control unit 12 may be configured, for example, by a processor such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit). The control unit 12 executes, for example, a program stored in the memory unit 13, and performs a predetermined function.

The storage unit 13 stores a program for the control unit 12 to operate. The storage unit 13 also stores data for the control unit 12 to perform calculation processing, or data for the control unit 12 to control each unit. The storage unit 13 may be configured with a storage device such as a RAM (Random Access Memory), a ROM (Read Only Memory), a flash memory, or a HDD (Hard Disk Drive).

The terminal 2 has a communication unit 21, a control unit 22, a memory unit 23, an input unit 24, and a display unit 25.

The communication unit 21 communicates with the editing server 1, for example, via a broadband network such as a wired LAN.

The control unit 22 controls the entire terminal 2. The control unit 22 may be configured, for example, by a processor such as a CPU. The control unit 22 executes, for example, a program stored in the storage unit 23, and performs a predetermined function.

The storage unit 23 stores a program for the control unit 22 to operate. The storage unit 23 also stores data for the control unit 22 to perform calculation processing, or data for the control unit 22 to control each unit. The storage unit 23 may be configured with a storage device such as a RAM, a ROM, a flash memory, or a HDD.

The input unit 24 is, for example, an input device such as a keyboard, a mouse, or a touch panel. The input unit 24 accepts user operations and outputs a signal corresponding to the accepted operation to the control unit 22.

The display unit 25 is, for example, a display device such as an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) or an organic EL (Electro Luminescence). The display unit 25 displays an image based on a signal output from the control unit 22.

The virtual server 3 has a communication unit 31, a control unit 32, and a memory unit 33.

The communication unit 31 communicates with the editing server 1 via a broadband network such as a wired LAN. The communication unit 31 also wirelessly communicates with the terminal 4 via a narrowband network such as a wireless LAN.

The control unit 32 controls the entire virtual server 3. The control unit 32 may be configured, for example, by a processor such as a CPU. The control unit 32 executes, for example, a program stored in the memory unit 33, and performs a predetermined function.

For example, the control unit 32 operates a virtual client (realizes the function of the virtual client) and assigns the virtual client to the terminal 4 that has made an access request. The video editing function of the virtual client is realized by an OS (Operating System) stored in the storage unit 33 and an application for editing videos.

The video editing application, for example, streams the video on the editing server 1 based on operation information from the terminal 4. The video editing application transmits screen information of the streamed video to the terminal 4. The video editing application also generates an editing file on the editing server 1 based on operation information from the terminal 4, for example, and edits the editing file on the editing server 1.

The storage unit 33 stores a program for the control unit 32 to operate. The storage unit 33 also stores data for the control unit 32 to perform calculation processing, or data for the control unit 32 to control each unit. The storage unit 33 may be configured with a storage device such as a RAM, a ROM, a flash memory, a HDD, or a cache memory.

The terminal 4 has a communication unit 41, a control unit 42, an input unit 43, and a display unit 44.

The communication unit 41 wirelessly communicates with the virtual server 3 via a network such as a wireless LAN.

The control unit 42 controls the entire terminal 4. The control unit 42 may be configured, for example, by a processor such as a CPU. The control unit 42 executes, for example, a program stored in a storage unit (not shown) and performs a predetermined function.

The input unit 43 is, for example, an input device such as a keyboard, a mouse, or a touch panel. The input unit 43 accepts user operations and outputs a signal corresponding to the accepted operation to the control unit 42.

The display unit 44 is, for example, a display device such as an LCD or an organic EL. The display unit 44 displays an image based on a signal output from the control unit 42.

Figures 4A and 4B are sequence diagrams showing an example of the operation of the video editing system. The control unit 42 of the terminal 4 transmits authentication request information to the virtual server 3 via the communication unit 41 (S1).

The control unit 32 of the virtual server 3 executes authentication processing for the terminal 4 based on the authentication request information sent in S1. The control unit 32 of the virtual server 3 sends information on the authentication result of the authentication processing to the terminal 4 (S2). If there are no available virtual clients in the virtual server 3, it notifies the terminal 4 that access is not possible, as explained by the arrow A2 in FIG. 2.

In the following, it is assumed that the authentication of terminal 4 is valid. The control unit 32 of virtual server 3 assigns virtual client C1 to terminal 4.

When the virtual client C1 is assigned, a video editing screen for editing the video is displayed on the display unit 44 of the terminal 4. That is, the virtual client C1 transmits screen information of the video editing screen to the terminal 4. The user of the terminal 4 operates operation buttons and the like displayed on the video editing screen of the display unit 44 to select, for example, editing material (video to be edited).

The control unit 42 of the terminal 4 receives a signal for an editing material selection operation from the input unit 43. The control unit 42 of the terminal 4 transmits information on the editing material selection operation corresponding to the signal from the input unit 43 to the virtual server 3 via the communication unit 41 (S3).

The control unit 32 (virtual client C1) of the virtual server 3 sends information requesting editing material information to the editing server 1 via the communication unit 31 based on the information of the editing material selection operation sent in S3 (S4).

The control unit 12 of the editing server 1 transmits the editing material information to the virtual server 3 via the communication unit 11 based on the information of the editing material information request transmitted in S4 (S5). The editing material information is information for accessing the shot material and the OA material stored in the memory unit 13 of the editing server 1, and may be, for example, a URL (Uniform Resource Locator).

When the virtual client C1 of the virtual server 3 receives the editing material information sent in S5, it sends information requesting the target material to the editing server 1 via the communication unit 31 (S6). The information requesting the target material is the editing material information (e.g., URL) sent from the editing server 1 in S5. That is, the virtual client C1 of the virtual server 3 accesses and reads the shot material or OA material video stored in the memory unit 13 of the editing server 1 based on address information such as the URL.

The control unit 12 of the editing server 1 transmits the video buffer data (material buffer data) to the virtual server 3 via the communication unit 11 based on the target material request information transmitted in S6 (S7). The material buffer data may be referred to as streaming data or cache data.

The virtual client C1 of the virtual server 3 stores the material buffer data transmitted in S7 in the storage unit 33 (e.g., cache memory). The virtual client C1 of the virtual server 3 plays back the material buffer data stored in the cache memory, and transmits screen information of the video of the played back material buffer data to the terminal 4 via the communication unit 31 (S8). As a result, the editing material (video to be edited) is displayed on the display unit 44 of the terminal 4.

The input unit 43 of the terminal 4 accepts simple editing operations for the video from the user and outputs a signal corresponding to the accepted simple editing operation to the control unit 42. Examples of simple editing operations include editing with a small number of editing materials and adjusting the color tone of the video, and the content that can be edited is smaller than that of the terminal 2. The control unit 42 of the terminal 4 transmits information on the simple editing operation corresponding to the signal from the input unit 43 to the virtual server 3 via the communication unit 41 (S9).

Based on the information about the simple editing operation sent in S9, the virtual client C1 of the virtual server 3 sends information about the simple editing instruction to the editing server 1 via the communication unit 31 (S10).

The control unit 12 of the editing server 1 creates an edited file based on the simple edit instruction information sent in S10. The created edited file can also be edited (S11). The edited file is stored in the memory unit 13 of the editing server 1.

The input unit 24 of the terminal 2 receives an operation for requesting editing of an edited file from a user, and outputs a signal corresponding to the received operation for the edit request to the control unit 22. The control unit 22 of the terminal 2 transmits information on the edited file request corresponding to the signal from the input unit 24 to the editing server 1 via the communication unit 21 (S12).

Here, it is assumed that the edit file requested by the user of terminal 2 is being edited by the user of terminal 4. The control unit 12 of the editing server 1 transmits information notifying that editing is in progress to terminal 2 via the communication unit 11 (S13). The display unit 25 of terminal 2 displays, for example, information indicating that the edit file requested for editing is being edited.

When the control unit 12 of the editing server 1 edits the editing file, it sends information on the editing results to the virtual server 3 via the communication unit 11 (S14).

The virtual client C1 of the virtual server 3 transmits screen information (screen information of a screen showing the editing result) based on the information of the editing result transmitted in S14 to the terminal 4 via the communication unit 31 (S15). As a result, the editing result of the video is displayed on the display unit 44 of the terminal 4.

The input unit 43 of the terminal 4 receives an edit save operation from the user and outputs a signal corresponding to the received edit save operation to the control unit 42. The control unit 42 of the terminal 4 transmits information about the edit save operation corresponding to the signal from the input unit 43 to the virtual server 3 via the communication unit 41 (S16).

Based on the information of the edit save operation sent in S16, virtual client C1 of virtual server 3 sends edit save instruction information to editing server 1 via communication unit 31 (S17).

The control unit 12 of the editing server 1 saves the edited file being edited based on the edit save instruction information sent in S17. The control unit 12 of the editing server 1 sends information on the result of saving the edited file to the virtual server 3 via the communication unit 11 (S18).

The virtual client C1 of the virtual server 3 transmits screen information (screen information of a screen showing the saved result) based on the information of the saved result transmitted in S18 to the terminal 4 via the communication unit 31 (S19). As a result, the display unit 44 of the terminal 4 displays that the edited file has been saved in the editing server 1, and the user of the terminal 4 can recognize that the edited file has been saved in the editing server 1.

The input unit 24 of the terminal 2 receives an operation for requesting editing of an edited file from a user, and outputs a signal corresponding to the received operation for the edit request to the control unit 22. The control unit 22 of the terminal 2 transmits information on the edited file request corresponding to the signal from the input unit 24 to the editing server 1 via the communication unit 21 (S20).

The edited file requested to be edited by terminal 2 may be an edited file previously generated and edited by terminal 2. Also, the edited file requested to be edited by terminal 2 may be an edited file generated and edited in S11. In other words, terminal 2 may edit an edited file generated and edited by terminal 4.

The control unit 12 of the editing server 1 transmits screen information of the editing file display information (information showing the contents of the editing file) to the terminal 2 based on the editing file request information transmitted in S20 (S21).

The input unit 24 of the terminal 2 accepts detailed editing operations from the user and outputs a signal corresponding to the accepted detailed editing operation to the control unit 22. Examples of detailed editing operations include editing that handles large amounts of editing material and special video production, which allow for more editing content than simple editing operations. The control unit 22 of the terminal 2 transmits detailed editing instruction information corresponding to the signal from the input unit 24 to the editing server 1 via the communication unit 21 (S22).

The control unit 12 of the editing server 1 edits the editing file based on the detailed editing instruction information sent in S22 (S23).

The input unit 43 of the terminal 4 receives an operation for requesting editing of an edited file from a user, and outputs a signal corresponding to the received operation for the edit request to the control unit 42. The control unit 42 of the terminal 4 transmits information on a simple editing operation corresponding to the signal from the input unit 43 to the virtual server 3 via the communication unit 41. Note that as an example of a simple editing operation, an operation for calling up an existing edited file is performed (S24).

Based on the simple editing operation information sent in S24, virtual client C1 of virtual server 3 sends edit file request information to editing server 1 via communication unit 31 (S25).

Here, it is assumed that the edit file requested by the user of terminal 4 is being edited by the user of terminal 2. The control unit 12 of the editing server 1 sends editing notification information to the virtual server 3 via the communication unit 11 (S26).

The virtual client C1 of the virtual server 3 transmits screen information based on the editing notification information transmitted in S26 (screen information of a screen indicating that the edited file requested to be edited is being edited) to the terminal 4 via the communication unit 31 (S27).

When the control unit 12 of the editing server 1 edits the edit file in S23, it transmits information on the editing results to the terminal 2 via the communication unit 11 (S28). As a result, the edited video results are displayed on the display unit 25 of the terminal 2.

The input unit 24 of the terminal 2 receives an edit save operation from the user, and outputs a signal corresponding to the received edit save operation to the control unit 22. The control unit 22 of the terminal 2 transmits edit save instruction information corresponding to the signal from the input unit 24 to the editing server 1 via the communication unit 21 (S29).

The control unit 12 of the editing server 1 saves the edited file being edited based on the edit save instruction information sent in S29. The control unit 12 of the editing server 1 sends information on the saving result of the edited file to the terminal 2 via the communication unit 11 (S30). As a result, the display unit 25 of the terminal 2 displays that the edited file has been saved in the editing server 1, and the user of the terminal 2 can recognize that the edited file has been saved in the editing server 1.

The input unit 24 of the terminal 2 receives a video generation instruction operation from the user and outputs a signal corresponding to the received video generation instruction operation to the control unit 22. The control unit 22 of the terminal 2 transmits information on the video generation instruction corresponding to the signal from the input unit 24 to the editing server 1 via the communication unit 21 (S31).

The control unit 12 of the editing server 1 generates a video based on the editing generation instruction information transmitted in S31 (S32). For example, the control unit 12 of the editing server 1 generates an edited video (OA material) according to the editing file stored in the storage unit 13. Note that an edited video is a video file that can be viewed as a video even without the original video data (shot material) or editing file, and is the final video that will be aired. The control unit 12 of the editing server 1 stores the generated edited video in the storage unit 13. Note that the editing file for generating the video is specified when the video generation instruction is operated.

When the control unit 12 of the editing server 1 generates a video in accordance with the editing file, it transmits information on the generation result to the terminal 2 via the communication unit 11 (S33). As a result, the display unit 25 of the terminal 2 displays that an edited video has been generated, and the user of the terminal 2 can recognize that an edited video has been generated.

Note that terminal 2 can download video data of the edited video generated by editing server 1. Terminal 2 can also play the downloaded edited video. On the other hand, terminal 4 cannot send to editing server 1 an instruction to generate a video according to the editing file. Terminal 4 cannot download video data of the edited video generated by editing server 1. The edited video generated by editing server 1 may be streamed on virtual server 3, and screen information of the streamed edited video may be transmitted to terminal 4.

In addition, terminal 4 may edit an edited file generated and edited by terminal 2 and stored in editing server 1 via virtual server 3.

As described above, the video editing system includes an editing server 1 that edits videos according to an editing file, a terminal 2 that communicates with the editing server 1 and edits the editing file on the editing server 1, a virtual server 3 on which a screen transfer type virtual client runs and communicates with the editing server 1, and a terminal 4 to which a virtual client is assigned and edits the editing file on the editing server 1. The virtual server 3 of the video editing system includes a communication unit 31 that wirelessly communicates with the terminal 4 at a communication speed lower than the communication speed between the terminal 2 and the editing server 1, and a control unit 32 that, on the virtual client, streams the video on the editing server 1 and transmits screen information of the played video to the terminal 4 via the communication unit 31.

As a result, the virtual server 3 wirelessly communicates with the terminal 4 at a communication speed lower than the communication speed between the terminal 2 and the editing server 1, thereby enabling an increase in video editing work at low cost. Furthermore, the virtual server 3 operates a screen transfer type virtual client and transmits video screen information to the terminal 2, thereby preventing video leakage. Furthermore, the virtual server 3 streams the video on the editing server 1 on the virtual client and transmits screen information of the played video to the terminal 4, thereby preventing video leakage.

The communication unit 31 also receives operation information related to the video editing operation accepted by the terminal 4, and the control unit 32 edits the edited file on the editing server 1 in accordance with the operation information. As a result, the edited file does not remain on the virtual server 3 or the terminal 4, so that leakage of the video and edited file to the outside can be suppressed.

The control unit 32 also provides terminal 4 with fewer editing functions than terminal 2. This reduces the amount of data communication between virtual server 3 and terminal 4, allowing virtual server 3 to communicate with multiple terminals 4 at low cost.

In addition, when the edit file on the editing server 1 that the terminal 4 is attempting to edit is being edited by the terminal 2, the control unit 32 transmits screen information indicating that the edit file is being edited to the terminal 4 via the communication unit 31. This makes it possible to prevent the edit file from being changed unintentionally by the user.

The control unit 32 also executes authentication processing for the terminal 4 and assigns a virtual client to the terminal 4. This makes it possible to prevent unauthorized access from the terminal 4 to the editing server 1.

The virtual server 3 may be, for example, rented. The rental fee may be determined, for example, based on the number of virtual clients running on the virtual server 3.

In this case, the control unit 32 of the virtual server 3 may calculate the usage rate of multiple virtual clients. The control unit 32 of the virtual server 3 may calculate the appropriate number of virtual clients to be operated based on the calculated usage rate. This allows, for example, the rental source of the virtual server 3 to present the rental destination (broadcast station, etc.) with the optimal number of virtual clients to be operated on the virtual server 3.

In the above-described embodiments, the notation "part" used for each component may be replaced with other notations such as "circuitry", "device", "unit", or "module".

Although the embodiments have been described above with reference to the drawings, the present disclosure is not limited to such examples. It is clear that a person skilled in the art can conceive of various modified or amended examples within the scope of the claims. It is understood that such modified or amended examples also fall within the technical scope of the present disclosure. Furthermore, the components in the embodiments may be combined in any manner as long as it does not deviate from the spirit of the present disclosure.

The present disclosure can be realized by software, hardware, or software in conjunction with hardware. Each functional block used in the description of the above embodiments may be realized, in part or in whole, as an LSI, which is an integrated circuit, and each process described in the above embodiments may be controlled, in part or in whole, by one LSI or a combination of LSIs. The LSI may be composed of individual chips, or may be composed of one chip that includes some or all of the functional blocks. The LSI may have data input and output. Depending on the degree of integration, the LSI may be called an IC, a system LSI, a super LSI, or an ultra LSI.

The integrated circuit method is not limited to LSI, and may be realized by a dedicated circuit, a general-purpose processor, or a dedicated processor. In addition, a field programmable gate array (FPGA) that can be programmed after LSI manufacturing, or a reconfigurable processor that can reconfigure the connections and settings of circuit cells inside the LSI, may be used. The present disclosure may be realized as digital processing or analog processing.

Furthermore, if an integrated circuit technology that can replace LSI emerges due to advances in semiconductor technology or other derived technologies, it is of course possible to use that technology to integrate functional blocks. The application of biotechnology, etc. is also a possibility.

This disclosure provides technology that can be used in video editing systems used by broadcasting stations, etc.

1 Editing server 2, 4a to 4c Terminal 3 Virtual server

Claims (3)

communicating with an edit server storing an edit file in communication with the first terminal;
Communicating with a second terminal, allocating a virtual client to the second terminal, and editing the edit file based on an operation of the second terminal;
storing the edited file edited based on the operation of the second terminal in the edit server;
communicating with the second terminal at a communication speed lower than a communication speed between the first terminal and the editing server;
communicating with the editing server at a communication speed faster than a communication speed with the second terminal;
A plurality of the virtual clients are operated, and a usage rate of the plurality of virtual clients is calculated;
Calculating an appropriate number of virtual clients to be run based on the utilization rate;
A virtual server for editing videos to be broadcast by broadcasting stations. communicating with an edit server storing an edit file in communication with the first terminal;
Communicating with a second terminal, allocating a virtual client to the second terminal, and editing the edit file based on an operation of the second terminal;
storing the edited file edited based on the operation of the second terminal in the edit server;
communicating with the second terminal at a communication speed lower than a communication speed between the first terminal and the editing server;
communicating with the editing server at a communication speed faster than a communication speed with the second terminal;
A plurality of the virtual clients are operated, and a usage rate of the plurality of virtual clients is calculated;
Calculating an appropriate number of virtual clients to be run based on the utilization rate;
A video editing method for editing videos to be broadcast on broadcast stations. an editing server that stores the edited file;
A virtual server in communication with the editing server;
having
The editing server is in communication with a first terminal;
the virtual server communicates with the editing server and a second terminal, assigns a virtual client to the second terminal, and edits the editing file based on an operation of the second terminal;
The virtual server stores the edited file edited based on the operation of the second terminal in the editing server,
the virtual server communicates with the second terminal at a communication speed lower than a communication speed between the first terminal and the editing server, and communicates with the editing server at a communication speed higher than a communication speed between the virtual server and the second terminal;
A plurality of the virtual clients are operated, and a usage rate of the plurality of virtual clients is calculated;
Calculating an appropriate number of virtual clients to be run based on the utilization rate;
A video editing system for editing videos to be broadcast by broadcast stations.

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