JPH10303838A - Broadcasting equipment and broadcast system - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a broadcasting equipment where a virtual space whose users having been limited to computer users is utilized by broadcast receivers such as general television receivers. SOLUTION: A virtual space 102 being a space defined virtually is generated by a virtual space generating means 101, the virtual space 102 is picked up by a virtual space image pickup means 103 and an output video image of the virtual space image pickup means 103 is broadcasted a transmission means 104. Thus, various events occurring in a virtual space where various virtual buildings and plants are placed are broadcast as a broadcast program.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a broadcasting apparatus and a broadcasting system, and more particularly, to a broadcasting apparatus and a broadcasting system for photographing and broadcasting not a real world but a virtual space virtually defined by computer software or the like. It is about.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, with the advance of computer technology,
Various services are being realized. As one of them,
Instead of the real world, we define buildings, people, animals, plants and other shapes, personalities, etc. as computer programs,
It is becoming practical to create a virtual space and use it for various purposes. This virtual space is called virtual space, cyberspace, virtual city, etc., which is realized as a program of a host computer connected to the Internet, and has begun to be used from terminals such as PCs connected to the Internet. .

[0003]

However, since such a system is premised on connection to the Internet and use of a personal computer or a similar device, there is a problem that the market is not widened. The present invention solves the above problems, and provides a broadcasting device or a broadcasting system in which a user can use a virtual space limited to a computer user with a broadcast receiver such as a general television receiver. Aim.

[0004]

In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, a broadcasting apparatus according to a first aspect of the present invention comprises: a virtual space generating means for generating a virtual space which is a virtually defined space; A virtual photographing means for photographing a space and a transmitting means for broadcasting an output video of the virtual photographing means are provided.

According to this configuration, the virtual space generating means generates a virtual space which is a virtually defined space. The virtual photographing means photographs a virtual space. Then, the transmitting means broadcasts the output video of the virtual photographing means. In addition, a broadcasting device according to a second aspect of the present invention includes a virtual space generating unit that generates a virtual space that is a virtually defined space, a network connection unit that connects the virtual space generating unit to a network, And a transmitting means for broadcasting the output video of the virtual photographing means.

According to this configuration, the virtual space generating means generates a virtual space which is a virtually defined space. The network connection unit connects the virtual space generation unit to a network. The virtual photographing means photographs a virtual space. Then, the sending means broadcasts the output video of the virtual photographing means. A broadcast system according to a third aspect of the present invention provides a virtual space generation system that generates a virtual space that is a virtual space defined by connecting to a network, a plurality of operation terminals connected to the network, and a network. Means, an incarnation controlled in the virtual space under the control of the operation terminal, virtual photographing means for photographing the virtual space, and transmitting means for broadcasting an output image of the virtual photographing means.

According to this configuration, the virtual space generating means generates a virtual space which is a virtually defined space. The plurality of operation terminals and the virtual space generation means are connected to a network. The incarnation operates in the virtual space by being controlled from the operation terminal. The virtual photographing means photographs a virtual space.
Then, the sending means broadcasts the output video of the virtual photographing means.

[0008] A broadcasting system according to a fourth aspect of the present invention generates a network, a plurality of operation terminals connected to the network, and a virtual space which is connected to the network and is a virtually defined space. A virtual space generating means, an incarnation controlled in the virtual terminal under the control of the operation terminal, a virtual photographing means for photographing the virtual space, a recording / reproducing means for recording and reproducing the output video of the virtual photographing means, and a recording / reproducing means. Transmission means for broadcasting the output video.

According to this configuration, the virtual space generating means generates a virtual space which is a virtually defined space. The plurality of operation terminals and the virtual space generation means are connected to a network. The incarnation operates in the virtual space by being controlled from the operation terminal. The virtual photographing means photographs a virtual space.
The recording and reproducing means records and reproduces the output video of the virtual photographing means. Then, the sending means broadcasts the output video of the recording / reproducing means.

A broadcasting system according to a fifth aspect of the present invention generates a network, a plurality of operation terminals connected to the network, and a virtual space which is a virtually defined space connected to the network. Virtual space generation means, an incarnation controlled in the operation terminal to operate in the virtual space, state recording / reproduction means for recording and reproducing the temporal state change of the virtual space and the incarnation, and virtual reproduction from the state recording / reproduction means. A virtual photographing means for photographing a space and a transmitting means for broadcasting an output video of the virtual photographing means are provided.

According to this configuration, the virtual space generating means generates a virtual space which is a virtually defined space. The plurality of operation terminals and the virtual space generation means are connected to a network. The incarnation operates in the virtual space by being controlled from the operation terminal. The state recording / reproducing means records and reproduces a temporal change in state between the virtual space and the incarnation. The virtual photographing means photographs the virtual space. Then, the sending means broadcasts the output video of the virtual photographing means.

[0012] A broadcast system according to a sixth aspect of the present invention generates a network, a plurality of operation terminals connected to the network, and a virtual space which is connected to the network and is a virtually defined space. Virtual space generation means, an incarnation that operates in the virtual space according to control software created by the operation terminal, virtual photography means for photographing the virtual space, and transmission means for broadcasting an output video of the virtual photography means. I have.

According to this configuration, the virtual space generation means generates a virtual space which is a virtually defined space. The plurality of operation terminals and the virtual space generation means are connected to a network. The incarnation operates in the virtual space according to the control software created by the operation terminal. The virtual photographing means photographs a virtual space. Then, the sending means broadcasts the output video of the virtual photographing means.

[0014] A broadcasting system according to a seventh aspect of the present invention generates a network, a plurality of operation terminals connected to the network, and a virtual space that is connected to the network and is a virtually defined space. Virtual space generating means, an incarnation that operates in the virtual space according to control software created by the operation terminal, virtual photographing means for photographing the virtual space, and recording / reproducing means for recording and reproducing the output video of the virtual photographing means; And a transmitting means for broadcasting the output video of the recording / reproducing means.

According to this configuration, the virtual space generating means generates a virtual space which is a virtually defined space. The plurality of operation terminals and the virtual space generation means are connected to a network. The incarnation operates in the virtual space according to the control software created by the operation terminal. The virtual photographing means photographs a virtual space. The recording and reproducing means records and reproduces the output video of the virtual photographing means. The sending means broadcasts the output video of the recording / reproducing means.

[0016] In addition, a broadcasting system according to claim 8 of the present invention generates a network, a plurality of operation terminals connected to the network, and a virtual space which is connected to the network and is a virtually defined space. Virtual space generation means, an incarnation that operates in the virtual space according to control software created by the operation terminal, and state recording and reproduction means for recording and reproducing a temporal state change of the virtual space and the incarnation;
A virtual photographing means for photographing the virtual space reproduced from the state recording / reproducing means, and a transmitting means for broadcasting an output video of the virtual photographing means are provided.

According to this configuration, the virtual space generating means generates a virtual space which is a virtually defined space. The plurality of operation terminals and the virtual space generation means are connected to a network. The incarnation operates in the virtual space according to the control software created by the operation terminal. The state recording / reproducing means records and reproduces a temporal state change of the virtual space and the incarnation. The virtual photographing means photographs a virtual space. The sending means broadcasts the output video of the virtual photographing means.

[0018]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. [First Embodiment] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the structure of a first embodiment according to the first aspect of the present invention. In FIG. 1, reference numeral 101 denotes a virtual space generating means, 102 denotes a virtual space which is a virtually defined space, 103 denotes a virtual photographing means, and 104 denotes a sending means for sending to a transmitting system.

The virtual space generating means 101 generates a virtual space 102 which is a virtually defined space. The virtual space 102 is generally defined as a computer program, and the shapes, properties, movements, and the like of virtual buildings, plants, animals, and the like arranged in the virtual space 102 are described by the computer program. . The virtual photographing means 103 is also a virtual video photographing camera described by a computer program. Virtual photographing means 1
Numeral 03 indicates that a subject (virtual subject in this embodiment) can be zoomed in, and the entire virtual space 102 can be looked around by panning in the horizontal direction, similarly to an actual camera. The output video is output as an output video. The sending means 104 is a virtual photographing means 103
After performing necessary processing such as buffering in order to broadcast the output video, the video is delivered to the transmission system.

According to this embodiment, various events occurring in the virtual space 102 in which various virtual buildings and plants are arranged can be broadcast as a broadcast program to, for example, a television receiver. [Second Embodiment] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the structure of a second embodiment according to the second aspect of the present invention. In FIG. 2, reference numeral 201 denotes a virtual space generation unit, 202 denotes a virtual space which is a virtually defined space, 203 denotes a virtual imaging unit, 204 denotes a transmission unit, and 205 denotes a network connection unit.

The virtual space generating means 201 of this embodiment
From the virtual space generating unit 101 to the transmitting unit 104 in the first embodiment are basically the same as the operations from the transmitting unit 204 to the transmitting unit 204. In particular, in this embodiment, the virtual space generation unit 201 can exchange various information with a network such as the Internet via the network connection unit 205. as a result,
Buildings, animals and plants in the virtual space 202 can be supplied from other systems connected to the network or shared with other systems.

Other effects are the same as the effects of the first embodiment. [Third Embodiment] FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a third embodiment according to the third aspect of the present invention. In FIG. 3, reference numeral 301 denotes a virtual space generation unit, 302 denotes a virtual space which is a virtually defined space, 303 denotes a virtual imaging unit, 304 denotes a transmission unit, 305 denotes a network connection unit, 306 denotes a network, and 307 to 309 denote the same. The first operation terminal, the second operation terminal, and the third operation terminal, which are connected to the network 306, respectively, are the first operation terminal 30.
7 is an incarnation controlled by

As the operation terminal, a personal computer, a game machine, an Internet terminal or a dedicated terminal is assumed, and the operation is generally performed using a control pad or a joystick of the game machine or the like. The operation from the virtual space generation unit 301 to the transmission unit 304 in this embodiment is basically the same as the operation of each unit from the virtual space generation unit 101 to the transmission unit 104 in the first embodiment. is there. In particular, in this embodiment, the first operation terminal 307 and the second operation terminal
An operation terminal 308 and a third operation terminal 309 are connected to the virtual space generation unit 301. Therefore, for example, the first
The user of the operation terminal 307 can control the incarnation 310 via the virtual space generation unit 301 and activate the incarnation 310 in the virtual space 302. For example, they can enter a building or ride on playground equipment in an amusement park. The situation is shown in virtual photographing means 3
03 shoots and delivers the output video to the transmission system via the transmission means 304. In this embodiment, the incarnation 3
A broadcast receiver such as a television receiver can view the activities in the 10 virtual spaces in real time, and an interactive viewer participation type program can be realized.

Other effects are the same as the effects of the first embodiment. [Fourth Embodiment] FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a fourth embodiment according to the fourth aspect of the present invention. In FIG. 4, reference numeral 401 denotes a virtual space generation unit, 402 denotes a virtual space which is a virtually defined space, 403 denotes a virtual imaging unit, 404 denotes a transmission unit, 405 denotes a network connection unit, 405 denotes a network, and 407 to 409 denote virtual units. A first operation terminal, a second operation terminal, and a third operation terminal connected to the network, 410 are incarnations controlled by the first operation terminal 407, and 411 is a recording / reproducing unit.

The virtual space generating means 401 of this embodiment
The operation from to the sending unit 404 is basically the same as the operation of each unit from the virtual space generating unit 101 to the sending unit 104 in the first embodiment. In particular, in the present embodiment, the recording / reproducing means 4 for recording and reproducing the output video of the virtual photographing means 403 is different from the third embodiment.
Since 11 is added, not only a real-time program but also a program with a time delay with respect to the time when the user of the first operation terminal 407 controls the incarnation 410 can be realized. By setting the magnitude of the time delay to various values, it is possible to create various programs from a simple time shift broadcast to a quiz program utilizing the time delay.

As a quiz program utilizing the time delay, for example, a program in which "horse racing" is performed in a virtual space and the result is given to a viewer is conceivable. Since the result of "horse racing" is fixed, it can be guaranteed that the result will not be manipulated by winning horse voting. As another example, by operating the behavior of one's own incarnation while watching the past scene, it is possible to experience an inconvenient and interesting movement in a race, a game, or the like.

Other effects are the same as the effects of the first embodiment. [Fifth Embodiment] FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing the structure of a fifth embodiment according to the fifth aspect of the present invention. In FIG. 5, reference numeral 501 denotes a virtual space generation unit, 502 denotes a virtual space which is a virtually defined space, 503 denotes a virtual imaging unit, 504 denotes a transmission unit, 505 denotes a network connection unit, 505 denotes a network, 507 to 509 denotes a network. A first operation terminal, a second operation terminal, and a third operation terminal connected to the network, 510 is an incarnation controlled by the first operation terminal 507, and 512 is a state recording / reproducing unit.

The virtual space generating means 501 of this embodiment
From the virtual space generation unit 101 to the transmission unit 104 in the first embodiment are basically the same as the operations from the transmission unit 504 to the transmission unit 504. Particularly, in this embodiment, in addition to the configuration of the third embodiment,
The state recording / reproducing means 512 is configured to record and reproduce the procedure by which the first operation terminal 507 controls the incarnation 510 and the time change of the state of the virtual space 502. Since the recording is performed as digital data, the operation of the incarnation 510 is edited and corrected later, or the progress is recorded, and later (for example, the same program one week later) is recorded for a short time in the previous program. After the activity is reproduced, the operation of the user of the first operation terminal 507 can be taken over.

Other effects are the same as the effects of the first embodiment. [Sixth Embodiment] FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing the structure of a sixth embodiment according to the sixth aspect of the present invention. In FIG. 6, reference numeral 601 denotes a virtual space generating unit, 602 denotes a virtual space which is a virtually defined space, 603 denotes a virtual photographing unit, 604 denotes a sending unit, 605 denotes a network connecting unit, 605 denotes a network, 607 to 609 denotes A first operation terminal, a second operation terminal, and a third operation terminal connected to the network, 610 is an incarnation controlled by the first operation terminal 607, and 613 is control software.

The virtual space generating means 601 according to this embodiment
The operation from to the sending means 604 is basically the same as the operation of each means from the virtual space generating means 101 to the sending means 104 in the first embodiment. In particular, in this embodiment, the user of the first operation terminal 607 uses control software 613 for defining the behavior of the incarnation 610.
Create The control software 613 is stored in the virtual space generation means 601 via the network 606,
The incarnation 610 operates in the virtual space 602 according to the regulation of the control software 613.

According to this embodiment, a plurality of race cars operating according to a plurality of control software 613 created by a plurality of users are arranged in one virtual space 602, for example, a car race circuit, and a virtual race car is arranged. Car races can be conducted. In this race, the state is photographed by the virtual photographing means 603, and the output video is transferred to the transmitting system via the transmitting means 604, and can be broadcast as a live program.

Other effects are the same as the effects of the first embodiment. [Seventh Embodiment] FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a seventh embodiment according to the seventh aspect of the present invention. 7, reference numeral 701 denotes a virtual space generating unit, 702 denotes a virtual space which is a virtually defined space, 703 denotes a virtual photographing unit, 704 denotes a sending unit, 705 denotes a network connecting unit, 705 denotes a network, 706 denotes a network, and 707 to 709 denote virtual spaces. A first operation terminal, a second operation terminal, and a third operation terminal connected to the network, 710 is an incarnation controlled by the first operation terminal 707, 711 is a recording / reproducing unit, and 713 is control software.

The virtual space generating means 701 of this embodiment
From the virtual space generation unit 101 to the transmission unit 104 of the first embodiment are basically the same as the operations from the transmission unit 704 to the transmission unit 704. Particularly, in this embodiment, since the recording / reproducing means 711 for recording and reproducing the output video of the virtual photographing means 703 is added to the configuration of the sixth embodiment, not only the real-time program but also the first operation terminal A program that has a time delay with respect to the time when the control software 613 created by the user 707 controls the incarnation 710 can be realized. By setting the magnitude of the time delay to various values, it is possible to create various programs from a simple time shift broadcast to a quiz program utilizing the time delay.

Other effects are the same as the effects of the first embodiment. [Eighth Embodiment] FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing the structure of an eighth embodiment according to the eighth aspect of the present invention. 8, reference numeral 801 denotes a virtual space generating unit, 802 denotes a virtual space which is a virtually defined space, 803 denotes a virtual photographing unit, 804 denotes a sending unit, 805 denotes a network connecting unit, 805 denotes a network, 806 to 809 denotes a network. A first operation terminal, a second operation terminal, and a third operation terminal connected to the network, an incarnation 810 controlled by the first operation terminal 807, a state recording / reproducing unit 812, and control software 813.

The virtual space generating means 801 of this embodiment
From the virtual space generation unit 101 to the transmission unit 104 of the first embodiment are basically the same as the operations from the transmission unit 804 to the transmission unit 804. Particularly, in this embodiment, in addition to the configuration of the sixth embodiment,
The state recording / reproducing unit 812 records and reproduces the procedure for controlling the incarnation 810 by the control software 813 created by the user of the first operation terminal 807 and the time change of the state of the virtual space 802. Since the recording is performed as digital data, the operation of the incarnation 810 can be edited and corrected later, or the progress can be recorded, and later (for example, the same program one week later) can be recorded for a short time in the previous program. After playing the activity, the control software 813 can take over the operation.

Other effects are the same as the effects of the first embodiment.

[0037]

According to the broadcast apparatus of the first aspect of the present invention, various events occurring in a virtual space in which various virtual buildings and plants are arranged can be broadcast as a broadcast program. According to the broadcasting device of the second aspect of the present invention, in addition to the effects of the first aspect, a virtual building, animals and plants in a virtual space are supplied from another system connected to a network. Or share it with other systems.

According to the broadcasting system of the third aspect of the present invention, in addition to the effect of the second aspect, the user of the operation terminal interactively controls the incarnation that is active in the virtual space. be able to. According to the broadcasting system of the fourth aspect of the present invention, in addition to the effect of the third aspect of the present invention, not only the real-time program but also the time at which the user of the operation terminal controls the incarnation is provided. A program with a time delay can be realized.

According to the broadcasting system of the fifth aspect of the present invention, in addition to the effect of the third aspect of the present invention, in addition to the effect of the incarnation performed by the user of the operation terminal, the broadcasting system may be used at a later time. Reproduction, editing, continuation, etc. can be realized. According to the broadcasting system of the sixth aspect of the present invention, in addition to the effect of the second aspect, a plurality of control software programs created by a plurality of users in one virtual space, for example, a car race circuit. By arranging a plurality of race cars operating according to the wear, it is possible to realize a virtual car race or the like.

According to the broadcast system of the present invention, in addition to the effects of the present invention, not only real-time programs but also control software created by the user of the operation terminal can be provided. It is possible to realize a program with a time delay with respect to the time at which the incarnation is controlled. According to the broadcasting system of the eighth aspect of the present invention, in addition to the effects of the sixth aspect of the present invention, the following incarnation operation performed by control software created by the user of the operation terminal is performed. Reproduction, editing, continuation, and the like at time can be realized.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a broadcast device according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a broadcast device according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a broadcast system according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a broadcast system according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a broadcast system according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a broadcast system according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a broadcast system according to a seventh embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a broadcast system according to an eighth embodiment of the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

 101 virtual space generating means 102 virtual space 103 virtual photographing means 104 transmitting means 201 virtual space generating means 202 virtual space 203 virtual photographing means 204 transmitting means 205 network connecting means 301 virtual space generating means 302 virtual space 303 virtual photographing means 304 transmitting means 305 Network connection means 306 Network 307 First operation terminal 308 Second operation terminal 309 Third operation terminal 310 Incarnation 401 Virtual space generation means 402 Virtual space 403 Virtual photography means 404 Sending means 405 Network connection means 406 Network 407 First operation terminal 408 First 2 operation terminal 409 third operation terminal 410 incarnation 411 recording / reproducing means 501 virtual space generating means 502 virtual space 503 virtual photographing means 504 sending means 505 network connection Means 506 Network 507 First operating terminal 508 Second operating terminal 509 Third operating terminal 510 Incarnation 512 State recording / reproducing means 601 Virtual space generating means 602 Virtual space 603 Virtual photographing means 604 Sending means 605 Network connecting means 606 Network 607 First operation Terminal 608 Second operating terminal 609 Third operating terminal 610 Incarnation 613 Control software 701 Virtual space generating means 702 Virtual space 703 Virtual photographing means 704 Sending means 705 Network connecting means 706 Network 707 First operating terminal 708 Second operating terminal 709 First 3 operation terminal 710 incarnation 711 recording / reproducing means 713 control software 801 virtual space generating means 802 virtual space 803 virtual photographing means 804 sending means 805 network connecting means 8 6 Network 807 first operation terminal 808 second operation terminal 809 third operation terminal 810 incarnation 812 state recording unit 813 control software

Claims (8)

[Claims] 1. A virtual space generating means for generating a virtual space which is a virtually defined space, a virtual photographing means for photographing the virtual space, and a transmitting means for broadcasting an output video of the virtual photographing means. Broadcast device equipped. 2. A virtual space generating means for generating a virtual space which is a virtually defined space, a network connecting means for connecting the virtual space generating means to a network, and a virtual photographing means for photographing the virtual space. And a transmitting means for broadcasting an output video of the virtual photographing means. 3. A network, a plurality of operation terminals connected to the network, virtual space generation means connected to the network to generate a virtual space that is a virtually defined space, and: A broadcast system comprising: an incarnation controlled and active in the virtual space; virtual photographing means for photographing the virtual space; and transmitting means for broadcasting an output image of the virtual photographing means. 4. A network, a plurality of operation terminals connected to the network, virtual space generation means connected to the network to generate a virtual space which is a virtually defined space, and control from the operation terminal An incarnation that is active in the virtual space, virtual photographing means for photographing the virtual space, recording / reproducing means for recording and reproducing the output video of the virtual photographing means, and transmission for broadcasting the output video of the recording / reproducing means. And a broadcasting system comprising the means. 5. A network, a plurality of operation terminals connected to the network, virtual space generation means connected to the network to generate a virtual space which is a virtually defined space, and control from the operation terminal. An incarnation that is active in the virtual space, state recording / reproducing means for recording and reproducing temporal changes in the state of the virtual space and the incarnation, and a virtual image capturing the virtual space reproduced from the state recording / reproducing means. A broadcasting system comprising: a photographing unit; and a transmitting unit for broadcasting an output video of the virtual photographing unit. 6. A network, a plurality of operation terminals connected to the network, virtual space generation means connected to the network to generate a virtual space which is a virtually defined space, and A broadcasting system comprising: an incarnation that is active in the virtual space according to the created control software; virtual shooting means for shooting the virtual space; and transmission means for broadcasting an output image of the virtual shooting means. 7. A network, a plurality of operation terminals connected to the network, virtual space generation means connected to the network to generate a virtual space which is a virtually defined space, and An incarnation that is active in the virtual space according to the created control software; a virtual photographing unit that photographs the virtual space; a recording and reproducing unit that records and reproduces an output image of the virtual photographing unit; A broadcasting system comprising: a transmission unit that broadcasts an output video. 8. A network, a plurality of operation terminals connected to the network, virtual space generation means connected to the network to generate a virtual space which is a virtually defined space, and An incarnation that is active in the virtual space according to the created control software; a state recording and reproducing unit that records and reproduces a temporal change in the virtual space and the incarnation; and the state that is reproduced from the state recording and reproducing unit. A broadcasting system, comprising: virtual photographing means for photographing a virtual space; and transmitting means for broadcasting an output video of the virtual photographing means.