JPH11252525A - Video image distribution service processing system, device for the system, and recording medium for the processing system - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To allow a user to view a newly-arrived image in real time and to view the video image at a convenient time in emergency. SOLUTION: The video distribution system is provided with a video center 1 having a monitor device 4 that registers occurrence of a newly arrived video image and a title notice device 5 that informs a received terminal of the occurrence of the newly arrived video image in a PUSH form. Furthermore, the system is provided with a video reception terminal 8 with a title display device 7 that displays forcibly a title on a screen and a PULL device 8 that receives a video image from the video center 1. The user monitors, e.g. an urgent news by the devices above.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention
TECHNICAL FIELD The present invention relates to a video distribution service processing system for distributing data using a communication line such as an optical fiber or an optical fiber, an apparatus therefor, and a recording medium storing a program used in the processing system.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, there are the following two types of video distribution service systems using a communication line. FIG. 20 is a diagram for explaining a conventional service system. The left half of the diagram corresponds to a real-time video distribution system, and the right half of the diagram corresponds to an on-demand video distribution system.

(Conventional method 1) Real-time video distribution method A method of unilaterally starting video distribution from a center via a wired / wireless communication line at a time determined by a broadcasting station, such as television broadcasting or CATV. .

(Conventional method 2) Video on demand (V
OD) Video distribution method A method for starting video distribution when there is access from the receiver.

[0005]

In the former, the broadcast start time is known, and if there is no other work at that time, the user can view the video. However, when news that the receiver wants to watch during work occurs, there is a problem in that the news cannot be watched without sacrificing the urgent work. Also, in this case, the only way to refuse viewing is to turn off the power of the receiver, such as a personal computer or TV, or stop the viewer that receives the video.
There is also a problem that the subsequent broadcast cannot be received, and there is no way to know when to turn off the power supply or the like. Therefore, real-time video distribution services as an information dissemination media for business people such as e-mail,
It was difficult to spread it widely.

On the other hand, the latter has a degree of freedom for viewing at a time convenient for the receiver. On the other hand, the user has to keep track of the outline of the newly generated information and access the video center many times in order to view the required video in real time. For this reason, the content that can be broadcast is limited to entertainment-related information such as a movie, which has a low degree of urgency and can be viewed at any time, and is not suitable for video content such as emergency news for which it is not determined when it will occur. Since it was not possible to broadcast emergency news and other information necessary for business, it was of low value as an information dissemination medium for business people who require speed.

As described above, despite the recent development of multimedia technology and the introduction of inexpensive systems that allow the user to view images on a personal computer or the like, the conventional service system actually provides video distribution to a wide range of businesses. It could not be developed into a media used by man.

In the above description, the term "viewer" means, for example, a program for performing "display of a window for receiving / reproducing a video on a personal computer screen and control of reception / reproduction of a video". doing.

The present invention simultaneously solves the above-mentioned drawbacks of the two prior arts, and makes it possible to listen to a new video in real time and, if there is an urgent need, to use the video at a convenient time. The purpose is to enable viewing.

[0010]

According to the present invention, in order to solve the above-mentioned problems, in a video center of a video distribution system, 1) a monitoring mechanism for monitoring the occurrence of a new video; and 2) a new video has been generated. In such a case, a title notification mechanism for automatically extracting the title information and notifying the receiving terminal in a push type is provided, and in the video receiving terminal, 3) the title information notified from the video center is displayed on a part of the terminal screen. A title display mechanism for forced display and 4) a video PULL mechanism for receiving a video from a video center by clicking the title information are provided.

In the present invention, by providing the mechanism, for example, it is possible to monitor emergency news.

[0012]

FIG. 1 shows a configuration example of the present invention.
In the figure, 1 is a video center, 2 is a communication line, 3 is a video receiving terminal, 4 is a monitoring mechanism, 5 is a title notification mechanism, 6 is a video broadcasting server, 7 is a title display mechanism, and 8 is a video PUL.
L mechanism is shown.

FIG. 2 shows an embodiment (1) in which the title information contains one video content, and FIG. 3 shows an embodiment in which the title information contains a plurality of video contents (2). ) Are shown. FIG. 4 shows an embodiment (3) in which the contents of text and still images corresponding to the video contents are transmitted also on the WWW. In each of the embodiments shown in FIGS. 2, 3 and 4, it is assumed that a video server and a video receiving terminal of the VOD video distribution system are employed.

The operation of each embodiment will be described below. In addition, the following 1), 2), 3). . . In FIGS. 2, 3 and 4, 1), 2), 3),. . . Corresponds to the process indicated by. The reference numerals in FIG.
9 denotes a video file directory, 10 denotes a video file, and 11 and 12 denote video / character information, respectively.

Embodiment (1) Single news distribution {FIG. 1) To check whether new video data has been registered in the “video server”, the “monitoring mechanism” 4 uses the “video server”
The video file directory 9 is accessed at predetermined intervals, compared with the video file directory of the old image (the initial value is empty), and a new video title entry is taken out.

2) From the extracted information, a video file 10
Extract the address of 1) If extraction failed
Return to 3) When the extraction is successful, the entry information of the new video title is delivered to the “title notification mechanism” 5.

In addition to the above, for confirming whether or not new video data is registered, an information notification mechanism is provided on the video server side, and when a new video data is registered, an entry of a video file address and a video title is entered. The information may be transmitted to the title notification mechanism.

4) In the "title notification mechanism" 5, the video title, the address of the video file, and the like are written in the transmission file (the broadcast date is also written if necessary). 5) Push-distribute the transmission file to the “video receiving terminal” 3 as title information.

6) The "title display mechanism" 7 displays the distributed title information on a part of the screen of the personal computer as the video receiving terminal, and notifies the video center of the registration of the new video.

7) In the "picture pull mechanism" 8, when a title portion displayed on the personal computer screen is clicked with a mouse pointer or the like, a viewer is generated in the personal computer, and a corresponding video server is generated from the address of the transmitted video file. To start receiving new video.

Embodiment (2) Plural news batch distribution {Fig. In the above embodiment (1), the title information appears on the personal computer screen as many as the number of titles of all newly-arrived videos. Therefore, it becomes complicated when the number of video news that occurs simultaneously is large.

On the other hand, in this embodiment (2), a plurality of pieces of title information are displayed together (in the following example, they are collected for each program name and for each occurrence date and time). For this reason, although the click operation until the video viewing is slightly increased, a plurality of newly arrived videos are generated at the same time, and in the case of broadcasting the content in which it is determined whether or not to view only the program name, the following method 2 is used. Is more effective.

1) To check whether new video data has been registered in the "video server", the "monitoring mechanism" 4 accesses the video file directory 9 of the "video server" 6 at predetermined intervals, and Compare with the video file directory of the old image (the initial value is empty) and take out the entry of the new video title.

2) Extract the broadcast date and time of the video file from the extracted information. If extraction is not possible, return to 1). 3) When the extraction is successful, the entry information of the new video title is delivered to the “title notification mechanism” 5.

4) In the "title notification mechanism" 5, the entry information of all the corresponding video titles is collected for each program name, and the broadcast date and time and the program name are written in a transmission file (not shown) (1).

5) Next, similarly, all the corresponding video titles, addresses of the video files, etc. are written in the transmission file (2) for each program name. 6) Push-distribute the transmission files (1) and (2) to the personal computer as the “video receiving terminal” 3 as title information configured for each program name.

7) The "title display mechanism" 7 displays the distributed title information on a part of the screen of the personal computer, and notifies the video center that the new video has been registered. 8) When the displayed date information is clicked, a list of all newly arrived videos is displayed.

9) By clicking on a title portion corresponding to an image to be viewed from a plurality of titles displayed on the personal computer screen, the "image pull mechanism" 8 generates a viewer on the personal computer and transmits the transmitted image. It instructs to connect to the corresponding video server 6 from the file address and start receiving the new video.

Embodiment (3) News distribution via WWW
─ FIG. This embodiment (3) is effective when distributing a content that needs to know new arrival information not only in a video but also in a character format.

1) The "monitoring mechanism" 4 accesses the video file directory 9 of the "video server" 6 at predetermined intervals to check whether new video data has been registered in the "video server". Compare with the video file directory of the old image (the initial value is empty) and take out the entry of the new video title.

2) Extract the title of the video file and the URL of the homepage (address on the Internet) from the extracted information. If extraction is not possible, return to 1).

3) When the extraction is successful, the entry information of the new video title is delivered to the “title notification mechanism” 5. 4) The "title notification mechanism" 5 writes the title, URL, etc. in the transmission file.

5) Push-distribute the transmission file as title information to the “video receiving terminal” 3. 6) The "title display mechanism" 7 displays the distributed title information on a part of the screen of the personal computer, and notifies the video center that the new video has been registered.

7) In the "Video Pull mechanism" 8, by clicking on the title displayed on the personal computer screen, the WWW browser is activated and the video server is connected to the homepage for each title of the video server. On the homepage by title, detailed information of the title can be read in a character format or the like. Also, by clicking the video button, a viewer is generated on the personal computer, and an instruction is issued to connect to the corresponding video server from the URL of the transmitted homepage and start receiving the new video.

FIG. 5 shows a flowchart of the monitoring mechanism in FIGS. 2 and 4. FIG. 6 corresponds to FIGS.
3 shows a flowchart of the title notification mechanism in the first embodiment. (Step S1): File initialization is performed. (Step S2): Input values from the operator are set and stored in the monitoring cycle file. (Step S3): The program starts. (Step S4): Wait until the next monitoring time. (Step S5): Download the video file directory onto the memory. (Step S6): It is checked whether it is the same as the acquired video file directory. In the case of YES, the process proceeds to step S14. (Step S7): If step S6 is NO, the downloaded information is stored in the acquired video file directory. (Step S8): The entry information is extracted from the obtained video file directory. (Step S9): Extract the address from the entry information (note that in the case of FIG. 4, the title and home page U
RL). (Step S10): Check whether extraction is impossible. YES
In the case of, the process proceeds to step S14. (Step S11): If step S10 is NO, it is checked whether or not it is the same as the entry information history. In the case of YES, the process returns to step S8. (Step S12): Write the entry information into the entry information history. (Step S13): The entry information is transferred to the title notification mechanism. (Step S14): It is checked whether or not there is an instruction to stop by the operator. If YES, the process returns to step S4, and if NO, the process proceeds to step S15. (Step S15): The program ends. (Step S16): A template of the transmission file is defined. (Step S17): The program starts. (Step S18): Entry information is received from the monitoring mechanism. (Step S19): Write the title and address in the transmission file (note that in FIG. 4, the title and the URL of the home page are written). (Step S20): The transmission file is received and distributed to the terminal. (Step S21): It is checked whether or not there is an instruction to stop by the operator. If YES, the process returns to step S18, and if NO, the process proceeds to step S22. (Step S22): The program ends.

FIG. 7 shows a flowchart of the monitoring mechanism in FIG. FIG. 8 shows a flowchart of the title notification mechanism in FIG. (Step S23): File initialization is performed. (Step S24): Input values from the operator are set and stored in the monitoring cycle file. (Step S25): The program starts. (Step S26): Wait until the next monitoring time. (Step S27): Download the video file directory onto the memory. (Step S28): It is checked whether it is the same as the acquired video file directory. In the case of YES, the process proceeds to step S36. (Step S29): If step S28 is NO, the downloaded information is stored in the acquired video file directory. (Step S30): The entry information is extracted from the obtained video file directory. (Step S31): The broadcast date and time are extracted from the entry information. (Step S32): It is checked whether extraction is impossible. YES
In the case of, the process proceeds to step S36. (Step S33): If step S32 is NO, it is checked whether or not it is the same as the broadcast date and time history. In the case of YES, the process returns to step S30. (Step S34): The broadcast date and time are written in the broadcast date and time history. (Step S35): The entry information is transferred to the title notification mechanism. (Step S36): It is checked whether or not there is an instruction to stop the operator. If YES, the process returns to step S26, and if NO, the process proceeds to step S37. (Step S37): The program ends. (Step S38): Define a transmission file template. (Step S39): The program starts. (Step S40): Entry information is received from the monitoring mechanism. (Step S41): Write the program name and broadcast date and time in the transmission file. (Step S42): The title and address are extracted from the entry information. (Step S43): Write the title and address in the transmission file 2 in HTML format. (Step S44): It is checked whether or not there is unextracted data. In the case of YES, the process returns to step S42. (Step S45): In the case of NO, the transmission files 1 and 2 are distributed to the receiving terminals. (Step S46): It is checked whether or not there is an instruction to stop by the operator. If YES, the process returns to step S40. If NO, the process proceeds to step S47. (Step S47): The program ends.

FIGS. 9 to 11 show screens appearing in the embodiment (1) shown in FIG. 9 shows a normal state, FIG. 10 shows a title receiving state, and FIG. 11 shows a video receiving state. When you click on the title in the state of FIG. 10,
It moves to FIG.

FIGS. 12 to 15 show screens appearing in the case of the embodiment (2) shown in FIG. FIG. 12 shows a normal state,
FIG. 13 shows a date receiving state, FIG. 14 shows a title displaying state, and FIG. 15 shows a video receiving state. Clicking on the date information in FIG. 12 shifts to FIG. 13, and clicking on the title in FIG. 13 shifts to FIG.

FIGS. 16 to 19 show screens appearing in the case of the embodiment (3) shown in FIG. FIG. 16 shows a normal state,
FIG. 17 shows a title receiving state, FIG. 18 shows a connection state to a homepage, and FIG. 19 shows a video receiving state. When the title is clicked in FIG. 17, the process proceeds to FIG. 18, and when the video button in FIG. 18 is clicked, the process proceeds to FIG.

Hereinafter, a more detailed description of each embodiment will be described. -Implementation method corresponding to the variation of personal computer operation In the description of the operation of the embodiments (1) to (3), the case where the user wants to watch the title information immediately after displaying the title information on the personal computer screen has been described. If other intentions are desired, some implementation specifications can be considered. As shown below, no matter what the specification, the implementation is easily realizable, is merely a design choice, and has nothing beyond the essence of the invention.

(Example 1) When it is desired to display an intention when viewed later, the following realization specifications can be considered. How to keep the title display until there is an instruction to "watch later" Add a "close button" to the title display, and if you click here, the title display will disappear. The title information is stored in a personal computer in the form of a list, and if requested, the list is displayed, and necessary title information from the list can be reproduced and displayed. With such a design, when the reproduced title is clicked, the video content can be viewed later.

If there is no click, a method of automatically extinguishing title information is displayed for a certain period of time, and if there is no click, it is interpreted that the user wants to watch later, and automatically extinguished. By storing the title information in a list format, as in
You can watch the video content later.

(Example 2) In a case where it is desired to display an intention if the user never sees it. This can be realized by simply providing a function of deleting the title information from the personal computer.

(Example 3) When left without any intention display (i) If there is no click, it is treated as being viewable later (Example 1) Title display is stopped until "Later view" is instructed No method Add a "close button" to the title display, and if you click here, the title display will disappear. The title information is stored in a personal computer in the form of a list, and if requested, the list is displayed, and necessary title information from the list can be reproduced and displayed. With such a design, when the reproduced title is clicked, the video content can be viewed later.

(Ii) If no click is made within a certain period of time, it will be treated as unwatchable later. This method is effective when the expiration date has expired in the recruitment news with a time limit, and simply deletes the title information from the personal computer. It can be realized only by providing a function to perform the operation.

In the case of using a real-time system instead of the VOD system When a video server and a video receiving terminal of a real-time video distribution system are used, it is not possible to view at an arbitrary time unlike the VOD system, but the receiver must start broadcasting beforehand. Can be known by title information, which increases convenience and VOD
The video server requires less load (low cost) than the method.

This can also be easily realized by the present invention. For example, in the embodiment (1),-Replace a video file with a real-time broadcast channel,
(If this channel is specified, real-time video distribution is performed in a stream format.)

Replace the video file directory with the directory of the real-time broadcast channel (the video title, the broadcast channel number, etc. are stored here).
However, it can be seen that the “video pull mechanism” 8 can be easily realized by replacing the viewer of the personal computer and the connected video server with those of the real-time video distribution system. The same applies to other embodiments (2) and (3).

Combination of Embodiment (1), Embodiment (2), and Embodiment (3) Each embodiment is not exclusive. For example, it is determined for each program which embodiment should be displayed or not. Then, a form in which a plurality of embodiments are used together can be easily realized.

Implementation Methods for Variations of PUSH Distribution There are two types of PUSH distribution methods depending on who gives the opportunity to start PUSH distribution. That is, a system that gives this opportunity from the server (real-time PUSH
Method / IP multicast method) and a method (unicast method) triggered by periodic reading from a terminal client. The former requires a new router corresponding to the performance, and the latter is inferior in performance but lower in cost.
Which one to use is just a design choice,
In any case, the present invention can be realized.

In the above, the configuration of the system and the device for the present invention has been described, but the functions of the system and the device for the system can be held in the form of a program. Therefore,
The recording medium on which the program is recorded is also included in the scope of the present invention.

[0052]

As a result of the low cost and widespread use of high-capacity lines such as optical fibers and high-performance personal computers / servers, multimedia including not only conventional text and voice but also video images is progressing.

However, as described above, the conventional method is often unsuitable for business people, and the business office has not been able to fully utilize the multimedia culture based on video.

On the other hand, according to the present invention, only the occurrence of a video and the title are notified in real time, so that there is no danger of missing important emergency information which has been a problem in the prior art. At the same time, it is possible to determine whether or not to receive a video by judging the priority of the work that the viewer is working on and the reception of the video. For this reason, if the video title has a low priority, the start of broadcasting can be delayed, so that the work flow is not disturbed unlike the conventional method.

At the office where the businessman works, the sound at the time of the broadcast can be transmitted through a handset-type telephone or the like that can be connected to a personal computer so as not to disturb the surroundings.
Video information can also be received in the same manner as information distribution of still images.

In addition, since a well-known method in a business place, which has conventionally relied only on texts and voices, can be realized with richer expressive images, it is possible to improve communication between business people and to improve the communication. Can be expected to improve work / management efficiency.

From the above, according to the present invention, it is expected that an effect of permeating a moving image and video medium having a large amount of information not only for homes but also for business establishments can be expected.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 shows a configuration example of the present invention.

FIG. 2 shows a configuration of an embodiment (1).

FIG. 3 shows a configuration of an embodiment (2).

FIG. 4 shows a configuration of an embodiment (3).

FIG. 5 shows a flowchart of the monitoring mechanism in FIGS. 2 and 4;

FIG. 6 shows a flowchart of the title notification mechanism in FIGS. 2 and 4.

FIG. 7 shows a flowchart of the monitoring mechanism in FIG.

FIG. 8 shows a flowchart of the title notification mechanism in FIG.

FIG. 9 shows a screen in the case of the embodiment (1).

FIG. 10 shows a screen in the case of the embodiment (1).

FIG. 11 shows a screen in the case of the embodiment (1).

FIG. 12 shows a screen in the case of the embodiment (2).

FIG. 13 shows a screen in the case of the embodiment (2).

FIG. 14 shows a screen in the case of the embodiment (2).

FIG. 15 shows a screen in the case of the embodiment (2).

FIG. 16 shows a screen in the case of the embodiment (3).

FIG. 17 shows a screen in the case of the embodiment (3).

FIG. 18 shows a screen in the case of the embodiment (3).

FIG. 19 shows a screen in the case of the embodiment (3).

FIG. 20 shows a conventional example.

[Explanation of symbols]

 1: video center 2: communication line 3: video receiving terminal 4: monitoring mechanism 5: title notification mechanism 6: video broadcasting server 7: title display mechanism 8: video PULL mechanism

Claims (7)

[Claims] In a video distribution system for connecting a video center and a video receiving terminal via a communication line, means for monitoring the video center for the occurrence of a new video, and, when a new video is generated, title information of the new video. Means for automatically extracting and notifying the receiving terminal in a PUSH type, and means for forcibly displaying the title information notified from the video center on a part of the terminal screen to the video receiving terminal; A video distribution service processing system comprising: means for receiving a video from a video center by clicking. 2. A video distribution apparatus in a system for connecting a video center and a video receiving terminal via a communication line, wherein the video center includes a monitoring mechanism for monitoring the occurrence of a new video, and a title when a new video is generated. At least a title notification mechanism for automatically extracting information and notifying the receiving terminal of the information in a PUSH type is provided. The monitoring mechanism is configured to load a video file directory holding information regarding the generated video. A mechanism for comparing the existing video with the existing video, a mechanism for storing the video in the acquired video file directory in the case of a new video, a mechanism for extracting entry information from the acquired video file directory, and the extracted entry information From the video address, broadcast date and time, or video title A video delivery service processing apparatus, comprising: a mechanism for outputting the entry information to an entry information history; and a mechanism for transferring the entry information to the title notification mechanism. 3. The video center includes a video server, the video server includes a video file, and a video address, a broadcast date and time, or a video title of a video registered in the video file. 3. The video distribution service processing device according to claim 2, further comprising a video file directory storing one or more files. 4. The video distribution service processing apparatus according to claim 3, wherein said video server has means for transmitting and receiving a video title, a video itself, or WWW information to and from said video receiving terminal. 5. A recording medium storing a program used for a video distribution system in a system for connecting a video center and a video receiving terminal via a communication line, wherein the recording medium monitors the video center for monitoring the occurrence of a new video. And a processing program for automatically notifying the title information when a new video is generated and notifying the receiving terminal in a PUSH type, and the processing program for monitoring includes: A process of loading a video file directory holding information about the generated video, a process of comparing the loaded video with a new video or not with an existing video, and a process of acquiring a video file directory in the case of a new video. And entry information from the acquired video file directory. A process of extracting one of a video address, a broadcast date and time, and a video title from the extracted entry information; a process of writing the extracted entry information to an entry information history; A recording medium for recording a program used in a video distribution service processing system, wherein the recording medium is recorded with a process of delivering the title to the title notification mechanism. 6. The recording medium has a processing program relating to a video server having a function of the video center, and the processing program relating to the video server has a processing program relating to a video file, and a processing program relating to a video registered in the video file. 6. A video distribution service process according to claim 5, further comprising a processing program relating to a video file directory storing one or more of the video address, broadcast date and time, and video title corresponding to the above. A recording medium on which programs used for the system are recorded. 7. The video according to claim 6, wherein the processing program relating to the video server has a processing program relating to means for transmitting / receiving a video title, a video itself, or WWW information to / from the video receiving terminal. A recording medium on which a program used for a distribution service processing system is recorded.