JP2004194025A - Video storage device, viewing history investigation system - Google Patents

Abstract

When viewing an image recorded on a hard disk recorder or the like with a portable viewing terminal, it is necessary to provide a function capable of reaching a target scene with a small number of operations.
Kind Code: A1 A viewing history is generated from a history of reproduction operations performed by a user on a portable viewing terminal, stored in a viewing history storage unit, and a presentation information output unit using a past viewing history. Is generated and provided to the user. The user can easily view a desired scene using the selection information.
[Selection diagram] Fig. 1

Description

[0001]
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a moving image storage device that stores moving image data and transmits the moving image data to a user viewing terminal, and a viewing history investigation system using the moving image storage device.
[0002]
[Prior art]
2. Description of the Related Art With the rapid development of moving image processing technology, handling moving images as digital data has been widely performed. In recent years, it has become common to distribute and store moving images as encoded data of an encoding method such as MPEG-1, 2, 4, or the like.
[0003]
In addition to decoding the encoded data with a video device or a computer to view the moving image, the mobile terminal (for example, a mobile phone, a PDA (Personal Data Appliance), etc.) decodes the encoded data and decodes the moving image. A service for watching TV is also being put to practical use.
[0004]
In this service, encoded data of a moving image distributed from a broadcasting station or a communication station is stored in a moving image storage server installed in a home or the like. Then, the user can view the moving image at a desired time and place by obtaining the encoded data from the moving image storage server using the portable viewing terminal.
[0005]
While it is no longer possible to select the time and place of viewing, the means for selecting the moving image to be viewed is not always sufficient. At present, a user selects a moving image to view by viewing only the title or the file name. For this reason, it is often the case that a viewer watches a moving image viewed in the past without noticing it, and realizes that he / she has lost the notice on the way, saying, "This was a guy I saw once."
[0006]
In the future, it is expected that the number of users who watch moving images on a portable viewing terminal while using a little free time while going out or the like as if reading a book will increase. In order to perform such viewing, a technique that can be easily viewed from “continuation of the previous time”, such as a bookmark when reading a book, will be required.
[0007]
For example, Patent Document 1 proposes the following technique as a technique for preventing the overlapped viewing of a moving image already viewed. The method described in Patent Document 1 first analyzes a moving image at the time of viewing the moving image to obtain a feature amount, and sequentially records the characteristic amount in a database. Then, by comparing the feature amount obtained in the past with the feature amount of the currently viewed moving image, it is always checked whether the currently viewed moving image has already been viewed, and it is determined that the moving image has already been viewed. If so, the reproduction is stopped.
[0008]
[Patent Document 1]
JP-A-9-270006
[0009]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, the method disclosed in Patent Document 1 makes a determination in real time during reproduction of a moving image. It is not to determine whether or not the viewing has already been performed before starting the viewing. Further, according to the method of Patent Document 1, it is possible to know whether or not the user has watched in the past, but it is not possible to know how the user has viewed in the past.
[0010]
Therefore, for a viewing method such as "view from the previous continuation" or "view the same scene as the previous time", the user has to perform fast-forwarding and rewinding operations relying on memory.
[0011]
Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide a moving image storage device that enables a desired portion of a desired moving image to be easily viewed based on a past viewing history.
[0012]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
A first invention is a moving image storage device that stores moving image data and provides the moving image data to a user viewing terminal, and stores first encoded data of a first encoding method. A storage unit; a request receiving unit that receives a moving image data transmission request and a moving image list transmission request sent from the user; a viewing history generation unit that generates a viewing history from the moving image data transmission request; A conversion unit that converts the first encoded data stored in the storage unit into second encoded data of a second encoding scheme in response to an image data transmission request, and converts the second encoded data into the second encoded data. An output unit that outputs to the viewing terminal; and a viewing history output unit that outputs the viewing history to the viewing terminal in response to the moving image list transmission request.
[0013]
The viewing history is generated from the moving image data transmission request, and is information indicating transition of a viewing method including information on a reproduction start point, a stop point, a reproduction direction, and a reproduction speed of a moving image. In addition, bit rate information may be included.
[0014]
Further, in response to a moving image deformation request sent from a user, the conversion unit may perform a deformation process including enlargement, reduction, cutout, and rotation on the moving image. In this case, it is preferable to include the transition of the transformation process as the viewing history.
[0015]
A second invention is a moving image storage device that stores moving image data and provides the moving image data to a user viewing terminal, and stores first encoded data of a first encoding method. A storage unit; a request receiving unit that receives a moving image data transmission request and a moving image list transmission request sent from a user; a viewing history generation unit that generates a viewing history from the moving image data transmission request; A conversion unit configured to convert the first encoded data stored in the storage unit into second encoded data of a second encoding scheme in response to a data transmission request, and output the second encoded data; An output unit that generates selection information indicating a specific part of a moving image from the viewing history, and a selection information output unit that outputs the selection information to the viewing terminal in response to the moving image list transmission request And
[0016]
The viewing history is generated from the moving image data transmission request, and is information indicating transition of a viewing method including information on a reproduction start point, a stop point, a reproduction direction, and a reproduction speed of a moving image. In addition, bit rate information may be included.
[0017]
The selection information is generated from the viewing history, and the selection information includes information indicating a previously unviewed portion in the moving image and information indicating a previously viewed portion.
[0018]
Further, in response to a moving image deformation request sent from a user, the conversion unit may perform a deformation process including enlargement, reduction, cutout, and rotation on the moving image. In this case, it is preferable to include the transition of the transformation process as the viewing history. Furthermore, it is preferable that the selection information also include information on a deformation process performed on a part viewed in the past.
[0019]
Further, a special reproduction menu based on the selection information may be provided. For example, it is a reproduction menu such as “continuation of last time”, “same as last time”, “place skipped last time”.
[0020]
According to a third aspect, the moving image storage device of the first and second aspects has a function of transmitting a viewing history to an external terminal other than the user. For example, it is a moving image storage device that is applied to an audience rating survey, a correspondence history study history survey, and the like, and provides a past viewing history to an external third party such as a audience rating surveyor or a attendance history surveyor.
[0021]
A fourth invention is a viewing history investigation system using the moving image storage device of the third invention.
[0022]
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
(Overview) FIG. 2 is a view for explaining an example of a system using a moving image storage device according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0023]
The moving image storage device 202 receives and stores moving image data distributed by the content provider 201 through broadcasting or communication. Then, the stored moving image data is converted into an encoding method according to the user's request and transmitted to the user's portable viewing terminal 204 via the network 203.
[0024]
The moving image storage device 202 receives and stores MPEG-2 encoded data of a moving image distributed from a broadcasting station or a communication station. Then, according to the request transmitted from the portable viewing terminal 204 by the user, the data is converted into MPEG-4 encoded data and transmitted to the portable viewing terminal 204.
[0025]
The moving image storage device 202 temporarily stores the request transmitted from the portable viewing terminal 204 by the user. The contents to be accumulated here are, for example, “starting reproduction of a moving image of XX: XX: start of XX”, “fast-forward reproduction of 動 of a moving image of △△: △△”, and “XX of a moving image XX”. : Stop playback at xx ".
[0026]
Then, a viewing history of the user is generated and accumulated from the information accumulated periodically or at an arbitrary timing. The contents generated here are, for example, information such as “file name: ○, status: watched, viewing section: xx: xx: xx- △△: △△: △△ (1 × speed)” and the like. .
[0027]
The viewing history generated and stored here is used, for example, as reference information when the user selects a moving image to be viewed in the future, or when viewing the “continuation of the previous time”, “the same method as the previous time”, “place skipped last time”, or the like. It is used as a material when generating a special playback menu (hereinafter, selection information) based on the history.
[0028]
The user can easily view a desired moving image by referring to the viewing history information and selecting a moving image, or by using selection information based on the viewing history.
[0029]
The network 203 may be wired or wireless. Also, the means (communication / broadcast) by which the content provider 201 distributes a moving image may be wired or wireless.
[0030]
Here, an example is described in which the moving image storage device 202 receives and stores the MPEG-2 encoded data, converts the data into MPEG-4 encoded data, and transmits the data to the portable viewing terminal 204. Is not limited to this combination. It may be configured to use MPEG-1 or another moving picture coding method.
[0031]
(First Embodiment) Hereinafter, a first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
[0032]
(Schematic Configuration) FIG. 1 is a diagram for explaining the configuration of a moving image storage device according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
[0033]
The moving image storage device of the present embodiment includes a moving image input unit 101 for receiving encoded data of a moving image from outside or inputting encoded data of a moving image by an arbitrary method, and a moving image received or input. A moving image storage unit 102 stores encoded data of an image, and a request receiving unit 105 that receives a request from a user.
[0034]
Further, the image processing apparatus includes a moving image conversion unit 103 that converts an encoding method of encoded data of a moving image read from the moving image storage unit 102, and a moving image output unit 104 that transmits the converted encoded data.
[0035]
Further, a viewing history storage unit 107 for obtaining and storing a viewing history from the contents requested by the user, a presentation information output unit 108 for outputting the viewing history and selection information generated based on the viewing history to a portable viewing terminal of the user, And a control unit 106 that controls the moving image conversion unit 103 and the presentation information output unit 108 in response to a user request.
[0036]
As described above, the viewing history of the viewer is stored in the moving image storage device, and selection information based on the viewing history is generated and provided to the user from the viewing history, so that a desired portion of the moving image can be easily viewed. be able to.
[0037]
(Schematic operation) The basic operation of the moving image storage device of the present embodiment is as follows.
[0038]
First, the moving image input unit 101 receives encoded data of a moving image such as a broadcast program distributed from a content provider via a broadcast (wired or wireless) or a network (wired or wireless), and stores the encoded data. 102.
[0039]
The request receiving unit 105 receives various requests from the user's portable viewing terminal. The request is, for example, a request for transmission / stop of encoded data, designation of an encoding method and a bit rate, a request for transmission of list information of stored moving images, and the like. Then, the request receiving unit 105 notifies the control unit 106 of the received request.
[0040]
Based on the notification from the request receiving unit 105, the control unit 106 controls the moving image transforming unit 103 to read the encoded data from the moving image storage unit 102 and convert the encoding method, and controls the request receiving unit 105. Is stored in the viewing history storing unit 107.
[0041]
The encoded data converted by the moving image transformation unit 103 is output by the moving image output unit 104 to the portable viewing terminal of the user.
[0042]
The reading of the encoded data by the image conversion unit 103 and the conversion process of the encoding method are performed based on the information notified from the request receiving unit 105. For example, the encoded data to be read and the bit rate in the encoding process are as requested by the user to the request receiving unit 105.
[0043]
FIG. 3 is a diagram of a portable viewing terminal playing back encoded data of a moving image transmitted from the moving image storage device of the present embodiment, in a state where the user is trying to select a moving image to be viewed.
[0044]
The user operates the portable viewing terminal with the operation unit 305, and requests the moving image storage apparatus of the present embodiment for moving image list information. The moving image storage device of the present embodiment outputs the list information in response to this. The list information includes information on the past viewing history and selection information, and the portable viewing terminal displays a screen for selecting a moving image to view using the list information on the screen 306.
[0045]
The user moves the cursor 300 using the operation unit 305 to select and determine a moving image to be viewed from the moving images 301, 302, 303, and 304. Each of the moving images 301, 302, 303, and 304 includes the name of the content, the playback time, information on whether or not the content has been viewed, and information on the viewed portion.
[0046]
In FIG. 3, the information of the viewed portion is presented as bar graph information. In this bar graph, the left end is the start point of the moving image and the right end is the end point. Then, assuming that the entire moving image is 100%, the already-viewed portion and the unviewed portion are painted in different colors. In FIG. 3, the already-viewed portion is represented by shading, and the unviewed portion is represented without being painted.
[0047]
For example, since the entire moving image 303 is viewed, the entire bar graph is shaded. On the other hand, since the moving image 302 is not viewed at all, the bar graph is not painted. Since the moving image 301 has been viewed up to about 80% from the beginning, the bar graph is also shaded from the left end to about 80%. Since the moving image 304 is partially viewed in a worm-like manner, portions 304-1, 304-2, 304-3, and 304-4 corresponding to the viewed portion are shaded.
[0048]
FIG. 5 shows a state in which after selecting the moving image 303, a reproduction menu 501 based on the selection information is further presented. Here, three menus, “from the beginning”, “continuation of last time”, and “same as last time” are presented based on the selection information, and the user selects how to view.
[0049]
The user selects a moving image to be viewed with reference to these pieces of information, and requests the moving image storage device of the present embodiment to transmit the encoded data of the moving image.
[0050]
When the moving image storage device of the present embodiment is used for the first time, the selection information and the viewing history may not exist. Also, there may be no selection information or viewing history for moving image data that has just been stored.
[0051]
In these cases, initially, it is assumed that the user has not watched at all in the past. Once the reproduction operation is performed, the viewing history is generated and accumulated, so that the viewing history and the selection information can be used from the next time.
[0052]
(Moving Image Input Unit 101) The moving image input unit 101 receives encoded data of a moving image encoded by the MPEG-2 system transmitted from a broadcasting station or a communication station. Then, the received encoded data is sequentially output to the moving image storage unit 102.
[0053]
The moving image input unit 101 includes a buffer memory and minimizes loss of encoded data due to a change in a communication state, a radio wave state, or the like.
[0054]
The input encoded data may be stored in a hard disk, an optical disk, or a semiconductor memory in the form of an electronic file. In addition, streaming transmission, digital broadcasting, electronic mail, and the like may be transmitted using a network or radio waves.
[0055]
In the present embodiment, the encoded data of the moving image to be distributed is in the MPEG-2 format, but may be in another encoding format (for example, MPEG-1, MPEG-4, H264).
[0056]
In addition, not only coded data but also analog moving images may be distributed. In the case of an analog video, the video is encoded by the video input unit 101 and then output to the video storage unit 102. Note that, in this case, any encoding method can be used as in the above, but in the present embodiment, MPEG-2 is used.
[0057]
In addition, a moving image (regardless of analog data or encoded data) to be distributed may be encrypted (including scramble). In this case, decoding and restoration are performed by the moving image input unit 101.
[0058]
(Moving Image Storage Unit 102) The moving image storage unit 102 is a storage device for storing the MPEG-2 encoded data received by the moving image input unit 101.
[0059]
The storage device is, for example, a hard disk drive, an optical disk drive, or a semiconductor memory. In this embodiment, a hard disk drive is used. The MPEG-2 encoded data received by the moving image storage unit 102 is stored in a hard disk drive.
[0060]
If the MPEG-2 encoded data of the program is provided on a recording medium including an optical disk, a semiconductor memory, or a hard disk drive, the contents of the recording medium are read out by the moving image input unit 101 and the moving image Alternatively, the recording medium itself may be used as the moving image storage unit 102.
[0061]
(Moving Image Conversion Unit 103) The moving image conversion unit 103 is a transcoder that reads encoded data in the MPEG-2 format from the moving image storage unit 102 and converts the data into the MPEG-4 format.
[0062]
The moving image conversion unit 103 reads the encoded data of the moving image requested by the user from the moving image storage unit 102 in accordance with a command from the control unit 106. Then, in accordance with a command (for example, a bit rate instruction) from the control unit 106, the encoded data read in the MPEG-2 format is converted into the MPEG-4 format.
[0063]
The moving image conversion unit 103 notifies the control unit 106 of the status when receiving a command from the control unit 106, receiving a status check, receiving an error, or completing the conversion up to the end of the moving image. The contents of the status are "XX: XX is being converted", "X: Conversion completed until △△", "File XX does not exist", "Conversion completed to the end", and the like.
[0064]
For example, when the control unit 106 issues an instruction to “encode and convert the file XX”, the file is searched from the moving image storage unit 102, read out, and converted. Also, if a specific part of a specific file is specified, such as "perform encoding conversion from xx minute xx seconds to xx minute xx seconds of file XX", search for the file The corresponding part is read and converted.
[0065]
When the user desires n-times speed reproduction, the user operates the portable viewing terminal using the operation unit 305 and notifies the moving image conversion unit 103 of “n-times speed” via the control unit 106. I do. The moving image converter 103 converts the encoding method while skipping frames in advance so that the image can be easily reproduced at n times speed. By doing so, the amount of encoded data to be transmitted to the portable viewing terminal can be reduced, so that communication bandwidth can be saved and image quality can be improved accordingly.
[0066]
Further, similarly, when the user desires the reproduction in the reverse direction, the user operates the morphological viewing terminal using the operation unit 305, and the moving image conversion is performed via the control unit 106 to the effect that the direction is “reverse”. Notify section 103. The moving image conversion unit 103 reads the encoded data from the moving image storage unit 102 in the opposite direction and performs encoding conversion.
[0067]
In the present embodiment, the moving image converter 103 converts the data into the MPEG-4 format. However, the moving image converter 103 may convert the data into another coding format (for example, MPEG-1, MPEG-2, H264, etc.). . Note that a configuration may be employed in which a plurality of encoding methods can be handled, so that the user can select an encoding method (through the control unit 106).
[0068]
When a plurality of encoding schemes are supported, it is considered easy to implement if the moving picture conversion unit 103 is configured to include a memory and a CPU and the encoding function is realized by software.
[0069]
(Moving Image Output Unit 104) The moving image output unit 106 outputs the encoded data generated by the moving image encoding unit 105 to the portable viewing terminal.
[0070]
(Request receiving unit 105) The request receiving unit 105 communicates with the portable viewing terminal of the user and receives various requests from the user. Then, the request receiving unit 105 notifies the control unit 106 of the received request.
[0071]
The request includes, for example, the above-described encoded data transmission request, designation of an encoding method and a bit rate, and information on accumulated moving images used when a user selects a moving image (for example, moving image information). , A playback section, a past viewing history, etc.), details of the playback operation (for example, operations such as fast forward, skip, and rewind).
[0072]
The content of the request is, for example, “request: playback, section: ○: ：: ○ −, bit rate: 1000 kbps” “request: double speed playback, section: xx: xx: xx- △△: △ Δ: Δ, bit rate: 300 kbps ”or the like.
[0073]
(Control Unit 106) The control unit 106 controls the moving image conversion unit 103 and the presentation information output unit 108 based on the user's request received via the request receiving unit 105.
[0074]
The control unit 106 first analyzes a user request. If the request from the user is a request to transmit information relating to the stored moving image, the presentation information output unit 108 is controlled to generate information relating to the moving image and transmit the generated information to the portable viewing terminal of the user. .
[0075]
On the other hand, when the request from the user is a request related to transmission of encoded data, for example, a request for transmission of encoded data, the instruction is transmitted to the moving image conversion unit 103 to control the operation. The encoded data read from 102 is converted and transmitted to the user's portable viewing terminal.
[0076]
Then, a status corresponding to the command transmitted to the moving image conversion unit 103 is received, the request of the user is complemented by using the status as necessary, and the request of the user is notified to the viewing history storage unit 107.
[0077]
It is necessary to supplement the user's request, for example, in the case of a "reproduction stop" request. In the "reproduction stop" request, there are few cases where a point in the moving image to stop is specified. Usually means "immediate stop."
[0078]
In creating a viewing history, information on "where playback stopped" is required. Therefore, by referring to the status received from the moving image conversion unit 103, information on where the operation is stopped is extracted, and a notification is sent to the viewing history storage unit 107 together with a request from the user.
[0079]
For example, if a request of “request: stop” is received from the user, and the status received from the moving image conversion unit 103 includes information of “xx: xxx: stop at xx”, the request from the user Is supplemented as “request: stop, section: xx: xx: xx”, and the viewing history storage unit 107 is notified.
[0080]
Further, when the notification of “reproduction end” is received from the moving image conversion unit 103, the fact is notified to the viewing history storage unit 107.
[0081]
(Viewing history storage unit 107) The viewing history storage unit 107 generates and stores a viewing history using a request from the user notified from the control unit 106.
[0082]
The request from the user includes information of “when and what was done” (for example, information of the reproduction start point and the reproduction end point) alone, and therefore, in which section of the moving image the user viewed the video as it is. It is difficult to grasp whether or not.
[0083]
For example, "request: playback, section: 00: 00: 00-""request: stop, section: 00:12:31""request: playback, section: 00: 10: 00-""request: stop, section: 00 : 32: 41 ". Even if they are arranged separately, it is difficult to immediately understand that “00: 00: 00-00: 32: 41 has been viewed”. Therefore, a viewing history is generated by summarizing the user's requests so that "00: 00: 00-00: 32: 41 has been viewed" can be immediately recognized.
[0084]
Upon receiving a user request and notification of “reproduction end” from the control unit 106, the viewing history storage unit 107 generates and stores a viewing history with reference to the viewing history up to that time.
[0085]
The stored viewing history is provided to the presentation information output unit 108, and is used as reference information when the user selects a moving image, or special information such as “continuation of previous time”, “same as last time”, “place skipped last time”, or the like. Used as the base information when providing selection information.
[0086]
The contents of the viewing history are, for example, “file name: ○, status: watched, viewing section: xx: xx: xx- △△: △△: △△ (1 × speed)” “file name: □□” , Status: not viewed "," file name: xx, status: panning, viewing section: △△: △△: △△ -xx: xx: xx (2x speed) "" file name: △△, Status: Partial viewing, viewing section: △△: △△: △△ -xx: xx: xx (2x speed) / □□: □ :: □ -xx: xx: xx (1x speed) ) ".
[0087]
The viewing history generation process will be described. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating the flow of a viewing history generation process.
[0088]
First, it is checked whether a request history exists for a file of a certain moving image (step 401). If not, it is further checked whether or not a viewing history exists for the moving image file (step 405).
[0089]
If neither the request history nor the viewing history exists, the viewing history is newly generated by setting the status to “not viewed”, and the process of step 401 is performed for the next moving image. On the other hand, if the request history does not exist but the viewing history exists, it means that the viewing history has not been changed, and the process of step 401 is performed for the next moving image without doing anything.
[0090]
If the request history exists, the request history and the past viewing history (if any) are combined, and the ratio of the time during which the normal (single-speed) reproduction is performed to the entire time of the moving image is predetermined. (Step 402). If the value is equal to or more than the predetermined threshold, the status of the viewing history is set to “viewed”.
[0091]
If the ratio of normal reproduction is less than the predetermined threshold, it is checked whether the ratio of one fast-forward / skip reproduction time to the entire time of the moving image is equal to or more than the predetermined threshold in the same manner as in step 402 (step 403). . If the value is equal to or greater than the predetermined threshold, the status of the viewing history is set to “panning viewing”. If fast-forward / skip reproduction is performed a plurality of times, if at least one of them is equal to or more than a predetermined threshold, it is determined to be “streaming-and-listening viewing”.
[0092]
If the rate of fast-forward / skip playback is less than the predetermined threshold value, it is checked whether there is a section repeatedly played back a predetermined number of times or more in the entire moving image (step 404). If there is, the status of the viewing history is set to “interesting viewing”, and if not, “partial viewing”.
[0093]
Note that the predetermined threshold value for the normal reproduction ratio, the predetermined threshold value for the ratio of the fast-forward / skip reproduction time, and the predetermined number of times for the repetitive reproduction are, for example, 70%, A fixed value such as 50% of the total, three times, or the like may be determined, or the user may be able to determine the value according to his / her preference.
[0094]
(Presentation information output unit 108) The presentation information output unit 108 receives an instruction from the control unit 106, and generates and outputs information to be presented to the portable viewing terminal.
[0095]
Upon receiving an instruction from the control unit 106, the presentation information output unit 108 acquires the list information of the moving images stored in the moving image storage unit 102 and the viewing history information stored in the viewing history storage unit 107. I do. Then, selection information is generated based on the acquired viewing history.
[0096]
It should be noted that the viewing history may not exist when the moving image storage device of the present embodiment is accessed for the first time or when moving image data has just been stored. If there is no viewing history, all are treated as "unviewed".
[0097]
For example, in the case of a moving image having a viewing history of “file name: □□, status: pan-viewing, viewing section: △△: △△: △△ -xx: xx: xx (double speed)”, the user The viewing methods with high needs are “viewing from the beginning”, “viewing from the previous xx: xxx: xx”, “same as the previous time: △△: watching from △△”, “same as the previous time”. : △△: View at 2x speed from △△ ”.
[0098]
Therefore, based on the viewing history, selection information such as “play from file xx: xx: xx:” and “play file □□ from x: △△: △△ at double speed” is generated. I do.
[0099]
Then, information for output is generated based on the list information, the viewing history information, and the selection information. The information to be output includes a file name, a program name or a title, a reproduction time of the moving image, a viewing history, and selection information.
[0100]
The output format of the information is not particularly limited. The program name, title, playback time, viewing history, etc. need to be shown to the user, but the file name and the selection information itself (corresponding to the above-mentioned "play from file xx: xx: xx: xx") Need not be shown to users. Therefore, it is preferable that the selection information be described in, for example, an <INPUT> tag of the HIDDEN attribute in HTML, and that the hidden information is transmitted when the user selects.
[0101]
(Effects of the present embodiment) According to the present embodiment, the viewing history is generated from the request transmitted by the user to the moving image storage device, and the selection information indicating the specific part of the moving image based on the viewing history Has been generated. Thus, the user can easily view the moving image based on the past viewing history.
[0102]
(Modification 1) FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining an example of a system using a moving image storage device of a first modification of the first embodiment.
[0103]
The moving image storage device of the present modification has a function of transmitting the viewing history stored in the viewing history storage unit 107 of the moving image storage device 602 to an external viewing history investigation terminal 605 via the network 603. is there.
[0104]
This modified example is used, for example, to check whether students are watching the teaching material in distance learning, or to find out which scene of which program is most interested in the audience rating survey of broadcast programs, etc. It is suitable.
[0105]
In the present embodiment, the viewing history investigation terminal 605 and the content provider 601 are described as different entities, but the same entity may perform it.
[0106]
(Modification 2) FIG. 7 is a modification of the moving image conversion unit 103 of the moving image storage device of the first embodiment. A decoding unit 701, a transformation unit 702, and an encoding unit 703 are provided so that a moving image can be transformed when the encoding method of the moving image is converted.
[0107]
The decoding unit 701, the transformation unit 702, and the encoding unit 703 can all receive an instruction from the control unit 106. For example, the decoding unit 701 reads moving image data to be decoded according to a command from the control unit 106, and, for example, the coding unit 703 changes a bit rate or a coding method according to a command from the control unit 106.
[0108]
The deformation unit 702 performs deformation such as enlargement, reduction, cutout, rotation, and the like of a specific portion of the moving image in response to a command from the control unit 106.
[0109]
In the moving image storage device of the present modification, the request receiving unit 105 also receives a moving image deformation request from a user. Then, in order to respond to the request, the control unit 106 sends a command to the deformation unit 702 to perform the deformation process.
[0110]
In the moving image storage device of the present modification, the moving image deformation request of the user is recorded in addition to the viewing history. Then, the selection information including the history of the deformation request is generated. Therefore, when the user selects the above-mentioned "same reproduction as the previous time", it is possible to reproduce the deformation processing according to the deformation request.
[0111]
For example, suppose that a user watches a soccer game while enlarging the area around the ball. Next, when the same match is watched, if "same playback as last time" is selected, it is possible to automatically watch the ball with its surroundings enlarged.
[0112]
(Modification 3) In Modification 2, the deformation process is reproduced based on the history of the deformation request. In addition, when viewing a moving image corresponding to the above-mentioned “interest viewing”, a modification such as enlargement may be automatically performed at the time of reproduction of the section where the “interest viewing” has been performed.
[0113]
(Modification 4) The presentation information output unit 108 may generate and provide selection information corresponding to “view from the beginning with reference to the viewing history”.
[0114]
In this viewing method, the user views the content from the beginning. For example, a previously-viewed portion is fast-forwarded or skipped, or a previously fast-forwarded or skipped portion is played back at a normal speed this time. The method is switched appropriately.
[0115]
(Fifth Modification) In the present embodiment, the selection information generated by the presentation information output unit 108 is transmitted to the user's portable viewing terminal. An identifier appropriately assigned to the information may be transmitted to the portable viewing terminal of the user.
[0116]
(Modification 6) In the present embodiment, the control unit 106 supplements the user's request based on the status, and then notifies the viewing history storage unit 107. However, the status together with the user's request indicates the status. A configuration may be adopted in which notification is sent to 107 and reference is made when the viewing history is generated by the viewing history storage unit 107.
[0117]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, with the moving image storage device of the present invention, the user can easily view a desired portion of the moving image based on the past viewing history.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a moving image storage device according to a first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a system using the moving image storage device according to the embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 3 is an illustration of an operation screen for selecting a moving image to be viewed by a user on the portable viewing terminal.
FIG. 4 is a flowchart for dividing a viewing history.
FIG. 5 is an illustration of an operation screen on a mobile viewing terminal for a user to select a viewing method.
FIG. 6 is an exemplary view for explaining a system using a modified example of the moving image storage device according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 7 is an exemplary view for explaining a configuration of a modified example of the moving image storage device according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
[Explanation of symbols]
101 Video input unit
102 Moving image storage
103 Moving Image Converter
104 Video output unit
105 Request receiving unit
106 control unit
107 Viewing history storage unit
108 Presentation information output unit
201, 601 Content provider
202, 602 Moving image storage device
203,603 network
204, 604 Mobile viewing terminal
605 Viewing history investigation terminal
701 Decoding unit
702 Deformation part
703 Encoding unit

Claims (13)

A moving image storage device that stores moving image data and provides the moving image data to a user viewing terminal,
A storage unit for storing first encoded data of the first encoding method;
A request receiving unit that receives a moving image data transmission request and a moving image list transmission request sent from a user,
A viewing history generation unit that generates a viewing history from the moving image data transmission request,
A conversion unit configured to convert the first encoded data stored in the storage unit into second encoded data of a second encoding scheme in response to the moving image data transmission request;
An output unit that outputs the second encoded data to the viewing terminal;
A viewing history output unit that outputs the viewing history to the viewing terminal in response to the video list transmission request,
A moving image storage device comprising: The viewing history generation unit,
2. The moving image storage device according to claim 1, wherein a viewing history including information indicating a transition of the moving image viewing method is generated. The viewing history generation unit,
3. The moving image storage device according to claim 2, wherein a viewing history including information on a reproduction start point, a stop point, a reproduction direction, and a reproduction speed of the video is generated. The request receiving unit also receives a moving image deformation request,
The conversion unit,
In accordance with the moving image deformation request, the moving image is also subjected to a deformation process including enlargement, reduction, cutout, and rotation,
The viewing history generation unit,
The moving image storage device according to claim 1, wherein a viewing history including information indicating a transition of a moving image viewing method is generated using the moving image deformation request and the moving image data transmission request. A moving image storage device that stores moving image data and provides the moving image data to a user viewing terminal,
A storage unit for storing first encoded data of the first encoding method;
A request receiving unit that receives a moving image data transmission request and a moving image list transmission request sent from a user,
A viewing history generation unit that generates a viewing history from the moving image data transmission request,
A conversion unit configured to convert the first encoded data stored in the storage unit into second encoded data of a second encoding scheme in response to the moving image data transmission request;
An output unit that outputs the second encoded data to the viewing terminal via the network;
A selection information generation unit that generates selection information indicating a specific part of a moving image from the viewing history,
A selection information output unit that outputs the selection information to the viewing terminal in response to the video list transmission request,
A moving image storage device comprising: The viewing history generation unit,
The moving image storage device according to claim 5, wherein a viewing history including information indicating a transition of the moving image viewing method is generated. The selection information generation unit,
6. The moving image storage device according to claim 5, wherein selection information indicating a part that has not been viewed in the past and selection information indicating a part that has been viewed in the past are generated. The request receiving unit also receives a moving image deformation request,
The conversion unit,
Enlarging, reducing, clipping, and also performing a deformation process including rotation on the moving image according to the moving image deformation request,
The viewing history generation unit,
6. The moving image storage device according to claim 5, wherein a viewing history including information indicating a transition of a viewing method of the moving image is generated using the moving image deformation request and the moving image data transmission request. The selection information generation unit,
9. The moving image storage device according to claim 8, wherein selection information including information indicating a part viewed in the past and information on a deformation performed in the past is generated. The selection information output unit,
10. The moving image storage device according to claim 5, wherein a reproduction menu generated based on the selection information is generated and output. The viewing history output unit,
7. The moving image storage device according to claim 2, wherein the viewing history is transmitted to the external device in response to a request from an external device other than the user. The viewing history output unit,
9. The moving image storage device according to claim 4, wherein the viewing history is transmitted to the external device in response to a request from an external device other than the user. A distribution server that distributes moving image data by broadcast or communication,
A storage server that receives and stores moving image data from the distribution server;
A viewing terminal for acquiring and reproducing moving image data from the storage server,
An information collection terminal,
A network that connects the distribution server, the information collection terminal, the storage server, and the viewing terminal,
The storage server,
In response to the request of the viewing terminal, the stored moving image data is converted into an encoding method and transmitted, and a viewing history is generated and stored from the request of the viewing terminal,
When receiving the transmission request of the viewing history from the information collection terminal, transmitting the viewing history to the information collection terminal,
Viewing history survey system.

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