Video processing apparatus, control method thereof, and computer program product

Abstract

The present disclosure provides a video processing apparatus and a control method thereof, and a computer program product. The video processing apparatus is configured to be communicatively connected to an information processing apparatus and includes a controller. The controller acquires video designation information when a video to be played is designated. The controller can control distribution of the video as the distributed video based on the video designation information, and control distribution of a map image associated with the distributed video to the information processing apparatus. The map image includes a plurality of regions, each region being associated with two or more video frames of the distributed video. When a predetermined region is designated from among the regions in the map image, the controller acquires region designation information regarding the designation of the predetermined region. The controller distributes, to the information processing apparatus, a video frame associated with the predetermined region as an associated video based on the region designation information.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to a video processing apparatus, a method for controlling the video processing apparatus, and a computer program product. Background Technology

[0002] For example, before actually visiting a leisure destination such as a campsite, tourist attraction, or amusement park, people may want to preview the condition or atmosphere of the destination. In this case, people can watch videos (video blogs) uploaded to video streaming platforms such as YouTube (registered trademark) that capture the condition or atmosphere of the leisure destination. For example, Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2023-157630 discloses a device that acquires location information associated with frames constituting video content and controls the playback of the video content based on the location information.

[0003] Leisure destinations boast numerous attractions and sights that tourists expect to see. However, when tourists preview these attractions via video blogs, they need to watch the entire video blog from beginning to end. As a result, the viewing process takes a considerable amount of time. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The embodiments described herein relate to technologies that can reduce the time required to preview attractions such as leisure destinations via video.

[0005] In one embodiment, a video processing device configured to communicatively connect to an information processing device includes a controller having image display functionality for displaying images. When specifying a video to be played on the information processing device, the controller acquires specified video specification information about the video. Based on the video specification information, the controller distributes the video as a distribution video to the information processing device. The controller also distributes a map image associated with the distribution video to the information processing device. The map image includes the location where the distribution video was taken. The map image includes multiple regions assigned therein, and each region is associated with two or more video frames among a plurality of video frames constituting the distribution video. When a predetermined region is specified from the plurality of regions in the map image on the information processing device, the controller acquires specified region specification information about the predetermined region. Based on the region specification information, the controller distributes video frames associated with the predetermined region as associated video to the information processing device.

[0006] The features of this disclosure will become apparent from the following description of embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings. The following description of embodiments is provided by way of example. Attached Figure Description

[0007] Figure 1 This is a block diagram illustrating an example of the hardware construction of the video processing system according to the first embodiment.

[0008] Figure 2 This is a diagram illustrating an example of a map image stored in a storage unit on an enterprise terminal.

[0009] Figure 3 This is a diagram showing an example of a map image stored in a storage unit of a video processing device.

[0010] Figure 4 It is a diagram used to illustrate the relationship between the various areas included in the map image and the distributed video.

[0011] Figure 5 It is a diagram used to illustrate the relationship between the various areas included in the map image and the distributed video.

[0012] Figures 6A to 6C Each of these is a flowchart illustrating the processing performed by the video processing device.

[0013] Figures 7A to 7D This is a diagram illustrating an example sequence of how the screen displayed on a user terminal responds to user actions over time.

[0014] Figure 8 This is a diagram showing a variation of the image displayed on the display unit of a user terminal.

[0015] Figure 9 It is shown as Figure 6A The flowchart shown is a variant of the processing performed in step S604 of the subroutine.

[0016] Figure 10 This is a diagram used to illustrate the association between various regions included in a map image and the distributed video in the video processing system according to the second embodiment. Detailed Implementation

[0017] Example embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be noted that the following embodiments are provided for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of this disclosure. Although multiple features are described in the embodiments, this disclosure is not limited to embodiments containing all of these features, and various combinations of these features can be considered as appropriate. Furthermore, in the drawings, similar reference numerals designate similar or corresponding parts, and repeated descriptions thereof are omitted to avoid redundancy.

[0018] The following will refer to Figures 1 to 9 The first embodiment is described. Figure 1 This is a block diagram illustrating an example of the hardware construction of a video processing system according to a first embodiment. Figure 1 As shown, the video processing system 1 includes a video processing device 10 owned by enterprise CO1, which operates the video distribution website. In addition to the video processing device 10, the video processing system 1 also includes an information processing device 11 (hereinafter referred to as the "enterprise terminal") owned by enterprise CO2, which operates the camp website, and an information processing device 12 (hereinafter referred to as the "user terminal") owned by user (personal) US. The video processing device 10, the enterprise terminal 11, and the user terminal 12 are communicatively connected to each other via the Internet 13.

[0019] The video processing apparatus 10 is configured to process video and includes a control unit 101, a communication unit 102, a storage unit 103, a display unit 104, a processing unit 105, and an operation unit 106. The control unit 101 is a controller that controls the overall operation of the video processing apparatus 10, i.e., a computer that controls components such as the communication unit 102 to the operation unit 106. The communication unit 102 is communicatively connected to the Internet 13. Therefore, information can be sent to or received from the enterprise terminal 11 and the user terminal 12. The storage unit 103 stores, for example, various programs and data. Programs include procedures that cause the control unit 101 to perform the various steps (control method of the video processing apparatus) described later. Data includes, for example, a map image 30 of the camp (see...). Figure 3 The display unit 104 includes, for example, a liquid crystal display or an organic electroluminescent (EL) display, and is configured to display various images. The processing unit 105 processes map images acquired from the enterprise terminal 11 of the camp website (external site). This processing will be described later. The operation unit 106 includes an input device such as a keyboard or mouse. Employees of the enterprise CO1 can use the operation unit 106 to operate the video processing device 10. The video processing device 10 is not particularly limited and can be, for example, a desktop or laptop personal computer, a tablet device, etc.

[0020] Enterprise terminal 11 includes a control unit 111, a communication unit 112, and a storage unit 113. The control unit 111 is a controller that controls the overall operation of enterprise terminal 11, i.e., a computer that controls components such as the communication unit 112 and the storage unit 113. The communication unit 112 is communicatively connected to the Internet 13. Therefore, information can be sent to or received from the video processing device 10 and the user terminal 12. The storage unit 113 stores, for example, various programs and data. Data includes, for example, a map image 20 of the camp (see...). Figure 2 Enterprise terminal 11 is not specifically limited, and can be, for example, a desktop or laptop personal computer, tablet device, etc.

[0021] User terminal 12 includes a control unit 121, a communication unit 122, a storage unit 123, a display unit 124, and an operation unit 125. The control unit 121 is a controller that controls the overall operation of user terminal 12, i.e., a computer that controls components such as the communication unit 122 to the operation unit 125. The communication unit 122 is communicatively connected to the Internet 13. Therefore, information can be sent to or received from video processing device 10 and enterprise terminal 11. The storage unit 123 stores, for example, various programs and data. The display unit 124 includes, for example, a liquid crystal display or an organic EL display and is configured to display various images. The operation unit 125 includes input devices such as a keyboard, mouse, or touch panel. User US can operate user terminal 12 using operation unit 125. In this embodiment, it is assumed that user terminal 12 is a smartphone (see...). Figures 7A to 7D However, it is not limited to this. For example, user terminal 12 can be a device with image display capabilities for displaying images, such as a desktop or laptop personal computer, tablet device, smartphone, or head-mounted display.

[0022] Figure 2 This is a diagram illustrating an example of a map image stored in a storage unit on an enterprise terminal. Figure 2 Map image 20 shown is a map of the campsite. Map image 20 includes the campsite entrance 201, reception area 202, main street 203, tent area A 204, shortcut 205, and cooking area 206. Figure 2 As shown, the campsite entrance 201 and reception area 202 are connected by the main street 203. The cooking area 206 is adjacent to the reception area 202. Additionally, the cooking area 206 and tent area A 204 are connected by a shortcut 205. Although it is a detour, it is also possible to travel between the cooking area 206 and tent area A 204 via the main street 203. The video processing device 10 is capable of acquiring map images 20 from the enterprise terminal 11 via the communication unit 102. Therefore, in this embodiment, the communication unit 102 serves as an acquisition unit for obtaining information such as map images 20 from the enterprise terminal 11. The communication unit 102 is also capable of acquiring information from the user terminal 12. The map images 20 do not necessarily need to be generated by the enterprise terminal 11 and can instead be generated by the video processing device 10.

[0023] Figure 3 This is a diagram showing an example of a map image stored in a storage unit of a video processing device. Figure 3The map image 30 shown is based on map image 20 obtained from enterprise terminal 11 (camp site), that is, an image obtained by processing map image 20. Map image 20 is processed in processing unit 105 by employees of enterprise CO1 through operation unit 106. Figure 3 As shown, in map image 30, the x-axis (horizontal axis) and y-axis (vertical axis) that are perpendicular to each other are set by processing unit 105, and multiple regions are assigned (in... Figure 3 (In this example, there are five areas). The first area is reception area 302, which includes reception area 202, and is defined as a predetermined range centered at coordinates (100, 100). The second area is main street area 303, which includes main street 203, and is defined as a predetermined range centered at coordinates (200, 200). The third area is tent area area 304, which includes tent area A 204, and is defined as a predetermined range centered at coordinates (300, 200). The fourth area is shortcut area 305, which includes shortcut 205, and is defined as a predetermined range centered at coordinates (300, 150). The fifth area is cooking area area 306, which includes cooking area 206, and is defined as a predetermined range centered at coordinates (250, 100). Although five areas are assigned to the map image in this embodiment, the number of areas is not limited to five. There may be one to four, six or more areas. Additionally, the x-axis and y-axis, the coordinates of each region, and the double-dotted lines indicating each region can be displayed on the map image 30 or hidden. Prior to the distribution of the map image 30 by the control unit 101 (described later), the map image 30 is pre-stored in the storage unit 103. The storage unit 103 will distribute video 401 (see...). Figure 4 It is stored together with map image 30.

[0024] Figure 4 and Figure 5 It is a diagram used to illustrate the relationship between the various areas included in the map image and the distributed video. Figure 4 The distributed video 401 shown Figure 5 Video A) in the video is, for example, a video of the campsite taken by employees of company CO1. Distribution video 401 can be distributed from video processing device 10 to user terminal 12 (user US side). In distribution video 401, entrance 201, reception area 202, main street 203, tent area A204, shortcut 205, and cooking area 206 are recorded in that order. Distribution video 401 also includes images other than those from entrance 201 to cooking area 206. Prior to the distribution of distribution video 401 by control unit 101 (described later), distribution video 401 is pre-stored in storage unit 103.

[0025] like Figure 4 As shown, among the multiple video frames constituting the distribution video 401, the reception area 302 is associated with two or more video frames that capture the reception area 202. For example... Figure 5 As shown, the video frames captured at reception area 202, specifically the video segment "H:M:S:F", correspond to "00:01:00:00 to 00:01:30:29". Here, "H" represents the hour, "M" represents the minute, "S" represents the second, and "F" represents the frame number. Among the multiple video frames constituting distribution video 401, main street area 303 is associated with two or more video frames capturing main street 203 (see...). Figure 4 The video frames captured on Main Street 203 correspond to "00:01:31:00 to 00:01:59:29" (see...). Figure 5 In the plurality of video frames constituting the distribution video 401, the tent site area 304 is associated with two or more video frames that capture the tent site A204 (see [link]). Figure 4 The video frames filmed at tent site A 204 correspond to "00:02:00:00 to 00:02:29:29" (see...). Figure 5 In the plurality of video frames constituting distribution video 401, the access area 305 is associated with two or more video frames that capture the access area 205. In the plurality of video frames constituting distribution video 401, the cooking area 306 is associated with two or more video frames that capture the cooking area 206 (see [link to video frames]). Figure 4 For example, through the operation of the operation unit 106 performed by employees of enterprise CO1, such as the association process, is performed in the processing unit 105, in which each region is associated with a video frame. As a result, a map image 30 that has undergone the association process is generated. Therefore, the map image 20 used as the basis for the map image is an image in which multiple regions have not yet been assigned, and each region is not associated with two or more video frames among the multiple video frames constituting the distribution video 401.

[0026] Figures 6A to 6C Each of these is a flowchart illustrating the processing performed by the video processing device. Figure 6A This is a flowchart illustrating the overall processing performed by the video processing device. Figure 6B It is shown as Figure 6A The processing is performed in step S602 of the subroutine in the flowchart shown. Figure 6C It is shown as Figure 6A The processing is performed in step S604 of the subroutine in the flowchart shown. Figures 7A to 7D This is a diagram illustrating an example sequence of how the screen displayed on a user terminal responds to user actions over time. Figure 7A This is a diagram showing the status of the video to be played on the user's terminal. Figure 7B This is a diagram showing the state during video playback on a user's terminal. Figure 7C It is a diagram showing the state of a desired area specified from a map image on a user terminal. Figure 7D This is a diagram showing the state of the video corresponding to the desired area during playback on the user terminal.

[0027] like Figure 6A As shown, in step S601, the control unit 101 of the video processing device 10 determines whether a video to be played on the user terminal 12 (i.e., a video expected to be displayed on the user terminal 12) has been specified. This determination is based on video specification information regarding the specified video to be played. If it is determined in step S601 that a video to be played has been specified, the process proceeds to step S602. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S601 that no video to be played has been specified, the process ends.

[0028] Now we will describe the specified information for the video. For example... Figure 7A As shown, a menu screen 701 is displayed on the display unit 124 of the user terminal 12. The menu screen 701 includes videos 701A of campsite A, 701B of campsite B, 701C of campsite C, and 701D of campsite D, each of which can be played on the user terminal 12. Videos 701A to 701D are each managed by the video processing device 10. For example, the user US can select video 701A from videos 701A to 701D as the video they wish to play on the user terminal 12. Information regarding this selection is sent as video designation information from the communication unit 122 of the user terminal 12 and received by the communication unit 102 of the video processing device 10. The control unit 101 then makes a determination based on the video designation information in step S601.

[0029] like Figure 6A As shown, in step S602, the control unit 101 initiates video playback. (See below for further details.) Figure 6B Describes the process that begins video playback. As a result of this process, such as... Figure 7B As shown, the display unit 124 of the user terminal 12 plays video 701A of campsite A and also displays a map image 702 of campsite A. Although Figure 7B An example is shown where map image 702 is positioned in the upper right corner of video 701A, but the location of map image 702 is not particularly limited. For example, map image 702 could be located within the description section of video 701A. In this embodiment, video 701A corresponds to the aforementioned distribution video 401, and map image 702 corresponds to map image 30, which includes the camp (location) where distribution video 401 was filmed.

[0030] like Figure 6AAs shown, in step S603, the control unit 101 determines whether the desired (predetermined) area (i.e., the map area where the video is expected to play) has already been designated on the map image 702 displayed on the user terminal 12. This determination is made based on area designation information regarding the area designation. If it is determined in step S603 that the map area has been designated, the process proceeds to step S604. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S603 that the map area has not yet been designated, the process proceeds to step S605.

[0031] Now we will describe the region-specific information. For example... Figure 7C As shown, map image 702 (map image 30) is displayed on display unit 124 of user terminal 12. For example, user US can select reception area 302 as the area for video playback on user terminal 12 from the range of areas including reception area 302 to cooking area 306 in map image 702. Information about this selection is sent from communication unit 122 of user terminal 12 as area designation information and received by communication unit 102 of video processing device 10. Control unit 101 then makes a determination based on the area designation information in step S603.

[0032] like Figure 6A As shown, in step S604, the control unit 101 performs video playback segment designation processing. (See below for further details.) Figure 6C Describes the processing specified for the video playback segment. As a result of this processing, such as... Figure 7D As shown, the display unit 124 of the user terminal 12 plays the video of the reception area 302, that is, it captures the video of the reception area 202.

[0033] like Figure 6A As shown, in step S605, the control unit 101 determines whether the termination of video playback has been specified on the user terminal 12. This determination is based on playback termination specification information sent from the communication unit 122 of the user terminal 12 and received by the communication unit 102 of the video processing device 10. For example, the playback termination specification information is generated in response to the operation of the video stop button on the user terminal 12, or in response to the operation of switching to another video. If it is determined in step S605 that the termination of video playback has been specified, the process ends. On the other hand, if it is determined that the termination of video playback has not been specified, the process returns to step S601, and the next steps are performed sequentially.

[0034] Next, we will refer to Figure 6B Describes the process of starting video playback. For example... Figure 6BAs shown, in step S611, the control unit 101 retrieves the specified video (e.g., video 701A) from the videos 701A to 701D stored in the storage unit 103 based on the video specification information.

[0035] In step S612, the control unit 101 determines whether a map image associated with the video 701A (distribution video 401) acquired in step S611 exists, namely, map image 702 (map image 30). Therefore, in this embodiment, the control unit 101 also functions as a map determination unit for determining the presence or absence of a map image associated with the video. It is noted that in the video processing apparatus 10, the portion serving as the map determination unit can be configured separately from the control unit 101. If it is determined in step S612 that map image 702 exists, the process proceeds to step S613. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S612 that map image 702 does not exist, the process proceeds to step S614. In the case that map image 702 does not exist, the control unit 101 can control the display of an indication of this effect on the user terminal 12.

[0036] In step S613, the control unit 101 acquires the map image 702 stored in the storage unit 103. Subsequently, the control unit 101 controls the communication unit 102 to transmit or distribute the map image 702 to the user terminal 12. As a result, the map image 702 can be displayed on the user terminal 12.

[0037] In step S614, the control unit 101 controls the communication unit 102 to distribute the video 701A acquired in step S611 to the user terminal 12. As a result, the video 701A can be played on the user terminal 12. Note that the order of steps S613 and S614 can be reversed.

[0038] Next, we will refer to Figure 6C Describes the processing of specified video playback segments. For example... Figure 6C As shown, in step S621, the control unit 101 obtains the specified map area (e.g., reception area 302) based on the area designation information.

[0039] In step S622, the control unit 101 determines whether a video frame (video segment) is associated with the reception area 302 obtained in step S621, that is, whether there is video of the reception area 302. Therefore, in this embodiment, the control unit 101 is also used to determine whether there is video (hereinafter referred to as "associated video") associated with a map area. It is worth noting that in the video processing apparatus 10, the part used as the video determination unit can be configured separately from the control unit 101. In addition, the video associated with the reception area 302 is referred to as "associated video 402" (see See...). Figure 4 The video associated with tent area 304 is referred to as "Associated Video 404". The video associated with shortcut area 305 is referred to as "Associated Video 405". The video associated with cooking area 306 is referred to as "Associated Video 406". If it is determined in step S622 that Associated Video 402 exists, the process proceeds to step S623. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S622 that Associated Video 402 does not exist, the process ends.

[0040] In step S623, the control unit 101 controls the communication unit 102 to distribute the associated video 402 stored in the storage unit 103 to the user terminal 12. As a result, the associated video 402 can be played on the user terminal 12.

[0041] Next, the image display on the user terminal 12 will be described. This image display is performed under the control of the control unit 101 of the video processing device 10. When the distributed video 401 is displayed on the display unit 124 while the associated video 402 is distributed from the video processing device 10, the user terminal 12 receives the associated video 402 and temporarily pauses the playback of the distributed video 401. Instead of the distributed video 401, the associated video 402 is then displayed on the display unit 124 (see [link to relevant documentation]). Figure 7D As a result, when the camp's reception area 202 is previewed via distributed video 401, the associated video 402 is displayed quickly, thereby reducing the time required to view the reception area 202. After the associated video 402 finishes playing, the distributed video 401 is displayed again. At this point, the distributed video 401 can be played even though the portion corresponding to the associated video 402 has been skipped.

[0042] First variant example

[0043] A first variant of the first embodiment will be described. Figure 8 This diagram illustrates a variation of the image displayed on the display unit of a user terminal. When the distributed video 401 is displayed on the display unit 124 while the associated video 402 is distributed from the video processing device 10, the user terminal 12 receives the associated video 402 while maintaining the display state (playback state) of the distributed video 401. For example... Figure 8 As shown, with the distributed video 401 located in the upper right corner of the associated video 402, the associated video 402 is then displayed on the display unit 124. As a result, both the distributed video 401 and the associated video 402 can be viewed simultaneously. Furthermore, the associated video 402 can be viewed prior to the distributed video 401.

[0044] Second variant example

[0045] Next, a second variation of the first embodiment will be described. As described above, map image 30 includes reception area 302 to cooking area 306. Figure 4 As shown, when areas are designated or selected in the order of reception area 302, cooking area 306, access area 305, and tent area 304, the area designation information includes information about the designation of reception area 302 to cooking area 306 (multiple predetermined areas). In this case, control unit 101 distributes associated videos according to the order of area selection; that is, associated videos 402, 406, 405, and 404 are distributed in the order of associated videos 402, 406, 405, and 404. As a result, associated videos 402, 406, 405, and 404 are displayed sequentially on user terminal 12 in the order of associated videos 402, 406, 405, and 404.

[0046] Figure 9 It is shown as Figure 6A The flowchart shown is a variation of the processing performed in step S604 of the subroutine. The control for continuously displaying the aforementioned associated videos 402, 406, 405, and 404 is based on... Figure 9 The flowchart is shown below. Figure 9 As shown, in step S901, the control unit 101 obtains information about the designated areas from the reception area 302 to the cooking area 306 as area designation information.

[0047] In step S902, information about each area is selected and obtained one by one in a specified order from the specified information about the reception area 302 to the cooking area 306 obtained in step S901.

[0048] In step S903, the control unit 101 determines whether there is an associated video related to the area acquired in step S902. If it is determined in step S903 that an associated video exists, the process proceeds to step S904. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S903 that no associated video exists, the process proceeds to step S905.

[0049] In step S904, the control unit 101 adds the associated video identified in step S903 to the playlist of videos to be played on the user terminal 12. The playlist is pre-stored in the storage unit 103.

[0050] In step S905, the control unit 101 determines whether, among the information obtained in step S901 regarding the designated areas from the reception area 302 to the cooking area 306, there exists any information about areas that have not been selected up to step S904. If it is determined in step S905 that there is unselected information, the process returns to step S902, and subsequent steps are performed sequentially. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S905 that there is no unselected information, the process proceeds to step S906.

[0051] In step S906, the control unit 101 distributes the videos added to the playlist to the user terminal 12 in the order they were added. As a result, the associated videos can be played sequentially on the user terminal 12.

[0052] Third variant example

[0053] Next, a third variation of the first embodiment will be described. This variation is an example in which, while displaying an associated video (hereinafter referred to as the "first associated video") on the user terminal 12, another associated video (hereinafter referred to as the "second associated video") different from the first associated video is distributed from the video processing device 10. Two scenarios are conceivable regarding the first associated video. The first scenario (hereinafter referred to as "Scenario 1") is when the first associated video is a video designated by a region selection. The second scenario (hereinafter referred to as "Scenario 2") is when the first associated video is not a video designated by a region selection, but one of the distributed videos displayed sequentially according to the playback flow. The second associated video is a video designated by a region selection. In Scenario 1, the second associated video is displayed after the first associated video displayed on the user terminal 12 has finished. In Scenario 2, the second associated video is displayed in place of the first associated video even if the first associated video displayed on the user terminal 12 has not yet finished. By switching the display mode of the second associated video in this manner, for example in Scenario 2, unnecessary display of the first associated video can be suppressed, allowing for a quick transition to the display of the second associated video.

[0054] Second Embodiment

[0055] The following will refer to Figure 10 The second embodiment is described, focusing on the differences from the foregoing embodiments without repeating the same descriptions. Figure 10 This is a diagram used to illustrate the association between various regions included in a map image and the distributed video in the video processing system according to the second embodiment. For example... Figure 10As shown, when areas are designated in the order of cooking area 306, access area 305, and tent area 304, the area designation information includes information regarding the designation of tent area 304 to cooking area 306. In this case, if cooking area 306 is defined as the "first area" and tent area 304 is defined as the "second area," then access area 305 can be defined as the "third area" located between the first and second areas. Associated video 406 is a first associated video associated with the first area, and associated video 404 is a second associated video associated with the second area. Associated video 405 is a third associated video associated with the third area and can be processed as an image indicating movement from cooking area 306 (first area) to tent area 304 (second area).

[0056] As described above, since the distributed video 401 captures videos of the entrance 201, reception area 202, main street 203, tent area A 204, shortcut 205, and cooking area 206 in sequence, the associated video 405 depicts the camera operator's movement in the direction of arrow α. On the other hand, in this embodiment, the areas have been designated in the order of cooking area 306, shortcut area 305, and tent area 304, and therefore the user US is expected to move in the order of cooking area 306, shortcut area 305, and tent area 304. Therefore, when controlling the distribution of the associated video 405, the control unit 101 controls the playback of the associated video 405 to be reversed. This causes the associated video 405 to depict movement in the direction of arrow β, opposite to arrow α, thereby allowing the user US to feel as if they are moving from cooking area 206 to tent area A 204 via shortcut 205. It should be noted that, in this embodiment, the display of the associated video 405 is not limited to reverse playback; for example, in the video frames constituting the associated video 405, multiple video frames taken at intervals can be displayed as still images played in reverse.

[0057] Variation Example

[0058] Next, a variant of the second embodiment will be described. In this variant, when areas are designated in the order of cooking area 306 and tent area 304, the area designation information includes information regarding the designation of tent area 304 and cooking area 306. In this case, cooking area 306 is defined as the "first area," and tent area 304 is defined as the "second area." Additionally, a shortcut area 305 located between the first and second areas can be defined as the "third area." Associated video 406 is a first associated video associated with the first area, and associated video 404 is a second associated video associated with the second area. Associated video 405 is a third associated video associated with the third area and can be processed as an image existing between cooking area 306 (first area) and tent area 304 (second area). Control unit 101 controls the distribution of associated video 405 after the distribution of associated video 406 and before the distribution of associated video 404. As a result, the user US can also view the status or appearance of the shortcut 205 they will use when moving from the cooking area 206 to the tent area A204.

[0059] It should be noted that the external sites communicatively connected to by the video processing device 10 are not limited to campsite websites. For example, external sites could also be websites of leisure destinations such as tourist attractions or amusement parks. Furthermore, the number of external sites communicatively connected to by the video processing device 10 is not limited to one, and there can be multiple such websites.

[0060] According to the above embodiments, when using videos to preview scenic spots such as leisure facilities, the time required for viewing can be reduced.

[0061] Other embodiments

[0062] Embodiments of this disclosure can also be implemented by a computer that reads and executes computer-executable instructions (e.g., one or more programs) recorded on a storage medium (also more fully referred to as a "non-transitory computer-readable storage medium") to perform the functions of one or more of the above embodiments and / or includes a system or apparatus comprising one or more circuits (e.g., application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs)) for performing the functions of one or more of the above embodiments. Furthermore, embodiments of this disclosure can also be implemented using a method performed by the computer of the system or apparatus, for example, reading and executing the computer-executable instructions from the storage medium to perform the functions of one or more of the above embodiments and / or controlling the one or more circuits to perform the functions of one or more of the above embodiments. The computer may include one or more processors (e.g., a central processing unit (CPU), a microprocessor unit (MPU)) and may include separate computers or a network of separate processors to read and execute the computer-executable instructions. The computer-executable instructions may be provided to the computer, for example, from a network or the storage medium. The storage medium may include, for example, a hard disk, random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), the memory of a distributed computing system, or an optical disc (such as a compact disc (CD), a digital versatile optical disc (DVD), or a Blu-ray disc (BD)). TM One or more of the following: flash memory devices and memory cards.

[0063] Other embodiments

[0064] Embodiments of the present invention can also be implemented by providing software (including computer program products of computer programs) that performs the functions of the above embodiments to a system or device via a network or various storage media, and the computer (central processing unit (CPU) or microprocessor unit (MPU) of the system or device) reads and executes the computer program.

[0065] Although this disclosure has been described with reference to embodiments, it should be understood that this disclosure is not limited to the disclosed embodiments. The scope of the following claims should be given the broadest interpretation to cover all such variations and equivalent structures and functions.

[0066] This application claims the benefit of Japanese Patent Application No. 2024-223951, filed on December 19, 2024, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

Claims

1. A video processing apparatus configured to be communicatively connected to an information processing apparatus, the information processing apparatus having an image display function for displaying images, the video processing apparatus comprising: The controller is constructed as follows: When a video is specified to be played on the information processing device, specified video specification information about the video is obtained; Based on the specified video information, the video is distributed to the information processing device as a distribution video; as well as Distribute a map image associated with the distributed video to the information processing device, the map image including the location where the distributed video was captured, wherein... The map image includes multiple regions assigned therein, and each region is associated with two or more video frames that constitute the distributed video. When a predetermined region is specified from the plurality of regions in the map image on the information processing device, the controller obtains region specification information about the specified predetermined region, and Based on the region designation information, the controller distributes video frames associated with the predetermined region as associated videos to the information processing device.

2. The video processing apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a memory configured to pre-store the distributed video and the map image prior to the distribution of the distributed video and the map image.

3. The video processing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein, The memory stores images based on map images obtained from external sites as the map images.

4. The video processing apparatus according to claim 3, wherein, The map images obtained from the external site do not include the multiple areas assigned to them, and The controller is also configured to generate map images by assigning the plurality of regions to map images obtained from the external site and associating each region with two or more video frames of a plurality of video frames constituting the distributed video.

5. The video processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein, The controller is also configured to determine, prior to the distribution of the map image, whether a map image associated with the distributed video exists, and When it is determined that a map image exists that is associated with the distributed video, the controller distributes the map image.

6. The video processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein, The controller is also configured to determine whether the associated video exists before the associated video is distributed. When a related video is determined to exist, the controller distributes the related video.

7. The video processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein, When the controller distributes associated videos while the distributed video is being displayed on the information processing device, the controller performs control to temporarily pause the display of the distributed video and display the associated video.

8. The video processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein, When the display of the distributed video is temporarily paused while the associated video is displayed on the information processing device, the controller controls the information processing device to resume the display of the distributed video after the associated video is displayed.

9. The video processing apparatus according to claim 8, wherein, When the display of the distributed video is restored, the controller controls the information processing device to prevent it from displaying the segment of the distributed video corresponding to the associated video.

10. The video processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein, When the area designation information includes information about the designation of multiple predetermined areas, the controller sequentially distributes the associated video each to one of the predetermined areas.

11. The video processing apparatus according to claim 10, wherein, The controller controls the information processing device to sequentially and continuously display associated videos related to a predetermined area.

12. The video processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein, When the controller distributes another associated video, which is different from the associated video, at the same time that the associated video is displayed on the information processing device, the controller controls the information processing device to display the other associated video after the associated video has been displayed.

13. The video processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein, In the map image, multiple regions include a first region, a second region, and a third region located between the first region and the second region. The controller acquires specified information about the first region and specified information about the second region, and subsequently acquires specified information about the third region as region specification information. The controller distributes the first associated video, the third associated video, and the second associated video as associated videos in the order of the first associated video associated with the first region, the third associated video associated with the third region, and the second associated video associated with the second region.

14. The video processing apparatus according to claim 13, wherein, The third associated video is an image indicating movement from the first region to the second region, and When the third associated video is distributed, the controller performs control to allow the third associated video to be displayed in reverse playback.

15. A method for controlling a video processing apparatus configured to be communicatively connected to an information processing apparatus having an image display function for displaying images, the method comprising: When a video is specified to be played on the information processing device, specified video specification information about the video is obtained; as well as Based on the specified video information, the video is distributed to the information processing device as a distribution video, and a map image associated with the distribution video is distributed to the information processing device, the map image including the location where the distribution video was taken. The map image includes multiple regions assigned therein, and each region is associated with two or more video frames that constitute the distributed video. The method further includes: When a predetermined region is specified from the plurality of regions in the map image on the information processing device, region specification information about the specified predetermined region is obtained, and Based on the region designation information, video frames associated with the predetermined region are distributed to the information processing device as associated videos.

16. A computer program product comprising a non-transitory computer-readable medium having computer-executable instructions stored thereon, the computer-executable instructions, when executed by a computer, causing the computer to perform the method according to claim 15.

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