Information processing device, information processing method, and information processing system

Abstract

To provide an information processing device capable of combining video digitalizing means and video analysis applications to each other even if they are individually created by different entrepreneur, an information processing method, and an information processing system.SOLUTION: An information processing device comprises: output attribute acquisition means 311 for acquiring output attributes when video digitalizing means 10 for digitalizing a photographed video outputs the video; input attribute acquisition means 312 for acquiring input attributes of analysis means 32 for accepting a video input and analyzing the video; compatibility determination means 313 for determining compatibility by comparing the output attributes and the input attributes; and selection means 315 for causing a user to select a combination of the video digitalizing means 10 and the analysis means 32 when the output attributes and the input attributes are compatible.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an information processing device, an information processing method, and an information processing system that are used, for example, when analyzing video captured by a camera or the like. [Background technology]

[0002] In recent years, there has been a demand for digital transformation to bring about change in factories and other workplaces. In this case, for work done by people, it is effective to digitize the work situation in order to improve the work efficiency.To do this, the work is filmed and the video is analyzed to record as digital data who did the work, what work was done, when it started and finished, whether any work deviated from the standard procedure, etc. In addition, when a machine tool or other machine stops operating due to a lack of materials or an error, if there is no way to notify a manager who is located away from the site, the production stop will go unnoticed and the operating rate will decrease. However, normally, the machine tool does not do more than an alarm function and does not have an interface. Therefore, it is desirable to analyze the video footage and the display screen of the machine at the site to determine when it stopped, what task it stopped during, etc.

[0003] Patent Document 1 describes a platform for promoting the development of intelligence in an Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) system. The platform may include multiple different data processing layers. The multiple different data processing layers may include an industrial monitoring system layer that collects data from or about multiple industrial entities in the IIoT system, an industrial entity-oriented data storage system layer that stores the data collected by the industrial monitoring system layer, an adaptive intelligent system layer that promotes collaborative development and deployment of intelligent systems in the IIoT system, and an industrial management application platform layer that includes multiple applications and manages the platform in a common application environment. The adaptive intelligent system layer may include a robotic process automation system that develops and deploys automation functions for one or more of the multiple industrial entities in the IIoT system.

[0004] The system in the patent document 2 provides a framework or platform for development and distribution of vehicle related solutions. The processor is configured to render the plurality of modules to at least one terminal device based on an access request. The plurality of modules is displayable on a display interface of the at least one terminal device. The processor further executes instructions generated from the plurality of modules for developing the solution, the instructions being generated by a user of the at least one terminal device in communication with a server. The plurality of modules are accessible via an input unit of the at least one terminal device, each of the plurality of modules being usable alone and in combination. The processor stores the developed solution in the server for distribution. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Special Publication No. 2022-545088 [Patent Document 2] JP 2022-162759 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] To monitor work, etc., it is conceivable to introduce a means for digitizing images such as a camera and to use an application program to analyze the images. In this case, there are cases where it is desirable to simultaneously perform analysis using multiple applications depending on the location and purpose. However, video solutions generally integrate everything from video digitization means such as cameras to applications. Therefore, if you want to use multiple video solutions, you have to introduce multiple video digitization means dedicated to each solution, individually and in parallel. An object of the present invention is to provide an information processing device, an information processing method, and an information processing system that enable image digitization means and applications for analyzing images to be combined with each other even if they are created separately. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] In order to solve the above problems, the present invention provides an information processing device that includes an output attribute acquisition means for acquiring output attributes when a video digitization means that digitizes a captured video outputs the video, an input attribute acquisition means for acquiring input attributes of an analysis means that receives an input of the video and analyzes the video, a compatibility determination means for comparing the output attributes with the input attributes and determining compatibility, and a selection means for allowing a user to select a combination of the video digitization means and the analysis means when the output attributes and the input attributes match. In this case, it is possible to provide an information processing device that allows the video digitization means and the application for analyzing the video to be combined with each other even if they are individually created by different businesses.

[0008] Here, the system may further comprise a management means for managing the time the user uses the analysis means, and a billing means for charging the user based on the time the analysis means is used. In this case, the user can be billed. The management means may manage in units of time, or in units of used / not used. Management in units of time is suitable for applications in which only the time actually used is charged, while management in units of used / not used is suitable for applications in which unlimited use is possible during the contract period. The management means may use either one of the management methods, or may use a mixture of both management methods. The management means can also manage "usage time" or "usage / non-use" by linking the video digitization means instance ID, which is a unique ID given to each video digitization means, with the analysis means instance ID, which is the ID of the matching analysis means. In this case, the time when the analysis means was used or the usage status can be managed for each video digitization means. Furthermore, the video digitization means instance ID can be linked to a first member ID given to the rental company of the video digitization means and a contractor ID, which is the ID of the user of the video digitization means. In this case, the operating costs of the video digitization means can be calculated. That is, it is possible to know how many video digitization means are owned for each ID indicated by the first member ID, and how many video digitization means are being used for each ID indicated by the contractor ID. Furthermore, the analysis means instance ID is a unique ID that is assigned to an instance of the analysis program generated in association with the video digitization means instance ID, and can be associated with a second member ID assigned to the provider of the analysis means and a billing rate for a user who is a contractor to use the analysis means. In this case, the user's usage fee can be calculated for each second member ID. The billing means can calculate the usage fee for each second member ID based on the analysis means instance ID and the billing unit price. In this case, the usage fee for the contractor, i.e., the user, can be calculated more easily for each second member ID. Furthermore, the billing means can set the remaining amount after deducting the discount amount as the usage fee for each second member ID. In this case, the operator of the information processing device, which is the system, can receive a commission for operation costs from the discount amount. Furthermore, the output attributes can include a maximum resolution, a maximum frame rate, and outputtable format information, and the input attributes can include a minimum resolution, a minimum frame rate, and inputtable format information. In this case, more appropriate attributes can be set as the output attributes and the input attributes. Furthermore, the compatibility determining means can determine compatibility when the contents of the output attributes are within a range that the input attributes can accept, making it easier to determine compatibility. Furthermore, the analysis means is an application program that performs analysis based on video information, and can be provided by a provider of the application program. In this case, an information processing device that acts as an intermediary between a user and an application can be provided. Here, the first member ID is given to the business member who provides the video digitization means, and the second member ID is given to the business member who provides the analysis means. A contractor is a user of this system, and a contractor ID is an ID given to each user.

[0009] The present invention also provides an information processing method in which a processor executes a program recorded in a memory to obtain output attributes of a video digitization means that digitizes a captured video and outputs the video, obtain input attributes of an analysis means that accepts input of the video and analyzes the video, compare the output attributes with the input attributes to determine suitability, and, when the output attributes and the input attributes match, have a user select a combination of the video digitization means and the analysis means. In this case, it is possible to provide an information processing method in which the video digitization means and the application for analyzing the video can be combined with each other even if they are made individually by different businesses.

[0010] Furthermore, the present invention is an information processing system comprising a video digitization means for digitizing a captured video, and an information processing device for selecting a combination of the video digitization means and an analysis means for receiving an input of the video and analyzing the video, the information processing device comprising an output attribute acquisition means for acquiring an output attribute when the video digitization means outputs the video, an input attribute acquisition means for acquiring an input attribute of the analysis means, a suitability determination means for comparing the output attribute with the input attribute and determining suitability, and a selection means for allowing a user to select a combination of the video digitization means and the analysis means when the output attribute and the input attribute match. In this case, it is possible to provide an information processing system in which the video digitization means and applications for analyzing the video can be combined with each other even if they are individually created by different businesses. Effect of the Invention

[0011] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide an information processing device and an information processing method that enable image digitization means and applications for analyzing images to be combined with each other even if they are made individually by different businesses. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0012] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of an overall configuration of an information processing system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 2]2 is a block diagram showing an example of a functional configuration of a video recording and reproducing service means in the present embodiment. FIG. [Diagram 3] FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating a management table. [Figure 4] FIG. 1 is a diagram summarizing the association of information used in the present embodiment. [Diagram 5] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a menu screen on which a selection means allows a user who is a contracted user of the service to select a combination of a video digitization means and an analysis means. [Figure 6] 13 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of a video recording and reproducing service means. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0013] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0014] <Overall explanation of information processing system 1> FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the overall configuration of an information processing system 1 according to the present embodiment. As shown in the figure, the information processing system 1 of the present embodiment includes a video digitizing means 10, a storage means 20, and an information processing device 30. The video digitizing means 10, the storage means 20, and the information processing device 30 are connected via a network (not shown). The video digitizing means 10 is a device that digitizes a captured video. The video digitizing means 10 is, for example, a camera. When the video digitizing means 10 is a camera, the camera includes an optical system that converges light, and an image sensor that is an imaging means that detects the light converged by the optical system. The image sensor is configured by arranging imaging elements such as a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) or a CMOS (Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor), and converts light into an electrical signal. The electrical signal is then digitized by an AD converter (Analog to Digital Converter) and output as a video. The video digitizing means 10 is, for example, a computer device that can output a video. When the video digitizing means 10 is a computer device, examples of the device include a server computer, a PC (Personal Computer), a smartphone, a tablet, and an embedded BOX-type computer. When the video digitizing means 10 is a dedicated device (appliance), examples of the device include a digital camera with an IP (Internet Protocol) connection function (a network camera, a WEB camera, a wireless LAN (Local Area Network) compatible camera, etc.). In addition, the image digitizing means 10 also includes a converter capable of converting the display screen output signals of on-site devices and equipment to generate signals equivalent to those of the digital camera with IP function.

[0015] The video digitizing means 10 can output the digitized video in a specified format. The output image may be a moving image or a still image. The image may be compressed using a multimedia compression method such as JPEG, PNG, MPEG, MPEG-2, MPEG4, or H.261, or may be raw data before compression. Here, these are collectively referred to as cameras. Here, the image digitizing means 10 is a plurality of cameras that capture images of various operations carried out in a factory.

[0016] The storage means 20 receives the captured images from the video digitizing means 10 and stores them as a video archive with a time stamp common to the system. The storage means 20 is, for example, a hard disk drive (HDD) or a solid state drive (SSD). It may also be a computer device such as a file server equipped with these, or a cloud-based storage system. Any method of time synchronization may be used for the clocking means that is the source of the time stamp.

[0017] The information processing device 30 comprises a video recording / playback service means 31 that provides a basic service, and an analysis means 32 that analyzes the video. The video recording and playback service means 31 selects a combination of the video digitization means 10 and the analysis means 32 that accepts input of video and analyzes the video. Then, it distributes the images captured by the video digitization means 10 to a user (not shown) so that the user can view them. The video recording and playback service means 31 also distributes the results of the analysis by the analysis means 32. The video recording and playback service means 31 can be realized by a computer device. Note that there may be any number of video digitization means 10 as long as it is one or more, and each individual video digitization means 10 is assigned an ID that can identify it. This ID is called a video digitization means instance ID here.

[0018] The analysis means 32 analyzes the captured images. Here, the analysis means 32 monitors and analyzes the work carried out in the factory based on the captured images. Specifically, as described above, the analysis means 32 provides a means for monitoring who worked, what work was done, when it started and finished, whether any work deviated from standard procedures, and the like. The function may be a single function or multiple functions may be combined, and the means may or may not use an AI (Artificial Intelligence) technique. The analysis means 32 may also provide a function for monitoring whether the operation of a machine such as a machine tool has stopped.

[0019] As shown in the figure, there are a plurality of analysis means 32, as indicated by 1 to n, and the objects that can be analyzed are different. However, some of the analysis means 32 may have the same object. The analysis means 32 can be realized, for example, by an application program (hereinafter, simply referred to as an application) that can perform analysis. The application performs analysis by, for example, AI, image analysis, image processing, or other techniques. The application is provided by the application provider. In other words, the information processing device 30 receives the application from the application provider, and when the user wants to analyze a video, selects an application suitable for analyzing the video owned by the user and provides it to the user, thereby acting as an intermediary between the user and the application. The information processing device 30 can provide such a function as, for example, a cloud service. Generally, a required number of applications are started. Each of these is called an instance of the application. This indicates that an application is generated as a dedicated application for a specific instance of the video digitization means 10 by the user's selection. For this reason, a plurality of instances are further generated for each of the plurality of analysis means 32, and a unique analysis means instance ID is assigned to each of them so that they can be identified.

[0020] The network is a communication means used for information communication between the video digitizing means 10, the storage means 20, and the information processing device 30, and is, for example, the Internet, a LAN, or a WAN (Wide Area Network). The communication lines used for data communication may be wired or wireless, and may be a combination of both. In addition, the video digitizing means 10, the storage means 20, and the information processing device 30 may be connected via multiple networks or communication lines using relay devices such as gateway devices and routers. Data flowing through the network may be encrypted as necessary, and any encryption key exchange method may be used.

[0021] <Explanation of video recording and playback service means 31> FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the video recording and reproducing service means 31 in this embodiment. As shown in the figure, the video recording and reproducing service means 31 of this embodiment comprises output attribute acquiring means 311 , input attribute acquiring means 312 , compatibility determining means 313 , management means 314 , selection means 315 and billing means 316 .

[0022] The output attribute acquisition means 311 acquires output attributes when the video digitization means 10 outputs a video. The output attributes include at least maximum resolution, maximum frame rate, and format information that can be output. In FIG. 1, the output of the video digitization means 10 is temporarily stored in the storage means 20 and then input to the information processing device 30, but the output of the video digitization means 10 may be directly connected to the information processing device 30 by a method not shown, or the video information may be temporarily stored in the storage means 20 and the output read from the storage means 20 may be connected to the information processing device 30. When the output of the video digitization means 10 is directly connected to the information processing device 30, the output attribute acquisition means 311 acquires the output attribute provided by the video digitization means 10 as it is. When the video information is temporarily stored in the storage means 20 and the output read from the storage means 20 is connected to the information processing device 30, the output attribute acquisition means 311 acquires the output attribute provided by the storage means 20. When the storage means 20 has a function for converting the video format to be recorded, the output attribute after conversion is acquired.

[0023] The input attribute acquisition means 312 acquires input attributes of the analysis means 32 that accepts input of a video and analyzes the video. The input attributes include at least a minimum resolution, a minimum frame rate, and format information that can be input. The outputtable format information and inputtable format information include, for example, information on the supported compression method if data compression is supported, the pixel data structure, such as whether the pixel data is RGB or YUV, and attribute information such as whether the image was captured using visible light / infrared light / color temperature / other.

[0024] The compatibility determination means 313 compares the output attributes with the input attributes to determine compatibility. The compatibility determination means 313 compares the output attributes with the input attributes and determines whether all attributes are the same or within a compatibility range (acceptance range) to determine compatibility. In other words, when the output attributes and the input attributes match, the image output from the video digitization means 10 (including the case of an image output from the storage means 20; the same applies below) can be input to the analysis means 32, and the video can be analyzed. On the other hand, when the output attributes and the input attributes do not match, the image output from the video digitization means 10 cannot be input to the analysis means 32, and the video cannot be analyzed. The compatibility determination means 313 determines that there is compatibility when the output attributes and the input attributes are within a compatibility range. However, the compatibility determination means 313 can also include cases where the resolution or format information can be converted and is within a compatibility range when converted.

[0025] The management means 314 manages a management table that associates the video digitizing means 10 with the analysis means 32. The management table will be described in detail later. The analysis means 32 also manages the time when the user uses the analysis means 32.

[0026] When the output attribute matches the input attribute, the selection means 315 allows the user to select a combination of the video digitization means 10 and the analysis means 32. The method of allowing the user to make a selection will be described in detail later. The billing means 316 bills the user based on whether or not the analysis means 32 was used and the duration of use.

[0027] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the management table. The management table shown in the figure manages the relationship between video digitizing means instance IDs indicated by 001-001, 001-002, 002-001, and 003-001 and analysis means instance IDs indicated by 1-1, 1-2, 1-3, 1-4, 2-1, 2-2, and 3-1.

[0028] The video digitization means instance IDs arranged vertically are IDs for identifying individual cameras, etc. The video digitization means instance ID is a combination of the model of the video digitization means 10 and the individual number of the video digitization means 10. For example, if the video digitization means instance ID is 001-002, the first half 001 represents the model of the video digitization means 10, and the second half 002 represents the individual number of the video digitization means 10. Note that the above example method is merely one way of creating a video digitization means instance ID, and any method of generation can be used as long as the ID can uniquely identify the camera.

[0029] The analysis means instance IDs arranged horizontally are IDs to be assigned to each instance (entity) of the analysis means 32. In other words, they are IDs assigned to each application that performs the analysis. In the illustrated example, the analysis means instance ID is a combination of the program model of the analysis means 32 and the individual number of the analysis means 32. For example, if the analysis means instance ID is 1-2, the first half 1 represents the program model of the analysis means 32, and the latter half 2 represents the individual number of the analysis means 32 generated as an instance. Note that the illustrated method is merely one example of how to create an analysis means instance ID, and the format of the ID and the method of generation are not important as long as the ID can uniquely identify the analysis means.

[0030] Each video digitizing means instance ID is associated with a first member ID and a contractor ID. The first member ID is an identification number assigned to a lender (such as a service provider or manufacturer) when the video digitizing means 10 such as a camera is lent as a service. In general, the first member ID is assigned to a business that owns the individual to which the video digitizing means instance ID is assigned as an asset. Therefore, even if the model is the same, different first member IDs may be associated, and even if the model is different, the same first member ID may be associated. Note that the first member ID can be set to "NULL" when using the display screen output of a device on-site (such as a manufacturing device or an inspection device). This indicates that the display screen of the device on-site can be used as one of the images. The contractor ID is an identification number assigned to a user (user) who uses the video digitizing means 10.

[0031] Furthermore, each analysis means instance ID is linked to a second member ID and a charging unit price. The second member ID is an identification number assigned by the provider (such as a vendor) of the analysis means 32, such as an application. The charging unit price is the unit price of the usage fee incurred when a user uses the analysis means 32. If the charge differs for each time unit (including units of time less than one day, daily, weekly, monthly, and annual units), the analysis means instance ID is linked to a charging unit in accordance with the contents of the contract. The method of linking is not important.

[0032] Then, cases where there is compatibility between the output attributes and input attributes between the video digitization means instance ID and the analysis means instance ID are displayed with shading. In other words, when there is shading, it indicates that the analysis means 32 corresponding to the analysis means instance ID can process (analyze, etc.) the image captured by the video digitization means 10 corresponding to the video digitization means instance ID. Conversely, when there is no shading, it indicates that the analysis means 32 corresponding to the analysis means instance ID cannot process or analyze the image captured by the video digitization means 10 corresponding to the video digitization means instance ID.

[0033] In the example of Figure 3, program model 1 of the analysis means 32 is compatible with models 001, 002, and 003 of the video digitization means 10, program model 2 of the analysis means 32 is compatible with models 001 and 002 of the video digitization means 10, and program model 3 of the analysis means 32 is compatible with model 003 of the video digitization means 10. Also, "◯" indicates the status of management. That is, the camera with video digitization means instance ID 001-001 has been selected and contracted by the user indicated in the contractor ID to use program model 1 and program model 2 of analysis means 32 for analysis, and instances of analysis means 32 are generated and assigned analysis means instance ID 1-1 and analysis means instance ID 2-1, respectively. The camera with video digitization means instance ID 001-002 has been selected and contracted by the user indicated in the contractor ID to use program model 1 of analysis means 32 for analysis, and instances of analysis means 32 are generated and assigned analysis means instance ID 1-2. The camera with video digitization means instance ID 002-001 has been selected and contracted by the user indicated in the contractor ID to use program model 1 and program model 2 of analysis means 32 for analysis, and instances of analysis means 32 are generated and assigned analysis means instance ID 1-3 and analysis means instance ID 2-2. The camera with video digitization means instance ID 003-001 has been selected and contracted for analysis using program model 3 of analysis means 32 by the user indicated in the contractor ID, and an instance of analysis means 32 is generated and assigned analysis means instance IDs 1-4 and 3-1.

[0034] The operating cost of the video digitization means 10 for each first member ID can be calculated from the rental price and period. If the rental price of the video digitization means 10 varies by time unit (including units of less than one day, daily, weekly, monthly, and annual units), it is linked to the rental price according to the contract details. The method of linking is not important. The management table also manages the contract start time and contract termination time when the user uses the analysis means 32. This makes it possible to calculate the time when the user used the analysis means 32. In practice, the management means 314 manages the time when the analysis means 32 was used or whether it is being used by linking the relationship between the video digitization means instance ID, which is the ID given to each individual video digitization means 10, and the analysis means instance ID, which is the ID of the matching analysis means 32 (not shown in FIG. 3). Furthermore, the billing means 316 calculates the usage fee for each second member ID based on the analysis means instance ID and the billing unit price. Specifically, the usage fee for the analysis means 32 for each second member ID can be calculated from the time when the user uses the analysis means 32, the analysis means instance ID linked to the second member ID, and the billing unit price linked to the analysis means instance ID.

[0035] At this time, the billing means 316 can also use the remaining amount after deducting the discount amount as the usage fee (=income) for each business operator of the second member ID. Here, the discount amount is, so to speak, a fee when using the video recording / playback service means 31, and the operator of the video recording / playback service means 31 can obtain this discount amount. In this case, the usage fee charged to the user is distributed to the operator of the video recording / playback service means 31 (including the provider of the video digitization means 10) and the provider of the analysis means 32. From the viewpoint of accurate billing, it is desirable to provide a time synchronization means for synchronizing the time between each video digitizing means 10 and the analyzing means 32, but the method for this time synchronization is not important.

[0036] FIG. 4 is a diagram summarizing the association of information used in this embodiment. The video digitization means 10 includes, as the specifications of a camera of a certain model number, a video digitization means class ID, which is the ID of the model of the video digitization means 10, as well as output attributes such as maximum resolution, maximum frame rate, and format information that can be output. A video digitization means instance ID is assigned to each individual number (serial number) of the video digitization means 10. Each video digitization means instance ID is also linked to a first member ID and a contractor ID. As described above, the first member ID is generally issued to a business entity that owns the individual with this video digitization means instance ID as an asset, and the contractor ID is issued to a user who uses the individual with this video digitization means instance ID.

[0037] The analysis means 32 includes input attributes such as an analysis means class ID, which is a program model, as well as minimum resolution, minimum frame rate, and inputtable format information, as specifications of a certain video analysis solution (application). An analysis means instance ID is assigned to each video analysis solution (application). Each analysis means instance ID is associated with a second member ID and a billing unit price. The second member ID is the ID of a business operator who uses the information processing device 30 as a platform, and each business operator who uses the information processing system 1 has a second member ID and registers one or more video analysis solutions (applications), which are analysis means 32.

[0038] FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a menu screen on which the selection means 315 allows a user who is a contracted user of the service to select a combination of the video digitization means 10 and the analysis means 32. As shown in FIG. When the user selects the video digitization means 10, the user can select the selectable analysis means 32. Here, by checking the check box of the video digitization means 10, it is shown that when the video digitization means 10 is selected, the work start completion time detection service and the worker safety assurance support service can be further selected as the analysis means 32. The work start completion time detection service and the worker safety assurance support service are examples of names of applications that are the analysis means 32. Then, by checking at least one of the check boxes of the work start completion time detection service and the worker safety assurance support service, an analysis means instance ID is issued to the user, and these can be used. Note that applications that cannot be selected are grayed out and cannot be selected. That is, in FIG. 3, the applications that are shaded can be selected, but the applications that are not shaded cannot be selected. In this example, the deviation work detection service and the qualification confirmation service by biometric authentication cannot be selected.

[0039] In addition, on the menu screen, the video digitization means 10 for selection may be a model name or a specific individual to which a video digitization means instance ID has already been assigned. In general, a model name with clear specifications is selected, and then a specific individual to which a video digitization means instance ID has been assigned based on an individual number is registered. Alternatively, the model may be determined, and after a specific individual is confirmed, a video digitization means instance ID may be assigned and registered. If the identification of the individual is left to the user's manual input, the possibility of input errors increases. Therefore, for example, a method of reading and registering a barcode or two-dimensional code, or a method of reading an individual number online when connected to a network and recognizing the individual may be considered, but the method is not important here.

[0040] FIG. 6 is a flow chart illustrating the operation of the video recording and reproducing service means 31. As shown in FIG. First, the output attribute acquisition means 311 acquires the output attributes when the video digitization means 10 (including the storage means 20) outputs a video (S101). Next, the input attribute acquisition means 312 acquires the input attributes of the analysis means 32 that accepts the input of the video and analyzes the video (S102). Furthermore, the compatibility determination means 313 compares the output attributes with the input attributes to determine compatibility (S103). This is performed for all combinations of the video digitizing means 10 and the analyzing means 32. Then, the management means 314 creates the management table shown in Fig. 3 (S104). The management table is created as the relationship between the video digitization means instance ID and the analysis means instance ID, as described above. Also, as shown in Fig. 3, each video digitization means instance ID is linked to a first member ID, a contractor ID, and a rental unit price. Furthermore, each analysis means instance ID is linked to a second member ID and a charging unit price.

[0041] Furthermore, a user who wishes to use a service provided by the information processing device 30 may, for example, use a Web browser to display a homepage provided by the operator of the information processing device 30. In this case, the selection means 315 displays a menu screen such as that shown in Fig. 5, and allows the user to select a combination of the video digitization means 10 and the analysis means 32 that he or she wishes to use (S105). Then, when the user actually uses the analysis means 32, the billing means 316 calculates the usage fee for the user (S106). Furthermore, the billing means 316 calculates the amount to be allocated to the operator of the video recording / playback service means 31 (including the provider of the video digitizing means 10) and the provider of the analysis means 32 (S107).

[0042] Video outputs from cameras and other devices and display outputs (video sources) from PCs and other devices have specifications for the format, resolution, frame rate, etc. of the signals they can output. On the other hand, applications have a range of signal formats, resolutions, and frame rates that they can input (video input range), and they will not operate properly unless both are compatible. However, according to the embodiment described above in detail, even if the video digitization means 10 and the application that is the analysis means 32 that analyzes the video are created separately, they can be combined with each other. In other words, it is possible to provide a mechanism that allows the edge mechanism such as the video digitization means 10 and the application that is the analysis means 32 to be combined with each other even if they are created separately. It is also possible to provide a mechanism that allows profit distribution according to the contribution when providing an application. And it is also possible to provide a mechanism for shared use (revenue sharing) of the service infrastructure that provides the application.

[0043] <Explanation of information processing method> The above-described processing performed by the information processing device 30 is realized by the cooperation of software and hardware resources. That is, a processor in a computer provided in the information processing device 30 loads software for realizing each of the above-described functions into memory, executes the software, and realizes each of these functions. Therefore, the processing performed by the information processing device 30 can be considered to be an information processing method in which the processor executes a program recorded in memory to obtain output attributes when the video digitization means 10, which digitizes the captured video, outputs the video, obtains input attributes of the analysis means 32, which accepts video input and analyzes the video, compares the output attributes and input attributes to determine compatibility, and, when the output attributes and input attributes match, allows the user to select a combination of the video digitization means 10 and the analysis means 32.

[0044] Although the present embodiment has been described above, the technical scope of the present invention is not limited to the scope described in the above embodiment. It is clear from the claims that various modifications and improvements to the above embodiment are also included in the technical scope of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0045] 1...information processing system, 10...video digitization means, 20...storage means, 30...information processing device, 31...video recording / playback service means, 32...analysis means, 311...output attribute acquisition means, 312...input attribute acquisition means, 313...conformity determination means, 314...management means, 315...selection means, 316...billing means

Claims

1. an output attribute acquisition means for acquiring an output attribute when a video digitization means for digitizing a captured video outputs the video; an input attribute acquisition means for acquiring an input attribute of an analysis means for receiving an input of a video and analyzing the video; a compatibility determination means for comparing the output attributes with the input attributes to determine compatibility; a selection means for allowing a user to select a combination of the image digitization means and the analysis means when the output attribute and the input attribute match; An information processing device comprising:

2. a management means for managing the time when a user uses the analysis means; a billing means for billing a user based on the time during which the analysis means is used; The information processing device according to claim 1 , further comprising:

3. 3. The information processing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the management means manages the time by linking a video digitization means instance ID, which is an ID given to the video digitization means, with an analysis means instance ID, which is an ID of the analysis means that matches the video digitization means.

4. 4. The information processing apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the video digitizing means instance ID is linked to a first member ID given to a lender of the video digitizing means and a contractor ID which is an ID of a user of the video digitizing means.

5. 4. The information processing apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the analysis means instance ID is linked to a second member ID given to a provider of the analysis means and to a charge unit price when a user uses the analysis means.

6. 6. The information processing apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the billing means calculates a usage fee for each of the second member IDs based on the analysis means instance ID and the billing unit price.

7. 7. The information processing apparatus according to claim 6, wherein said charging means determines the remaining amount after deducting the discount amount as the usage fee for each of said second member IDs.

8. 2. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the output attributes include a maximum resolution, a maximum frame rate, and outputtable format information, and the input attributes include a minimum resolution, a minimum frame rate, and inputtable format information.

9. 9. The information processing apparatus according to claim 8, wherein said compatibility determining means determines compatibility when said output attribute matches within an acceptable range of said input attribute.

10. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the analysis means is an application program provided by a provider of the application program.

11. The processor executes the program stored in the memory, Acquire output attributes when the image digitizing means for digitizing the captured image outputs the image; Acquire input attributes of an analysis means for accepting input of a video and analyzing the video; comparing the output attributes to the input attributes to determine compatibility; when the output attribute and the input attribute match, a user is prompted to select a combination of the image digitizing means and the analyzing means; Information processing methods.

12. A video digitizing means for digitizing the captured video; an information processing device that selects a combination of the video digitizing means and an analysis means that receives an input of a video and analyzes the video; Equipped with The information processing device includes: an output attribute acquisition means for acquiring an output attribute when the image digitizing means outputs an image; an input attribute acquisition means for acquiring an input attribute of the analysis means; a compatibility determination means for comparing the output attributes with the input attributes to determine compatibility; a selection means for allowing a user to select a combination of the image digitization means and the analysis means when the output attribute and the input attribute match; An information processing system comprising:

Images