Distribution system and distribution method

Abstract

This disclosure provides a distribution system and distribution method that selects video of value to the viewer from multiple video streams and determines which video to display on the terminal. [Solution] The distribution system according to this disclosure is a distribution system for distributing multiple videos to multiple terminals, comprising: a storage unit that stores viewing information linking terminal identification information, video identification information displayed on the terminal, and the excitement level of one or more viewers viewing the videos; and a display video determination unit that determines which video to display on the multiple terminals from among the multiple videos based on a determination value for each video identification information obtained by statistically processing the excitement levels.

Description

Technical Field

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[0001] The present disclosure relates to a distribution system and a distribution method.

Background Art

[0002] Technologies related to multi-angle distribution systems have been developed. This distribution system distributes a plurality of videos captured by a plurality of cameras to a plurality of terminals. And viewers of the terminals can arbitrarily select the videos they want to view at their preferred timing and display them on the terminals.

[0003] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a technique for automatically selecting a video to be displayed on a terminal based on the attribute information of a viewer in order to display a video valuable to the viewer.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] If a viewer only watches the videos displayed on the terminal, there is a risk of missing videos where, for example, other viewers are excited. Therefore, there is a need for a distribution system that displays videos valuable to viewers, not limited to the system disclosed in Patent Document 1.

[0006] The present disclosure has been made to solve such problems, and an object thereof is to provide a distribution system and a distribution method that select videos valuable to viewers from a plurality of videos and determine them as videos to be displayed on terminals.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0007] The distribution system relating to this disclosure is a distribution system for distributing multiple videos to multiple terminals, comprising: a storage unit that stores viewing information linking terminal identification information, video identification information displayed on the terminal, and the excitement level of one or more viewers viewing the video; and a display video determination unit that determines which video to display on the multiple terminals from the multiple videos based on a determination value for each video identification information obtained by statistically processing the excitement levels.

[0008] The distribution method relating to this disclosure is a distribution method for distributing multiple videos to multiple terminals, wherein viewing information is stored which links the identification information of the terminal, the identification information of the video displayed on the terminal, and the level of excitement of one or more viewers viewing the video, and the video to be displayed on the multiple terminals is determined from the multiple videos based on a determination value for each video identification information obtained by statistically processing the level of excitement. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] This disclosure provides a distribution system and distribution method that selects video of value to the viewer from multiple videos and determines which video to display on the terminal. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0010] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a block diagram showing an example of a distribution system related to this disclosure. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a block diagram showing an example of a terminal related to this disclosure. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the video playback screen output to the display unit according to this disclosure. [Figure 4] Figure 4 shows another example of the configuration of the video playback screen output to the display unit according to this disclosure. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is a block diagram showing an example of a video distribution management server related to this disclosure. [Figure 6] Figure 6 shows an example of the contents of a database that stores viewing information in the distribution system related to this disclosure. [Figure 7] Figure 7 shows an example of a determination value for each video identification information in the distribution system related to this disclosure. [Figure 8] Figure 8 is a flowchart showing an example of processing by the distribution system related to this disclosure. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0011] (Embodiment 1) The distribution system related to this disclosure will be described below with reference to the diagram. The distribution system related to this disclosure is a system that determines which video to display on the terminal from multiple videos captured by multiple imaging means. More specifically, the distribution system related to this disclosure selects the video that the viewer is excited about and displays it on the terminal.

[0012] <Distribution System> First, an example of the configuration of a distribution system will be explained using Figure 1. Figure 1 is a block diagram showing an example of a distribution system according to this disclosure. As shown in Figure 1, the distribution system 1 comprises a plurality of imaging means 10, a plurality of terminals 20, and a distribution video management server 30. The plurality of imaging means, including imaging means 10a and imaging means 10b, etc., are collectively referred to as imaging means 10. Similarly, the plurality of terminals, including terminals 20a and terminals 20b, etc., are collectively referred to as terminals 20. The imaging means 10, terminals 20, and distribution video management server 30 are interconnected in a manner that enables information transmission via a network NW. The network NW includes the Internet, LAN (Local Area Network), WAN (Wide Area Network), etc., and wireless lines via base stations, etc. The network NW can be wired or wireless, as long as it is connected in a manner that enables information transmission.

[0013] The imaging means 10 is a camera that films events such as matches held at sports venues or performances held at live music venues. It is preferable that the imaging means 10 be positioned to film different images for each event. For example, different images are filmed for each event by having different positions and shooting directions for the imaging means 10. The position and shooting direction of the imaging means 10 may be changed as appropriate while it is filming. The imaging means 10 transmits its identification information (hereinafter referred to as "image identification information") along with the video to the video distribution management server 30.

[0014] Terminal 20 displays video distributed from the video distribution management server 30. Viewers use terminal 20 to view video captured by the imaging means 10. Note that there may be more than one viewer viewing through one terminal 20. The configuration of terminal 20 will be explained with reference to Figure 2. Figure 2 is a block diagram showing an example of a terminal according to this disclosure. As shown in Figure 2, terminal 20 includes a communication unit 21, a control unit 22, an operation unit 23, a display unit 24, a biometric information acquisition unit 25, and a viewing information acquisition unit 26.

[0015] The control unit 22 performs processes such as displaying video distributed from the video distribution management server 30 via the communication unit 21 and the network NW on the display unit 24, and switching the video displayed on the display unit 24 based on operation signals corresponding to operations performed by the operation unit 23. The operation unit 23 is an input device such as a mouse, keyboard, operation buttons, or a touch panel integrated with the display unit 24. Viewers operate the terminal 20 via the operation unit 23.

[0016] The display unit 24 is an output device such as a monitor that displays video distributed from the video distribution management server 30. The configuration of the video playback screen output to the display unit 24 will now be described with reference to Figure 3. Figure 3 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the video playback screen output to the display unit 24 according to this disclosure. As shown in Figure 3, the video playback screen includes, for example, sub-screens S1 to S4 and a main screen M within one frame.

[0017] On sub - screens S1 to S4, videos captured by imaging means 10a to 10d are respectively displayed. Note that the number of sub - screens is an arbitrary number, but it may correspond to the number of imaging means 10. On the main screen M larger than the sub - screens, the video displayed on any of the sub - screens S1 to S4 is shown. More specifically, the video selected by the viewer from sub - screens S1 to S4 or the video determined by the display video determination unit 34 described later is displayed on the main screen M. Note that the video displayed on the main screen M may be appropriately changed by the viewer. The viewer can use the display unit 24 to select the video that they want to view in an enlarged manner from the videos displayed on sub - screens S1 to S4.

[0018] Note that the configuration of the video playback screen is not limited to the configuration including sub - screens S1 to S4 and main screen M within one frame as described above. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing another example of the configuration of the video playback screen output to the display unit according to the present disclosure. The video playback screen may be configured to switch between the video playback screen composed of sub - screens S1 to S4 shown in the upper diagram of FIG. 4 and the video playback screen composed of main screen M shown in the lower diagram of FIG. 4.

[0019] Returning to the description of FIG. 2. The biological information acquisition unit 25 acquires the biological information of the viewer by means of a camera, a sensor, etc. provided in the terminal 20. The biological information is, for example, the viewer's heart rate, body temperature, voice volume, expression, etc. The biological information is used for calculating the degree of excitement described later.

[0020] The viewing information acquisition unit 26 transmits the viewing information to the distribution video management server 30 via the communication unit 21 and the network NW. The viewing information includes the identification information of the terminal 20, the identification information of the video displayed on the terminal 20, and the degree of excitement of the viewer who views the video.

[0021] First, the viewing information acquisition unit 26 calculates the viewer's level of excitement based on the biometric information acquired by the biometric information acquisition unit 25. For example, the higher the viewer's heart rate, body temperature, and voice, the higher the calculated level of excitement. Also, if the viewer is smiling, the level of excitement will be calculated to be high. The level of excitement is then corrected based on the degree to which viewing the video contributes to the level of excitement. For example, if the level of excitement is calculated to be high due to factors other than viewing the video, such as drinking alcohol or talking to others, the degree to which viewing the video contributes to the level of excitement is low. Therefore, the viewing information acquisition unit 26 corrects the level of excitement downwards. For example, the viewing information acquisition unit 26 determines the degree to which viewing the video contributes to the level of excitement from the viewer's gaze and drinking status, and corrects the level of excitement accordingly.

[0022] Furthermore, if multiple viewers are viewing a single terminal 20, the viewing information acquisition unit 26 may calculate the level of excitement for each viewer based on the biometric information of each viewer.

[0023] After calculating the level of excitement, the viewing information acquisition unit 26 acquires identification information for the video displayed on the display unit 24. More specifically, it acquires identification information for the video displayed on the main screen M. Note that the viewing information acquisition unit 26 may acquire the video identification information before calculating the viewer's level of excitement.

[0024] The viewing information acquisition unit 26 then links the identification information of the terminal 20, the identification information of the video, and the viewer's excitement level to create viewing information and transmits this viewing information to the video distribution management server 30. Alternatively, the viewing information acquisition unit 26 may link the identification information of the terminal 20, the identification information of the video, and the viewer's biometric information to create viewing information and transmit this viewing information to the video distribution management server 30. In this case, the video distribution management server 30 calculates the viewer's excitement level based on the biometric information.

[0025] Returning to the explanation of Figure 1, the video distribution management server 30 distributes the video captured by the imaging means 10 to the terminal 20. Referring to Figure 5, the configuration of the video distribution management server 30 will be explained. Figure 5 is a block diagram showing an example of a video distribution management server according to this disclosure. As shown in Figure 5, the video distribution management server 30 includes a communication unit 31, a distribution control unit 32, a storage unit 33, and a display video determination unit 34.

[0026] The distribution control unit 32 distributes multiple video images acquired from the imaging means 10, along with the identification information of each video, to the terminal 20 via the communication unit 31 and the network NW. Here, the distribution control unit 32 controls the display of the video determined by the display video determination unit 34 (described later) to be displayed on the main screen M. More specifically, the distribution control unit 32 transmits the identification information of the video determined by the display video determination unit 34 to the terminal 20. Then, the terminal 20 displays the video on the main screen M according to the video identification information.

[0027] The storage unit 33 stores viewing information acquired from the terminals 20 via the communication unit 31 and the network NW. Figure 6 is a diagram showing an example of the contents of the database for storing viewing information in the distribution system according to this disclosure. As shown in Figure 6, the storage unit 33 stores viewing information acquired from each of the terminals 20 in the database.

[0028] The display image determination unit 34 determines which video to display on the main screen M from multiple videos captured by the imaging means 10. First, the display image determination unit 34 statistically processes the excitement level of the viewing information stored in the storage unit 33 and calculates an excitement level (hereinafter referred to as a judgment value) for each video identification information, as shown in Figure 7. Methods for statistically processing the excitement level of the viewing information include, but are not limited to, methods for calculating the average value, median value, and maximum value of the excitement level for each video identification information. Figure 7 is a diagram showing an example of judgment values ​​for each video identification information in the distribution system according to this disclosure. Note that the larger the judgment value, the more excited the viewer is about the video. Then, the display image determination unit 34 determines which video to display on the main screen M based on the judgment value for each video identification information.

[0029] More specifically, the display image determination unit 34 compares a threshold calculated from the judgment value with the excitement level of each terminal 20 to determine the image to be displayed on the terminal 20. The threshold is not particularly limited and can be, for example, the average, median, or top 40% of the judgment values. The threshold may also be a pre-set value. If there are multiple viewers viewing a single terminal 20, the excitement level of that terminal 20 may be, for example, the average, median, or maximum excitement level of the viewers for that terminal 20.

[0030] The display video determination unit 34, for example, for terminals 20 with an excitement level lower than the threshold, will display the video with the highest judgment value on the terminal 20. Here, the video with the highest judgment value is the video that viewers are most excited about. On the other hand, for terminals 20 with an excitement level higher than the threshold, the display video determination unit 34 will continue to display the video that is currently displayed on the terminal. This prevents the distribution system 1 from interfering with the video viewing of excited viewers. The display video determination unit 34 may, for example, for terminals 20 with an excitement level equal to the threshold, select either the video currently displayed on the terminal or the video with the highest judgment value to display on the terminal 20.

[0031] The following explanation uses specific examples from Figures 6 and 7, assuming a threshold of 60. From Figure 6, terminals 20b and 20e have an uplift level less than the threshold of 60. Terminals 20a, 20c, and 20d have an uplift level greater than the threshold of 60. From Figure 7, the identification information for the video with the maximum judgment value is 10c. For terminals 20b and 20e, whose uplift level is less than the threshold of 60, the display video determination unit 34 displays the video with the maximum judgment value (video identification information 10c) on the main screen M. On the other hand, for terminals 20a, 20c, and 20d, whose uplift level is greater than the threshold of 60, the display video determination unit 34 continues to display the video currently displayed on those terminals.

[0032] <Processing method by the distribution system> Next, an example of processing by the distribution system 1 will be explained using Figure 8. Figure 8 is a flowchart showing an example of processing by the distribution system according to this disclosure. When, for example, live streaming of an event begins, the distribution system 1 starts the flowchart shown in Figure 8.

[0033] First, the imaging means 10 transmits the video to the video distribution management server 30 (step S101). Each imaging means 10 also transmits its own identification information (hereinafter referred to as video identification information) along with the video.

[0034] Next, the video distribution management server 30 distributes the video captured by the imaging means 10 to the terminal 20 (step S102). The video distribution management server 30 also distributes video identification information to the terminal 20 along with the video.

[0035] Next, terminal 20 displays the video streamed from the video streaming management server 30 on sub-screens S1 to S4 (step S103). The number of sub-screens can be any number, but for example, they may correspond to the number of imaging means 10.

[0036] Next, terminal 20 accepts the selection of a video to be displayed on the main screen M (step S104). First, the viewer operates the control unit 23 to select a video they want to enlarge from the videos displayed on sub-screens S1 to S4. Then, the control unit 22 displays the selected video on the main screen M. Note that the video displayed on the main screen M may be changed by the viewer as appropriate.

[0037] Next, terminal 20 calculates the viewer's level of excitement (step S105). More specifically, the viewing information acquisition unit 26 calculates the viewer's level of excitement based on the biometric information acquired by the biometric information acquisition unit 25. Here, the viewing information acquisition unit 26 corrects the level of excitement based on the degree to which viewing the video contributes to the level of excitement. For example, if the calculated level of excitement is not due to viewing the video displayed on the main screen M, the viewing information acquisition unit 26 corrects the level of excitement downward. After calculating the level of excitement, the viewing information acquisition unit 26 acquires the identification information of the video displayed on the display unit 24. More specifically, the viewing information acquisition unit 26 acquires the identification information of the video displayed on the main screen M. Note that the viewing information acquisition unit 26 may acquire the video identification information before calculating the viewer's level of excitement.

[0038] Next, terminal 20 links its identification information, the video identification information, and the viewer's excitement level to create viewing information and transmits this viewing information to the video distribution management server 30 (step S106). If the video displayed on the main screen M switches to a different video due to the viewer's operation, terminal 20 may recalculate the viewer's excitement level and transmit the viewing information to the video distribution management server 30. Alternatively, terminal 20 may not calculate the excitement level in step S105, but instead link its identification information, the video identification information, and the viewer's biometric information to create viewing information and transmit this viewing information to the video distribution management server 30. In this case, the video distribution management server 30 calculates the viewer's excitement level based on the biometric information.

[0039] Next, the video distribution management server 30 stores the viewing information received from the terminal 20 (step S107). More specifically, the storage unit 33 stores the viewing information for each terminal 20 in the database.

[0040] Next, the video distribution management server 30 statistically processes the excitement level and calculates a judgment value for each video identification information (step S108). If the terminal 20 does not calculate the excitement level in step S105 and instead sends viewing information to the video distribution management server 30 that links the terminal 20's identification information, the video identification information, and the viewer's biometric information, the video distribution management server 30 first calculates the viewer's excitement level based on the biometric information. After that, it statistically processes the excitement level and calculates a judgment value for each video identification information.

[0041] Next, the video distribution management server 30 determines which video to display on the main screen M of the terminal 20 based on the determination value for each video identification information (step S109). Here, the display video determination unit 34 determines, for example, that for terminals 20 with an elevation level lower than the threshold, the video to be displayed on the terminal 20 is the video with the highest determination value. On the other hand, the display video determination unit 34 determines, for example, for terminals 20 with an elevation level higher than the threshold, to continue displaying the video currently displayed on the terminal. The threshold may be calculated from the determination value for each video identification information. Alternatively, the threshold may be a preset value.

[0042] Next, the video distribution management server 30 transmits the video identification information determined in step S109 to the terminal 20 (step S110). Here, for example, the video distribution management server 30 transmits the video identification information of the video with the highest judgment value to terminal 20 with an elevation level less than the threshold. On the other hand, for example, the video distribution management server 30 does not transmit the video identification information of the video with the highest judgment value to terminal 20 with an elevation level greater than the threshold.

[0043] Finally, terminal 20 switches the video on the main screen M based on the video identification information of the video with the highest judgment value received from the video distribution management server 30 (step S111). Note that terminal 20 with an elevation level greater than the threshold does not receive video identification information in step S110, and therefore the video on the main screen M is not switched. In other words, terminal 20 with an elevation level greater than the threshold continues to display the video that is currently displayed on the main screen M of that terminal 20.

[0044] Furthermore, after step S110 is completed, the distribution system 1 may repeat steps 105 and onward, for example, if a predetermined amount of time has elapsed since the start of distribution or if it receives some command signal.

[0045] The processing of the distribution system 1 described above can also be achieved, for example, by having the CPU execute a computer program.

[0046] The program, when loaded into a computer, includes a set of instructions (or software code) for causing the computer to perform one or more of the functions described in the embodiments. The program may be stored in various types of non-transitory computer-readable medium or tangible storage medium. Examples, but not limited to, include RAM (Random-Access Memory), ROM (Read-Only Memory), flash memory, SSD (Solid-State Drive), or other memory technologies, CD-ROM, DVD (Digital Versatile Disc), Blu-ray® disc, or other optical disc storage, magnetic cassette, magnetic tape, magnetic disk storage, or other magnetic storage devices. The program may also be transmitted over various types of transient computer-readable medium or communication medium. Examples, but not limited to, include transient computer-readable medium or communication medium, including electrically, optically, acoustically, or otherwise propagating signals.

[0047] As described above, according to this embodiment 1, by using a judgment value obtained by statistically processing the viewer's level of excitement, it is possible to provide a distribution system and distribution method that selects a video of value to the viewer from among multiple videos and determines which video to display on the terminal.

[0048] It should be noted that the present invention is not limited to this first embodiment, and can be modified as appropriate without departing from the spirit of the invention.

[0049] For example, the distribution system 1 may categorize viewers based on their gender, age, fashion style, hairstyle, etc., and then determine the video to display on the terminal 20 based on their level of excitement and the results of the categorization. In this case, the information necessary for categorization may be biometric information acquired by the biometric information acquisition unit 25.

[0050] Furthermore, when calculating the threshold, statistical variability (variance, standard deviation) may be taken into consideration. For example, even if the average level of excitement is high, it is possible that the excitement levels of a very small number of viewers are raising the average. In this case, the standard deviation can be calculated, and even if the average is high, if the standard deviation is greater than a predetermined value (i.e., the variability is large), it may be decided not to use that average as the threshold. [Explanation of symbols]

[0051] 1. Distribution System 10, 10a~10c Imaging means Terminals 20, 20a~20e 21 Communications Department 22 Control Unit 23 Control section 24 Display 25. Biological Information Acquisition Unit 26 Viewing Information Acquisition Section 30. Streaming video management server 31 Communications Department 32 Distribution Control Unit 33 Storage section 34 Display Image Determination Unit NW Network M Main screen S1~S4 Sub-screen

Claims

1. A distribution system that delivers multiple videos to multiple terminals, A storage unit that stores viewing information linking the identification information of the terminal, the identification information of the video displayed on the terminal, and the level of excitement of one or more viewers watching the video, The system includes a display image determination unit that determines which image to display on multiple terminals from among multiple images based on a determination value for each image identification information obtained by statistically processing the aforementioned high-lift values. Distribution system.

2. The aforementioned display image determination unit, For terminals with a high elevation level lower than the threshold calculated from the aforementioned determination value, the image displayed on the terminal shall be the image with the highest determination value. The distribution system according to claim 1.

3. The aforementioned display image determination unit, For terminals with an elevation level greater than the threshold calculated from the aforementioned determination value, the video displayed on the terminal shall continue to be displayed. The distribution system according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The level of excitement of the viewing information is corrected based on the degree to which viewing the video contributes to the level of excitement. The distribution system according to claim 3.

5. A distribution method for delivering multiple videos to multiple devices, The system stores viewing information that links the identification information of the terminal, the identification information of the video displayed on the terminal, and the level of excitement of one or more viewers watching the video. Based on the determination value for each identification information of the video obtained by statistically processing the aforementioned exhilaration level, the video to be displayed on the multiple terminals is determined from the multiple videos. Distribution method.

Images