Video distribution system, video distribution method, and video distribution program

Abstract

This invention provides a video distribution system, a video distribution method, and a video distribution program that can suppress the delay of video displayed on the receiving end. [Solution] A video distribution system comprising multiple mobile devices mounted on a mobile vehicle carrying a crew, a user device used by a user at a location different from the mobile vehicle, and a communication network connecting the multiple mobile devices and the user device in a communicative manner, wherein video is distributed from the multiple mobile devices to the user device, each of the multiple mobile devices distributes multiple videos to the user device via an individual line, and the user device combines the multiple videos distributed from the multiple mobile devices to generate a composite video.

Description

Technical Field

[0006] , ,

[0001] The present invention relates to a video distribution system, a video distribution method, and a video distribution program.

Background Art

[0002] Research has been underway on a remote operation system that can achieve both maintaining a sense of immersion and reducing communication load during high-speed movement (see, for example, Patent Document 1). This remote operation system includes a plurality of omnidirectional cameras and projects a global, hemispherical, or 360-degree带状 video by combining the videos of each omnidirectional camera. Further, this remote operation system reduces the communication volume by gradually or continuously decreasing the resolution of a part of the entire area of the omnidirectional image of the captured data as it moves away from the line-of-sight direction area.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] Such a remote operation system transmits the captured data of a plurality of omnidirectional cameras over a single communication line, and thus projects a part of the entire area of the omnidirectional image with a lower resolution onto a head-mounted display. That is, in the above background art, there is a problem that the video projected on the distribution side is delayed because low-quality processing of the captured data is required.

[0005] One object of the present application is to provide a video distribution system, a video distribution method, and a video distribution program capable of suppressing the delay of the video projected on the distribution side in order to solve the above problems.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] The video distribution system, video distribution method, and video distribution program according to this invention employ the following configuration. A first aspect of the present invention is a video distribution system comprising: a plurality of mobile devices mounted on a mobile vehicle on which an occupant is riding; a user device used by a user at a location different from the mobile vehicle; and a communication network connecting the plurality of mobile devices and the user device in a communicative manner, wherein the video distribution system distributes video from the plurality of mobile devices to the user device, each of the plurality of mobile devices distributes a plurality of the video via an individual line to the user device, and the user device combines the plurality of video distributed from the plurality of mobile devices to generate a composite video.

[0007] A second aspect of the present invention is a video distribution system in which, in the first aspect, the mobile device acquires a plurality of images whose shooting directions do not overlap.

[0008] A third aspect of the present invention is a video distribution system in which, in the first or second aspect described above, the plurality of videos have the same or different image quality.

[0009] A fourth aspect of the present invention is a video distribution system in which, in the first or second aspect described above, the user device is a head-mounted display whose viewing direction can be freely specified.

[0010] A fifth aspect of the present invention is, in the fourth aspect described above, a video distribution system that distributes the video corresponding to the viewing direction acquired from the head-mounted display.

[0011] A sixth aspect of the present invention is a video distribution system in which, in the fourth aspect described above, the user device reduces the image quality of the image that does not correspond to the front view based on the viewing direction obtained from the head-mounted display, to the same level as the image that corresponds to the front view.

[0012] A seventh aspect of the present invention is a video distribution system in which, in the first or second aspect described above, the mobile device is a plurality of smartphones assigned the same ID (identification number).

[0013] An eighth aspect of the present invention is a video distribution method for distributing video from a mobile device mounted on a mobile vehicle carrying an occupant to a user device used by a user at a location different from the mobile vehicle, the method comprising the steps of acquiring a plurality of the video and transmitting the plurality of the video individually using a plurality of individual lines.

[0014] A ninth aspect of the present invention is a video distribution program that causes a computer mounted on a mobile vehicle carrying a crew to distribute video to a user device used by a user at a location different from the mobile vehicle, wherein the video distribution program causes the computer to perform the processes of acquiring a plurality of the video and transmitting the plurality of the video individually using a plurality of individual lines. [Effects of the Invention]

[0015] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a video distribution system, a video distribution method, and a video distribution program that can suppress delays in distributed video. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0016] [Figure 1] This is a system configuration diagram showing the configuration of a video distribution system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] This block diagram shows the detailed configuration of the mobile unit in the video distribution system described above. [Figure 3] This is a flowchart showing a video distribution method and video distribution program according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] This is a schematic diagram showing the surrounding video of a moving object in the above distribution system. [Figure 5] This is a schematic diagram illustrating the sound localization and volume control of mobile audio in the above-mentioned distribution system.

Best Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0017] Hereinafter, embodiments of the video distribution system, video distribution method, and video distribution program of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0018] FIG. 1 is a system configuration diagram of a video distribution system A according to the present embodiment. The video distribution system A includes at least three mobile devices 1a, 1b, and 1c mounted on a moving body M on which a passenger P is riding, a network N, and three user devices 2a, 2b, and 2c used by three users Ua, Ub, and Uc located at a place different from the moving body M, that is, a virtual driving experience field T.

[0019] The moving body M is an automobile provided for a pseudo-experience of each user Ua, Ub, and Uc, and travels along a preset experience route. The passenger P drives the moving body M and is a video distributor (streamer) who provides videos (distributed videos) and the like necessary for a pseudo-experience of driving using the moving body M to each user Ua, Ub, and Uc.

[0020] Each user Ua, Ub, and Uc is a drive pseudo-experience person who performs a pseudo-experience of driving using the moving body M in a virtual driving experience field T different from the moving body M by using the video distribution system A. For example, when the moving body M travels through a tourist destination, each user Ua, Ub, and Uc can pseudo-experience driving through the tourist destination without actually getting on the moving body M. In the video distribution system A, the moving body M is the distribution side of the pseudo-experience information, and the virtual driving experience field T is the distribution destination of the pseudo-experience information, that is, the distribution-receiving side.

[0021] In this embodiment, three mobile devices 1a, 1b, and 1c are adopted as an example of a plurality of mobile devices, and three user devices 2a, 2b, and 2c are adopted as an example of a plurality of user devices. The number of mobile devices is not limited to three, and the number of user devices is not limited to three. Also, the number of users is not limited to three. Further, in this embodiment, the number of mobile devices and the number of user devices are set to be the same, but the number of mobile devices and the number of user devices may be different. The user devices 2a, 2b, and 2c may be used in the same environment (for example, the virtual drive experience field T), or may be used in different environments (for example, homes, etc.) respectively.

[0022] Each of the mobile devices 1a, 1b, and 1c is a portable terminal having at least an imaging function, a wireless communication function, and an external information acquisition function. Each of the mobile devices 1a, 1b, and 1c captures a plurality of images around the mobile body M as mobile body surrounding images, and individually distributes the plurality of mobile body surrounding images to each of the user devices 2a, 2b, and 2c. That is, each of the mobile devices 1a, 1b, and 1c individually sets an individual communication line (individual line) with each of the user devices 2a, 2b, and 2c, and individually distributes each mobile body surrounding image as a distribution image by using each individual line.

[0023] Note that each of the mobile devices 1a, 1b, and 1c acquires mobile body surrounding images whose imaging directions do not overlap. For example, the first mobile device 1a is provided so as to face the left side glass of the mobile body M, the second mobile device 1b is provided so as to face the front glass of the mobile body M, and the third mobile device 1c is provided so as to face the right side glass of the mobile body M. Also, the above individual lines do not necessarily have to be individually provided for each mobile device. For example, one individual line may be shared by a plurality of mobile devices.

[0024] The first mobile body surrounding image Ga acquired by the first mobile body device 1a shows the scenery to the left of the mobile body M, the second mobile body surrounding image Gb acquired by the second mobile body device 1b shows the scenery in front of the mobile body M, and the third mobile body surrounding image Gc acquired by the third mobile body device 1c shows the scenery to the right of the mobile body M. In other words, the first to third mobile body surrounding images Ga, Gb, and Gc are captured in different directions from each other.

[0025] Each mobile device 1a, 1b, and 1c individually distributes the first to third mobile device surrounding video Ga, Gb, and Gc to each user device 2a, 2b, and 2c using separate lines. Each mobile device 1a, 1b, and 1c has a function to distribute mobile surrounding video to each user device 2a, 2b, and 2c, as well as a function to acquire audio, which is one of the external pieces of information, as mobile audio and distribute it to each user device 2a, 2b, and 2c. Each mobile device 1a, 1b, and 1c distributes the mobile surrounding video and mobile audio to each user device 2a, 2b, and 2c as driving simulation experience information.

[0026] Each mobile device 1a, 1b, and 1c is a type of computer, such as a smartphone. Since a smartphone is equipped with a so-called smartphone camera (shooting function), it can be used as each mobile device 1a, 1b, and 1c in this embodiment. Each mobile device 1a, 1b, and 1c implements imaging functions, wireless communication functions, and external information acquisition functions by executing a pre-stored application program (distribution program).

[0027] Furthermore, each mobile device 1a, 1b, and 1c is assigned the same ID (identification number). Each mobile device 1a, 1b, and 1c communicates with each user device 2a, 2b, and 2c using the same ID (identification number), i.e., a common ID.

[0028] Network N is a communication network that enables communication between each mobile device 1a, 1b, 1c and each user device 2a, 2b, 2c. Network N includes at least one of the following: the Internet, a WAN (Wide Area Network), a LAN (Local Area Network), a mobile communication network, a cellular network, and a high-speed satellite communication network. Network N transmits simulated experience information from each mobile device 1a, 1b, 1c to each user device 2a, 2b, 2c, and also transmits various requests (experience requests) related to the simulated drive experience from each user device 2a, 2b, 2c to each mobile device 1a, 1b, 1c.

[0029] Each user device 2a, 2b, and 2c is a portable terminal equipped with at least communication, display, sound output, and sound pickup functions, and is provided in correspondence with each user Ua, Ub, and Uc. In other words, each user device 2a, 2b, and 2c is used by each user Ua, Ub, and Uc. As shown in Figure 1, the first user Ua uses the first user device 2a, the second user Ub uses the second user device 2b, and the third user Uc uses the third user device 2c.

[0030] Each user device 2a, 2b, and 2c generates a combined image G by combining the surrounding images Ga, Gb, and Gc acquired from each mobile device 1a, 1b, and 1c, and displays this combined image G. Each user device 2a, 2b, and 2c also individually plays the mobile sound acquired from each mobile device 1a, 1b, and 1c. Furthermore, each user device 2a, 2b, and 2c transmits experience requests related to the simulated driving experience, which are input by each user Ua, Ub, and Uc, to each mobile device 1a, 1b, and 1c.

[0031] Each user device 2a, 2b, and 2c is, for example, a head-mounted display. That is, each user device 2a, 2b, and 2c has at least three basic functions: seeing, hearing, and speaking. Each user device 2a, 2b, and 2c works in conjunction with each other, and as will be described in detail later, in addition to the mobile voice delivered from each mobile device 1a, 1b, and 1c, it also plays voices captured by other mobile devices.

[0032] The video distribution system A according to this embodiment includes a management server 3 in addition to each mobile device 1a, 1b, 1c, a network N, and each user device 2a, 2b, 2c. The management server 3 is communicated with each mobile device 1a, 1b, 1c and each user device 2a, 2b, 2c via the network N.

[0033] The management server 3 is a relay device that relays and assists communication between the mobile devices 1a, 1b, and 1c and the user devices 2a, 2b, and 2c. The management server 3 includes, for example, a communication unit, a management unit, a storage unit, and a management unit. The management unit controls the communication unit by executing a management program pre-stored in the storage unit, thereby performing the relay function between the mobile devices 1a, 1b, and 1c and the user devices 2a, 2b, and 2c.

[0034] The management server 3 may be omitted if necessary. In other words, the mobile devices 1a, 1b, and 1c and the user devices 2a, 2b, and 2c may communicate directly without the need for relaying and assistance by the management server 3. The management server 3 can be implemented, for example, by a server device integrated into a cloud computing system.

[0035] Figure 2 is a block diagram showing the detailed configuration of the mobile unit M in this embodiment. In addition to the mobile unit devices 1a, 1b, and 1c, the mobile unit M is equipped with an in-vehicle microphone 4, a connection device 5, and an external microphone 6. The in-vehicle microphone 4 and the connection device 5 are installed inside the mobile unit M. The in-vehicle microphone 4 is connected to the mobile unit devices 1a, 1b, and 1c via the connection device 5. The in-vehicle microphone 4 captures the voice of the occupant P (occupant voice) and ambient sounds inside the vehicle and outputs them to the connection device 5.

[0036] The connection device 5 is, for example, a device compatible with IVI (In-Vehicle Infotainment). The connection device 5 receives information such as occupant voice from occupant P and provides various information to occupant P. The connection device 5 outputs in-vehicle sounds such as the voice of occupant P captured by the in-vehicle microphone 4 to each of the mobile devices 1a, 1b, and 1c.

[0037] The external microphone 6 is installed outside the mobile unit M and captures ambient sound around the mobile unit M and outputs it to each mobile unit device 1a, 1b, and 1c. For the mobile unit M traveling along a predetermined route, the ambient sound at each point is provided to each user Ua, Ub, and Uc via each mobile unit device 1a, 1b, and 1c.

[0038] In other words, each mobile device 1a, 1b, and 1c in this embodiment not only distributes video footage of the mobile device's surroundings as distributed video to each user device 2a, 2b, and 2c, but also distributes audio from the mobile device as distributed audio to each user device 2a, 2b, and 2c. The video footage of the mobile device's surroundings (distributed video) and the audio from the mobile device (distributed audio) are simulated experience information that provides each user Ua, Ub, and Uc with a realistic simulated driving experience.

[0039] Next, the operation of the video distribution system A according to this embodiment will be explained in detail with reference to the flowchart shown in Figure 3. This flowchart shows the operation of each mobile device 1a, 1b, and 1c based on the video distribution program, and illustrates the video distribution program and video distribution method according to this embodiment.

[0040] When a virtual driving experience is conducted using a mobile device M with a video distribution system A, each user Ua, Ub, and Uc in the virtual driving experience area T transmits a connection request to the communication line provided on the mobile device M, i.e., a driving simulation experience request, to each mobile device 1a, 1b, and 1c using their respective user devices 2a, 2b, and 2c.

[0041] The drive simulation experience requests from each user Ua, Ub, and Uc are transmitted to each mobile device 1a, 1b, and 1c via the network N and the management server 3. When each mobile device 1a, 1b, and 1c receives a communication line connection request (step S1), it establishes an individual communication connection with each user device 2a, 2b, and 2c via the network N (step S2).

[0042] Specifically, the first mobile device 1a establishes a communication connection with each user device 2a, 2b, and 2c using a first individual line. The second mobile device 1b establishes a communication connection with each user device 2a, 2b, and 2c using a second individual line. The third mobile device 1c establishes a communication connection with each user device 2a, 2b, and 2c using a second individual line.

[0043] Once the first to third individual lines are established, the occupant P (streamer) recognizes the receipt of the drive simulation request, for example, through notifications from each mobile device 1a, 1b, and 1c. Alternatively, instead of notifications from the mobile devices 1a, 1b, and 1c, the occupant P (streamer) recognizes the receipt of the drive simulation request by checking the operating status of each mobile device 1a, 1b, and 1c.

[0044] Each mobile device 1a, 1b, and 1c transmits an audio message to each user device 2a, 2b, and 2c informing each user Ua, Ub, and Uc that the simulated driving experience has begun (step S3). Once each mobile device 1a, 1b, and 1c has completed transmitting the audio message in step S3, they acquire multiple mobile surrounding images (step S4). Specifically, the first mobile device 1a acquires the first mobile surrounding image Ga, the second mobile device 1b acquires the second mobile surrounding image Gb, and the third mobile device 1c acquires the third mobile surrounding image Gc.

[0045] When each mobile device 1a, 1b, and 1c completes the mobile device surrounding image acquisition process in step S4, they individually distribute the first mobile device surrounding image Ga, the second mobile device surrounding image Gb, and the third mobile device surrounding image Gc to each user device 2a, 2b, and 2c via their respective individual lines (step S5). In addition, each mobile device 1a, 1b, and 1c acquires mobile device audio simultaneously with the first mobile device surrounding image Ga, the second mobile device surrounding image Gb, and the third mobile device surrounding image Gc, and distributes it individually to each user device 2a, 2b, and 2c via their respective individual lines (step S5).

[0046] Each user device 2a, 2b, and 2c displays a composite image G of the surrounding images Ga, Gb, and Gc acquired from each mobile device 1a, 1b, and 1c on its screen, and also emits mobile voice. If each user device 2a, 2b, and 2c is a head-mounted display, the composite image G is displayed on the display surface of the head-mounted display worn by each user Ua, Ub, and Uc, and mobile voice is emitted from the sound output unit of the head-mounted display.

[0047] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a composite image G. This composite image G is a panoramic image that captures the scenery around the moving object M at a wide angle. For example, it is a 360° panoramic image covering 360° around the moving object. Each of the moving object devices 1a, 1b, and 1c generates a composite image G (panoramic image) arranged from left to right in the order of the first moving object surrounding image Ga, the second moving object surrounding image Gb, and the third moving object surrounding image Gc, as shown in Figure 4.

[0048] Here, the sound provided to each user Ua, Ub, and Uc from each user device 2a, 2b, and 2c has different sound localization depending on the source of the sound, as shown in Figure 5. Of the sounds provided to each user Ua, Ub, and Uc from each user device 2a, 2b, and 2c, the voice of occupant P (streamer) is provided to the right ear, while the voices of other users are provided from the front or rear.

[0049] For example, as shown in Figure 5(a), among the sounds provided to the first user Ua from the first user device 2a, the voice of crew member P (streamer) is provided to the first user Ua's right ear, the voice of the second user Ub is provided from the front, and the voice of the third user Uc is provided from the rear. Therefore, each user Ua, Ub, and Uc can accurately hear and distinguish each sound according to its source.

[0050] Furthermore, the volume of the sounds provided to each user Ua, Ub, and Uc from each user device 2a, 2b, and 2c is adjusted according to the head movements of each user Ua, Ub, and Uc. For example, as shown in Figure 5(b), if the first user Ua makes an action such as looking outside the vehicle M, the first user device 2a emits ambient sounds of the vehicle M provided by the external microphone 6. Conversely, if the first user Ua makes an action such as looking inside the vehicle M, the first user device 2a blocks the emission of ambient sounds of the vehicle M provided by the external microphone 6, as shown in Figure 5(c).

[0051] As shown in Figures 5(b) and (c), when the ambient sound of the mobile object M is emitted from the first user device 2a, the occupant's voice is set to a lower volume than the occupant's voice when the ambient sound of the mobile object M is blocked. Through this volume adjustment, each user Ua, Ub, and Uc can accurately view the mobile object's audio related to the ambient video of the mobile object they are interested in.

[0052] In this simulated driving experience, each user Ua, Ub, and Uc operates their respective user devices 2a, 2b, and 2c to send participant instructions to each mobile device 1a, 1b, and 1c. When each mobile device 1a, 1b, and 1c receives participant instructions from each user device 2a, 2b, and 2c (step S6), it performs processing according to the participant instructions. Participant instructions are given by inputting the head movements of each user Ua, Ub, and Uc, as well as the voices of each user Ua, Ub, and Uc (user voices), into each user device 2a, 2b, and 2c.

[0053] For example, when users Ua, Ub, and Uc instruct each user to change their viewing direction by changing the orientation of their heads, the instruction to change the viewing direction is transmitted from each user device 2a, 2b, and 2c to each mobile device 1a, 1b, and 1c. Then, each mobile device 1a, 1b, and 1c processes the image of the mobile device's surroundings in accordance with the instruction to change the viewing direction (step S7).

[0054] The change process involves changing the shooting direction in accordance with the instruction to change the viewing direction. That is, each mobile device 1a, 1b, and 1c changes the shooting direction of the video around each mobile device in accordance with the instruction to change the viewing direction. When each mobile device 1a, 1b, and 1c acquires the newly acquired video around each mobile device Ga, Gb, and Gc, it determines whether or not the communication line (individual line) with each mobile device 1a, 1b, and 1c has been interrupted (step S8).

[0055] Then, if the determination in step S8 is "No," that is, if the communication lines (individual lines) with each mobile device 1a, 1b, 1c are maintained, each mobile device 1a, 1b, 1c transmits the new mobile devices 1a, 1b, 1c along with the vehicle voice to each user device 2a, 2b, 2c (step S5).

[0056] If the decision in step S6 is "No," that is, if no user instructions are received from each user device 2a, 2b, and 2c, each mobile device 1a, 1b, and 1c repeats the process in step S5. In other words, each mobile device 1a, 1b, and 1c distributes the synthesized video G and vehicle audio to each user device 2a, 2b, and 2c.

[0057] Regarding the modification process in step S7, in addition to changing the shooting direction of each moving object's surrounding image, the image quality of each moving object's surrounding image may also be changed. For example, in the composite image G shown in Figure 4, the second moving object's surrounding image Gb is the moving object's surrounding image located directly in front of each user Ua, Ub, and Uc in the viewing direction. In contrast, the first moving object's surrounding image Ga and the third moving object's surrounding image Gc are moving object's surrounding images located at an oblique angle in the viewing direction.

[0058] Considering the positional relationship between the first moving object surrounding image Ga, the second moving object surrounding image Gb, and the third moving object surrounding image Gc, the image quality of the first moving object surrounding image Ga and the third moving object surrounding image Gc, which do not correspond to the front view, is reduced compared to the image quality of the second moving object surrounding image Gb, which corresponds to the front view. In other words, the multiple moving object surrounding images Ga, Gb, and Gc in this embodiment may have the same image quality or they may have different image quality.

[0059] The second mobile device 1b generates the second mobile device surrounding image Gb as a high-resolution image with relatively high image quality. The first mobile device 1a generates the first mobile device surrounding image Ga as a low-resolution image with relatively low image quality. The third mobile device 1c generates the third mobile device surrounding image Gc as a low-resolution image with relatively low image quality.

[0060] If the determination in step S8 is "Yes," that is, if the communication lines (individual lines) with each mobile device 1a, 1b, and 1c are cut off, all processing will be terminated, assuming that the drive simulation experience request received in step S1 has been withdrawn.

[0061] The video distribution system A according to this embodiment comprises a plurality of mobile devices 1a, 1b, 1c mounted on a mobile vehicle M on which a crew member P is riding, a plurality of user devices 2a, 2b, 2c used by a plurality of users Ua, Ub, Uc in a virtual drive experience area T (location) different from the mobile vehicle M, and a network N (communication network) that enables communication between each mobile device 1a, 1b, 1c and each user device 2a, 2b, 2c, and distributes the surroundings of the mobile vehicle from each mobile device 1a, 1b, 1c to each user device 2a, 2b, 2c, with each mobile device 1a, 1b, 1c acquiring a plurality of mobile vehicle surrounding video Ga, Gb, Gc and distributing them to each user device 2a, 2b, 2c via individual lines.

[0062] In other words, video distribution system A does not distribute multiple videos over a single communication line as in the background technology, but rather distributes multiple videos of the surroundings of a moving object to each user device 2a, 2b, and 2c using separate lines. According to this embodiment, it is possible to provide a video distribution system A that can suppress the delay of the videos of the surroundings of a moving object displayed on the multiple user devices 2a, 2b, and 2c installed on the receiving side.

[0063] Furthermore, in the video distribution system A according to this embodiment, each mobile device 1a, 1b, and 1c acquires multiple mobile surrounding images Ga, Gb, and Gc whose shooting directions do not overlap. According to this embodiment, each user Ua, Ub, and Uc can view mobile surrounding images Ga, Gb, and Gc with a wide shooting range.

[0064] Furthermore, in the video distribution system A according to this embodiment, each mobile device 1a, 1b, and 1c combines multiple mobile surrounding images Ga, Gb, and Gc to obtain a composite image G. According to this embodiment, each user Ua, Ub, and Uc will view the composite image G, thereby enabling them to have a driving simulation experience that is closer to a real experience.

[0065] Furthermore, in the video distribution system A according to this embodiment, the multiple moving object surrounding images Ga, Gb, and Gc have the same or different image quality. According to this embodiment, each user Ua, Ub, and Uc will view moving object surrounding images Ga, Gb, and Gc that have the same or different image quality.

[0066] Furthermore, in the video distribution system A according to this embodiment, each user device 2a, 2b, and 2c is a head-mounted display that allows for flexible specification of the viewing direction of multiple moving object surrounding images Ga, Gb, and Gc. According to this embodiment, each user Ua, Ub, and Uc can have a more immersive driving simulation experience.

[0067] Furthermore, in the video distribution system A according to this embodiment, each mobile device 1a, 1b, and 1c distributes video footage of the area around the mobile body corresponding to the viewing direction acquired from each user device 2a, 2b, and 2c (head-mounted display). According to this embodiment, each user Ua, Ub, and Uc can have a simulated driving experience that reflects their own intentions.

[0068] Furthermore, in the video distribution system A according to this embodiment, each mobile device 1a, 1b, and 1c is a plurality of smartphones assigned the same ID (identification number). According to this embodiment, it is possible to easily realize the mobile devices 1a, 1b, and 1c by installing a distribution program on the smartphones.

[0069] Furthermore, the video distribution method according to this embodiment distributes video of the area around the mobile body from multiple mobile device 1a, 1b, 1c mounted on a mobile body M on which a crew member P is riding, to multiple user devices 2a, 2b, 2c used by multiple users Ua, Ub, Uc in a virtual drive experience area T (location) different from the mobile body M, and includes the steps of acquiring multiple mobile body surrounding video Ga, Gb, Gc, and individually transmitting the multiple mobile body surrounding video Ga, Gb, Gc using multiple individual lines.

[0070] According to this embodiment, instead of distributing multiple videos over a single communication line as in the background technology, multiple videos of the surroundings of a moving object are distributed to each user device 2a, 2b, and 2c using separate lines. Therefore, it is possible to provide a video distribution method that can suppress the delay of the videos of the surroundings of a moving object displayed on the multiple user devices 2a, 2b, and 2c installed on the receiving side.

[0071] Furthermore, the video distribution program according to this embodiment causes multiple mobile device units 1a, 1b, 1c (computers) mounted on the mobile vehicle M on which the crew member P is riding to distribute video footage of the area around the mobile vehicle to multiple user devices 2a, 2b, 2c used by multiple users Ua, Ub, Uc in a virtual drive experience area T (location) different from the mobile vehicle M. The program causes the multiple mobile device units 1a, 1b, 1c (computers) to execute the processes of acquiring multiple mobile vehicle surrounding video footage Ga, Gb, Gc and individually transmitting the multiple mobile vehicle surrounding video footage Ga, Gb, Gc using multiple individual lines.

[0072] According to this embodiment, instead of distributing multiple videos over a single communication line as in the background technology, multiple videos of the surroundings of a moving object are distributed to each user device 2a, 2b, and 2c using separate lines. Therefore, it is possible to provide a video distribution program that can suppress the delay of the videos of the surroundings of a moving object displayed on the multiple user devices 2a, 2b, and 2c installed on the receiving side.

[0073] Although embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments. Various modifications and substitutions can be made without departing from the spirit of the present invention. For example, although the above embodiments apply the present invention to a simulated driving experience using a mobile body M (automobile), the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the present invention may be applied to a simulated experience using a mobile body M other than an automobile. Furthermore, the system configuration shown in Figures 1 and 2 is merely one example of the present invention, and various modifications are conceivable. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0074] A video distribution system M Mobile object N Network (communication network) P Crew Ua, Ub, Uc User T Virtual Drive Experience Area 1a, 1b, 1c Mobile device (computer) 2a, 2b, 2c User equipment 3. Management Server 4. In-car microphone 5. Connection device 6. External microphone

Claims

1. A video distribution system comprising: multiple mobile devices mounted on a mobile vehicle carrying a crew; user devices used by users at a location different from the mobile vehicle; and a communication network connecting the multiple mobile devices and the user devices in a communicative manner, wherein video is distributed from the multiple mobile devices to the user devices, Each of the aforementioned multiple mobile devices distributes the multiple video streams to the user device via a separate line. The user device combines the multiple videos distributed from the multiple mobile devices to generate a composite video. Video distribution system.

2. The video distribution system according to claim 1, wherein the mobile device acquires a plurality of images in which the shooting directions do not overlap.

3. The video distribution system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the multiple videos have the same or different image quality.

4. The video distribution system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the user device is a head-mounted display that allows for flexible specification of the viewing direction.

5. The video distribution system according to claim 4, wherein the mobile device distributes the video corresponding to the viewing direction acquired from the head-mounted display.

6. The video distribution system according to claim 4, wherein the user device reduces the image quality of the image that does not correspond to the front view based on the viewing direction obtained from the head-mounted display, to the same quality as the image that corresponds to the front view.

7. The video distribution system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the mobile device is a plurality of smartphones assigned the same ID (identification number).

8. A video distribution method for distributing video from a mobile device mounted on a mobile vehicle carrying crew members to a user device used by a user at a location different from the mobile vehicle, A process of acquiring multiple aforementioned images, A process of individually transmitting multiple of the aforementioned video streams using multiple individual lines. A video distribution method having the following characteristics.

9. A video distribution program that causes a computer mounted on a mobile vehicle carrying crew members to distribute video to a user device used by a user at a location different from the mobile vehicle, A process for acquiring multiple aforementioned video images, A process of individually transmitting multiple of the aforementioned video streams using multiple individual lines. A video distribution program that causes the aforementioned computer to execute.

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