Distribution System

Abstract

To provide a distribution system capable of smoothly switching scenes of an event transmitted as video.SOLUTION: A distribution system 1 that sequentially distributes, as video, a plurality of scenes constituting an event to a plurality of terminals such as a presenter terminal 3 and a viewer terminal 4 includes: a scene setting unit 20 that sets the layout and distribution procedure of the plurality of scenes; a distribution unit 22 that distributes the plurality of scenes according to the layout and distribution procedure; a scene switching device 7 (operation unit) that has a plurality of operation keys 8; and a key allocation unit 21 that allocates scene distribution processes to the operation keys 8. The distribution unit 22 performs, according to an operation of an operation key 8, a scene distribution process allocated to the operation key 8.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a distribution system that sequentially distributes video of multiple scenes constituting an event such as a lecture or seminar to multiple terminals. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, distribution systems for broadcasting events such as lectures and seminars have multiple terminals of the speaker and audience connected to a distribution device, which then broadcasts a shared screen corresponding to each scene of the event to each terminal, thereby broadcasting an event consisting of multiple scenes so that viewers can receive video of the event.

[0003] For example, the lecture distribution method described in Patent Document 1 distributes materials related to the lecture together with the video and audio of the lecture to a terminal device via a telecommunications line. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2003-029610 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] For example, some distribution systems create a distribution setting file for an event by setting the layout and distribution procedure for each scene in advance and distributing a shared screen (still image or video image) and audio for each scene. The distribution procedure is set to switch between scenes according to predetermined conditions such as the distribution time of the scene. However, even if you want to switch between scenes during the distribution of an event by presenting materials or changing the shooting scene, you cannot edit the distribution program to change the distribution procedure for multiple scenes.

[0006] In addition, in a distribution system, while the speaker and audience are receiving the event using a video transmission / reception application installed on their devices, the speaker may operate the video transmission / reception application to switch between scenes by selecting still images or moving images displayed on the shared screen. However, smooth switching between scenes is not easy because the speaker needs to be highly skilled in operating the video transmission / reception application, which can cause delays in video transmission and reception.

[0007] In view of the above, the present invention has an object to provide a distribution system that can smoothly switch between scenes of an event whose video is transmitted. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] In order to solve the above problems, the distribution system of the present invention is a distribution system that distributes video of multiple scenes that make up an event to multiple terminals in sequence, and is equipped with a scene setting unit that sets the layout and distribution procedure of the multiple scenes, a distribution unit that distributes the multiple scenes in accordance with the layout and distribution procedure, an operation unit having multiple operation keys, and a key assignment unit that assigns distribution processing of the scenes to the operation keys, and is characterized in that the distribution unit performs distribution processing of the scenes assigned to the operation keys in response to operation of the operation keys. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a distribution system that can smoothly switch between scenes of an event whose video is transmitted. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] 1 is a block diagram showing an overview of a distribution system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] 1 is a front view showing a scene switching device of a distribution system according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 3]FIG. 10 is a front view showing a key assignment screen of the distribution system according to one embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0011] A distribution system 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the distribution system 1. The distribution system 1 distributes multiple scenes constituting an event such as a lecture or seminar so that viewers can receive the video. The scenes include, for example, an opening scene, a table of contents scene, a title scene for each lecture, a lecture demonstration scene, a material presentation scene, a question and answer scene, and an ending scene.

[0012] As shown in Fig. 1, distribution system 1 includes a distribution device 2 for distributing an event, a speaker terminal 3 owned by a speaker who will give a lecture at the event, and a viewer terminal 4 owned by an audience member who will watch the event, all of which are communicatively connected via a network 5. External devices connected to distribution device 2 include a photographing device 6 such as a camera for photographing lectures and seminars, and a scene switching device 7 (operation unit) for switching between scenes of the event. Scene switching device 7 includes a plurality of operation keys 8, as shown in Fig. 2.

[0013] Note that Figure 1 shows an example in which the distribution system 1 has one speaker terminal 3 and one viewer terminal 4, but the distribution system 1 may have two or more speaker terminals 3 or two or more viewer terminals 4.

[0014] The distribution device 2 is configured to pre-set the layout and distribution procedures for multiple scenes that make up an event such as a lecture or seminar, set still images and moving images to be displayed on the shared screen for each scene, set the audio to be output for each scene, and create a content distribution setting file.

[0015] The distribution device 2 is configured by a server, a high-performance personal computer, or the like, and includes a control unit 10, a storage unit 11, and a display unit 12.

[0016] The control unit 10 has a computer such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and is configured to centrally control the operation of the distribution device 2. The storage unit 11 has memories such as a ROM (Read Only Memory) and a RAM (Random Access Memory) and a recording medium such as a hard disk, and is configured to store information, data, programs, etc. controlled by the control unit 10.

[0017] The control unit 10 controls each unit and each function of the distribution device 2 by executing arithmetic processing based on the programs and data stored in the storage unit 11. For example, the control unit 10 of the present embodiment operates as a scene setting unit 20 by executing a scene setting program stored in the storage unit 11, operates as a key assignment unit 21 by executing a key assignment program stored in the storage unit 11, and operates as a distribution unit 22 by executing a distribution program stored in the storage unit 11.

[0018] In other words, the scene setting unit 20 is a scene setting program (scene setting application) installed in the distribution device 2, and is executed by the control unit 10 to provide a scene setting function in the distribution device 2. The key assignment unit 21 is a key assignment program (key assignment application) installed in the distribution device 2, and is executed by the control unit 10 to provide a key assignment function in the distribution device 2. The distribution unit 22 is a distribution program (distribution application) installed in the distribution device 2, and is executed by the control unit 10 to provide a distribution function in the distribution device 2.

[0019] The scene setting unit 20 is configured to be able to set multiple scenes that make up an event such as a lecture or seminar, and accepts setting operations from a setting person such as an organizer or a distributor. The scene setting unit 20 accepts the addition and deletion of scenes by, for example, displaying a scene addition screen (not shown) for adding and deleting scenes for a predetermined event on the display unit 12 such as a display of the distribution device 2. The scene setting unit 20 is also able to set an event name for the event and a scene name for each scene. The scene setting unit 20 also identifies the event by event identification information and identifies each scene set for the event by scene identification information, and associates multiple scenes with the event and stores them in the storage unit 11.

[0020] The scene setting unit 20 is configured to be able to set the layout of each scene set for the event, and, for example, displays a layout setting screen (not shown) for setting the layout of each scene on the display unit 12 of the distribution device 2 to accept the setting of the scene layout. The scene layout may have, for example, a column for displaying text and a column for displaying images, and may have only one of each column, or two or more of each. In addition, the scene setting unit 20 associates layout information indicating the layout set for a scene with the scene and stores it in the storage unit 11.

[0021] The scene setting unit 20 is configured to be able to set content (images, such as still images and moving images, and audio) to be provided in each scene set for the event. For example, the scene setting unit 20 displays a content setting screen (not shown) for setting content for each scene on the display unit 12 of the distribution device 2 and accepts the setting of the content for the scene. At this time, the scene setting unit 20 accepts the setting of an image for each column in which images are displayed according to the layout of each scene. The images may be images pre-stored in the storage unit 11, images captured by the imaging device 6, or images transmitted from the presenter terminal 3 or the viewer terminal 4. The scene setting unit 20 can set image properties such as image quality for the images displayed in each scene and audio properties for the audio output in each scene. The scene setting unit 20 also associates content information indicating the content set for each scene with the scene and stores it in the storage unit 11.

[0022] The scene setting unit 20 is configured to be able to set a distribution procedure for multiple scenes set for an event, and, for example, displays a distribution procedure setting screen (not shown) for setting the distribution procedure on the display unit 12 of the distribution device 2 to accept the setting of the distribution procedure. At this time, the scene setting unit 20 is able to set not only the order in which the multiple scenes are to be distributed, but also the distribution timing, such as the distribution time of each scene, as the distribution procedure. In addition, the scene setting unit 20 stores distribution procedure information indicating the distribution procedure for the multiple scenes set for the event in the storage unit 11 in association with the event.

[0023] Furthermore, the scene setting unit 20 is configured to be able to specify a video transmission / reception application for receiving the distributed event at the speaker terminal 3 or the viewer terminal 4, and associates the video transmission / reception application with the event and stores it in the storage unit 11. When the scene setting unit 20 completes setting each piece of information for the event, it creates a distribution setting file including each piece of information about the event and stores it in the storage unit 11. It also issues distribution source information such as a URL for receiving the event distribution to the organizer, distributor, etc., so that the organizer, distributor, etc. can notify the speaker terminal 3 and viewer terminal 4 of the distribution source information.

[0024] The key assignment unit 21 is configured to be able to assign multiple scenes of the event set by the scene setting unit 20 to multiple operation keys 8 of the scene switching device 7, and accepts assignment operations by a setter such as an organizer or distributor.

[0025] 3, the key assignment unit 21 assigns and cancels the assignment of multiple scenes of a predetermined event to multiple operation keys 8, and displays a key assignment screen 30 for assigning and canceling the allocation of distribution processes for each scene on the display unit 12 of the distribution device 2 to accept the assignment and cancelation of scenes and the assignment and cancelation of distribution processes. The key assignment unit 21 displays multiple key icons 31 corresponding to the multiple operation keys 8, respectively, on the key assignment screen 30, and by selecting a predetermined key icon 31 and selecting a predetermined scene, the key assignment unit 21 associates the operation key 8 corresponding to the key icon 31 with the scene. Hereinafter, for convenience of explanation, a scene corresponding to an operation key 8 will be referred to as a corresponding scene.

[0026] At this time, the key assignment unit 21 may set the delivery process to, for example, a process of instantly switching to a corresponding scene in response to the operation of the operation key 8 and delivering it, a process of switching to a corresponding scene after a predetermined time has elapsed in response to the operation of the operation key 8 and delivering it, or a process of gradually switching to a corresponding scene in response to the operation of the operation key 8 and delivering it.

[0027] Furthermore, the key assignment unit 21 associates key assignment information indicating the correspondence between the plurality of operation keys 8 of the scene switching device 7 assigned as described above and the plurality of scenes of the event with the event, and stores the same in the storage unit 11. The key assignment unit 21 creates an assignment file including the key assignment information set for the event, and stores the file in the storage unit 11.

[0028] The distribution unit 22 is configured to sequentially distribute multiple scenes constituting an event such as a lecture or seminar so that the scenes can be transmitted as video to multiple terminals such as the lecturer terminal 3 and the viewer terminal 4. The distribution unit 22 distributes the multiple scenes, for example, in accordance with the distribution setting file and allocation file created as described above.

[0029] Specifically, when an organizer, a broadcaster, or the like operates the distribution device 2 to specify a distribution setting file stored in the storage unit 11 and instructs the start of distribution, the distribution unit 22 reads the distribution setting file from the storage unit 11 and also reads an allocation file set for the event corresponding to the distribution setting file from the storage unit 11. Alternatively, when an organizer, a broadcaster, or the like operates the distribution device 2 to specify a distribution setting file and an allocation file stored in the storage unit 11 and instructs the start of distribution, the distribution unit 22 may read the distribution setting file and the allocation file from the storage unit 11.

[0030] The distribution unit 22 then starts distribution of the event corresponding to the distribution setting file and executes distribution of the event in accordance with the distribution setting file and the allocation file. The distribution unit 22 basically distributes multiple scenes in sequence in accordance with the distribution procedure indicated in the distribution setting file. On the other hand, when any of the operation keys 8 of the scene switching device 7 is operated, the distribution unit 22 inputs an operation instruction for the operation key 8, determines the scene corresponding to the operation key 8 and its distribution process based on the allocation file, and executes distribution processing for that scene.

[0031] The presenter terminal 3 and the viewer terminal 4 are composed of a personal computer, tablet terminal, smartphone, etc., and are terminals on which a video transmission / reception application can be installed and executed. The presenter terminal 3 and the viewer terminal 4 acquire source information, such as a URL for receiving event distribution, from the organizer or distributor, and execute the video transmission / reception application by referencing or executing the source information. The presenter terminal 3 and the viewer terminal 4 participate in the event distribution via the video transmission / reception application, receive each distributed scene, and display the distributed shared screen on a display (not shown), etc., or output the distributed audio through a speaker (not shown), etc.

[0032] The lecturer terminal 3 and the viewer terminal 4 may transmit images and audio to the distribution device 2 via a video transmission / reception application in order to share their own images and audio throughout the event scene. For example, the lecturer terminal 3 and the viewer terminal 4 may transmit images (still images, moving images) taken with a camera to the distribution device 2 using the video transmission / reception application, or may transmit images of stored materials, etc. to the distribution device 2.

[0033] In this embodiment, as described above, the distribution system 1 that sequentially distributes video of multiple scenes that make up an event to multiple terminals such as the presenter terminal 3 and the viewer terminal 4 includes a scene setting unit 20 that sets the layout and distribution procedure of the multiple scenes, a distribution unit 22 that distributes the multiple scenes according to the layout and distribution procedure, a scene switching device 7 (operation unit) that has multiple operation keys 8, and a key assignment unit 21 that assigns scene distribution processing to the operation keys 8. The distribution unit 22 performs distribution processing of the scenes assigned to the operation keys 8 in response to operations of the operation keys 8.

[0034] With the above-described configuration, according to the distribution system 1 of this embodiment, speakers, distributors, etc. do not need to increase their proficiency in operating the video transmission / reception application, and can smoothly switch scenes of the event whose video is being transmitted through simple operations using the scene switching device 7, allowing the event to be distributed without any delays in video transmission / reception.

[0035] Furthermore, the distribution system 1 can provide distribution of an event by combining scene switching according to a predetermined distribution procedure and scene switching according to operation of the operation keys 8.

[0036] Furthermore, according to the distribution system 1, the scene setting unit 20 creates a distribution setting file indicating the layout and distribution procedure of multiple scenes, the key assignment unit 21 creates an assignment file indicating the assignment of scene distribution processing to the operation keys 8, and the distribution unit 22 distributes multiple scenes in accordance with the distribution setting file and the assignment file.

[0037] This allows a user to easily reproduce a similar event if they have a distribution setting file and an allocation file, and also allows a user to easily realize a different event by changing the content such as images and sounds.

[0038] The present invention can be modified as appropriate within the scope that does not contradict the gist or idea of ​​the invention that can be read from the claims and the entire specification, and distribution systems involving such modifications are also included in the technical idea of ​​the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0039] 1. Distribution System 2. Distribution Device 3 Speaker terminals 4. Viewer terminal 6. Imaging equipment 7 Scene Changer 8 Operation keys 10 Control Unit 11 Storage section 12 Display section 20 Scene Setting Section 21 Key assignment section 22 Distribution Department

Claims

1. A distribution system that sequentially distributes video of multiple scenes constituting an event to multiple terminals, a distribution device for distributing the event; a scene switching device connected to the distribution device for switching scenes of the event, the scene change device includes a plurality of operation keys; The distribution device a scene setting unit that sets a layout and a delivery procedure of the plurality of scenes; a distribution unit that distributes the plurality of scenes according to the layout and the distribution procedure; a key assignment unit that assigns a distribution process of the scene to the operation key, the key assignment unit displays a key assignment screen on a display unit for assigning and canceling assignment of the distribution process of the scene, displays a plurality of key icons corresponding to the plurality of operation keys on the key assignment screen, and assigns the predetermined scene to the operation key corresponding to the predetermined key icon by selecting a predetermined key icon and selecting a predetermined scene; The distribution system is characterized in that the distribution unit performs a distribution process of the scene assigned to the operation key in response to the operation of the operation key.

2. the scene setting unit creates a distribution setting file that indicates the layout and the distribution procedure of the plurality of scenes; the key assignment unit creates an assignment file indicating assignment of the scene distribution process to the operation keys; 2. The distribution system according to claim 1, wherein the distribution unit distributes the plurality of scenes in accordance with the distribution setting file and the allocation file.

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