Network system and information processing device

Abstract

To provide a network system that can enhance amusement of competition such as billiard.SOLUTION: A network system includes: a camera 10 for imaging scenes of billiard; a display device 20 disposed so that a player can operate it and functioning as a score board; and a server 30 for allowing a user to browse moving image data, which is imaged by the camera 10, with a user terminal 40 in accordance with an operation to the display device 20. The camera 10 includes cut-out means 13 for cutting out part of the moving image data which is recorded by being imaged by the camera 10 in accordance with an operation to the display device 20. The server 30 allows a user to browse the moving image data which is cut out by the cut-out means 13 with the user terminal 40.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a network system and an information processing apparatus using an imaging device and a display device.

Background Art

[0002] There are many stores (such as billiard halls and restaurants) where billiard tables are installed, and many people enjoy playing billiards.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] Of course, it is enjoyable to play billiards itself, but if the ways to enjoy billiards increase, it will lead to the spread of billiards. From this perspective, for example, Patent Document 1 discloses a communication system using a billiard device.

[0005] An object of the present invention is to provide a network system that can increase the ways to enjoy games such as billiards.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] The network system of the present invention includes an imaging device that captures the state of a competition in which a player moves a moving object toward a target object, and is arranged so that the player can operate it It functions as a scoreboard that displays scores. a display device, Extraction means that, in response to the operation of a dedicated extraction operation button displayed on the display device, extracts video data for a predetermined period of time in the past, based on the timing of the operation, from the video data captured and recorded by the imaging device. and, Cut out by the aforementioned cutting means an information processing apparatus that enables video data to be browsed on a predetermined user terminal.

Effects of the Invention

[0007] According to the present invention, a network system can be provided that can increase the ways in which people can enjoy sports such as billiards. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] This diagram shows the schematic configuration of the network system. [Figure 2] This diagram shows an image illustrating the installation of the camera and display device. [Figure 3] This figure shows an example of the functional configuration of a camera, display device, and server. [Figure 4] This figure shows an example of a display on a display device. [Figure 5] This figure shows an example of a display on a display device. [Figure 6] This figure shows an example of a display on a display device. [Figure 7] This figure shows an example of a display on a display device. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0009] Preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the attached drawings. Figure 1 shows a schematic configuration of the network system according to the embodiment. Figure 2 shows an installation image of the camera 10 and display device 20. Note that Figure 2 is an installation image, and the positional relationship between the camera 10, display device 20 and the billiard table 60 is just an example. For example, the camera 10 may be placed directly above the billiard table 60.

[0010] As shown in Figure 2, a digital camera (hereinafter simply referred to as "camera") 10 capable of recording video is installed above the billiard table 60. The camera 10 takes an overhead shot so as to capture the surface 60a of the billiard table 60. The video recorded by the camera 10 in this manner shows the movements of the players and the billiards, such as the balls moving on the surface 60a of the billiard table 60. The camera 10 records the recorded video data onto a recording medium. Hereinafter, the video data recorded on the recording medium will be referred to as "recorded data". The recorded data is stored for a certain period of time. In this embodiment, the camera 10 functions as an imaging device as defined in the present invention.

[0011] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 2, a touch-panel display device 20 is installed near the billiard table 60. The display device 20 functions as a scoreboard for displaying scores. The display device 20 can be positioned in a way that allows players to operate it, and may be a fixed type that is fixed to a wall or the like, or a portable type like a tablet device. In this embodiment, the display device 20 functions as a display device as defined in the present invention.

[0012] As shown in Figure 1, in the network system according to this embodiment, the camera 10 and display device 20 and the server 30 communicate via a network 50 such as the Internet. Communication also takes place between the camera 10 and the display device 20. Although only one set of camera 10 and display device 20 is shown, there is a set of camera 10 and display device 20 for each billiard table 60. Alternatively, multiple cameras 10 may be installed for a single billiard table 60, and multiple cameras 10 may be connected to a single display device 20.

[0013] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 1, the server 30 and the user terminal 40, such as a smartphone, communicate via a network such as the Internet. Users who use the services provided by the network system according to this embodiment (hereinafter referred to as "predetermined online services") register as members of the predetermined online services. Although only one user terminal 40 is shown in the figure, there may be multiple user terminals 40.

[0014] As will be described later, the server 30 makes the video data captured by the camera 10 viewable on the user terminal 40 of the user who has registered as a member in response to an operation on the display device 20. In the present embodiment, the server 30 functions as the information processing apparatus according to the present invention.

[0015] FIG. 3 shows a functional configuration example of the camera 10, the display device 20, and the server 30. Before explaining that, the game of billiards will be briefly described, and the outline of the service provided by the network system according to the embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 4 to 7. FIGS. 4 to 7 are diagrams showing display examples of the display device 20.

[0016] There are many types of games in billiards, such as nine-ball (9BALL), eight-ball (8BALL), ten-ball (10BALL), 5-9 (also called go-kyu, go-kok, etc.). For example, in nine-ball, basically two players play. The players hit the object balls in order of number and drop them into the pockets, and the player who finally drops the 9th ball wins. In nine-ball, it is a win or loss for each set (also called a mass). So, as the set progresses, the score is also a simple one like the number of wins and losses (1 vs. 0, 1 vs. 1, 2 vs. 1...).

[0017] On the other hand, 5-9 is the following game and can be played by three or more players. 5-9 is also called in Japan, etc. and is widely known, but there are various local rules. The rules are unified as follows and newly named "Battle Nine" to promote its spread. · Similar to nine-ball, the players hit the object balls in order of number and drop them into the pockets, and the 5th and 9th balls are scored. Depending on the player's level, balls other than the 5th and 9th can be set as penalty balls. Also, among the penalty balls, the 9th ball is 2 points, the others are 1 point, and if it is dropped into the side pocket, the score is doubled. · Your score will be obtained from other players. Generally, (points scored by the balls you dropped) × (number of other players) - (points scored by the balls dropped by other players) = your score. For example, when playing with 3 people, if the points scored by the balls you dropped are 4 and the points scored by the balls dropped by other players are 2, your score will be 4×2 - 2 = 6 points. · When you achieve a breakout (a big win), the score for that set will be doubled. · When the set ends and the scores of all players are the same, the score for the next set will be doubled. · When a break shot, combination shot, cannon shot, or accidentally, when all common balls with numbers other than the smallest number fall into the pocket, it will be the score of that player, and then that ball will be returned to the foot spot. In Battle Nine, unlike Nine Ball where there is a win or loss for each set, the score fluctuates as the play progresses within the set, and the score as the set progresses becomes a large value. Therefore, it is very convenient to use a scoreboard.

[0018] Hereinafter, taking Battle Nine as an example, the display example of the display device 20 will be described. Although the illustration is omitted, the type of game can be selected on the display game menu screen displayed on the display device 20. In this example, it is assumed that Battle Nine is selected.

[0019] When the type of game is selected, although the illustration is omitted, a player registration screen is displayed on the display device 20. On the player registration screen, registered users can be searched and registered as players. Also, even users who are not registered as members can be registered as guest players. In this example, as shown in FIGS. 4 to 7, it is assumed that five people, KIM, Robert, Charls, GUEST1 (guest player), and Kazu, are registered as players.

[0020] When the registration of players is completed, as shown in FIG. 4, a handicap setting screen 400 is displayed on the display device 20. The handicap setting screen 400 has a handicap setting section 401 for each player. As mentioned above, in Battle Nine, depending on the player's level, balls other than balls 5 and 9 can be designated as scoring balls as a handicap. The handicap setting section 401 displays number buttons 402 representing ball numbers 1 to 9. The number buttons 402 for balls 5 and 9 are displayed in a way that distinguishes them from the other number buttons 402 to indicate that they are the same scoring balls (for example, the number buttons 402 for balls 5 and 9 are shown in yellow). The number buttons 402 for balls 5 and 9 can be disabled. When a player touches the number button 402 of the ball they want to be the scoring ball, that ball is set as the scoring ball, and the number button 402 is displayed in a way that distinguishes it from the other number buttons 402 to indicate that it is the scoring ball for the handicap setting (for example, the number button 402 for the handicap setting is shown in blue). In the illustrated example, for example, balls 3 and 7 are set as scoring balls for KIM. Additionally, each player's handicap setting unit 401 displays their rank and win rate, which will be described later.

[0021] The order of play is automatically determined by shuffling, for example, at the start of the game. The handicap setting screen 400 has a setting unit 403 where you can select the number of sets (5 squares, 10 squares) to change the order of play, or you can choose not to shuffle (not to change the order of play). Alternatively, the user may be allowed to specify the order of play.

[0022] Next, when the game starts, the score display screen 500 is displayed on the display device 20, as shown in Figure 5. Figure 5 shows an example of the score display screen 500 after the 11th set from the start of the game. The score display screen 500 has score display sections 501 for each player. Each score display section 501 displays the player's name, the total score 501a from the start of the game to the present, and the current score 501b for the current set. The score display section 501 of the player currently playing is displayed in a way that distinguishes it from the score display sections 501 of other players (players who are not currently playing). For example, the score display section 501 of a player who is not currently playing is displayed in gray. In the illustrated example, KIM is the player currently playing. Touching the "NEXT PLAYER" button 502 allows you to change the player currently playing. Alternatively, the system could be designed so that, for example, touching the score display section 501 of the next player changes the player currently playing.

[0023] The score display screen 500 displays number buttons 503 representing the ball numbers 1 through 9. Here, the number buttons 503 for the common scoring balls, numbers 5 and 9, are shown in yellow, for example. In addition, the number buttons 503 for the scoring balls set for the player's handicap are shown in blue, for example. When a player sinks a ball into a pocket, they touch the corresponding number button 503. For example, if a player sinks ball number 5, they touch the number button 503 for number 5. The display device 20 receives this information according to the progress of the game, calculates each player's score, and updates the scores 501a and 501b on the score display unit 501. When a number button 503 is touched, the mark indicating that it is a remaining ball (a dot displayed above the number button 503) disappears, and the button becomes inoperable. In the illustrated example, balls 1 through 4 have already been pocketed.

[0024] As mentioned above, in Battle Nine, dropping a ball into a side pocket doubles your score. For example, you could implement a system where pressing and holding or double-tapping button 503, the number of the ball dropped into a pocket, doubles your score. Alternatively, you could place a side button, and when a ball is dropped into a side pocket, touching the side button and then touching button 503, the number of the ball dropped into the pocket, doubles your score.

[0025] Furthermore, as mentioned above, in Battle Nine, if a score ball that is not the lowest number but is common to all players falls into a pocket via a break shot, combination shot, cannon shot, or by chance, the score is awarded to that player, and the score ball is returned to the foot spot. For example, if the number button 503 for a score ball that is not the lowest number among the remaining balls is touched, the score is awarded to the player currently playing, and the corresponding number button 503 is automatically returned (as one of the remaining balls).

[0026] In this way, the display device 20 displays a score calculated based on information corresponding to the progress of the game. In games like Battle Nine, where the score fluctuates as the game progresses even within a set, and the score increases significantly as the set progresses, using the display device 20, which functions as a scoreboard, is highly convenient.

[0027] Additionally, an image display unit 504 is located on the score display screen 500. The image display unit 504 displays video data captured by the camera 10.

[0028] Furthermore, a "SUPER SHOT" button 505 is located on the score display screen 500. When the "SUPER SHOT" button 505 is touched, the camera 10 extracts video data from the recorded data for a predetermined amount of time in the past, based on the timing corresponding to the touch of the "SUPER SHOT" button 505. For example, 15 seconds of video data from the past, based on the timing of the touch of the "SUPER SHOT" button 505, will be extracted from the recorded data. Hereafter, this extracted video data will be referred to as "Super Shot video data". Note that the setting of how many seconds to extract will be reserved for the administrator. For example, the default setting will be 30 seconds, and the administrator will be able to change it to any time such as 15 seconds with their administrator privileges.

[0029] Super Shot video data is distributed via server 30 through a designated online service. That is, registered users can view Super Shot video data being distributed moment by moment from numerous users on their user terminals 40. When Super Shot video data is distributed, the player currently playing may be associated as the uploader when the "SUPER SHOT" button 505 is touched.

[0030] Furthermore, Super Shot video data is individually saved and managed as "My Videos" for each user, associated with the player playing when the "SUPER SHOT" button 505 is touched on server 30. In other words, registered users can view their own Super Shot video data at any time from the "My Videos" page on their user terminal 40. However, it is not possible to access other people's "My Videos" pages. In addition, it is possible to reuse one's own Super Shot video data by posting it on social media (for example, Instagram®, Twitter®, YouTube®, TikTok®, etc.).

[0031] Furthermore, when a player is a guest player, for example, the "SUPER SHOT" button 505 should be disabled, or a pop-up message indicating that it is unavailable should be displayed when the "SUPER SHOT" button 505 is touched. Furthermore, while it was stated that Super Shot video data would be distributed and saved as My Videos, it would also be possible to, for example, always save it as My Videos, but allow users to choose whether or not to distribute it.

[0032] In this way, with a simple operation of touching the "SUPER SHOT" button 505, super shot video data can be automatically generated and distributed or saved as a My Video without interrupting the billiards game. As in this embodiment, by deciding to extract a predetermined amount of video data (15 seconds), it is possible to generate, distribute, or save super shot video data as a My Video simply by touching the "SUPER SHOT" button 505.

[0033] The above describes how to generate Super Shot video data using the "SUPER SHOT" button 505. However, it is also possible to generate Super Shot video data from the main menu displayed on the display device 20. In this case, it would be possible to freely cut out the portion to be used as Super Shot video data while viewing the recorded data. This makes it possible to generate desired Super Shot video data when there is time available, such as after the end of a game, and distribute it or save it associated with a desired player.

[0034] Furthermore, while touching the "SUPER SHOT" button 505 will result in the Super Shot video data being delivered to a designated online service, in addition to or instead of this, the Super Shot video data may also be posted to social media.

[0035] In addition to the screens described so far, the display device 20 may also display a list screen 600 showing each player's total score, score in each set, etc., as shown in Figure 6. Alternatively, the display device 20 may also display a list screen 700 showing each player's ranking, number of wins, score, runout information (number of times and percentage of sets), break shot information (number of times and percentage of sets), and information on dropped scoring balls, etc., as shown in Figure 7. Furthermore, although not shown in the illustration, the display device 20 may also display a screen showing a line graph showing the time-series change in scores, with the horizontal axis representing the number of sets and the vertical axis representing the score.

[0036] Next, with reference to Figure 3, the functional configurations of the camera 10, display device 20, and server 30 will be described. The camera 10 comprises a communication control unit 11, a recording control unit 12, and a cropping unit 13. The communication control unit 11 controls communication with the display device 20 and the server 30. The recording control unit 12 records the captured video data onto a recording medium. The recorded data is stored for a certain period of time. The extraction unit 13 extracts a portion of the recorded data in response to an operation on the display device 20 to create Super Shot video data. For example, as described above, it extracts video data from the past 15 seconds, based on the timing when the "SUPER SHOT" button 505 was touched, from the recorded data. The camera 10 configured in this way is equipped with a computer device that includes, for example, a processor, memory, and storage, and the functions of each part 11 to 13 are realized when the processor executes a predetermined program.

[0037] The display device 20 comprises a communication control unit 21, an operation input unit 22, and a display control unit 23. The communication control unit 21 controls communication with the camera 10 and the server 30. The operation input unit 22 receives information about operations performed on the touch panel. The display control unit 23 controls the display of various screens (see, for example, Figures 4 to 7) based on information corresponding to the progress of the game, and calculates the score when displaying the score display screen 500. The display device 20, as described above, is configured with a computer device that includes, for example, a processor, memory, and storage, and the functions of each part 21 to 23 are realized when the processor executes a predetermined program.

[0038] The server 30 comprises a storage device 31, a communication control unit 32, a member management unit 33, a data management unit 34, and a service provision unit 35. The communication control unit 32 controls communication with the camera 10 and the display device 20, and also controls communication with the user terminal 40. The member management unit 33 uses the storage device 31 to store and manage information about registered users.

[0039] The data management unit 34 uses the storage device 31 to store and manage various types of data. Specifically, the data management unit 34 stores and manages the super shot video data sent from the camera 10, associating it with the player (user). Furthermore, the data management unit 34 stores and manages play data for each player, associating it with the player (user). As information corresponding to the progress of the game is input to the display device 20, play data that quantifies the results of the game is obtained for each player. For example, scores from past games can be used as play data. In addition, an index can be calculated based on the number of wins and rankings in past games (for example, the win rate displayed on the handicap setting screen 400), and this index can be used as play data.

[0040] The service provision unit 35 provides services to registered users. Specifically, the service provider unit 35 distributes Super Shot video data, making it viewable on the user terminals 40 of registered users, and also makes the Super Shot video data saved as "My Videos" viewable on each user's own user terminal 40. Furthermore, the service provider unit 35 enables each player to view their play data on their respective user terminal 40. It may also create and display rankings of registered users based on their play data. The server and storage device 31 described above is composed of a computer device equipped with, for example, a processor, memory, and storage, and the functions of each part 32 to 35 are realized by the processor executing a predetermined program. Although the server 30 is shown as a single device, multiple devices may cooperate to function as the server 30.

[0041] Note that the functions shown in Figure 3 as being possessed by the camera 10, display device 20, and server 30 may be provided by other devices. For example, although the camera 10 is shown to have the function of saving recorded data and extracting a portion of the recorded data, the server 30 may also have this function. Similarly, although the display device 20 is shown to have the function of calculating a score, the server 30 may also have this function.

[0042] As described above, in response to operations on the display device 20, video data captured by the camera 10 is made viewable on the user terminals 40 of registered users via the server 30. For example, super shot video data is distributed and made viewable on the user terminals 40 of registered users. In addition, super shot video data saved as "My Videos" can be viewed on each user's own user terminal 40. In this way, it is possible to have others watch your play or to review it yourself later, increasing the ways in which you can enjoy billiards. Furthermore, via server 30, players can view their individual play data on their user terminals 40, and rankings can be displayed. In this way, players can objectively assess their past performance and skill level, increasing their enjoyment of billiards. As described above, we can provide a network system that can increase the ways in which people can enjoy billiards.

[0043] In this embodiment, we have described an example where Super Shot video data is made viewable on the user terminal 40 of a registered user. However, it may also be made viewable on the user terminals of users who are not registered members. For example, with respect to Super Shot video data distributed via the server 30, registered users can view all of it on their user terminal 40, including past distributions, but the viewable range is limited on the user terminals of users who are not registered members.

[0044] Furthermore, although the embodiment described an example where the guest player cannot use the "SUPER SHOT" button 505, it is also possible to generate super shot video data and distribute it via the server 30 even when the player playing is a guest player and the "SUPER SHOT" button 505 is touched. In this case, the guest player should be associated as the uploader when the super shot video data is distributed. However, the guest player will not be able to use My Videos, and the video will not be saved as My Videos.

[0045] Although the present invention has been described above along with its embodiments, these embodiments are merely examples of how the present invention can be implemented, and the technical scope of the present invention should not be interpreted as being limited by them. In other words, the present invention can be implemented in various forms without departing from its technical concept or its main features. In this embodiment, a configuration was described in which information corresponding to the progress of the game is input by operating the display device 20 (for example, touching (or long-pressing or double-tapping) the number button 503 of the ball that has fallen into a pocket), but the invention is not limited to this. For example, as described in Patent Document 1, a technology has been proposed that uses a camera to automatically recognize which numbered ball has fallen into which pocket, and such recognition results may be used as information corresponding to the progress of the game.

[0046] Furthermore, in the embodiment, billiards (a sport in which players use a cue to roll a cue ball towards an object ball) was described as an example of a sport in which players move a moving object towards a target, but it is not limited to this. For example, darts is a sport in which players throw darts by hand at a target called a dartboard and compete for a score. Bowling is a sport in which players roll a ball towards targets called pins and compete for a score. In darts and bowling as well, by using an imaging device to film the action and a display device positioned so that the player can operate it, it is possible to generate, distribute, and save super shot video data as My Video, as described above. The present invention can also be realized by supplying a program that implements one or more of the functions of the above-described embodiments to a system or device via a network or storage medium, and by having one or more processors in the computer of that system or device read and execute the program. It can also be realized by a circuit (e.g., an ASIC) that implements one or more functions. [Explanation of symbols]

[0047] 10: Camera, 11: Communication control unit, 12: Recording control unit, 13: Cutting unit, 20: Display device, 21: Communication control unit, 22: Operation input unit, 23: Display control unit, 30: Server, 31: Storage device, 32: Communication control unit, 33: Member management unit, 34: Data management unit, 35: Service provision unit, 40: User terminal, 50: Network, 60: Billiard table

Claims

1. An imaging device that films the game in which players move a mobile object toward a target object, A display device that functions as a scoreboard for displaying scores, positioned so that the aforementioned player can operate it, A means for extracting video data for a predetermined period of time in the past, based on the timing at which the operation was performed, in response to the operation of a dedicated extraction operation button displayed on the display device, A network system characterized by comprising an information processing device that makes the video data extracted by the extraction means viewable on a predetermined user terminal.

2. The network system according to Claim 1, characterized in that the display device shows a score display section for each of the multiple players and an operation button specifically for cutting out, and it is possible to change the player during play.

3. An imaging device that films the game in which a player moves a mobile object toward a target object, and an information processing device that communicates with a display device that functions as a scoreboard and is positioned so that the player can operate it, An information processing device characterized by making available on a designated user terminal video data extracted from video data captured and recorded by the imaging device, for a predetermined period of time based on the timing at which the operation was performed, in response to the operation of a dedicated extraction operation button displayed on the display device.

Images