Display terminal, communication system, display method, communication method, and program

Abstract

To display a plurality of objects within a predetermined region image without requiring a user's effort even if the plurality of objects move within a predetermined region video while displaying the predetermined region video that is a predetermined region in a wide-field video.SOLUTION: A display terminal 30 accepts the designation of a first object displayed in a first predetermined region video that is a first predetermined region in a wide-field video and that is a predetermined region video within a first display region displayed on a display unit, accepts the designation of a second object displayed in a second predetermined region video that is a second predetermined region in the wide-field video and that is a predetermined region video within a second display region displayed on the display unit, displays the first predetermined region video in which the first object is continuously displayed within the first display region by following the movement of the first object, and displays the second predetermined region video in which the second object is continuously displayed within the second display region by following the movement of the second object.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 38

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a display terminal, a communication system, a display method, a communication method, and a program.

Background Art

[0002] For example, a wide-angle image (hereinafter referred to as a "wide-field image") having a wide viewing angle, which is captured in a wide imaging range including a 360-degree image (also referred to as an all-sky image, an omnidirectional image, or a full-surround image) in which the entire 360-degree circumference is imaged as an imaging range including portions that cannot be fully viewed at a normal angle of view, is known. This wide-field image is generated by an all-sky camera capturing a subject, a landscape, or the like.

[0003] Further, when a user views a wide-field image, since the entire image appears curved, a predetermined region that is a part of the wide-field image can be displayed on a display unit such as a display for viewing (see Patent Document 1).

[0004] However, when the wide-field image is a moving image (hereinafter referred to as a "wide-field video"), what is displayed on a display unit such as a display is a moving image of a predetermined region in the wide-field video (hereinafter referred to as a "predetermined region video"). Therefore, when a specific object that the user is focusing on moves, the specific object shown in the predetermined region video moves, and a situation occurs where a part or all of the specific object is not displayed within the display unit. In this case, the user needs to manually change the display of the predetermined region video so that the specific object is redisplayed on the display unit by moving a virtual viewpoint in the wide-field video through a screen operation on the display unit.

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] However, manually displaying a specific object on the screen is cumbersome for the user. Furthermore, if the object moves while the user is not looking at the screen, it becomes difficult to determine where the object is located in the wide-view video that is not displayed on the screen, making it time-consuming to find the object within the wide-view video. In particular, if the user is interested in multiple objects, each object may move in a different direction, making it difficult to find multiple objects within the wide-view video.

[0006] The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned problems, and aims to display multiple objects within a predetermined region image without requiring any effort from the user, even when multiple objects move within a predetermined region image during the display of a predetermined region image, which is a predetermined region image in a wide-field video. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The invention according to claim 1 is a display terminal that displays a predetermined region video, which is a predetermined region in a wide-view video having a wide field of view, on a display unit, the display unit receiving the designation of a first object that is shown in a predetermined region video within a first display area displayed on the display unit, which is a first predetermined region in the wide-view video, and a receiving unit that receives the designation of a second object that is shown in a predetermined region video within a second display area displayed on the display unit, which is a second predetermined region in the wide-view video, and the The first object By following the movement of the designated first object, the first predetermined area video in which the first object is continuously displayed within the first display area is shown, The second object The display terminal is characterized by having a display control unit that, in accordance with the movement of the second object that has been designated, displays a second predetermined area video in which the second object is continuously displayed within the second display area. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] As described above, the present invention has the effect of displaying multiple objects within a predetermined region image without requiring any effort from the user, even when multiple objects move within the predetermined region image during the display of a predetermined region video, which is a predetermined region in a wide-field video. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0009] [Figure 1] This figure illustrates an example of remote communication using wide-field imaging. [Figure 2] This is an example of a schematic diagram of a communication system configuration. [Figure 3] This is an example of a hardware configuration diagram for an imaging device. [Figure 4] This is an example of a hardware configuration diagram for a communication terminal and an information processing system. [Figure 5] (a) is a left side view of the imaging device, (b) is a front view of the imaging device, and (c) is a top view of the imaging device. [Figure 6] This is a diagram illustrating the use of the imaging device. [Figure 7] (a) is a hemispherical image (front) captured by the imaging device, (b) is a hemispherical image (back) captured by the imaging device, and (c) is an image represented using equirectangular projection. [Figure 8] (a) A conceptual diagram showing the state of covering the sphere with an equirectangular projection image, and (b) A diagram showing a full-sphere image. [Figure 9] This diagram shows the positions of a virtual camera and a predetermined region when a 360-degree image is treated as a three-dimensional sphere. [Figure 10] (a) is a stereoscopic perspective view of Figure 5, (b) is a diagram showing the predetermined region image in the state of (a) on the display, (c) is a diagram showing the predetermined region after changing the viewpoint of the virtual camera IC in (a), and (d) is a diagram showing the predetermined region image in the state of (c) on the display. [Figure 11] This figure shows the relationship between information from a predetermined region and an image of a predetermined region T. [Figure 12] This is a diagram showing a point in three-dimensional Euclidean space using spherical coordinates. [Figure 13] This is an example of the functional configuration diagram of a communication system. [Figure 14] (a) and (b) are conceptual diagrams showing the image management information stored in the image management information storage unit. [Figure 15] This is a conceptual diagram showing the virtual room information stored in the virtual room information storage unit. [Figure 16] This is a conceptual diagram showing the tenant information stored in the tenant information storage unit. [Figure 17] Regarding the conceptual diagram showing the display area information stored in the display area information storage unit, (a) is a diagram showing the state before adding the display area, and (b) is a diagram showing the state after adding the display area. [Figure 18] (a) is a diagram showing an example of an entrance screen. (b) is a diagram showing an example of an image viewing screen displayed by the communication terminal when the user enters the virtual room. [Figure 19] This is an example of a sequence diagram explaining the process of a user (or communication terminal) entering a virtual room. [Figure 20] This is a diagram showing an example of a device registration screen displayed by the communication terminal. [Figure 21] (a) is an example of a diagram showing an imaging device registration dialog. (b) is an example of a diagram showing a two-dimensional code screen. [Figure 22] This is a diagram showing an example of a VR goggles registration screen displayed when the VR goggles registration button is pressed. [Figure 23] This is a diagram showing an example of a virtual room association screen (part 1) for associating an imaging device with a virtual room. [Figure 24] This is a diagram showing an example of a virtual room association screen (part 2). [Figure 25] This is a diagram showing an example of a virtual room association screen (part 3). [Figure 26] This is a diagram showing an example of a wide-angle image transmission start / stop dialog displayed by the communication terminal. [Figure 27]This is an example of a sequence diagram showing the procedure for a user to register an imaging device in a virtual room. [Figure 28] This is an example of a sequence diagram explaining the flow in which a wide-view image is shared. [Figure 29] This is a flowchart showing an overview of the processing from participation to exit from a virtual room. [Figure 30] This is a sequence diagram showing the participation process in a virtual room. [Figure 31] This is a flowchart showing the process of tracking a specific object displayed in a video within a predetermined area. [Figure 32] This is a sequence diagram showing the process of adding an additional display area. [Figure 33] This is a sequence diagram showing the deletion process of a display area. [Figure 34] This is a sequence diagram showing the exit process from a virtual room. [Figure 35] This is a diagram showing a remote communication screen displaying a predetermined area video in which a construction site is projected. [Figure 36] This is a diagram showing a remote communication screen displaying a predetermined area video in which a construction site is projected. [Figure 37] This is a diagram showing a remote communication screen displaying a predetermined area video in which a construction site is projected. [Figure 38] This is a diagram showing a state in which the display area 412 is additionally displayed. [Figure 39] This is a diagram showing a state in which, with respect to FIG. 38, a designation of a tracking object is received on the display area 412. [Figure 40] This is a diagram showing a screen in which the selected object b1 is displayed at the center of the display area 412 with respect to FIG. 39. [Figure 41] [[ID=,42]]This is a diagram showing a screen after a predetermined time has elapsed with respect to FIG. 40. [Figure 42] This is a diagram showing a remote communication screen displaying a predetermined area video in which a concert venue is projected. [Figure 43]This diagram shows a remote communication screen displaying a video of a designated area showing a concert venue. [Figure 44] This diagram shows a remote communication screen displaying a video of a designated area showing a concert venue. [Figure 45] This figure shows the display area increased compared to Figure 44. [Figure 46] This diagram illustrates an example of remote communication where a communication system is applied to telemedicine. [Figure 47] This figure shows an example of a virtual room mapping screen used to associate imaging equipment with a virtual room in the case of telemedicine. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0010] The following describes an example of an embodiment for carrying out the present invention: an information processing system and an image transmission method performed by the information processing system.

[0011] <An example of remote communication> Figure 1 illustrates an example of remote communication using wide-field imaging. In Figure 1, three locations A to C communicate via an information processing system 50. The number of locations is just an example; there could be two locations, four or more locations, or any number of locations.

[0012] Location A is, for example, a construction site. Locations B and C can be anywhere, such as an office, as long as they are locations where wide-field images can be transmitted. Location A is equipped with an imaging device 10 that can generate wide-field images, such as a 360-degree spherical image, or wide-angle wide-field images of the surroundings, such as 180 to 360 degrees in the vertical or horizontal direction, by capturing images of subjects, etc. Hereafter, such wide-angle images will simply be referred to as "wide-field images." Locations A to C are equipped with various communication terminals 30A to 30C for viewing wide-field images. Hereafter, any of the communication terminals 30A to 30C will be referred to as "communication terminal 30."

[0013] At the construction site, various construction works are being carried out by workers at each location. The imaging device captures the entire construction site to generate a wide-field image that shows the whole site. If there is a construction or work that users at each location A to C want to focus on, users a to c at each location A to C can arbitrarily change their virtual viewpoint to check it. In this case, the viewpoint is the center position or range of a predetermined area displayed on a display screen or similar screen within the entire wide-field image.

[0014] The imaging device 10 can be mounted on a tripod 86 or on an arm 85 via a gimbal 87. A relay device (in Figure 1, the communication terminal 30A also serves as the relay device) is installed at the construction site, and the communication terminal 30A transmits the wide-field images received from the imaging device 10 via wired or wireless connection to the information processing system 50. The communication terminal 30A can also serve as a terminal for viewing the wide-field images. A camera 9 is connected to (or built into) the communication terminal 30, and images of a normal field of view (or 360-degree images) captured by the camera 9 can also be transmitted to the information processing system 50. In addition, user a (for example, a worker) can wear smart glasses 88, and images of a normal field of view (or 360-degree images) generated by the smart glasses 88 may be transmitted to the information processing system 50. Smart glasses 88 are information terminals that display information acquired via the internet on a display while maintaining a field of view. Smart glasses 88 may be placed at any location.

[0015] On the other hand, at site B, a PC (Personal Computer) or smartphone is provided as an example of a communication terminal 30B. Furthermore, any device capable of communicating with the information processing system 50 can be a communication terminal 30B; other devices such as tablet terminals, PDAs (Personal Digital Assistants), electronic whiteboards, or projectors are also acceptable. A camera may be built into or connected to the communication terminal 30B.

[0016] Furthermore, at base C, an example of a communication terminal 30C is a PC, smartphone, VR (Virtual Reality) goggles 89, etc. In Figure 1, a camera 8 is built into or connected to the communication terminal 30C. The VR goggles 89 is an information terminal that displays an artificial world on a computer or a 360-degree image according to the direction of movement of the head or body. The VR goggles 89 may also be a smartphone with VR goggles attached, such as Hakosco (a VR scope with a cardboard body and plastic lenses that can be easily assembled and a smartphone inserted to enjoy VR). The camera 8 may be for wide-angle or normal field of view. In addition, the communication terminal 30C may be any device that can communicate with the information processing system 50, such as a tablet terminal, PDA, electronic whiteboard, or projector. The VR goggles 89 may be placed at any base.

[0017] In this embodiment, the imaging device 10 and each communication terminal 30 manage communication within a communication group called a "virtual room." The imaging device 10 is associated with the virtual room, and the communication terminal 30 (the user operating the communication terminal 30) enters this virtual room and receives the wide-field image transmitted by the imaging device 10, allowing the user to view the wide-field image. Smart glasses 88 and VR goggles 89 can also be associated with the virtual room. Cameras 8 and 9 enter the virtual room in the same way as the communication terminal 30.

[0018] Users a to c at locations A to C can arbitrarily change the viewpoint of the wide-field image on their respective communication terminals 30. Therefore, since users a to c are viewing the wide-field image in real time, there is a possibility that they are each seeing a different viewpoint, which could make communication difficult. To address this, this embodiment allows the virtual viewpoint information set on the communication terminal 30 of any given location to be shared with the communication terminals 30 of other locations. The general outline of this sharing is explained below. For illustrative purposes, the case where the viewpoint specified by user b at location B is shared with users a and c at locations A and C is shown.

[0019] (1) Communication terminals 30A to 30C share a wide-field image (an example of a first wide-field image) generated by the imaging device 10. When user b requests a wide-field image while viewing from an arbitrary viewpoint on communication terminal 30B, communication terminal 30B (an example of a first communication terminal) transmits viewpoint information and an imaging request to the information processing system 50.

[0020] (2) In response to the imaging request, the information processing system 50 specifies viewpoint information and requests the imaging device 10 to take an image (either a still image or a video).

[0021] (3) The imaging device 10 takes an image in response to an imaging request and stores the wide-field image (an example of a second wide-field image) and viewpoint information in association with a URL (an example of storage location information; in Figure 1, the storage location on the storage 90) notified by the information processing system 50. The wide-field image stored on the storage 90 can be downloaded and displayed by any communication terminal 30.

[0022] (4) The information processing system 50 sends a URL to the communication terminal 30B.

[0023] (5) The information processing system 50 also automatically or at the request of user b transmits the URL to the communication terminals 30A and 30C (an example of a second communication terminal) that are in the same virtual room.

[0024] (6) The communication terminals 30A and 30C access a URL to receive viewpoint information and a wide-field image, and set the viewpoint of the wide-field image identified by the viewpoint information to align with the center of the image field and display it. However, it is not necessary to align the viewpoint perfectly with the center; the viewpoint may be set to be included in the area near the center of the image field and displayed.

[0025] The same applies when sharing the perspective of user a at location A with users at locations B and C, and when sharing the perspective of a user at location C with users at locations A and B.

[0026] As described above, in this embodiment, even when a wide-field image is distributed, viewpoint information is shared so that the predetermined area of ​​focus at each location is displayed, making it easier for users to communicate their intentions.

[0027] In addition, in (3), the imaging device 10 can transmit the wide-field image itself to the information processing system 50, and in (4), the information processing system 50 can transmit the wide-field image to the communication terminals 30A to 30C.

[0028] Furthermore, while Figure 1 illustrates an example where the imaging device 10 is deployed at a construction site, this embodiment can also be applied to VR education, event distribution, remote customer service, telemedicine, and the like. In VR education, the imaging device 10 is deployed at a site location such as a laboratory, allowing students to view blackboards, equipment, samples, experimental results, etc., from a remote location by arbitrarily changing their viewpoint. In event distribution, the imaging device 10 is deployed at the event venue, allowing event participants, such as spectators, to view the venue online from a remote location by arbitrarily changing their viewpoint. The venue includes images of performers, contestants, presenters, products and exhibits explained at the event, images of materials explained at the event, and images of the venue's condition. The event venue can be indoors or outdoors and includes venues for sports, concerts, plays, etc. In remote customer service, for example, when applied to customer service at a travel agency, the imaging device 10 is deployed at the travel destination, allowing customers to review their itinerary from a remote location by arbitrarily changing their viewpoint. In telemedicine, the imaging device 10 is placed in a medical setting such as an operating room, and doctors, students, medical equipment personnel, etc., can remotely change their viewpoint and view the actions of doctors and nurses performing medical procedures in the medical setting, the placement of equipment, the patient's condition, vital signs, etc.

[0029] The locations where images are captured are not limited to these; any space where users (viewers) at the viewing location have a need to understand the situation at a remote location, such as schools, factories, warehouses, construction sites, server rooms, or stores, is acceptable.

[0030] <About Terminology> A tenant refers to a group of users associated with a contract unit when contracting to receive an image distribution service from a service provider (in this embodiment, an information processing system). This includes contracting companies, organizations, individuals, etc. Therefore, a tenant can also be referred to as a user group. While a user may belong to a tenant as an example, an individual user may also subscribe to the service. In addition to users, imaging devices, virtual rooms, etc., are registered within a tenant (user group).

[0031] A base of operations refers to a place that serves as the foundation for activities. In this embodiment, a conference room is used as an example of a base of operations. A conference room is a room set up primarily for the purpose of holding meetings. Meetings are also called gatherings, meetings, discussions, assemblies, and other similar terms.

[0032] A device refers to an apparatus other than a general-purpose communication terminal 30 such as a PC or smartphone, and is an imaging device or a wide-field image viewing device. In this embodiment, examples include an imaging device 10, smart glasses 88, and VR goggles 89.

[0033] Viewpoint information refers to parameter information that specifies which predetermined region of a wide-field image to display on the display screen. In this embodiment, the "radial radius," "polar angle," and "azimuth angle" corresponding to the center of the wide-field image displayed on the display screen are described as examples of viewpoint information, but it may also be specified by other parameter information such as the coordinates of diagonal vertices.

[0034] A wide-field image refers to an image that has a wide viewing angle that is wider than the display range that can be displayed at once on the display screen (the area where the wide-field image is displayed) in a given display method. A wide-field image has a display range of up to 360 degrees (or 180 degrees) vertically and 360 degrees horizontally, but any image that has a wide viewing angle that is wider than the display range that can be displayed at once on the display is also included as a wide-field image, even if it is less than 360 degrees vertically or horizontally. Images with a display range of 160 degrees or more vertically and horizontally are also included as wide-field images. For example, an image with a display range wider than the range that a human can see at once is also included as a wide-field image. In addition, depending on the display method, even an image that can be displayed at once on the display screen can be included as a wide-field image if it has a wide viewing angle when switched to or changed to a given display method. In this embodiment, an equirectangular spherical image is used as an example of a wide-field image, but omnidirectional images, hemispherical images, 3D panoramic images, 2D panoramic images, and VR images are also included in the wide-field image category. The wide-field image may also be an image in the form of cube mapping, dome master, etc. Furthermore, the spherical image may be in a format other than equirectangular.

[0035] Images captured with a normal field of view are not wide-field images, but in this embodiment, they will be described as non-wide-field images (planar images).

[0036] A communication group is a collection of users from whom wide-field images are shared (distributed). In a normal space, a communication group is described as a virtual room, meaning that when each user enters the same room, each user can share the wide-field image. Here, "virtual" means that it is realized through information processing via a network.

[0037] Users at each location communicate remotely with each other. Remote communication is a meeting held at a remote location. A meeting is when people gather together for consultation, discussion, or other purposes. Meetings can take various forms, such as customer service, conferences, gatherings, meetings, study groups, classes, seminars, and presentations. It does not necessarily have to be two-way communication. Therefore, a virtual room may also be called a virtual conference room.

[0038] <Example of a communication system configuration> Figure 2 is an example of a schematic diagram of the configuration of communication system 1a. Figure 1 is an example of applying communication system 1a from Figure 2 to remote communication with the field. Communication system 1a is a system that transmits and receives wide-field images and normal-angle images captured by the imaging device 10 bidirectionally between multiple locations. By displaying images distributed from one location at other locations, users at other locations can view the images. As an example of a wide-field image, a 360-degree spherical image captured by the imaging device 10 is distributed. Communication system 1a can, for example, allow a wide-field image captured at a predetermined location to be viewed at other locations in remote locations.

[0039] As shown in Figure 2, in the communication system 1a, the imaging device 10, communication terminal 30A, and information processing system 50 located at base A, and the communication terminals 30B and 30C located at each of the multiple bases (bases B and C), are connected in a way that enables communication.

[0040] If the imaging device 10 has a communication function that allows it to connect directly to the communication network N, then a communication terminal 30A acting as a relay device (e.g., a router) is not necessary. In this case, the communication terminal 30A connects to the communication network N without the imaging device 10. However, if the communication terminal 30A is located at site A, the communication terminal 30A also functions as a relay device, allowing user a to view wide-field images in the same way as with communication terminals 30B and 30C. Furthermore, imaging devices 10 may be located at other sites besides site A, or multiple imaging devices 10 may be located at site A.

[0041] Each communication terminal 30 and information processing system 50 can communicate via the communication network N. The communication network N is constructed using the Internet, mobile communication networks, LANs (Local Area Networks), etc. The communication network N may include not only wired communication but also wireless communication networks such as 3G (3rd Generation), 4G (4th Generation), 5G (5th Generation), Wi-Fi (Wireless Fidelity) (registered trademark), WiMAX (Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access), or LTE (Long Term Evolution).

[0042] The imaging device 10 is a digital camera capable of capturing images of subjects, landscapes, etc., to obtain two hemispherical images, which then generate a single full-sphere image. The wide-field image obtained by the imaging device 10 may be a video, a still image, or both. The captured image may also include sound along with the image.

[0043] The communication terminal 30 is a computer such as a PC used by users at each location. The communication terminal 30 displays images obtained by imaging at its own location, wide-field images (still images or videos) distributed from other locations, and images with a normal field of view. For example, the communication terminal 30 acquires wide-field images captured by the imaging device 10 via the communication network N. The communication terminal 30 also has image processing software such as OpenGL ES installed, and can display images based on viewpoint information that identifies a part of the wide-field image. Note that OpenGL ES is just one example of image processing software, and other software may be used. Furthermore, even if image processing software is not installed, image processing may be performed by software received from an external source, or image display may be performed by receiving the results of image processing performed by external software. In other words, the communication terminal 30 can display a predetermined area of ​​a wide-field image.

[0044] The communication terminal 30 can arbitrarily change the viewpoint relative to the display range of a wide-field image in response to user operation. The communication terminal 30 can change the field of view (predetermined area) based on viewpoint information corresponding to the changed viewpoint by moving the virtual viewpoint in response to user operation input (including key input, drag, scrolling, etc.) to a touch panel, directional buttons, mouse, keyboard, touchpad, etc. Furthermore, if the communication terminal 30 is a communication terminal worn by a user, such as VR goggles, the communication terminal 30 may detect the change in posture information of the communication terminal 30 in response to changes in the movements of the user wearing it, and change the field of view (predetermined area) based on viewpoint information corresponding to the changed viewpoint by moving the virtual viewpoint in response to the detected posture information.

[0045] The communication terminal 30A distributes wide-field images acquired from the imaging device 10 via a wired cable, such as a USB (Universal Serial Bus) cable, connected to the input / output I / F 116 described later, to communication terminals 30 at other locations via the information processing system 50. The connection between the imaging device 10 and the communication terminal 30A may be a wireless connection using short-range wireless communication, etc., instead of a wired connection using a wired cable. Multiple communication terminals 30A may be located at location A.

[0046] In some cases, a user at location A may wear smart glasses 88, and the smart glasses 88 may connect to the communication network N. In this case, the images captured by the smart glasses 88 are transmitted to the information processing system 50 via the communication network N, and the information processing system 50 can distribute them to the communication terminals 30 at each location.

[0047] Communication terminal 30B is located at site B where user b is located, and communication terminal 30C is located at site C where user c is located. Multiple communication terminals 30B and 30C may be located at sites B and C. Furthermore, communication terminals 30B and 30C may be carried around by user b and user c, respectively.

[0048] Furthermore, the communication terminals 30A to 30C at locations A to C can have cameras 8 and 9 built-in or externally attached as imaging units, and the communication terminals 30A to 30C can distribute images of their own location captured by their own cameras 8 and 9 to other locations. In addition, any devices may be placed at locations A to C.

[0049] The arrangement of each terminal and device (communication terminal 30 and imaging device) and the user shown in Figure 2 is just an example, and other examples may be used. Furthermore, the communication terminal 30 is not limited to a PC, but may be, for example, a tablet terminal, smartphone, PDA, wearable device (including smart glasses and VR goggles), PJ (Projector), electronic whiteboard (a whiteboard with electronic blackboard functionality that enables mutual communication), or autonomous mobile robot. The communication terminal 30 can be any computer on which a dedicated application for a web browser or image distribution service runs.

[0050] Furthermore, if the imaging device 10 has a display, it may be configured to display images distributed from other locations.

[0051] The information processing system 50 has one or more information processing devices. The information processing system 50 manages and controls communication between the imaging devices 10 and communication terminals 30 at each location, and manages the wide-field images that are transmitted and received. The information processing system 50 provides a platform that allows users to utilize the functions necessary to provide an image distribution service that distributes wide-field images. This platform may be made available to service providers, such as individuals or companies that wish to provide image distribution services, by contract. Hereinafter, in order to distinguish them from tenants that receive image distribution services, service providers who provide image distribution services to users using the contracted platform will be referred to as platform subscribers.

[0052] Therefore, the information processing system 50 may, as a platform, expose an API (Application Programming Interface), allowing platform subscribers to use this API to provide various image distribution services. Platform subscribers only need to develop software such as applications that handle screens displayed by the communication terminal 30 and API calls, and do not need to develop functions provided by APIs such as image distribution from scratch.

[0053] The information processing system 50 may be constructed using a single computer, or it may be constructed using multiple computers, each part (function or means) of which is arbitrarily assigned. Furthermore, all or part of the functions of the information processing system 50 may be server computers located in a cloud environment, or server computers located in an on-premises environment.

[0054] Storage 90 is a memory device that stores data such as wide-field images. Storage 90 may be an external storage device separate from the information processing system 50 (it may be storage located on the cloud or storage located on-premises), or it may be storage included in the information processing system 50.

[0055] <Example Hardware Configuration> Next, the hardware configuration of each device or terminal in the image communication system according to this embodiment will be described using Figures 3 and 4. Note that the hardware configuration shown in Figures 3 and 4 may have components added or removed as needed.

[0056] <<Hardware configuration of the imaging device>> First, the hardware configuration of the imaging device 10 will be explained using Figure 3. Figure 3 is a diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the imaging device 10. In the following, the imaging device 10 will be described as a 360-degree (omnidirectional) imaging device using two image sensors, but it may have one image sensor or two or more. Furthermore, it is not necessarily required to be a device dedicated to omnidirectional imaging; an omnidirectional imaging unit can be attached to a regular digital camera or smartphone, etc., to provide essentially the same functionality as the imaging device 10.

[0057] As shown in Figure 3, the imaging device 10 consists of an imaging unit 101, an image processing unit 104, an imaging control unit 105, a microphone 108, a sound processing unit 109, a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 111, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 112, an SRAM (Static Random Access Memory) 113, a DRAM (Dynamic Random Access Memory) 114, an operation unit 115, an input / output interface 116, a short-range communication circuit 117, an antenna 117a for the short-range communication circuit 117, an electronic compass 118, a gyro sensor 119, an acceleration sensor 120, and a network interface 121.

[0058] Of these, the imaging unit 101 includes wide-angle lenses 102a and 102b (hereinafter referred to as lenses 102 unless otherwise specified) capable of capturing images with a field of view of 180° or more to form a hemispherical image, and two image sensors 103a and 103b provided in correspondence with each of the lenses 102a and 102b.

[0059] Furthermore, the image sensors 103a and 103b include an image sensor such as a CMOS (Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor) sensor or a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) sensor that converts the optical image from the lens 102a, 102b, etc., into electrical signal image data and outputs it, a timing generation circuit that generates horizontal or vertical synchronization signals and pixel clocks for the image sensor, and a group of registers for which various commands or parameters necessary for the operation of the image sensor are set. Note that the configuration in which the imaging unit 101 has two wide-angle lenses is merely an example; it may have only one, or three or more.

[0060] The image sensors 103a and 103b of the imaging unit 101 are each connected to the image processing unit 104 via a parallel I / F bus. On the other hand, the image sensors 103a and 103b of the imaging unit 101 are each connected to the imaging control unit 105 via a serial I / F bus (such as an I2C bus).

[0061] The image processing unit 104, the imaging control unit 105, and the sound processing unit 109 are connected to the CPU 111 via the bus 110. In addition, the bus 110 is also connected to the ROM 112, SRAM 113, DRAM 114, the control unit 115, the input / output interface 116, the short-range communication circuit 117, the electronic compass 118, the gyro sensor 119, the acceleration sensor 120, and the network interface 121, among others.

[0062] The image processing unit 104 receives image data output from image sensors 103a and 103b via a parallel I / F bus, performs predetermined processing on each image data, and then combines these image data to create data for an equirectangular projection image (an example of a wide-field image), which will be described later.

[0063] The imaging control unit 105 generally uses the I2C bus to set commands and other information in the registers of the image sensors 103a and 103b, with the imaging control unit 105 as the master device and the image sensors 103a and 103b as slave devices. The necessary commands and other information are received from the CPU 111. The imaging control unit 105 also uses the I2C bus to acquire status data and other information from the registers of the image sensors 103a and 103b and send it to the CPU 111.

[0064] Furthermore, the imaging control unit 105 instructs the image sensors 103a and 103b to output image data when the shutter button on the operation unit 115 is pressed. Depending on the imaging device 10, there may also be functions to display a preview or video on a display (for example, the display of an external terminal such as a smartphone that communicates with the imaging device 10 via a short-range communication circuit 117). In this case, the image data output from the image sensors 103a and 103b is performed continuously at a predetermined frame rate (frames / minute).

[0065] Furthermore, as will be described later, the imaging control unit 105 also functions as a synchronization control means that works in cooperation with the CPU 111 to synchronize the output timing of image data from the image sensors 103a and 103b. In this embodiment, the imaging device 10 is not provided with a display unit, but a display unit may be provided. The microphone 108 converts sound into sound (signal) data. The sound processing unit 109 takes in the sound data output from the microphone 108 through the I / F bus and performs predetermined processing on the sound data.

[0066] The CPU 111 controls the overall operation of the imaging device 10 and executes necessary processing. The ROM 112 stores various programs for the CPU 111. The SRAM 113 and DRAM 114 are work memories that store programs executed by the CPU 111 and data in progress. In particular, the DRAM 114 stores image data in progress of processing by the image processing unit 104 and data of completed equirectangular projection images.

[0067] The control unit 115 is a collective term for various operation buttons, a power switch, a shutter button, and a touch panel that combines display and operation functions. The user inputs various imaging modes, imaging conditions, etc., by operating the control unit 115.

[0068] The input / output interface (I / F) 116 is a general term for interface circuits (such as USB I / F) to external media such as SD cards or personal computers. The I / F 116 can be wireless or wired. The data of the equirectangular projection image stored in the DRAM 114 is recorded to external media via the I / F 116, or transmitted to an external terminal (device) via the I / F 116 as needed.

[0069] The short-range communication circuit 117 communicates with an external terminal (device) via an antenna 117a provided on the imaging device 10 using a short-range wireless communication technology such as NFC (Near Field Communication), Bluetooth (registered trademark), or Wi-Fi. The short-range communication circuit 117 can transmit equirectangular projection image data to the external terminal (device).

[0070] The electronic compass 118 calculates the orientation of the imaging device 10 from the Earth's magnetic field and outputs orientation information. This orientation information is an example of related information (metadata) in accordance with Exif, and is used for image processing such as image correction of captured images. The related information also includes the date and time the image was captured and the data size of the image data.

[0071] The gyro sensor 119 is a sensor that detects changes in angle (roll angle, pitch angle, yaw angle) associated with the movement of the imaging device 10. The changes in angle are an example of related information (metadata) according to Exif, and are used for image processing such as image correction of captured images.

[0072] The acceleration sensor 120 is a sensor that detects acceleration in three axes. The imaging device 10 calculates its own orientation (angle relative to the direction of gravity) based on the acceleration detected by the acceleration sensor 120. By providing the acceleration sensor 120, the accuracy of image correction in the imaging device 10 is improved.

[0073] Network I / F 121 is an interface for data communication using a communication network N such as the Internet via a router or the like. Furthermore, the hardware configuration of the imaging device 10 is not limited to what is shown here, and any configuration that can realize the functional configuration of the imaging device 10 is acceptable. In addition, at least a part of the above hardware configuration may reside on the communication network N.

[0074] <<Hardware configuration of the communication terminal>> Figure 4 shows an example of the hardware configuration of the communication terminal 30 and the information processing system 50. First, the communication terminal 30 will be described. The hardware configuration of the communication terminal 30 is indicated by codes in the 300 series. The communication terminal 30 is built by a computer and, as shown in Figure 4, is equipped with a CPU 301, ROM 302, RAM 303, HDD (Hard Disk) 304, HDD controller 305, display 306, external device connection I / F 308, network I / F 309, bus line 310, keyboard 311, pointing device 312, DVD-RW (Digital Versatile Disk Rewritable) drive 314, media I / F 316, sound input / output I / F 317, microphone 318, speaker 319, short-range communication circuit 320, and camera 321.

[0075] Of these components, the CPU 301 controls the overall operation of the communication terminal 30. The ROM 302 stores programs used to drive the CPU 301, such as the IPL. The RAM 303 is used as the work area for the CPU 301. The HDD 304 stores various data, such as programs and data. The HDD controller 305 controls the reading or writing of various data to the HDD 304 according to the control of the CPU 301.

[0076] The display 306 displays various information such as cursors, menus, windows, characters, or images. The display 306 may be a touch panel display equipped with input means. Note that the display 306 is just one example of a display unit. The display unit includes not only the display provided on the communication terminal 30, but also an external display of the communication terminal 30, an external display of another communication terminal attached to the communication terminal 30, or a screen projected by a projector (including the object to be displayed by projection mapping).

[0077] The external device connection interface 308 is an interface for connecting various external devices. In this case, external devices include, for example, USB memory or printers. The network interface 309 is an interface for data communication using the communication network N. The bus line 310 is an address bus or data bus, etc., for electrically connecting each component, such as the CPU 301 shown in Figure 4. Note that the HDD 304 and HDD controller 305 are examples of storage for storing programs and data, etc., and may be SSDs (Solid State Drives) or SSD controllers, respectively.

[0078] The keyboard 311 is a type of input means equipped with multiple keys for inputting characters, numbers, various instructions, etc. The pointing device 312 is a type of input means for selecting or executing various instructions, selecting processing targets, or moving a cursor, etc. Note that the input means may not be limited to the keyboard 311 and the pointing device 312, but may also be a touch panel or an audio input device, etc. The DVD-RW drive 314 controls the reading or writing of various data to the DVD-RW 313, which is an example of a removable recording medium. Note that the DVD-RW 313 may be a DVD-R or a Blu-ray® Disc, etc. The media I / F 316 controls the reading or writing (storage) of data to the recording medium 315, such as flash memory. The microphone 318 is a type of built-in sound collection means for inputting sound. The sound input / output I / F 317 is a circuit that processes the input and output of sound signals between the microphone 318 and the speaker 319 according to the control of the CPU 301. The short-range communication circuit 320 is a communication circuit for communicating with an external terminal (device) using short-range wireless communication technology such as NFC, Bluetooth (registered trademark), or Wi-Fi. The camera 321 is a type of built-in imaging means that captures an image of a subject and obtains image data. Note that the microphone 318, speaker 319, and camera 321 may be external devices rather than being built into the communication terminal 30.

[0079] Furthermore, the hardware configuration of the communication terminal 30 is not limited to that shown herein; any configuration that can realize the functional configuration of the communication terminal 30 is acceptable. In addition, at least a part of the above hardware configuration may reside on the network N.

[0080] <<Hardware configuration of the information processing system>> As shown in Figure 4, each hardware component of the information processing system 50 is indicated by a 500-series code in parentheses. The information processing system 50 is built using a computer and has a configuration similar to that of the communication terminal 30, as shown in Figure 4; therefore, a description of each hardware component is omitted.

[0081] Furthermore, the hardware configuration of the information processing system 50 is not limited to those shown herein; any configuration that can realize the functional configuration of the information processing system 50 is acceptable. In addition, at least a part of the above hardware configuration may reside on a network.

[0082] Furthermore, each of the above programs may be distributed as an installable or executable file recorded on a computer-readable recording medium. Examples of recording media include CD-R (Compact Disc Recordable), DVD (Digital Versatile Disk), Blu-ray Disc (registered trademark), SD card, USB memory, etc. The recording media can also be provided domestically or internationally as a program product. For example, the communication terminal 30 realizes the image display method according to the present invention when the program according to the present invention is executed.

[0083] <Regarding wide-field images and viewpoint information> The following section explains how to generate wide-field images (spherical images) using Figures 5 to 12.

[0084] First, the external appearance of the imaging device 10 will be described using Figure 5. The imaging device 10 is a digital camera for obtaining captured images that will form the basis of a 360° spherical image. Figure 5(a) is a left side view of the imaging device, Figure 5(b) is a front view of the imaging device, and Figure 5(c) is a top view of the imaging device. This external view is merely one example of the imaging device 10, and other external appearances are also possible.

[0085] As shown in Figure 5(a), the imaging device 10 is small enough to be held in one hand, but this shape is merely an example, and other shapes are also possible. Also, as shown in Figures 5(a), 5(b), and 5(c), the imaging device 10 has an image sensor 103a on the front side and an image sensor 103b on the back side at the top. These image sensors 103a and 103b are used in conjunction with optical components (for example, lenses 102a and 102b described later) that can capture hemispherical images (angle of view of 180° or more). Also, as shown in Figure 5(b), an operating section 115 such as a shutter button is provided on the side of the imaging device 10 opposite to the front side. As mentioned above, there may be only one image sensor, or there may be three or more.

[0086] Next, the usage of the imaging device 10 will be explained using Figure 6. Figure 6 is an illustrative diagram of the imaging device in use. As shown in Figure 6, the imaging device 10 is used, for example, to image a subject around the imaging device 10. In this case, two hemispherical images can be obtained by imaging the subject around the imaging device 10 using the image sensors 103a and 103b shown in Figure 5, respectively.

[0087] Next, using Figures 7 and 8, we will outline the process from the image captured by the imaging device 10 to the creation of a full-sphere image. Figure 7(a) shows the hemispherical image (front side) captured by the imaging device, Figure 7(b) shows the hemispherical image (rear side) captured by the imaging device, and Figure 7(c) shows the image represented by equirectangular projection (hereinafter referred to as "equirectangular projection image"). Figure 8(a) is a conceptual diagram showing the state in which the sphere is covered by the equirectangular projection image, and Figure 8(b) shows the full-sphere image. The "equirectangular projection image" is an equirectangular full-sphere image as an example of the wide-field image described above.

[0088] As shown in Figure 7(a), the image obtained by the image sensor 103a is a curved hemispherical image (front side) by the lens 102a described later. Similarly, as shown in Figure 7(b), the image obtained by the image sensor 103b is a curved hemispherical image (rear side) by the lens 102b described later. The imaging device 10 then combines the hemispherical image (front side) and the 180-degree inverted hemispherical image (rear side) to create an equirectangular projection image EC as shown in Figure 7(c).

[0089] The imaging device 10 then uses software such as OpenGL ES (Open Graphics Library for Embedded Systems) to overlay an equirectangular projection image EC so that it covers the sphere, as shown in Figure 8(a), and creates a full-sphere image (full-sphere panoramic image) CE as shown in Figure 8(b). In this way, the full-sphere image CE is represented as an image where the equirectangular projection image EC is facing the center of the sphere. OpenGL ES is a graphics library used to visualize 2D (2-Dimensional) and 3D (3-Dimensional) data. OpenGL ES is merely one example of software that performs image processing, and the full-sphere image CE may be created using other software. The full-sphere image CE may be a still image or a video. Here, the imaging device 10 has been described as generating a full-sphere image, but the information processing system 50 or the communication terminal 30 may perform similar image processing or some of the image processing steps.

[0090] As described above, the 360-degree spherical image CE is an image pasted to cover a sphere, which can cause discomfort to the human eye. Therefore, by displaying a predetermined area T (hereinafter referred to as the "predetermined area image") of the 360-degree spherical image CE as a flat image with less curvature in the imaging device 10 or the communication terminal 30, a display that does not cause discomfort to the human eye can be achieved. This will be explained with reference to Figures 9 to 10.

[0091] Figure 9 shows the positions of the virtual camera and a predetermined region when the 360-degree spherical image is treated as a three-dimensional sphere. The virtual camera IC corresponds to the position of the virtual viewpoint of the user viewing the 360-degree spherical image CE, which is displayed as a three-dimensional sphere. In Figure 10, (a) is a stereoscopic perspective view of Figure 9, (b) is a diagram showing the predetermined region image in the state of (a) displayed on the screen, (c) is a diagram showing the predetermined region after changing the viewpoint of the virtual camera IC in (a), and (d) is a diagram showing the predetermined region image in the state of (c) displayed on the screen.

[0092] If the resulting spherical image CE is considered a solid sphere CS, then, as shown in Figure 9, the virtual camera IC is located inside the spherical image CE. A predetermined region T in the spherical image CE is the imaging region of the virtual camera IC and is identified by predetermined region information indicating the imaging direction and field of view of the virtual camera IC in the three-dimensional virtual space containing the spherical image CE. Furthermore, zooming in on the predetermined region T can also be represented by moving the virtual camera IC closer to or further away from the spherical image CE. The predetermined region image Q is an image of the predetermined region T in the spherical image CE. Therefore, the predetermined region T can be identified by the field of view α and the distance f from the virtual camera IC to the spherical image CE (see Figure 11).

[0093] Then, the predetermined region image Q shown in Figure 10(a) is displayed on a predetermined display as an image of the imaging area of ​​the virtual camera IC, as shown in Figure 10(b). The image shown in Figure 10(b) is a predetermined region image represented by the predetermined region information that has been initially set (default). The following explanation will use the imaging direction (ea, aa) and field of view (α) of the virtual camera IC. Note that the predetermined region T may be represented by the position coordinates (X, Y, Z) of the imaging area of ​​the virtual camera IC, which is the predetermined region T, rather than by the field of view α and distance f.

[0094] Furthermore, when the virtual viewpoint of the virtual camera IC is moved (also called "changed") to the right (left side in the drawing) from the state shown in Figure 10(a) to the state shown in Figure 10(c), a predetermined region T in the 360-degree image CE is moved to a predetermined region T' accordingly, and the predetermined region image Q displayed on the predetermined display is changed to a predetermined region image Q'. As a result, the image shown in Figure 10(b) is changed to the image shown in Figure 10(d) on the display.

[0095] In this embodiment, wide-field images relating to still images may be referred to as "wide-field still images," and predetermined-area images relating to still images may be referred to as "predetermined-area still images." Similarly, wide-field images relating to videos may be referred to as "wide-field videos," and predetermined-area images relating to videos may be referred to as "predetermined-area videos." Furthermore, "wide-field images" include both still images and videos. "Predetermined-area images" include both still images and videos. Moreover, unless otherwise specified, "shooting" includes both saving still images and recording videos.

[0096] Next, we will explain the relationship between the predetermined region information and the image of the predetermined region T using Figure 11. Figure 11 is a diagram showing the relationship between the predetermined region information and the image of the predetermined region T. As shown in Figure 11, "ea" is the elevation angle, "aa" is the azimuth angle, and "α" is the field of view (Angle). That is, the orientation of the virtual camera IC is changed so that the point of fixation of the virtual camera IC, indicated by the imaging direction (ea,aa), becomes the center point CP(x,y) of the predetermined region T, which is the imaging area of ​​the virtual camera IC. As shown in Figure 11, the center point CP(x,y) when the diagonal field of view of the predetermined region T, represented by the field of view α of the virtual camera IC, is α becomes the parameter ((x,y)) of the predetermined region information. The predetermined region image Q is the image of the predetermined region T in the 360-degree spherical image CE. f is the distance from the virtual camera IC to the center point CP(x,y). L is the distance between any vertex of a given region T and the center point CP(x,y) (2L is the diagonal). In Figure 11, the following trigonometric function generally holds:

[0097]

number

[0098] Figure 12 shows the relationship described in Figure 11 as a point in a three-dimensional Euclidean space using spherical coordinates. Here, the position coordinates of the center point CP shown in Figure 11, expressed in spherical polar coordinates, are (r,θ,φ). (r,θ,φ) are the radial, polar angle, and azimuth angle, respectively. The radial r is the distance from the origin of the three-dimensional virtual space containing the full-sphere image to the center point CP, and is therefore equal to the distance f shown in Figure 11. Figure 12 is a diagram illustrating these relationships. Hereafter, the position coordinates (r,θ,φ) of the virtual camera IC will be used as an example of viewpoint information for explanation. The viewpoint information only needs to be parameter information that can identify a predetermined region T (predetermined region image Q) that is displayed as an image of the imaging area of ​​the virtual camera IC on the predetermined display shown in Figure 10, as described above, and includes the coordinates of the diagonal vertices of the predetermined region T. Alternatively, the information indicating the field of view α of the virtual camera IC and the information indicating the center point CP(x,y) described in Figure 11 may also be considered as viewpoint information. Furthermore, the information indicating the field of view α and azimuth angle aa of the virtual camera IC described in Figure 11 may also be considered viewpoint information. In addition, viewpoint information may include not only position coordinate information in spherical coordinates, but also position coordinate information in orthogonal coordinates and coordinate difference values ​​from the initially set (default) predetermined area information. Furthermore, viewpoint information may also include information other than coordinate information, such as angles and distances, as shown in Figure 11. In addition, although the center point of the predetermined area T is used as the reference in Figures 11 and 12, the predetermined area T may also be identified by parameter information based on any of the vertices of the predetermined area T. Note that in the above explanation of viewpoint information, the case where the wide-field image is a 360-degree spherical image was used as an example, but in the case of other wide-field images, the information that identifies the predetermined area T in that wide-field image will be the viewpoint information. Furthermore, viewpoint information may include parameter information such as the height and width of the predetermined area T, and parameter information such as the magnification ratio due to the zoom of the virtual camera IC. Furthermore, if the position of each pixel in the equirectangular projection image EC, as shown in Figure 7(c), is associated with the coordinates of the surface of the sphere (for example, coordinates with two axes: latitude and longitude), then parameter information such as the direction and field of view of the virtual camera IC may be used as viewpoint information, or information such as latitude and longitude may be included in the viewpoint information. Thus, viewpoint information is not necessarily limited to information that indicates a point.

[0099] <About the features> Next, the functional configuration of the communication system 1a according to this embodiment will be described using Figure 13. Figure 13 is a diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the communication system 1a according to this embodiment. In Figure 13, the terminals, devices, and servers shown in Figure 1 that are related to the processing or operation described later are shown.

[0100] <<Functional Configuration of Imaging Device>> First, the functional configuration of the imaging device 10 will be described with reference to Figure 13. The imaging device 10 includes a communication unit 11, a reception unit 12, an imaging processing unit 13, an analysis unit 14, a registration request unit 15, a connection unit 16, a storage processing unit 17, an image transmission control unit 18, and a storage / reading unit 19. Each of these units is a function or means of functioning, realized by the operation of any of the components shown in Figure 3 by instructions from the CPU 111 according to a program deployed on the SRAM 113 or DRAM 114. The imaging device 10 also has a storage unit 1000 constructed by the ROM 112, etc., shown in Figure 3.

[0101] The communication unit 11 is primarily implemented by the processing of the short-range communication circuit 117 by the CPU 101, and has the function of connecting to the communication network N using wireless communication means such as Wi-Fi to send and receive various data or information with other devices. In this embodiment, the connection unit 16 mainly transmits the wide-field image acquired by the imaging processing unit 13 to the information processing system 50, but it is also possible for the communication unit 11 to transmit the wide-field image to the information processing system 50.

[0102] The reception unit 12 is primarily implemented by the processing performed by the CPU 101 on the operation unit 115, and its function is to receive user input for the imaging device 10. The reception unit 12 receives user input such as power on / off, shutter button on / off (start or stop transmission of wide-field images), and input from the touch panel or buttons.

[0103] The imaging processing unit 13 is primarily implemented by the CPU 101's processing of the image processing unit 104, and captures images of subjects, landscapes, etc., and acquires (generates) the captured images. The captured images acquired by the imaging processing unit 13 may be videos or still images (or both), and may include sound along with the image. The imaging processing unit 13 also captures, for example, a two-dimensional code (see Figure 21) displayed on the display 306 of the communication terminal 30. Furthermore, the imaging processing unit 13 may generate a wide-field image by performing the image processing described in Figures 7 and 8 on the captured image.

[0104] The analysis unit 14 is mainly implemented by the CPU 101 and analyzes the two-dimensional code captured and acquired by the imaging processing unit 13 to extract the information contained in the two-dimensional code (URL for registering the imaging device with the tenant, temporary ID and password).

[0105] The registration request unit 15 is mainly implemented by the CPU 101 and uses the information contained in the two-dimensional code read by the analysis unit 14 to send a request to the information processing system 50 via the communication unit 11 to register the imaging device 10 as a tenant of the information processing system 50.

[0106] The connection section 16 is primarily implemented by the processing of the input / output interface 116 by the CPU 101, and has the function of receiving power supply from the communication terminal 30A and performing data communication.

[0107] The storage processing unit 17 is mainly implemented by the CPU 101 and performs the process of saving wide-field images captured in response to imaging requests from any location to a URL (e.g., storage 90) notified by the information processing system 50.

[0108] The image transmission control unit 18 is primarily implemented by the CPU 101 and controls the transmission of wide-field images to the information processing system 50. For example, the image transmission control unit 18 transmits captured images acquired by the imaging processing unit 13 to the information processing system 50 periodically or in response to user input if they are still images, or at a predetermined FPS (Frames Per Second) if they are videos. The image transmission control unit 18 also switches between the communication unit 11 and the connection unit 16.

[0109] The storage / reading unit 19 is mainly implemented by the CPU 101 and has the function of storing various data in the storage unit 1000 or reading various data from the storage unit 1000. The storage unit 1000 also stores the image capture data acquired by the image capture processing unit 13, the image capture device ID, etc. The image capture data stored in the storage unit 1000 may be deleted after a predetermined time has elapsed since it was acquired by the image capture processing unit 13, or it may be deleted when data has been transmitted to the information processing system 50.

[0110] Furthermore, the imaging device 10 has an application (also called a plug-in) installed to support the communication system 1a. This application is used when associating the imaging device 10 with a virtual room and when receiving control from external sources. Some of the functions shown in Figure 13 (for example, the registration request unit 15) are provided by this application. Alternatively, the application for supporting the communication system 1a may be placed on the communication network N, and the same functions may be achieved by accessing the application using a web browser or the like on the imaging device 10.

[0111] <<Communication terminal function configuration>> Next, the functional configuration of the communication terminal 30 will be explained using Figure 13. The communication terminal 30 includes a communication unit 31, a reception unit 32, a display control unit 33, an imaging unit 34, a connection unit 36, a storage / reading unit 39, and a position detection unit 41. Each of these units is a function or means of functioning, realized by any of the components shown in Figure 4 operating according to instructions from the CPU 301 following a program (which may be a web browser or a dedicated application) deployed on the RAM 303. The communication terminal 30 also has a storage unit 3000 constructed from the ROM 302 or recording medium 315 shown in Figure 4.

[0112] The communication unit 31 is primarily implemented by the processing performed by the CPU 301 on the network interface 309, and has the function of connecting to the communication network N and sending and receiving various data or information with other devices.

[0113] The reception unit 32 is mainly implemented by the processing of the keyboard 311 and pointing device 312 by the CPU 301, and has the function of receiving various selections or operation inputs to the communication terminal 30. The display control unit 33 has the function of displaying wide-field images, normal-angle images, and various screens on the display 306 of the communication terminal 30.

[0114] The display control unit 33 is mainly implemented by the processing of the CPU 301, and for example, it displays a two-dimensional code transmitted from the information processing system 50 on the display 306. The two-dimensional code is, for example, QR code (registered trademark), DataMatrix (DataCode), MaxiCode, or PDF417. The two-dimensional code may also be a barcode.

[0115] The imaging unit 34 is mainly implemented by the processing performed by the CPU 301 on the camera 321, and captures images of the subject and its surroundings.

[0116] The connection section 36 is primarily realized by the processing performed by the CPU 301 on the short-range communication circuit 320, and its function is to supply power to the imaging device 10 and to perform data communication.

[0117] The position detection unit 41 is mainly implemented by the CPU 301 and detects the position of an object in a single frame of the wide-field video by converting one frame of the wide-field video, which includes a predetermined region of video being displayed, into feature quantities, or by extracting feature quantities of the object in this single frame. In this case, the position detection unit 41 executes an algorithm that detects feature points and describes feature quantities, such as SIFT (Scale-Invariant Feature Transform).

[0118] The storage / reading unit 39 is mainly executed by the CPU 301 and has the function of storing various data in the storage unit 3000 or reading various data from the storage unit 3000. The storage unit 3000 has an image management information storage unit 3001. The image management information storage unit 3001 will be explained in the description of the information processing system 50.

[0119] <<Functional Configuration of the Information Processing System>> Next, the functional configuration of the information processing system 50 will be described. The information processing system 50 includes a communication unit 51, a screen generation unit 52, an association processing unit 53, an image distribution control unit 54, an authentication unit 55, a communication group management unit 56, a communication control unit 57, a connection management unit 58, a storage / reading unit 59, and an API management unit 60. Each of these units is a function or means of functioning, realized by any of the components shown in Figure 4 operating according to instructions from the CPU 501 in accordance with a program deployed on the RAM 503. The information processing system also includes a storage unit 5000 constructed from a ROM 502, HDD 504, or recording medium 515, as shown in Figure 4.

[0120] The communication unit 51 primarily performs the function of sending and receiving various data or information with other devices via the communication network N, which is processed by the CPU 501 for the network interface 509.

[0121] The screen generation unit 52 is mainly implemented by the CPU 501 and generates screen information to be displayed by the communication terminal 30. When the communication terminal 30 runs a web application, the screen information is created using HTML, XML, CSS (Cascade Style Sheet), and JavaScript (registered trademark), etc. When the communication terminal 30 runs a native application, the screen information is held by the communication terminal 30, and the information to be displayed is transmitted in XML, etc. The screen generation unit 52 generates screen information on which wide-field images, etc., distributed by the image distribution control unit 54 via the communication unit 51 are placed.

[0122] The association processing unit 53 is mainly implemented by the CPU 501 and controls the association and sharing of viewpoint information for wide-field images. When the association processing unit 53 receives viewpoint information and an imaging request from the communication terminal 30, it requests imaging from the imaging device 10 and performs processing to associate the acquired wide-field image with the viewpoint information. Furthermore, the associated wide-field image and viewpoint information are stored in the image management information storage unit 5001 by the storage / reading unit 59. The association processing unit 53 also transmits storage location information (e.g., URL) to the communication terminal 30 as information indicating the storage location where the associated wide-field image and viewpoint information are stored. Note that the information processing system 50 does not need to receive viewpoint information and an imaging request from the communication terminal 30 simultaneously; it may receive them separately and then perform the association processing. Also, URL is just one example of storage location information indicating a storage location, and other formats such as URI may be used.

[0123] The image distribution control unit 54 is primarily implemented by the CPU 501 and distributes images such as wide-field images transmitted by the imaging device 10, which is associated with the same virtual room, to the communication terminal 30 operated by the user who is in the virtual room, via the communication unit 51. Images with a normal field of view captured by the camera of the communication terminal 30 or connected cameras 8 and 9 are also distributed in the same manner. The distributed images include streaming video, video, still images, etc.

[0124] The authentication unit 55 is primarily implemented by the CPU 501 and performs authentication of the requester based on the authentication request received by the communication unit 51. The authentication unit 55 authenticates the user, for example, by determining whether the authentication information (user ID and password) included in the authentication request received by the communication unit 51 matches pre-held authentication information. The authentication information may include the card number of an IC card, biometric authentication information such as a face, fingerprint or voiceprint, device ID, passcode, access token, security key, ticket, etc. The authentication unit 55 may also authenticate using an external authentication system or authentication method such as OAuth. Furthermore, the authentication unit 55 may authenticate not only users but also devices such as imaging devices.

[0125] The communication group management unit 56 is primarily implemented by the CPU 501 and manages the entry of communication terminals 30 and users into virtual rooms, as well as the mapping of devices. When authentication by the authentication unit 55 is successful, the communication group management unit 56 registers the user ID and the IP address of the communication terminal 30 in the virtual room information storage unit 5002, and associates the imaging device 10 with the virtual room.

[0126] The communication control unit 57 is primarily implemented by the CPU 501 and manages the initiation, establishment, and termination of communication with the imaging device 10 associated with each virtual room. The communication control unit 57 also manages the initiation, establishment, and termination of communication for distributing wide-field images and audio in response to communication terminals 30 entering or leaving virtual rooms.

[0127] The connection management unit 58 is primarily implemented by the CPU 501 and manages the communications (connections) established between the communication terminal 30 and the imaging device 10 and the information processing system 50, associating them with virtual rooms.

[0128] The API management unit 60 is primarily implemented by the CPU 501 and manages APIs used by platform subscribers when providing wide-field image distribution services. When using APIs, platform subscribers only need to develop software to call the APIs. The developed software may run on a server or on a client such as a communication terminal. Any function provided by the information processing system 50, such as the image distribution control unit 54, association processing unit 53, and communication control unit 57, can be provided as an API. It is also possible to provide functions added to the information processing system 50 later as APIs. Whether or not to provide an API is determined by the communication terminal operated by the platform provider accessing the information processing system 50 and accepting the API disclosure setting, allowing the API management unit 60 to control the API based on the disclosure setting. The API management unit 60 may also perform authentication processing to verify whether the requesting software requesting the API call is software developed by a legitimate platform subscriber. Authentication processing can be performed by comparing information pre-registered and stored as platform subscriber information in the storage unit 5000 with information transmitted from the requesting software.

[0129] As a specific example of the authentication process, the information processing system 50 receives an application ID, which has been previously issued by the API management unit 60, from the requesting software to the software developed by the platform subscriber. If the API management unit 60 determines that the application ID is stored in the storage unit 5000, the API management unit 60 performs control to permit the provision of the API as legitimate software. On the other hand, if it cannot determine that the software is legitimate, the API management unit 60 performs control to deny permission to provide the API.

[0130] The app ID is just one example of authentication information used to determine legitimacy, and the API management unit 60 may verify the legitimacy of the requester using authentication information such as an access token, ticket, security key, password, or PIN code issued in advance by the API management unit 60 of the information processing system or an external system. In this embodiment, the form in which the functions provided by the information processing system 50 are used as an API is not described, but the processing flow is the same except that the software such as an application developed by the platform subscriber uses the functions provided by the information processing system 50 via a decision made by the API management unit 60.

[0131] The memory / read unit 59 is mainly implemented by the CPU 501 and has the function of storing various data in the memory unit 5000 or reading various data from the memory unit 5000.

[0132] "Image Management Information Storage Unit 5001" The memory unit 5000 includes an image management information memory unit 5001. Figure 14(a) is a conceptual diagram showing the image management information stored in the image management information memory unit 5001. The image management information memory unit 5001 stores image management information as shown in Figure 14. Image management information is information for managing wide-field images captured in response to an imaging request, and when a user sends an imaging request from the communication terminal 30, one record of image management information is generated. The items contained in the image management information will be explained below.

[0133] The data ID of a wide-field image is identification information used to identify the image data of the wide-field image. The data ID is assigned by the information processing system 50. ID is an abbreviation of Identification and means identifier or identification information. An ID is a name, code, string, number, or a combination of one or more of these used to uniquely distinguish a particular object from multiple objects. Note that the data ID may be associated not only with wide-field images, but also with images captured at a normal field of view by the imaging device 10 associated with the virtual room.

[0134] The data name is the name of the wide-field image set by the user of the communication terminal 30. The data name can be set by the user, but it may also be set automatically.

[0135] The imaging date and time information is information used to identify the imaging date and time of the wide-field image, etc., such as the date and time when the user entered an imaging request into the communication terminal 30, and the date and time when the imaging device 10 captured the wide-field image, etc. The imaging date and time information may be substituted with the timestamp information of the wide-field image, etc.

[0136] The imager information is the identification information (including user ID and username) of the user who entered the imaging request into the communication terminal 30. Since the user enters the imaging request into the communication terminal 30 while inside the virtual room, the user registered in the imager information is identified by authentication to the information processing system 50 or the virtual room. The imager information is transmitted to the information processing system 50 along with the imaging request. Note that the imaging request and the imager information do not necessarily have to be transmitted to the information processing system 50 at the same time; they may be transmitted to the information processing system 50 at different times.

[0137] The imaging device information includes imaging device identification information (e.g., imaging device ID) for identifying the imaging device 10 that captured and generated the wide-field image. The imaging device ID is assigned by the information processing system 50 and shared with the imaging device 10, but information unique to the imaging device 10, such as a MAC address or serial number, may also be used. The imaging device ID is transmitted to the information processing system 50 along with the wide-field image. Note that the imaging device ID and the wide-field image do not necessarily have to be transmitted to the information processing system 50 at the same time; they may be transmitted to the information processing system 50 at different times.

[0138] The viewpoint information of the imager is the viewpoint information specified in the imager's communication terminal 30. For example, the viewpoint information indicates the center coordinates (center point in Figure 11) of the wide-field image displayed by the communication terminal 30, and is parameter information used to identify a predetermined region T (see Figures 9 and 10) of the wide-field image displayed by the communication terminal 30. Here, as an example of parameter information, the radial angle (r), polar angle (θ), and azimuth angle (φ) are shown, but other parameter information as described in Figures 10 to 12 may also be used. The viewpoint information is transmitted from the communication terminal 30 requesting imaging. The viewpoint information may also include information specifying the width and height of the display range of the predetermined region T. Alternatively, the viewpoint information may only include the width and height of the display range.

[0139] The virtual room ID used during imaging is the identification information of the virtual room to which the imaging device 10 is associated.

[0140] The storage location information (storage location information) for wide-field image data indicates the location where the wide-field image is stored, and may be a URL or file path. The storage location identified by the storage location information may also be information indicating a predetermined folder. The folder may be a folder associated with the virtual room used during imaging. Alternatively, it may be a folder associated with identification information (additional information such as a name) that indicates one or more combinations of classifications such as the date and time of imaging, imaging device, imager, and virtual room used during imaging. Furthermore, the storage location information may be combined with information such as the data ID and data name to identify the data storage location.

[0141] Figure 14(b) is a conceptual diagram showing image management information as a variation of Figure 14(a). In Figure 14(b), wide-field images with the same virtual room ID at the time of acquisition are stored. In this way, image management information may be classified by virtual room.

[0142] "Virtual Room Information Storage Unit 5002" A virtual room information storage unit 5002 is constructed within the memory unit 5000. Figure 15 is a conceptual diagram showing the virtual room information stored in the virtual room information storage unit 5002. The virtual room information storage unit 5002 stores virtual room information as shown in Figure 15. Virtual room information is information about a virtual room and is maintained for each virtual room. The items contained in the virtual room information will be explained below. Note that, although virtual rooms are registered with tenants here, registration with tenants is not mandatory, and information on temporarily created virtual rooms and virtual rooms that can be used for sharing is also stored in the virtual room information storage unit 5002.

[0143] The virtual room ID is an example of virtual room identification information used to identify a virtual room. In this embodiment, virtual rooms can be created arbitrarily by the user.

[0144] The virtual room name is a name used by users to identify a virtual room and can be set by the user at will. The virtual room ID and virtual room name may be the same information.

[0145] The device information is the identification information (device ID) of the device, including the imaging device 10, which is associated with the virtual room.

[0146] The user currently in the virtual room is the user ID of the user currently in the virtual room. This user is able to view images such as wide-field images distributed to the virtual room entrants. The method of entering the room will be described later. In addition, the user ID may be associated with the IP address of the communication terminal 30 operated by that user. In addition, the username may be associated with and stored as the user ID.

[0147] "Tenant Information Storage Unit 5003" A tenant information storage unit 5003 is constructed within the storage unit 5000. Figure 16 is a conceptual diagram showing the tenant information stored in the tenant information storage unit 5003. The tenant information storage unit 5003 stores tenant information as shown in Figure 16. Tenant information is information about tenants (user groups) and is maintained for each tenant. The items contained in the tenant information will be explained below. Note that various other information is registered in the tenant information, such as user information, and Figure 16 is only a part of it. • Tenant ID is an example of tenant identification information used to identify a tenant. The tenant name is a name used by users to identify the tenant. Note that the tenant ID and tenant name may be the same information. The tenant registration virtual room ID is the identification information for the virtual room registered with the tenant. • Tenant registration devices are information about devices registered with the tenant. Furthermore, the tenant information storage unit, tenant ID, tenant name, tenant registration virtual room ID, and tenant registration device can be rephrased as the user group information storage unit, user group ID, user group name, user group registration virtual room ID, and user group registration device, respectively.

[0148] “Display area information storage unit 5004” A display area information storage unit 5004 is constructed within the memory unit 5000. Figure 17 is a conceptual diagram showing the display area information stored in the display area information storage unit, where (a) shows the state before adding a display area, and (b) shows the state after adding a display area. The display area information storage unit 5004 stores the display area information as shown in Figure 17(a). Display area information is maintained for each virtual room. The items of the display area information will be explained below. The display area ID is an example of display area identification information used to identify each display area displayed on the communication terminal 30. The user ID of the communication terminal displaying the display area is an example of user identification information used to identify the user of the communication terminal displaying each display area. The virtual room ID is the virtual room ID mentioned above. The User ID or Imaging Device ID is the User ID or Imaging Device ID of a user or imaging device participating in the same virtual room. • The viewpoint information is used to identify a predetermined area of ​​the 360-degree image displayed on the communication terminal 30 when the transmitted video is a 360-degree image. • Object features are information that indicates the features of the specified object to be tracked.

[0149] <Entering a virtual room using a communication terminal> Next, referring to Figures 18 and 19, the process of user b entering the virtual room will be explained. It is assumed that the imaging device 10 has already been associated with the virtual room, and that the communication terminal 30A has transmitted wide-field images and normal-angle images to the information processing system 50 (the association of the imaging device 10 with the virtual room will be explained from Figure 20 onwards). Furthermore, in the following explanation, there will be no particular distinction made between user b entering the virtual room and the communication terminal 30B operated by user b entering the virtual room.

[0150] Figure 18 shows an example of a screen displayed by the communication terminal 30B when user b enters a virtual room. Figure 18(a) is an example of the entry screen 200. To clarify, prior to the display of the entry screen 200, user b is logged into the information processing system 50. By logging in, the tenant to which user b belongs is identified. Virtual rooms are associated with tenants. User b displays a list of virtual rooms associated with the tenant on the communication terminal 30B (see Figure 23) and selects a virtual room to enter from the list. Figure 18(a) is the entry screen 200 for the virtual room selected by user b in this way. Note that temporarily created virtual rooms or shared virtual rooms that are not associated with a tenant may also be displayed on the screen in Figure 18(a).

[0151] Alternatively, the creator of the virtual room may request the information processing system 50 to issue a URL corresponding to the virtual room and send this URL to user b via email or other means. When user b clicks the URL displayed on the communication terminal 30B, the communication terminal 30B displays the room entry screen 200 shown in Figure 18(a).

[0152] The entry screen 200 has a virtual room name 201, a participant name input field 202, and an entry button 203. The virtual room name 201 is the same as the one stored in the virtual room information storage unit 5002. The participant name input field 202 is a field for entering the username to be displayed in the virtual room, which may be a nickname or other designation for user b. When user b logs in, the username associated with user b's user ID is identified, and this identified username may be displayed automatically. The entry button 203 is a button for user b to request entry into the virtual room.

[0153] Furthermore, authentication for entering the virtual room may be required separately from the tenant login process.

[0154] Figure 18(b) shows the image viewing screen 210 displayed by the communication terminal 30B when user b enters the virtual room. In the image viewing screen 210 of Figure 18(b), the imaging device 10 has already started distributing wide-field images via the information processing system 50, and the communication terminal 30A has already started distributing images with a normal field of view. Therefore, the image viewing screen 210 has a first image section 211 and a second image section 212. The first image section 211 displays the wide-field image, and the second image section 212 displays the image with a normal field of view. If there are three or more locations transmitting images, the image viewing screen 210 is divided according to the number of transmitting locations.

[0155] The first image field 211 displays a wide-field image mark 213. The wide-field image mark 213 is set by the screen generation unit 52 of the information processing system 50 when it determines that the image to be displayed in the first image field 211 is a wide-field image. The communication terminal 30B may also determine and display it. By seeing the wide-field image mark 213, user b can understand that a wide-field image that allows the viewpoint to be changed is being delivered. In addition, the first image field 211 displays the device name 214 (transmitted from the imaging device 10 along with the wide-field image). The device name 214 is information set by user a, etc., as will be described later (see Figure 21).

[0156] The second image field 212 displays the participant name 215. The participant name 215 is a username, and the participant name of a user who has already entered the room (in this case, user a has already entered, so "AAA" entered by user a in the participant name input field 202) is displayed in the participant name input field 202.

[0157] Figure 19 is a sequence diagram illustrating the process by which user b (or communication terminal 30B) enters a virtual room.

[0158] S1: First, user b at site B performs an operation to display the virtual room list screen. The communication terminal 30B has previously accessed the information processing system 50 in response to the operation by user b and has received virtual room information stored in the virtual room information storage unit 5002 for displaying the virtual room list screen from the information processing system 50. At this time, the communication terminal 30B may be authenticated by the authentication unit 55 of the information processing system 50 by sending authentication information necessary for login, etc., to the information processing system 50. The authentication information may be authentication information associated with user b or authentication information associated with the communication terminal 30B. In such cases, the virtual rooms displayed on the list screen may be virtual rooms registered in the tenant associated with user b or virtual rooms registered in the tenant associated with the communication terminal 30B. When the reception unit 32 receives the operation to display the list screen, the display control unit 33 of the communication terminal 30B displays the selection screen on the display 306.

[0159] S2: When user b selects a virtual room selection button, the reception unit 32 of the communication terminal 30B accepts the selection of the virtual room. The display control unit 33 of the communication terminal 30B displays the room entry screen 200 shown in Figure 18(a) on the display 306.

[0160] S3: User b enters the required information and presses the enter button 203. Upon receiving the press from the reception unit 32, the communication unit 31 of the communication terminal 30B sends an entry request to the information processing system 50. This entry request includes information such as the virtual room ID indicating the virtual room selected in step S2, the user ID of user b authenticated by login, etc., and the IP address of the requesting terminal, communication terminal 30B. As a result, the communication unit 51 of the information processing system 50 receives the entry request.

[0161] S4: The communication group management unit 56 registers the user ID and IP address authenticated through login, etc., in the virtual room information identified by the virtual room ID in the virtual room information storage unit 5002.

[0162] S5: The communication unit 51 of the information processing system 50 then sends a response to the communication terminal 30B indicating that it has entered the room. As a result, the communication unit 31 of the communication terminal 30B receives the response indicating that it has entered the room. Following S5, the display control unit 33 of the communication terminal 30B receives the screen information generated by the screen generation unit 52 of the information processing system 50 and the image information distributed by the image distribution control unit 54, and displays the image viewing screen 210 shown in Figure 18(b) based on the received information.

[0163] <Mapping of imaging equipment to rooms> Next, the mapping of the imaging device 10 to the virtual room will be explained with reference to Figures 20 to 27. Note that the mapping of the imaging device 10 to the virtual room will be explained assuming that user a at site A performs this task, but it may also be performed by a system administrator, tenant administrator, etc.

[0164] Figure 20 shows an example of a device registration screen 220 displayed by the communication terminal 30A. User a is authenticated by logging into the information processing system 50. Logging in identifies the tenant to which user a belongs. User a requests the information processing system 50 to display the device registration screen 220, and the communication terminal 30A displays the device registration screen 220 received from the information processing system 50. The device is first registered with the tenant via the device registration screen 220.

[0165] The device registration screen 220 has buttons for registering an imaging device 221, a VR goggles 222, and smart glasses 223. Buttons are provided for each type of device because there are differences in the presence or absence of a camera, the information used for registration, etc. Furthermore, since devices are registered according to their type, the information processing system 50 can also determine the type of device.

[0166] The imaging device registration button 221 is for user a to register the imaging device 10, the VR goggles registration button 222 is for registering the VR goggles 89, and the smart glasses registration button 223 is for registering the smart glasses 88.

[0167] Figure 21 shows an example of a screen displayed when the imaging device registration button 221 is pressed. Figure 21(a) shows the imaging device registration dialog 230. The imaging device registration dialog 230 has a name field 231 for the imaging device 10, a description field 232, and a next button 233. User a sets an arbitrary name in the name field 231 for the imaging device 10 so that it is clear that it is the imaging device 10 to be registered, and sets a description in the description field 232.

[0168] When user a presses the next button 233, the communication terminal 30A requests a two-dimensional code from the information processing system 50, and the communication terminal 30A displays the two-dimensional code.

[0169] Figure 21(b) shows an example of a two-dimensional code screen 240 displayed by the communication terminal 30A. The two-dimensional code screen 240 contains a message 241 stating, "Please scan the following two-dimensional code to register the device named XX (the name entered in the name field)," and a two-dimensional code 242. User a scans the two-dimensional code 242 with the imaging device 10 that they wish to register. The two-dimensional code 242 contains authentication information necessary for registration, such as the URL to which the imaging device 10 connects for its own registration, and a temporary ID and password.

[0170] When user a scans the two-dimensional code 242 with the imaging device 10, the imaging device 10 connects to a URL and is authenticated with a temporary ID and password. If authentication is successful, the official imaging device ID is exchanged, and the name, description, and imaging device ID of the imaging device 10 are registered with the tenant. The imaging device 10 also retains this imaging device ID, name, and description. The imaging device 10 registered with the tenant is associated with a virtual room according to the operations of user a, as described later. Note that the two-dimensional code 242 is just one example of code information; any code with similar authentication information embedded may be used, and other forms of codes such as barcodes may also be used.

[0171] Next, with reference to Figure 22, an example of how to register communication terminals such as VR goggles 89 and smart glasses 88 to a tenant will be explained. Figure 22 is an example of the VR goggles registration screen 250 that is displayed when the VR goggles registration button 222 is pressed. The VR goggles registration screen 250 has a temporary code input field 251 and a secret input field 252.

[0172] If the VR goggles 89 do not have a camera, they cannot capture the QR code. For this reason, user a may have the VR goggles 89 output (display) a temporary code (temporary ID) and a secret (password), and enter them into the temporary code input field 251 and the secret input field 252. The communication terminal 30A registers the VR goggles 89 with the tenant by transmitting the temporary code and secret to the information processing system 50. The VR goggles 89 connects to the information processing system 50 and receives authentication by transmitting the temporary code and secret. If authentication is successful, a formal VR goggle ID is exchanged, and the VR goggle ID is registered with the tenant. The VR goggles 89 also holds this VR goggle ID. The VR goggles 89 registered with the tenant is associated with a virtual room according to the operation of user a, which will be described later. The smart glasses 88 will be explained in detail later, but user a can register them in the same way as the imaging device 10 or the VR goggles 89. Note that the temporary code and secret are just examples of authentication information, and other information may be used as authentication information. The imaging device ID, VR goggles ID, and smart glasses ID are examples of device IDs and can therefore be referred to simply as "device ID." Thus, when registering devices other than the imaging device 10, VR goggles, and smart glasses, the same procedure can be used to associate the device ID with virtual rooms and tenants. The device ID may also be identification information linked to the device owner.

[0173] Figure 23 shows an example of a virtual room mapping screen (part 1) 260 for associating the imaging device 10 with a virtual room. The screen configuration can be the same for VR goggles 89 and smart glasses 88. The virtual room mapping screen (part 1) 260 has a virtual room list 261. The virtual room list 261 displays individual virtual room fields 262 to 264 based on the virtual rooms created in the tenant. Each individual virtual room field 262 to 264 has a link issuance button 265, an entry button 266, a settings button 267, and a virtual room name 268. The link issuance button 265 is a button for issuing a link to the virtual room (URL for invitation) and a passcode. The entry button 266 is a button for user a to enter the virtual room. The settings button 267 is a button for associating the imaging device 10 with the virtual room. The virtual room name 268 is the same as that stored in the virtual room information storage unit 5002. Therefore, user a presses the settings button 267. Pressing the settings button 267 causes the communication terminal 30A to display the virtual room mapping screen (part 2) 270.

[0174] Additionally, if a device is already associated with a virtual room, the device name 269 will be displayed in the individual virtual room section (individual virtual room section 264 in the diagram).

[0175] Figure 24 shows an example of the virtual room mapping screen (part 2) 270. Note that the virtual room mapping screen (part 2) 270 is displayed as a pop-up on the virtual room mapping screen (part 1) 260. The screen transition from the virtual room mapping screen (part 1) 260 to the virtual room mapping screen (part 2) 270 does not go through the information processing system 50, but a screen transition that does go through the information processing system 50 is also possible.

[0176] The virtual room mapping screen (part 2) 270 has the name 271 of the imaging device 10 currently (already) mapped to the virtual room (not yet registered, so not shown in the diagram), a connection button 272, and a storage button 273. The connection button 272 is a button that displays a list of devices registered in the tenant as mapping candidates for mapping a device to a virtual room. The storage button 273 is a button that displays a list of storage 90s that store wide-field images and normal-angle images captured by the imaging device 10 mapped to the virtual room. The list of storage 90s may include not only a list of storage 90s mapped to the virtual room, but also a list of specific storage locations such as folders on the storage 90. By selecting a predetermined storage 90 or a specific storage location such as a folder on the storage 90, the storage 90 can be mapped to the virtual room. The information of the storage 90 mapped in this way (address information for accessing the storage 90 and storage locations such as folders on the storage 90) can be stored in the virtual room information storage unit 5002 in association with the virtual room ID. When the connect button 272 is pressed, the communication terminal 30A displays the virtual room mapping screen (part 3).

[0177] The communication terminal 30A transmits a virtual room ID to the information processing system 50 and obtains the name of the device registered in the tenant where the virtual room is created (including the device ID, etc.), and the name of the device associated with the virtual room (including the device ID, etc.).

[0178] Figure 25 shows an example of the virtual room mapping screen (part 3) 280. The virtual room mapping screen (part 3) 280 has the name 281 of the imaging device 10 currently (already) mapped to the virtual room, a list of additional devices 282, and a save button 283. User a selects a device from the list of additional devices 282 that they want to map to the virtual room and presses the save button 283. This maps the device to the virtual room (the device ID, such as the imaging device ID, is registered in the virtual room information storage unit 5002). Note that, as shown in Figure 25, the number of imaging devices that can be mapped to a virtual room may be limited. For example, if the upper limit is two devices, the number of remaining devices that can be registered may be displayed on the virtual room mapping screen (part 3) by referring to the number of imaging device IDs already registered in the virtual room information storage unit 5002.

[0179] <Processing to initiate transmission of wide-field images to the imaging device> With the above steps, devices such as the imaging device 10 are associated with the virtual room, but user a needs to initiate image transmission to the device.

[0180] For the VR goggles 89 and smart glasses 88, user a can turn image transmission on and off by operating the device itself. This is because currently, there is no dedicated application running on the communication system 1a for the VR goggles 89 and smart glasses 88. If a dedicated application were running on the communication system 1a for the VR goggles 89 and smart glasses 88, user a would be able to remotely turn image transmission on and off.

[0181] In the case of the imaging device 10, if the application is enabled, user a can enter the virtual room and turn the transmission of wide-field images on or off from the menu.

[0182] Figure 26 shows an example of a wide-field image transmission control dialog 290 displayed by the communication terminal 30A. The wide-field image transmission control dialog 290 is displayed as a pop-up on the image viewing screen 210. Assume that user a has entered a virtual room associated with the imaging device 10 by operating the communication terminal 30A. The wide-field image transmission control dialog 290 displays the name 292 of the imaging device 10 associated with this virtual room. A toggle button 291 is displayed near the name 292, and user a can operate the toggle button 291 to turn on (start transmission) or off (stop transmission) the transmission of wide-field images by the imaging device 10. Note that the method of setting on or off using the toggle button is just one example, and it is sufficient if it can be set according to user input. For example, it may be set by selecting radio buttons or predetermined icons, or by menu operation. Alternatively, the transmission of wide-field images may start automatically after the imaging device 10 enters the room, without requiring user operation. Alternatively, certain conditions such as the date and time, the number of users who entered the room, or whether a specific user participated may be predetermined, and the transmission of wide-field images may begin when it is determined that these conditions have been met.

[0183] Furthermore, the wide-field image transmission control dialog 290 displays setting buttons 293 for configuring various imaging functions of the imaging device 10. When these setting buttons 293 are pressed, a function setting screen for configuring various functions is displayed.

[0184] The communication terminal 30A transmits transmission control setting information to the information processing system 50 by operating the toggle button 291. The information processing system 50 transmits a transmission start request or a transmission stop request to the imaging device 10 according to the transmission control setting information.

[0185] Figure 26(a) shows the state where the toggle button 291 is set to OFF. Therefore, the wide-field image is not displayed in Figure 26(a). On the other hand, in Figure 26(a), when the communication terminal 30A enters the room, the image of the normal field of view captured by the camera 9 of the communication terminal 30A has already been shared and is displayed on the image viewing screen 210.

[0186] Figure 26(b) shows the state where the toggle button 291 is set to ON. When the toggle button 291 is turned ON, the information processing system 50 sends a transmission start request to the imaging device 10, and the imaging device 10 starts transmitting the wide-field image. As a result, two images are shared in one virtual room, and the image viewing screen 210 is divided into two. Also, when the setting is changed from ON to OFF, the communication terminal 30A sends OFF setting information, and the information processing system 50, upon receiving the OFF setting information, sends a transmission stop request to the imaging device 10, and the imaging device 10 stops transmitting the wide-field image.

[0187] As explained in Figure 27, even if a user is on-site, the imaging device 10 can be associated with a virtual room through a simple operation such as capturing code information with the imaging device 10. Since on-site users may not have a PC, the ability to perform the association process on the spot, using only pre-issued code information and the imaging device 10, is particularly useful for on-site users. Furthermore, by performing the association process in advance, the user can connect the imaging device 10 to a designated virtual room without having to select a virtual room, and the start or stop of transmission can be instructed from a remote location, thus reducing the burden on users who want to concentrate on their work on-site. Therefore, a system can be provided that enables efficient communication between the on-site and remote locations even during the preparation process.

[0188] <<Procedure for registering the imaging device in the virtual room>> Next, referring to Figure 27, the procedure for registering the imaging device 10 to the virtual room, as described in the series of screen transitions in Figures 20 to 26, will be explained. Figure 27 is an example of a sequence diagram showing the procedure for user a to register the imaging device 10 to the virtual room.

[0189] S11: First, user a connects the communication terminal 30A to the information processing system 50, enters authentication information (user ID, password, etc.), and requests login. The reception unit 32 of the communication terminal 30A accepts the operation.

[0190] S12: The communication unit 31 of the communication terminal 30A sends a login request to the information processing system 50, specifying authentication information. The communication unit 51 of the information processing system 50 receives the login request, and the authentication unit 55 performs authentication based on the specified authentication information. Here, we assume that the authentication was successful. At this time, the information processing system 50 can also identify the tenant ID associated with the authenticated user ID by referring to the tenant information storage unit 5003.

[0191] S13: In response to user operation, the screen generation unit 52 of the information processing system 50 generates a device registration screen 220, and the communication unit 51 transmits the screen information of the device registration screen 220 to the communication terminal 30A.

[0192] S14: The communication unit 31 of the communication terminal 30A receives screen information from the device registration screen 220, and the display control unit 33 displays the device registration screen 220 shown in Figure 20. User a selects the type of device (here, the imaging device 10 (for example, a 360-degree camera) is selected), and then enters the name and description of the imaging device 10 as shown in Figure 21. The reception unit 32 accepts the input.

[0193] S15: The communication unit 31 of the communication terminal 30A sends a request for code information (e.g., a two-dimensional code) to the information processing system 50, specifying the name and description entered by user a.

[0194] S16: The communication unit 51 of the information processing system 50 receives a request for code information (e.g., a two-dimensional code). The communication group management unit 56 generates a URL (a connection destination for registration) associated with the name and description, and generates code information (e.g., a two-dimensional code) including the URL, a temporary ID, and a password. The communication unit 51 of the information processing system 50 transmits the code information (e.g., a two-dimensional code) to the communication terminal 30A. The communication unit 31 of the communication terminal 30A receives the code information (e.g., a two-dimensional code), and the display control unit 33 displays the code information (e.g., a two-dimensional code) as shown in Figure 21.

[0195] S17: Next, user a operates the imaging device 10 that they want to associate with the virtual room to capture code information (e.g., a two-dimensional code). The reception unit 12 of the imaging device 10 receives the operation.

[0196] S18: The imaging processing unit 13 of the imaging device 10 generates image data by performing imaging processing on the target to be imaged, which includes code information (e.g., a two-dimensional code), and the analysis unit 14 analyzes the image data to extract a URL, a temporary ID, and a password. As a result, the registration request unit 15 connects to the URL via the connection unit 16 and sends a registration request from the imaging device 10 to the information processing system 50, specifying the temporary ID and password. Note that if the registration method using the registration screen described in Figure 22 is implemented, the code information is not imaged, so the imaging device 10 is replaced by a communication terminal such as VR goggles 89 or smart glasses 88, and steps S15 to S17 can be omitted.

[0197] S19: The communication unit 51 of the information processing system 50 receives a temporary ID and password, and the authentication unit 55 determines whether they match the temporary ID and password associated with the connected URL. Here, we assume they match.

[0198] S20: The communication group management unit 56 of the information processing system 50 receives a request to register the imaging device 10. As an example of a device ID, it generates an imaging device ID and registers it in the tenant corresponding to the tenant ID identified when user a logged in. The imaging device ID is associated with a name and description. Specifically, the communication group management unit 56 refers to the tenant information storage unit 5003 and adds the imaging device ID to the tenant registration devices associated with the identified tenant ID and registers it. Although the communication group management unit 56 generates and registers the imaging device ID here, it may also register the imaging device ID received from the imaging device 10. If a communication terminal such as VR goggles 89 or smart glasses 88 is to be registered in the tenant instead of the imaging device 10, the corresponding device ID can be registered in the tenant information storage unit 5003 using the same procedure.

[0199] S21: The communication unit 51 of the information processing system 50 transmits the imaging device ID to the imaging device 10. The connection unit 16 of the imaging device 10 receives the imaging device ID and stores it in the storage unit 1000.

[0200] S22: The communication terminal 30A is notified of the completion of registration from the communication unit 51 of the information processing system 50, which allows user a to start associating the imaging device 10 with a virtual room. User a displays the virtual room association screen (part 1) 260 on the communication terminal 30A and selects the virtual room to which they want to associate the imaging device 10 registered with the tenant. The reception unit 32 of the communication terminal 30A receives the operation input indicating the selection. Specifically, when the reception unit 32 of the communication terminal 30A receives the operation input from user a, the display control unit 33 displays the virtual room association screen (part 1) 260. At this time, the communication unit 31 may send a screen update request to the communication unit 51 of the information processing system 50. When the information processing system 50 receives the update request, it refers to the tenant information storage unit 5003 and identifies the virtual room ID registered with the tenant associated with the authenticated user ID. Subsequently, it refers to the virtual room information storage unit 5002 and obtains the virtual room name associated with the identified virtual room ID. The information processing system 50's communication unit 51 transmits the identified virtual room ID and corresponding virtual room name information (which may also be information from a screen generated by the screen generation unit 52 based on this information) to the communication terminal 30A. The communication unit 31 of the communication terminal 30A receives the virtual room ID and virtual room name information, and the display control unit 33 can update and display the virtual room mapping screen (part 1) 260 based on the received information. Note that such information can be identified based on the user ID, so it may also be received in S13 after authentication. The reception unit 32 receives an operation input from user a indicating a selection for the virtual room mapping screen (part 1) 260 displayed in this way, allowing the communication terminal 30A to identify the selected virtual room ID.

[0201] S23: Next, user a displays the virtual room mapping screen (part 2) 270 on the communication terminal 30A and presses the connect button 272 to map an additional device to a virtual room. The reception unit 32 of the communication terminal 30A receives the input indicating the press. Specifically, the display control unit 33 of the communication terminal 30A displays the virtual room mapping screen (part 2) 270 corresponding to the selected virtual room ID identified in S22. Furthermore, the reception unit 32 receives the instruction from user a to map an additional device to a virtual room (press of connect button 272).

[0202] S24: In response to the operation input in S23, the communication unit 31 of the communication terminal 30A requests information from the information processing system 50 regarding devices registered with tenants that are candidates for devices to be associated with the virtual room, and devices that have already been associated with the virtual room ID selected in step S22.

[0203] S25: The communication unit 51 of the information processing system 50 receives a request for information on devices registered with the tenant and devices associated with the selected virtual room ID, and the screen generation unit 52 generates a virtual room mapping screen (part 3) 280 that includes the device IDs of the devices registered with the tenant and devices associated with the selected virtual room ID. The communication unit 51 of the information processing system 50 transmits the screen information of the virtual room mapping screen (part 3) 280 to the communication terminal 30A.

[0204] S26: The communication unit 31 of the communication terminal 30A receives screen information from the virtual room mapping screen (part 3) 280, and the display control unit 33 displays the virtual room mapping screen (part 3) 280. User a selects a device to associate with the virtual room (here, the imaging device 10 is used as an example). The reception unit 32 of the communication terminal 30A accepts the selection, and the imaging device ID is identified as the device ID of the selected device.

[0205] S27: The communication unit 31 of the communication terminal 30A sends an association request to the information processing system 50, specifying the virtual room ID selected in step S22 and the device ID (e.g., imaging device ID) selected in S26.

[0206] S28: The communication unit 51 of the information processing system 50 receives the mapping request, and the communication group management unit 56 registers the device (e.g., imaging device 10) in the virtual room. That is, the communication group management unit 56 refers to the virtual room information storage unit 5002 and registers the device ID (e.g., imaging device ID) associated with the virtual room ID specified in the request of S27.

[0207] S29: Since a device ID (e.g., imaging device ID) has been associated with a virtual room, the communication unit 51 of the information processing system 50 transmits the virtual room ID, name, and description to the imaging device 10. The information processing system 50 may use push notifications or transmit the information by utilizing polling by the imaging device 10. The connection unit 16 of the imaging device 10 receives the virtual room ID, name, and description and stores them in the storage unit 1000. This allows the imaging device 10 to add the imaging device ID, virtual room ID, name, description, etc. when transmitting wide-field images. Other devices besides the imaging device 10 can also be associated with virtual rooms using the same procedure. Furthermore, the communication unit 51 of the information processing system 50 may send a notification to the communication terminal 30A indicating that the association is complete. From this step onward, devices registered with a virtual room (imaging device 10) can connect to the associated virtual room. Here, we will continue the explanation assuming that the imaging device 10 has connected to the virtual room by sending a connection request to the information processing system 50, specifying the virtual room ID received in S29. However, the timing of the imaging device 10 connecting to the virtual room can be changed by user operation.

[0208] S30: The communication terminal 30A and the information processing system 50 perform the entry process described in Figure 19, thereby allowing the communication terminal 30A to enter the virtual room associated with the device (imaging device 10).

[0209] S31: After entering the room, user a turns on the toggle button 291 of the imaging device 10 associated with the virtual room on the image viewing screen 210. The reception unit 32 of the communication terminal 30A receives the ON signal.

[0210] S32: The communication unit 31 of the communication terminal 30A sends a request to the information processing system 50 to start transmitting wide-field images, specifying the device ID (imaging device ID). Alternatively, user a may directly start transmitting wide-field images by operating a button on the imaging device 10. In addition, user a may also cause the communication unit 31 of the communication terminal 30A to send a request to stop transmission to the information processing system 50.

[0211] S33: The communication unit 51 of the information processing system 50 receives a transmission start request and requests the imaging device 10, identified by its device ID (imaging device ID), to start transmission. The information processing system 50 may use push notifications or the imaging device 10 may use polling. The connection unit 16 of the imaging device 10 receives the transmission start request and the imaging processing unit 13 starts imaging. The image transmission control unit 18 repeatedly transmits wide-field images via the connection unit 16 at a fixed FPS or an FPS corresponding to the bandwidth. Therefore, the communication terminal 30 that has entered the virtual room can display the status of site A on the image viewing screen 210 in real time.

[0212] <Distribution of wide-field images, etc.> Refer to Figure 28 to explain the process by which wide-field images and normal-angle images are shared. Figure 28 is an example of a sequence diagram illustrating the process of sharing wide-field images. In Figure 28, communication terminals 30A and 30B have entered the virtual room after performing the entry process described in Figure 19. Communication terminal 30A also has a normal-angle camera 9, which is shared with communication terminal 30B. Instead of the camera 9 of communication terminal 30A, images captured by smart glasses 88 associated with the virtual room may also be shared. Also in Figure 28, the imaging device 10 has already been connected to the same virtual room through the registration procedure described in Figure 27.

[0213] S41: The imaging unit 34 of the communication terminal 30A takes an image of the surroundings, and the communication unit 31 specifies the virtual room ID in which the user is staying and transmits the video and audio, including the image obtained from the imaging, to the information processing system 50.

[0214] S42, S43: When the communication unit 51 of the information processing system 50 receives video and audio including images, the image distribution control unit 54 obtains the IP addresses of the communication terminals 30A and 30B that are in the same virtual room from the virtual room information storage unit 5002 and transmits the video and audio including images via the communication unit 51. In Figure 28, the communication unit 31 of communication terminal 30A receives and displays an image with a normal field of view from the information processing system 50, but it may also display an image with a normal field of view captured by the imaging unit 34 without receiving it.

[0215] S44: Next, in response to a transmission start request based on the transmission start setting, the imaging device 10 captures a wide-field image, and the image transmission control unit 18 transmits the video and audio, including the wide-field image, to the information processing system 50 via the connection unit 16, specifying the virtual room ID, imaging device ID, name, and description to which the device is registered.

[0216] S45, S46: When the communication unit 51 of the information processing system 50 receives video and audio including wide-field images, the image distribution control unit 54 obtains the IP addresses of the communication terminals 30A and 30B that are in the same virtual room from the virtual room information storage unit 5002 and transmits the video and audio including wide-field images via the communication unit 51.

[0217] S47: Next, the communication terminal 30C equipped with camera 9 entered the new virtual room by performing the entry process described in Figure 19.

[0218] S48: The communication unit 31 of the communication terminal 30C transmits video and audio, including images with a normal field of view, to the information processing system 50.

[0219] S49~S51: The communication unit 51 of the information processing system 50 receives video and audio, including images with a normal field of view, from the communication terminal 30C, obtains the IP addresses of the communication terminals 30A~30C that are in the same virtual room from the virtual room information storage unit 5002, and the image distribution control unit 54 transmits video and audio, including images with a normal field of view.

[0220] S52: In addition, the communication unit 51 of the information processing system 50 transmits video, including wide-field images, and audio to the communication terminal 30C that has entered the same virtual room.

[0221] In this way, users a and b who have entered the same virtual room can share video, including wide-field images, captured by the imaging device 10 associated with the virtual room, in real time. Note that the transmission order of each image shown in Figure 28 is just an example; wide-field images may be shared first, or images with a normal field of view may be shared first.

[0222] Here, we will provide some additional information about the smart glasses 88 and VR goggles 89. The smart glasses 88 have a camera and display function with a normal field of view. Images with a normal field of view obtained by the camera held by the smart glasses 88 are distributed in the same way as cameras 8 and 9. The display function held by the smart glasses 88 is flat, like a normal display, so a portion of the wide-field image is displayed at the viewpoint indicated by the user. The VR goggles 89 have a display function (they may also have a camera with a normal field of view). The display function held by the smart glasses 88 projects a wide-field image at a viewpoint determined by the orientation of the user's head, so a predetermined region image Q of a predetermined region T in the wide-field image is displayed at a viewpoint corresponding to the orientation of the user's head. While viewing a wide-field image with the smart glasses 88 or VR goggles 89, the user can send an imaging request specifying the viewpoint information being viewed to the information processing system 50.

[0223] <Processing to track an object> Next, referring to Figures 29 to 45, we will explain the process of tracking a specific object displayed within a predetermined area of ​​video. Figure 29 is a flowchart showing an overview of the process from joining to leaving a virtual room. Here, we will explain again the process of joining a meeting when tracking an object.

[0224] S100: First, the communication system 1a performs the process of joining the virtual room.

[0225] Here, we will explain the process of joining a virtual room using Figure 30. Figure 30 is a sequence diagram showing the process of joining a virtual room.

[0226] S101: In the communication terminal 30, the reception unit 32 accepts participation in the virtual room based on the user's (in this case, user b) operation.

[0227] S102: The reception unit 32 generates a user ID to identify the user operating the communication terminal 30.

[0228] S103: The communication unit 31 sends a request to join the virtual room to the information processing system 50. This request includes a virtual room ID that identifies the virtual room to join, and a user ID generated in step S102. As a result, the communication unit 51 of the information processing system 50 receives the request to join the virtual room.

[0229] S104: In the information processing system 50, the storage and reading unit 59 performs user registration. Specifically, the storage and reading unit 59 searches the virtual room information storage unit 5002 using the virtual room ID received in step S103 as a search key, reads the virtual room information including this virtual room ID, and registers the user ID received in step S103 in this virtual room information. As a result, the user can join the virtual room.

[0230] S105: The memory / reading unit 59 obtains the identification information (user ID and device ID) of all participating locations contained in the virtual room information read in step S104 from the virtual room information storage unit 5002.

[0231] S106: The screen generation unit 52 generates display area IDs for each display area to display images (videos) from all participating locations.

[0232] S107: The storage / reading unit 59 registers the display area in the display area information storage unit 5004. Specifically, as shown in Figure 17(a), the storage / reading unit 59 associates the user ID and virtual room ID received in step S103 with each display area ID generated in step S106, and also associates and registers the source of the video displayed in each display area indicated by each display area ID (user ID or device ID obtained in step S105). Note that Figure 17(a) shows the case where the user of the communication terminal that displays the display area is user b. If a user other than user b performs the same process, the number of records related to the user other than user b will increase in Figure 17(a).

[0233] S108: The communication unit 51 of the information processing system 50 transmits wide-field images of each location. These wide-field images include the display area ID of the display area for displaying video (images) of each location. As a result, the communication unit 31 of the communication terminal 30 receives the wide-field video of each location.

[0234] S109: In the communication terminal 30, the display control unit 33 displays a screen 400 containing video of each corresponding location on the display 306 of the communication terminal 30, for each display area 411, 421 to 423, as shown in Figure 35.

[0235] Figures 35 to 41 show the screen of a remote communication system displaying a video of a designated area showing a construction site. Note that in this context, the communication terminal can also be referred to as the display terminal.

[0236] In Figure 35, user b has initiated remote communication with base A (user a) and base C (user c), which are construction sites, using their own communication terminal 30 at base B, as shown in Figure 1. The remote communication screen 400 shown in Figure 35 is displayed on the display 306 of their own communication terminal 30. On the left side of screen 400, a display area 411 of a predetermined area video obtained by the imaging device 10 at base A is displayed, and on the right side of screen 400, the display area 421 of the user's own base and the display areas 422, 423 of the other bases are displayed.

[0237] The predetermined region video displayed in the display area 411 is a predetermined region in a wide-field video transmitted by the imaging device 10 at base A and distributed via the information processing system 50. This predetermined region video can be changed and displayed as another predetermined region video showing another predetermined region in the wide-field image including this predetermined region video, through screen operations by user b using a mouse or the like. This change in display is the same as when the viewpoint of the virtual camera IC in Figure 10(a) is moved as shown in Figure 10(c), causing the predetermined region image in Figure 10(c) to be changed to the predetermined region image in Figure 10(d).

[0238] Furthermore, display area 421 shows user b's own video at location B. Display areas 422 and 423 show the video of user a at location A and user c at location C, respectively. In addition, an "Add" button 411a for duplicating and adding a display area is displayed in the upper left of display area 411. Note that the "Add" button 411a may also be displayed within display area 411.

[0239] S200: Returning to Figure 29, user b performs an operation on the communication terminal 30 to select a display area for tracking processing. Note that in Figure 35, the video from the imaging device 10, which has already been selected by user b, is displayed in the display area 411.

[0240] Here, we will first explain, using Figure 31, the process of tracking a specific object displayed within a predetermined area video in the display area 411, without user b pressing the "Add" button (S300; NO). S501: User b moves the cursor c1 using a mouse or the like to specify a particular object a1 (in this case, a vehicle) to focus on on the display area 411 of the screen 400 shown in Figure 35. As a result, the reception unit 32 of the communication terminal 30 at base B receives the specification of the object to be followed. S502: As shown in Figure 36, the display control unit 33 modifies the display area 411 so that the object a1 specified in step S201 is displayed in the center of the display area 411, that is, so that it is projected in the center of the predetermined area video. S503: The position detection unit 41 extracts feature quantities of the object a1 to be tracked from one frame of the original wide-field video, which includes the video of a predetermined region currently being displayed. S504: The communication unit 31 receives the image (wide-field still image) of the next frame of the wide-field video transmitted by the imaging device 10 and distributed via the information processing system 50. S505: The position detection unit 41 converts the image of the next frame received in step S504 into feature quantities. S506: The position detection unit 41 uses the feature quantities of object a1 extracted in step S503 to detect the position of object a1 to be tracked within the image of the next frame, based on the feature quantities of the image of the next frame converted in step S505. S507: The communication unit 31 of the communication terminal 3 transmits to the information processing system 5 information indicating the position of the tracking object a1 detected by the position detection unit 41 and the feature quantities of the object a1. As a result, the communication unit 51 of the information processing system 5 receives the information indicating the position of the object a1 and the feature quantities, and as shown in Figure 17(a), the storage / reading unit 59 registers the tracking object position information in the storage field of the display area information storage unit 5004 and registers the feature quantities of the object a1 in the object feature quantity storage field. S508: The display control unit 33 of the communication terminal 3 renders the image (wide-field still image) of the next frame. Also, as shown in Figure 37, when the display control unit 33 displays the predetermined area still image of the next frame in the display area 411, it modifies the display so that the object a1 specified in step S501 is displayed in the center of the display area 411, that is, so that it is displayed in the center of the predetermined area video. S509: When user b gives a command to end tracking, such as by double-clicking object a1 with a mouse, the receiving unit 32 receives the command to end, and the process shown in Figure 31 ends (YES). On the other hand, if user b does not give a command to end tracking, the process returns to step S504 and continues.

[0241] This concludes the explanation of the tracking process (S500) shown in Figure 29.

[0242] S600: Next, if the meeting is not terminated (S600; NO), return to step S200 and proceed to step S300.

[0243] S300: In Figure 37, when user b operates the mouse or the like and presses the "Add" button 411a with cursor c1, the reception unit 32 accepts the press of the "Add" button 411a (S300; YES), and the communication terminal 3 performs the process of adding a display area. Now, the process of adding and displaying a display area will be explained using Figure 32. Figure 32 is a sequence diagram showing the process of adding and displaying a display area.

[0244] S401: The communication unit 31 of the communication terminal 30 sends a request to the information processing system 50 to add a display area. This request includes the user ID of the requesting user b, and a display area ID to identify the display area 411 selected in step S200. As a result, the communication unit 51 of the information processing system 50 receives the request to add a display area.

[0245] S402: The screen generation unit 52 of the information processing system 50 generates a display area ID for identifying the display area to be newly added.

[0246] S403: The memory / reading unit 59 registers the display area in the display area information storage unit 5004. Specifically, as shown in Fig. 17(b), the memory / reading unit 59 adds a new record including the display area ID (e.g., "Scr005") generated in step S402, and associates and registers in this record the user ID received in step 401 (the user ID of user b of the communication terminal that displayed the display area), the virtual room ID, the user ID of the user who is the video source, or the shooting storage ID of the imaging device. In this case, the virtual room ID is registered by replicating the virtual room ID (e.g., "AAA") and user ID or imaging device ID (e.g., "T111") associated with the selected display area ID (e.g., "Scr004"), as well as the position information of the tracking object and the feature amount of the tracking object.

[0247] S404: The communication unit 51 transmits the original video (wide-angle video) and the display area information to the communication terminal 30. This display area information includes the display area ID (e.g., "Sc005") added by being generated in step S402 and the position information of the original tracking object of the display area (e.g., (10, 20, 30)). Thereby, the communication unit 31 of the communication terminal 30 transmits the same video (wide-angle video) as the original display area of the display area added in step S300 and the display area information.

[0248] S405: Based on the video and display area information received in step S404, as shown in FIG. 38, the display control unit 33 of the communication terminal 30 reduces the display of the display area 411 and newly adds and displays a display area 412. In this case, at the upper part of the original display area 411, a "Delete" button 411b for deleting this display area 411 is newly displayed. Also, at the upper part of the display area 412, similarly, an "Add" button 412a for adding a display area and a "Delete" button 412b for deleting the display area 412 are displayed. Further, the display control unit 33 displays the same video (predetermined area video) as the display area 411 in the display area 412 based on the position information of the object to be followed received in step S404.

[0249] In addition, when the "Add" button 411a is pressed in the state of FIG. 38, a third display area is displayed as a copy of the display area 411. Similarly, when the "Add" button 412a is pressed in the state of FIG. 38, a third display area is displayed as a copy of the display area 412. By repeating these operations, the fourth and subsequent display areas are displayed. Also, not only the "Add" button 411a but also the "Delete" button 411b may be displayed within the display area 411. Similarly, the "Add" button 412a and the "Delete" button 412b may also be displayed within the display area 412.

[0250] Further, the display control unit 33 may display a predetermined area video of a predetermined area in the display area 412 instead of displaying the same video as the display area 411. In this case, in step S404, it is not necessary to transmit and receive the position information of the tracking object. Furthermore, the display control unit 33 may use the original video (wide-angle video) for displaying the predetermined area video in the display area 411 as the predetermined area video to be displayed in the display area 412. In this case, in step S404, it is not necessary to transmit and receive the video.

[0251] This concludes the explanation of the display area addition process (S400) shown in Figure 29. Then, the tracking process (S500) described above is performed. For example, as shown in Figure 39, when user b specifies object b1 with cursor c1 (see S501), the display control unit 33 changes the display of object b1 to the center of the screen in display area 412, as shown in Figure 40 (see S502). After that, the processes from step S503 onwards are performed, and the display control unit 33 tracks and displays object a1 in display area 411, as shown in Figure 41, and independently tracks and displays object b1 in display area 412. In this case, in step S507, the position information and feature quantities of the tracking object are overwritten and updated independently in the record of display area ID "Scr004" and the record of display area ID "Scr005" shown in Figure 17(b).

[0252] Next, we will explain the process of deleting the display area using Figure 33. Figure 33 is a sequence diagram showing the process of deleting the display area.

[0253] S551: For example, in Figure 41, when user b presses the "Delete" button 412b with cursor c1, the reception unit 32 accepts the deletion of the display area 412.

[0254] S552: The communication unit 31 sends a request to delete a display area to the information processing system 50. This deletion request includes the user ID of the requesting user and the display area ID of the display area to be deleted. As a result, the communication unit 51 of the information processing system 50 receives the request to delete a display area.

[0255] S553: ​​The storage / reading unit 59 deletes the record containing the user ID and display area ID received in step S522 from the display area information storage unit 5004. As a result, for example, in Figure 17(b), the record containing the display area ID "Scr005" is deleted, and the system returns to the state shown in Figure 17(a).

[0256] This concludes the explanation of the deletion process for the display area shown in Figure 33.

[0257] S700: Next, returning to Figure 29, if the meeting is to be ended (S600; YES), the process of exiting the virtual room is performed. Here, we will explain the process of exiting the virtual room using Figure 34. Figure 34 is a sequence diagram showing the process of exiting the virtual room.

[0258] S701: As shown in Figure 34, when user b performs an exit operation from the virtual room using a mouse or the like on the communication terminal 30, the reception unit 32 accepts the exit from the virtual room.

[0259] S702: The communication unit 71 of the communication terminal 30 sends a virtual room exit request to the information processing system 50. This exit request includes the user ID of user b, who made the request. As a result, the communication unit 51 of the information processing system 50 receives the virtual room exit request.

[0260] S703: Based on the user ID received in step S702, the storage / reading unit 59 deletes all records related to display areas from the display area information storage unit 5004 in the "User ID of the user of the communication terminal that displayed the display area" field (see Figure 17).

[0261] S704: Furthermore, based on the user ID received in step S702, the storage / reading unit 59 deletes this user ID (for example, "User222") from the "Users currently in the room" column (see Figure 15) in the virtual room information storage unit 5002.

[0262] This concludes the explanation of the exit process for the virtual room shown in Figure 29.

[0263] Next, Figures 42 to 44 will be used to explain the remote communication screen displaying a video of a predetermined area showing the concert venue. Figures 42 to 44 are diagrams showing the remote communication screen displaying a video of a predetermined area showing the concert venue. Note that Figures 42 to 45 correspond to the screens in Figures 35 to 38, respectively.

[0264] Here, as shown in Figure 42, a predetermined area image showing multiple people (a2, b2, c2, d2) is displayed in the display area 411. In this situation, user b moves the cursor c1 with a mouse or the like to specify a particular object a2 (in this case, a person) on the display area 411 of the screen 400 shown in Figure 42. As a result, the display control unit 33 modifies the display so that the object a2 is displayed in the center of the display area 411, that is, displayed in the center of the predetermined area video, as shown in Figure 43. Then, as frames of the wide-field video are continuously received one after another (S504~S509; see NO), the position detection unit 41 continues to track the object a2, and modifies the display so that the position detection unit 41 is displayed in the center of the display area 411, that is, displayed in the center of the predetermined area video, as shown in Figure 44.

[0265] Furthermore, in Figure 44, when user b presses the "Add" button 411a, the display control unit 44 adds and displays the display area 412, as shown in Figure 44. In this case as well, as shown in Figure 45, the display control unit 44 shrinks the display area 411 and displays the new display area 412. Also, a "Delete" button 411b for deleting this display area 411 is displayed above the original display area 411. Similarly, an "Add" button 412a for adding a display area and a "Delete" button 412b for deleting the display area 412 are displayed above the display area 412.

[0266] <Examples of communication system applications in telemedicine> Figure 46 illustrates an example of remote communication where a communication system is applied to telemedicine. Figure 47 shows an example of a virtual room mapping screen used to associate an imaging device with a virtual room in the case of telemedicine.

[0267] In this explanation of communication system 1b, the differences between Figure 46 and Figure 1 will be explained. In Figure 46, base A is an operating room, but the processing flow from (1) to (6) is the same as in Figure 1. In Figure 46, the patient is placed on an operating table 355 and undergoes surgery performed by a medical professional such as a doctor. The medical professional (corresponding to the user) uses various surgical instruments 354, such as forceps and scalpels, to operate on the patient. The medical professional can also wear smart glasses 88 and transmit images of the medical professional's surgical field to the communication network N. In addition, various cameras such as an operating room camera 351, a surgical field camera 352, and an endoscope 353 are installed in the operating room. All cameras and smart glasses 88 in the operating room are associated with a virtual room.

[0268] A main unit 356 is located in the operating room to monitor the patient's vital signs and the operating status of medical equipment. The main unit 356 corresponds to the communication terminal 30 in this embodiment. In addition to the functions shown in Figure 1, the communication terminal 30 (main unit 356) in the operating room may also have the function of receiving images from the endoscope 353 and the surgical field camera 352. The communication terminal 30 can display the received images on the display 306 and transmit them to the information processing system 50 as images from the communication terminal 30's location. The operation panel 357 is an input interface that accepts various operations, and may allow medical personnel to operate the equipment in the operating room via the operation panel 357. Alternatively, the endoscope 353, surgical field camera 351, and surgical field camera 352 may communicate directly with the information processing system 50 without going through the communication terminal 30.

[0269] Furthermore, the communication terminal 30 may have the functionality of an electronic medical record system, or it may have the functionality to communicate with an electronic medical record system. The communication terminal 30 may display electronic medical record information on the display 306.

[0270] FIG. 47 is a diagram showing an example of a virtual room association screen 860 for associating an imaging device with a virtual room in the case of telemedicine. In the description of FIG. 47, the differences from FIG. 23 will be mainly described.

[0271] In the case of telemedicine, on the virtual room association screen 860, a list of virtual rooms 861 associated with, for example, surgeries or examinations performed remotely is displayed. At site A, a medical camera including an imaging device 10 which is an omnidirectional camera is associated. The medical camera includes an endoscope (T111), an in - operating - room camera used for imaging the surgical field, a camera for imaging microscope images, and the like.

[0272] Even when a wide - view video of the medical site is distributed like this, the process shown in FIG. 31 is performed, and as a specific object, the movement of a doctor, a nurse, or a hand performing a surgery is followed and displayed.

[0273] <Main effects of the embodiment> As described above, according to this embodiment, during the display of a predetermined - area video which is a predetermined area in a wide - view video, even if a specific object (object) moves within the predetermined - area video, the specific object can be projected onto the predetermined - area image without causing trouble to the user.

[0274] Also, during the display of a predetermined - area video which is a predetermined area in a wide - view video, even if a plurality of objects move within the predetermined - area video, the plurality of objects can be projected onto the predetermined - area image without causing trouble to the user.

[0275] <Other application examples> As described above, the best mode for carrying out the present invention has been described using examples. However, the present invention is not limited to such examples, and various modifications and substitutions can be made without departing from the gist of the present invention.

[0276] For example, the configuration example shown in Figure 13 is divided according to its main function to facilitate understanding of the processing performed by the information processing system 50, the imaging device 10, and the communication terminal 30. The present invention is not limited by the way the processing units are divided or the names of those units. The processing of the information processing system 50, the imaging device 10, and the communication terminal 30 can be further divided into more processing units depending on the processing content. Furthermore, each processing unit can be divided to include even more processing.

[0277] Each of the functions of the embodiments described above can be realized by one or more processing circuits. Hereinafter, "processing circuit" as used herein includes processors programmed to execute each function by software, such as processors implemented by electronic circuits, as well as devices such as ASICs (Application Specific Integrated Circuits), DSPs (digital signal processors), FPGAs (field programmable gate arrays), and conventional circuit modules designed to execute each of the functions described above.

[0278] Furthermore, the aforementioned apparatus represents only one of several computing environments for carrying out the embodiments disclosed herein. In one embodiment, the information processing system 50 includes multiple computing devices, such as a server cluster. The multiple computing devices are configured to communicate with each other via any type of communication link, including networks and shared memory, and perform the processing disclosed herein.

[0279] Furthermore, the information processing system 50 can be configured to share the disclosed processing steps, such as those shown in Figures 27 and 28, in various combinations. For example, a process executed by a predetermined unit can be executed by multiple information processing devices of the information processing system 50. Also, the information processing system 50 may be consolidated into a single server device or divided into multiple devices.

[0280] <One aspect of the invention> The following shows one aspect of the invention as demonstrated in the embodiments. [Additional Note 1] A display terminal that displays a predetermined region video, which is a predetermined region in a wide-view video having a wide field of view, on a display unit, A receiving unit that receives a designation of a first object displayed in a first predetermined region video within a first display area shown on the display unit, which is the first predetermined region in the wide-field video, and a receiving unit that receives a designation of a second object displayed in a second predetermined region video within a second display area shown on the display unit, which is the second predetermined region in the wide-field video, A display control unit that, by following the movement of the first object for which the designation has been received, displays a first predetermined area video in which the first object is continuously displayed within the first display area, and by following the movement of the second object for which the designation has been received, displays a second predetermined area video in which the second object is continuously displayed within the second display area, A display terminal characterized by having the following features. [Additional note 2] The reception unit receives additional displays for the first display area displayed on the display unit. The display control unit adds and displays the second display area for displaying the second predetermined area video on the display unit. The display terminal described in Appendix 1, characterized by the features described herein. [Additional note 3] The display terminal according to Appendix 2, characterized in that when the second display area is to be displayed, the same second predetermined area video as the first predetermined area video is displayed. [Additional Note 4] The display terminal described in Appendix 3, When the display control unit follows the movement of the first object and displays the first predetermined area video in which the first object is continuously displayed within the first display area, a transmission unit transmits position information indicating the position of the first object in the wide-field video or viewpoint information indicating the first predetermined area to an information processing system that distributes the wide-field video. When the display control unit adds the second display area, it includes a receiving unit that receives the position information or viewpoint information from the information processing system, It has, The display terminal is characterized in that the display control unit displays the same second predetermined region video as the first predetermined region video in the second display region based on the position information or viewpoint information received by the receiving unit. [Additional Note 5] The receiving unit receives a request to delete the first display area or the second display area. The display control unit deletes the first display area or the second display area that has been deleted from the display unit. The display terminal described in Appendix 1, characterized by the features described herein. [Additional Note 6] The display terminal according to Appendix 1, characterized in that the display control unit displays the first predetermined region video such that the first object designated is displayed in the center of the first predetermined region video. [Additional Note 7] The display terminal according to Appendix 1, characterized in that the display control unit displays the second predetermined region video such that the second object designated is displayed in the center of the second predetermined region video. [Additional Note 8] The display terminal according to appendices 1 to 7, characterized in that the display control unit displays video of the locations of users participating in the same virtual room simultaneously with the first predetermined area video and the second predetermined area video. [Additional Note 9] The display terminal according to any one of the appendices 1 to 8, characterized in that the wide-view video is a video having a wider viewing angle than the display range that can be displayed on the display unit at one time. [Additional Note 10] The display terminal according to any one of the appendices 1 to 9, characterized in that the wide-field video is an equirectangular full-sphere image, omnidirectional image, hemispherical image, 3D panoramic image, 2D panoramic image, or VR image. [Additional Note 11] A display terminal as described in any one of the supplementary items 1 to 10, The system includes a position detection unit that converts one frame of the wide-field video, which includes the first predetermined area video displayed within the first display area, into a feature quantity, and detects the position of the first object in that one frame. The display control unit follows the movement of the first object whose position has been detected, and displays the predetermined region video in which the first object is continuously shown within the first display region. A display terminal characterized by the following features. [Additional Note 12] A display terminal as described in any one of the supplementary items 1 to 11, The system includes a position detection unit that converts one frame of the wide-field video, which includes the second predetermined region video displayed within the second display area, into a feature quantity, and detects the position of the second object in that one frame. The display control unit follows the movement of the second object whose position has been detected, and displays the predetermined region video in which the second object is continuously shown within the second display area. A display terminal characterized by the following features. [Additional Note 13] A communication system comprising an imaging device that generates a wide-field video with a wide field of view by capturing images, and a display terminal that displays a predetermined region video, which is a predetermined region in the wide-field video generated by the imaging device, The imaging device has a transmitting unit that transmits the wide-field video, The aforementioned display terminal is A receiving unit that receives the wide-field video, A display control unit that displays a first predetermined region video, which is a first predetermined region in the received wide-field video, within a first display area displayed on the display unit, and displays a second predetermined region video, which is a second predetermined region in the received wide-field video, within a second display area displayed on the display unit. A receiving unit that receives a designation of a first object shown in the first predetermined area video displayed within the first display area, and a receiving unit that receives a designation of a second object shown in the second predetermined area video displayed within the second display area, It has, A communication system characterized in that the display control unit follows the movement of the first object for which the designation has been received, thereby displaying a first predetermined area video in which the first object is continuously displayed within the first display area, and follows the movement of the second object for which the designation has been received, thereby displaying a second predetermined area video in which the second object is continuously displayed within the second display area. [Additional Note 14] A display method performed by a display terminal that displays a predetermined region video, which is a predetermined region in a wide-view video having a wide field of view, on a display unit, The aforementioned display terminal is A receiving step of receiving a designation of a first object displayed in a first predetermined region video within a first display area shown on the display unit, which is the first predetermined region in the wide-field video, and a designation of a second object displayed in a second predetermined region video within a second display area shown on the display unit, which is the second predetermined region in the wide-field video, A display control step that follows the movement of the first object for which the designation has been received, thereby displaying a first predetermined area video in which the first object is continuously shown within the first display area, and follows the movement of the second object for which the designation has been received, thereby displaying a second predetermined area video in which the second object is continuously shown within the second display area, A display method characterized by performing the following: [Additional Note 15] A communication method performed by a communication system having an imaging device that generates a wide-field video with a wide field of view by capturing images, and a display terminal that displays a predetermined region video, which is a predetermined region in the wide-field video generated by the imaging device, The imaging device is The transmission step of transmitting the wide-field video is performed, The aforementioned display terminal is The receiving step of receiving the wide-field video, A display control step which causes the first predetermined region video, which is a first predetermined region in the received wide-field video, to be displayed in the first display area displayed on the display unit, and the second predetermined region video, which is a second predetermined region in the received wide-field video, to be displayed in the second display area displayed on the display unit. A receiving step that receives a designation of a first object shown in the first predetermined area video displayed in the first display area, and a receiving step that receives a designation of a second object shown in the second predetermined area video displayed in the second display area, Execute, The display control step includes the process of displaying a first predetermined area video in which the first object is continuously displayed within the first display area by following the movement of the first object for which the designation has been received, and displaying a second predetermined area video in which the second object is continuously displayed within the second display area by following the movement of the second object for which the designation has been received. A communication method characterized by the following features. [Additional Note 16] A program for causing a computer to display a predetermined region video, which is a predetermined region in a wide-view video having a wide field of view, on a display unit, To the aforementioned computer, The display unit receives a designation of a first object that is displayed in a first predetermined region video, which is a first predetermined region in the wide-field video, and allows the display unit to receive a designation of a second object that is displayed in a second predetermined region video, which is a second predetermined region in the wide-field video. By following the movement of the first object for which the designation has been received, the first predetermined area video in which the first object is continuously displayed is shown within the first display area, and by following the movement of the second object for which the designation has been received, the second predetermined area video in which the second object is continuously displayed within the second display area. A program characterized by the following features. [Explanation of symbols]

[0281] 1a, 1b Communication Systems 10 Imaging device 11. Communication section (an example of a transmitting section) 30. Communication terminal (also called "display terminal") 31. Communication section (an example of a receiving section) 32 Reception Department 33 Display Control Unit 41 Position detection unit 50 Information Processing Systems 306 Display (Example of a display unit) 411 Display area (an example of the first display area) 412 Display area (an example of the second display area) a1. Object (An example of the first object) b1 Object (An example of the second object) [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0282] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2021-34897

Claims

1. A display terminal that displays a predetermined region video, which is a predetermined region in a wide-view video having a wide field of view, on a display unit, A receiving unit that receives a designation of a first object displayed in a first predetermined region video within a first display area shown on the display unit, which is the first predetermined region in the wide-field video, and a receiving unit that receives a designation of a second object displayed in a second predetermined region video within a second display area shown on the display unit, which is the second predetermined region in the wide-field video, A display control unit that, by following the movement of the first object for which the designation of the first object has been received, displays the first predetermined area video in which the first object is continuously displayed within the first display area, and by following the movement of the second object for which the designation of the second object has been received, displays the second predetermined area video in which the second object is continuously displayed within the second display area, A display terminal characterized by having the following features.

2. The reception unit receives additional displays for the first display area displayed on the display unit. The display control unit adds and displays the second display area for displaying the second predetermined area video on the display unit. The display terminal according to feature 1.

3. The display terminal according to claim 2, characterized in that when the second display area is to be displayed, the second predetermined area video, which is the same predetermined area video as the first predetermined area video, is displayed.

4. A display terminal according to claim 3, When the display control unit follows the movement of the first object and displays the first predetermined area video in which the first object is continuously displayed within the first display area, a transmission unit transmits position information indicating the position of the first object in the wide-field video or viewpoint information indicating the first predetermined area to an information processing system that distributes the wide-field video. When the display control unit adds the second display area, it includes a receiving unit that receives the position information or viewpoint information from the information processing system, It has, The display terminal is characterized in that the display control unit displays the same second predetermined region video as the first predetermined region video in the second display region based on the position information or viewpoint information received by the receiving unit.

5. The reception unit receives a request to delete the first display area or the second display area. The display control unit deletes the first display area or the second display area for which the deletion request has been received from the display unit. The display terminal according to feature 1.

6. The display terminal according to claim 1, characterized in that the display control unit displays the first predetermined region video such that the first object designated is displayed in the center of the first predetermined region video.

7. The display terminal according to claim 1, characterized in that the display control unit displays the second predetermined region video such that the second object designated is displayed in the center of the second predetermined region video.

8. The display terminal according to claim 1, characterized in that the display control unit displays video footage of the locations of users participating in the same virtual room simultaneously with the first predetermined area video and the second predetermined area video.

9. The display terminal according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the wide-view video is a video having a wider viewing angle than the display range that can be displayed on the display unit at one time.

10. The display terminal according to claim 9, characterized in that the wide-field video is an equirectangular full-sphere image, omnidirectional image, hemispherical image, 3D panoramic image, 2D panoramic image, or VR image.

11. A display terminal according to claim 1, The system includes a position detection unit that converts one frame of the wide-field video, which includes the first predetermined area video displayed within the first display area, into a feature quantity, and detects the position of the first object in that frame. The display control unit follows the movement of the first object whose position has been detected, and displays the predetermined region video in which the first object is continuously shown within the first display area. A display terminal characterized by the following features.

12. A display terminal according to claim 1, The system includes a position detection unit that converts one frame of the wide-field video, which includes the second predetermined area video displayed within the second display area, into a feature quantity, and detects the position of the second object in the one frame. The display control unit follows the movement of the second object whose position has been detected, and displays the predetermined region video in which the second object is continuously shown within the second display region. A display terminal characterized by the following features.

13. A communication system comprising an imaging device that generates a wide-field video with a wide field of view by capturing images, and a display terminal that displays a predetermined region video, which is a predetermined region in the wide-field video generated by the imaging device, The imaging device has a transmitting unit that transmits the wide-field video, The aforementioned display terminal is A receiving unit that receives the wide-field video, A display control unit that displays a first predetermined region video, which is a first predetermined region in the received wide-field video, within a first display area displayed on the display unit, and displays a second predetermined region video, which is a second predetermined region in the received wide-field video, within a second display area displayed on the display unit. A receiving unit that receives a designation of a first object shown in the first predetermined area video displayed within the first display area, and a receiving unit that receives a designation of a second object shown in the second predetermined area video displayed within the second display area, It has, A communication system characterized in that the display control unit follows the movement of the first object after receiving a designation of the first object, thereby displaying a first predetermined area video in which the first object is continuously shown within the first display area, and follows the movement of the second object after receiving a designation of the second object, thereby displaying a second predetermined area video in which the second object is continuously shown within the second display area.

14. A display method performed by a display terminal that displays a predetermined region video, which is a predetermined region in a wide-view video having a wide field of view, on a display unit, The aforementioned display terminal is A receiving step of receiving a designation of a first object displayed in a first predetermined region video within a first display area shown on the display unit, which is the first predetermined region in the wide-field video, and a designation of a second object displayed in a second predetermined region video within a second display area shown on the display unit, which is the second predetermined region in the wide-field video, A display control step that follows the movement of the first object after the designation of the first object has been received, thereby displaying a first predetermined area video in which the first object is continuously projected within the first display area, and follows the movement of the second object after the designation of the second object, thereby displaying a second predetermined area video in which the second object is continuously projected within the second display area, A display method characterized by performing the following:

15. A communication method performed by a communication system having an imaging device that generates a wide-field video with a wide field of view by capturing images, and a display terminal that displays a predetermined region video, which is a predetermined region in the wide-field video generated by the imaging device, The imaging device is The transmission step of transmitting the wide-field video is performed, The aforementioned display terminal is The receiving step of receiving the wide-field video, A display control step which causes the first predetermined region video, which is a first predetermined region in the received wide-field video, to be displayed in the first display area displayed on the display unit, and the second predetermined region video, which is a second predetermined region in the received wide-field video, to be displayed in the second display area displayed on the display unit. A receiving step that receives a designation of a first object shown in the first predetermined area video displayed in the first display area, and a receiving step that receives a designation of a second object shown in the second predetermined area video displayed in the second display area, Execute, The display control step includes the process of displaying a first predetermined area video in which the first object is continuously displayed within the first display area by following the movement of the first object after the designation of the first object has been received, and displaying a second predetermined area video in which the second object is continuously displayed within the second display area by following the movement of the second object after the designation of the second object has been received. A communication method characterized by the following features.

16. A program for causing a computer to display a predetermined region video, which is a predetermined region in a wide-view video having a wide field of view, on a display unit, To the aforementioned computer, The display unit receives a designation of a first object displayed in a predetermined region video within a first display area, which is the first predetermined region in the wide-field video; the display unit receives a designation of a second object displayed in a predetermined region video within a second display area, which is the second predetermined region in the wide-field video; By following the movement of the first object after it has been designated as the first object, the first predetermined area video in which the first object is continuously displayed is shown within the first display area, and by following the movement of the second object after it has been designated as the second object, the second predetermined area video in which the second object is continuously displayed is shown within the second display area. A program characterized by the following features.

Images