JP4432298B2 - Communication support system, method and apparatus between video content viewers, communication support program and program recording medium - Google Patents

Description

上述の通り、本発明の第３乃至第４の実施例によれば、本発明の第１の実施例で説明したサーバ装置経由のメッセージ送信処理において、受信側クライアント装置の積算受信メッセージ数、或いは、経過時間を用いて「通信可否判定」の閾値を動的に変化させることにより、受信側クライアント装置での応答負荷を軽減させ、より関心の一致する相手との通信を提供することができるようになる。
【０１２１】
特に、本発明の第３の実施例は、受信者が女性である場合により大きな効果が得られると考えられる。インターネット利用者のコミュニティーにおいて、女性利用者がコメント等を公開すると、多数のレスポンスメッセージが殺到し、受信者である女性は一定数を超えるメッセージに対して謝絶するメッセージを書くことすらできないとの状況が屡々発生している。そのため、本実施例におけるサーバ装置は、一定の受信総数まで（たとえば、一つのコメントに対するメッセージとして２０通と定める）は到着順にそのまま受信側クライアント装置へ転送するが、それを超えるメッセージをフィルタリングする。たとえば、類似ユーザ情報提供機能において獲得される視聴者（ユーザ）嗜好の類似性の判定値（類似度）が、既に到着したメッセージ発信者についての判定値の最高値又は平均値など所定の値を超える発信者からのものである場合に限り、サーバ装置は受信側クライアント装置へのメッセージの転送を行う。また、受信側クライアント装置がレスポンス可能なメッセージを上回るメッセージ、或いは、所定数を超えるメッセージであっても嗜好の類似性が高く、したがって、今後良好なコミュニケーションをとることが期待できる相手からのメッセージのみを転送することが可能なシステムを実現でき、（たとえば、女性利用者にとって）使い勝手の良い匿名通信システムの提供が可能になる。
【０１２２】
なお、本発明の第３の実施例では、最初の閾値判定を「受信総数」で行っているが、本発明の第４の実施例のように掲示板へのコメント登録からの経過時間によって行うことも可能である。この第４の実施例の利点は、コメント登録時からの時間の経過により、コメント登録者（すなわち、上記の説明では、メッセージ受信者）の関心が次第に薄れるとの経験的事実に合致したメッセージの透過機能の実現か可能となる点である。
【０１２３】
図２０は、本発明の第５の実施例におけるメッセージ送信処理のシーケンスチャートである。図２０のシーケンスチャートは、図１０に示された類似ユーザ情報提供処理のシーケンスチャートの後に続く。本発明の第５の実施例におけるメッセージ送信処理は、メッセージの送信先が送信側クライアント装置１ではなく、サーバ装置１によって決定される点で図１７に示された本発明の第４の実施例と相違する。したがって、図１７のステップ７１は、次のステップ７１’に置き換えられる。
【０１２４】
ステップ７１’：サーバ装置１のメッセージ転送部２６では、類似ユーザ情報提供処理で抽出された類似ユーザＩＤの中の全部又は一部をメッセージの送信先として指定する。類似ユーザＩＤの中の一部を選ぶ場合には、たとえば、送信側の視聴者に類似している度合いが高い順に所定の数の類似ユーザＩＤを選択してもよい。
【０１２５】
本発明の第５の実施例における通信可否判断は、図１８に関して説明した受信メッセージ数に基づく方法と、図１９を参照して説明した経過時間に基づく方法の２通りの態様が考えられる。
【０１２６】
以上の説明のように、本発明の実施例によれば、類似ユーザ情報提供機能と連携した同期型・非同期型のコミュニケーション手段を提供することができる。また、送信時にユーザ間の関連理由を付与するコミュニケーション支援機能が提供される。
【０１２７】
さらに、本発明の第３乃至第５の実施例によれば、受信時に着信の可否を判断する機能が提供され、多数のユーザからのメッセージが殺到した場合のフィルタリングが実現される。本発明の第４の実施例によれば、ユーザの動的な興味を把握し、閾値を時間に変化させることにより、メッセージをフィルタリングすることができる。
【０１２８】
以上の実施例の説明において、類似ユーザ情報提供システムは、関心情報として、映像コンテンツの特定の場面を指定する場面情報としては、映像コンテンツの特定の場面を指定する時間情報であるタイムコードを利用している。しかし、本発明は、類似ユーザ情報提供システムの構成に制限されることはなく、種々の形態の類似ユーザ情報提供システムを利用することが可能である。以下では、類似ユーザ情報提供システムの例について説明する。
【０１２９】
本発明の第６の実施例による類似ユーザ情報提供システムは、複数の場面についての関心情報としてタイムコードを入力して、類似する関心のあるユーザ群を提示する。第６の実施例では、関心情報として、映像コンテンツの特定の場面を指定する時間情報であるタイムコードを利用し、類似するユーザを表示する。タイムコードは、映像コンテンツ内の時間情報、たとえば、先頭からの経過時間である。本発明の第６の実施例によるシステムの構成は、図６を参照して説明した本発明の第１の実施例によるシステムの構成と同じであるため、これ以上詳細には説明しない。
【０１３０】
図２１の本発明の第６の実施例によるシステムのシーケンスチャートを参照して、本実施例の動作について説明する。以下の説明では、クライアント装置１で再生される映像コンテンツは、サーバ装置２から配信されるものとしているが、本発明はこのような例に限定されることはなく、クライアント装置１は、たとえば、ＤＶＤのようにクライアント装置１側に設けられた記録媒体から映像コンテンツを読み出して再生しても構わない。
【０１３１】
ステップ２０１：サーバ装置２からクライアント装置１へ複数の映像コンテンツを配信する。
【０１３２】
ステップ２０２：クライアント装置１の映像コンテンツ再生部１１は、配信された映像コンテンツを表示する。
【０１３３】
ステップ２０３：ユーザは、映像コンテンツ再生部１１に表示された画面に関心を持ったとき（たとえば、感動したとき）、その場面を指定する。クライアント装置１の映像場面指定インタフェース１２からサーバ装置２のユーザ入力制御部２１へユーザＩＤ、映像コンテンツＩＤ及びタイムコードが渡される。
【０１３４】
ステップ２０４：ユーザ入力制御部２１は、映像場面指定インタフェース１２から受け取った映像コンテンツＩＤ及びタイムコードに対応するメタ情報及び時間区間情報を映像コンテンツ情報ＤＢ２２から取り出す。ユーザ入力制御部２１は、映像場面指定インタフェース１２から得た映像コンテンツＩＤ及びタイムコードと、映像コンテンツ情報ＤＢ２２から得たメタ情報及び時間区間情報を、類似ユーザ情報検索部２４へ渡す。また、ユーザ入力制御部２１は、映像場面指定インタフェース１２から得た映像コンテンツＩＤ、タイムコード及びユーザＩＤをユーザ情報ＤＢ２３へ渡し、保存する。
【０１３５】
類似ユーザ情報検索部２４は、ユーザ入力制御部２１から受け取った映像コンテンツＩＤ及び時間区間情報に基づいて、類似ユーザ情報を検索する。より具体的には、類似ユーザ情報検索部２４は、ユーザ情報ＤＢ２３から、ユーザ入力制御部２１より受け取った映像コンテンツＩＤと同じ映像コンテンツＩＤを含むユーザＩＤ及びタイムコードの組を検索し、次に、検索されたタイムコードが（時間区間情報によって表わされる）時間区間の範囲内に収まる場合に、対応したユーザＩＤ群を取得する。
【０１３６】
また、類似ユーザ情報検索部２４は、次に、取り出したタイムコード群中の各タイムコードと、ユーザ入力制御部２１から受け取ったタイムコード（入力タイムコード）との差の絶対値を、ユーザＩＤ群中の各ユーザＩＤに関する類似度とする。
【０１３７】
ステップ２０５：類似ユーザ情報検索部２４は、ユーザ入力制御部２１からのユーザＩＤに関してユーザ情報ＤＢ２３に記憶されているタイムコード群、すなわち、映像コンテンツＩＤとタイムコードの組を取得する。
【０１３８】
ステップ２０６：次に、類似ユーザ情報検索部２４は、ステップ２０５で取得した映像コンテンツＩＤとタイムコードの各組を、映像コンテンツ情報ＤＢ２２を参照して、映像コンテンツＩＤとシーンＩＤの組に変換する。具体的には、タイムコードを収容する時間区間に対応したシーンＩＤを見つける。ステップ２０５で取得された全ての映像コンテンツＩＤ及びタイムコードの組を映像コンテンツ及びシーンＩＤの組に変換することにより、着目しているユーザ（たとえば、ユーザ００１）に関するシーン一覧表を作成することができる。図２２は、本発明の第６の実施例によるシーン一覧表の一例の説明図である。ユーザ００１に関するシーン一覧表とは、ユーザ００１が関心を示した全ての映像コンテンツＩＤ及びシーンＩＤの組が列挙された表である。
【０１３９】
ステップ２０７：次に、類似ユーザ情報検索部２４は、ステップ２０４で獲得したユーザＩＤ群に含まれる別のユーザＩＤ毎に、ユーザ情報ＤＢ２３に蓄積されている映像コンテンツＩＤ及びタイムコードの組が、ステップ２０６で取得したユーザ００１に関するシーン一覧表に当てはまるかどうかを調べる。すなわち、別のユーザＩＤに関してユーザ情報ＤＢに記憶されている映像コンテンツＩＤとタイムコードについて、このタイムコードがシーン一覧表の映像コンテンツ及びシーンの組によって決まる時間区間に収まるかどうかを判定し、存在する場合に、その別のユーザＩＤ（たとえば、ユーザｉ）に関する映像コンテンツＩＤ及びシーンＩＤの欄にマークを付ける。これにより、シーン一覧表への割り当てが行われる。
【０１４０】
ステップ２０８：類似ユーザ情報検索部２４は、シーン一覧表を、別のユーザＩＤ（本例では、ユーザ００２、ユーザ００３、・・・、ユーザｉ）毎に走査して、シーン一覧表に所定の程度以上の度合いで割り当てられているユーザＩＤ群を類似ユーザＩＤとして抽出し、クライアント装置１の類似ユーザ情報表示インタフェース１３へ渡す。
【０１４１】
ステップ２０９：類似ユーザ情報表示インタフェースは、サーバ装置２の類似ユーザ情報検索部２４から受け取った類似ユーザ情報（ユーザＩＤ等）を表示する。
【０１４２】
図２３は、本発明の第６の実施例による類似ユーザ情報検索処理部で行われるシーン一覧表への割り当て処理と、類似ユーザＩＤの抽出処理の一例の詳細なフローチャートである。以下、上述の図２２に記載された本発明の第６の実施例において使用されるシーン一覧表を参照して図２３に示された処理を説明する。
【０１４３】
ステップ２１１：既に獲得したユーザＩＤ群の中のユーザｉに関して、ユーザ情報ＤＢ２３から映像コンテンツＩＤ及びタイムコードの組を取得し、着目しているユーザ（たとえば、ユーザ００１）に関するシーン一覧表に掲載された映像コンテンツＩＤ及びシーンＩＤから得られる時間区間の範囲内に、ユーザｉのタイムコードが含まれるかどうかを判定し、含まれる場合に、シーン一覧表中のユーザｉの対応した映像コンテンツＩＤ及びシーンＩＤの欄をマークする。添え字ｉはｉ番目に取り出された項目であることを示す。
【０１４４】
ステップ２１２：クライアント装置１側のユーザＩＤ（ユーザ００１）に関してユーザ情報ＤＢ２３に蓄積されている（すなわち、チェックされている）映像コンテンツＩＤ及びタイムコード範囲の組と、ユーザＩＤｉに関してユーザ情報ＤＢ２３に蓄積されている映像コンテンツＩＤ及びタイムコードの組の一致度を計算する。
【０１４５】
ステップ２１３：条件式、本例では、一致度が設定値以上であるかどうかを表わす条件式を判定する。
【０１４６】
ステップ２１４：条件式が満たされるので、このときのユーザＩＤｉと一致度を一致度の順に並ぶように結果列に加える。
【０１４７】
ステップ２１５：ユーザＩＤ群の中に取り出されるべきユーザＩＤｉが未だ残っている場合、ステップ２１１へ戻る。
【０１４８】
ステップ２１６：ユーザＩＤ群の中のすべてのユーザＩＤｉについてタイムコード一覧表への割り当てが終了したとき、結果数と、予め定められた出力希望の類似ユーザ数とを比較して、得られる結果数を増減させる（調整する）かどうかを判定する。
【０１４９】
ステップ２１７：結果数を調整するため、設定値を調節する。設定値の調節は自動、又は、ユーザの入力によって行われる。結果数を減少させるため、設定値を増加させる。逆に、結果数を増加させるためには、設定値を減少させる。
【０１５０】
尚、本実施例では、ステップ２１４において、類似ユーザ情報検索処理と並行して検索結果のソーティングを行っているが、このようなソーティングは、検索結果列を獲得した後にクライアント装置１へ結果を出力する際にソーティングをしても構わない。
【０１５１】
次に、再度図２２を参照して、本発明の第４の実施例による一致度の計算方法を説明する。図２２には、ユーザＩＤ毎に、チェックされている映像コンテンツＩＤ及びシーンＩＤが示され、そのチェック数の合計がチェック合計欄に示されている。同図において、チェック箇所は、＋で記されている。たとえば、ユーザ００１は、映像コンテンツ００１のシーン００１、００２及び００３と、映像コンテンツ００５のシーン００１及び００２にチェックし、チェック数の合計はＮ１である。ユーザ００２、ユーザｉについても同様である。なお、本例では、シーン一覧表の映像コンテンツＩＤ及びシーンＩＤの欄は、着目しているユーザがチェックしている欄だけを抽出しているが、映像コンテンツ情報ＤＢ２２に格納されている全ての映像コンテンツＩＤ及びシーンＩＤについての欄を設けても構わない。図２２の例では、着目しているユーザ００１の欄が設けられているが、本例の場合には、ユーザ００１の全ての欄はチェックされているので、ユーザ００１の欄を省略しても構わない。
【０１５２】
ここで、ユーザ００１とユーザｉとのチェック状況を比較すると、ユーザ００１とユーザｉの両方がチェックしている箇所は、映像コンテンツ００１のシーン００１と、映像コンテンツ００５のシーン００１であることがわかる。両方がチェックしている箇所、すなわち、一致箇所は、同図において、丸付きの＋で記されている。
【０１５３】
ユーザｉがユーザ００１にどの程度類似しているかを表す一致度の一例として、チェックの一致箇所の個数２をそのまま採用することができる（ケース１）。或いは、一致度として、一致箇所の個数２をユーザｉのチェック合計Ｎｉで割った値を採用してもよい（ケース２）。
【０１５４】
一致度と大小比較される設定値は、ケース１とケース２に応じて決定される。
【０１５５】
また、本発明の第６の実施例の説明では、シーン一覧表への割り当てを行う前に、入力タイムコードに基づいてユーザ情報ＤＢ２３からユーザＩＤ群を獲得しているが、本発明は、このような構成に限定されることはなく、最初に着目しているユーザに関するシーン一覧表を作成し、次に、入力タイムコードに基づいて類似している別のユーザＩＤをユーザ情報ＤＢ２３から順番に取得し、取得した別のユーザＩＤ毎にシーン一覧表への割り当てを行ってもよい。
【０１５６】
次に、関心情報として、タイムコードの他に、映像コンテンツの特定の場面へ指定する付加情報である評価数値を利用する本発明の第７の実施例を説明する。評価数値とは、たとえば、視聴者が映像コンテンツの特定の場面を気に入っている度合いや、その映像コンテンツの特定の場面についてコミュニケーションをしたい要求度合いなどの指標を意味する。
【０１５７】
この評価数値は、サーバ装置２のユーザ入力制御部２１へ供給され、映像コンテンツＩＤ、ユーザＩＤ、及び、タイムコードと共にユーザ情報ＤＢ２３に格納される。
【０１５８】
また、この評価数値は、類似ユーザ情報検索部２４がシーン一覧表への割り当てを行う際に、ユーザ情報ＤＢ２３から映像コンテンツＩＤ及びタイムコードと共に取り出す。
【０１５９】
類似ユーザ情報検索部２４は、本発明の第６の実施例に関して説明したように、ユーザ入力制御部２１から受け取った映像コンテンツＩＤ及び時間区間情報に基づいて、ユーザ情報ＤＢ２３から類似したユーザＩＤ群を取り出す。
【０１６０】
類似ユーザ情報検索部２４は、次に、既に獲得したユーザＩＤ群の中のユーザｉに関して、ユーザ情報ＤＢ２３から映像コンテンツＩＤ及びタイムコードの組を取得し、着目しているユーザ（たとえば、ユーザ００１）に関するシーン一覧表に掲載された映像コンテンツＩＤ及びシーンＩＤから得られる時間区間の範囲内に、ユーザｉのタイムコードが含まれるかどうかを判定し、含まれる場合に、シーン一覧表中のユーザｉの対応した映像コンテンツＩＤ及びシーンＩＤの欄をマークする。そして、マークの状態が、すなわち、一致度が所定の条件を満たす他ユーザＩＤを類似ユーザＩＤとして選択し、クライアント装置１の類似ユーザ情報表示インタフェース１３へ渡す。
【０１６１】
本発明の第７の実施例では、この一致度を計算する際に、ユーザ情報ＤＢ２３内でユーザＩＤに対して映像コンテンツＩＤ及びタイムコードと共に記憶されている評価数値を利用する。
【０１６２】
図２４は、本発明の第５の実施例による一致度の計算方法の説明図である。同図には、ユーザＩＤ毎に、各映像コンテンツの各シーンに対する評価数値が値１〜５で示されている。たとえば、ユーザ００１に対する映像コンテンツ００１のシーン００２のように評価数値がセットされていない空欄は、ユーザ００１が映像コンテンツ００１のシーン００２をチェックしていないことを表す。ユーザＩＤ毎のチェック合計は、評価数値がセットされている箇所の数を示している。たとえば、ユーザ００１は、映像コンテンツ００１のシーン００１に評価数値５を与え、映像コンテンツ００１のシーン００３に評価数値３を与えている。一般に、ユーザｉが映像コンテンツｋのシーンｌに与えた評価数値をＰ_ｊｋｌのように表す。
【０１６３】
ここで、ユーザｉとユーザｊとのチェック状況を比較すると、ユーザｉとユーザｊの両方がチェックしている箇所は、映像コンテンツ００１のシーン００１と、映像コンテンツ００２のシーン００１と、映像コンテンツｋのシーンｌであることがわかる。両方がチェックしている箇所、すなわち、一致箇所は、同図において、丸付きの数字で記されている。
【０１６４】
ユーザｉがユーザｊの類似度をｒ_ｉｊとし、設定値をａとすると、類似しているユーザの検索式（条件式）は、たとえば、
ｒ_ｉｊ＞ａ
のように簡単に表される。
【０１６５】
類似度ｒ_ｉｊの計算法として、以下の４通りの例が考えられる。以下の例で、全ユーザの映像コンテンツｋの全てのタイムコード範囲に対する評価数値の平均をＡｖｅ_ｋで表す。
【０１６６】
類似度の計算法１：
ユーザｉの特徴ベクトルを
【０１６７】
【数２】

とすると、ユーザｉとユーザｊの類似度は、
【０１６８】
【数３】

で表される。この類似度を用いると、関心を示しているポイント（映像コンテンツＩＤとシーン）が同一であり、かつ、考え（評価数値）も類似しているユーザを検索することができる。
【０１６９】
類似度の計算法２：
Ｐ_ｉｋｌ及びＰ_ｊｋｌがＮＵＬＬではない場合に、ｋとｌに関してループさせることにより、ユーザｉとユーザｊの類似度は、
【０１７０】
【数４】

で表される。式中、定数１及び定数２は、０以外の正の数である。この類似度を用いることにより、関心を示しているポイントが同一であり、かつ、考えが反しているユーザを検索することができる。
【０１７１】
類似度の計算法３：
ユーザｉとユーザｊの類似度ｒ_ｉｊは、
【０１７２】
【数５】

と表すこともできる。式中、Ｐ_ｊｋｌは、
ユーザｊがタイムコード範囲ｌに対して評価値を付与していない場合、Ａｖｅ_ｋであり、
それ以外の場合、評価値そのもの
である。
【０１７３】
類似度の計算法４：
或いは、ユーザｉとユーザｊの類似度ｒ_ｉｊは、
【０１７４】
【数６】

によって表すことができる。ただし、Ｓｉ及びＳｊは、それぞれ、ユーザｉ及びユーザｊの評価値の標準偏差を表し、ｍ、ｎは、予め定めた自然数である。この計算法によれば、たとえば、ｍ＝２、ｎ＝２とすると、他のユーザの評価値平均から大きく異なる評価値を付与した２ユーザの間で高い類似度が得られる。
【０１７５】
次に、本発明の第８の実施例について説明する。本発明の第８の実施例では、関心情報として、映像コンテンツの特定の場面を指定する付加情報であるコメントを利用する。
【０１７６】
コメントは、サーバ装置２のユーザ入力制御部２１へ供給され、映像コンテンツＩＤ、ユーザＩＤ、及び、タイムコードと共にユーザ情報ＤＢ２３に格納される。
【０１７７】
また、このコメントは、類似ユーザ情報検索部２４がシーン一覧表への割り当てを行う際に、ユーザ情報ＤＢ２３から映像コンテンツＩＤ及びタイムコードと共に取り出す。
【０１７８】
類似ユーザ情報検索部２４は、本発明の第６の実施例に関して説明したように、ユーザ入力制御部２１から受け取った映像コンテンツＩＤ及び時間区間情報に基づいて、ユーザ情報ＤＢ２３から類似したユーザＩＤ群を取り出す。
【０１７９】
類似ユーザ情報検索部２４は、次に、既に獲得したユーザＩＤ群の中のユーザｉに関して、ユーザ情報ＤＢ２３から映像コンテンツＩＤ及びタイムコードの組を取得し、着目しているユーザ（たとえば、ユーザ００１）に関するシーン一覧表に掲載された映像コンテンツＩＤ及びシーンＩＤから得られる時間区間の範囲内に、ユーザｉのタイムコードが含まれるかどうかを判定し、含まれる場合に、シーン一覧表中のユーザｉの対応した映像コンテンツＩＤ及びシーンＩＤの欄をマークする。そして、マークの状態が、すなわち、一致度が所定の条件を満たす他ユーザＩＤを類似ユーザＩＤとして選択し、クライアント装置１の類似ユーザ情報表示インタフェース１３へ渡す。
【０１８０】
本発明の第８の実施例では、この一致度を計算する際に、ユーザ情報ＤＢ２３内でユーザＩＤに対して映像コンテンツＩＤ及びタイムコードと共に記憶されているコメントを利用する。
【０１８１】
図２５は、本発明の第８の実施例による一致度の計算方法の説明図である。同図には、ユーザＩＤ毎に、各映像コンテンツの各シーンに対するコメントの有無（１：コメントなし、２：コメントあり）が示されている。また、たとえば、ユーザ００１に対する映像コンテンツ００１のシーン００２のように、数値がセットされていない空欄は、ユーザ００１が映像コンテンツ００１のシーン００２をチェックしていないことを表す。ユーザＩＤ毎のチェック合計は、タイムコードがセットされている箇所の数を示している。たとえば、ユーザ００１は、映像コンテンツ００１のシーン００１をチェックしているがコメントを付与せず、映像コンテンツ００１のシーン００３をチェックし、かつ、コメントを付与している。
【０１８２】
ここで、ユーザｉとユーザｊとのチェック状況を比較すると、ユーザｉとユーザｊの両方がチェックしている箇所は、映像コンテンツ００１のシーン００１と、映像コンテンツ００２のシーン００１及びシーン００２と、映像コンテンツｋのシーンｌであることがわかる。両方のユーザがチェックをしている箇所、すなわち、一致箇所は、同図において、丸付きの数字で記されている。
【０１８３】
一般に、ユーザｉが映像コンテンツｋのシーンｌにコメントを付与したかどうかを関数Ｗ_ｉ ^ｋｌのように表す。ユーザｉが映像コンテンツｋの部分映像ｌをチェックしていない場合、関数Ｗ_ｉ ^ｋｌＷ_ｊｋｌは値０をとる。
【０１８４】
このとき、ユーザｉの特徴ベクトル
【０１８５】
【外１】

は、
【０１８６】
【数７】

のように表される。また、ユーザｉとユーザｊの類似度は、
【０１８７】
【数８】

として表される。
【０１８８】
このような類似度を用いる場合、ユーザｉがユーザｌにどの程度類似しているかを判定する規準として、本実施例では、関心を示しているポイント（映像コンテンツＩＤとシーンＩＤ）が同一であり、かつ、チェックの有無も類似しているユーザを検索する方式１と、関心を示しているポイントが同一であり、かつ、考えが同じ（コメント内の単語が一致している）ユーザを検索する方式２を提案する。
【０１８９】
方式１で、一致度を判定するため使用される条件式は、
ｒ_ｉｊ＞ａ（設定値）
と表される。
【０１９０】
方式２で一致度を判定するため使用される条件式は、
ｒ_ｉｊ＋α_ｉｊ＞ｂ（設定値）
と表される。ここで、α_ｉｊは、ユーザｉとユーザｊのコメントに含まれる単語が一致している数を表す。
【０１９１】
次に、α_ｉｊの求め方について簡単に説明する。
【０１９２】
ある視聴者（着目中の視聴者）が、他の視聴者と同じ映像コンテンツ中の同じ場面、すなわち、同じシーンを見る場合、同一又は類似する感性を有する他の視聴者との間では、映像コンテンツ中の同一の対象についてコメントを述べたり、又は、対象を明示的に示さずに、同一の感嘆詞を同一のシーンに対して発したりすることが多い、ということは経験的に知られている。すなわち、同一のシーンに対してのコメントや感想（以下、「コメント文」という）のうち、感性の類似したユーザの検索の手がかりとなり得るのは、名詞、固有名詞、形容詞、或いは、感嘆詞であり、動詞や助詞が一致しても感性の類似に基づく検索のキーワードとしての有用性は低いことが実験的に明らかになった。
【０１９３】
本発明の第８実施例における方式２の新規な条件式は、このような事実に基づいて案出されたものである。この方式２に基づく類似ユーザ検索処理では、各シーンについて、着目中の視聴者と他の視聴者が自然言語で記述したコメント文を入力として、同一のシーンについて入力されたコメント文に現われる共通キーワードの一致数を算出し、この一致数が所定の閾値以上である場合に、このときの他の視聴者は着目中の視聴者に対して感性が類似するユーザとして検索・出力される。
【０１９４】
この類似ユーザ検索処理は、データベースの分野におけるキーワード自動抽出技術を応用することにより実現され、データベースの分野における熟練者は、図２６に記載されたフローチャートと、以下の簡単な説明とに基づいてこの類似ユーザ検索処理を容易に実施可能である。
【０１９５】
ステップ２２１：検索の軸となるユーザ０１について、コメント文を入力したシーンを一つ選択する。
【０１９６】
ステップ２２２：選択された一つのシーンについて入力されたコメント文を形態素解析し、各単語について品詞情報を得る。
【０１９７】
ステップ２２３：ステップ２２２で得られた品詞情報について、品詞が名詞、固有名詞、形容詞、又は、感嘆詞のうちのいずれかである単語のみを抽出し、ユーザ０１に関して選択された一つのシーン毎のキーワードリストとする。
【０１９８】
ステップ２２４：検索の軸となるユーザ０１がコメント文を入力した他のシーンがあるかどうかを判定する。
【０１９９】
ステップ２２５：ユーザ０１がコメント文を入力したシーンと同一のシーンについてコメント文を入力したユーザｉを選択する。
【０２００】
ステップ２２６：同一シーンについてユーザｉが入力したコメント文を形態素解析し、各単語についての品詞情報を得る。
【０２０１】
ステップ２２７：ステップ２２６で得られた品詞情報について、品詞が名詞、固有名詞、形容詞、又は、感嘆詞のうちのいずれかである単語のみを抽出し、ユーザｉに関する同一シーンについてのキーワードリストとする。
【０２０２】
ステップ２２８：ステップ２２３で得られたユーザ０１に関するキーワードリストと、ステップ２２７で得られたユーザｉに関するキーワードリストとの間で一致するキーワード数をカウントする。
【０２０３】
ステップ２２９：ユーザ０１がコメント文を入力した他のシーンと同一のシーンについてユーザｉがコメントを入力しているかどうかを判定する。
【０２０４】
ステップ２３０：全シーンについてのキーワードの一致数であるカウントの積算値をユーザｉについての類似度とする。
【０２０５】
ステップ２３１：他のユーザが存在するかどうかを判定する。
【０２０６】
以上の処理によって、検索の軸となるユーザ０１について、他の全ユーザについての類似度が得られる。
【０２０７】
以上の本発明の第６乃至第８の実施例では、シーンＩＤ、シーン開始タイムコード、及び、シーン属性というメタ情報を導入して、類似したユーザＩＤを検索しているが、タイムコード、シーンＩＤに対応したタイムコード区間及びタイムコード範囲という情報を利用することも可能である。
【０２０８】
本発明の第９の実施例による類似ユーザ情報提供システムは、単一の場面についての関心情報（又は、チェック情報）に基づいて類似する関心をもつユーザ群を提示する。第９の実施例では、関心情報として、映像コンテンツの特定の場面を指定する時間情報であるタイムコードを利用し、類似するユーザを表示する。
【０２０９】
図２７は、本発明の第９の実施例による類似ユーザ情報提供システムの構成図である。クライアント装置１は、映像コンテンツを再生する映像コンテンツ再生部１１と、ユーザが関心を持った再生中の映像コンテンツの場面を表すタイムコードと、ユーザＩＤと、その映像コンテンツの映像コンテンツＩＤとを指定する映像場面指定インタフェース１２と、サーバ装置２から得た類似したユーザに関する情報であるユーザＩＤを表示する類似ユーザ表示インタフェース１３とを含む。
【０２１０】
サーバ装置２は、映像コンテンツの映像コンテンツＩＤ、映像コンテンツの特定の場面に対応したタイムコードの所定の区間（すなわち、タイムコード区間）、及び、タイムコード区間内で同じ場面であると評価できる時間情報の閾値を格納する映像コンテンツ情報ＤＢ２２を含む。図２８は、本発明の第９の実施例による映像コンテンツ情報ＤＢ２２の説明図である。閾値は、映像コンテンツ毎、或いは、映像コンテンツの場面毎に予め設定される数値である。タイムコードを用いて類似ユーザ情報を検索するときに、同じ映像コンテンツに関して、あるユーザによって指定されたタイムコードと、別のユーザによって指定されたタイムコードとの差を表すタイムコード差がこの閾値未満であれば、あるユーザと別のユーザのユーザ同士が類似していると判定され、さもなければ、ユーザ同士は類似していないと判定される。
【０２１１】
サーバ装置２は、クライアント装置１の映像場面インタフェース１１から、タイムコード、ユーザＩＤ及び映像コンテンツＩＤを受けるユーザ入力制御部２１を更に有する。ユーザ入力制御部２１は、映像場面インタフェース１１から受け取った映像コンテンツＩＤ及びタイムコードを検索キーとして映像コンテンツ情報ＤＢ２２を検索し、対応した閾値を取得する。
【０２１２】
サーバ装置２は、ユーザＩＤと、映像コンテンツＩＤと、タイムコードの組を格納するユーザ情報ＤＢ２３を更に有し、ユーザ入力制御部２１は、映像場面インタフェース１１から受け取ったユーザＩＤと、映像コンテンツＩＤと、タイムコードの組を、ユーザ情報ＤＢ２３へ格納する。図２９は、本発明の第９の実施例によるユーザ情報ＤＢ２３の説明図である。
【０２１３】
サーバ装置２は、ユーザ入力制御部２１及びユーザ情報ＤＢ２３と接続された類似ユーザ情報検索部２４を更に有する。類似ユーザ情報検索部２４は、ユーザ入力制御部２１から、映像コンテンツＩＤ、タイムコード、並びに、この映像コンテンツＩＤ及びタイムコードと関連付けられた閾値を受け取り、映像コンテンツＩＤ及びタイムコードに基づいて、ユーザ情報ＤＢ２３から、この映像コンテンツＩＤと同じ映像コンテンツＩＤ、及び、このタイムコードとの差が閾値未満であるタイムコードと関連付けられたユーザＩＤ群を抽出する。類似ユーザ情報検索部２４は、抽出したユーザＩＤ群をクライアント装置１の類似ユーザ表示インタフェース１２へ渡す。
【０２１４】
図３０は、本発明の第９の実施例による類似ユーザ情報検索処理部で行われる類似ユーザ情報検索処理の一例の詳細なフローチャートである。
【０２１５】
ステップ３０１：ユーザ情報ＤＢ２３から、映像コンテンツＩＤをキーとしてユーザＩＤｉとタイムコードｉの組を取り出す。添え字ｉはｉ番目に取り出された項目であることを示す。
【０２１６】
ステップ３０２：類似度＝｜入力タイムコード−タイムコードｉ｜を計算する。入力タイムコードとは、ユーザ入力制御部２１から受け取ったクライアント装置１側で指定されたタイムコードである。本例における類似度は、類似している度合いが高いほど、類似度の値が小さくなるように定義されているが、類似の度合いの表し方は、この例に限定されるものではない。
【０２１７】
ステップ３０３：類似度が閾値未満であるかどうかを判定する。
【０２１８】
ステップ３０４：類似度が閾値未満であるので、このときのユーザＩＤｉと類似度を類似度の小さい順に並ぶように結果列に加える。
【０２１９】
ステップ３０５：ユーザ情報ＤＢ２３から取り出されるべき組が未だ残っている場合、ステップ３０１へ戻る。
【０２２０】
ステップ３０６：ユーザ情報ＤＢ２３から取り出されるべき組が全て取り出されたとき、結果列に加えられた結果の個数を増加させるかどうかを判定する。
【０２２１】
ステップ３０７：結果数を増加させるため、閾値を増大させる。たとえば、結果列がヌル（結果数＝０）の場合、類似ユーザ情報が一つも取得されていないので、結果が得られるように閾値を調節する。
【０２２２】
ステップ３０８：結果列に加えられた結果の個数を減少させるかどうかを判定する。
【０２２３】
ステップ３０９：結果数を減少させるため、閾値を減少させる。たとえば、結果数が非常に多数の場合、得られる類似ユーザ情報の数が適切になるように閾値を調節する。
【０２２４】
閾値は自動的に調節させることが可能であるが、ユーザが手動で閾値を調節できるようにしてもよい。
【０２２５】
本例の説明では、類似ユーザ情報検索処理のステップ３４において、ユーザ情報ＤＢ２３から獲得したユーザＩＤｉ及び類似度を、類似度の小さい順、すなわち、類似している度合いの高い順に結果列に加える形のソーティングを行っている。このようなソーティングは、検索結果を結果列に加える際に行う代わりに、結果列を作成した後にクライアント装置１へ類似ユーザ情報を出力する際に行ってもよい。
【０２２６】
図３１は、本発明の第１０の実施例によるシステム構成図である。このシステムは、複数の場面についての関心情報としてタイムコードを入力して、類似する関心のあるユーザ群を提示する。
【０２２７】
クライアント装置１は、映像コンテンツを再生する映像コンテンツ再生部１１と、ユーザが関心を持った再生中の映像コンテンツの場面を表すタイムコードと、ユーザＩＤと、その映像コンテンツの映像コンテンツＩＤとを指定する映像場面指定インタフェース１２と、サーバ装置１から得た類似したユーザに関する情報であるユーザＩＤを表示する類似ユーザ表示インタフェース１３とを含む。
【０２２８】
サーバ装置１は、映像コンテンツの映像コンテンツＩＤ、映像コンテンツの特定の場面に対応したタイムコードの所定の区間（すなわち、タイムコード区間）、タイムコード区間内で同じ場面であると評価できる時間情報の閾値、並びに、映像コンテンツ若しくは映像コンテンツのタイムコード区間毎に予め定められた時間情報の許容幅を格納する映像コンテンツ情報ＤＢ２２を含む。時間情報の許容幅とは、映像コンテンツの特定の場面を指定するタイムコードを中心として、そのタイムコードを中心として時間情報の許容幅の範囲内に収まる別のタイムコードを、中心となるタイムコードが指定する映像コンテンツの場面と同じ場面を指定しているとみなすための基準である。本例では、時間情報の許容幅は、映像コンテンツ毎に決められている。図３２は、本発明の第１０の実施例による映像コンテンツ情報ＤＢ２２の説明図である。
【０２２９】
サーバ装置２は、クライアント装置１の映像場面インタフェース１１から、タイムコード、ユーザＩＤ及び映像コンテンツＩＤを受けるユーザ入力制御部２１を更に有する。ユーザ入力制御部２１は、映像場面インタフェース１１から受け取った映像コンテンツＩＤ及びタイムコードを検索キーとして映像コンテンツ情報ＤＢ２２を検索し、対応した閾値及び許容幅を取得する。
【０２３０】
サーバ装置２は、ユーザＩＤと、映像コンテンツＩＤと、タイムコードと、タイムコード及び許容幅に対応したタイムコード範囲の組を格納するユーザ情報ＤＢ２３を更に有し、ユーザ入力制御部２１は、映像場面インタフェース１１から受け取ったユーザＩＤ、映像コンテンツＩＤ、及び、タイムコードと、タイムコード及び許容幅から得られたタイムコード範囲とを、ユーザ情報ＤＢ２３へ格納する。たとえば、タイムコードをｔ、許容幅をｗとするとき、タイムコード範囲は、（ｔ−ｗ，ｔ＋ｗ）のように表される。図３３は、本発明の第１０の実施例によるユーザ情報ＤＢ２３の説明図である。
【０２３１】
サーバ装置２は、ユーザ入力制御部２１及びユーザ情報ＤＢ２３と接続された類似ユーザ情報検索部２４を更に有する。類似ユーザ情報検索部２４は、ユーザ入力制御部２１から、クライアント装置１側で入力されたユーザＩＤ、映像コンテンツＩＤ及びタイムコードと、映像コンテンツＤＢから取得した閾値とを受け取る。類似ユーザ情報検索部２４は、第１の実施例の場合と同様に、映像コンテンツＩＤ及びタイムコードに基づいて、ユーザ情報ＤＢ２３から、この映像コンテンツＩＤと同じ映像コンテンツＩＤ、及び、このタイムコードとの差が閾値未満であるタイムコードと関連付けられたユーザＩＤ群を抽出する。さらに、類似ユーザ情報検索部２４は、ユーザ入力制御部２１から得たユーザＩＤに基づいて、このユーザＩＤに対応してユーザ情報ＤＢに格納されている映像コンテンツＩＤ及びタイムコード範囲の組（以下では、タイムコード範囲群と称する）を取得する。次に、類似ユーザ情報検索部２４は、先に抽出したユーザＩＤ群の各ユーザＩＤに関して、ユーザ情報ＤＢ２３から、この映像コンテンツＩＤと同じ映像コンテンツＩＤ、及び、このタイムコード範囲に収まるタイムコードを取得し、タイムコード範囲群に割り当てる。次に、類似ユーザ情報検索部２４は、タイムコード範囲群に割り当てられたユーザＩＤ群に関して、映像コンテンツＩＤ及びタイムコード範囲の一致度を計算し、所定の条件を満たすユーザＩＤ群を類似ユーザ情報として選択し、選択したユーザＩＤ群をクライアント装置１の類似ユーザ表示インタフェース１２へ渡す。
【０２３２】
次に、図３４の本発明の第１０の実施例による類似ユーザ情報提供システムのシーケンスチャートを参照して、本実施例の動作について説明する。以下の説明では、クライアント装置１で再生される映像コンテンツは、サーバ装置２から配信されるものとしているが、本発明はこのような例に限定されることはなく、クライアント装置１は、たとえば、ＤＶＤのようにクライアント装置１側に設けられた記録媒体から映像コンテンツを読み出して再生しても構わない。
【０２３３】
ステップ３２１：サーバ装置２からクライアント装置１へ複数の映像コンテンツを配信する。
【０２３４】
ステップ３２２：クライアント装置１の映像コンテンツ再生部１１は、配信された映像コンテンツを表示する。
【０２３５】
ステップ３２３：ユーザは、映像コンテンツ再生部１１に表示された画面に関心を持ったとき（たとえば、感動したとき）、その場面を指定する。クライアント装置１の映像場面指定インタフェース１２からサーバ装置２のユーザ入力制御部２１へユーザＩＤ、映像コンテンツＩＤ及びタイムコードが渡される。
【０２３６】
ステップ３２４：ユーザ入力制御部２１は、映像場面指定インタフェース１２から受け取った映像コンテンツＩＤ及びタイムコードに対応する閾値を映像コンテンツ情報ＤＢ２２から取り出す。ユーザ入力制御部２１は、映像場面指定インタフェース１２から得た映像コンテンツＩＤ及びタイムコードと、映像コンテンツ情報ＤＢ２２から得た対応する閾値を、類似ユーザ情報検索部２４へ渡す。また、ユーザ入力制御部２１は、映像場面指定インタフェース１２から得た映像コンテンツＩＤ、タイムコード及びユーザＩＤをユーザ情報ＤＢ２３へ渡し、保存する。
【０２３７】
類似ユーザ情報検索部２４は、ユーザ入力制御部２１から受け取った映像コンテンツＩＤ、タイムコード及び閾値に基づいて、類似ユーザ情報を検索する。より具体的には、類似ユーザ情報検索部２４は、ユーザ入力制御部２１から受け取った映像コンテンツＩＤをキーにして、ユーザ情報ＤＢ２３から、他ユーザの関心情報であるタイムコード群及び対応したユーザＩＤ群を取り出す。
【０２３８】
類似ユーザ情報検索部２４は、次に、取り出したタイムコード群（タイムコードｉ）の中から、ユーザ入力制御部２１から受け取ったタイムコード（入力タイムコード）との差の絶対値（すなわち、類似度）が、ユーザ入力制御部２１から受け取った閾値未満であるタイムコードを抽出し、抽出されたタイムコードに対応するユーザＩＤ及び類似度をユーザＩＤ群として取得する。
【０２３９】
ステップ３２５：サーバ装置２のユーザ入力制御部２１は、クライアント装置１から入力されたタイムコードに対応したタイムコード範囲を得るため、本例の場合には、映像コンテンツＩＤをキーとして、映像コンテンツ情報ＤＢ２２から、タイムコードに対応した許容値を獲得し、タイムコード及び許容値からタイムコード範囲を導出し、導出したタイムコード範囲を、ユーザＩＤ、映像コンテンツＩＤ及びタイムコードに関連付けてユーザ情報ＤＢ２３に格納する。ステップ３２５の処理は、ステップ３２４の処理と一体化して実行することが可能である。
【０２４０】
ステップ３２６：類似ユーザ情報検索部２４は、ユーザ入力制御部２１からユーザＩＤを受け取り、このユーザＩＤに関してユーザ情報ＤＢ２３に記憶されているタイムコード範囲群、すなわち、映像コンテンツＩＤとタイムコード範囲の組を取得し、タイムコード範囲一覧表を作成する。
【０２４１】
ステップ３２７：次に、類似ユーザ情報検索部２４は、ステップ３２４で獲得したユーザＩＤ群に含まれる別のユーザＩＤ毎に、ユーザ情報ＤＢ２３に蓄積されている映像コンテンツＩＤ及びタイムコードの組が、ステップ３２６で取得したタイムコード範囲群に当てはまるかどうかを調べる。すなわち、別のユーザＩＤに関してユーザ情報ＤＢに記憶されている映像コンテンツＩＤとタイムコードについて、同じ映像コンテンツＩＤと、このタイムコードを含むタイムコード範囲の組がタイムコード範囲一覧表に存在するかどうかを判定し、存在する場合に、その別のユーザＩＤに関する映像コンテンツＩＤ及びタイムコードをタイムコード範囲一覧表に割り当てる。
【０２４２】
ステップ３２８：類似ユーザ情報検索部２４は、タイムコード範囲一覧表を、ユーザＩＤ毎に走査して、タイムコード範囲一覧表に所定の程度以上の度合いで割り当てられているユーザＩＤ群を類似ユーザＩＤとして抽出し、クライアント装置１の類似ユーザ情報表示インタフェース１３へ渡す。
【０２４３】
ステップ３２９：類似ユーザ情報表示インタフェースは、サーバ装置２の類似ユーザ情報検索部２４から受け取った類似ユーザ情報（ユーザＩＤ等）を表示する。
【０２４４】
図３５は、本発明の第１０の実施例による類似ユーザ情報検索処理部で行われるタイムコード一覧表への割り当て処理と、類似ユーザＩＤの抽出処理の一例の詳細なフローチャートである。図３６には、本発明の第１０の実施例において使用されるタイムコード一覧表が示されている。
【０２４５】
ステップ３３１：既に獲得したユーザＩＤ群の中のユーザＩＤｉに関して、タイムコード一覧表に掲載された映像コンテンツＩＤ及びタイムコード範囲に対応した映像コンテンツＩＤ及びタイムコードの組をユーザ情報ＤＢ２３から取得し、タイムコード一覧表の対応したユーザＩＤ、映像コンテンツＩＤ及びタイムコード範囲の欄をマークする。添え字ｉはｉ番目に取り出された項目であることを示す。
【０２４６】
ステップ３３２：クライアント装置１側のユーザＩＤに関してユーザ情報ＤＢ２３に蓄積されている（すなわち、チェックされている）映像コンテンツＩＤ及びタイムコード範囲の組と、ユーザＩＤｉに関してユーザ情報ＤＢ２３に蓄積されている映像コンテンツＩＤ及びタイムコードの組の一致度を計算する。
【０２４７】
ステップ３３３：条件式、本例では、一致度が設定値以上であるかどうかを判定する。
【０２４８】
ステップ３３４：条件式が満たされるので、このときのユーザＩＤｉと一致度を一致度の順に並ぶように結果列に加える。
【０２４９】
ステップ３３５：ユーザＩＤ群の中に取り出されるべきユーザＩＤｉが未だ残っている場合、ステップ５１へ戻る。
【０２５０】
ステップ３３６：ユーザＩＤ群の中のすべてのユーザＩＤｉについてタイムコード一覧表への割り当てが終了したとき、結果数と、予め定められた出力希望の類似ユーザ数とを比較して、得られる結果数を増減させる（調整する）かどうかを判定する。
【０２５１】
ステップ３３７：結果数を調整するため、設定値を調節する。設定値の調節は自動、又は、ユーザの入力によって行われる。結果数を減少させるため、設定値を増加させる。逆に、結果数を増加させるためには、設定値を減少させる。
【０２５２】
尚、本実施例では、ステップ３３４において、類似ユーザ情報検索処理と並行して検索結果のソーティングを行っているが、このようなソーティングは、検索結果列を獲得した後にクライアント装置１へ結果を出力する際にソーティングをしても構わない。
【０２５３】
次に、再度図３６を参照して、本発明の第４の実施例による一致度の計算方法を説明する。図３６には、ユーザＩＤ毎に、チェックされている映像コンテンツＩＤ及びタイムコード範囲が示され、そのチェック数の合計がチェック合計欄に示されている。同図において、チェック箇所は、＋で記されている。たとえば、ユーザ００１は、映像コンテンツ００１のタイムコード範囲（４５，５５）及び（１００，１１０）と、映像コンテンツ００５のタイムコード範囲（５７，６２）及び（１２０，１２５）にチェックし、チェック数の合計はＮ１である。ユーザ００２、ユーザｉについても同様である。
【０２５４】
ここで、ユーザ００１とユーザｉとのチェック状況を比較すると、ユーザ００１とユーザｉの両方がチェックしている箇所は、映像コンテンツ００１のタイムコード範囲（４５，５５）と、映像コンテンツ００５のタイムコード範囲（５７，６２）であることがわかる。両方がチェックしている箇所、すなわち、一致箇所は、同図において、丸付きの＋で記されている。
【０２５５】
ユーザｉがユーザ００１にどの程度類似しているかを表す一致度の一例として、チェックの一致箇所の個数２をそのまま採用することができる（ケース１）。或いは、一致度として、一致箇所の個数２をユーザｉのチェック合計Ｎｉで割った値を採用してもよい（ケース２）。
【０２５６】
一致度と大小比較される設定値は、ケース１とケース２に応じて決定される。
【０２５７】
以上の本発明の第１０の実施例の説明では、映像コンテンツ情報ＤＢ２２に許容幅が記憶され、ユーザ入力制御部２１が映像コンテンツ情報ＤＢ２２から許容幅を取得し、入力タイムコードと許容幅からタイムコード範囲を導出し、導出されたタイムコード範囲をユーザ情報ＤＢ２３に保存させている。しかし、タイムコード範囲は、必ずしもユーザＩＤ毎にユーザ情報ＤＢ２３に保存させなくてもよい。その場合、類似ユーザ情報検索部２１がユーザ入力制御部２１を介して映像コンテンツ情報ＤＢ２２から許容幅を取得し、ユーザ入力制御部２１から同時に与えられたユーザＩＤに関して、ユーザ情報ＤＢ２３に記憶されているタイムコードに基づいて、タイムコード範囲一覧表を直接作成するように構成することができる。これにより、ユーザ情報ＤＢ２３のメモリ使用量を削減することができる。
【０２５８】
また、本発明の第１０の実施例の説明では、タイムコード一覧表への割り当てを行う前に、入力タイムコードに基づいてユーザ情報ＤＢ２３からユーザＩＤ群を獲得しているが、本発明は、このような構成に限定されることはなく、最初にタイムコード一覧表を作成し、次に、入力タイムコードに基づいて類似している別のユーザＩＤをユーザ情報ＤＢ２３から順番に取得し、取得した別のユーザＩＤ毎にタイムコード一覧表への割り当てを行ってもよい。
【０２５９】
上記の本発明の実施例による映像コンテンツ視聴者間におけるコミュニケーション支援方法は、ソフトウェア（プログラム）で構築することが可能であり、コンピュータのＣＰＵによってこのプログラムを実行することにより本発明の実施例によるコミュニケーション支援システムを実現することができる。構築されたプログラムは、ディスク装置等に記録しておき必要に応じてコンピュータにインストールされ、フロッピーディスク、メモリカード、ＣＤ−ＲＯＭ等の可搬記録媒体に格納して必要に応じてコンピュータにインストールされ、或いは、通信回線等を介してコンピュータにインストールされ、コンピュータのＣＰＵによって実行される。
【０２６０】
以上、本発明の代表的な実施例を説明したが、本発明は、上記の実施例に限定されることなく、特許請求の範囲内において、種々変更・応用が可能である。
【０２６１】
【発明の効果】
本発明によれば、映像コンテンツ単位ではなく、映像コンテンツの特定の場面に対してユーザに情報を入力してもらうので、多種多様な情報を含む映像コンテンツの中から、ユーザの感性を効果的に把握できるようになる。
【０２６２】
映像コンテンツは、言葉では表現できない要素を多く含む。本発明では、ユーザの感性を多変量に分解しパラメータ化するのではなく、映像コンテンツの特定の場面に対し得るユーザ入力情報を利用するので、ユーザの感性を効果的に把握できる。
【０２６３】
そして、ユーザは、自分と感性が類似している他のユーザへメッセージを送信するシステムが提供される。
【０２６４】
したがって、本発明によれば、映像コンテンツの視聴者は、自分と似た感性を持つ別の視聴者を効果的に見つけることができ、その視聴者は、自分と感性が類似し、或いは、共通の話題に関心をもつ別の視聴者との間で円滑なコミュニケーションを実現することができる。
【０２６５】
また、視聴者が関心をもった特定の場面を指定するだけではなく、評価数値やコメントのような付加情報を入力することにより、特定の場面に対する指標が一致するユーザを見つけたり、特定の場面に対する関心内容を把握したりできるようになるので、その視聴者と別の視聴者の間で円滑なコミュニケーションを支援することができる。
【０２６６】
本発明によれば、類似したユーザとして提示されたユーザとの間に匿名通信手段を確立することが可能である。
【図面の簡単な説明】
【図１】本発明の原理構成図である。
【図２】本発明による第１のコミュニケーション支援方法の説明図である。
【図３】本発明による第２のコミュニケーション支援方法の説明図である。
【図４】本発明による第３のコミュニケーション支援方法の説明図である。
【図５】本発明による第４のコミュニケーション支援方法の説明図である。
【図６】本発明の第１の実施例によるコミュニケーション支援システムの構成図である。
【図７】本発明の第１の実施例による映像コンテンツ解析部の出力情報の説明図である。
【図８】本発明の第１の実施例による映像コンテンツ情報ＤＢの説明図である。
【図９】本発明の第１の実施例によるユーザ情報ＤＢの説明図である。
【図１０】本発明の第１の実施例による類似ユーザ情報提供システムのシーケンスチャートである。
【図１１】本発明の第１の実施例による映像再生画面の説明図である。
【図１２】本発明の第１の実施例による類似ユーザ情報検索処理のフローチャートである。
【図１３】本発明の第１の実施例による時間区間の自動調節処理のフローチャートである。
【図１４】本発明の第１の実施例による時間区間の手動調節処理のフローチャートである
【図１５】本発明の第１の実施例によるメッセージ送信処理のシーケンスチャートである。
【図１６】本発明の第２の実施例によるメッセージ送信処理のシーケンスチャートである。
【図１７】本発明の第３の実施例によるメッセージ送信処理のシーケンスチャートである。
【図１８】本発明の第３の実施例における通信可否判断処理の詳細フローチャートである。
【図１９】本発明の第４の実施例における通信可否判断処理の詳細フローチャートである。
【図２０】本発明の第５の実施例によるメッセージ送信処理のシーケンスチャートである。
【図２１】本発明の第６の実施例による類似ユーザ情報提供システムのシーケンスチャートである。
【図２２】本発明の第６の実施例によるシーン一覧表の説明図である。
【図２３】本発明の第６の実施例による類似ユーザ情報検索処理のフローチャートである。
【図２４】本発明の第７の実施例による一致度の計算方法の説明図である。
【図２５】本発明の第８の実施例による一致度の計算方法の説明図である。
【図２６】本発明の第８の実施例による類似度計算処理のフローチャートである。
【図２７】本発明の第９の実施例による類似ユーザ情報提供システム構成図である。
【図２８】本発明の第９の実施例による映像コンテンツ情報ＤＢの説明図である。
【図２９】本発明の第９の実施例によるユーザ情報ＤＢの説明図である。
【図３０】本発明の第９の実施例による類似ユーザ情報検索処理のフローチャートである。
【図３１】本発明の第１０の実施例による類似ユーザ情報提供システム構成図である。
【図３２】本発明の第１０の実施例による映像コンテンツ情報ＤＢの説明図である。
【図３３】本発明の第１０の実施例によるユーザ情報ＤＢの説明図である。
【図３４】本発明の第１０の実施例による類似ユーザ提供システムのシーケンスチャートである。
【図３５】本発明の第１０の実施例による類似ユーザ検索処理のフローチャートである。
【図３６】本発明の第１０の実施例による一致度の計算方法の説明図である。
【符号の説明】
１ クライアント装置
２ コミュニケーション支援サーバ装置
１１ 映像コンテンツ再生手段
１２ 場面指定手段
１３ 類似ユーザ情報提示手段
１６ メッセージ送信手段
１７ メッセージ受信手段
２１ ユーザ入力制御手段
２２ 映像コンテンツ情報データベース
２３ ユーザ情報データベース
２４ 類似ユーザ情報検索手段
２６ メッセージ転送手段[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a system that supports communication between viewers of video content, and more particularly to a system that provides video content viewers with communication means with other viewers.
[0002]
[Prior art]
Viewers of video content are interested in the video content, such as being impressed with a particular scene of the video content, learning from a specific scene, or being influenced by a specific scene. In some cases, it may be desirable to communicate with other viewers who have similar interests, for example, people who are likely to feel like them, via a computer network or the like.
[0003]
Conventionally, several support systems have been developed and proposed in order to provide a place where a large number of users can communicate with respect to certain information contents such as specific video contents.
[0004]
Information operated on a specific server on the network, “Bulletin Board” which is an opinion exchange system, and “Chat” where multiple people can communicate online by writing using the communication function By opening the video content name as a topic, people who are interested in the specific video content gather and can communicate about the video content.
[0005]
In addition, “user filtering using profiles” has been proposed that extracts users who have similar interests by comparing user profiles, that is, user profiles, which are a collection of keywords, among users (reference: Kamei). Tsuyoshi et al. “Examination of information presentation method in“ Community Organizer ”which supports the formation of Internet community”). In this technology, the field of video content that the user is interested in is expressed by keywords, and the user profile that is a set of the keywords is compared between users, thereby presenting people with similar interest in the video content. Can do.
[0006]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, in the case of the prior art “bulletin board” and “chat”, in order for viewers to find detailed parts of the video content, ie other participants with similar interests in a particular scene, Participants are actively interested in the video content, are actively writing the part they are interested in in the “bulletin board” and “chat”, and viewers In order to grasp the part of interest, it is necessary to read the communication log on the “bulletin board” and to communicate over a long period of time on the “chat”. Therefore, it is difficult for viewers of video content to communicate with other viewers after accurately finding other viewers who have similar interests in the video content in a short period of time. There is.
[0007]
In the case of the prior art, a system such as “bulletin board” or “chat” that provides a place for communication and a system for searching for viewers who have similar interest tendencies among viewers of video content are separated. Therefore, the intervention of viewers was indispensable for reflecting the information obtained by the search in the place of communication.
[0008]
Therefore, in view of the above-mentioned problems of the prior art, the present invention provides a system for searching for other viewers having similar interests, i.e., similar viewers, with respect to viewers in units of scenes of video content. A communication support system, method and apparatus between video content viewers, in which the information obtained by the system for searching is integrated and the information obtained by the search system is effectively used for communication between viewers, and An object is to provide a communication support program and a recording medium on which the program is recorded.
[0009]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
  FIG. 1 is a principle configuration diagram of the present invention. As shown in FIG.BookInventionAffectA video content viewer communication support system includes a message transmission client device, a message reception client device, and a communication support server for transferring a message from a transmission client device to a reception client device. The transmission-side client device includes the video information and the sound information, and is played back by the video content playback unit 11 that plays back the video content associated with the video content identification information and the video content playback unit 11. A scene designating unit 12 for designating scene information for identifying a scene of the video content, and user identification information relating to another viewer interested in the scene of the designated video content is received from the server device, and the viewer receives similar user information. Present to Similar user information presenting means 13 and message transmitting means 16 for sending a message to be transmitted to all or a part of another viewer corresponding to the presented similar user information to the server apparatus. For each video content, from the video content information database 22 storing the video content identification information of the video content and the meta information about the delimitation of the content of the video content, and the scene designating unit 12, the user of the viewer of the video content Receiving the identification information, the video content identification information being reproduced, and the designated scene information, the video content identification information being reproduced and the meta information corresponding to the designated scene information are obtained from the video content information database 22. User input control means 21 and the video from the user input control means 21 User information database 23 for storing user identification information of content viewers, video content identification information being reproduced and specified scene information, communication destination information and additional information of viewers of video content, and the user Another viewer associated with the video content identification information and the designated scene information from the user information database 23 based on the video content identification information and the designated scene information from the input control means 21 The user identification information is acquired, the similar user information is generated, the similar user information searching means 24 for sending the similar user information to the similar user presenting means 13, the message from the message sending means 16, and the message to be sent Communication destination information and additional information regarding the viewer of the user information database 23 A message transfer means 26 for generating the auxiliary information added to the message and sending the message and the auxiliary information to the client device on the receiving side represented by the communication destination information of another viewer. The client device has message receiving means 17 for receiving a message and auxiliary information from the server device.
  FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram of a first communication support method according to the present invention.First communication support methodIs a communication support method between video content viewers that sends a message from a client device on the transmission side to a client device on the reception side via the server device, and a procedure (step for reproducing video content on the client device on the transmission side) 1), a procedure for designating a specific scene during playback of the video content (step 2), and user identification information relating to another viewer who designates the scene of the designated video content as similar user information A procedure (step 3) for presenting to a viewer, a procedure for creating a message on the client device on the transmission side, and requesting the server device to send the created message to another specific viewer (step 4), Procedure for creating auxiliary information to be sent to the specific other viewer along with the message on the server device 6), a procedure (step 8) for acquiring communication destination information related to the specific other viewer, and sending the message and auxiliary information to the receiving client device represented by the communication destination information; Receiving the message and the auxiliary information at the client device (step 10).
[0010]
  FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram of a second communication support method according to the present invention.Second communication support methodIs a communication support method between video content viewers that sends a message from a client device on the transmission side to a client device on the reception side via the server device, and a procedure (step for reproducing video content on the client device on the transmission side) 1), a procedure for designating a specific scene during playback of the video content (step 2), and user identification information relating to another viewer who designates the scene of the designated video content as similar user information A procedure for presenting to the viewer (step 3), a procedure for creating a message in the client device on the transmission side, and requesting the server device to transmit the created message to the other viewer (step 4 ′), Procedure for creating auxiliary information to be transmitted to the other viewer along with the message in the server device (step 6) ), A communication destination information related to the other viewer, and a procedure (step 8) for sending the message and auxiliary information to the client device on the receiving side represented by the communication destination information, and the client device on the receiving side Receiving a message and auxiliary information (step 10).
[0011]
  FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram of a third communication support method according to the present invention.Third communication support methodIs a communication support method between video content viewers that sends a message from a client device on the transmission side to a client device on the reception side via the server device, and a procedure (step for reproducing video content on the client device on the transmission side) 1), a procedure for designating a specific scene during playback of the video content (step 2), and user identification information relating to another viewer who designates the scene of the designated video content as similar user information A procedure (step 3) for presenting to a viewer, a procedure for creating a message on the client device on the transmission side, and requesting the server device to send the created message to another specific viewer (step 4), A specific other viewer who can transfer a message from the above specific other viewers on the server device. A procedure for sending the determination result to the client device on the transmission side (step 5), a procedure for creating auxiliary information to be transmitted to the specific other viewer together with the message on the server device (step 6), A procedure (step 8) of acquiring communication destination information related to the specific other viewer that can be transmitted, and sending the message and auxiliary information to the client device on the reception side represented by the communication destination information; And a procedure (step 10) for receiving the message and the auxiliary information by the client device.
[0012]
  FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram of a fourth communication support method according to the present invention.Fourth communication support methodIs a communication support method between video content viewers that sends a message from a client device on the transmission side to a client device on the reception side via the server device, and a procedure (step for reproducing video content on the client device on the transmission side) 1), a procedure for designating a specific scene during playback of the video content (step 2), and user identification information relating to another viewer who designates the scene of the designated video content as similar user information A procedure for presenting to the viewer (step 3), a procedure for creating a message in the client device on the transmission side, and requesting the server device to transmit the created message to the other viewer (step 4 ′), The server device determines another viewer that can transfer the message from the other viewers and determines the result. It is possible to send a result (step 5 ') to send the result to the client device on the transmission side, to create auxiliary information to be sent to the other viewer together with the message (step 6) in the server device, and to send the message. A procedure (step 8) of acquiring communication destination information related to the other viewer and sending the message and auxiliary information to the receiving client device represented by the communication destination information; and the message and auxiliary information on the receiving client device Receiving information (step 10).
  In addition, the video content viewer communication support system according to the present invention receives a message from the client device on the message transmission side, the client device on the message reception side, and the client device on the transmission side. Video content that is composed of a server device for communication support that forwards a message to the client device on the side, and that plays back the video content associated with the video content identification information, including video information and sound information Reproduction means, scene designation means for designating scene information for specifying a scene of the video content being reproduced by the video content reproduction means, and user identification information of another viewer who is interested in the scene of the designated video content Group from server device and similar users And similar user information presenting means for presenting to the viewer as a broadcast,
Message transmitting means for sending a message to be transmitted to all or a part of another viewer corresponding to the presented similar user information to the server device, and the server device for each video content From the video content information database for storing video content identification information and meta information related to the delimitation of the content of the video content, and the scene designating means, user identification information of the viewer of the video content, video content identification information being reproduced, and User input control means for receiving designated scene information and acquiring from the video content information database the video content identification information being reproduced and meta information corresponding to the designated scene information; and from the user input control means The user identification information of the viewer of the video content and the video content being played back User information database storing content identification information and the specified scene information, communication destination information and additional information of the viewer of the video content, the video content identification information from the user input control means and the specified Based on the scene information, a user identification information group of another viewer associated with the video content identification information and the designated scene information is acquired from the user information database, and the acquired another viewer's Among the similar user information obtained by the similar user information retrieval unit that receives the message from the similar user information retrieval unit that sends the similar user information to the similar user presentation unit and the message transmission unit, and sets the user identification information group as the similar user information. Specify all or part of the user identification information as the destination of the message, Communication destination information and additional information corresponding to the specified user identification information is acquired from the user information database, auxiliary information added to the message is created, and the message and auxiliary information are acquired from the user information database. And a message transfer means for sending to the client device on the receiving side represented by the information, and the client device on the receiving side has a message receiving means for receiving the message and the auxiliary information from the server device. It can also be configured as.
  According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a communication support method between video content viewers, wherein a message is transmitted from a transmission-side client device to a reception-side client device via a server device. The server device includes a user information database that stores user identification information of the video content viewer, video content identification information, and scene information, and communication destination information and additional information of the video content viewer. In the communication support method, the video content reproduction means of the client device on the transmission side reproduces the video content, and the video content reproduced by the scene specification means of the client device on the transmission side is reproduced by the video content reproduction means. Specify scene information to identify the scene And the similar user information search means of the server device performs another viewing associated with the video content identification information of the video content being played back by the video content playback means and the specified scene information from the user information database. The user identification information group of the user is searched as similar user information, and the similar user information is sent to the similar user presenting means of the transmitting client device, and the similar user presenting means of the transmitting client device includes the similar user. The procedure for receiving information from the server device and presenting it to the viewer, and the message transmitting means of the client device on the transmitting side are all or part of another viewer corresponding to the similar user information presented by the similar user presenting means The procedure for sending a message to be sent to the server device and the message transfer procedure of the server device Receives a message from the message transmission unit of the client device on the transmission side, and specifies all or part of the user identification information in the similar user information acquired by the similar user information search unit as the transmission destination of the message. The communication destination information and additional information corresponding to the specified user identification information are acquired from the user information database, auxiliary information added to the message is created, and the message and auxiliary information are acquired from the user information database. It can also be configured as a communication support method having a procedure for sending to the client device on the receiving side represented by the previous information and a procedure for receiving the message and the auxiliary information by the message receiving means of the client device on the receiving side.
  According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a communication support device for supporting message communication between a client device on a message transmission side and a client device on a message reception side. For each content, a video content information database for storing video content identification information of the video content and meta information relating to the delimiter of the content of the video content, user identification information of the viewer of the video content, video content identification information, and scene User input control means for receiving information from a client device on the transmission side and acquiring meta information corresponding to video content identification information and scene information from the video content information database; viewing of video content from the user input control means User identification information, video content The user information database storing the identification information and scene information, the communication destination information and additional information of the viewer of the video content, and the user information based on the video content identification information and the scene information from the user input control means. A user identification information group of another viewer associated with the video content identification information and the scene information is acquired from the database, the acquired user identification information group of the other viewer is set as similar user information, and the similar user information is Similar user information search means to be transmitted to the client device on the transmission side, a message received from the client device on the transmission side, and all or part of the user identification information in the similar user information acquired by the similar user information search means, Communication destination information specified as the destination of the message and corresponding to the specified user identification information And additional information is acquired from the user information database, auxiliary information added to the message is created, and the message and auxiliary information are sent to the receiving client device represented by the communication destination information acquired from the user information database. It can also be configured as a communication support device having a transfer means.
  According to the communication support method of the present invention, as described in claim 4, the communication support device that supports message communication between the client device on the message transmission side and the client device on the message reception side. A communication support method to be executed, wherein the communication support device includes, for each video content, a video content information database that stores video content identification information of the video content, and meta information about a delimiter of the content of the video content, and a video A user information database storing user identification information, video content identification information and scene information of a viewer of content, and communication destination information and additional information of the viewer of the video content, and the communication support method includes communication The user input control means of the support device receives the user identification information, the video content identification information and the scene information of the viewer of the video content from the client device on the transmission side, and receives the video content identification information and the scene information from the video content information database. And the similar user information search means of the communication support apparatus, based on the video content identification information and the scene information from the user input control means, from the user information database, the video content identification information And another viewer user identification information group associated with the scene information is acquired, the acquired user identification information group of the other viewer is set as similar user information, and the similar user information is transmitted to the client device on the transmission side. Procedure and message transfer of communication support device The stage receives a message from the client device on the transmission side, designates all or a part of the user identification information in the similar user information acquired by the similar user information search means as the transmission destination of the message, and is designated Communication destination information and additional information corresponding to the user identification information obtained from the user information database, auxiliary information to be added to the message is created, and the message and auxiliary information are obtained from the communication destination information obtained from the user information database. It can also be configured as a communication support method having a procedure to be sent to the client device on the receiving side.
[0016]
  Claim5The invention according toA program for causing a computer to function as each unit constituting a server device in the video content viewer communication support system according to claim 1. The invention according to claim 6 includes the computer according to claim 3. To function as each means of composing a communication support deviceIt is a program.
[0017]
  Claim7The invention according to claim5Recorded the program described inComputer readableIt is a recording medium.The invention according to claim 8 is a computer-readable recording medium in which the program according to claim 6 is recorded.
[0018]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, various embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Throughout the drawings, components that implement the same or similar functions are given the same reference numbers.
[0019]
FIG. 6 is a block diagram of a video content viewer communication support system according to the first embodiment of the present invention. This system includes a similar user information providing system that presents a group of users having similar interests based on interest information (or check information) about a single scene, and a message to users or groups of users having similar interests And a message transmission system that supports transmission of the message.
[0020]
First, a similar user information providing system will be described. In the first embodiment, scene information for designating a specific scene of video content, an additional evaluation value, and a comment are used as the interest information. As the scene information, a time code that is time information for designating a specific scene of the video content is used to display similar users. The time code is time information in the video content, for example, an elapsed time from the beginning. In the description of the present specification, video content is not limited to content including video information and sound information, and any content including at least image information is referred to as video content. Further, the video content itself may be in a digital format or an analog format.
[0021]
The system of the present embodiment includes a client device 1 on the transmission side, a communication support server device on the service providing side (hereinafter referred to as a server device for simplicity) 2, and a client device 1 'on the reception side. The sending client device 1 and the receiving client device 1 ′ can be configured in exactly the same manner. However, in the following description, the sending client device 1 realizes the function of the message sending side, and at least the message The receiving client device 1 ′ including the transmitting unit 16 includes at least the message receiving unit 17 in order to realize the function on the message receiving side. A plurality of transmission client devices 1 and reception client devices 1 ′ can be connected to the server device 1.
[0022]
The client device 1 specifies a video content playback unit 11 that plays back video content, a time code that represents a scene of the video content being played that the user is interested in, a user ID, and a video content ID of the video content. And a similar user display interface 13 for displaying a user ID which is information related to a similar user obtained from the server device 2.
[0023]
The server device 2 inputs video content, and detects changes in the video content scene (cut), scenes where characters appear (telop), camera movement (camera work), music, and human voice (voice). And a video content analysis unit 25 that outputs the detected position as a break position Pi and a section from the break position Pi to the next break position Pi + 1 as a scene IDi. The video content analysis unit is described in Japanese Patent No. 2839132, Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 9-238298, and Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 11-178007.
[0024]
FIG. 7 is a diagram for explaining an example of output information of the video content analysis unit 25 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. (A) of the figure shows a delimiter position detected when a certain video content is analyzed and an attribute detected at the delimiter position. For example, the start of telop 1 is detected at the break position P2, the start of music 1 is detected at the break position P3, and the end of telop 1 is detected at the break position P4. (B) of the same figure shows the break position information including the break position, the time of the break position (for example, the elapsed time from the beginning of the video content to the break position), and the attribute of the break position. For example, the delimiter position P2 is at a position of time 0010 ms and represents telop 1 (beginning).
[0025]
The server device 2 includes a video content information DB 22 that stores a video content ID and meta information for each video content. The meta information includes, for example, a scene ID, a time code at the start of the scene, and a scene attribute. A scene represents a section (partial video) from the output break position of the video content analysis unit 25 to the next break position. When the break position corresponding to the start position of the scene is Pi, the scene ID is i. . The scene attribute is information for individually identifying the type and appearance / disappearance of cut, telop, camera work, music, and voice. FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram of the video content information DB 22 according to the first embodiment of this invention. The length of the section of the scene whose scene ID is 002, that is, the time section information, is the delimiter time code 0005 of the scene whose scene ID is 002 (hereinafter sometimes simply referred to as scene 2), and scene 3 Is expressed as 0010−0005 = 0005, which is the difference between the delimiter time codes 0010. The scene ID and time code are used to determine whether the users are similar to each other. For example, when a scene ID including a time code specified by a certain user and a scene ID including a time code specified by another user are the same for the same video content, users of a certain user and another user It is determined that they are similar, otherwise it is determined that the users are not similar.
[0026]
The server device 2 further includes a user input control unit 21 that receives a time code, a user ID, and a video content ID from the video scene interface 11 of the client device 1. The user input control unit 21 uses the video content ID and time code received from the video scene interface 11 as keys, and has a video content ID that is the same as the video content ID and corresponds to the time interval information including this time code. The ID is detected, and the meta information including the scene ID and the corresponding attribute and the time section information are acquired. As described above, the time interval information of the scene i (scene ID = i) is the difference between the break time code of the scene i + 1 and the break time code of the scene i.
[0027]
The server device 2 further includes a user information DB 23 that stores a set of a user ID, a video content ID, and a time code. The user input control unit 21 receives the user ID and the video content ID received from the video scene interface 11. And the time code and additional information that can be additionally set together with the time code are stored in the user information DB 23. FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram of the user information DB 23 according to the first embodiment of this invention. As shown in the figure, the user information DB 23 further includes communication destination information that is a message destination for each user.
[0028]
The server device 2 further includes a similar user information search unit 24 connected to the user input control unit 21 and the user information DB 23. The similar user information search unit 24 receives the video content ID, time code, time interval information, and meta information from the user input control unit 21, and based on the video content ID and time interval information, the similar user information search unit 24 receives the video content ID from the user information DB 23. The same video content ID as the ID and the user ID group associated with the time code included in the range of the time section information are extracted. The similar user information search unit 24 passes the extracted user ID group to the similar user display interface 12 of the client device 1.
[0029]
Next, the operation of this embodiment will be described with reference to the sequence chart of the similar user information providing process of the system according to the first embodiment of the present invention shown in FIG. In the following description, it is assumed that the video content reproduced by the client device 1 is distributed from the server device 2, but the present invention is not limited to such an example. The video content may be read and reproduced from a recording medium provided on the client device 1 side such as a DVD. In the following description, video content includes content including image information and sound information, and content including a representative image.
[0030]
Step 21: Distribute video content from the server device 2 to the client device 1.
[0031]
Step 22: The video content reproduction unit 11 of the client device 1 displays the distributed video content.
[0032]
Step 23: When the user is interested in the screen displayed on the video content playback unit 11 (for example, when touched), the user designates the scene. To specify a scene, for example, on the video playback screen 111 according to the first embodiment of the present invention as shown in FIG. 11, the check button 113 is clicked at the moment when a scene of interest is displayed in the playback video display 112. Is done by doing. Alternatively, the scene is designated by an operation of pressing a button on a remote controller (not shown) at the moment when the scene in which the user is interested is displayed. The video scene designation interface 12 acquires the time code of the video content from the action of designating a scene by such a user. Alternatively, the user may directly input the time code, or the user may specify a still image to which the time code is assigned. A user ID, a video content ID, and a time code are passed from the video scene specification interface 12 of the client device 1 to the user input control unit 21 of the server device 2.
[0033]
Step 24: The user input control unit 21 extracts the meta information and the time interval information corresponding to the video content ID and time code received from the video scene designation interface 12 from the video content information DB 22. The user input control unit 21 passes the video content ID and time code obtained from the video scene designation interface 12 and the meta information and time interval information obtained from the video content information DB 22 to the similar user information search unit 24. Also, the user input control unit 21 passes the video content ID, time code, and user ID obtained from the video scene specification interface 12 to the user information DB 23 and stores them.
[0034]
The similar user information search unit 24 searches for similar user information based on the video content ID and the time interval information received from the user input control unit 21. More specifically, the similar user information search unit 24 searches the user information DB 23 for a set of user ID and time code that includes the same video content ID as the video content ID received from the user input control unit 21, and then When the retrieved time code falls within the range of the time interval (represented by the time interval information), the corresponding user ID (or user ID group) is extracted.
[0035]
Further, in one embodiment of the present invention, the similar user information search unit 24 includes each time code corresponding to each user ID of the extracted user ID group and the time code (input time code) received from the user input control unit 21. Is obtained as the similarity between the users, and the user ID and similarity are passed to the similar user information display interface 13 of the client device 1 as similar user information.
[0036]
Step 25: The similar user information display interface displays the similar user information (user ID or user ID and similarity) received from the similar user information search unit 24 of the server device 2.
[0037]
FIG. 12 is a detailed flowchart of an example of similar user information search processing performed by the similar user information search processing unit according to the first exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
[0038]
Step 31: A set of user ID j and time code j is extracted from the user information DB 23 using the video content ID as a key. The subscript j indicates that it is the jth item taken out.
[0039]
Step 32: Is the time code j of the user j extracted from the user information DB 23 included in the range of the time interval i corresponding to the time code i (ie, input time code) given from the user i on the client device 1 side? Determine if. If not included, the next user ID is checked.
[0040]
Step 33: Similarity between user i and user j = | input time code−time code j | The input time code is a time code specified on the client device 1 side received from the user input control unit 21. The similarity in this example is defined such that the higher the degree of similarity is, the smaller the value of the degree of similarity is. However, the way of expressing the degree of similarity is not limited to this example.
[0041]
Step 34: Since the degree of similarity is less than the threshold, the user ID i and the degree of similarity at this time are added to the result row so that they are arranged in ascending order of similarity.
[0042]
Step 35: If there is still a set to be extracted from the user information DB 23, the process returns to Step 31.
[0043]
Step 36: When all the sets to be extracted from the user information DB 23 are extracted, it is determined whether or not to increase the number of results added to the result column.
[0044]
Step 37: Extend the time interval to increase the number of results. For example, when the result string is null (number of results = 0), since no similar user information is acquired, the time interval is adjusted so that a result is obtained.
[0045]
Step 38: Determine whether to reduce the number of results added to the result column.
[0046]
Step 39: In order to reduce the number of results, a result, that is, a user ID is selected from the result sequence in descending order of similarity, and the result sequence is shortened.
[0047]
Although the time interval can be automatically adjusted, the user may be able to manually adjust the time interval.
[0048]
In the description of this example, in step 34 of the similar user information search process, the user IDi and the similarity acquired from the user information DB 23 are displayed in the result column in ascending order of similarity, that is, in descending order of similarity. Sorting is added. Such sorting may be performed when the similar user information is output to the client apparatus 1 after the result string is created, instead of when the search result is added to the result string.
[0049]
FIG. 13 is an operation flowchart of a time interval automatic adjustment process according to the first embodiment of the present invention. When the number of results obtained by the similar user information search processing described with reference to FIG. 12 is less than the desired number, processing for extending the time interval is performed in order to increase the number of results. In the processing example shown in FIG. 13, this time interval is automatically extended.
[0050]
Step 41: When the delimiter position corresponding to the current time interval is represented by Pi, the delimiter position Px (x <= i) and delimiter position Py corresponding to each other from the video content information DB 22 with respect to this delimiter position Pi. Find all pairs (Px, Py) of (y> = i + 1).
[0051]
For example, as shown in FIG. 8, when the attribute of the delimiter position in the video content information DB 22 indicates the type of semantic delimiter and its start or end, such as telop start and telop end. Are pairs of break positions corresponding to the start and end of the same kind of semantic break. Further, when only the types such as cut and telop are stored as the attribute of the delimiter position in the video content information DB 22, the delimiter positions of the same type form a set of corresponding delimiter positions.
[0052]
Step 42: Among the found pairs (Px, Py), a pair (Px, Py) is selected in order from the shorter length of time = (time at break position Py) − (time at break position Px). , A new time interval.
[0053]
Step 43: For the new time interval, a similar user ID group is extracted according to Step 31 to Step 35 in FIG.
[0054]
Step 44: Determine whether to further extend the time interval in order to increase the number of results.
[0055]
FIG. 14 is an operation flowchart of a time interval manual adjustment process according to the first embodiment of the present invention. In the processing example shown in FIG. 14, this time interval is manually extended by user intervention.
[0056]
Step 51: When the break position corresponding to the current time interval is represented by Pi, with respect to this break position Pi, the break position Px (x <= i) and the break position Py corresponding to each other attribute from the video content information DB 22. Find all pairs (Px, Py) of (y> = i + 1).
[0057]
Step 52: Present the attributes of all found pairs (Px, Py) to the user via the display device (not shown) of the client device 1.
[0058]
Step 53: A set of separation positions (Px, Py) selected by the user via the input device (not shown) of the client device 1 is set as a new time interval.
[0059]
Step 54: For the new section, a group of similar user IDs is extracted according to Step 31 to Step 35 in FIG.
[0060]
Step 55: Determine whether to further extend the time interval in order to increase the number of results.
[0061]
In this way, according to the first embodiment of the present invention, similar user information can be obtained by the similar user information display interface 13 of the transmission-side client device 1.
[0062]
Next, in the first embodiment of the present invention, a message transmission system that supports transmission of a message to a user or a group of users having similar interests obtained from the similar user information providing system will be described.
[0063]
The sending client device 1 creates a message, designates a specific other viewer to which the message is to be transmitted among other viewers indicated by the user ID group acquired as similar user information, and designates the specified The message transmission part 16 which requests | requires transmission of the message to another viewer of the server apparatus is included.
[0064]
The server device 2 has message transfer means 26 for transferring a message from the sending client device 1 to the receiving client device 1 '. The message transfer means 26 creates auxiliary information to be transmitted to the specific other viewer together with the message with reference to the additional information stored in the user information DB 23, and sets communication destination information regarding the specific other viewer to the user. Obtained from the information DB 23 and sends the message and auxiliary information from the sending client device 1 to the receiving client device represented by the communication destination information.
[0065]
The receiving-side client device 1 ′ includes a message receiving unit 17 that receives messages and auxiliary information from the server device 2.
[0066]
The auxiliary information includes, for example, the reason why another viewer who has received the message is determined to be similar to the viewer who has transmitted the message. More specifically, a specific scene of the video content designated by the viewer who sent the message is notified.
[0067]
In addition, auxiliary information includes representative images of video content, partial images, links to specific scenes of video content, and bibliographic information of video content that matches interests. included.
[0068]
Communication is facilitated by adding such auxiliary information to the inter-user message from the viewer to another viewer. The sender viewer has the advantage of reducing input effort, and the receiver viewer has the advantage of being able to easily identify which part of interest the message is relevant to. .
[0069]
The communication support server device 2 is used as a communication place between the sending client device 1 and the receiving client device 1 ′, for example, a mail function for transmitting text, voice, and video, or a bulletin board function with limited participants. Asynchronous communication means such as a chat function for transmitting text, voice and video, or a synchronous communication means such as an instant messenger can be provided, but are not limited to these examples is not.
[0070]
FIG. 15 is a sequence chart of message transmission processing according to the first exemplary embodiment of the present invention. The sequence chart of FIG. 15 follows the sequence chart of the similar user information provision process shown in FIG. In the message transmission process according to the first exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the transmission destination of the message is specified by the transmission-side client device 1.
[0071]
Step 61: In the message transmission unit 16 of the transmission side client device 1, the user ID of the message transmission destination is specified from the similar user IDs transmitted from the server device 2, and is transmitted to the message transfer unit 26 of the server device 2. .
[0072]
Step 62: The message transmission unit 16 describes a message to be sent to the transmission destination and sends it to the message transfer unit 26.
[0073]
Step 63: The message transfer unit 26 acquires the communication destination information corresponding to the user ID of the transmission destination sent from the message transmission unit 16 from the user information DB 23. Next, auxiliary information to be sent to the receiving client device 1 ′ is created together with the message created by the sending client device 1. The auxiliary information includes information based on the additional information stored in the user information DB 23 regarding the viewer on the transmission side, the reason why another viewer who has received the message is similar to the viewer who has transmitted the message Etc. are included. More specifically, a specific scene of the video content designated by the viewer who sent the message is notified. In addition, auxiliary information includes representative images of video content, partial images, links to specific scenes of video content, and bibliographic information of video content that matches interests. included.
[0074]
Step 64: The message transfer unit 26 transfers the message to which the auxiliary information is added to the receiving client device 1 'as the transmission destination.
[0075]
Step 65: The message receiver 17 of the receiving client device 1 'receives the message and auxiliary information from the message transfer unit 26 of the server device 2.
[0076]
In the above description, the transmission destination user ID is specified in step 61, and then the message is described in step 62. However, after the message is described in the reverse order, the transmission destination user ID is specified. You may comprise.
[0077]
According to the first embodiment of the present invention, communication with a specific user is facilitated by adding a representative image or bibliographic information of video content with which the interests are matched to the message between users. For the sender, there is an advantage that the input effort can be reduced, and for the receiver, there is an advantage that it is possible to easily identify which part of interest the message corresponds to.
[0078]
Next, a communication support system according to a second embodiment of the present invention will be described. The second embodiment of the present invention is different from the first embodiment of the present invention in that the message transmission destination is determined not by the transmission-side client device 1 but by the server device 1 in the message transmission process. FIG. 16 is a sequence chart of message transmission processing according to the second exemplary embodiment of the present invention. The sequence chart of FIG. 16 follows the sequence chart of the similar user information providing process shown in FIG.
[0079]
Step 62: The message transmission unit 16 describes a message to be sent to the transmission destination and sends it to the message transfer unit 26.
[0080]
Step 61 ': The message transfer unit 26 of the server device 1 specifies all or a part of the similar user ID extracted in the similar user information providing process as a message transmission destination. When selecting a part of similar user IDs, for example, a predetermined number of similar user IDs may be selected in descending order of similarity to the viewer on the transmission side.
[0081]
Step 63: The message transfer unit 26 acquires communication destination information corresponding to the user ID of the designated transmission destination from the user information DB 23. Next, the above-mentioned auxiliary information to be sent to the receiving client apparatus 1 ′ together with the message generated by the transmitting client apparatus 1 is created.
[0082]
Step 64: The message transfer unit 26 transfers the message to which the auxiliary information is added to the receiving client device 1 'as the transmission destination.
[0083]
Step 65: The message receiver 17 of the receiving client device 1 'receives the message and auxiliary information from the message transfer unit 26 of the server device 2.
[0084]
Next, a communication support system according to a third embodiment of the present invention will be described. In the third embodiment of the present invention, in the message transmission process, the message transfer unit determines whether a message can be transmitted to a destination corresponding to the user ID designated as the message destination, and only the destination that can be transmitted This is different from the first embodiment of the present invention in that a message is transmitted to. FIG. 17 is a sequence chart of message transmission processing according to the third exemplary embodiment of the present invention. The sequence chart of FIG. 17 follows the sequence chart of the similar user information provision process shown in FIG.
[0085]
Step 71: In the message transmission unit 16 of the transmission side client device 1, the user ID of the message transmission destination is specified from the similar user IDs transmitted from the server device 2, and is transmitted to the message transfer unit 26 of the server device 2. .
[0086]
Step 72: The message transfer unit 26 of the server device 2 determines whether the message can be transferred to the user ID of the designated transmission destination (that is, the transmission destination candidate user). Therefore, in the third embodiment of the present invention, it is determined whether or not the cumulative number of messages transmitted to the viewer corresponding to the designated user ID is less than a predetermined number. Allow transfer.
[0087]
Step 73: The message transmission unit 16 describes a message to be sent to the transmission destination and sends it to the message transfer unit 26.
[0088]
Step 74: The message transfer unit 26 acquires communication destination information corresponding to the user ID of the transmission destination permitted to communicate from the user information DB 23. Next, auxiliary information to be sent to the receiving client device 1 ′ is created together with the message created by the sending client device 1. Since the auxiliary information has already been described in detail, no further description is added.
[0089]
Step 75: The message transfer unit 26 transfers the message to which the auxiliary information is added to the receiving-side client device 1 'that is the transmission destination.
[0090]
Step 76: The message receiver 17 of the receiving client device 1 'receives the message and auxiliary information from the message transfer unit 26 of the server device 2.
[0091]
In the above description, the message is described in step 73 after it is determined whether or not communication to the transmission destination user ID specified in step 72 is possible. However, after the message is described in the reverse order, the transmission destination user ID is described. May be configured to specify.
[0092]
According to the second embodiment of the present invention, communication can be facilitated by adding a representative image or bibliographic information of video content to an inter-user message in communication with a group of users having the same interest. Further, there are advantages similar to those of the first embodiment of the present invention.
[0093]
FIG. 18 is a detailed flowchart of the communication availability determination process in the third embodiment of the present invention. In the following, the destination candidate user is user i, the transmission side user who wants to send a message is user j, and user j wants to send a message regarding a segment l (eg, scene l, time segment l, etc.) of video content k. Assuming that the communication is possible, the communication availability determination process will be described. In this embodiment, when the number of emails received by user i has not reached the allowable number, or even if the number has reached the allowable number, the degree of similarity between user j and user i has transmitted a message to user i in the past. If the degree of similarity between other users and user i is higher, the user j's message is allowed to be transferred to user i.
[0094]
Step 101: It is determined whether the number N of received messages of the transmission candidate destination user i is less than the allowable number of messages M. If it is less than the allowable number of messages M, the process proceeds to step 103. If it is equal to or greater than the allowable number of messages M, the process proceeds to step 102.
[0095]
Here, the number N of received messages and the number M of allowable messages are determined according to the following three criteria.
[0096]
(Standard 1) Number of received messages N_iklAnd allowable number of messages M_ikl
Number of received messages N_iklIs the cumulative number of messages received by the user i in the messages from the other users to the user i regarding the section l of the video content k when the user i has checked the section l of the video content k. Represents. Allowed number of messages M_iklIs a set value of the number that the user i is allowed to receive in the messages transmitted by other users regarding the section l of the video content k checked by the user i.
[0097]
(Standard 2) Number of received messages N_ikAnd allowable number of messages M_ik
Number of received messages N_ikRepresents the cumulative number of messages received by the user i in messages from the other users to the user i regarding the video content k when the user i has checked the video content k. Allowed number of messages M_ikIs a set value of the number that user i is allowed to receive in messages transmitted by other users regarding video content k checked by user i.
[0098]
(Standard 3) Number of received messages N_iAnd allowable number of messages M_i
Number of received messages N_iRepresents the cumulative number of messages received by user i among messages from other users to user i. Allowed number of messages M_iIs a set value of the number that user i is allowed to receive in messages transmitted by other users.
[0099]
Step 102: The similarity R between the transmission destination candidate user i and the transmission side user j_ijDetermines whether or not the destination candidate user i is larger than the maximum value of the similarity with another transmission-side user who has already received the message. If the similarity is not more than the maximum value, the process proceeds to step 105.
[0100]
Here, the similarity R between the user i and the user j_ijIs, for example, the similarity between user i and user j used in step 33 of the similar user information search processing unit according to the first embodiment of the present invention described with reference to FIG. 12 = | input time code−time It can be defined as the reciprocal of the code j |. Since | input time code-time code j | is defined such that the higher the degree of similarity is, the smaller the value of similarity is. Therefore, in order to apply to step 102, for example, the reciprocal number is similar. Degree R_ijAnd Of course, the similarity R_ijIs not limited to this example.
[0101]
Next, the following three ways of representing the maximum value of the similarity may be considered according to the above three criteria of the number of received messages and the number of allowable messages.
[0102]
(Standard 1) Maximum value of similarity RMAX_ikl
Maximum value of similarity RMAX_iklRepresents the maximum value of the degree of similarity between the user i and another user who has received a message regarding the section l of the video content k when the user i has checked the section l of the video content k.
[0103]
(Standard 2) Maximum value RMAX of similarity_ik
Maximum value of similarity RMAX_ikRepresents the maximum value in the degree of similarity between the user i and another user who has received a message regarding the video content k when the user i has checked the video content k.
[0104]
(Standard 3) Maximum value of similarity RMAX_i
Maximum value of similarity RMAX_iRepresents the maximum value in the degree of similarity between the user i and other users who have received the message.
[0105]
Step 103: Add 1 to the number of received messages.
[0106]
Step 104: Permit communication to the transmission destination candidate user i. That is, user i is selected as a transmission destination user.
[0107]
Step 105: Deny communication to the destination candidate user i. That is, the user i is not selected as a transmission destination user.
[0108]
The maximum value of the similarity can be stored and continuously updated during the operation of the system. However, the maximum value of the similarity may be obtained every time a transmission request is made.
[0109]
The result of whether communication is possible is notified from the server apparatus 2 to the transmitting client apparatus 1. When the server apparatus 2 refuses communication, for example, the server apparatus 2 sends a message with a content indicating that transmission of the message is refused to the transmitting client apparatus 1.
[0110]
FIG. 19 is a detailed flowchart of the communication feasibility determination process in the fourth embodiment of the present invention. The sequence of the message transmission process according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention is the same as the message transmission process according to the third embodiment of the present invention shown in FIG. The fourth embodiment of the present invention differs from the third embodiment based on the number of received messages in that the communication availability determination process is performed based on the elapsed time.
[0111]
In the following, the destination candidate user is user i, the transmission side user who wants to send a message is user j, and user j wants to send a message regarding a segment l (eg, scene l, time segment l, etc.) of video content k. Assuming that the communication is possible, the communication availability determination process will be described. The time when user i checked in section l of video content k is input time T_iklAnd the current time when the transmission request from user i was made is T_nowAnd
[0112]
In the present embodiment, the message transfer to the user i in the server device 2 is possible according to the elapsed time since the user i specified the same section l of the video content k specified by the transmission-side user j. It is determined whether it exists.
[0113]
Step 111: Current time T_nowAnd the time T when the user i inputs to the section l of the video content k_iklThe difference in the allowable time M_iklDetermine if it is less than.
[0114]
Here, allowable time M_iklIs the time T when the user i inputs to the section l of the video content k._iklTo a set value representing an allowable elapsed time until a message from another user regarding the section l of the same video content k is received. In other words, the user i can refuse to receive messages from other users regarding matters that have been interested in the past for a certain degree.
[0115]
Step 112: When the elapsed time exceeds the allowable time, it is determined whether or not the dynamic interest level of the section i of the video content k of the user i has decreased. If it is determined that the interest has not decreased, the process proceeds to step 113. If it is determined that the interest has decreased, the process proceeds to step 114. A process that considers the dynamic change in the degree of interest of user i will be described later.
[0116]
Step 113: Permit communication to the transmission destination candidate user i. That is, user i is selected as a transmission destination user.
[0117]
Step 114: Deny communication to the destination candidate user i. That is, the user i is not selected as a transmission destination user.
[0118]
Next, a dynamic change in the degree of interest in the section l of the video content k of the user i will be described. The dynamic change in the degree of interest can be qualitatively explained as follows.
(1) The degree of interest in the section l of the video content k of the user i decreases with time.
(2) The degree of interest in the section l of the video content k of the user i is determined by the user i at the current time T_nowIn the case where the total number of items (number of items) checked so far is small, even if the elapsed time after the check for the section 1 of the video content k exceeds the allowable time, it does not decrease relatively.
[0119]
Such a dynamic change in the degree of interest can be expressed quantitatively by, for example, the following equation. Here, L indicates that the user i has the current time T_nowThis represents the total number checked so far, and α is a constant.
[0120]
[Expression 1]

As described above, according to the third to fourth embodiments of the present invention, in the message transmission processing via the server device described in the first embodiment of the present invention, By dynamically changing the threshold of “communication availability determination” using the elapsed time, it is possible to reduce the response load on the receiving client device and provide communication with a partner with more interest. become.
[0121]
In particular, the third embodiment of the present invention is considered to be more effective when the recipient is a woman. In the Internet user community, when female users publish comments, etc., a lot of response messages are flooded, and the woman who is the recipient cannot even write a message that apologizes for a certain number of messages Is frequently occurring. For this reason, the server device in the present embodiment transfers the message to the receiving client device as it is in the order of arrival up to a certain total number of received messages (for example, 20 messages for one comment), but filters messages exceeding that. For example, the determination value (similarity) of the similarity of the viewer (user) preference acquired in the similar user information providing function is a predetermined value such as the maximum value or the average value of the determination values for the message senders that have already arrived The server device transfers the message to the receiving client device only if it is from more than the originator. Also, messages that exceed the number of messages that the receiving client device can respond to, or messages that exceed a predetermined number have high preference similarity, so only messages from other parties that can be expected to communicate well in the future Can be realized, and it is possible to provide an anonymous communication system that is easy to use (for example, for female users).
[0122]
In the third embodiment of the present invention, the initial threshold value determination is performed based on the “total number of receptions”, but as in the fourth embodiment of the present invention, it is performed based on the elapsed time from the comment registration on the bulletin board. Is also possible. The advantage of this fourth embodiment is that a message that matches the empirical fact that the interest of the comment registrant (that is, the message recipient in the above description) gradually diminishes with the passage of time since the comment was registered. This is the point where the transmission function can be realized.
[0123]
FIG. 20 is a sequence chart of message transmission processing in the fifth exemplary embodiment of the present invention. The sequence chart of FIG. 20 follows the sequence chart of the similar user information provision process shown in FIG. The message transmission process in the fifth embodiment of the present invention is the fourth embodiment of the present invention shown in FIG. 17 in that the destination of the message is determined not by the sending client device 1 but by the server device 1. Is different. Accordingly, step 71 in FIG. 17 is replaced with the next step 71 '.
[0124]
Step 71 ': The message transfer unit 26 of the server device 1 specifies all or a part of the similar user ID extracted by the similar user information providing process as a message transmission destination. When selecting a part of similar user IDs, for example, a predetermined number of similar user IDs may be selected in descending order of similarity to the viewer on the transmission side.
[0125]
The communication availability determination in the fifth embodiment of the present invention can be considered in two modes: the method based on the number of received messages described with reference to FIG. 18 and the method based on elapsed time described with reference to FIG.
[0126]
As described above, according to the embodiment of the present invention, it is possible to provide synchronous / asynchronous communication means linked with the similar user information providing function. In addition, a communication support function is provided that gives a relationship reason between users at the time of transmission.
[0127]
Furthermore, according to the third to fifth embodiments of the present invention, a function for determining whether or not an incoming call can be received at the time of reception is provided, and filtering in the case where messages from a large number of users are flooded is realized. According to the fourth embodiment of the present invention, messages can be filtered by grasping the dynamic interest of the user and changing the threshold value over time.
[0128]
In the description of the above embodiment, the similar user information providing system uses, as the interest information, the time code that is the time information for designating the specific scene of the video content as the scene information for designating the specific scene of the video content. is doing. However, the present invention is not limited to the configuration of the similar user information providing system, and various forms of the similar user information providing system can be used. Below, the example of a similar user information provision system is demonstrated.
[0129]
The similar user information providing system according to the sixth embodiment of the present invention inputs a time code as interest information for a plurality of scenes and presents similar interested users. In the sixth embodiment, similar users are displayed by using time code, which is time information for designating a specific scene of video content, as interest information. The time code is time information in the video content, for example, an elapsed time from the beginning. The configuration of the system according to the sixth embodiment of the present invention is the same as the configuration of the system according to the first embodiment of the present invention described with reference to FIG. 6 and will not be described in further detail.
[0130]
The operation of the present embodiment will be described with reference to the sequence chart of the system according to the sixth embodiment of the present invention shown in FIG. In the following description, it is assumed that the video content reproduced by the client device 1 is distributed from the server device 2, but the present invention is not limited to such an example. The video content may be read and reproduced from a recording medium provided on the client device 1 side such as a DVD.
[0131]
Step 201: Distribute a plurality of video contents from the server apparatus 2 to the client apparatus 1.
[0132]
Step 202: The video content reproduction unit 11 of the client device 1 displays the distributed video content.
[0133]
Step 203: When the user is interested in the screen displayed on the video content playback unit 11 (for example, when touched), the user designates the scene. A user ID, a video content ID, and a time code are passed from the video scene specification interface 12 of the client device 1 to the user input control unit 21 of the server device 2.
[0134]
Step 204: The user input control unit 21 extracts the meta information and the time interval information corresponding to the video content ID and time code received from the video scene designation interface 12 from the video content information DB 22. The user input control unit 21 passes the video content ID and time code obtained from the video scene designation interface 12 and the meta information and time interval information obtained from the video content information DB 22 to the similar user information search unit 24. Also, the user input control unit 21 passes the video content ID, time code, and user ID obtained from the video scene specification interface 12 to the user information DB 23 and stores them.
[0135]
The similar user information search unit 24 searches for similar user information based on the video content ID and the time interval information received from the user input control unit 21. More specifically, the similar user information search unit 24 searches the user information DB 23 for a set of user ID and time code that includes the same video content ID as the video content ID received from the user input control unit 21, and then When the retrieved time code falls within the range of the time interval (represented by the time interval information), the corresponding user ID group is acquired.
[0136]
The similar user information search unit 24 then uses the absolute value of the difference between each time code in the extracted time code group and the time code (input time code) received from the user input control unit 21 as the user ID. The similarity is related to each user ID in the group.
[0137]
Step 205: The similar user information search unit 24 acquires a time code group stored in the user information DB 23 regarding the user ID from the user input control unit 21, that is, a set of video content ID and time code.
[0138]
Step 206: Next, the similar user information search unit 24 refers to the video content information DB 22 to convert each set of the video content ID and the time code acquired in Step 205 into a set of the video content ID and the scene ID. . Specifically, the scene ID corresponding to the time interval in which the time code is accommodated is found. By converting all video content ID and time code pairs acquired in step 205 into video content and scene ID pairs, a scene list for the user of interest (for example, user 001) can be created. it can. FIG. 22 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a scene list according to the sixth embodiment of the present invention. The scene list related to the user 001 is a table in which a set of all video content IDs and scene IDs in which the user 001 has shown interest is listed.
[0139]
Step 207: Next, the similar user information search unit 24 determines, for each user ID included in the user ID group acquired in step 204, a set of the video content ID and time code stored in the user information DB 23. It is checked whether or not the scene list relating to the user 001 acquired in step 206 is applicable. That is, with respect to the video content ID and time code stored in the user information DB with respect to another user ID, it is determined whether or not this time code falls within the time interval determined by the video content and scene combination of the scene list. When doing so, a mark is put in the column of the video content ID and scene ID related to the other user ID (for example, user i). Thereby, allocation to the scene list is performed.
[0140]
Step 208: The similar user information search unit 24 scans the scene list for each of different user IDs (in this example, user 002, user 003,..., User i), and adds a predetermined list to the scene list. A group of user IDs assigned at a degree of about or higher is extracted as a similar user ID and passed to the similar user information display interface 13 of the client device 1.
[0141]
Step 209: The similar user information display interface displays similar user information (such as a user ID) received from the similar user information search unit 24 of the server device 2.
[0142]
FIG. 23 is a detailed flowchart of an example of an allocation process to a scene list table and a similar user ID extraction process performed by the similar user information search processing unit according to the sixth embodiment of the present invention. The process shown in FIG. 23 will be described below with reference to the scene list used in the sixth embodiment of the present invention described in FIG.
[0143]
Step 211: For the user i in the user ID group that has already been acquired, a set of video content ID and time code is acquired from the user information DB 23 and is posted in the scene list for the user of interest (for example, user 001). It is determined whether or not the time code of the user i is included in the range of the time section obtained from the video content ID and the scene ID. If included, the video content ID corresponding to the user i in the scene list and Mark the scene ID column. The subscript i indicates that the item has been taken out i-th.
[0144]
Step 212: The set of the video content ID and time code range stored in the user information DB 23 with respect to the user ID (user 001) on the client device 1 side and the user ID i are stored in the user information DB 23. The degree of coincidence of the set of the video content ID and the time code that has been set is calculated.
[0145]
Step 213: Conditional expression, in this example, a conditional expression indicating whether the degree of coincidence is equal to or greater than a set value is determined.
[0146]
Step 214: Since the conditional expression is satisfied, the user ID i and the degree of coincidence at this time are added to the result string so as to be arranged in the order of the degree of coincidence.
[0147]
Step 215: If the user ID i to be taken out still remains in the user ID group, return to step 211.
[0148]
Step 216: When assignment to the time code list is completed for all user IDi in the user ID group, the number of results is compared with a predetermined number of similar users desired to output. Determine whether to increase or decrease (adjust).
[0149]
Step 217: The set value is adjusted to adjust the number of results. The set value is adjusted automatically or by user input. To reduce the number of results, increase the set value. Conversely, to increase the number of results, the set value is decreased.
[0150]
In this embodiment, in step 214, the search results are sorted in parallel with the similar user information search processing. However, such sorting outputs the result to the client device 1 after acquiring the search result string. You may sort when you do.
[0151]
Next, referring to FIG. 22 again, a method of calculating the degree of coincidence according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described. FIG. 22 shows the checked video content ID and scene ID for each user ID, and the total number of checks is shown in the check total column. In the figure, the check points are marked with +. For example, the user 001 checks the scenes 001, 002 and 003 of the video content 001 and the scenes 001 and 002 of the video content 005, and the total number of checks is N1. The same applies to user 002 and user i. In this example, the video content ID and scene ID columns in the scene list are extracted only from the column checked by the user in question, but all the video content information stored in the video content information DB 22 are extracted. You may provide the column about video content ID and scene ID. In the example of FIG. 22, the column of the user 001 of interest is provided, but in this example, since all the columns of the user 001 are checked, the user 001 column can be omitted. I do not care.
[0152]
Here, when the check statuses of the user 001 and the user i are compared, it can be seen that the locations where both the user 001 and the user i are checking are the scene 001 of the video content 001 and the scene 001 of the video content 005. . The locations where both are checking, that is, the matching locations are marked with a circled + in the figure.
[0153]
As an example of the degree of coincidence indicating how similar the user i is to the user 001, the number 2 of coincidence points of the check can be employed as it is (case 1). Alternatively, as the degree of coincidence, a value obtained by dividing the number of coincidence points 2 by the check sum Ni of the user i may be adopted (case 2).
[0154]
The set value to be compared with the degree of coincidence is determined according to Case 1 and Case 2.
[0155]
In the description of the sixth embodiment of the present invention, the user ID group is acquired from the user information DB 23 based on the input time code before the assignment to the scene list. It is not limited to such a configuration, a scene list relating to the first focused user is created, and then another similar user ID is sequentially assigned from the user information DB 23 based on the input time code. You may acquire and assign to a scene list for every acquired another user ID.
[0156]
Next, a description will be given of a seventh embodiment of the present invention that uses, as interest information, an evaluation numerical value that is additional information designated for a specific scene of video content in addition to a time code. The evaluation numerical value means, for example, an index such as the degree to which the viewer likes a specific scene of the video content and the degree of request for communication regarding the specific scene of the video content.
[0157]
This evaluation numerical value is supplied to the user input control unit 21 of the server device 2 and stored in the user information DB 23 together with the video content ID, the user ID, and the time code.
[0158]
Further, the evaluation numerical value is extracted from the user information DB 23 together with the video content ID and the time code when the similar user information search unit 24 assigns to the scene list.
[0159]
The similar user information search unit 24 is similar to the user ID group from the user information DB 23 based on the video content ID and the time interval information received from the user input control unit 21 as described in the sixth embodiment of the present invention. Take out.
[0160]
Next, the similar user information search unit 24 acquires the set of the video content ID and the time code from the user information DB 23 for the user i in the already acquired user ID group, and pays attention to the user (for example, the user 001). ) Regarding whether or not the time code of the user i is included in the range of the time interval obtained from the video content ID and the scene ID posted in the scene list related to (), and if included, the user in the scene list Mark the column of the video content ID and scene ID corresponding to i. Then, another user ID whose mark state, that is, the degree of coincidence satisfies a predetermined condition is selected as a similar user ID, and passed to the similar user information display interface 13 of the client device 1.
[0161]
In the seventh embodiment of the present invention, when the degree of coincidence is calculated, an evaluation numerical value stored together with the video content ID and the time code for the user ID in the user information DB 23 is used.
[0162]
FIG. 24 is an explanatory diagram of the coincidence calculation method according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention. In the figure, for each user ID, evaluation numerical values for each scene of each video content are indicated by values 1 to 5. For example, a blank in which no evaluation value is set like the scene 002 of the video content 001 for the user 001 indicates that the user 001 has not checked the scene 002 of the video content 001. The total check for each user ID indicates the number of places where evaluation numerical values are set. For example, the user 001 gives the evaluation value 5 to the scene 001 of the video content 001 and gives the evaluation value 3 to the scene 003 of the video content 001. In general, the evaluation value given by user i to scene l of video content k is P_jklIt expresses like this.
[0163]
Here, when the check statuses of user i and user j are compared, the locations where both user i and user j are checking are: scene 001 of video content 001, scene 001 of video content 002, and video content k. It turns out that it is the scene l. The locations where both are checking, that is, the matching locations, are marked with circled numbers in the figure.
[0164]
User i sets the similarity of user j to r_ijAssuming that the set value is a, a search expression (conditional expression) for similar users is, for example,
r_ij> A
It is expressed simply as
[0165]
Similarity r_ijThe following four examples can be considered as the calculation method of. In the following example, the average of the evaluation numerical values for all time code ranges of the video content k of all users is ave_kRepresented by
[0166]
Similarity calculation method 1:
User i's feature vector
[0167]
[Expression 2]

Then, the similarity between user i and user j is
[0168]
[Equation 3]

It is represented by By using this similarity, it is possible to search for users whose points of interest (video content ID and scene) are the same and whose ideas (evaluation numerical values) are similar.
[0169]
Similarity calculation method 2:
P_iklAnd P_jklWhen is not NULL, by looping over k and l, the similarity between user i and user j is
[0170]
[Expression 4]

It is represented by In the formula, constant 1 and constant 2 are positive numbers other than 0. By using this degree of similarity, it is possible to search for users who have the same point of interest and who are not thinking.
[0171]
Similarity calculation method 3:
Similarity r between user i and user j_ijIs
[0172]
[Equation 5]

Can also be expressed. Where P_jklIs
If the user j has not assigned an evaluation value to the time code range l, Ave_kAnd
Otherwise, the evaluation value itself
It is.
[0173]
Similarity calculation method 4:
Alternatively, the similarity r between user i and user j_ijIs
[0174]
[Formula 6]

Can be represented by However, Si and Sj represent the standard deviations of the evaluation values of user i and user j, respectively, and m and n are predetermined natural numbers. According to this calculation method, for example, when m = 2 and n = 2, a high degree of similarity can be obtained between two users who have been assigned evaluation values that differ greatly from the average evaluation value of other users.
[0175]
Next, an eighth embodiment of the present invention will be described. In the eighth embodiment of the present invention, a comment which is additional information for designating a specific scene of video content is used as the interest information.
[0176]
The comment is supplied to the user input control unit 21 of the server device 2 and stored in the user information DB 23 together with the video content ID, the user ID, and the time code.
[0177]
Further, this comment is extracted from the user information DB 23 together with the video content ID and the time code when the similar user information search unit 24 assigns the scene list.
[0178]
The similar user information search unit 24 is similar to the user ID group from the user information DB 23 based on the video content ID and the time interval information received from the user input control unit 21 as described in the sixth embodiment of the present invention. Take out.
[0179]
Next, the similar user information search unit 24 acquires the set of the video content ID and the time code from the user information DB 23 for the user i in the already acquired user ID group, and pays attention to the user (for example, the user 001). ) Regarding whether or not the time code of the user i is included in the range of the time interval obtained from the video content ID and the scene ID posted in the scene list related to (), and if included, the user in the scene list Mark the column of the video content ID and scene ID corresponding to i. Then, another user ID whose mark state, that is, the degree of coincidence satisfies a predetermined condition is selected as a similar user ID, and passed to the similar user information display interface 13 of the client device 1.
[0180]
In the eighth embodiment of the present invention, when the degree of coincidence is calculated, a comment stored together with the video content ID and the time code for the user ID in the user information DB 23 is used.
[0181]
FIG. 25 is an explanatory diagram of the coincidence calculation method according to the eighth embodiment of the present invention. In the figure, for each user ID, the presence / absence of a comment for each scene of each video content (1: no comment, 2: with comment) is shown. Further, for example, a blank in which no numerical value is set like the scene 002 of the video content 001 for the user 001 indicates that the user 001 has not checked the scene 002 of the video content 001. The total check for each user ID indicates the number of locations where the time code is set. For example, the user 001 checks the scene 001 of the video content 001 but does not give a comment, checks the scene 003 of the video content 001, and gives a comment.
[0182]
Here, when the check statuses of user i and user j are compared, the locations where both user i and user j are checking are scene 001 of video content 001, scene 001 and scene 002 of video content 002, It can be seen that this is scene l of video content k. The locations where both users are checking, that is, the matching locations are marked with circled numbers in the figure.
[0183]
In general, whether the user i has given a comment to the scene l of the video content k is a function W_i ^klIt expresses like this. If user i has not checked partial video l of video content k, function W_i ^klW_jklTakes the value 0.
[0184]
At this time, the feature vector of user i
[0185]
[Outside 1]

Is
[0186]
[Expression 7]

It is expressed as The similarity between user i and user j is
[0187]
[Equation 8]

Represented as:
[0188]
In the case of using such a similarity, as a criterion for determining how similar the user i is to the user l, in the present embodiment, points (video content ID and scene ID) indicating interest are the same. And the method 1 which searches the user who is similar also in the presence or absence of the check is searched for a user who has the same point of interest and the same idea (words in the comment match). Scheme 2 is proposed.
[0189]
In method 1, the conditional expression used to determine the degree of coincidence is:
r_ij> A (set value)
It is expressed.
[0190]
The conditional expression used to determine the degree of coincidence in Method 2 is
r_ij+ Α_ij> B (set value)
It is expressed. Where α_ijRepresents the number of matching words included in the comments of user i and user j.
[0191]
Then α_ijA simple explanation of how to find
[0192]
When a certain viewer (viewing viewer) views the same scene in the same video content as the other viewer, that is, when viewing the same scene, the video is between other viewers having the same or similar sensitivity. It is empirically known that comments are often made on the same object in the content, or that the same exclamation is often given to the same scene without explicitly indicating the object. Yes. That is, among the comments and impressions for the same scene (hereinafter referred to as “comment text”), nouns, proper nouns, adjectives, or exclamations can be used as search cues for users with similar sensibilities. It was experimentally shown that even if verbs and particles match, it is less useful as a search keyword based on the similarity of sensibilities.
[0193]
The new conditional expression of method 2 in the eighth embodiment of the present invention has been devised based on such facts. In the similar user search processing based on this method 2, for each scene, a comment keyword written in the natural language by the viewer of interest and other viewers is used as an input, and a common keyword appears in the comment sentence input for the same scene. If the number of matches is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold, other viewers at this time are searched and output as users whose sensibilities are similar to the viewers of interest.
[0194]
This similar user search process is realized by applying a keyword automatic extraction technique in the database field, and an expert in the database field performs this process based on the flowchart shown in FIG. 26 and the following simple explanation. Similar user search processing can be easily performed.
[0195]
Step 221: For the user 01 serving as a search axis, one scene in which a comment text is input is selected.
[0196]
Step 222: The morphological analysis is performed on the comment sentence input for the selected one scene, and the part of speech information is obtained for each word.
[0197]
Step 223: For the part of speech information obtained in Step 222, only words whose part of speech is one of a noun, a proper noun, an adjective, or an exclamation are extracted for each scene selected for the user 01. A keyword list.
[0198]
Step 224: It is determined whether or not there is another scene in which the user 01 serving as the search axis inputs the comment text.
[0199]
Step 225: The user i who input the comment sentence is selected for the same scene as the scene where the user 01 has input the comment sentence.
[0200]
Step 226: A morphological analysis is performed on the comment sentence input by the user i for the same scene to obtain part-of-speech information for each word.
[0201]
Step 227: For the part of speech information obtained in step 226, only words whose part of speech is one of a noun, proper noun, adjective, or exclamation are extracted and used as a keyword list for the same scene related to user i. .
[0202]
Step 228: Count the number of keywords that match between the keyword list for the user 01 obtained in step 223 and the keyword list for the user i obtained in step 227.
[0203]
Step 229: It is determined whether or not the user i has input a comment for the same scene as the other scene for which the user 01 has input the comment sentence.
[0204]
Step 230: The integrated value of the count, which is the number of matching keywords for all scenes, is set as the similarity for user i.
[0205]
Step 231: It is determined whether another user exists.
[0206]
With the above processing, the similarity for all other users can be obtained for the user 01 as the axis of search.
[0207]
In the sixth to eighth embodiments of the present invention, meta information such as scene ID, scene start time code, and scene attribute is introduced to search for similar user IDs. It is also possible to use information such as a time code section and a time code range corresponding to the ID.
[0208]
The similar user information providing system according to the ninth embodiment of the present invention presents a group of users having similar interests based on interest information (or check information) about a single scene. In the ninth embodiment, a similar user is displayed using time code, which is time information for designating a specific scene of video content, as interest information.
[0209]
FIG. 27 is a block diagram of a similar user information providing system according to the ninth embodiment of the present invention. The client device 1 specifies a video content playback unit 11 that plays back video content, a time code that represents a scene of the video content being played that the user is interested in, a user ID, and a video content ID of the video content. And a similar user display interface 13 for displaying a user ID which is information related to a similar user obtained from the server device 2.
[0210]
The server device 2 can evaluate that the video content ID of the video content, a predetermined section of the time code corresponding to a specific scene of the video content (that is, the time code section), and the same scene within the time code section. It includes a video content information DB 22 that stores information thresholds. FIG. 28 is an explanatory diagram of the video content information DB 22 according to the ninth embodiment of the present invention. The threshold value is a numerical value set in advance for each video content or each scene of the video content. When similar user information is searched using a time code, a time code difference representing a difference between a time code specified by one user and a time code specified by another user is less than this threshold for the same video content. If it is, it will be determined that the users of a certain user and another user are similar, and otherwise, it will be determined that the users are not similar.
[0211]
The server device 2 further includes a user input control unit 21 that receives a time code, a user ID, and a video content ID from the video scene interface 11 of the client device 1. The user input control unit 21 searches the video content information DB 22 using the video content ID and time code received from the video scene interface 11 as search keys, and acquires a corresponding threshold value.
[0212]
The server device 2 further includes a user information DB 23 that stores a set of a user ID, a video content ID, and a time code. The user input control unit 21 receives the user ID and the video content ID received from the video scene interface 11. Then, the time code set is stored in the user information DB 23. FIG. 29 is an explanatory diagram of the user information DB 23 according to the ninth embodiment of this invention.
[0213]
The server device 2 further includes a similar user information search unit 24 connected to the user input control unit 21 and the user information DB 23. The similar user information search unit 24 receives the video content ID, the time code, and the threshold value associated with the video content ID and the time code from the user input control unit 21, and based on the video content ID and the time code, the user From the information DB 23, the same video content ID as this video content ID and a user ID group associated with a time code whose difference from this time code is less than a threshold are extracted. The similar user information search unit 24 passes the extracted user ID group to the similar user display interface 12 of the client device 1.
[0214]
FIG. 30 is a detailed flowchart of an example of similar user information search processing performed by the similar user information search processing unit according to the ninth embodiment of the present invention.
[0215]
Step 301: A set of user ID i and time code i is extracted from the user information DB 23 using the video content ID as a key. The subscript i indicates that the item has been taken out i-th.
[0216]
Step 302: Calculate similarity = | input time code−time code i |. The input time code is a time code specified on the client device 1 side received from the user input control unit 21. The similarity in this example is defined such that the higher the degree of similarity is, the smaller the value of the degree of similarity is. However, the way of expressing the degree of similarity is not limited to this example.
[0217]
Step 303: It is determined whether or not the similarity is less than a threshold value.
[0218]
Step 304: Since the degree of similarity is less than the threshold, the user ID i and the degree of similarity at this time are added to the result column so that they are arranged in ascending order of similarity.
[0219]
Step 305: If there is still a set to be extracted from the user information DB 23, the process returns to step 301.
[0220]
Step 306: When all the sets to be extracted from the user information DB 23 are extracted, it is determined whether or not to increase the number of results added to the result column.
[0221]
Step 307: Increase the threshold to increase the number of results. For example, when the result column is null (number of results = 0), since no similar user information has been acquired, the threshold value is adjusted so that a result is obtained.
[0222]
Step 308: Determine whether to reduce the number of results added to the result column.
[0223]
Step 309: Decrease the threshold value to reduce the number of results. For example, when the number of results is very large, the threshold value is adjusted so that the number of similar user information obtained is appropriate.
[0224]
Although the threshold value can be automatically adjusted, the threshold value may be manually adjusted by the user.
[0225]
In the description of this example, in step 34 of the similar user information search process, the user ID i and similarity acquired from the user information DB 23 are added to the result sequence in the order of decreasing similarity, that is, in descending order of similarity. Sorting. Such sorting may be performed when the similar user information is output to the client apparatus 1 after the result string is created, instead of when the search result is added to the result string.
[0226]
FIG. 31 is a system configuration diagram according to the tenth embodiment of the present invention. This system inputs time codes as interest information for a plurality of scenes and presents similar interested users.
[0227]
The client device 1 specifies a video content playback unit 11 that plays back video content, a time code that represents a scene of the video content being played that the user is interested in, a user ID, and a video content ID of the video content. And a similar user display interface 13 for displaying a user ID which is information related to a similar user obtained from the server device 1.
[0228]
The server device 1 includes a video content ID of video content, a predetermined section (that is, a time code section) of a time code corresponding to a specific scene of the video content, and time information that can be evaluated as the same scene within the time code section. It includes a video content information DB 22 that stores a threshold value and a permissible width of time information determined in advance for each video content or time code section of the video content. The allowable width of time information is centered on a time code that specifies a specific scene of video content, and another time code that falls within the allowable range of time information around that time code. Is a standard for assuming that the same scene as the scene of the video content specified by is specified. In this example, the allowable width of time information is determined for each video content. FIG. 32 is an explanatory diagram of the video content information DB 22 according to the tenth embodiment of the present invention.
[0229]
The server device 2 further includes a user input control unit 21 that receives a time code, a user ID, and a video content ID from the video scene interface 11 of the client device 1. The user input control unit 21 searches the video content information DB 22 using the video content ID and time code received from the video scene interface 11 as search keys, and acquires the corresponding threshold value and allowable width.
[0230]
The server device 2 further includes a user information DB 23 that stores a set of a user ID, a video content ID, a time code, and a time code range corresponding to the time code and the allowable width. The user ID, video content ID, and time code received from the scene interface 11 and the time code range obtained from the time code and the allowable range are stored in the user information DB 23. For example, when the time code is t and the allowable width is w, the time code range is expressed as (t−w, t + w). FIG. 33 is an explanatory diagram of the user information DB 23 according to the tenth embodiment of the present invention.
[0231]
The server device 2 further includes a similar user information search unit 24 connected to the user input control unit 21 and the user information DB 23. The similar user information search unit 24 receives from the user input control unit 21 the user ID, video content ID and time code input on the client device 1 side, and the threshold acquired from the video content DB. Similar to the first embodiment, the similar user information search unit 24 retrieves the same video content ID as the video content ID and the time code from the user information DB 23 based on the video content ID and the time code. The user ID group associated with the time code whose difference is less than the threshold is extracted. Further, based on the user ID obtained from the user input control unit 21, the similar user information search unit 24 sets a set of video content ID and time code range stored in the user information DB corresponding to this user ID (hereinafter referred to as “user ID”). Then, it is referred to as a time code range group). Next, the similar user information search unit 24 obtains the same video content ID as the video content ID and the time code that falls within the time code range from the user information DB 23 for each user ID of the previously extracted user ID group. Acquire and assign to time code range group. Next, the similar user information search unit 24 calculates the degree of coincidence between the video content ID and the time code range for the user ID group assigned to the time code range group, and selects the user ID group satisfying a predetermined condition as similar user information. The selected user ID group is passed to the similar user display interface 12 of the client device 1.
[0232]
Next, the operation of this embodiment will be described with reference to the sequence chart of the similar user information providing system according to the tenth embodiment of the present invention shown in FIG. In the following description, it is assumed that the video content reproduced by the client device 1 is distributed from the server device 2, but the present invention is not limited to such an example. The video content may be read and reproduced from a recording medium provided on the client device 1 side such as a DVD.
[0233]
Step 321: A plurality of video contents are distributed from the server apparatus 2 to the client apparatus 1.
[0234]
Step 322: The video content reproduction unit 11 of the client device 1 displays the distributed video content.
[0235]
Step 323: When the user is interested in the screen displayed on the video content playback unit 11 (for example, when impressed), the user designates the scene. A user ID, a video content ID, and a time code are passed from the video scene specification interface 12 of the client device 1 to the user input control unit 21 of the server device 2.
[0236]
Step 324: The user input control unit 21 extracts a threshold corresponding to the video content ID and time code received from the video scene specification interface 12 from the video content information DB 22. The user input control unit 21 passes the video content ID and time code obtained from the video scene designation interface 12 and the corresponding threshold value obtained from the video content information DB 22 to the similar user information search unit 24. Also, the user input control unit 21 passes the video content ID, time code, and user ID obtained from the video scene specification interface 12 to the user information DB 23 and stores them.
[0237]
The similar user information search unit 24 searches for similar user information based on the video content ID, time code, and threshold received from the user input control unit 21. More specifically, the similar user information search unit 24 uses the video content ID received from the user input control unit 21 as a key, and from the user information DB 23, a time code group that is interest information of other users and a corresponding user ID. Take out the group.
[0238]
Next, the similar user information search unit 24 selects the absolute value of the difference from the time code (input time code) received from the user input control unit 21 from the extracted time code group (time code i) (that is, similar) The time code whose degree is less than the threshold received from the user input control unit 21 is extracted, and the user ID and the similarity corresponding to the extracted time code are acquired as a user ID group.
[0239]
Step 325: In order to obtain a time code range corresponding to the time code input from the client device 1, the user input control unit 21 of the server device 2 uses the video content ID as a key in the present example to obtain the video content information. An allowable value corresponding to the time code is obtained from the DB 22, a time code range is derived from the time code and the allowable value, and the derived time code range is associated with the user ID, video content ID, and time code in the user information DB 23. Store. The process of step 325 can be executed in combination with the process of step 324.
[0240]
Step 326: The similar user information search unit 24 receives the user ID from the user input control unit 21, and stores the time code range group stored in the user information DB 23 for this user ID, that is, the set of the video content ID and the time code range. To create a timecode range list.
[0241]
Step 327: Next, the similar user information search unit 24 sets a set of the video content ID and time code stored in the user information DB 23 for each of the different user IDs included in the user ID group acquired in Step 324. It is checked whether the time code range group acquired in step 326 is applicable. That is, for a video content ID and time code stored in the user information DB for another user ID, whether or not a set of the same video content ID and a time code range including this time code exists in the time code range list If it exists, the video content ID and time code related to the other user ID are assigned to the time code range list.
[0242]
Step 328: The similar user information search unit 24 scans the time code range list for each user ID, and selects a user ID group assigned to the time code range list at a predetermined degree or more as a similar user ID. And is passed to the similar user information display interface 13 of the client device 1.
[0243]
Step 329: The similar user information display interface displays similar user information (such as a user ID) received from the similar user information search unit 24 of the server device 2.
[0244]
FIG. 35 is a detailed flowchart of an example of the allocation process to the time code list and the extraction process of the similar user ID performed by the similar user information search processing unit according to the tenth embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 36 shows a time code list used in the tenth embodiment of the present invention.
[0245]
Step 331: For the user IDi in the already acquired user ID group, a set of the video content ID and time code corresponding to the video content ID and time code range posted in the time code list is acquired from the user information DB 23, The corresponding user ID, video content ID, and time code range columns in the time code list are marked. The subscript i indicates that the item has been taken out i-th.
[0246]
Step 332: A video ID stored in the user information DB 23 regarding the user ID on the client device 1 side (that is, a set of video content ID and time code range checked) and a video stored in the user information DB 23 regarding the user ID i The degree of coincidence of the set of content ID and time code is calculated.
[0247]
Step 333: Conditional expression, in this example, it is determined whether or not the degree of coincidence is a set value or more.
[0248]
Step 334: Since the conditional expression is satisfied, the user ID i and the degree of coincidence at this time are added to the result string so as to be arranged in order of the degree of coincidence.
[0249]
Step 335: If the user ID i to be taken out still remains in the user ID group, return to step 51.
[0250]
Step 336: When assignment to the time code list is completed for all user IDi in the user ID group, the number of results is compared with a predetermined number of similar users desired to output. Determine whether to increase or decrease (adjust).
[0251]
Step 337: Adjust the set value to adjust the number of results. The set value is adjusted automatically or by user input. To reduce the number of results, increase the set value. Conversely, to increase the number of results, the set value is decreased.
[0252]
In this embodiment, in step 334, the search results are sorted in parallel with the similar user information search processing. Such sorting is performed after obtaining the search result sequence and outputting the results to the client device 1. You may sort when you do.
[0253]
Next, referring again to FIG. 36, a method of calculating the degree of coincidence according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described. FIG. 36 shows the checked video content ID and time code range for each user ID, and the total number of checks is shown in the check total column. In the figure, the check points are marked with +. For example, the user 001 checks the time code ranges (45, 55) and (100, 110) of the video content 001 and the time code ranges (57, 62) and (120, 125) of the video content 005. The sum of N1 is N1. The same applies to user 002 and user i.
[0254]
Here, when the check statuses of the user 001 and the user i are compared, the locations where both the user 001 and the user i are checking are the time code range (45, 55) of the video content 001 and the time of the video content 005. It turns out that it is a code range (57, 62). The locations where both are checking, that is, the matching locations are marked with a circled + in the figure.
[0255]
As an example of the degree of coincidence indicating how similar the user i is to the user 001, the number 2 of coincidence points of the check can be employed as it is (case 1). Alternatively, as the degree of coincidence, a value obtained by dividing the number of coincidence points 2 by the check sum Ni of the user i may be adopted (case 2).
[0256]
The set value to be compared with the degree of coincidence is determined according to Case 1 and Case 2.
[0257]
In the above description of the tenth embodiment of the present invention, the allowable width is stored in the video content information DB 22, the user input control unit 21 acquires the allowable width from the video content information DB 22, and the time is determined from the input time code and the allowable width. A code range is derived, and the derived time code range is stored in the user information DB 23. However, the time code range is not necessarily stored in the user information DB 23 for each user ID. In that case, the similar user information search unit 21 obtains the allowable range from the video content information DB 22 via the user input control unit 21, and the user ID simultaneously given from the user input control unit 21 is stored in the user information DB 23. The time code range list can be directly created based on the current time code. Thereby, the memory usage of the user information DB 23 can be reduced.
[0258]
In the description of the tenth embodiment of the present invention, the user ID group is acquired from the user information DB 23 based on the input time code before the allocation to the time code list. It is not limited to such a configuration. First, a time code list is created, and then another user ID that is similar based on the input time code is sequentially acquired from the user information DB 23 and acquired. Assignment to the time code list may be performed for each different user ID.
[0259]
The communication support method between the video content viewers according to the above-described embodiment of the present invention can be constructed by software (program), and the communication according to the embodiment of the present invention is executed by executing the program by the CPU of the computer. Support system can be realized. The built program is recorded in a disk device or the like and installed in a computer as necessary, and stored in a portable recording medium such as a floppy disk, a memory card, or a CD-ROM, and installed in the computer as needed. Alternatively, it is installed in a computer via a communication line or the like and executed by the CPU of the computer.
[0260]
As mentioned above, although the typical Example of this invention was described, this invention is not limited to said Example, A various change and application are possible within a claim.
[0261]
【The invention's effect】
According to the present invention, since the user inputs information on a specific scene of the video content, not on a video content basis, the user's sensibility can be effectively improved from video content including a wide variety of information. It becomes possible to grasp.
[0262]
Video content includes many elements that cannot be expressed in words. In the present invention, user input information obtained for a specific scene of video content is used instead of decomposing the user's sensitivity into multivariate parameters and making it possible to effectively grasp the user's sensitivity.
[0263]
Then, a system is provided in which the user transmits a message to another user who has a similar sensibility to the user.
[0264]
Therefore, according to the present invention, the viewer of the video content can effectively find another viewer having a sensitivity similar to that of the viewer, and the viewer is similar in sensitivity to the viewer or common to the viewer. Smooth communication with other viewers interested in the topic.
[0265]
In addition to specifying specific scenes that the viewer is interested in, by entering additional information such as evaluation values and comments, you can find users with matching indices for specific scenes, Therefore, it is possible to grasp the content of interest in, so that smooth communication between the viewer and another viewer can be supported.
[0266]
According to the present invention, it is possible to establish an anonymous communication means with a user presented as a similar user.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a principle configuration diagram of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram of a first communication support method according to the present invention.
FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram of a second communication support method according to the present invention.
FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram of a third communication support method according to the present invention.
FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram of a fourth communication support method according to the present invention.
FIG. 6 is a configuration diagram of a communication support system according to a first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram of output information of a video content analysis unit according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram of a video content information DB according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram of a user information DB according to the first embodiment of this invention.
FIG. 10 is a sequence chart of the similar user information providing system according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram of a video playback screen according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 12 is a flowchart of similar user information search processing according to the first embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 13 is a flowchart of a time interval automatic adjustment process according to the first embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 14 is a flowchart of time interval manual adjustment processing according to the first embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 15 is a sequence chart of message transmission processing according to the first example of the present invention.
FIG. 16 is a sequence chart of message transmission processing according to the second exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 17 is a sequence chart of message transmission processing according to the third example of the present invention.
FIG. 18 is a detailed flowchart of a communication feasibility determination process in the third embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 19 is a detailed flowchart of a communication feasibility determination process in the fourth embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 20 is a sequence chart of message transmission processing according to the fifth example of the present invention.
FIG. 21 is a sequence chart of a similar user information providing system according to a sixth example of the present invention.
FIG. 22 is an explanatory diagram of a scene list according to the sixth embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 23 is a flowchart of similar user information search processing according to the sixth embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 24 is an explanatory diagram of a coincidence calculation method according to a seventh embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 25 is an explanatory diagram of a coincidence calculation method according to an eighth embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 26 is a flowchart of similarity calculation processing according to an eighth embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 27 is a block diagram of a similar user information providing system according to a ninth embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 28 is an explanatory diagram of a video content information DB according to a ninth embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 29 is an explanatory diagram of a user information DB according to the ninth embodiment of this invention.
FIG. 30 is a flowchart of similar user information search processing according to the ninth embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 31 is a configuration diagram of a similar user information providing system according to a tenth embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 32 is an explanatory diagram of a video content information DB according to a tenth embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 33 is an explanatory diagram of a user information DB according to the tenth embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 34 is a sequence chart of a similar user providing system according to a tenth embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 35 is a flowchart of similar user search processing according to the tenth embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 36 is an explanatory diagram of a coincidence calculation method according to a tenth embodiment of the present invention.
[Explanation of symbols]
1 Client device
2 Communication support server device
11 Video content playback means
12 Scene designation means
13 Similar user information presentation means
16 Message transmission means
17 Message receiving means
21 User input control means
22 Video content information database
23 User information database
24 Similar user information search means
26 Message transfer means

Claims (8)

A message sending client device, a message receiving client device, and a server device for communication support for transferring a message from the sending client device to the receiving client device,
The sending client device
Video content playback means for playing back video content including video information and sound information and associated with video content identification information;
A scene designating unit for designating scene information for identifying a scene of the video content being played by the video content playing unit;
Similar user information presenting means for receiving from the server device a user identification information group of another viewer who is interested in the designated video content scene, and presenting it to the viewer as similar user information;
Message transmitting means for transmitting a message to be transmitted to all or part of another viewer corresponding to the presented similar user information to the server device,
Server device
For each video content, a video content information database that stores video content identification information of the video content, and meta information about a delimiter of the content of the video content;
The user identification information of the viewer of the video content, the video content identification information being reproduced and the designated scene information are received from the scene designation means, and the video content identification information being reproduced and the designation are designated from the video content information database. User input control means for acquiring meta information corresponding to the scene information that has been made,
Stores the user identification information of the viewer of the video content from the user input control means, the video content identification information being reproduced and the specified scene information, the communication destination information of the viewer of the video content, and additional information. A user information database,
Another viewer associated with the video content identification information and the designated scene information from the user information database based on the video content identification information and the designated scene information from the user input control means Similar user information search means for obtaining the user identification information group of the other viewer as similar user information, and sending similar user information to the similar user presenting means,
A message is received from the message transmission means , and all or part of the user identification information in the similar user information acquired by the similar user information search means is designated as the transmission destination of the message, and the designated user identification information is designated. Acquire corresponding communication destination information and additional information from the user information database , create auxiliary information to be added to the message, and receive the message and auxiliary information on the receiving side represented by the communication destination information acquired from the user information database . Message transfer means for sending to the client device,
The video content viewer communication support system, wherein the receiving client device includes message receiving means for receiving a message and auxiliary information from the server device. A communication support method between video content viewers, which sends a message from a client device on a transmission side to a client device on a reception side via a server device,
The server device includes a user information database that stores user identification information of a video content viewer, video content identification information and scene information, communication destination information and additional information of a video content viewer,
The above communication support method is
The video content playback means of the client device on the transmission side plays back video content,
A procedure for specifying scene information for specifying a scene of the video content being reproduced by the video content reproduction means , wherein the scene designation means of the client device on the transmission side ;
The similar user information search means of the server device receives from the user information database another video viewer associated with the video content identification information of the video content being played back by the video content playback means and the specified scene information . A procedure for searching the user identification information group as similar user information and sending the similar user information to the similar user presenting means of the client device on the transmission side;
The similar user presenting means of the sending client device receives the similar user information from the server device and presents it to the viewer;
A procedure in which the message transmitting means of the client device on the transmitting side sends a message to be transmitted to all or part of another viewer corresponding to the similar user information presented by the similar user presenting means to the server device ;
The message transfer unit of the server apparatus receives the message from the message transmission unit of the client apparatus on the transmission side, and all or a part of the user identification information in the similar user information acquired by the similar user information search unit is stored in the message. specified as the destination, the communication destination information and the additional information corresponding to the designated user identification information acquired from the user information database, to create an auxiliary information added to the message, the message and the auxiliary information, the user A procedure for sending to the client device on the receiving side represented by the communication destination information obtained from the information database ;
And a message receiving means of a client device on the receiving side for receiving the message and the auxiliary information. A communication support device for supporting communication of a message between a client device on a message sending side and a client device on a message receiving side ,
For each video content, a video content information database that stores video content identification information of the video content, and meta information about a delimiter of the content of the video content;
A user who receives user identification information, video content identification information and scene information of a viewer of video content from a client device on the transmission side, and acquires meta information corresponding to the video content identification information and scene information from the video content information database. Input control means;
A user information database storing user identification information, video content identification information and scene information of the viewer of the video content from the user input control means, and communication destination information and additional information of the viewer of the video content;
Based on the video content identification information and the scene information from the user input control means, from the user information database, acquires the user identification information group of another viewer associated with the video content identification information and the scene information, the Similar user information search means for setting the acquired user identification information group of another viewer as similar user information and sending the similar user information to the client device on the transmission side,
A message is received from the client device on the transmission side, all or part of the user identification information in the similar user information acquired by the similar user information search means is specified as the transmission destination of the message, and the specified user identification Acquire communication destination information and additional information corresponding to information from the user information database , create auxiliary information to be added to the message, and receive the message and auxiliary information represented by the communication destination information acquired from the user information database. And a message transfer means for sending to the client device on the side. A communication support method executed by a communication support device for supporting communication of a message between a client device on a message sending side and a client device on a message receiving side,
  Communication support device
  For each video content, a video content information database that stores video content identification information of the video content, and meta information about a delimiter of the content of the video content;
  A user information database that stores user identification information, video content identification information and scene information of the viewer of the video content, and communication destination information and additional information of the viewer of the video content;
  The above communication support method is
  The user input control means of the communication support device receives the user identification information, video content identification information and scene information of the viewer of the video content from the client device on the transmission side, and receives the video content identification information and scene from the video content information database. The process of obtaining meta information corresponding to the information,
  The similar user information search means of the communication support apparatus performs another viewing associated with the video content identification information and the scene information from the user information database based on the video content identification information and the scene information from the user input control means. Acquiring the user identification information group of the viewer, setting the acquired user identification information group of another viewer as similar user information, and sending the similar user information to the client device on the transmission side;
  The message transfer means of the communication support apparatus receives the message from the client apparatus on the transmission side, and sends all or part of the user identification information in the similar user information acquired by the similar user information search means to the transmission destination of the message Communication destination information and additional information corresponding to the specified user identification information is acquired from the user information database, auxiliary information to be added to the message is created, and the message and auxiliary information are acquired from the user information database. And a procedure for sending to the client device on the receiving side represented by the acquired communication destination information. The program for functioning a computer as each means which comprises the server apparatus in the communication support system between video content viewers of Claim 1. The program for functioning a computer as each means which comprises the communication assistance apparatus of Claim 3. A computer-readable recording medium on which the program according to claim 5 is recorded. A computer-readable recording medium on which the program according to claim 6 is recorded.

Images